Futurelawyer

Follow The Science. But, Better Wait A Hundred Years.

100 years ago, the science told us to wear a radium patch on our lower backs. It was said to cure all sorts of ailments. The claims were, of course, touted by a company that made radium appliances. The next time someone tells you to follow the science, it might be a good idea to ask some questions. 100 years later, the science tells us:

"Exposure to higher levels of radium over a long period can lead to death and other severe health problems. High levels of radium can cause cancer (especially bone cancer), anemia, a problem with the blood; fractured teeth and cavities, and growths in the eyes called cataracts."

#WhyIAmASolo - I Don't Have To Attend Long-Range Planning Meetings.

We waste a lot of living time trying to plan for the future. We don't, any of us, know whether our future will happen; but, we live our lives as if our future was limitless. Sure, a law firm must consider what may come in the future, and take steps to protect the firm, if the future happens. But, long range planning should be concentrated on expecting the worst, and preparing for it. We waste time when we assume we will have a future at all. Even large organizations should spend most of their time maximizing the present. As a solo, I get to spend my time enjoying today, and whatever time I have left will take care of itself. The new gurus call it meditation, or mindfulness. New science tells us that stress and worry are more dangerous for the heart than smoking, or obesity. My prescription? Stop worrying. And, no long range planning meetings.

Pandemic Blues.

Now they tell us that COVID 19 will be with us forever. Some of us have moved on, however, and don't wear masks, or avoid contact, anymore. We are a nation of mask wearers and mask free people now. We no longer trust our institutions; nor do we trust those who run them. We are crisis weary, and most of us realize that living in fear isn't really living at all. I realized this two years ago when I wrote this poem. I have edited it some; but, the sentiment is the same. Life isn't about being safe all the time. A good life is about not worrying unduly about the inevitability of death. Expect it, so you will be prepared when it comes. But, live like you aren't going to die until tomorrow.

I want to do dangerous things again.

 

I want to feel the wind in my face,

and smell the fresh grass.

I want to walk to the corner store,

without wearing a mask over my face.

I want to shop at the mall,

and walk through it,

without trying to avoid human contact.

I want to sit in the stands

at the football game, 

surrounded by screaming fans.

I want to drive fast,

and breathe clean air.

I want to put the top down

and drive the car fast.

I want to  pretend I am a warrior,

while playing in the dirt

with plastic soldiers,

next to the creek,

wearing a peanut butter smile.

I want to come home after dark,

not caring whether my mother will yell at me.

 

I want to do dangerous things again.

 

I want to steal a first kiss

from the girl I have been dreaming about

in English class.

I want to wake up late,

and miss the seminar,

and eat what I want,

without worrying about getting fat.

 

I want to do dangerous things again.

 

I don’t want to be safe anymore.

I don’t want to worry about whether I will die.

I know that I will die.

I know that living is full of risk.

 

I want to do dangerous things again.

Wearable Tech For The Mobile Lawyer.

Best WearOS Devices With Heart Rate Sensors. I confess that I was wrong about health monitoring on Smartwatches. In the beginning, I didn't think I wanted something on my wrist that monitored by bodily functions. But, after a heart attack, it occurred to me that I should probably be taking better care of my body. So, these days, I am always wearing the Smartwatch with the best health sensors, and my Galaxy Watch 4 is the best of the best. I daily measure my heartrate, blood oxygen level, do a rudimentary ECG, measure my steps, measure my stress level, and more, without looking away from my wrist. In the future, we will be wearing computing devices that track many more things, and you don't have to be an arrogant exercise fanatic to keep up with your bodily functions. Now, I have to find the motivation to get out there and exercise. I am not hopeful.

I Had A Doctor's Appointment Today And I Didn't See Him.

My Health Light Now. I had my Six Month checkup this morning, and I checked email and browsing while I waited in a virtual waiting room. I had a pleasant conversation with my GP, whom I have known for over 30 years, and he was in his office, and I in mine. He had my blood work, and went through it with me. I did my own blood pressure, ECG, Blood Oxygen level, Heart Rate, on my SmartWatch and Smartphone. I joked with him about Physicians' becoming obsolete, and he agreed. But, his wise counsel has been invaluable to me for over 30 years, and we have valuable discussions about my aging body and heart. He and I find it incredible that I am still testing normal on everything. I explained that one of the benefits of genetics; especially Italian-American genetics, is that centuries of hard labor have conditioned us to survive. So, for at least another day, I am alive and kicking. More than that, no one can ask.

Quick, Somebody Call My Cardiologist.

I may have blundered upon the cause of my medical issues. It is the way I was raised. My family is the cause of all my issues. Quick, somebody call my cardiologist.

 

Follow The Science.

I cringe every time someone tells me to "follow the science". Science is the state of daily discovery; and, what was science yesterday, is the false narrative of today. We need to develop a healthy skepticism about what others say about science. Lawyers become quite familiar with so called "expert witnesses", and their questionable "scientific analysis". I tend to play the odds. When scientists tell me that an experimental vaccine is protection against a virus, I recognize that they can't be certain. But, I look at the odds, and decide to get vaccinated. I am not "following the science". I am judging the advantages, risks, and disadvantages, and making a personal decision. Fifty years ago, this is what passed for science in the field of medicine:

If You Need A Mood Altering Drug, Caffeine Is The Best Choice.

5-healthy-reasons-to-drink-coffee. We all experience the need, on occasion, to alter our mood. As a senior, I have chosen, for many years, to use coffee, which has the drug, caffeine, and which has the pleasant effect of increasing alertness, and serving as an energy boost. In fact, I drink it all day long, and have developed a tolerance for it, such that I can drink a cup late in the day, and still sleep soundly. I seldom drink alcohol, with an occasional single malt scotch, several times a year, being the extent of my use of that drug. The negative health effects of too much alcohol have informed my limited use of it, and I have never liked the effects of it anyway. So, if coffee is the choice I have made, I decided to do some research into the long term effects on my body. Of course, at my advanced age, it is too late to make any life changing habit changes; but, I wanted to know anyway. I am happy to report that the science says that caffeine is health enhancing, in several ways. Coffee has been proven to reduce the risk of cancer, reduce the risk of stroke, and help to lower the blood sugar, reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. It also has a beneficial effect on depression, and can reduce the risk of dementia, progressing into Alzheimer's disease. My biggest fear, in my declining years, is the loss of mental capacity, and studies have shown that caffeine blocks inflammation of the adenosine receptors in the brain. The adenosine receptors can start a chain reaction to begin a cognitive decline. So, forgive me for this not intended to be humorous post; but, I am going to get another cup of coffee.

If You Grew Up In The Fifties.

Uh, even this graphic is a little outdated. I wear a device on my wrist that has access to all of the cumulative knowledge of mankind, I talk to it, get voice answers, use it to measure my blood oxygen levels, and conduct medical grade ECGs. 

What If A Billionaire Used His Power And Money For Good?

Mark Cuban founds company to provide low cost, generic drugs. Mark Cuban is my new hero. Rather than follow the lead of Big Pharma, and raise drug prices to vulnerable populations, he is using his money and power to found a low cost pharmacy that sells needed drugs at a cost plus price that is transparent. Capitalism works when capitalists are good people. Profit is the best incentive for progress. Yes, some follow baser instincts. But, government control is not the answer. Thanks, Mr. Cuban. You have earned a thank you. Why isn't this on the front page of the Tampa Bay Times?