Sunday, December 31, 2023

Free CLE January 2024+

 Happy New Year! Here’s my monthly calendar of free Continuing Legal Education webinars - share it freely!

* Each webinar is approved for credit in at least one state. If the sponsor has not applied for credit in your state, try contacting the sponsor or self-applying for credit in your state.
* SEND ME MORE! Any free CLE webinar can go on this list!
* I add webinars throughout the month at http://4freeCLE.blogspot.com, so stop by to see what’s new.
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January Free CLE

January 3:
The Dawning of a New Era: Combining Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities. By LexisNexis.
January 4:
The 2024 Real Estate And Economic Outlook. By CES.
January 5:
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis.
January 9:
Mastering Productivity: MS Word and Outlook Tips for Lawyers. By Clio.
Labor and Employment Trends and Updates for In-House Counsel: Recapping 2023 and Previewing 2024. By In-House Connect.
Get Ready for 2024 - Landlord and Tenant Law Is Changing. By Minnesota State Law Library.
The Dawning of a New Era: Combining Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities. By LexisNexis.
January 10:
AI Goes to Law School. By LexisNexis.
January 11:
Silicosis in Our Time: Medicine, Industrial Hygiene, and the Future of the Litigation. By Perrin.
January 16:
Negotiating Key Legal Provisions in Commercial Agreements for In-House Counsel. By In-House Connect.
How Race, Ethnicity & Gender Are Impacting Your Case and You May Not Even Know It!. By TASA.
Legal Evolution: Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in the Law. By LexisNexis.
January 17:
Cracking the Code: Strategies for Navigating DEI and Employment Discrimination Matters. By National Conflict Resolution Center.
Current Trends in Attorneys Fees - Flat Fees, Subscriptions, & Fiduciary Duty. By LawPay.
Early Case Assessment. By LexisNexis.
Clearances to Combustibles in Commercial Kitchens. By Cozen O'Connor.
Eliminating Bias in the Legal Profession. By LexisNexis.
January 18:
AI Demystified: A Primer for Legal Professionals. By Smokeball.
January 19:
Renewable Energy Developments in the U.S.. By LexisNexis.
The Ninth Annual Media & Entertainment Law Symposium. By Fordham.
Marijuana in the Workplace: An Update and a Look Forward. By LexisNexis.
January 23:
Generative Artificial Intelligence Current Trends in Practice. By LexisNexis.
Managing Ethics, Negativity & Stress. By Minnesota State Law Library.
How and Why to Become a T-Shaped Lawyer: A Guide for In-House Counsel. By In-House Connect.
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis.
January 24:
Legal Ethics in the Cloud. By LEAP.
Research Skills for IP Litigation. By LexisNexis.
Protecting Trade Secrets in the Age of AI: Best Practices for In-House Counsel on Trade Secret Development, Management, and Security. By In-House Connect.
January 25:
Terminating a Construction Project Before Completion. By Peter Fowler Construction Services.
What next? Moving forward after SFAA v. Harvard. By U Minn Law.
January 26:
Social Media in the Workplace: What could possibly go wrong?. By LexisNexis.
January 29:
Marijuana in the Workplace: An Update and a Look Forward. By LexisNexis.
January 30:
Creating Access to the Legal Profession. By WSBA.
January 31:
M&A Year In Review: Utilizing Research Tools To Identify Trends in the Deal Market. By LexisNexis.
Diving Deeper into Legal Research Potential: Advanced Online Legal Research Concepts. By LexisNexis.

