Technology

Artificial Intelligent Auxiliary Devices and the Future Big Government Surveillance

Today, people are debating who has the best artificial intelligence assistant. Is it Apple with Siri, Amazon with Alexa, or Google with the Google Assistant (I guess it’s simple)? Tomorrow, however, the debate will not be who has the best artificial intelligence assistant, but who spies the least on our privacy. Who listens to our conversations in the background all the time, which ones use that information to better serve us, and which ones keep a record of everything that was said? Yes, creepy, right? Of course, in the future there probably won’t be a false belief that privacy exists, something that makes us baby boomers cringe.

These AI assistants need to learn from customer feedback how to answer all questions and what kinds of questions are most likely to be asked; Through this artificial intelligence learning, they improve and are therefore more valuable to us and our efforts, in some cases. period, they will be so valuable that we will not care that we are giving up our privacy, will we? Ah ha, now I got you thinking. How soon will all this happen? Well I’d say it’s slowing down right now, and if you’re paying attention, I bet you’d be a little more alarmed at how fast it’s happening. In other words, this is what I have to say: tomorrow becomes today and once it is here, it is here to stay.

There was a rather revealing article on CNET titled; “Police Request Echo Recordings”, written by Alfred Ng and published on December 27, 2016. This article read:

“You have the right to remain silent, but your smart devices may not. Amazon’s Echo and Echo Dots are now in millions of homes, and holiday sales have quadrupled from 2015. Always listening to your word of caution , the innovative smart speakers have seven microphones waiting to take and record your commands. “

Interestingly, a technology that can prove guilt can also prove innocence, which is a fact that I was recently reminded of when I was on jury duty. If we ever get to Vannevar Bush’s concept of “recording a life” from cradle to grave; every song you heard, every movie you watched, every sport you played, every book you read, every place you went, every word you said, all recorded from the moment you were born to the moment of your death, again a little creepy but you can see we’re almost there

Like Santa Claus, these devices will; Know when it’s been good or bad, so be good for crying out loud! “What about the other verse of the note: You better be careful, you better not pout, I’m telling you why? Okay, think about it, and remember Be Big, Don’t Hesitate!

Arts Entertainments

Why Litigation Is Nothing More Than A Business Tool – 26 Unbreakable Litigation Rules!

From Bill Gates at the end of the last century to John D. Rockefeller at the end of the previous century; from Rick Scott, founder of Columbia Health Care, to AT&T; from Richard Branson and British Airlines to Dan Peña and The Financial Times; from government, banking, insurance and any other facet of world trade: to grow geometrically and sustain itself, litigation must be used and mastered (wisely).

As briefly as possible, I will recall the highlights of the use of litigation as a business tool.

Now, before we start, I want the record to be recorded, about 50% of my 30-year litigation history has had nothing to do with making money, that is, many lawsuits have been based on principles, some were to correct an error as egregious as slanderous comments made about me; and some were because an entity only needed a good payment and no one else would carry the flag into battle.

I, like Don Quixote, have fought more than one windmill.

As you have heard me speak and write, in creating your ‘Dream Team’, you want accountants from the Big Five and a great national or international law firm, the best representation you cannot afford!

Unlike the success-oriented fees that I advise you to use when facilitating transactions, no law firm will initially litigate on this basis.

Perhaps if your case is especially strong, they will do so on a contingent basis. Unfortunately, you will use litigation as a positioning tool from time to time and your case may not be something you can seriously take advantage of.

A year or two ago, being left with a pig in a punch, I had to litigate a case with misleading data at best to support the desired outcome. Fortunately, our (my) apparent lust to litigate was stronger than his desire to fight a tough battle, so a reasonably good settlement was finally reached.

Of course, during this process my good lawyers advised us, advising that our case should be much stronger, etc. Even with great lawyers, it’s their job to inform you of downside risks. Again, what happens is that you are often afraid to move forward with your case.

Good lawyers win regular lawsuits. Great attorneys can win lawsuits where you have little or no chance of winning.

Three of my favorite litigators over the years are Steve Susman and Cyrus Marter IV of Susman Godfrey in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle and Tim Harris of Charleston Revich & Williams in Los Angeles. All three have pulled me out of some pretty big black holes.

