Writes Neal Gabler:

The hoariest and most oft-repeated cliche in American politics may be that America is the greatest country in the world. Every politician, Democrat and Republican, seems duty bound to pander to this idea of American exceptionalism, and woe unto him who hints otherwise. This country is “the last, best hope of mankind,’’ or the “shining city on the hill,’’ or the “great social experiment.’’ As if this weren’t enough, Jimmy Carter upped the fawning ante 30 years ago by uttering arguably the most damning words in modern American politics. He called for a “government as good as the American people,’’ thus taking national greatness and investing it in each and every one of us.

. . .

There is nothing wrong with self-satisfaction or national pride. But the incessant trumpeting of our national superiority to every other country in the world is more than just off-putting and insulting. It is infantile, like the vaunting of a schoolyard bully that his Dad is better than your Dad.

Yes, exactly. Read the rest of the piece and get your attitude in check.

Mary and I were married yesterday morning, October 10, 2009, at The Downtown Club in Fresno. We were registered at Williams-Sonoma and Vonda’s Gifts. The ladies at Vonda’s were especially helpful, both to us and to all of our friends and family who went there to choose a gift.

Mary wore a beautiful eggshell-colored dress by Calvin Klein and the maid of honor, her daughter, wore a burgundy dress by J. Crew. Mary carried a bouquet of red roses, and her daughter carried white flowers and greenery, both arranged by San Roque Florist. Their makeup and nails were done by Spectrum Salon & Day Spa.

The maid of honor entered to “Edelweiss” performed by Andre Rieu and Mary was escorted down the aisle by her son to “Prince of Denmark’s March” (commonly known as “Trumpet Voluntary”). Federal Magistrate Judge Sandra Snyder officiated and offered some excellent wisdom and advice. We exchanged unique vows that we had prepared separately. We exited to “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen.

After the ceremony, our guests socialized and enjoyed an assortment of savory hors d’oeuvres prepared by the catering staff at the Club. My best man, Bryce Hatakeyama, made a great toast and made me sound much more impressive than I actually am. Several other friends and family also toasted us over a glass of champagne and I was much embarrassed by their unduly kind words. Our delicious cake was prepared by Eddie’s Bakery: a white cake infused with Grand Marnier orange liqueur, with a champagne custard filling. (The top layer, which we removed and took with us on the honeymoon, was a chocolate cake infused with framboise, with a raspberry filling.)

After mingling with our guests, we retreated to one of our favorite places, the fabulous Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa for six nights.

Hell hath no fury like a reproachful footnote from an appellate court:

Thomas’s briefing on appeal, in particular, his reply brief, is full of the vitriol that is anathema to civil and professional conduct essential to the resolution of family law disputes. No less than eight times does Thomas’s counsel accuse Elizabeth’s counsel of unprofessional conduct, mainly because Thomas’s counsel disagrees with the way in which Elizabeth‟s counsel interprets the law or the facts. Thomas’s counsel also accuses the trial judge of bias and refers to the judge in a condescending manner. Arguing against Elizabeth’s contention of error in her appeal, Thomas’s brief states that the judge “didn’t get it all wrong.” (Original italics and underscoring.)

“Because of the complex and sensitive nature of marriage dissolution proceedings, it is in the best interests of both parties to resolve all issues expediently and congenially . . . .” (In re Marriage of Norton (1988) 206 Cal.App.3d 53, 58.)

Ouch. That is footnote 2 from Marriage of Knowles (PDF). See page four. Follow the link if you want to see the identity of the offending attorney. See page one; attorney for appellant. And let that be a lesson to us all.