Joe: OK, so you hate movies.
--No. I just hate you.
Joe: Fine, whatever. How about investing? I’m a pretty bad investor, but one time I made this particularly bad investment when I was told I was getting a special bonus that
Tag: boston college
Interview with Joe, the Most Annoying Person in the History of Humanity (Part I of II)
Below is a word-by-word transcript of an interview with Joe, who insisted on being interviewed as "The Most Fascinating Person in the History of Humanity" but who is anything but.
--I can’t believe I’m doing this This interview is going to be a complete waste of time.
It's not clear where the pull towards public service comes from, notwithstanding all my love for money.
My education probably has something to do with it. My alma mater, Boston College / Boston College Law School, instilled a call for service through an education grounded in
The Inimitable Fulfillment of Serving the Public (Part I of II)
I am an unabashed capitalist. I have helped mega-corporations raise billions of dollars. I'm an investor who shows little interest other than stock prices. I'm unapologetic in my pursuit of money and I don't particualrly think there's anything wrong with that.
Yet the greatest job fulfillment I
To Curious Eagles: Take My Interdisciplinary Course on Airplane Accidents (Part II of II)
Topic 10: Fire in flight (Natural Sciences)
A fire on an airplane can be deadly. It can be caused by bad wiring (Swissair Flight 111), under-inflated tires (Nigeria Airways Flight 2120) or combustible cargo (ValuJet Flight 592, UPS Airlines Flight 6). Fire
To Curious Eagles: Take My Interdisciplinary Course on Airplane Accidents (Part I of II)
Dear Curious Eagles,
Liberal arts is at the heart of the education you are receiving at Boston College, and nothing epitomizes liberal arts better than interdisciplinary studies like a major in International Studies or the Perspectives Program.
There is, though, no single class that satisfies all
Joe Michael Sasanuma Obituary
Joe Michael Sasanuma, who earlier today died at the eternal age of 18, never had a moment in which he didn't enjoy life.
He lived by the words "What's the point of living if you can't feel alive?", a line fittingly taken from the James Bond movie "The World is Not Enough". Of the many things
He lived by the words "What's the point of living if you can't feel alive?", a line fittingly taken from the James Bond movie "The World is Not Enough". Of the many things
To Tristan, My Newly-Married Friend: Thanks for the Friendship Defined by Differences
Tristan,
As I attended the ceremony celebrating your matrimony with Becca, I thought about our friendship--about how it all began, how it deepened over the years and how it's thrived on our many differences.
I remember your joking once that I'm the first Republican you'd ever met, and it probably won't surprise you that you're the first
As I attended the ceremony celebrating your matrimony with Becca, I thought about our friendship--about how it all began, how it deepened over the years and how it's thrived on our many differences.
I remember your joking once that I'm the first Republican you'd ever met, and it probably won't surprise you that you're the first
To Tom, My Newly-Married Friend: May You and Kris-Stella Together Contribute to the Betterment of the World
Dear Tom,
You and I will forever be bound by the bond we formed during our days at Boston College, so it's hardly a surprise that, as I attended your celebration of matrimony with Kris-Stella last month, I looked back on our time together at BC.
In particular, I thought about what it means to be a BC
You and I will forever be bound by the bond we formed during our days at Boston College, so it's hardly a surprise that, as I attended your celebration of matrimony with Kris-Stella last month, I looked back on our time together at BC.
In particular, I thought about what it means to be a BC
A New Beginning
This Friday will be my last day at Shearman & Sterling. After seven and a half years, the time is right for me to move on.
When I reflect on my time at Shearman & Sterling, I realize how tremendously fortunate I have been.
I once heard that the average length of a career at a major
When I reflect on my time at Shearman & Sterling, I realize how tremendously fortunate I have been.
I once heard that the average length of a career at a major
To Entitled Eagles: You’re Not Special
Dear Entitled Eagles,
Despite attending a prestigious university called Boston College, there are certain things that you are not entitled to.
First, you’re not entitled to any particular grade. Certainly not an A or a B, or even a C+.
Grades measure your knowledge and abilities, however imperfectly. If you exhibit superior capabilities, you get high marks. If you exhibit deficiencies,
Despite attending a prestigious university called Boston College, there are certain things that you are not entitled to.
First, you’re not entitled to any particular grade. Certainly not an A or a B, or even a C+.
Grades measure your knowledge and abilities, however imperfectly. If you exhibit superior capabilities, you get high marks. If you exhibit deficiencies,
Things I Discovered by Googling My Name
Have you ever Googled yourself?
I have, but that probably doesn’t come as a surprise to many of you who know how much of a narcissistic egomaniac I am.
