Good morning, good people! I sincerely hope this morning finds you all safe, sound, and in fine fettle.

"We are in for a ride!" is the theme of my next two topics.

First, I took a 30 free continuing legal education course between client interviews on Thursday. It was about an aspect of law greatly changed by AI. These presentation are typically cringe worthy, but this one changed my customary views of travel drastically. I will point out the laws apply to Texas, but several aspect apply to the US.

Lyft and Uber. Who hasn't hired one? Ok. Uber is the Big Boy, but Lyft is identical except smaller. They operate Identically, they are the monopoly. They sent lobbyists to Austin, wrote some legislation, got it passed, campaign funds grew. Background checks on drivers are not conducted now. Fingerprints are not required of drivers now. Thousands of Texas men and women have been raped or victims of lesser sexual assaults by drivers. Prosecute, fine. Sue ? Forget it. The monopoly(s) are network transportation providers only. Their drivers are contract laborers. No point in suing them. Whereas they began as a cheaper choice than government regulated taxi services, taxis no longer exist, the the monopoly prices are now much higher that taxis ever were.

Second, AI auto trucking. Driverless 18 wheelers are on the highways now. Any big truck you see on the road has some person behind the wheel, but they are not necessarily driving. Drivers were paid well, insured, had various benefits, so they went to the unemployment lines.

The AI program is configured to put the in truck person's safety above everything else. So, the program identifies a stalled vehicle. Smash it or dodge it? Dodging it requires running up onto a sidewalk where a young mother is pushing her twins in a stroller.

In truck person is unscathed, the truck is unscathed, the woman and twins are torn into so many pieces they couldn't be recovered, except for a few bits and pieces.
Can you sue? Yes. However, expect the lawsuit to be thrown out. AI cannot be a party.

So, re-think Uber and Lyft, and re-think how you position yourself around big trucks. We did ok without driverless autos. We were capable.

So, inflation, anyone? My office insurance increased from $1800 per year in 2025 to $2900 this year. The big 33.7 oz can of coffee I bought 3 weeks ago was $18.24, but yesterday, $22.24. 3 weeks ago, my packet of taco spice was 79 cents, yesterday, 98 cents. We are stocking up on basic necessities, bracing for a predicted economic crash. Getting ready used to be fun.

Well, I have litigated "who's the Daddy" paternity cases, but I wouldn't take this case:

Well, I must say, the world is changing faster than we expected. So far, not for the better, but it ain't over 'til its' over.

This is an open thread, not limited to any topic. In fact, it's purpose is to be a thread for you bring to your friends here any info you think is worth sharing.

So, let 'er rip!