Futurelawyer

#PoetryFriday - Adventure.

After a time spent crying in the trees,
he was finished.
After a time spent looking at the stars,
he was finished.
After a time spent wandering in the halls
of an empty house,
he was done.

He was ready for an adventure.

He checked his provisions,
and took stock of his gear.
He placed the correct amount of clothing in the bag.
He packed light,
before he remembered that she wasn’t coming,
and he wouldn’t need to carry her things.

He wondered whether her spirit
would accompany him,
as he sought knowledge,
and peace,
and adventure.

He wanted to hold her hand,
as he approached the forest.
He wanted to hug her again,
instead of the trees.
He listened for the birds
and the animals.
He smelled the forest floor,
as the path became smaller
and steeper.

He wanted to feel her presence again,
as he navigated the wilderness.

He only felt the brush
of leaves,
and the walking stick
he carried in his hand.

Call Me Prolific, Just Don't Call Me Late For Dinner.

This chart of law blog statistics from 2020 came across my twitter feed again this morning. I haven't seen the 2021 chart; but, it is likely that I am again atop the list. I knew that, one day, my ability to be "prolific" would outstretch my ability to be relevant, and substantive. Of course, it is easy to be a prolific law blogger when combining poetry, philosophy, law, technology, and my other avocations to the blogosphere. Thanks, LexBlog, and Bob Ambrogi, for calling attention to my addiction in a way that is positive and life affirming. Of course, calling me a "machine" is somewhat dehumanizing.

Teleprompter For The Lawyer's Desktop - PromptSmart

Prompt Smart Studio Edition. Any lawyer practicing during the Pandemic has had to become conversant with Zoom and related software that permits video conferencing and hearings. While trials are also being held over Zoom, it is best suited for remote conferencing on preliminary matters, or for client consultations. In any event, there are many techniques for using Zoom optimally, and aids to Zoom legal argument include teleprompter applications. For $60 a year, my favorite is Prompt Smart. The application converts any document or outline into a format that the software can enlarge and scroll over the screen during a Zoom call. Politicians, actors and other presenters use it to keep track of a dialogue on screen, while speaking directly into the camera. I also surround the camera with a cheap ring light that illuminates the face and keeps from the classic face looking in another direction view that computer cameras often present. Actors are taught to look directly into the camera, unless otherwise directed, and it is the only way to make eye contact during a video conference. I prefer to use Prompt Smart as an aid, rather than a word for word reading experience. The software does many things that I haven't delved into; but, it is an inexpensive way to keep your eyes on the screen during a presentation or dialogue. What's in your software arsenal?

#TBT - The FutureLawyer Acted In His High School Play. Comedy Has Never Been The Same.

Yes, that is the Futurelawyer in a striped hat and jacket, with the cast of a play called "The Roaring Twenties". Don't we all wish we were that young and thin again? We really did think we would live forever.  

 

Stop Complaining. Stop Making Excuses. You Are Alive.

Many of us are always writing, and speaking, about the shortness and fragility of life. Live each day as if it were your last. We have all heard it and said it. Then, we actually live our lives as if we had unlimited time. We really should concentrate on acting our own wise counsel. Seneca said it best:

We are always complaining that our days are few, and acting as though there would be no end of them. 

What will you do today? Will you plan for a future that may not arrive? Will you sit and worry about a problem that may not happen? Will you wallow in grief about something or someone from your past? I have no past. I have no future. Neither do you.

#TBT - Some Witnesses Should Have Their Depositions Videotaped.

Parrot Parents Can't Have A Feather Allergy

Thanks to the Lord that I don't have a feather allergy. Where would Rio perch?

#TBT - Movie Magic.

He walked alone

for a day,

looking at the past

like a black and white movie.

He was in a small theater,

with cold popcorn

and ancient seats

with no padding.

His past life

convicted him

of his sins.

Who was he to judge hers?

In his movie,

the characters moved silently,

unaware,

sleepwalking through life,

speaking words to other cardboard cutouts,

without ears to hear

or eyes to see.

He wished he knew a sin-eater,

capable of devouring their foolish acts

in an orgy of gluttony.

He wanted only to test his new found understanding,

in a cauldron of passion,

next to her naked skin.

He wanted to speak truths into her waiting ears,

holding tight against the tide of man

against man.

How could he explain to her

that his sins equaled hers,

and that his love swallowed the evil impulses

that had threatened to devour them both?

He wanted to sit in an air-conditioned theater,

holding her hand,

telling the truth of eternal love,

whispering words of passion

into her waiting ears,

inviting her to touch him

in places only she knew how to reach.

The Second Greatest Living Poet.

You know who the Greatest is. 

Dogbert Is Available To Serve As An Expert Witness In Your Next Trial.

Google the definition of an expert witness. Attend a trial in which there are dueling expert witness. Ask yourself why lawyers hire expert witnesses.