Futurelawyer

It's A Laptop! No, It Isn't! Yes, It Is! It's Definitely Not A Bird Or An Airplane! If It Only Had A Brain!

Once upon a time, there was a little metal box with a screen and keys and a touch pad. But, it was sad, like the Tin Man, because it didn't have a brain. Oh, poor Tin Man. What will we do? Then, the Wizard said, I have a brain that you can use. It's called a Smartphone, and it is very, very smart. Over the years, it has become bigger, stronger, and has a longer memory. But, it has a tiny little screen, and no keyboard. I think a marriage is in order. So, the Wizard got the Smartphone and the metal box together, and the rest will be history, if anyone gets it. You don't need a Chromebook. You are already carrying in your pocket. 

True Happiness Lies In A New Tech Gadget

Hey, we all have our predilections. Diane likes giraffes and knick knacks. I like computers and gadgets. She completes me. But, I digress. I just got an email that my NexDock is on its way, and DHL will be delivering it next week. If you recall, I have posted some videos about using external monitors to turn the new Samsung phones into usable computers. Plug in a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and the phone can be used as an Android computer, with the DeX software from Samsung. But, what if you took a notebook computer shell, and plugged in a smartphone as the brain? What a cool gadget that would be. Welcome to the NexDock. Here is a little video that shows it in action.

Stoics Have Strong Emotions...They Just Know That They Are Not Part Of The Solution.

As I have been watching the histrionics and hand-wringing over the pandemic, the crazy political stunts, and the virtue signaling explosion that requires all of us to toe some political line or another, it occurred to me that we all need to take a breath. The reason the Stoics advise us to maintain an emotional even keel is that strong emotions never solve anything. We all share empathy for suffering and tragedy; but, would you rather have a helper show empathy or help find a solution? Will jumping up and down, and screaming at the top of your lungs, and beating others over the head until they agree with you, solve anything? Physical violence only, in my experience, strengthens the resolve of the beaten to aspire to revenge, or to resist. The best way to get through events is to find joy in them, or expect that joy will come soon.

"While it’s not a principle, I often think of the parable of the Taoist farmer. The Taoist farmer has one horse, and the horse runs off. The villagers lament his misfortune, and he replies “We’ll see.” The horse returns with four more horses, and the farmer is praised for his good luck. He replies, “We’ll see.” His son then attempts to break the horses, and breaks his leg. Again, the villagers console him for his bad luck. The reply again is “We’ll see.” Then the army comes and conscripts all the able-bodied young men, but the farmer’s son is spared." — Michael Sachse

 

#ParrotSunday - Don't Cage Me, Bro!

Mr. Bean tries to teach his parrot to talk. What could go wrong?

 

You Get No More Of My Money, Disney.

Entertainment Industry Lost Growth. I realized that my spending was going to be severely altered when the pandemic hit. However, it may have been a blessing in disguise. I had been spending thousands of dollars a year on DisneyWorld, for hotels, and food, and Disney souvenirs, at the most expensive resort in Florida. I used the savings to renovate my pool. Now, I have years to enjoy the solitude of my own back yard, and no more Disney clutter in the house. I used to spend hundreds of dollars at live sporting events. I had reduced that spending before the pandemic, for reasons such as not wanting to swelter in 100 degree heat and blistering sun, to anger that sporting events were becoming political rallies. I don't care about politics, on either side. I just don't want it shoved in my face at a game. I used to spend a lot going out to eat, and to movies, and many other venues. While I still support small, local restaurants, I eat out less, and I enjoy the comfort of my home TV over sitting in a theater with strangers who always seem to be talking, or using their cell phones. So, when life gives you lemons, figure out how to make lemonade. There are always ways to live a happy life.

Lucille Mistakes Sarcasm For Advice.

A Dieting Strategy I Can Get Behind.

Constant Medical Monitoring - The Gift Of Modern Technology

Galaxy Watch 3. I have often felt like a voice crying in the wilderness these past 7 or 8 years. While I shouted about the future of wearable computers that looked like wristwatches, my colleagues kept spending thousands of dollars for wrist machines that said only one thing. I have enough money to throw away on a wrist watch that only tells the time. In the hundreds of years since their invention, wristwatches have only managed to be differentiated by the development of better timing technology, and outward embellishments and designer labels that only increased their cost. But, I knew from the beginning that wrist computers could be so much more. When I did a medical grade ECG on my self this morning just by touching my index finger to the button on the side of my Galaxy Watch 3, and saw a message that I had a normal sinus rhythm, I realized that there is no limit to the future of these magical devices. I can monitor my blood oxygen, heart rate, heart rhythm, and much more on a continuous basis. This is just the tip of the iceberg. One day, wearable computers will be a standard accessory for every human being. If I have an arrythmia, I will be the first to know, and hopefully can call 911 before my next heart attack. These things, in addition to being productive in law practice and business, and fun when we want it, and weather and news monitors, and communication devices, can be life saving devices. This technology is available for less than $500 right now. What's on your wrist?

#WhyIAmASolo - I Don't Have To Work In A Place Where Someone Else Chooses The Motivational Posters

In addition to legal jargon, corporate speak and management buzzwords, I have an issue with so called "motivational" posters. We have all seen them in corporate America, and some BigLaw locations, no? The boss thinks he is cool, and puts up his favorite sayings to rally the troops. Pig has the right idea. I may put this one up at the Futurelawyer office.

#WhyIAmASolo - Nobody Can Make Me Use Corporate Speak

Buzzwords. Many of us use buzzwords and phrases when we have no idea what we are talking about, or we want to impress with our knowledge. Lawyers use Latin words and phrases, ostensibly because we need stability in the law, and a dead language keeps its meaning over time. But, saying
Res Ipsa Loquitur" to a modern jury requires you to then translate to "The Thing Speaks for Itself". Somewhat redundant, no? Geeks use tech buzzwords or acronyms, and corporate managers say them as well. BigLaw has them; many adopted from management seminars. Six Lean Sigma is one of my favorites. What the hell does that mean? One of my favorite people, Don MacMillan, has his own take on this travesty of language. Watch and laugh.