I have taken care of them for 10 and 20 years respectively. They are worth every penny they charge!

Our judicial system works, but we grow up fearing it. It is outside our comfort zone, so we exclude ourselves from benefiting from it. Normally, the cost associated with it prevents us from using it.

In fact, I am currently involved in litigation in which the auxiliary parties to the litigation have rights that are being seriously violated. A large group of people could exert great pressure, but they are afraid due to previous bad experiences. They may get what they deserve, but they are not pursuing your best interests.

There are lawyers who take cases for humanitarian reasons, if the case warrants it, also in the business field, that is, large corporations that take advantage of the system only because of its size.

Why do you want to sue so that you are the plaintiff? As a plaintiff, you choose where and when the lawsuit is fought and will likely eventually be resolved.

This can be a great advantage. And second, the plaintiff is allowed two closing arguments, which means that you (your attorney) can address the judge and / or jury again and again after the defendants’ final argument. This can also be very important.

26 unbreakable litigation rules

# 1 CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES

# 2 CHOOSE THE PLACE

# 3 BE THE PLAINTIFF

# 4 HAVE THE BEST REPRESENTATION

# 5 LISTEN TO YOUR HEART

# 6 DON’T LISTEN TO YOUR SICK STOMACH WHEN YOU’RE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

# 7 DON’T LISTEN TO FAMILY, FRIENDS, ET AL

# 8 LISTEN TO EXPERIENCED LITIGANTS – LIKE ME!

# 9 SPEAKING IN GENERAL, DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE COST (THIS IS VERY HARD)

# 10 BIG DEMANDS ARE BETTER THAN SMALL

# 11 CHOSEN JURY TRIALS, OPPOSED ONLY TO ONE JUDGE

# 12 PREPARATION (YOURS) IS EVERYTHING – KNOW THE FACTS

# 13 PRACTICAL DEPOSITIONS AND TESTS

# 14 IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT A BETTER STRATEGY, GET A NEW LAWYER (NOT TRUE IN MY CASE)

# 15 NEVER GIVE UP

# 16 DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY THE PROCESS

# 17 USE FALSE EVIDENCE (FAKE TRIALS YOU MAKE IN FRONT OF A HIRED JURY)

# 18 DRESS SIMPLE AND CONSERVATIVE IN COURT – NO JEWELRY EXCEPT A WEDDING BAND; WHITE SHIRT, PLAIN TIE AND DARK SUIT FOR MEN AND EQUIVALENT FOR WOMEN; CARE HAIR FOR SHORT MEN

# 19 DON’T LOSE YOUR TEMPERATURE IN COURT – IT’S OK TO CRY IF IT’S REAL

# 20 HAVE YOUR SPOUSE IN THE FIRST ROW EVERY DAY. CHILDREN ALSO IF POSSIBLE. OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE SECOND ROW IS OK

# 21 THERE ARE NO PRESS QUOTES THAT ARE NOT “WE BELIEVE IN OUR CASE AND THAT IS WHY WE WENT TO COURT.” YOUR WORDS CAN TURN EASILY.

# 22 WHEN YOU GO OUT FOR LUNCH OR RECREATION, REMEMBER TO NEVER SPEAK IN PUBLIC ABOUT THE CASE – YOU NEVER KNOW WHO COULD LISTEN

# 23 WHEN YOU FIND A WINNING LEGAL TEAM, STAY WITH THEM

# 24 ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH, NO MATTER WHAT. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.

# 25 DURING VIDEO-RECORDED DEPOSITIONS AND IN COURT, WATCH THE CAMERA AND JURY. MAKE EYE CONTACT.

# 26 WHEN TESTIFYING IN A DEPOSITION / TRIAL, IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE ANSWER, SAY YOU DON’T KNOW THE ANSWER

It is a closed world of the best litigants. Virtually all large law firms have good to super good attorneys. Not all great law firms have great litigants. You don’t always need a great lawyer, but at some point, if you grow geometrically, you will.

Like any other project management, litigation must be managed. Unfortunately, just like giving speeches, you become a great litigator by going through a learning curve.

