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Ball in your Court

~ Musings on e-discovery & forensics.

Ball in your Court

Category Archives: Personal

A Glimpse of China: Prosperity and Purpose

30 Saturday Jul 2016

Posted by craigball in Personal, Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

This essay isn’t about electronic evidence; so, if that’s what you came for, sorry.  I just had to spout off somewhere about China.

Most who know me know my lifelong passion for travel.  An astonished, “you’ve been everywhere,” often ends conversations that start, “where have you traveled?”  But, there are places I’ve missed around the globe, and until now, one of those was mainland China.  I’d been to Hong Kong; but, not all think that going to Hong Kong is the same as going to Big Red.

I expected China would be crowded, dirty and grim, like Roman Polanski’s Chinatown, but bigger.  I grew up with images of Communist China: Chairman Mao and missiles on parade: platoons of children marching in khaki with boxy green caps and red stars.  I imagined meals of chicken feet and fish eyes, lots of pagodas and poverty, and street’s teeming with bicycles.  Boy, did I miss the sampan on modern China!

I’ve been on the move in China for a couple of weeks, and am challenged to find suitable superlatives to describe this miracle of progress and prosperity.  I have t-shirts that are older than the thousands of soaring skyscrapers scaling the magnificent city skylines of Shanghai, Xi’an and Chongqing.  Shanghai alone has over 2,000 buildings above forty stories that were built since 2000.

And what fantastic buildings! Continue reading →

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Bennat C. Mullen: A Simple Treasure Goes Home

09 Sunday Nov 2014

Posted by craigball in Personal

≈ 9 Comments

Bennat C. MullenMy father-in-law, Bennat Mullen, died unexpectedly on Saturday.  He was the sweetest, gentlest and most considerate man I’ve ever known.  He could devour a challenging book or just listen to the wind in the trees with the same simple joy, wonder and engagement he brought to everything.  Bennat was that rare sort who would ask what you thought about something and then attend carefully to your answer.  He didn’t look for his next chance to speak.  He sought his next chance to listen and learn.  Bennat met all with the conviction that he could learn something from them, and like Chaucer’s Clerk from Oxford, “gladly would he learn and gladly teach.”

Education was Bennat’s lifelong passion and key to his achievements.  He came from nothing.  “Dirt poor” aptly describes his early family life.  No one before him had finished school.  Even the odd spelling of “Bennat” is legacy to his parents’ near-illiteracy.  But, thanks to the Air Force and the miracle of the G.I. Bill, Bennat Mullen rose from the hardscrabble, attended college, became a school principal, earned a Ph.D. and emerged an esteemed Professor of Education.  He made the world a better place by teaching teachers.  Who among us is not indebted for that? Continue reading →

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Browning Marean 1942 – 2014

23 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by craigball in E-Discovery, Personal, Uncategorized

≈ 66 Comments

browning_mareanBrowning Endicott Marean III, 71, passed away last night in a hospital in his adopted hometown of San Diego. He died of complications attendant to a six month course of aggressive treatment for esophageal cancer.  Browning was not ready to go, and he fought his fate with the grace, intelligence, steadiness and humor that made us love him.  Browning Marean was the world’s best known and most admired ambassador for e-discovery, the peripatetic mayor of our global village.  No one traveled further, spoke more or put a better face on the American approach to the exchange of information in litigation than Browning.  Lawyers around the world think Americans mad when it comes to civil discovery; but when they heard Browning speak, when they heard that mellifluous radio announcer voice, they thought better of us.  And that was Browning in a nutshell: a wise, avuncular presence who just made you feel that everything would be all right. He touched my life for good, and I will miss him with all my heart.  In that, I am far from alone. Continue reading →

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Lagniappe!

15 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by craigball in Personal

≈ 11 Comments

BrysonThis is one of those occasional personal posts that has nothing to do with e-discovery.  If you’re looking for the usual fare, please stop reading because this post is about lagniappes.