Even if it’s in your nature to be more humble and reserved than I, I still recommend that you occasionally run a search of yourself at www.google.com, if only
I have, but that probably doesn’t come as a surprise to many of you who know how much of a narcissistic egomaniac I am.
Even if it’s in your nature to be more humble and reserved than I, I still recommend that you occasionally run a search of yourself at www.google.com, if only
I’m Available to Give a Lecture on So Many Topics
One of the things I remain mystified about is why no one has ever asked me to give a lecture. I would have thought that a person like me with an opinion on a whole range of topics would be hounded to share just a small portion of all the invaluable insight.
The only explanation I have for
The only explanation I have for
To Underclassmen Eagles: Make Not Just Friends, But Friends Who Are Different
Dear Underclassman Eagles,
After you graduate from Boston College, you'll realize that your years at Chestnut Hill shaped many aspects of your life. The liberal arts education that instilled a sense of public service is one. The life-long friendships that you formed is another.
As an underclassman, you're likely still building your circle of friends, and to those who
After you graduate from Boston College, you'll realize that your years at Chestnut Hill shaped many aspects of your life. The liberal arts education that instilled a sense of public service is one. The life-long friendships that you formed is another.
As an underclassman, you're likely still building your circle of friends, and to those who
There is So Much to Love About Autumn
For me, the fall will always mark the beginning of a new year. For nearly two decades, September is when I progressed one year in the educational ladder. Now that I'm working, fall is when I tack on another year in my experience as a working professional. I've always loved this season because it's when
Living Life Without Regrets
I don't have a lot of regrets in my life. If forced to name them, I have a list of three to choose from, but people laughed at me the one time I talked about how I forever regret choosing to study for my constitutional law exam instead of attending my very first Brad Paisley concert,
To Eagles Preparing for Senior Year: Commit to Writing a Senior Thesis
Dear Eagles Preparing for Senior Year,
After three years of hard work, I know it's tempting to look at your final year in college as the last hurrah before you have to face the realities of the real world. Workdays, bills and taxes await you after graduation, and I don't blame you for wanting to make
After three years of hard work, I know it's tempting to look at your final year in college as the last hurrah before you have to face the realities of the real world. Workdays, bills and taxes await you after graduation, and I don't blame you for wanting to make
To Overachieving Eagles: How to Inflate Your GPA
Dear Overachieving Eagles,
Being a natural overachiever, many of you will seek to become the cream of the crop of American society by obtaining a degree that's even higher than the Bachelor of Arts, like M.A., M.D., J.D., M.B.A. or Ph.D.
As an overeducated double Eagle myself, I have some experience with knowing what it takes to
Being a natural overachiever, many of you will seek to become the cream of the crop of American society by obtaining a degree that's even higher than the Bachelor of Arts, like M.A., M.D., J.D., M.B.A. or Ph.D.
As an overeducated double Eagle myself, I have some experience with knowing what it takes to
In Memory of John Ezzard (1984-2012)
John was a couple years behind me at Boston College. I don't exactly recall how we initially met, but we quickly became close friends because I was Japanese and he was interested in Japan.
John had a great laugh. He and I come from a different political mold, he of the moderate left and I of
John had a great laugh. He and I come from a different political mold, he of the moderate left and I of
Reading Isn’t What It Used to Be, and That’s a Good Thing
For the longest time, I had no interest in reading.
I swear it started in high school, when novels like "The Grapes of Wrath," "Walden Pond" and "The Old Man and the Sea" sent me into temporary comas. I think my experience proves that just because a book is a "classic" doesn't mean kids in
I swear it started in high school, when novels like "The Grapes of Wrath," "Walden Pond" and "The Old Man and the Sea" sent me into temporary comas. I think my experience proves that just because a book is a "classic" doesn't mean kids in
Let’s Stay in Touch
I am starting my new life in Tokyo, where new challenges await. I'm really excited, but the move still feels quite surreal. I don't think reality has quite sunk in.
Twenty-one years, 3 months and 10 days passed between my residency in Japan. That's a long time. I haven't felt nostalgic yet, but I've started to
Twenty-one years, 3 months and 10 days passed between my residency in Japan. That's a long time. I haven't felt nostalgic yet, but I've started to
If I had $50 million…
Last week, I learned of a ridiculous fact that Justin Bieber earned $50 million this year. Besides making me think I definitely made a wrong career choice, it got me thinking about what I would do if I had $50 million...
