Another update in the world of real estate: we're sending back the paperwork on our mortgage.
Yet another step toward debt...and the promise of a wonderful house in the country.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Decline and Fall of Common Sense
In yet another assault on the out-moded notion of common sense, a school district suspended a student for bringing along a cub scout implement a kid was proud of---and eager to share with his friends.
I shudder to think what this country will be like in another decade or two, unless we find a way to shake off our fear of the world...and embrace life, rather than cowering in some corner, so afraid of each passing shadow that we miss the show.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
I shudder to think what this country will be like in another decade or two, unless we find a way to shake off our fear of the world...and embrace life, rather than cowering in some corner, so afraid of each passing shadow that we miss the show.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Last Tango in Frankenmuth
Today ended what is probably my last Appellate Specialists Conference...up in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
It's been a yearly tradition for as long as I've been a prosecutor: the state's best and brighest appellate lawyers coming together to share ideas and camaradarie.
And...as had been developing as a tradition...the Wayne County Brain Trust---with the addition now of Dave McCreedy and Lori Palmer, two of the bright younger attorneys who'll be taking our places, along with various spouses and other relatives---got together on our last night for a rousing game of some sort. This year, as often in the past, it was "Catch-phrase," played while bemoaning the fate of the Tigers in the post-season baseball playoffs.
I'll miss it...and may try to stop by at future conferences. But...life does move on. And with a new house and new responsibilities...who knows?
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
It's been a yearly tradition for as long as I've been a prosecutor: the state's best and brighest appellate lawyers coming together to share ideas and camaradarie.
And...as had been developing as a tradition...the Wayne County Brain Trust---with the addition now of Dave McCreedy and Lori Palmer, two of the bright younger attorneys who'll be taking our places, along with various spouses and other relatives---got together on our last night for a rousing game of some sort. This year, as often in the past, it was "Catch-phrase," played while bemoaning the fate of the Tigers in the post-season baseball playoffs.
I'll miss it...and may try to stop by at future conferences. But...life does move on. And with a new house and new responsibilities...who knows?
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
New Beginnings
As recently reported a move may be in the works...to White Lake Michigan.
The Bank appears to be eager to move on a glorious piece of property...and accepted our fire-sale price offering.
Now...the "fun" begins: paperwork, mad scrambles to finish projects at our current house...and worry about taking on debt---and a bigger house---just as most sane people would be scaling back.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
The Bank appears to be eager to move on a glorious piece of property...and accepted our fire-sale price offering.
Now...the "fun" begins: paperwork, mad scrambles to finish projects at our current house...and worry about taking on debt---and a bigger house---just as most sane people would be scaling back.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Transitions
Yesterday was Olga's last official day with the Prosector's Office. Unfortunately...due to a broken hand caused by a misadventure on the soccer field...I couldn't be there to see her off.
Olga was a prosecutor for nearly as long as me: she started in the early 1980s, and along with Jan Bartee, Tim Baughman, and myself she quickly established herself as part of the Appellate Brain Trust of the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
Over the years her talents, wide-ranging interests, and sense of humor brought a classy touch to the office. And for the last six months, she, Jan, and I have shared an office together...making these last few months together all the more special.
But...life goes on. She'll be travelling and moving on...as will we all, before long. Here's hoping we're able to stay in touch, and keep our friendship alive.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Olga was a prosecutor for nearly as long as me: she started in the early 1980s, and along with Jan Bartee, Tim Baughman, and myself she quickly established herself as part of the Appellate Brain Trust of the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
Over the years her talents, wide-ranging interests, and sense of humor brought a classy touch to the office. And for the last six months, she, Jan, and I have shared an office together...making these last few months together all the more special.
But...life goes on. She'll be travelling and moving on...as will we all, before long. Here's hoping we're able to stay in touch, and keep our friendship alive.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Babysitting in the Nanny State
Helping out a neighbor has always been a hallmark of American life. From barn-raisings to stump-pullings in the day of the frontier, to keeping an eye on the neighborhood kids, we've always put a premium on being helpful and generous with those living close to us.