I don’t mean that you have to get involved in wasting your efforts (like making bad speeches so that after a while you make good speeches) to be in a position to win in court. Large law firms will allow you to get ahead of the learning curve.

The Quantum Leap methodology talks endlessly about how to follow your dreams. Life without dreams is like a bird with a broken wing: it cannot fly. I wrote this newsletter because sometimes you will need litigation to follow your dream.

Get out there and kick some ass, and don’t let conventional wisdom stop you from achieving your dream.

Conventional wisdom says don’t litigate.

All the high performers and great organizations of the last hundred years litigated and litigated as I write this letter.

Don’t litigate frivolously, but don’t be afraid either.

At its quantum leap,

Daniel S. Peña, Sr.

Tours Travel

Introducing Michigan’s Secret Beach Town

Located in western Michigan, on the shore of Lake Michigan at sunset, is the charming little town of Pentwater, Michigan. For years, you would see a common bumper sticker around town that read “Where the hell is Pentwater?” Anyone who has spent time here is sure to fall in love with the area and will return again and again, which is why the continued darkness of the city seems to be an enduring mystery. Most people in Michigan are still completely unaware of this coastal gem.

Allow me to introduce.

Visitors to Pentwater arriving from the more popular southern route are initially greeted by Pentwater Lake as the road winds its way along its northern shoreline, dotted with quaint and charming cabins, the silhouettes of fishermen, and the occasional swan or family of ducks. As the road turns right, then left, and then nears the village, the view opens onto a mast-filled harbor, lined with active marinas and charter boats, truly reminiscent of the coastal towns of Maine or Massachusetts. This is New England, but much closer to home.

The road then turns sharply north and becomes Main Street Pentwater, perfectly lined with art galleries featuring creations by local and national artisans, numerous antique shops, clothing boutiques, and restaurants with open-air patios featuring music. Live and delicious seafood. and cold cocktails. It’s always happy hour here, if not officially, at least in spirit. This is a scene to inspire Norman Rockwell himself, with the white church steeple on the outskirts of town. People drive slowly; They take a deep breath and smile, because at Pentwater you feel like you’re on vacation, even when you’re not.

Near the end of town, our village tour turns west, continues a few blocks, and then ends at the main attraction: the freshwater shores of Lake Michigan. Guests who have never been to the Great Lakes are always pleasantly surprised, and the locals born and raised here never tire of it. An endless water horizon with the most beautiful sunsets in the world, warm sand between your toes, dune grass swaying in the breeze, the sound of waves, seagulls, kites and ice cream cones; this is Pentwater, not California, not Maine, not Carolina or Hawaii, but Michigan! And after a long walk along the water’s edge, all the way to the end of the pier, around the lighthouse and back again, you’re in love with Michigan’s secret beach town. You will come back again and again.

He is waiting, on the way, to welcome you and yours this summer season.

Sports

Hockey News – NHL to fight KHL

The NHL is closing in on a deal with the KHL to play two exhibition games next season.

Every week I like to pick a random hockey story that I think is interesting enough to share with the rest of the hockey community.

I came across this story from Darren Dreger on TSN and after doing some research, I found some additional reports on forums and blogs (the most credible sources) that confirmed these details. So, having a hunch, this sounds like something that could really be in the works.

Apparently the NHL and KHL have been talking about hosting some exhibition games between the two leagues since the Olympics. The two NHL teams that will be playing, and they are only tentatively scheduled at the moment, are the Carolina Hurricanes and Phoenix Coyotes because, in reality, there is no denying the fact that quiet and reserved folks like Cam Ward and Petr Prucha have emerged. of their shells. to become legitimate spokespersons for the league and will represent the NHL extremely well at this outstanding international event.

Sheesh. What happened: New York, Detroit, Washington, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Montreal, etc. etc. etc. weren’t all available?

Anyway, according to Dreger’s report, it looks like the ‘Canes will play St. Petersburg (SKA) and the’ Yotes will face Riga. Who knows who will defect to the KHL and join these two teams before the actual games are played (or leave the teams for that matter), but some notable names in the teams at the moment include:

SKA:

Darius Kasparaitis

Alexei Yashin

Sergei zubov

Sergei brylin

Riga:

Tyler arnason

Marcel hossa

Martin Kariya (yes I’m stretching here)

Other teams will go to scrimmage in Europe, as has been fashionable in recent seasons; including the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets. To be honest, in the humble opinion of this hockey fool, I think Boston and San Jose would have been better options for these big marquee games.

