Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Christmas Thief in Downtown San Diego





Spread this video around to shame this Christmas thief! Who steals a Christmas wreath!

This San Diego Scrooge gets caught redhanded methodically stealing a Christmas wreath from Double Standard Kitchenetta on the corner of 6th and G in the East Village bordering the Gaslamp. Bah humbug! http://ift.tt/1B4wo53 David Mainiero

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Double Standard Kitchenetta's Signatura N'duja Mussels and Clams



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N'duja Mussels and Clams - Double Standard Kitchenetta N'duja Mussels and Clams - Double Standard Kitchenetta



KUSI's Weekend Brunch special features Executive Chef Chris Gentile cooking up Double Standard Kitchenetta's signature N'duja Mussels and Clams. Visit the Cutthroat Kitchen-winning chef at David Mainiero's latest eatery on the corner of 6th and G or check out some more of his culinary genius. http://ift.tt/1z5sTJA David Mainiero

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Finishing Your Supplemental College Essays Before the Deadline

For those of you who are worrying about how you are possibly going to finish all of those supplemental essays for college applications due in the next couple of weeks, read about InGenius Prep's approach to researching and adapting your experiences and interests to those of the schools you are applying to. Part of this reflective process might even make you question why you are applying to a particular school, or better yet, help you find schools that you wouldn't have otherwise have known might be a good fit for you.

At InGenius Prep, a team of dozens of former admissions officers from all of the most selective schools in the country have collaborated on strategies to succeed in your college applications. You can work with them one-on-one or with the third helping hand of InGenius's Graduate Coaches.

Learn more about the InGenius approach through David Mainiero's advice on supplemental essays posted by our friends at AdmitSee.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Join us for the Holidays at Double Standard - See Some Great Artwork

Double Standard has opened to great fanfare in its first week in downtown San Diego. Come join us for the holidays on the corner of 6th and G.

The artwork and murals are phenomenal components of the LID interior:

Double Standard San Diego - Hallway Artwork Mini-Tour from David Mainiero on Vimeo.


Read up on Double Standard on Yelp below:


Wednesday, December 3, 2014

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Artwork at Double Standard Kitchenetta in San Diego Artwork at Double Standard Kitchenetta in San Diego



A shot of some of the beautiful artwork on the walls and halls (and ceiling!) at Double Standard Kitchenetta on the corner of 6th and G in downtown San Diego, California. Visit doublestandardsd.com to make reservations or find out more. http://ift.tt/1yhP7Yu David Mainiero

Opening Night at Double Standard Kitchenetta a Smashing Success

Double Standard opened its doors last night at 5 p.m. to an eager crowd of diners. For some beautiful shots of the interior  of the latest David Mainiero restaurant (compliments of San Diego Magazine), check out San Diego Magazine's first look from Monday evening. Also, you can find the menu on Yelp, Open Table, or any of the popular review sites (and of course, on www.doublestandardsd.com).

Below is an inside look before the Grand Opening of the beautiful decor as imagined and executed by LID.

First, we'll take you on a tour of the North Patio:



Next, the South patio:

http://youtu.be/eXnFxeOB1O4?list=UUx_XkeohOk8OMuVB70ZvTvw

You can check out some shots of the main dining room area here with views of the beautiful Double Standard library:




And, finally, some footage of the bar area from the perspective of a guest who has just walked in the front door:



All these videos of Double Standard Kitchenetta's interior are available on David Mainiero's YouTube or Vimeo channels.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Double Standard Kitchenetta - Dining Room Virtual Tour Double Standard Kitchenetta - Dining Room Virtual Tour



Welcome to the dining room of the Double Standard Kitchenetta! Walkthrough video compliments of renowned restaurant designer LID Interiors. Come visit us on the corner of 6th and G in downtown San Diego. Make a reservation at http://ift.tt/1yhBqMs for the holiday season. http://ift.tt/1yygwYy David Mainiero

Double Standard Kitchenetta's Handcrafted Libations Double Standard Kitchenetta's Handcrafted Libations



Pull up a barstool and enjoy one of our handcrafted libations. Peruse your options and pick your pour - http://ift.tt/1yygyQh David Mainiero's newest restaurant opens its doors on December 1 on the corner of 6th and G in the East Village is now accepting reservations. Visit us at http://ift.tt/1yhBqMs. http://ift.tt/1rPsEVW David Mainiero