February Free CLE

February 1:
The Billion Dollar NAR Lawsuit (Burnett v Nar et al.) - Everything You Need To Know. By CES.
February 2:
Pollution Insurance: Are you covered?. By LexisNexis.
February 6:
Remote Law Firm Essentials to Maximize Efficiency, Security and Scalability. By Clio.
Partnering with Private Equity for In-House Counsel: Understanding the Governance and Exit Playbook. By In-House Connect.
February 7:
Learn About Consumer Protections Under The No Surprises Act. By Alameda County Law Library.
Bankruptcy Fundamentals. By LexisNexis.
February 8:
AI and the Legal Profession: Ethics, Impacts, and Looking Ahead. By Smokeball.
Private Equity and the Corporatization of Health Care with Erin C. Fuse Brown. By CWRU.
Utilizing Insurance Provisions to Fortify Indemnity Clauses in Commercial Contracts: A Guide for In-House Counsel. By In-House Connect.
February 9:
Tax Research FAQs: Tips on the What, Where, and How of Locating Tax Authority. By LexisNexis.
February 12:
Mastering Contract Playbooks: A Practical Guide for Legal Teams/ By In-House Connect.
February 13:
The Metaverse and the Law: Anticipating the Next Frontier. By LexisNexis.
February 14:
Cybersecurity and Data Breaches. By LexisNexis.
Foundations for Flourishing: Leveraging the Science of Positive Psychology for Greater Resilience, Well-Being, and Performance. By In-House Connect.
February 15:
Ethics 2024: Questions from the Trenches. By Clifford Law Office.
Hot Trends for Attorneys in HOA Mediations. By National Conflict Resolution Center.
February 16:
ESG and the Climate: Emerging Risks & Compliance. By LexisNexis.
February 21:
Piercing The Corporate Veil: Prevention & Litigation. By LexisNexis.
Environmental Law Fundamentals for In-House Counsel. By In-House Connect.
February 22:
AI Trends, Practical Uses and Policies for the Modern Law Firm. By Smokeball.
February 23:
Trends to Watch in Antitrust Law. By LexisNexis.
February 28:
Research Skills for Litigators. By LexisNexis.

March Free CLE


June Free CLE



Thank you for helping share education - make 2024 your best year!

The Bridge At Catzad-Dum

 Just playing with AI


"In a dark cavern, a wizard in grey robes with a grey hat and long white beard bearing a shining sword and a wizard staff from the top of which shines a bright light that is the only light source ... shouts defiance at a much larger orange tabby cat that is growling and hissing with claws extended ... please try 4 styles: The Brothers Hildebrad, Stan Lee, photorealistic and a lighthearted cartoon"
"On a narrow stone bridge over a bottomless gulch in a dark cavern, a wizard in grey robes with a plain grey hat and long white beard bearing a shining sword and a long wooden wizard staff from the top of which shines a bright light that is the only light source ... shouts defiance at a much much larger orange tabby cat that is growling and hissing with claws extended ... please try 4 styles: The Brothers Hildebrad, Stan Lee, photorealistic and a lighthearted cartoon"
"On a narrow stone bridge over a bottomless gulch in a dark cavern, a wizard in grey robes with a plain grey hat and long white beard shatters on the bridge his long wooden wizard staff from the top of which shines a bright light that is the only light source, creating an explosion as he shouts defiance at a much larger orange tabby cat growling & hissing with claws extended, in 4 styles: The Brothers Hildebrad, Stan Lee, photorealistic and a lighthearted cartoon"


Saturday, December 30, 2023

Stellar's Jay And Me


 I took a *lot* of shots in a variety of locations and poses to get this one that I like best. In reality, this statue of a Stellar's Jay  is about 10 feet tall and way up in the air (whoever crowned it with a Santa's cap put in the work!)

It's worth the time to get just the right image. I avoid the use of software other than cropping and maybe a little color correction. In this case, I experimented with a tool that was new to me and didn't notice the watermark until too late - I had already posted it on facebook. Ah well, that's another lesson learned!

But I like the image - it's positivity, openness and fun!


Monday, December 25, 2023

Happy All The Days!

 


Merry Christmas, Happy This, Happy That, Happy All The Days! "All The Days" is not the greatest quip, but I'm trying.
Today's photo is of a wreathe made from a 1980s mag tape write protection ring (kids, ask your grandparents) on a holly growing (out of place but pretty) on my Scots Pine ... all of this emblematic of my life perhaps.
May the coming year bring you and yours joy, beauty and idiosyncrasy!

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Have A Sia Christmas!

Sia's Christmas Album is wonderful:  
 The videos are delightful as well:


And so much more!

Friday, December 22, 2023

Who's a good boy?

 Poppy is a good boy!

 Poppy's moms Hannah and Julie having been walking 2 or 3 mornings a week since the early days the Covid. It's been lifechanging, as I gradually improved my capability and learned a lot from our conversations. They are definitely among my best of friends!

Recently they added Poppy to their family, and what a very good boy he is!  