But regardless of my opinion, if this really fails, it will be pretty good. There has been enough tension between the leagues in recent seasons and honestly, there is no better way to settle the score than a game of hockey. I like the idea of ​​showcasing talents from different parts of the world and if the sport gains any media attention, it is definitely worth it in my books.

Shopping Product Reviews

Have you seen the snow? Snow white and eternity

The other day, while studying the wonderful word of God in Revelation 1:14 (NASB95), he says, “His head and hair were white like wool, like snow, and his eyes like a flame of fire.” Today I am going to refer only to “like snow”. I immediately thought of Snow White and Eternity, hence the title. A little twist on the words, but it got me thinking. When studying the scriptures, you should always adhere to the rule of interpreting the scriptures at the time they were written to obtain the proper meanings of the ancient language. The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it is taking place on an island called Patmos, part of Asia Minor in the Middle East. How often does it snow there? Not much, like maybe every two or five years, where there is a build-up. The exception occurs at higher elevations where it snows more frequently.

The writing only refers to a few occasions when it snowed. This crystallized substance of water and moisture-laden air cools, forming a delicate scale that only appears in the northern lands of the Bible at the highest elevations: the mountains of Lebanon, northern Syria, and Turkey. It is very rare in Jerusalem and the Transjordan area. In the NASB version, the Bible only has two references where there was snow on the ground. Psalm 68:14, “When the Almighty scattered the kings there, it was snowing in Zalmon.” In Job 24:19, “Drought and heat consume the waters of snow, and Sheol also those who have sinned.” We now know that, according to the Scriptures, it didn’t snow much.

The other verses refer to snow. In Proverbs 25:13, “Like the cold of snow in harvest time, he is a faithful messenger to those who send him, because he refreshes the souls of his masters.” Psalm 51: 7, “Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 147: 16, “He gives snow like wool; He scatters frost like ash.” Psalm 148: 8, “Fire and hail, snow and clouds; a stormy wind that keeps his word.” Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they will be as wool.” That has a lot to do with a snowflake.

Snow represented the color white as the standard for sickness in Scripture. Exodus 4: 6, “The LORD said to him further,” Now put your hand into your bosom. “Then he put his hand into her bosom, and when he pulled it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. Numbers 12:10,” But when the cloud had withdrawn from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as the snow. When Aaron turned to Miriam, behold, she was leprous. “2 Kings 5:27,” Therefore the leprosy of Naaman will stick to you and your offspring forever. “So a white leper came out of his presence Snow “.

Snow was also recognized as a seasonal event in all of these scriptures. It meant the hand of God. Job 37: 6, “For he says to snow, ‘Fall on the ground,’ And to downpour and rain, ‘Be strong.’ Job 38:22, “Have you entered the storehouses of snow, Or have you seen the deposits of hail? The snow was representative of purity, like white snow. Lamentations 4: 7,” His consecrated were purer than the snow, they were whiter than milk; they were more ruddy in body than corals, their polish was like lapis lazuli. “

From a scientific point of view, what is snow? It is a form of precipitation of crystallized water and ice, creating snowflakes that fall from the clouds. The flakes are of soft, granular material that form many sizes and shapes, but when subjected to pressure they change state and are fleeting. Snow crystals are formed from supercooled water droplets from freezing clouds, forming a unique ice network in the atmosphere that combines with other networks to create snowflakes. The ice in the flake is transparent, but the beam of light that passes through the crystalline lattices makes the light appear white depending on the angle. The location of the louvers can create amazing reflections, like the shine of a layer of fresh snow. There is much more to this and it is fascinating, but for our purposes we just need to know that this process creates unique individual structures of unlimited combinations.

I think you’re watching my drift. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Seeing a drift of snow on the Midwestern plains while traveling in a warm and cozy car on a safe and comfortable highway is an incredible sight, especially when the sun is catching those flakes, causing the effect of thousands of bright stars as we we headed to our destination. . Incredible, unique and fleeting.