Double Standard San Diego - South Patio Tour Double Standard San Diego - South Patio Tour



Take a stroll with us along the South Patio of Double Standard Kitchenetta. Double Standard brings the outdoors in, and indoors out with a creative splash of vivid color. Mainiero's latest Southern California eatery debuts on December 1 on the corner of 6th and G and is now accepting reservations. Visit us at http://ift.tt/1yhBqMs. http://ift.tt/1yygwI8 David Mainiero

Double Standard San Diego - North Patio Tour Double Standard San Diego - North Patio Tour



Take a stroll with us along of Double Standard's two beautiful, open-air patios. Double Standard brings the outdoors in, and indoors out with a creative splash of vivid color. Mainiero's latest Southern California eatery debuts on December 1 on the corner of 6th and G and is now accepting reservations. Visit us at http://ift.tt/1yhBqMs. http://ift.tt/1yygwb6 David Mainiero

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Book Your Opening Day Reservation at Double Standard San Diego

David Mainiero's new "San Diego Italian-Americana" cuisine will be debuting at Double Standard in just a few days. The restaurant's doors are set to open on Monday and the menu will Italian-American comfort food and feature wood-oven pizzas which are Neapolitan-style with a bit of an American twist to them.

Double Standard's decor involves a modern, open-air dining room that brings the indoors out and outdoors in. Mainiero's first San Diego restaurant, Double Standard, is a product of his commitment to his own philosophy of restaurant development; he believes that every restaurant should be conceptualized as a reflection of the neighborhood and community in which it resides while adding its own personality and unique twist to the mix.

After the success of David's first restaurant - Neapolitan Pizzeria & Birreria - in Laguna Beach, California, he is determined to act upon his philosophy by opening several restaurants in the San Diego area and in greater Southern California.

Look out for the full photoshoot of the LID-designed restaurant from San Diego magazine online on Monday. Then, go experience it yourself.




Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Double Standard Announces its Opening Menu

With Double Standard San Diego is set to open its doors on Monday evening for its Grand Opening, Eater has published the first look at the mouth-watering bites David Mainiero's latest restaurant will be serving up. With all of their dishes under $20, Double Standard is really living up to its billing of giving you the benefit of the double standard that diners have about their choice of eatery. Do you want Michelin-starred food on a budget? Do you  want ambiance and world-class, award winning design and architecture from LID? Double Standard is delivering it all - flipping all the common tropes on their heads.

Check out the latest draft of the menu, and get excited for Monday night!








Thursday, November 20, 2014

Harvard-Yale Game on GameDay this Saturday

ESPN is doing its College GameDay broadcast at Harvard this year for the first time ever to cover the Harvard-Yale game. A lot riding on the game for both teams this year with Yale having lost the past few years and needing a win to keep their hopes at a share of the Ivy League title in the cards. Harvard will win the Ivy League title outright with a win.




The focus of college football will definitely be on Boston on Saturday for The Game and the FSU-BC game, which could see the Seminoles get knocked off their championship course. I'd love to see FSU go down to BC after they barely made it out of Miami last week.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

What to Do After a Bad LSAT Score

Bouncing back from bad news about your LSAT score can be psychologically difficult. However, the first and foremost thing to do is to put the past behind you and start to focus on what you can control and what you can change in the future. In many cases, that does not mean starting to study for the LSAT again to retake it. And, even if it does, you need to make absolutely sure that you aren't repeating the same mistakes in your approach to test preparation.

Hear David go through a mock interview with Yosepha, who is posing as an aspiring law student who just received word that she scored lower on the LSAT than she had anticipated:



Make sure that you have thought carefully and strategically about the application process, and are making the right decision with respect to your test preparation and test-taking strategy.

Check out one of InGenius Prep's complimentary law school webinars for more in-depth strategy information or check out its YouTube videos of law school admissions tips.

For a list of median score information for ten of the top law schools.


Monday, November 17, 2014

Choosing the Top LLM Programs


Given that there is no authoritative list of top LLM programs, students are often lost when they are at the stage of determining what the best law schools to suit their career goals are. Granted, the US News & World Report rankings for any type of school are deeply flawed. But, they at least provide students with a place to begin their research and guide their understanding of schools and programs with which they otherwise might not have been familiar.

