Don't They Cover This in Law School?

Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune

What He Wrote: "...poor, hapless Jason Kuhn was walking down the street one day whistling "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah' is a song from the Disney 1946 live action and animated movie 'Song of the South', sung by James Baskett. It is one of many popular songs that use a bluebird ("Mr. bluebird on my shoulder"), epitomized by the "Bluebird of Happiness," as a symbol of cheer.

What He Wrote: "...living out the galley slave scene in 'Ben-Hur,'"
Obscure Reference: 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is an 1880 novel by American general and author Lew Wallace. It has been adapted into a Broadway play, silent films, talkies, and a musical. The third version of the film, directed by William Wyler, premiered at Loews Theater in New York City in 1959 starring Charlton Heston as the main character Judah Ben-Hur. In the story, Judah is unjustly condemned to the slave galleys. Pirates attack the Roman galley and his galley is sunk, but Ben-Hur saves the life of Arrius, its commander.

What He Wrote: "...Founding Fatheresque epiphany to involve himself in the electoral process..."
Obscure Reference: An epiphany (feeling), is the sudden realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something. Founding Fathers of the United States are the political leaders who signed the Declaration of Independence, or otherwise participated in the American Revolution.

What He Wrote: "... This wasn't Shemp Howard whom Ober was letting off the hook ..."
Obscure Reference: Shemp Howard (1895 – 1955) was part of the Three Stooges comedy team. He was the older brother of Moe Howard and "third stooge" in the early years of the act. He would rejoin the trio in May 1946, after youngest brother "Curly" suffered a stroke. Shemp is often compared to Curly, but his comedic stylings were unique, and some fans even prefer his gruff, wisecracking comic style over Curly's brand of silliness. "Letting Off The Hook" is an American colloquialism which refers to vaudeville performances. Particularly bad acts which were heckled by the audience were pulled offstage by a large, comical hook.