I like dogs, but I do not have the time to give one proper care so I am grateful when friends have a dog - especially one who loves to come on our walks!

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Imp swatting birds on TV

She doesn't do this as much as she used to, but every now and then ...

 

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Winter rose with raindrops


 This winter rose with raindrops, in a big pot by my kitchen, still has a bloom because ... Seattle!

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Toastmasters Party Yay!

Toastmasters Club 832
Toastmasters Club 832 West Seattle had its annual holiday party at Whiskey West in the Morgan Junction. We had about half a dozen guests thanks to the great skills of our Publicity VP, and a delightful round of seasonal Table Topics at which everyone had a chance to speak.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Snowed In - a new holiday musical


Friday I saw Snowed In, a hilarious original holiday musical at ArtsWest in West Seattle's Junction. Highly recommend for fun! I hope they release the music such as "Holiday Time" and "Bianca The Sexiest Elf" ... Tickets are still available!

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Take A Treasure

This "Take A Treasure" display has been along the way from Loman Beach to Lincoln Park for years. It changes frequently, as you would expect. This picture is from our our usual Wednesday 10am walk (which now inclues Poppy The Puppy!)

Saturday, December 09, 2023

"A City On Mars" - Not The Book We Wanted, But The Book We Needed

I've been enjoying SF since 1966, so I looked forward with pleasure to a popular science account about how humanity can accomplished the colonization of Mars, neatly organized for quick reading and complete with a 20-page bibliography for backup.

Kelly and Zach Wienersmith, the authors of "A City On Mars", delivered.

We see in the Amazon reviews that not everyone likes the answer - humanity lacks the technology - but facts are facts. You can't have an independent colony using technology to manufacture air, water and food without a big population base; even if we could ship X number of humans to Mars, they die easy. Meanwhile, Earth after a Giant Meteor Strike plus nuclear war is still friendlier to human life than Mars.

I don't *like* the answer, but that's the answer. The universe doesn't care what I like.

Let's try building a sustainable city on Earth first. It's not as much fun as Star Trek - but then, what is?


(my review)

Friday, December 08, 2023

Wednesday, December 06, 2023

Cheerful holiday season berries in my raingarden

 

This beautiful winter berries in my rain garden are not for human consumption, and the birds seem to ignore them as well. Some things are just pretty, I guess.

When I posted this on Facebook, people commented that it looks like cotoneaster, and which is very pretty, may not be favored by birds because it's not native. It can be very invasive. In my long term plan, I may choose to replace it with something native and edible, by me or by birds. 

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Homebuying class Saturday

I took a homebuyer's class like this back in (mumble, mumble) not really thinking it would lead anywhere but it did! Finding a way to stop paying rent and start building equity has been the foundation of my current prosperity.
Now my friend Reema Rafii is doing this class on Zoom - Saturday 12/2 or over two evening, Mon & Wed 12/11 & 12/13. Free registration at the QR code

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Olympics From Loman Beach

 


On my walk today with friends. I am thankful to live with so many friends and so much beauty. Happy Thanksgiving!

Reviewing "Enough" by Cassidy Hutchinson

Essential Political Reading, But Also Helpful For Young Adults Raised In Abuse

Other reviews have written well on the great importance of this inside look at the Trump White House; truly all America owes her thanks for her testimony. However, she also tells a story about recovering from an abusive childhood.

The opening scene has young Hutchinson breaking a rule at the urging of her father; things go wrong; rather than help her, he shouts abuse. As many children do, she keeps trying to seek his approval, he keeps on abusing and breaking rules. With this background, it seems quite natural that she would prefer the ultimate rulebreaking abuser Donald Trump over his political rival Hillary Clinton; that is the world that she grew up in.

Hutchinson prospers - she shows a lot of ability - but is soon called upon to engage in abuse herself. Trump tasks Mark Meadows with finding a leaker; Meadows tells Hutchinson to name one; she does not know any, but wants to please the abusive boss; she names someone she does not like; the person she falsely names loses his job; she keeps her place; the gang is reassured of her loyalty.

Ultimately Hutchinson breaks with the Trump organization when the mob lawyer, coaching her on how to lie, lets drop that she is in danger of prosecution. Whether she prioritized the doubts she had been having all along, or merely realized that it was her turn to be betrayed, does not matter, she knows she needs out of the gang, and for that she needs help.