Students needs to avoid thinking about the most prestigious or elite schools, and think about what schools will best help propel them in their careers as internationally educated lawyers. Careful research and planning are crucial, and talking to current JD and LLM students or recent graduates can be immensely helpful in that process.



Check out the InGenius Prep blog for more tips on LLM admissions or the InGenius Prep YouTube page.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Mainiero's Double Standard Kitchenetta Sets December 1 Opening Date

On December 1st, David Mainiero's latest restaurant is set to open its doors to the public on the corner of 6th and G where the Gas Lamp district meets the East Village in downtown San Diego. With the construction wrapping up, and the final furniture delivery date set for the next few days, the restaurant is in full swing hiring and training to get ready for the holiday season.

Executive Chef Chris Tan has collaborated with David to bring an eclectic set of influences to bear on their vision for sophisticated comfort food as well as a unique twist on Neapolitan-style pizza. Chris's extensive experience working under incredible culinary visionaries such as Chef Jarvis Yuan, Chef Laurent Quenioux, and Michelin-rated chefs Octavio Becerra and James Syhabout make him an ideal fit for Double Standard Kitchenetta, where he will be able to expound on his traditional influences and styles of cooking with the inspiration provided by the understated vibrance of the East Village.

More pictures (non-backwards ones), menu previews, and announcements to come soon.




Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Lost in Translation: Chinese Food in China

On my most recent trip to Beijing, I encountered some interesting food. Not so dissimilar from goofy Chinese translations of made-up English dishes on restaurants in America serving non-authentic Chinese food, one Chinese restaurant (specializing in Peking duck) had some pretty hilarious translations of its own on its enormous menu. I have compiled a greatest hits list here. All are equally delicious and ridiculous sounding.

1. Marijuana Fish - I have no idea what this means, and would love for someone to tell me. All I know is that they only prepare their marijuana fish one way, though. Smoked.

Marijuana Fish



2. The Trademark Tickle Box - Given that the waiters were wearing masks, ordering the trademark tickle box was too risky for me.

Trademark Tickle Box

3. Pimple Soup - This is the only one for which the translation comes even close to making sense because of the texture of the soup.

Pimple Soup



4. Amorous Feelings of Beef Tendon - Despite my hope that these were cow testicles of some sort, they were actually the Achilles-equivalent of a cow. This was fairly disappointing.

Amorous Feelings of Beef Tendon
I feel like if I looked on Urban Dictionary, I would find much more entertaining descriptions of these menu items.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Attacking the GMAT

Make a plan and stick to that plan. You need to plan properly in order to succeed on this test, especially given the likelihood that you will be working full time in the period in which you are studying. You don't need to have spectacular math skills or a particularly high IQ to master this test. It's about preparation and dedication. Make sure to make the GMAT a priority, and you will be pleased with the results.

Remember, the test is learnable. You're not brushing up on your general math skills; you're learning how to answer GMAT-specific questions. These are learnable question-types for which you can triage your approach to mastering algebra and geometry.


Friday, September 19, 2014

Punching Above Your School's Weight Class

One of the most common questions that law school candidates ask me is some variation of:

"How are schools going to evaluate my candidacy vis-a-vis students who come from more prestigious undergraduate institutions?"

Our advice is to not understand your situation as a limiting one. There are limitations, but they can be transcended with some effort. Essentially, you will need to find creative ways to validate your strong academic performance at your undergraduate institution. Read more about getting to a top law school from the law school admissions team at InGenius Prep.


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

From Staring to Starting

Check out my most recent post on the personal statement writing process on the InGenius Prep Brain Blog. This blog is geared toward those who are struggling to figure out a topic and a theme for their personal statement or supplementary essays. Getting started with that first draft is always one of the hardest obstacles to overcome in any type of writing, but it can be especially difficult when you are writing about yourself. Don't let expedience come at the expense of profundity. The admissions experts at InGenius Prep can help you to coherently and cogently articulate your experiences, interests, and passions in your application to convince the admissions committee that you are a compelling candidate deserving of a spot in their incoming class.