I'll go to Monaco on a $1 million cruise trip and put $2 million on
I'll go to Monaco on a $1 million cruise trip and put $2 million on
What I Learned About Writing
I'll never forget the professor in my Legal Writing class in my first year of law school who said that English majors struggle mightily in the class. It was a moment I realized that lawyers are one of the worst writers out of professionals whose job primarily revolves around writing. Lawyers use "effect" as a
In Defense of My Education…
A couple months ago, I defended lawyers. To show that I can make myself even more lovable, today I defend my educational background, which I thought spoke for itself. For this show of narcissism that's paralleled, y'all can thank my office neighbor, who, upon hearing the details of my academic history, questioned whether I slipped through the
To Current Eagles: Seek a Liberal Arts Education, Not a Job Training
Dear Current Eagles,
It may come as a shock to you (and your parents who are footing the enormous tuition), but the purpose of your Boston College education is not to ensure that you have a job after you graduate.
It may come as a shock to you (and your parents who are footing the enormous tuition), but the purpose of your Boston College education is not to ensure that you have a job after you graduate.
How I Became a Yankee Dixie
During my high school senior year college application process, a teacher advised me not to go to school in the South. "You're Asian and you're Catholic," he warned, inferring neither is particularly welcome down in the land of the Dixie. I dutifully complied, with my most southern application going to Washington D.C., rest to the
Oh How I Love Myself
I love myself.
This blog is all about me, which is why I love it and I need people to read it, comment on it and love it.
If I'm partaking in a conversation, I need to be the center of attention. I need people to laugh at my stories and show interest in what I say
This blog is all about me, which is why I love it and I need people to read it, comment on it and love it.
If I'm partaking in a conversation, I need to be the center of attention. I need people to laugh at my stories and show interest in what I say
It’s March Again and It’s Madness, Frozen and Fantastic
It's March again and you know what that means.
March Madness
Frozen Four
Fantasy Baseball
The sports trifecta.
It's sad to know that I've reached a point and career in my life where no one bothers to invite me to fill out a bracket unless I beg. So I just created a league and cajoled my colleagues to join. As
March Madness
Frozen Four
Fantasy Baseball
The sports trifecta.
It's sad to know that I've reached a point and career in my life where no one bothers to invite me to fill out a bracket unless I beg. So I just created a league and cajoled my colleagues to join. As
A Thirteen Month Anniversary for the Blog
Today, this blog turns 13 months old. I would have celebrated the one year anniversary if only I had remembered to celebrate it. That I'd forgotten is actually fitting for this rather irrelevant blog.
In 13 months, I have written 76 posts, averaging nearly 6 posts a month. While the pace has slowed, I've tried to
In 13 months, I have written 76 posts, averaging nearly 6 posts a month. While the pace has slowed, I've tried to
Defining Game, Defining Moments for the BC Football Team
Every season has a defining game. The victory over Florida State Seminoles was it for the Boston College Golden Eagles' 2009 season regardless of what happens for the remainder of the season.
I Try to Kid, But I (Sometimes) Have a Point
For better or for worse, I seem to leave a distinct impression on people, although I can't tell whether the impression I leave is good or bad. One week into my foray into law school at the particularly liberal Rutgers of Newark, people started coming up to me and saying, "So you're the new conservative,
To Future Eagles: It Does Indeed Suck to B.U.
To a Future Eagle,
Congratulations on your acceptance to Boston College!
The odds are that in the past year and a half, you carefully researched BC's academic program, spoke with the students already attending, and toured the school to get a feel for the campus so your choice to attend the school is a result of thoughtful
Congratulations on your acceptance to Boston College!
The odds are that in the past year and a half, you carefully researched BC's academic program, spoke with the students already attending, and toured the school to get a feel for the campus so your choice to attend the school is a result of thoughtful
Upon Further Reflection–BC Somehow Ends Up Doing Better in March Madness
I discussed my bracket with some people (okay, one person, mainly) and reviewed my "real" bracket and realized I have an all-Big East Final Four. Separate and apart from the unlikeliness of that happening, I just hate the Big East and upon further reflection, I realized that I think Pitt, a team that went as
Maybe This March Will Be Mad Enough For BC To Make A Real Run
It's that wonderful time of the year again, when America's economy loses an estimated $4 billion in productivity with no help from a recession because employees obsess about college games to which they have little to no connection.
And it's not just at work either. I remember when I was in high school, classmates brought in
And it's not just at work either. I remember when I was in high school, classmates brought in
25 Random Crap About Me
My sister, that bored nincompoop, created Note in Facebook with a list of 25 random facts about herself and then created a "rule" under which an unfortunate soul who was tagged will have to do the same thing. Presumably this is the most modern rendition of the cursed chain letter so the failure to respond
Law School Rejection That Was Well Planned
It's that time of the year again when college and grad school applicants are beginning to get anxious. Law schools, with their rolling admissions, tend to decide the fate of the applicants several weeks earlier than others.
