Wednesday, April 24, 2024
1/6: The Graphic Novel, Issue #1 – What if the Attack on the U.S. Capitol had Succeeded?: For Those Who Don't Get What The Fuss About Jan 6 Is All About
Cartoons and comics have always been the way some people absorb information, especially on political matters; for many, it is better than long lectures or books. In that great tradition, this four issue mini-series explores the America that Trump had hoped for, and is threatening to bring again.
Do not expect this to be like any other graphic novel you have read, even those with serious theme. It's not "Watchmen" or "V For Vendetta" because its subject is not fantasy but reality: actual history and actual promises by an actual aspiring dictator. That limits the costumes, the superpowers, and the world-building.
OTOH we recognize the characters. They act as we would expect them to, whether they obviously stand in for people we know (would that Trumpist newscaster complain about the bloodstains in the studio he's just taken over? You know that he would!), or are types of persons we also recognize (the father of someone who died in Jan6 acts as any grieving father would.)
History tells us that the day before a democracy dies, almost nobody thinks it could die. Share this work with friends and family members who don't get what the fuss is all about.
Sunday, March 31, 2024
April+ Free CLE Webinars
April Free CLE
* April 1: IVF and Abortion – Two Sides of the Same Coin with Naomi Cahn & Sonia M. Suter. Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Apri 2:
* Inaugural Symposium of the Voting Rights and Democracy Forum. By Fordham.
* Online Legal Research and Resources. by LexisNexis.
* The Intersection of Immigration & Family Law. By Just Cause.
April 3:
* Research Skills for IP Litigation. By LexisNexis.
* How to Manage Your Immigration Program. By Cozen O'Connor.
* Diving Deeper into Legal Research Potential: Advanced Online Legal Research Concepts. By LexisNexis.
April 4:
* The Appraisal Process And Determining Property Value In 2024. By CES.
* Marijuana in the Workplace: An Update and a Look Forward. By LexisNexis.
April 5:
* Bankruptcy Fundamentals. By LexisNexis.
* Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis.
April 8:
* Fordham and Race: Looking Backward, Looking Forward>. By Fordham.
* Online Legal Research and Resources. by LexisNexis.
April 9:
* The Dawning of a New Era: Combining Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities. By LexisNexis.
April 10:
* Renewable Energy Developments in the U.S.. By LexisNexis.
* Artificial Intelligence for Asset Managers - The Compliance and Regulatory Path Ahead. By K&L Gates.
* Diving Deeper into Legal Research Potential: Advanced Online Legal Research Concepts. By LexisNexis.
April 11:
* Religious Liberty Arguments for Abortion Rights. By Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
* What is Your Malfunction? Exploring Circumstantial Theories of Liability, Res Ipsa Loquitur, and Malfunctions. By Cozen O'Connor.
April 12:
* Social Media in the Workplace: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?. By LexisNexis.
* Marijuana in the Workplace: An Update and a Look Forward. By LexisNexis.
* Will The NAR Settlement End 6% Real Estate Commissions?. By Minnesota Law and USC Gould School of Law.
April 14:
* Marijuana in the Workplace: An Update and a Look Forward. By LexisNexis.
April 15:
* What's in the Works? Developments from the Frontlines of American Labor Law. By UMinn Law.
* The Dawning of a New Era: Combining Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities. By LexisNexis.
April 16:
* Judicial Review of Public Health Laws: From Deference to Indifference with Wendy E. Parmet. By Case Western Reserve University.
* The State of the State: Civil Access to Justice in Minnesota. By Minnesota State Bar Association Access to Justice Committee.
April 17:
* Complex Cases Simplified: Gaining Logistical Control from Calendaring to Courtroom. By Veritext.
* Pollution Insurance: Are you covered?. By LexisNexis.
* The Dawning of a New Era: Combining Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities. By LexisNexis.
* Mastering Witness Examination: Strategies for Skillful Preparation and Effective Cross-Examination. By LawPay.
April 19:
* Research & Drafting Techniques For Corporate Law. By LexisNexis.
April 22:
* The Dawning of a New Era: Combining Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities. By LexisNexis.
