Trial run

If there's no objection, in my opening remarks I'd like to tell you about a funny thing that happened last week.

A close friend of mine who lives on the east coast got in touch with me because he was looking for a referral to a lawyer out here to handle some business for him. Then, coincidentally, I also wound up recommending another friend to a different lawyer because he was in a situation where I thought a little legal advice would help.

Now I know what you're thinking: "Why does Jeff know so many lawyers? Is he in that much trouble? Is it a Jew thing?" The answers are because, no and maybe.

Here's the deal. When push comes to shove in certain situations, the evidence has shown it's sometimes best to have a knowledgable, take-no-prisoners legal representative in your corner.

It's no secret there's a lot of negativity and jokes about lawyers. But those are usually about the ambulance chasers and bottom feeders. My attorneys, all of them, have been stellar in representing my best interests when I've needed them to. I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for the lawyers I work with.

And they have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for my retainer fees.

Capitalism, amIright?

My wife thinks I should go to law school and become a lawyer, because I'm quick on my feet and like the idea of standing up for justice. Actually she thinks I should do it because I'm confrontational, don't suffer fools lightly and won't sign out a library book without checking with my attorney. But for argument's sake, let's go with the justice thing.

If you find yourself in need of a lawyer—and everyone does eventually—and don't have one, give me a call. I'm pretty sure I can make the introduction.

Estate lawyer? Check. Employment and business attorney? Of course. Personal injury representation? Do you have to ask? Real estate attorney? I'll land one for you. Bankruptcy lawyer? My high school best friend is one of the top ones in the city. If I ever have to read up to Chapter 11, I know who to call.

In closing, if it please the readers (snickering....readers...good one), let me conclude by saying it's always best to settle disagreements without taking the dispute to the next level. But if you absolutely have to, it's reassuring to know I'm here to help you find an advocate, advisor and counselor who'll be looking out for your best interest.

And forty percent of your settlement.

Blog adjourned.

Moving experience

Here at international headquarters of Rotation and Balance, we've had quite a year so far. You may have noticed the postings have been happening at a feverish pace, and by that I mean more than one a month.

Also, with the staff additions (new refrigerator for the Corona Lights and a second-hand La-Z-Boy recliner), we've outgrown our current office space near the Port of Los Angeles, just east of the refinery.

C'mon, what did you think that smell was? (Don't say the writing).

Anyway, since this is the worldwide interwebs, and RNB is read by people as far away as Finland, Nigeria and Vladimir's hometown, the board of directors decided in a contentious 7 - 3 vote that headquarters needed a more international presence.

Randy Greenwood, former director of Arby's real estate operations has been brought on as our VP of International Real Estate Acquisitions. Welcome aboard Randy. Having been with Arby's for over 25 years, and having gone backpacking in Europe for three weeks with his high school sweetheart after graduation, we have the utmost confidence Randy will get us a space we can be proud of and continue to grow in.

Hopefully in a country without corporate income tax.

Anyway, his first few weeks have been spent negotiating for office space on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building located in Dubai. He tells me they shot one of the Mission Impossible films there, although he's not sure which one.

I'm not really certain the desert is where I want to be. I sweat if it goes over 60 degrees, and frankly unless I'm lying down in sheets I don't look very good in them. White is not a flattering color on me. It just isn't.

But my objections may be moot after all. Our accountants at H&R Block tell me that the revenue generated by this site is well over seven figures. All zeroes.

Which probably means we'll have to say goodbye to our Burj Khalifa office space, and keep our international headquarters right here in the states.

Not to worry. Randy has been working on some contingency plans, and says he's found a space that may suit us in a very desirable mall on the edge of town, just on the other side of the tracks.

We've already got the people from Fastsigns scheduled to come measure for the brand new Rotation and Balance sign. It should look great between the donut shop and massage parlor.