Saturday, August 16, 2014

Sneak Peek: Double Standard San Diego

With full remodel in swing, LID interiors has hand selected random No. 1 California redwoods for the library wall and 15-year Italian lime plastered finishes to surround the used Chicago brick which has been installed by Old World Artisans in the dining areas. Look for a custom “Campari" bar with hand-made fixtures from designed Ingo Mauer to complement the vast boutique wine selection. Custom banquettes are being fabricated in a yellow hand-stitched leather - think Restoration Hardware meets Phillipe Starck at 6th and G in Downtown SD! The glamorous food and interior/exterior design has been conceived to excite all of the five senses.

A 'Faema Legend E-61" vintage espresso machine is due to arrive any day to compliment Double Standard’s after-sips. A recent shipment from Naples, Italy, also included the specialized dough mixing machine which delicately fluffs the proprietary starter dough very lightly as it mixes with Napa Valley’s premier first-press olive oil and Sicilian sea salts. Final Health inspections are scheduled for this month’s end and the sounds and scents of the kitchen will begin to hum!

Below is a "secret shot" of the craftsman installing the California Redwoods in the South library wall.



Stay tuned for more previews and menu sneak peeks! 

Friday, August 8, 2014

Check out InGenius Prep's New Vimeo Profile!

InGenius Prep launched a new Vimeo page today to host some of its video blogs and other high-quality video content for those interested in admissions. Hear what the cast of admissions experts.

Check out what our impressive roster of former admissions officers has to share about getting into the top colleges, law schools, medical schools, and business schools.


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Tyrant

I can't decide what I think of the new FX show Tyrant. The plot was initially intriguing, but has grown fairly dull over the course of the middle episodes. I hope it really picks up and turns into a great show because it certainly has the potential to do so.

The acting is mediocre from everyone with the exception of the all of the Al-Fayids, which really puts a damper on the show. 

However, the relevance of the show in the current geopolitical climate keeps things interesting. Ideally, the show would advance the discourse on the situation in the Middle East meaningfully without being too Newsroom-ish about it. 

In other news, why does every show insist on taking shots like they are in the O.C., Gossip Girl, or the the Kardashian family Christmas card?



Friday, July 11, 2014

LeBron Decided: Reflecting on the Future of Miami and LeBron

As a Heat fan, this is an incredibly sad day. The team over the past few years has given me immense joy and made me love NBA basketball to a level I thought I never would. That is largely attributable to the overlooked sacrifices that LeBron, Wade, and Bosh (along with many others) made over the years. Their sacrifices and their effort should be applauded. They are consummate professionals, and young people should look up to them. Instead of kids in pick-up games pulling up for a shot and yelling "KOBE!," hopefully they will start to appreciate the nuances of the game and the way that LeBron used every physical and mental tool he had to showcase those nuances. 

Congratulation to LeBron James for getting that monkey off his back. It was unfair that he had it there, but like he said, certain things "bigger than basketball." It takes a certain maturity to realize that. In my opinion, he will unquestionably bring Cleveland another championship. Maybe not next year, but certainly very soon. He's very smart for not falling into the hype and saying that it'll happen, though. I just hope that their management doesn't squander their picks and fail at bringing in great veterans to surround LeBron (something that Pat Riley was the best in the world at). I genuinely hope his return gives him the chance to get his due and rack up some more rings. Extremely sad to see it finally be over for the Big Three era, but I would love to see him surpass Jordan and Kobe in the ring-count. 

LeBron is a model professional athlete and should be celebrated. The comparisons to Jordan, Kobe, Magic, Bird, and others are just plain stupid. By now, people should realize that he is not them. He is a great person, a great role model, and perhaps better than all of them at the game of basketball. He doesn't have a "killer instinct" like Kobe or Jordan maybe, but he is definitely better than Kobe, and has a solid chance at surpassing Jordan by the end of his career. People should stop living in the past and trying to define LeBron based on the models that came before him. There has been no one ever like him in the game of basketball. In the age of social media and instant information dissemination, he has handled himself for the most part incredibly well. Even the backlash for The Decision (admittedly ill-advised) was beyond ridiculous. He is a superstar that wants to engage with fans, wants to mentor younger players, and loves the game; he has fun playing; he's a great family man; he's generous to his teammates, friends, and family, and genuinely just wants to be liked. Sometimes that impulse pulls him in the wrong direction, but the sentiment is right. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be liked and wanting to help others. LeBron won't be bitter at the end of his career and in his Hall of Fame speech like Jordan was. 