I am happy to report that the two friends I know were applying to law schools were admitted to
I am happy to report that the two friends I know were applying to law schools were admitted to
Eagles in SI, Memories of an Umbrella and Business Attire
I received this week's issue of Sports Illustrated yesterday. I read SI on my commute, always in the same order: the back page column, the front page photos, and then the "Players" section, which is increasingly becoming my favorite after the departure of columnist Rick Reilly.
For the first time that I can recall, the topic
For the first time that I can recall, the topic
Futility in Writing Effort
When you're an attorney, you're almost expected to be published. In two law-related jobs that I've held, one of the first questions I was asked was "Were you on a law journal?" I managed to survive at the law firm and with the judge despite my answer in the negative, but I could always see
On Even More Great News, Now by the BC Basketball Team
Oh good, BC basketball team got beat by the hapless Harvard team a game after they beat #1 UNC.
On the Debacle Firing of Boston College Football Headcoach
You can't make this stuff up.
Boston College football's head coach Jeff Jagodzinski, affectionately known as Jags, will be fired by Boston College after proceeding to interview for the New York Jets' vacant head coach position even after Athletic Director Gene DeFelippo warned him doing so would lead to his termination.
This bizarre turn of events came
Boston College football's head coach Jeff Jagodzinski, affectionately known as Jags, will be fired by Boston College after proceeding to interview for the New York Jets' vacant head coach position even after Athletic Director Gene DeFelippo warned him doing so would lead to his termination.
This bizarre turn of events came
On Being 18 – Again and Forever
I was called "Sir" again.
I ordered a sandwich at the firm's cafeteria and the guy gave me my order by saying, "Here you go, Sir." It was deja vu. Three years ago, when I was in law school, I ordered a sub at the dining hall on main campus (where undergrads eat) and I was
I ordered a sandwich at the firm's cafeteria and the guy gave me my order by saying, "Here you go, Sir." It was deja vu. Three years ago, when I was in law school, I ordered a sub at the dining hall on main campus (where undergrads eat) and I was
On Random Thoughts BC
$10 million for each ACC team? Wow that's a lot of cash. And I know exactly where that $10 million went. A million bucks on a staircase and now $10 million on a building that's already standing... Hmmm... All kidding aside, $10 million on restoration of Gasson Hall is a money well spent. The building
On a Good Shellacking Leveled Against BC Football
This one was just painful to watch.
I knew the Eagles were in trouble when V-Tech marched right down the field with little resistance on its first drive. The BC offense just isn't built to come back from big deficits, and the first drive was just too easy.
I knew the Eagles were in trouble when V-Tech marched right down the field with little resistance on its first drive. The BC offense just isn't built to come back from big deficits, and the first drive was just too easy.
On BC’s Thanksgiving Win
It was an impressive win. It wasn't miraculous, like last week at Wake Forest. It wasn't dominating, like the week before at Florida State. But the victory sure was methodical, the defense dominating, the offense sufficient, converting two turnovers while committing none, and the coach making aggressive calls. It wasn't an easy win, but it
On Holy Shit (Part II) Boston College Football Victory
24-21, BC over Wake Forest.
Yesterday, I would've told you this is as expected. After how the game transpired today, this is another "Holy Shit I Can't Believe They Pulled It Off" game.
Which victory was more unlikely? BC's come from behind victory at Virginia Tech last year that required two touchdowns and an onside kick in
Yesterday, I would've told you this is as expected. After how the game transpired today, this is another "Holy Shit I Can't Believe They Pulled It Off" game.
Which victory was more unlikely? BC's come from behind victory at Virginia Tech last year that required two touchdowns and an onside kick in
On a Job Well Done by the Boston College Football Team
"Well done" best summarizes what I want to say about BC's 27-17 victory over the Florida State Seminoles, the team that ended BC's unbeaten streak last year and the team that seems to perennially underperform.
Against a team that wins on the running game, the defense's performance was extraordinary. FSU's leading rusher of the game was
Against a team that wins on the running game, the defense's performance was extraordinary. FSU's leading rusher of the game was
On the Disaster Known as BC Quarterback Chris Crane
I didn't watch the game. I tried. I went to the bar, asked for the BC at North Carolina game, and the guy flipped through the channel before finally saying, "You sure it's on today?" and giving up.
On Thoughts About the BC-VTech Game
Whether you call the ACC mediocre or competitive, the result is the same: BC has a shot of making something happen despite Crane at QB because anyone can beat anyone in the conference (and yes, that includes Duke).
To say that I was pleasantly surprised by the game's result is an understatement. I made the four
To say that I was pleasantly surprised by the game's result is an understatement. I made the four