Apple’s Release of the iPad

January 28, 2010

As I mentioned a few weeks earlier, Apple has been preparing the release of a device intended to rival Amazon’s Kindle e-reader.  Today, Apple released the iPad.  According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, the iPad hits the middle ground between smart phones and netbooks:

This “middle” device, says Jobs must be better at doing certain tasks than either the laptop or smartphone. If there’s going to be a third category of device it must be better at browsing the Web, video, photos, music, etc.
“Some folks say this device is a netbook … problem is, the netbook isn’t good at any of these things . . . But we have something that is and it’s called the iPad.”

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The Pitfalls of Law School & Beyond

January 27, 2010

I came across this video while perusing LegallyNoted.  It highlights the pitfalls associated with law school and beyond.  This isn’t meant to deter someone from pursuing law school.  It is merely meant to highlight some of the dangers so that you can prepare for them if you decide the legal path.

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New Header + Other features on the way

January 26, 2010

Hey all!

Figured that as I watch some hockey (Buffalo Sabres battling it out with the Vancouver Canucks) I’d drop everyone a line regarding the future updates for this blog. FYI, typing with a 16 pound cat on your lap = awkward.  Oh, and the cat presently sleeping behind my head who insists on kicking me every few minutes = annoying. By the way, next post will be Part 2 of Road to the Bar.  You can find Part 1 here.

I began this blog in December thinking I’d slowly add content over the coming months, then reveal it to the world in February.  Inadvertently, I forgot to put the blog on private!  Thus, you can imagine my surprise and delight when I noticed visitor hits and comments.

So, I’ve decided to keep the blog public while I finish applying additional content prior to its “official” release.  Here is what I plan to add in the next few days:

  1. Customized Header;
  2. Probably a new blog skin;
  3. Customized gravatar / icon;
  4. Revise the “About Me” page, making the UnLawyered section less personalized and adding a second page that will act a brief personal bio;
  5. Trying out this Meebo widget — its a sort of IM gadget.  Ever the adventurer, I’m going to try it out for a few months and see how I like it;
  6. Update and add links to the links page;
  7. Eventually add a suggested reading section;
  8. Play around with podcasting.

In addition to this list I have lots more to add.  This list is merely a summary of a few things that are to come.  For those of you already visiting my blog, please drop a “hello” so I know who you are!  I will certainly return the favor.  Also, if you have any advice or tips on how to make this blog better, please feel free to contact me.  I don’t mind criticism.  In fact, I welcome it!

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The Music of Dredg – An Unknown Wonder

January 24, 2010

From time to time I like sharing music that isn’t part of the mainstream world.  Dredg, an experimental band originally from Berkley California, refused to go the mainstream, MTV route (even though it would have certainly been easier).  Instead, they’ve toured endlessly, traveling and sharing their music with the world. Slowly, over time, they’ve finally been able to break the mold and gain the exposure they deserve.  But it wasn’t easy and they are still far from well-known.

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Obama to nationalize student loans – the socialism debate

January 22, 2010

I came across this article indicating that Congress and President Obama are poised to nationalize the student loan industry.  To say that this news made me a bit nervous is an understatement given that I currently have about $120,000 in student loans (yeah, BIG reason not to go to law school).

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Road to the Bar: Part One

January 17, 2010

This is a two-part story about to my experience studying for and taking the California state bar exam.

For any of you who are 24 fans (the television series starring Keifer Sutherland as Counter Terrorist Agent Jack Bauer) don’t be surprised if someday you come across an episode where Bauer uses the California bar exam as a method of torture to extract sensitive information from a terrorist.

It all started in March 2009 when I applied for admission with the State Bar of California.  Now, I want to let you in on a little secret:  the State Bar of California does not want me or anyone else practicing law in California.  How do I know?  They make it as painful as possible to apply and gain admittance into the bar.  I submitted a mountain of paper work along with several thousands of dollars in admission, background checks, and processing fees.  Oh, I also had to pay a fee to use my laptop as well as an additional fee to purchase a limited license for the exam software.  And that’s not all!!!

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Apple to unveil ‘Tablet’ soon?

January 7, 2010

Remember how Apple revolutionized the technology market when they released the iPhone?  Granted I still don’t have one (because we cannot afford it at the moment), but the phone has been widely successful.

Speculators predict the Apple Tablet will also have a similar impact.  From the rumors, it sounds like Apple’s version of Amazon’s Kindle, but with additional features.  For those of you do not know, Amazon’s Kindle is a widely successful E-Reader, otherwise known as an electronic book, where you can store books and similar items in electronic format.

It will be interesting to see how things shape up.  Some predict the Tablet will be released at the end of January, others think it may be March.

Here’s the story. And here at The Tech Report.

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Death Tax Resurrects in 2011

January 4, 2010

Well, some things should simply remain dead.

This article by ABC News candidly reminds us that 2010 is the final year that the estates of our deceased loved ones will remain free of the dreaded Estate Tax (ie: Death Tax).  Back in 2001, President Bush signed into law a tax exemption for estates, insulating estates from a hefty federal tax.  However, because the Republican majority were unable to permanently eliminate the estate tax, the law was written into the tax code, requiring Congress to revisit the law after ten years time.  Should Congress allow the law to lapse, the Death Tax will re-assume it previous form in 2011.

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Big Banks & Smartphones Revive Images of “It’s A Wonderful life”

January 3, 2010

Chuck Newton at Rides The Third Wave wrote an excellent piece highlighting the growing trend of smaller banks moving towards more tech-friendly policies.  Specifically, smaller banks understand that they cannot compete head-to-head with Big Banks.  Instead, smaller banks have begun to offer specialized services that are lacking in Big Banks.  As Mr. Newton explains:

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2010: It only took a year to get here but . . .

January 1, 2010

It’s about time!  I only have one thing to say about 2009:  Thank God there’s only one!

Time Square New Year Ball

Missy & I spent New Year’s Eve with her parents in Hayward, Ca.  We had a nice dinner, played music, and laid around until midnight (I know, sounds thrilling).

Dad and I did watch a few episodes on the History Channel involving the American Presidents, which was pretty cool [yeah, yeah, "Tim, it's 'History' without the 'Channel,'" . . . whatever dude, 'History' just sounds stupid, kinda like 'SyFy' instead of 'SciFi.'  So, I'm sticking with 'History Channel' because I want to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem].  For those of you who don’t know, I have a huge love affair with anything history related, especially anything relating to Rome, ancient Chinese history, and wars such as WWII, American Revolution, & the American Civil War.  These episodes covered presidents 1 – 8 and highlighted a number of things not normally discussed in the history books.  Cool stuff (I know, “shut up Tim, you’re putting me to sleep.”)

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