Watch this video and tell me you think that this is a role model of a superstar professional athlete:


Kudos to LeBron for carving out his own identity, despite the unbearable din of criticism form the talking heads in the background. 

It seems like this move was not made purely for basketball reasons, but to set up his families future and their lives and to set up the end of his NBA career. I doubt he will leave Cleveland again, but I'd imagine he'll be playing until he's around 38, so it will be interesting to see how that goes. I'm sure he will retire as a Cavalier as long as they don't totally screw things up there. I want to see his jersey in the rafters of the Triple A as well. 

LeBron wants his wife to have their third child surrounded by family and wants his children to grow up where he grew up. That's totally understandable. I think the best basketball move for him would have been to take a long contract with ETOs every year to give him the maximum protection and flexibility, or a one or two year contract with Miami to finish out the run with the Big Three. After all, they absolutely would have gotten back to the Finals with how weak the East is. There would be no adjustment period, and there would be consistency of a championship caliber. Miami is also an easier place to convince free agents to come, especially at a discount because of their lack of a state tax. (Interesting note: this state tax issue was irrelevant to LeBron because he has always filed taxes in Ohio and is registered to vote there; this was made clear when he was called in for jury duty last year). 

Cleveland (well, Akron) is his home, and despite the ridiculous circumstances and totally unjustifiable vitriol spewed at him when he left, he was always going to come back at some point. I just thought and hoped that it would be after another championship or two in Miami once Cleveland had some time to develop their young talent some more and get more complementary pieces in place for LeBron. I'd hate to see a situation in which LeBron struggles to bring a ring back to Cleveland (unless it's Miami taking it from him in the ECF). But, that's the risk he's willing to run with a rookie NBA head coach, poor management, and an owner who has made his "fairweather" attitude toward LeBron more than clear. 

I thought that the Miami being "college" example was particularly poignant  in his incredibly well-crafted letter and makes sense given that he never got to experience that and have fun with guys that were his friends (while still racking up rings and Finals appearances). Honestly, he would have three championships right now if he managed to play to his potential in that first year. You can't really blame Riley, Spoelstra, or anyone else there (except Dirk). 

Riley should've brought me in the room in Vegas the other day to close the deal - my last real Big Three-era Heat boast/LeBron recruiting pitch:


* * *
The idea of Miami fans being the worst fans in the NBA is a popular trope. I have to tell you, though, that in my life growing up in South Florida (even pre-LeBron and even pre-Wade), this is certainly not the case. Yes, lots of rich people buy tickets to Heat games to participate in the spectacle of it all, show up late, leave early, etc. etc. This is all well-documented on a very popular vine. However, I've been to Yankee games where people clear out just as early, and I've been to plenty of other big sporting events where stuff like that happens in equally big moments. There are real Heat fans in Miami. Staying at a game isn't the metric for a true fan. A true fan is one who watches almost every regular season game, follows all the player updates and free agent/trade rumors, and genuinely is emotionally moved by the team winning or losing. The Heat losing this year was soul-crushing, and them winning the past two years was pure elation for me and my merry band of Heat-fan friends. 

The Heat organization is built on loyalty and hard-work, two values that Riley instilled there since he joined in a leadership capacity. These are values that personally resonate with me, and I loved to see them result in such grandiose success over the past four years. I'm very sad it won't continue in the same way, and that I won't be able to root for LeBron in the ridiculous fashion that I have for the past several years. However, I was a LeBron fan before he came to the Heat, and will always be a LeBron fan wherever he is except when he's up against the Heat. No one feels like LeBron betrayed us, and no one in Miami is jumping down his throat for this Decision. 

You tell me what "fairweather" is and who the class organization is:

Miami - 






Cleveland -



Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;
As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.
This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.
Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.
The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.
There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.
You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.
You have given so much and deserve so much more.
In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:
"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE"
You can take it to the bank.
If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.
Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.
Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.
This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.
But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.
The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.
Just watch.
Sleep well, Cleveland.
Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....
I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:
DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....
Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

* * *

Regardless of it all, I want to reiterate my gratitude for all the joy LeBron has brought me over the past few years. Looking forward to more and watching him grow into the undisputed #GOAT. 