April 23:
* Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis.
April 24:
* Generative Artificial Intelligence Current Trends in Practice. By LexisNexis.
* Bump-Up Provisions and Securities Claims – Developments and Pitfalls. By Cozen O'Connor.
* Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis.
April 26:
* Ethical Concerns - Conducting Research via Open Web. By LexisNexis.
April 29:
* The Dawning of a New Era: Combining Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities. By LexisNexis.
April 30:
* Leveraging Technology to Prepare Briefs with Greater Efficiency and Accuracy. By LexisNexis.
* Resolving Common Interest Community Disputes -- Without Litigation. By Washington State Bar Association.
* Diving Deeper into Legal Research Potential: Advanced Online Legal Research Concepts. By LexisNexis.
May Free CLE
* Trends to Watch in Antitrust Law. By LexisNexis.
May 2:
* Changing People’s Minds During an Impasse: Learn Why Your Approach May Have Been Wrong All Along!. By National Conflict Resolution Center.
May 3:
* The Metaverse and the Law: Anticipating the Next Frontier. By LexisNexis.
May 8:
* Cybersecurity and Data Breaches. By LexisNexis.
May 15:
* How To Implement Top Litigation Technologies for Remote Proceedings, Exhibit Management & Trial Video. By Veritext.
May 17:
* A Handy Primer on Drafting and Updating Employee Handbooks. By LexisNexis.
May 21:
* HIPAA - Understanding Enforcement, Penalties & Research Strategies. By LexisNexis.
May 22:
* Socially Responsible: How to Ethically Use Social Media in Your Practice. By Attorney Protective.
May 23:
* Researching Experts and Judges. By LexisNexis.
May 29:
* Leveraging Technology to Prepare Briefs with Greater Efficiency and Accuracy. By LexisNexis.
May 30:
* Trends to Watch in Environmental Law. By LexisNexis.
June Free CLE
* Due Diligence in Intellectual Property Transactions. By LexisNexis.
June 6:
* Corporate Law Quiz Show. By LexisNexis.
June 11:
* Finance Law Fundamentals. By LexisNexis.
June 12:
* Social Media – Discovery, Ethics, Evidence & Sanctions. By Veritext.
June 13:
* Technology and the Legal Practitioner: Ethical Concerns & Best Practices. By LexisNexis.
June 20:
* Cyber Law and Cybersecurity Insurance 101. By LexisNexis.
June 25:
* AI and Legal Analytics for the Data-Driven Attorney. By LexisNexis.
June 26:
* Leveraging Technology to Prepare Briefs with Greater Efficiency and Accuracy. By LexisNexis.
June 27:
* Tax Research FAQs: Tips on the What, Where, and How of Locating Tax Authority. By LexisNexis.
July Free CLE
* From Paper to Pixels: The Evolution of Digital Technologies. By Veritext.
July 31:
* Leveraging Technology to Prepare Briefs with Greater Efficiency and Accuracy. By LexisNexis.
August Free CLE
* Leveraging Technology to Prepare Briefs with Greater Efficiency and Accuracy. By LexisNexis.
Saturday, March 23, 2024
How I Crafted An Article In 15 Minutes about How to Check if Your Toastmasters Club Is Owed Money
- Idea Generation: I had an idea that I wanted to share without doing much work.
- Yoodli Assistance: I described the idea into Yoodli, which provided me with a few tips and a transcript.
- Copilot Refinement: I pasted the transcript into Copilot and requested Copilot to clean it up for publication, removing time signatures. Copilot promptly refined the text, transforming it into a polished version.
- Review and Publishing: I carefully reviewed the refined text (as the responsible author, I want it to have quality!)
- When satisfied, I posted it in the relevant Facebook group, receiving immediate positive feedback. Efficiency and Freedom:
- The entire process was swift, allowing you to allocate more time for other tasks or simply relax!
How to Check if Your Toastmasters Club Is Owed Money
- Background: This note primarily pertains to Toastmasters clubs in the United States. However, if you’re elsewhere, your country may have similar programs, so it’s worth investigating.