For the last week, I’ve been in Australia’s capital, Canberra, delivering the keynote speech at the first-ever X-Ways Forensics Users Conference and conducting a forensic witness skills workshop for the Australian Federal Police.  I flew to Australia from New Orleans, where I’d delivered three presentations in a day for the Louisiana State Bar Association.  It’s been quite the busy week; so, after a picturesque drive to Sydney this morning and bidding goodbye to my top bloke and host, Zoran Iliev, I was glad for a few moments to catch my breath in this incomparable city of bridge, bay and soaring Opera House. Continue reading →

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Thanks. Can You Do Me a Favor Please?

19 Sunday Jan 2014

Posted by craigball in Computer Forensics, E-Discovery, General Technology Posts, Personal, Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

Sorry to take your time asking for help. so I’ll be quick about it.

But first, thank you.  Thanks to you, dear reader, this blog and its 85 posts reached 100,000 views a few days ago.  That’s nothing compared to the millions of page views others see, but it’s very gratifying to me because I launched this blog without saying a word to anyone.  Somehow, you just found it.  Ball in Your Court is an outlet born of frustration with the two-month publication lag attendant to my former print column and the sudden shuttering of an American Lawyer Media blog where I’d previously posted.  I wanted a place where no one could pull the plug but you or me.  This blog is a very personal connection to you.

The favor I ask is this:  if you like the content here or find it of some value, please share it with someone you think might be interested.  If you have a blog or site with a blogroll, please consider adding Ball in Your Court to your blogroll.  I will try to earn my place on your page and in your day.  Thanks.

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Warm Holiday Greetings from Austin, Texas

24 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by craigball in Personal

≈ 2 Comments

Johnson City Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas
at Ball in Your Court.
Not a syllable’s stirring.
We’re sipping mulled port!

The chestnuts are roasting, the wassailing’s started;
Don’t look for a posting ‘til Santa’s departed.
Au revoir data hash, and adieu data mapping.
I really must dash– I’ve got to get wrapping!

Thank you, dear reader, for all the perusing.
I hope it’s been helpful (and sometimes amusing).
And thank you, dear reader, for sharing your comments.
I cherish them deeply, those kudos and laments.

merry christmas y'allSo, chide me and check me,
be quick to correct me;
I rarely get everything right.
Till next time we dish here,
I send you this wish, dear:
Merry Christmas, y’all, and to y’all a good night.

.

.

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Vote for Ride the Lightning and The Legal Geeks!

01 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by craigball in Personal

≈ 1 Comment

voteAlong the right gutter of this page is a blogroll with links to the contributions of other e-discovery bloggers.  Two of the best of these are written by friends; so, I’m happy to note that Sharon Nelson’s, Ride the Lightning, and Bow Tie Law blogger Josh Gilliland’s other law blog, The Legal Geeks, have both been named to the ABA Journal’s Top 100 Blawg list. Congratulations Sharon and Josh!

But now they need our help squashing the competition like pesky bugs.

If you’re like me, you’ve spent the last few days immersed in family and feasting, and you’re looking for one more reason to delay the work that’s our last hurrah of 2013.  Here it is:

Please go to http://www.abajournal.com/blawg100 and vote for Ride the Lightning in the Legal Tech category and The Legal Geeks in the For Fun category.  It won’t take a minute or cost a penny, and you will be doing a solid to two good folks who give back so much.  Hope your Thanksgiving was delicious.

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She Didn’t Kiss Like Someone Named Robert Galbraith

08 Thursday Aug 2013

Posted by craigball in Personal, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Some readers know that I write an eponymous column for the American Lawyer Media print publication, Law Technology News.  I use this blog to test ideas for the column, and now-and-then the column affords fodder for the blog. The key difference between the two is that writing for print entails meeting deadlines and working within the confines of a strict word count.  You write because it’s due.  You write 1,200 words because the art and the layout allow for no more or less.

With a blog, you write when the spirit moves you and you can spare the time. You spit out as many or as few words as you wish.  A blog is instant gratification and a splendid outlet; but, nothing forces you to write for real quite like the imperative of print.