She goes to her biological father, but he is as useless and abusive as ever. No one else she knows is any help; her mob friends can not be trusted and ties with others had withered away. However, showing an admirable strength in problem-solving, Hutchinson reasons that somewhere, somewhen, someone else must have had a problem like this before. She searches and finds a book about Alexander Butterfield, her opposite number in the Nixon Administration, who had basically the same problem as she. Hutchison reads his book three times, taking careful notes. It is not too much to say that for the first time she has a father who can offer her guidance ... even if it is only in a book.

With this guide - and its all-important reassurance that at the end of his story Butterfield was satisfied that he'd done the right thing - Hutchinson reaches out for legal representation that is actually interested in helping her. There was still much difficulty and drama to endure, which is well worth reading (and it is to the good of all America that she persevered). However, but the fundamental life lesson to be learned here is that it is easy for a child who was raised in abuse to get trapped in an organization of abuse, but wise and loving helpers will assist you, so go look for them!

Again, the debt America owes Hutchison for her testimony is great, but the arc of personal development is also worth noting. How wonderful it is that at the end [SPOILER ALERT!] she was able to embrace a true father.

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Monday, November 20, 2023

Reviewing "Something Terrible" by Dean Trippe

I finished this short graphic novel - not really a novel, but that seems to be word for a story told through sequential art. The graphic, image-centered format of this work makes this difficult and essential topic more approachable than any plain text book. Some things are just better conveyed through pictures that go directly to the heart without being filtered through words. This is not a book for children, or at least not for children without the close support of a caregiver. Its most powerful message is that the cycle can be broken; you do not have to live in fear of passing on the abuse you survived. Highly recommended.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

My Two Hawthornes

My south hawthorne still has fruit and leaves
My south hawthorne dropped its leaves and didn't fruit

My parking strip came with two hawthorne trees.One of my hawthornes produces tiny fruit, the other produces very sharp thorns. They probably embody some sort of fable. It's an invasive species, and quite prolific; I have to pull sprouts all the time. Still, they can be pretty and replacing them with something native would be difficult. It is interesting how their leafing behaviors differ.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Persimmon Season

Persimmons at Mr. Green's.
With permission, I picked a bag.

 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Guess The Skiline


On my morning walk with friends, I saw the Seattle skyline from West Seattle

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Friday, November 10, 2023

Hug An Orca

At Loman Beach Park

I had not previously noticed this, tucked off to one side of the park.

