Mark Lanier’s 2010 Christmas party

After appearing on a television program with him a couple of months ago, I received an invitation to Mark Lanier’s Christmas party (special guest Sting):
Mark Lanier Christmas party ferris wheel invitation

The non-transferable invitation consists of a booklet with a password; and, most strikingly, a metal wind-up toy Ferris wheel, about seven inches in diameter. (I have not investigated whether the Ferris wheel is CPSIA-compliant.)

Should I go? I’m charmed by the hospitality, but I don’t have a date, and, moreover, it’s kind of blood Christmas cheer. (On the other hand, in the words of a former CCAF attorney, “Think of it as a modest tort tax refund.”)

11 Comments

  • As the invitation was not intended for a child, I do not believe CPSIA applies

  • Oh, but any reasonable person could conclude that the recipient of such a toy would pass it on to a child. Or, in the alternative, that the presence of such a toy would be an attractive nuisance to any child within 10 feet of it!

  • Go to the party and give out gift certificates for your new book.

    That’ll show ’em. đŸ˜‰

  • I should also note that the Ferris wheel comes with a detachable key, and there is no warning on the package not to let small children play with it, lest they swallow and choke on the key.

  • Get a kid to choke on the Ferris wheel key and sue him.

  • Sue on behalf of the class.

    Bob

  • Oh, just go. Sounds like a great party.

  • Just go collect your tax refund, and report back in nauseating detail the excesses of big-time plaintiffs’ bar entertaining. And finding a date shouldn’t be that hard – Mr. Lanier’s entertainments are legendary, and I’m sure there are lots of nice young ladies (or young men, as you prefer) who would go along just to revel in the excess.

  • We so need to take up a collection to have the Ferris wheel tested for leaded brass in the clockwork mechanism or if a lead-bearing pot metal was used anywhere in the construction (especially if the key is cast or brazed together).

  • Why are you hating in a guy who is trying to raise money for the underprivileged? You should donate money and take the party for what it is — a good fundraiser!

  • I understand Bernie Madoff gave a lot of money to charity, too. I hope that doesn’t preclude me from criticizing Madoff over things he did wrong.

    Anyway, a series of court deadlines precludes me from going, but I hope to make it next year. I hope Karen has a good time at the party, and I hope the party raises a lot for charity.