Oasis – Dig Out Your Soul

What most Oasis fans must be thinking is, why didn’t the band release this album a decade ago? The most recent effort for the wannabe-Beatles is the strongest al­bum they have put out in thirteen years. The opening track, “Bag It Up,” sets the tone for the rest of the album, which is at times heavy and at other times dis­playing the shades of brilliance that Oa­sis can provide for the listeners who still remember the days when they put out their other albums. The standout track, though, is the shivering and forceful “The Shock of the Lightning,” which contains all the ingredients necessary for a great Oasis track: clean vocals, rocking guitars, and just enough hook in the chorus to render listeners powerless to its charms. Last but not least, what good would an Oasis song be without a subtle Beatles reference, in this case it’s an acknowledgment to a magical mystery.

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What words describe autumn in Valparaiso? Crisp air, bright­ly colored leaves and…rain. Luckily there is another word to cheer us up on dreary days, namely, turkey. Unfortunately, attending class does not leave me much time to roast a traditional turkey, with all the trimmings of course. As the holiday season approaches and we long with sentimental fondness for family gatherings, I am grateful that there is a place in town where we can go and get our fill of comfort food. I am speaking of Strongbow Inn, located at 2405 East U.S. 30.

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On the heels of his second debate with Senator John McCain, Senator Barack Obama held a “Change We Need” rally at the Indi­ana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis on Wednesday, October 8th. This cool, rainy day marked the Senator’s sixth visit to the state since the end of the primary season. According to Robert L. Miller II of the Division of Fire & Building Safety, an estimated 21,000 supporters attended the rally. Obama spoke of the financial and housing cri­sis, the previous night’s debate, and the soaring price of home heating costs.

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On Thursday, October 9th, Pro­fessor Derrick Carter organized a networking trip to Indianapo­lis for many of his students to meet with various government entities and alumni. The trip was initially open to Professor Carter’s Criminal Procedure class, but several past students embraced the op­portunity as well. Throughout the day, the class met with several Valpo Law alumni to discuss their jobs and their experiences in securing those posi­tions.

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In visiting with over 20,000 Hoo­siers on Friday, October 17, GOP Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin encouraged an energized crowd to keep Indiana a red state in the 2008 presidential election.

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This year P.A.D hosted its annual boat cruise on September 27th, and except for a few minor sna­fus, the evening went off without a hitch. Fine, fine, the busses were a tad late and the line to get on the boat moved a bit slow, and a jacket seemed to disappear. Thankfully, the festive spirit in the air seemed to indicate that these small set­backs didn’t put a damper the evening.

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Dear Barely Legal,

Due to my weak financial condition and my ill-preparedness for not book­ing a flight when flights were cheaper, I have to spend Thanksgiving here in Valpa-Rain-Snow with whomever else is around. I have never cooked a turkey before, any suggestions?

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“Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, includ­ing those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.”

- US Constitution Art I sec 2

This was the original language of the Constitution before being modified by the 14th Amendment. Mr. Duffy wants to claim that the language of a con­tract doesn’t change over time, but I doubt he believes that the original language of the Constitution, clearly denying suffrage to slaves, should still be enforced. The the­sis of Mr. Duffy’s article, while difficult to parse, seems to be that John McCain is a better choice for President because he won’t (or claims he won’t) appoint judges to the Supreme Court who are motivated by a political ideology, and that Barack Obama will. This argument fails not only because of its speculation, but also for a lack of reason. Bad Supreme Court deci­sions can be overturned by the Court, just as bad decisions by the Framers can be amended. The ability to fix errors is built into our entire system of government (even if the “fix” will cost $700 billion).

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A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

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So, this month the topic is gun rights and the Heller decision from both a legal and practical standpoint. Hmmm.

Let me start off by saying that while the Clarence Thomas supporter and I disagree on a lot of things, this topic is one we actually agree on. I haven’t read his opinion yet, so let me qualify that statement, as authors of concurring opinions often do: I can’t say for sure that I agree with his reasoning, but I do agree with his main point – the Heller court definitely got it right. However, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I just agreed with him. I must argue the counterpoint.

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