Futurelawyer

"Alexa, Send A Message Please"

Android users can now tell Alexa to text someone - CNET. I have an Amazon Echo Show on my desks at home and at the office. I originally purchased them to have video phone calls with SWMBO when she was in the Hospital; but, now, they are used to give me access to the Echo's skill set no matter which office I am working in. I use them to make phone calls by voice and to get my daily news briefing, among other things. Now, however, I can send text messages by voice to anyone in my contact list. Very cool. I can also play my favorite music and watch movies and TV on my Echo Show devices just by asking via voice. Yes, that is me and SpiderMan on my home screen. Get over it. 

U.S. Carriers Say "No Way, Huawei"

Why Huawei's Killer Phones Can't Crack the U.S.. Huawei (pronounced Wah-Way) makes great phones. But, they sell unlocked phones, and are making a major push to try to get their phones sold more in the U.S. Attempts to get U.S. carriers to offer the phones (presumably with carrier locks) have met with "not in my backyard" reactions. Some news organizations say that the Government is telling carriers not to deal with Huawei because they fear that the Chinese devices will be used for spying in the U.S. Of course, U.S. phone buyers buy devices direct from carriers by a big majority, even though unlocked devices give them more freedom to choose. You can force the carrier to unlock a carrier phone; but, the process can be a pain. Another Chinese manufacturer, ZTE, is facing the same government opposition. My take? Buy a phone for its price and features; not for its politics. Jeez.

Admiral James Stockdale -An American Hero

James Stockdale - Wikipedia.The Stockdale Paradox.

When asked who failed to survive in the Vietnam POW camps, James Stockdale said the "optimists",because, after their hopes kept getting dashed, they died of a broken spirit. He survived because, while never losing hope at the final outcome, he dealt realistically with each day, and each situation. This dual philosophical approach to life informed his every moment, and he credited it to his survival after years of imprisonment.

"We will all experience disappointments and crushing events somewhere
along the way, setbacks for which there is no "reason"; no one to
blame. It might be a disease; it might be injury; it might be an
accident; it might be losing a loved one; it might be getting swept
away in a political shake up; it might be getting shot down over
Vietnam and thrown into a POW camp for 8 years. What separates
people, James Stockdale taught me, is not the presence or absence of
difficulties, but how they deal with the inevitable difficulties of
life."

-- Jim Collins

Get Rid Of Your Timex - Here's An Android Wear Smartwatch For $49.99

[Deal Alert] Verizon's discontinued Wear24 smartwatch is down to just $49.99 ($300 off) with coupon code. All of you who are prideful about your basic Timex watches, here is a fully functioning Android Wear 2.0 SmartWatch on sale for less than Fifty bucks. At a $300 discount, this is a perfect way to upgrade your watch experience with a true Smartwatch. All Android Wear 2.0 watches are the same inside, and this deal is great. While I hate Verizon's network and prices, this is a good deal.

The Future Of Law Practice And Being Human

The Future Of Law Practice And Being Human%u2026It%u2019s All About AI %u2013 PRI. When I was asked to write a piece on CES 2018, which is the largest gadget show in the world, and to relate it to the practice of law, it was easy. There is no question that the theme of this year's conference was the Internet of Things and the rise of AI powered devices. As things become smarter, their utility in the practice of law and every other business becomes amplified. This article was the result. There is enough here to satisfy both the practicing lawyers and those who want to replace us. Only the future can tell. 

When It's Monday Morning, And You Don't Feel Like Starting Work Yet

This set up shows my Note 8 SmartPhone connected via HDMI to the PocketPico picoprojector, projecting Perry Mason episode one onto my office wall. Hey, I will get around to working later. In fact, this setup is a very portable way to do presentations and to use in Court when courtroom projection isn't available.

Hey Samsung! I Want My Oreo Cookie!

The unbearable slowness of Samsung's updates | Android Central. Okay, I only spent $1,000 on a Galaxy Note 8 from Samsung because SWMBO wanted one. She was a lover of the Galaxy styluses, and was an expert at using them. She kept long, fashionable fingernails, so it was easier for her than trying to type on the phone. When I inherited the phone from her, I wasn't about to let it go to waste, and I discovered that is was a great phone in its own right. I hardly ever take the stylus out; but, it is there in case I decide I want to learn how to use it. Samsung, however, takes its sweet time updating the OS, and, while I have had Android 8.1 (Oreo) on a couple of my other phones for a year now, the Note 8 is still on Version 7. Hey, Samsung, what's up with that? I want my Cookie!

Retirement Has Nothing To Do With Happiness

I saw this posted the other day, and it occurred to me that, on my worst Mondays, I found a way to be happy. Some of my retired friends are happy people, and some are not. Some Mondays I wake up happy, and sometimes it takes a while. Happiness isn't a product of your work history. It is a state of mind that you control. Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius all experienced far worse tragedy, illness and other problems that you or I ever have; and, they were able to have the wisdom to understand that it was their reaction to life that created or destroyed that elusive concept we call "happiness". I will likely never "retire"; yet, I would call myself happy. I have friends who are "happily" retired. So, what do I call a person who is happy on a Monday? Alive and above ground, and who knows where happiness comes from. Have a great week.

Super Bowl Office Betting:Just Don't

Super Bowl Office Betting: Good Clean Fun or Borrowing Trouble? %u2013 Lex Mater. Have you ever participated in a Super Bowl betting pool that required an entrance fee? If so, under the law of many States, you have committed a crime. In Florida, it would be a second degree misdemeanor. Of course, even non-criminal traffic offenses show up on searches at times as criminal offenses. I was once cited because Jacquelyn's dog got out, and I took the rap. Paid a fine, and now I have a "criminal" record. Oh well. But, office gambling? You might be surprised at the broad definition of gambling in the statutes of most States. In Florida, there are big money gambling operations permitted by law for Jai Alai, Indian reservations, etc. But, unless you are in a private residence and the pool is less than ten dollars, or playing for a recognized 501 (c) (3) Charity, better hope that a disgruntled employee doesn't snitch. I know. The authorities have bigger fish to fry. It is only in fun, right? I am embarrassed to admit that this great article was written by the wife of a Cowboys fan. Hail to the Redskins. 

#ParrotSunday - Is That A Handlebar Moustache?