I’ve written BIYC the column for over eight years.  That’s a long tenure for a columnist, and I want to share the secret of my longevity to aid those who aspire to pen a column of their own.  Actually, I offer three secrets: Continue reading →

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Rest in Peace, Ross Kodner: A Giant in Law Office Technology

30 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by craigball in General Technology Posts, Personal

≈ 25 Comments

Ross_kodnerI received the sad news that Ross Kodner, a Wisconsin lawyer who left practice to market law office technology, has died of a heart attack.  Ross left a college-age son and daughter, both as bright and engaging as their dear father. Ross loved his kids more than anything, far more than even Corel WordPerfect or Fujitsu scanners (and for Ross, that’s saying a lot). There are few who can match the contributions Ross made to helping lawyers understand the emerging technologies that have transformed our lives and practices.

I feel as though I’ve known Ross forever, and I will miss him as long.  We met decades ago, on the law technology speaking circuit back when Ross pretty much WAS the law technology speaking circuit.  His campy humor, sardonic wit and (horrific) PowerPoints were legend.  For years, no self-respecting Bar Law Office Management organization mounted a credible program without Ross as a key presenter.

Ross loved the spotlight and deserved its shine; but, Ross was always happy to share the dais (although you had better be willing to fight for the microphone as Ross genuinely knew so much of value and aspired to convey it in such copious quantity that it could be hard to get in a word edgewise).   I learned a lot from Ross; not only about law office technology, but also about speaking, promoting legal technology, being a good father and—most of all—about the joy of bringing the “aha” moment to a room full of legal professionals.

There are thousands and thousands of lawyers across the nation who have Ross Kodner to thank for understanding some aspect of legal technology, whether it was how to slay the paper dragon or speed one’s use of software or make wise buying decisions.  Ross was our oracle and inspiration.

Like so many who ride the forensic technology circuit, I have endless Ross Kodner stories.  I won’t forget enjoying frozen custard in Milwaukee, tapas in Chicago, Peking duck in San Francisco or the countless times we broke bread, raised glasses and burned the midnight oil at Solo and Small Firm bar events in every big city and small burg you can name.

Back when Ross and I were always showing up at the same events and talking about many of the same topics, Ross took me aside and said, “Craig, you’re killing me.  I charge for my presentations and you’re giving yours away for free.”  Ross pressed me to seek honoraria to speak.  When I reluctantly took his advice, I suddenly found that, instead of being just another presenter, sponsors started calling me the “featured speaker” and putting my picture in the brochure.  I was making the same speeches, but thanks to Ross’ wise counsel, what I had to say was accorded more value because the hosts were paying for it.  That’s a pretty important life lesson.

For years, Ross hosted an amazing event at each ABA TechShow in Chicago called, simply, The Dinner.  It was the hottest ticket in town.  The Dinner was always held in a remarkable venue (museum, zoo, aquarium, yacht, penthouse…) and featured fantastic door prizes and cool freebies.  One year, Ross arranged for several thought leaders to receive Macbook Pro laptops and video iPods from Apple, back when those toys were so rare, costly and coveted.  That was Ross.  He did nice things for other people, and he made things happen.

I will miss that one-of-a-kind voice, that moon face with those big, black horn rims and the joie de vivre and energy that was uniquely Ross Kodner.  Rest in peace, old friend.  You mattered to so many.  You certainly mattered to me. With luck, a little of your goodness will be a part of every speech I give.

****

I have no information on flowers or charities (though I know Ross had been an avid supporter of the Milwaukee Jewish Day School in the past; http://www.mjds.org/).

Per Ross’ brother Daniel:

The funeral is going to be in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday morning, August 2, at 10:00AM at: Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI 53705
Phone:(608) 238-3434

The burial will be at Beit Olamim, Sunset Memory Gardens, 7302 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53717 on Madison’s far west side.

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Abroad Reach

15 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by craigball in Personal

≈ 1 Comment

This post will have nothing to do with e-discovery or computer forensics, so feel free to pass it by.  I write this from 37°36.83’ N latitude and 025°40.65 W longitude, which puts me in the Azores, the first land I’ve seen in days, and a sign that Lisbon is less than a thousand miles away.  There are a fast diminishing two miles of Atlantic Ocean beneath our keel as we make way at 20 knots in light-to-moderate seas.