That is what I felt and visualized as I read Revelation 1:14, “His head and His hair were white like wool, like snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire.” Like snow, it is amazing, unique but not fleeting because snow represents the purity of our Lord Jesus Christ in His glorified state: the perfect God-man. In two words, “like snow”, the vision of our Lord to the apostle John shows the divine will of the plan and purpose of God the Father. It’s a rare Greek word, the noun [G5510 chiôn] which means “snow” means conversion, from one state to another. The historical Jesus who became human through the virgin birth, the Lamb of God, while on earth representing perfection, purity, the absence of sin and willingly going to the cross, bore the sins of all humanity, He dismissed His spirit, rose again, and then sat on the right hand of the Father, being the first-born, the God-man.

Christ did not resurrect himself. Christ received the resurrection of God the Father through God the Holy Spirit, who is available to us. John 10: 17-18, “That is why the Father loves me, because I give my life to take it again.” No one has taken it from me, but I give it on my own initiative. I have the authority to quit and I have the authority to take it back. This command I received from my Father. “Acts 2:24” But God raised him up, ending the agony of death, since it was impossible for him to be held in his power. “Romans 6: 4,” Therefore we were buried with him in death through baptism, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. Ephesians 1:20, which He did in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. Colossians 2:12, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the work. of God, who raised him from the dead. “1 Thessalonians 1:10,” and wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, which is Jesus, who will deliver us from the wrath to come. “1 Peter 1:21,” who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that his faith and hope may be in God. “Romans 1: 4,” who cried out to the Son of God with power for the resurrection from the dead. according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord. “Romans 8:11,” But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His indwelling Spirit in you. “1 Peter 3:18,” For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that he could bring us to God, having been dead in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. “

Just as raindrops form from clouds at a precise temperature in a certain way, the formation of a unique crystallized snowflake between the mounds of snow gives the ability to shine the light of God’s grace. This resplendent divine love, grace, and hope is available to all who are willing to go through the conversion process simply by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior through faith alone in Christ. Ephesians 2: 8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one can boast.” The difference between the believer in Jesus Christ and a snowflake is eternity. The believer becomes eternal in God’s plan and purpose as the snowflake melts. The decision is his, as John 3: 15-16 says, “so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. For God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him , do not lose yourself, but have eternal life “. White as snow is the eternal nature of God through the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Real Estate

The Pros and Cons of Pet Mice

There are a few distinct benefits and also some definite downsides to keeping mice as pets. They are easy to care for, do not last long, and are easily stored in a small space. However, they are also nervous, do not last long, and in many cases, they are not very interactive.

Mice can live quite content in a 10-gallon aquarium with a mesh lid or a cage of similar size. They need a plate of food, a bottle of water, a place to hide, and maybe a wheel to run and / or a block to chew on. Some kind of sand should be placed in the bottom of the cage to absorb urine and usually only needs to be changed once a week.

The urine of mice is quite itchy, especially that of mature males. This can be mitigated a bit by keeping only the females or by cleaning the stains from the cage daily or every other day. But mice generally smell something, so if you hate the smell, maybe another pet or no pets would be better for you.

The lifespan of a mouse is not very long, usually only between a year and a year and a half. This can be difficult if they become beloved pets, but it also means they have less commitment. This makes them good pets for children who are old enough to be responsible but may lose interest in a year or so.

Food and sand for a mouse or two are not very expensive. They are small and don’t eat much, and they don’t need a lot of sand for their cages either. However, veterinary care for your mouse will not be much less expensive than for a cat or small dog, especially since you would need to seek out an exotics specialist.

A lonely mouse is not likely to be happy, because they are deeply social creatures. However, they are shy enough that it is difficult to get a mouse with a companion to bond with you. In general, the best are two babies or adults who are already friends, because they will bond with you and yet appreciate each other’s company. Always choose two of the same sex.

Interaction with a mouse is limited. People can hold them and sometimes let them run around desks or other secure areas, but care must be taken that they do not leak. And older mice that are not yet domesticated can be difficult to handle. However, people who primarily enjoy watching their pets run and play will greatly enjoy having a mouse or two.