Even as a Heat fan, it will be really fun for everyone to bear witness to the first time this happens again:



Best of luck, LeBron. You've rectified the Decision fallout, and when you win a few more, you're going to be universally revered again like you should be.

GO HEAT

LeBron James Decision 2014: Stay in Miami LeBron James Decision 2014: Stay in Miami



A celebration of the past four years with @KingJames on the Miami Heat. One of the best sports teams ever assembled. With all the talk of him returning to Cleveland, here's a strong pitch for him to stay the course in Miami and get right back to his winning ways rather than participating in another rebuild in Cleveland with a rookie NBA head coach, an unproven draft pick, a mediocre supporting cast, one young stud in Kyrie. If he didn't go for the Bulls offer with Derrick Rose in 2010, why is Kyrie so appealing to him? His inner circle might be pushing for Cleveland, but he hasn't officially taken a meeting with them yet. Things are up in the air, but here's to hoping for #fourmoreyears of glory. As pathetic as Miami fans seem to be (and I don't think they're so significantly worse than other average NBA fans), there are some true Heat fans out there that cherished this day four years ago. These fine gentlemen had quite a time that evening, even though I believe it was a Tuesday. Excuse the lack of pants of some of one of revelers; he was changing out of work clothes when the Decision was seemingly imminent and rushed out of his room, eyes glued to the TV. Come back, LeBron. Wade's still got some left in the tank, and Bosh is great. Riley will get you the support and the youth you need. Stick with the most loyal organization in sports - the Miami Heat. http://ift.tt/1ndHP1I David Mainiero

Saturday, June 28, 2014

The Road to 1L: What to Do After the June LSAT

If you're wondering what to do after taking the June LSAT, here's a great law school admissions roadmap for you that I wrote for the Above the Law Career Blog.

I'll give you the abridged version here:

1. Decide whether (and why) you're going to retake the LSAT in October).

2. Get started on your law school applications or the components thereof if the actual applications aren't available yet (which they won't be in most cases) - you should really get an early jump on brainstorming and writing out some early drafts of your personal statement. In order to write a successful personal statement, you will have to engage in a lot of reflection and then turn that reflection into great writing. That requires time and effort...and then more time...and more effort. Don't expect to be able to give yourself the kind of perspective you will need by working on it here and there during your fall semester.

3. Besides the LSAT and personal statement/supplementary essays, you will need to plan for the components of the application that aren't entirely within your control. These elements are letters of recommendation, transcripts, and dean's certifications.

Read more about from David Mainiero on law school admissions on the ATL blog.

Of course, if you want more personalized attention from law school admissions experts, don't hesitate to reach out.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

This Will be the Third Time America Beats Germany...or Ties Them...

Except this time, it's not a war.

I'm not sure whether we've been infiltrated by a German spy or we've turned Klinsmann into a full-blown defector, but either way, there should be no stopping #USMNT from at least earning a draw today and advancing to the Round of 16.

Last time we played Germany in such an important World Cup match, they got through by the skin of their teeth with a clear handball on the line to save an American goal.



While I don't expect FIFA to referee the match any more fairly and certainly don't expect any gifts like Germany got in 2002, I would love to get some referee retribution (or maybe save it for some later rounds).

I think USA will come out aggressively, and then the game can either explode wide open with full-fledged attacking by both sides if a goal is scored, or it will die down into a quiet match with both sides content to save their players from injury and advance to fight another day. The one thing USA should not do is sit back and pack their side of the midfield waiting for Germany to attack. We should play a 4-5-1, with Bradley in an attacking position and rely on smart counters.

Meanwhile, I hope Jozy Altidore is getting some great hamstring massages so that we can hopefully have him back for the knockout rounds.

Hilarious Reactions to Suarez Biting

The cover of the New York Post said "EATALY" in all caps with a picture of the bite marks. That had to be my personal favorite.

However, here are some of my favorite Twitter reactions in the aftermath:




























On a serious note, it's a pretty scummy thing to do and he should be kicked out of the World Cup and banned for dozens of games for his actions. Liverpool should also fine him if they have the stomach to do it because of how poorly this reflects on the club. I must say, though, I've had people do much worse things to me playing soccer and get away with it. Some really weird things happen in South Florida while people are scrambling for position on set pieces...