- Unclaimed Funds: Sometimes clubs, individuals, and other organizations are unaware of money owed to them. Examples:
- If you change banks, your old bank might owe you money for unpaid interest.
- Hosting an event, such as a Toastmasters training with food service, could mean that one of the event vendors owes you a refund.
- Lack of Communication: Not all companies are diligent about contacting their creditors.
- The Process:
- Such debtors hold onto the money for a period of years, and eventually, they transfer it to the state.
- The state keeps the funds, waiting for you to claim them.
- Checking for Unclaimed Funds:
- Visit the database maintained by the 50 states: missingmoney.com . (Despite the ".com" TLD, this is the site maintained in common by most of the states.)
- In the search field, type the name of your club or simply “Toastmasters.”
- Choose your state or search the entire United States.
- You will get a result similar to the image below.
- Claiming the Funds:
- If you find a match, click the “claim” button Follow the provided directions.
- Remember, the procedure is straightforward, and you can easily check if your club is owed any unclaimed funds.
- Note: there are private organizations that offer to do this for you, either for free or if you sign up for their services. However, the official site https://missingmoney.com/ is free and easy - you choose!)
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
First Gardening of the Year
I could grow peas here as I did last year, but I'd need a better system of strings for them to grow on - duct taping the string up fails! Perhaps I'll get use some small "Command" hooks.
Or I might go with pollinator-friendly flowers, which might be more fun for neighbors to look at. Perhaps a little lettuce or chard. So many choices!
Sunday, February 04, 2024
Friday, January 26, 2024
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Recordings
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. It has since served as a cornerstone of international human rights law, setting out fundamental principles and standards for the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide. The UDHR has been instrumental in shaping the legal landscape and inspiring advocates for justice, equality, and human dignity.
This commemorative program delves into the history of the UDHR, its profound impact, and its continued relevance in today’s world. We will examine its development, accomplishments, and the challenges it addresses. Hear from a diverse panel of practitioners and academics to inspire action to protect and promote human rights!
Program 1 - Hour 1: The Enduring Legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Featuring:
Hurst Hannum – Tufts University, Medford, MA
Program 1 - Hour 2: The UDHR and Women’s Rights Around the Globe
Articles 2 and 7 of the UDHR enshrine women’s rights as human rights, and human rights as women’s rights. Since the UDHR was adopted in 1948, the rights of women overall have expanded exponentially. At the same time, however, recent years have seen not only advances, but also retrenchments, on women’s rights in many countries, and on a wide range of issues. This session details promising signs as well as troubling trends in gender equality today—abroad, and here at home in the U.S.—on matters ranging from the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (“ERA”), employment, and health care and reproductive justice, to child/forced marriage, human trafficking, “period poverty,” and so-called “female circumcision” (female genital mutilation, or FGM), as well as the campaign to include “gender apartheid” in the proposed International Convention on Crimes Against Humanity.
Featuring:
Judge Delissa Ridgway – U.S. Court of International Trade, New York City, NY
Program 2: International Human Rights Law Since the Universal Declaration: Advances and Challenges
This panel will discuss critical human rights considerations such as: A human rights critique of International Criminal Justice, Article 26’s right to education as a fundamental human right, the rights of migrants, reparations and Indigenous rights.
Featuring:
- Thomas Antkowiak – Seattle University, Seattle, WA
- Erin Carr – Seattle University, Seattle, WA
- Alejandra Gonza – Global Rights Advocacy, Seattle, WA
- Ronald Slye – Seattle University, Seattle, WA
The Universal Declaration is the foundation for the human rights system we have in place today, as well as a constellation of human rights treaties and frameworks across the globe. It is also part of the architecture for how human rights are addressed in new contexts. This session explores the emerging field of business and human rights, and how the UDHR is relevant to corporate actors and global supply chains. This session also examines the environmental impact of business.
