Futurelawyer

HP Instant Ink - Let Your Printer Do The Walking

Your printer orders ink for you with new HP Instant Ink service - CNET. Lawyers use a lot of printer ink. Even in a digital, Internet world, we still print documents on paper. It is a real pain to be in the middle of a printing project and run out of ink. But, ink is very expensive. They give away printers so that they can sell you ink. The idea that a WiFi enabled printer, (I have one, and HP 8600 Plus) could also monitor ink levels, and, for a monthly subscription cost, order and deliver ink before I run out, is attractive. However, on close examination, it is a no go. First, it is only available right now in the U.K. Second, I would have to upgrade to an 8610 or 8620 printer. Even at giveaway prices, that eliminates savings on ink. Third, there are a lot of third party companies that sell ink cartridges for a lot less than HP or other manufacturers. Sure, you lose your warranty; but, when was the last time you needed it? My printers seem to last for years, and I get a new one before they break. My printer sends me nasty messages if I put in a "non HP" cartridge; but, in my experience, they work fine. It helps that Staples is only 20 blocks from my office. Hey, it is good to get out of the chair and out in the sunshine sometimes. Road trip. Let's go buy some ink.

Self Driving Cars Are A Reality

Small and designed for local traffic, Google has created special utility self driving cars that will be the first volley in the future computer controlled car wars. Since the time will certainly come when I can't drive anymore, I don't want to be dependent on others to take me on errands. These cars will be perfect for the task. In case you don't think this can work, take a look:

 

Who Owns The Law? You Do.

Who owns the law? Technology reignites the war over just how public documents should be. While lawyers and court personnel are more likely to spend their hours and days reading and analyzing primary law and case law and regulations, legal research also requires information published by standards bodies, arcane regulations published by organizations most people never heard of. Since the dawn of the Internet, it has become clear that information, and its retrieval, are available to anyone with a computer and an Internet connection. It has also been clear throughout our history, that the primary law, (codes, statutes, cases and regulations) and other stuff promulgated by our legislatures and courts is the property of the people, and that no person or organization should be able to claim ownership of it. However, legal publishers and others have added value to the law, and provided ever easier and more convenient ways to organize and access it. A balance must be struck between paying a fair price for the added value, and still providing access to the underlying law to everyone. This ABA Journal article is a great primer on this controversy, and every citizen should be aware of the battle being fought over access. Legal analysis is both an art and a science. Lawyers make a living reading, interpreting, analyzing and applying the law to the mess we call human interaction. One of the truisms of the Internet is that information wants to be free. It is also true that, in a capitalist society, we all want to be paid. Technology will alter that balance.

In Search Of Our Fathers On Memorial Day

Diesel Aircraft Engines - Martin M. Georges - Google Books. On this Memorial Day, when we honor those who died in service of their country, I want to honor my father, Martin M. Georges, who was an Army Air Corps Pilot, and died in a plane crash in New Mexico in the early Fifties. I was 5, and grew up without him. While I had a great step-dad and great family growing up, I always had a curiosity about him. I knew that he had graduated from the University of Cincinnati, with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and that he had served with my mom in the Korean War. However, I never knew that he wrote his thesis in College on Diesel Aircraft Engines, nor that a copy of it is still in the University archives. This photo of him, and his Captain's Bars, are my prized possessions. How many other sons have lost their Dads in military service? I honor him today, along with millions of others who gave their last full measure of devotion to their country. Rest in peace, Dad.

Captain Martin M. Georges

Samsung Solo - A Watch Phone?

Samsung expected to unveil a call-making smartwatch in June. Just when I was getting used to my Neo SmartWatch, which I love, Samsung is now rumored to put a SIM card in the next version, and call it the Solo. I love the idea; but, I have spent years finding the perfect phone size, that allows me to see what I am doing. The SmartWatch is the perfect companion, and the speakerphone in it is very useful. However, I don't think I would be happy if it were the only device I used. The screen is just too small. Even the iPhone is bigger. I guess we shall see if this thing takes off. It is the true Dick Tracy dream, isn't it?

Apple Fixes iMessage Bug

Apple to fix iMessage bug that causes ex-iPhone users to lose their texts. One of the things I hate about closed operating systems is that they restrict consumer choice. The argument is that they are more secure;  but, in our NSA world, that is an illusion anyway. Recently, Apple came under fire because its servers wouldn't transmit iMessage texts to and from users who switched to Android. This made a lot of people angry, and Apple has now fixed the problem. But, it highlights a problem with Apple. The company is so paranoid about its systems that users can find themselves locked in. Put me in the Google/Android camp. Power to the people.

Parrot Sunday - Monkey Business

I don't think this monkey realizes what a Blue and Gold Macaw can do with his beak. I suspect he is about to find out.

Memorial Day - The Blood Of Heroes

Memorial Day. The Memorial Poppies symbolize the blood shed in war by heroes. This Monday we  honor those who sacrificed their lives for us. Words are inadequate to honor them. Symbols are inadequate to honor them. On Monday, take some time to pray for them.

"We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies."

                                                                                   Moina Michael - 1915

30 Android Apps To Try

App Weekender: 30 new apps for Android you should try this weekend (Week 20) - AndroidTapp. I am always looking for more functionality from my personal computing devices; especially my Note 3 smartphone that is my constant companion. Here are 30 apps to try this weekend. Happy Apping.

Why I No Longer Go To NightClubs

Well, one of the reasons. SWMBO might have something to do with it also.