Though I would love to report that we are crossing under sail and I am at the helm; in fact, my wife and I are aboard the Royal Caribbean vessel, Liberty of the Seas on our 30th cruise and third Atlantic crossing.  We are using the Liberty as a means to get across the pond and enjoy some quick stops in Lisbon, Seville and Barcelona before making our way north to the Netherlands to catch a flower parade in Haarlem and roam Holland and Belgium by car.

We love going to and from Europe by ship.  There’s no jet lag, and it costs less than flying while delivering a far more civilized experienced than a seat in any carrier’s first class cabin.  Plus, there is nothing more relaxing than a week in the open ocean with no land in sight save brief glimpse of Bermuda.  No port stops.  No tenders.  No excursions.  And after so many cruises, no abiding need to attend any towel folding seminars or magic shows.  No compulsion to ride the surf simulator one more time or tour the bridge.  Been there.  Done that.

Instead, I’ve enjoyed sleeping in, taking breakfast in the cabin and watching tons of movies.  A cruise vacation can be almost anything you want it to be.  It can be a social experience, or a private one.  You can eat, drink and gamble like a Barbary pirate or eat spa cuisine, take Pilates and enjoy a state-of-the-art workout facility.  There’s live music of all sorts, and something to do (or ignore) from dawn to midnight.  There are lectures and pickup basketball games and production shows.  Food is served at some venue aboard at any time, so you needn’t be a slave to the ship’s schedule.

But there is no shuffleboard, and you can skip bingo, if you wish.

If you’d like to learn more about the cruising experience, my wife contributes to a site called Cruisecritics.com under the handle “Artemis;” so, read her thorough (and thoroughly enjoyable) reviews there.  Here is our cruising experience, in case you’re seeking information on a particular vessel or line:

1. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) Liberty of the Seas – Transatlantic – April 2013
2. Celebrity Reflection – Holidays 2012
3. RCCL Freedom of the Seas – Western Caribbean – June 2012
4. RCCL Splendour of the Seas – Brazil & Argentina – Spring Break 2012
5. Pacific Sunrise – Whitsundays, Australia – November 2011
6. Cunard Queen Mary II – Westbound Transatlantic – July 2011
7. RCCL Oasis of the Seas Eastern Caribbean – Spring Break 2011
8. Celebrity Summit – Bermuda – August 2010
9. Celebrity Solstice – Eastern Caribbean – Spring Break 2010
10. Carnival Conquest – Western Caribbean – Holidays 2008
11. RCCL Liberty of the Seas – Eastern Caribbean – August 2008
12. Caribbean Princess – Eastern Caribbean – Spring Break 2008
13. Turkish Blue Cruise – Mediterranean – July 2007
14. RCCL Liberty of the Seas – 2-night pre-inaugural – May 2007
15. Grand Princess – Western Caribbean – Thanksgiving 2006
16. Carnival Conquest -– Western Caribbean – June 2006
17. Sun Princess – Southern Caribbean – Holidays 2005
18. Holland America Rotterdam – Baltics – July 2005
19. Carnival Miracle – Western Caribbean – June 2005
20. Abercrombie & Kent Sun Boat IV – Nile, Egypt – June 2004
21. Celebrity Millennium – Mediterranean – June 2004
22. RCCL Mariner of the Seas – Eastern Caribbean – Holidays 2003
23. RCCL Serenade of the Seas – Westbound Transatlantic – Maiden 08/04/03
24. Star Princess – Mexican Riviera – Holidays 2002
25. Dawn Princess – Alaska – July 2002
26. Norwegian Cruise Lines Star – Hawaii – June 2002
27. RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas – Western Caribbean – Holidays 2001 (TX-to-Aruba)
28. RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas – Western Caribbean – Holidays 2001 (Aruba-to-FL)
29. RCCL Explorer of the Seas – Eastern Caribbean – Holidays 2000
30. Norwegian Cruise Lines Sea – Western Caribbean – Holidays 1999

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