Anita Ramasastry – University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Featuring:
Program Link (both hours):
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4437127/6C9C40DCB7A4D37BB47B48381406B0F3
- Program Co-Chair Laura Eshbach – WSBA World Peace Through Law Section Chair, and Landesa's Director of Corporate Engagement, Seattle, WA
- Program Co-Chair Randall Winn – WSBA World Peace Through Law Past Section Chair, Seattle, WA
- Producer Sally Romero, Education Programs Lead, Washington State Bar Association
.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
1/6 The Graphic Novel: What If Trump's #Jan6 Insurrection Succeeded?
It was damn close. His murderous gang got near enough
that a fearful Ted Cruz hid in a closet. But what if Trump won?
Comics have always been the way some people absorb information, better than lectures or books. Alan Jenkins and his team are publishing a four issue mini-series "1/6" to explore the America that Trump hoped for, and is threatening to bring again.
Share it with friends and family members who don't think democracy could end here.
https://www.westernstatescenter.org/onesixcomics
Wednesday, January 03, 2024
Jan. 26: Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human RightsA 6-Credit CLE Webinar on January 26.
Register Now!
Register Now!
In the aftermath of the devastations of World War 2, the United Nations General Assembly, driven by a commitment to reshape the global human rights landscape, adopted the UDHR on December 10, 1948. Serving as a foundational document in international human rights law, the UDHR establishes essential principles and standards for safeguarding and advancing human rights globally. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and has played a pivotal role in guiding advocates for justice, equality, and human dignity.
Our commemorative program will delve into the rich history of the UDHR, exploring its profound impact and enduring significance in today's world. We will examine its evolution, notable achievements, and the contemporary challenges it addresses. We will gather insights from a diverse panel of expert practitioners and academics who will share their perspectives, inspiring actionable steps to protect and promote human rights.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful discussion on the legacy of the UDHR and its ongoing relevance. Register now to secure your place in this vital conversation.
When: January 26, 2024
Time: 8:25 a.m.–3:45 p.m. PST
Distinguished Faculty (in alphabetical order):
- Alejandra Gonza - Director and President, Global Rights Advocacy; Affiliate Professor of Law at University of Washington.
- Anita Ramasastry - Henry M. Jackson Endowed Professor of Law, Director, Sustainable International Development LL.M., and Faculty Director, International, Comparative and Transnational Programs at Seattle University.
- Dr. Daniel Appelman - Chair of the American Bar Association's International Human Rights Committee (CRSJ Section); officer of the International Bar Association's Human Rights Law Committee; member of the Human Rights Interest Group of the Association of International Lawyers.
- Judge Delissa Ridgway - U.S. Court of International Trade.
- Hurst Hannum - Professor Emeritus (International protection of human rights, Public International Law, Human Rights and Conflict Resolution) at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.
- Rajeev Majumdar - Previous President of the Washington State Bar Association; civil rights advocate.
- Ronald Slye - Professor of Law (International Criminal Law, International Law of Human Rights, Public International Law), at Seattle University.
- Thomas Antkowiak - Professor of Law (International Human Rights, International Law), at Seattle University.
Continuing Legal Education Credits:
- Washington: 5.00 Law & Legal Procedure + 1.00 Other.
- Other: Certificate of Attendance will be provided on request so you may self-apply for credit.
Tuition
- $245 - World Peace Through Law Section Members.
- $275 - Standard.
- BONUS: Join the Section ($30) and register at the discounted price ($245)!
Register Online Now at https://www.mywsba.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Commemoration-of-the-75th-Anniversary-of-the-Universal-Declaration-of-Human-Rights/MeetingDetail/23863412!
Please share this with your network. This event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to commemorate an historic advance in the cause of human rights and peace through law. Bring your questions for our panels of experts!
Sincerely,
Randall Winn, Program Co-Chair (along with Laura Eshbach of Landesa, current Chair of the World Peace Through Law Section)
http://www.wsba.org/peace
Tuesday, January 02, 2024
Monday, January 01, 2024
The Things You See Walking Around On New Year's Day
Although as someone pointed out, roses do not walk around, on New Year's or any other day.
I had a smaller peach rose blooming near my kitchen last week, but I assumed that was helped by the warmth of clothes dryer. But this - this! - is just hanging over the sidewalk! We are having a very warm winter and I don't think the snow pack may be what we need for August water. But the flower is nice.