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

LeBron Suitors Chasing Shabazz Napier

LeBron's suitors--including the Miami Heat--should all be taking a good look at Shabazz Napier in the upcoming draft after LeBron's tweet about Napier being the best point guard in the draft:




LeBron has been very complimentary of Napier since the tournament and this is certainly not the first time he has publicly sung his praise. For a team looking to sign LeBron in the next few weeks, adding Napier could be a strong move. It would be a particularly strong move for Miami, who sorely lacks strong PG play with the disappearing act that was Mario Chalmers against the Spurs. I'd love to keep Norris Cole, and would be really upset to see him go; but, if that's what it takes to keep LeBron happy, then Miami should do it. There is almost no way that Napier falls to the 26 spot, so Riley is aggressively trying to move up to a pick in the late teens. Unfortunately, Miami has no assets besides Cole and a 2017 first round pick to flip into a higher pick in this draft. We'll see what Riley can pull off, though. He certainly fits the bill of the type of player that Riley targets in drafts (when he targets anyone at all rather than just flipping the pick for veteran free agents): a multi-year veteran college player who has developed his skills, overcome adversity, and had a taste of championship success. Napier is exactly that kind of guy. He isn't the uber-athletic point guard that would be great on the Heat, and struggles with on-ball perimeter defense; yet, scouts seem confident that he can develop better defensive habits just like Chris Bosh did when he came to the Heat.

Still, I don't want to see Cole go, but it's a small price to pay to lure LeBron back to Miami and set the tone for Wade and Bosh's opt-out decisions and probable pay cuts. I think I might prefer them to flip the 26th pick for Iman Shumpert if that deal is even on the table; something tells me Phil Jackson isn't going to do Riley any favors. It's a Cole World out there...

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Heartbreaking Draw

The USMNT has really earned the respect and admiration of the country after the grit and dedication they showed in the win(s) (well, win and almost win) against Ghana and Portugal. I am teeming with confidence that we can achieve a good result against Germany and advance to the knockout round. The worst part of that gut-punch goal in the last three seconds of stoppage time was that it prevents our guys from getting some much-needed rest against Germany. Now, we really have to give our all to that game.

While the media wanted to play the blame game with Michael Bradley on that last-gasp goal by Cristiano Ronaldo, I don't have any interest in doing that. Bradley played his heart out, and was simply out-muscled for the ball. He did what he should have done in trying to keep possession and force a foul; if his first touch didn't betray him, he would have definitely had the presence of mind to kick the ball far away or out of bounds rather than turn it over. He shouldn't be faulted for that. The first goal, though, was totally inexcusable. 

The way in which we dominated our match-ups with supposedly superior individual players was truly impressive. Ronaldo didn't do anything worthwhile all game, except for his ridiculously perfect cross into the box with about 4 seconds left before the final whistle blew. 


His hair was perfectly gelled throughout, though, so you have to give him credit for that. 

Compared to Portugal, we looked like a team rather than a collection of individuals. There's a good chance we come out and attack Germany and get them (or their B-Squad) on their heels. If Ghana could earn a draw and get plenty of chances against them, there is no reason that we shouldn't be able to achieve a similar result. 

Nate Silver has the U.S.'s chances of advancing somewhere around 75.8%. My only fear is that Ghana just runs away with the game against Portugal because they are a vastly superior side physically and Portugal is still blighted by injury. Hopefully, Ronaldo will have a game that lives up to his billing and the team will take some pride in getting a good result against Ghana before they suffer an ignominious exit from the Cup.

If the U.S. can advance as the 1 seed somehow, that would set up an ideal matchup against someone from the Belgium and Russia group. I'd be confident in #USMNT against either of those teams, but would love to see us up against Russia. The problem is that we would have to face someone like Argentina in the next round. Given their recent form and near-inability to close out against Iran, we shouldn't have too much fear of them either. 

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Poor England

As an adopted fan of Arsenal and England since the I was about 9 years old, it's been very sad to see England lose in such dramatic fashion in every major competition I've ben able to watch and appreciate them play in. They show flashes of brilliance, but ultimately end up on the losing end.