Saturday, November 04, 2023

Thursday, November 02, 2023

November+ 2023 Free CLE


November 1:
Finance Law Fundamentals. By LexisNexis.
Employer Summit 2023: New Workplace Challenges. By Cozen O'Connor. Continued Nov 2.
November 2:
Employer Summit 2023: New Workplace Challenges. By Cozen O'Connor. Continued from Nov 1.
A Thanksgiving Feast Of Options. By CES.
The Latest Changes in Copyrights & Trademarks. By Fitch Even.
November 3:
Trends to Watch in Energy Law. By LexisNexis.
The New AI: The Legal and Ethical Implications of ChatGPT and Other Emerging Technologies. By Fordham.
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis. Also Nov 6,9,16+22.
November 6:
The Educational Affirmative and Recent Challenges to DEI Programs: What Happens Now?. By University of Minnesota Law.
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis. Also Nov 9,16+22.
November 7:
Billing 101: Best Practices for Running a Modern and Ethical Firm. By Smokeball.
Guide to Complying with OFAC Sanctions Regulations. By The Knowledge Group.
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis. (Telephonic).
November 8:
Trends to Watch in Antitrust Law. By LexisNexis.
Organizing Your Firm: Tips to Get Your Day-to-day Tasks Done Faster. By Clio.
The MCS-90 Endorsement. By Cozen O'Connor.
November 9:
Exploring Legal Research with Fastcase. By Fastcase.
Trademarks Beyond Borders: Intellectual Property Rights Acquisition, Protection and Enforcement. By The Knowledge Group.
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis. Also Nov 16+22.
November 10:
Cybersecurity and Data Breaches. By LexisNexis.
Constitutionalizing Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. By University of Minnesota School of Law.
International Arbitration. By Rimon.
Serving Those Who Served: Supporting Your Veteran Client & Their Access to Benefits. By Public Interest Law Initiative (Illinois).
November 13:
Generative Artificial Intelligence Current Trends in Practice. By LexisNexis.
Recent Trends and Key Issues in FINRA Arbitration and Enforcement. By The Knowledge Group.
Eliminating Bias in the Legal Profession. By LexisNexis. Also Nov 15.
November 14:
Part II - SECURE 2.0 in Bite-Sized Chunks: What You Need to Know in 2023. By Shipman & Goodwin.
Leveraging Technology to Prepare Briefs with Greater Efficiency and Accuracy. By LexisNexis.
November 15:
Wrapping up Loose Ends: Ethical Considerations for Stepping Away From Your Practice. By Attorney Protective.
The Intelligent Practitioner - Client Communication, Cybersecurity, Finances & Intelligent Billing. By LawPay.
Expert Motions Under FRE 702 and Daubert. By Bloomberg Law.
Complex Cases Simplified: Gaining Logistical Control from Calendaring to Courtroom. By Veritext.
Social Media in the Workplace: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?. By LexisNexis.
Challenging the Criminal Justice System to Understand Mental Illness. By Washington County Law Library.
Food Recall Claims and Insurance Issues. By Cozen O'Connor.
An Introduction to the Military and Veterans Rights Bureau & Consumer Protection Resources. By Public Interest Law Initiative (Illinois).
A New Leaf: Cannabis Legalization in Minnesota. By Minnesota State Law Library.
Eliminating Bias in the Legal Profession. By LexisNexis.
November 16:
Peering Behind the Curtain: What are Your Mediator’s Ethical Responsibilities?. By West Coast Resolution Group.
Analyzing Construction Defects. By Pete Fowler Construction Services.
Do's And Don't Of Civil Pre-Trial Litigation. By Witkin Law Library, Alameda County.
Confronting History in Place: The Mapping Prejudice Project. By DCLL.
Legal Tech Institute: Drafting and Editing for Attorneys. By Harris County Law Library.
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis. Also Nov 22.
November 17:
Ethical Concerns - Conducting Research via Open Web. By LexisNexis.
Advanced Appellate Advocacy Seminar. By The Eighth District Court of Appeals and Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Fifth Annual Emergency Medical Services Symposium. By Widener.
Preparing for the SEC’s Pay Versus Performance Rule: A Compliance Guide. By The Knowledge Group.
What’s Next in ESG Investments and ERISA’s Fiduciary Duties?. By The Knowledge Group.
Marijuana in the Workplace: An Update and a Look Forward. By LexisNexis. Also Nov 27.
November 20:
Breached! Cybersecurity 101. By LexisNexis. Also Nov 28.
November 21:
Legal Evolution: Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in the Law. By LexisNexis. Also Nov 30.
November 22:
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions. By LexisNexis.
November 27:
Marijuana in the Workplace: An Update and a Look Forward. By LexisNexis.
November 28:
Breached! Cybersecurity 101. By LexisNexis.
Building a Sustainable and Fulfilling Career. By Washington State Bar Association.
November 29:
Bankruptcy Fundamentals. By LexisNexis.
Law Practice in the Digital Age – Leveraging Technology to Improve Well-Being and Professionalism. By LEAP.
Diving Deeper into Legal Research Potential: Advanced Online Legal Research Concepts. By LexisNexis.
November 30:
What They Didn’t Tell You About Being a Lawyer: Strategies for Overcoming Burnout and Exhaustion. By West Coast Resolution Group.
Legal Evolution: Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in the Law. By LexisNexis.
Mastering Advanced Legal Research Techniques - Monthly Fastcase Webinar. By Fastcase.
Legal Tech Institute: Legal Tech for Everyone. By Harris County Law Library.

December Free CLE



I hope you find this useful! As I said - share it freely, and let me know when you find other resources to share.

And if you're read this far, let me draw your attention to an easy way you can help refugees settling in our beautiful country by buying them something practical, that they need to set up a household, to be shipped to them via Amazon. Think of it as a neighborly gesture: https://www.scmmedicalmissions.org/portfolio/refugee-resettlement/