Entertainment

As law students, we are part of a different community and that different community has standards. We are preparing to enter the legal field and that means our wardrobe has to follow us to this next stage in our lives. This article is meant to be a guide for those of us (myself included) who sometimes forget, or prefer, to sport a not-so-professional look while at school. I am an advocate for bum-status-wear, you all know what I mean: sweats or yoga pants and comfy t- shirts. But those looks should be rocked when appropriate.

For the most part, we need to be more conscious of what we wear, especially when there are at school functions, such as guest panels. Not only is our attire a reflection of who we are as individuals, it also speaks to the reputation of our school. Like it or not, we are representatives of the school too. A good tip I have found handy is to plan ahead. Let's face it, we live on a schedule now, and we have to mark our calendars for everything and anything. Pick out your clothes the night before, or if you are super organized, have your week set out. Just in case you happen to forget an event, keeping a pair of professional shoes and a blazer in your car could be a lifesaver. Your new golden rule should be: if by throwing on a blazer and dress shoes, I still can't look business casual, then I should save that outfit for the weekend.

I volunteered at the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) a few weekends ago. The guest speaker was Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor.

One of the topics discussed by the guest panel of judges was the work attire of younger attorneys appearing before the courts. Justice Sotomayor spoke of how much easier it is to criticize than to give advice. She said that as fellow colleagues we should help each other out. She gave an example of how some female attorneys wear shirts far too low cut.

She also pointed out that her male counterparts had much more to say about what some of the male attorneys wear to court. We have to be cognizant of our futures and have to dress the part. How would you react if your potential future employer walked into the school tomorrow and met you in sweats and a t-shirt?

By now we have all heard of the infamous Ray Rice scandal involving his then fiancée – now wife – Janay Palmer, which was one of the many elevator incidents covering headlines in 2014. This incident in particular peaked public interests because of the discontent over the sports figure’s now-abusive image, and the National Football League’s distasteful decision to “clean up” the mess.

The National Football League (NFL) prides itself on upholding the rules and regulations of how the sport is conducted and its overall impact on the public. However, seven months ago, one of the arguably best running-back’s of the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Rice, became involved in a domestic violence incident that went viral, inevitably carrying the NFL into a highly contested public debate on how it chooses to punish its players. In turn, the debate caused a mass media uproar, and a public relations disaster, in the months following, what has now, expanded into a huge crisis. The NFL is no stranger to scandals involving football players, but this incident has created a downward spiral of negative reports.

After leaving from Revel Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on February 15, the couple, which seemed angry from the beginning, stepped onto an elevator where the cringe-worthy scene ensued. Ray Rice struck his then fiancée Janay with his fist and caused her to fall unconscious. Both Rice and Palmer were arrested on assault charges following the incident, where Rice’s attorney described the event as a minor physical altercation. Rice was then given only a two game suspension penalty for the assault and involvement in the domestic violence incident.

A video was released shortly after the incident only showing Rice dragging his Ms. Palmer out of the elevator, yet he claimed that nothing took place as far as a major assault.

NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, commented that Rice’s recollection of the events as he disclosed them were “ambiguous” at best. On May 23, 2014, Rice spoke publicly at a news conference for the first time since the altercation and arrest. With his wife Janay at his side, he apologized for “the situation he and his wife were in.” He expressed his remorse regarding the events released from the video. And the Baltimore Ravens continued to allow Rice on the team as a running back. He was well on his way to redeeming his personal and marital issues through counseling and intervention programs.

But in September, TMZ released the actual footage of the scene, showing Rice punching his wife Janay, where she immediately loses consciousness and falls to the floor of the elevator. Subsequently, the video went viral and overwhelming comments, among social media and television/radio programs, were presenting their opinions of the event.

With the pressure of scrutiny over the newest developments, the NFL made a decision in response to the ongoing controversy. Mr. Goodell told the public that Rice had not revealed the entire count of events prior to TMZ’s release of the elevator security footage. From that point, the Baltimore Ravens made the decision to, practically speaking, terminate Rice’s contract, via indefinite suspension, because he was dishonest about the events that transpired.