I particularly feel bad for Wayne Rooney, who outside of my time on the sticks with him during FIFA, has not been the player that he truly is capable of being during big international competitions. He had plenty of opportunities to score against Uruguay, and could only manage one goal that was basically impossible to screw up. I would have loved to see him play like the dominant player he should be out there, and I would have loved to see guys like Steven Gerrard get one more good run in international competition before they're replaced by younger guys on the squad at the next World Cup.

England the adopted European team that I would root for if the USA wasn't competing or had already been eliminated, but now that I'm thinking about it...the United States has gone just as deep, if not deeper, into almost every tournament I can remember recently. Rooting for the U.S., who have no expectations burdening them, is much more fun. The raw emotional reaction to U.S. success is much more rewarding than that I feel for England, which I guess is natural.

But, as this Daily Beast article summed up quite aptly, I still find it impossible to walk away from rooting for England as well:

Given the length of time elapsed between 1966 and now, the English football fan’s relationship with the national team is best encapsulated as a long, crisis-strewn marriage, without the benefit of couples counseling and with the certainty that crisis follows crisis. But it is impossible to walk away.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

New Neapolitan Pizzeria Coming In Downtown San Diego

Check out the preview on David Mainiero's latest restaurant from Eater San Diego's Candice Woo. The restaurant--Double Standard--is slated to open in November barring any unexpected delays. It will feature Neapolitan pizza and chef-driven small plates in a hip, urban, and comfortable milieu. The emphasis on local produce and other locally sourced ingredients will be the driving force of the restaurant. Food and design without the pretense our price, but the highest quality...creating a new "Double Standard."


The Godfather talking about the Big Three Staying in the Family Business

Pat Riley coming out with the stuff of legends. He really just shuts down the reporters and tells them to "get a grip." "If you got the guts and you don't find the first door and run out of it, if you have an opportunity."

He is fully confident that he will bring back the Big Three, and used the Spurs as a prime example of why you don't blow up and old core in the face of adversity.

He related to the Heat players on a personal level and the family ties between them. Their kids all love Miami and some of them are each others' godparents. Savannah is having another child this summer, and Wade is getting married this summer as well. That will mean that all three of them will have gotten married during their time in Miami.

Listen to Riley talk about the Heat's plans for the future:



Wednesday, June 18, 2014

"Business" School - What Kind is Right for You?

Don’t Treat Business as a Monolithic Category
Co-authored by Janet, a former Assistant Dean of Admissions at Haas

One of the most important considerations for your B-school choice is your more specific interests in business, your specialization, or your concentration. For some reason, people seem to pay attention only to the “ranking” of a school; while there is some basis for doing so, it should never be the end of your inquiry into a particular school and how it might suit your interests and aspirations.

Just as certain colleges are much stronger and/or weaker in certain departments, so too are business schools stronger and/or weaker within particular focus areas. To add depth to your B-school selection process, it is important to consider the schools that are well known for their specialties. The following is a partial list created by U.S. News and World Report Rankings for the schools in 2013. (Note: these are not ranked in any particular order; they are merely categorized.)

Accounting
University of Texas-Austin
University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
Brigham Young University-Provo
Entrepreneurship
Babson College
University of Southern California
M.I.T. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Finance
University of Pennsylvania
New York University
M.I.T.
International Business
University of South Carolina
New York University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Southern California
Supply Chain Management/Logistics
Michigan State University
M.I.T.
Arizona State University
Marketing
University of Pennsylvania
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Texas-Austin

This is just a small sampling of schools, but it does give you some starting points as you begin the research process. When you graduate and take a position in the business world, you will be taking a position in--or in some case, studying for an advanced degree in-some specific type of business. Unless you’re involved in a very small business in which you are tasked with several areas of responsibilities, or unless you are an entrepreneur, you will likely specialize in something. In any case, it will be important to get a taste of each of these areas, and good business programs will certainly do that for you. However, if you know that you are dead set on entrepreneurship, or are particularly fascinated by complicated financing vehicles and products, you will want to make sure you are at a school that allows you to explore that to the fullest. This is important not only for your education while in school, but it is also incredibly important because of the alumni base of likeminded individuals who have walked this path before you and will be ready and willing to support you at the beginning of your career.