Courtroom observations of the virgin
we love to hate rosen, but i gotta say I was a litle surprised to see that in person, he at least appears a bit more humble than several of the atty's for the other contingencies, who are visibly out and out hostile.. I think that the majority of their body languages were similar in the way they dismissively wave their hand in disgust towards Nelson, every chance they get!
The award for sour grapes and condenscension is a tie for first place.. between the WMI note guy (caugh my eyeballs rolling into my head when he spoke, and had to eat a piece of candy to stay awake) and Califano from FDIC, (big fat bald head with a vertical scar down the length of it.. hmmm) who was on the edge of his seat waiting to spring up as soon as Nelson made his last remarks at the end of hearing. Scarhead stepped to the podium in three long fast strides (fun 'cause he's a bit pudgy) and started pointing and then actually pumping his left fist repeatedly towards Nelson's table as he tried to emphasize his annoyance at the NERVE of the EC to claim JPM's 29B profit as reason enough the examiner is warranted. He was having himself quite the hissy fit and then abbreviated by the judge, sat back down a little defeated and stared ahead as she gave her ruling shortly thereafter. That was the best part! I was stunned, it was fun dramatic tense and breathtaking.
It is actually kinda hard at times when others are lying, to keep your composure and not to stand up in exasperation, like at a ballgame when someone makes the ump makes a bad call.. ya just wanna kick their butt or something! And there were a couple of moments when Nelson was visibly taken aback by some scathing remark, but he did well at addressing them afterwards. Oh he is a note taker of the highest order!
THJMW at times appeared to cover her mouth and smirk as WMI noteholders, FDIC, and Kriplani of Q/E were giving their remarks. She even shakes her head or makes a facial expression as if to convey something like " yeah yeah.. get on with it" and will at times cause one to hurry their point before she cuts them off and says it's not a matter for the moment but to consider at a later time. So No, she is NO GRANNY, she takes a lot of notes and subtly refers to her computer screen often as well. In short, she is VERY engaged and mindful of her timing, and her words are measured. And the aura in the courtroom is palpable as she summarizes the points that contribute to her decision.
Funny observation on Rosen.. he turns around a lot, and he texts quite a bit during the proceedings. Probably to others present in the courtroom. There was not an empty seat in the house.. mostly suits.
He apparently recognizes the shareholders (not all suits but yes, some) who attend hearings with some regularity. It seems as though Catz is his fave :) I myself didn't wear a shirt and tie as suggested, but a skirt and sweater, quite the demure. So Rosey did acknowlege us in a friendly enough manner. There were several of his colleagues (or lackeys) in tow, many of them in the row behind me. I don't know if they are atty's or clerks, but certainly Rosey's junior, seeming to be there to observe and hand out papers.
Justin Nelson is on the younger side, does not look at all jaded or timeworn, and is very approachable - as Catz asked a little favor on his way in and Nelson made it his FIRST order of business, requesting that the judge place any demonstratives on the record as exhibits, in honor of Catz's famed courtroom debut with the creaky gate. He agreed readily and then did it nicely, without any pomp or fuss.
continued..
When court ended, he was smiling and happy and responsive to our group as we thanked him.. as was Joe McMahon, another especially approachable and distinguished player. I must say I didn't envision the striking stature of a man that HE is, as well as very smooth and quiet. He simply exudes straightforwardness and honesty, which naturally makes someone outstanding in the midst of the rest!
Just a note, people from FDIC were sitting next to me, and one was having a long whisper with McMahon prior to the hearing, but not Scarhead. I'd best leave all the meat of the legalities, characters and colorful observations to Catz and the others who were there because they took notes and knew who most everyone was already. I had paper and pen but.. I was wide eyed and taking it all in. Lots of side conversations and the regulars are awesome at dividing and watching certain groups of people, and checking out in the hallways for buzz, etc. Don't you guys here worry about missing anything, they've got a good system for taking it all in on all fronts! By the way, Dorothea Barr of the EC was there as well, and she thanked us for attending, saying it's great when we show up, adding "thanks for coming, keep on coming to them all"
Most of the people I met yesterday were ihubbers with whom I was not familiar initially, however I did realize that it is their posts I have read via links on this board, and Chris and Ilene who are ihubbers but I recognized them from twitter on hearing dates. Very nice and involved people.
Of the group, a dozen or so, I was dubbed "the virgin', since it was my first time.. THAT after it was noted by all the regulars and compared with Catz's cigarette break.. the metaphoric smoke after "you know what".
A wonderful day for us Wamuers, and I'm personally gratified for having taken the trip, spur of the moment that it was. I will do it again and will be sure and mention earlier when I go the next time, as I will drive rather than Amtrak, and will be glad to arrange with anyone who'd like to ride along. It's very much fun to have an opportunity to participate in another dimension than the message boards.. and we really are some nice fun people :)
Personal thank yous to everyone who made me feel welcome right from breakfast (Catz, Ilene, California guy whose board name I didn't know, and Chris) and right on through the rest of the day in court and at lunch. I was fond of every one of you. Nobody made to feel like a fish out of water, but instead, like a VIRGIN of all things for craps sake.. I never expected I'd get to say THAT again!