The public’s current craves of instant- technology and social media has made many famous altercations, arrests, even simple text conversations, difficult to keep under wrap. The prevalent drama that results from sweeping things under the rug in the sports industry as well as others, only results in costing someone their reputation and character. Hopefully, the NFL, Ray Rice, and other sports figures, can learn from this incident and determine how to rightfully mitigate the intrinsic blow of the media that undoubtedly trails any athlete’s spotlight.

My best description of this restaurant can be contained in one word: masculine. Tractor Room, located on 5th Avenue and Pennsylvania in Hillcrest, has long been one of my very favorite San Diego restaurants. Driving past it, you can’t help but notice the actual tractor sitting out front, and the byline ‘Honest Cocktails and Meats.’ If that doesn’t immediately sell you, you probably shouldn’t eat here.

The décor is like that of an old hunting lodge, with animal antler chandeliers and cowhide covered bar chairs. Most meals arrive in heavy black skillets, taking one back to the days of log cabins and self sustaining lifestyles.

The initial purview of the menu reveals what the byline promises: almost every kind of meat you can think of. From crispy elk sausage ravioli to braised buffalo over waffles fries (with a thick layer of smoked Wisconsin cheddar cheese adorning the top, of course), to sage duck breast skewer or boar stew, there is something for every meat eating enthusiast. Prefer fish or vegetables? Worry not; they have a few of those options too.

The appetizer list is extensive, but my favorite choices are the braised buffalo fries mentioned above, and the black skillet cornbread. The braised buffalo is tender and pulled, and for those inexperienced with ‘other’ meats, in my opinion, it tastes very similar to a brisket. The buffalo is strewn over crispy waffle cut fries, and a thick layer of smoked cheddar cheese is draped over the top. Served in a black skillet, of course, it looks like a beast to tackle. But just grab a fork, pierce through the cheese and enjoy one of the most amazing appetizers I’ve ever dreamed of. The cornbread, served in a skillet as well, is always done right. A bit of a crispy layer on top, buttery and sprinkled with kernels of corn throughout, you can’t help but sneak bites of it throughout your meal.

The entrees continue the theme of ‘meat based amazing.’ There are four different burger options: beef, lamb, braised buffalo and free range buffalo. I’ve always opted for the traditional beef burger, but there is nothing boring about this meal. With a thick layer of smoked mozzarella cheese and crispy smoked bacon atop, and more waffles fries than you can usually get through, it is everything you want and more. Other succulent menu options include spicy chipotle chicken breasts, and chipotle charred tomato pork ribs. A lot of the entrees do include the ‘Tractor Room Style’ demi-glace and charred tomato accompaniment, and it is heavenly.

But there is always room for more food, especially if it involves cheese or potatoes! Last but certainly not least, are the entrée accompanying sides. The entrees are a generous serving size in themselves, but I’ll warn against skipping the decadent sides! If you love the theme of smoked cheddar cheese, order the smoked Wisconsin cheddar mac and cheese or the au gratin potatoes; both are made in the same manner (one with macaroni and one with potatoes) and both are packed full of flavor. My second favorite would be the heavy cream mashed potatoes with batch gravy. They’re creamy, full of butter and the gravy is just right—not too heavy, not too thin.

I know you’re probably full just thinking about what a satisfying meal is to be had at Tractor Room, but don’t neglect the cocktails! The cocktail menu includes a sampling of specialty cocktails along one side, with the rest of the cocktails divided by your liquor of choice. Is rum your preferred libation? Try the Prohibition Punch, a tropical tasting cocktail with a floater of Sailor Jerry. Gin more your style? Try the Punch in the Eye, a light and refreshing option with a dash of Cointreau, grapefruit and lime juice. Looking for something even more indulgent? Try the chocolate themed cocktail pictured for dessert. Believe me, there’s something for everyone- including beer and wine options as well.

If you are hungry and dying for a drink just reading this, you’ve got to try this restaurant immediately. While not expensive, Tractor Room isn’t a super cheap eat either. Entrees range around $15 and $35, and appetizers between $5 and $15. It is a busy joint on the weekends, so I suggest making reservations a few days ahead of time. But if you dine early (at 5 or 6pm) and on a weeknight, you may just be in luck to grab a table. Enjoy!