At least, until now. Now...it seems that it's against the law. At least in the state of Michigan. It seems that our "Nanny State" doesn't like the competition.
A story making the rounds tells the tale of Lisa Synder, a neighborhood mom in suburban Grand Rapids, who was trying to help her neighbors by watching their kids as they wait for the schoolbus. That way, everybody thought, her neighbors could head off for work on time, and her helpfulness could help make everyone feel better about living in such a nice neighborhood. Unfortunately, the State views this as unlicensed "day care"---and has threatened to throw her in jail if she doesn't cease and desist.
Now that the story has hit the airwaves, the politicians are falling over themselves trying to find a way out from under the ridicule. Michigan's beleagured governor, Jennifer Grandholm, has instructed the head of the state's Department of Human Services --- the same agency that threatened the mom with jail --- to "work with the Legislature" to remedy the situation.
This is, of course, a welcome step --- and, given the state's dismal economic state, anything that helps people get to work on time would be applauded by anone with an ounce of sense. Unfortunately, there appears to be no legislation that can require bureaucrats to use common sense...or prevent people wanting to feel important from misusing laws intended to protect people to oppress them, instead.
But...at least in these days of instant communications, we're able to see the pratfalls of the policitians as they try to scamble out from under their own sense of self-importance.
Too bad we can't pass a law to make people think.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
At least, until now. Now...it seems that it's against the law. At least in the state of Michigan. It seems that our "Nanny State" doesn't like the competition.
A story making the rounds tells the tale of Lisa Synder, a neighborhood mom in suburban Grand Rapids, who was trying to help her neighbors by watching their kids as they wait for the schoolbus. That way, everybody thought, her neighbors could head off for work on time, and her helpfulness could help make everyone feel better about living in such a nice neighborhood. Unfortunately, the State views this as unlicensed "day care"---and has threatened to throw her in jail if she doesn't cease and desist.
Now that the story has hit the airwaves, the politicians are falling over themselves trying to find a way out from under the ridicule. Michigan's beleagured governor, Jennifer Grandholm, has instructed the head of the state's Department of Human Services --- the same agency that threatened the mom with jail --- to "work with the Legislature" to remedy the situation.
This is, of course, a welcome step --- and, given the state's dismal economic state, anything that helps people get to work on time would be applauded by anone with an ounce of sense. Unfortunately, there appears to be no legislation that can require bureaucrats to use common sense...or prevent people wanting to feel important from misusing laws intended to protect people to oppress them, instead.
But...at least in these days of instant communications, we're able to see the pratfalls of the policitians as they try to scamble out from under their own sense of self-importance.
Too bad we can't pass a law to make people think.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Casa Nueva Caminsky???
Well...Nonie and I went ahead and put in an offer on the house we've been looking at in White Lake: 4-1/2 acres, rising to the house on the hill, just outside of Milford.
I'm not completely sure that this is such a wise move. OUr current house is paid for...and the new one could prove to be a money pit. Since it's actually a bigger house, the utility bills will probably be higher. There are lots of repairs needed. I really wanted to spend most of my time reading, and writing, and traveling. And the Universe around Livonia seems so well-ordered and predictable.
But life is largely a shared adventure. And the place really is quite lovely. So, if the bank is desperate enough to take what we think we can afford, we may be moving out into the country.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
I'm not completely sure that this is such a wise move. OUr current house is paid for...and the new one could prove to be a money pit. Since it's actually a bigger house, the utility bills will probably be higher. There are lots of repairs needed. I really wanted to spend most of my time reading, and writing, and traveling. And the Universe around Livonia seems so well-ordered and predictable.
But life is largely a shared adventure. And the place really is quite lovely. So, if the bank is desperate enough to take what we think we can afford, we may be moving out into the country.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
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