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BERT’S BUZZ MAR/APR 2024
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THE BOOKS THAT SHAPED ME My Top Picks for Read Across America Day
coach had read. The theme of the book focuses on our ability, and responsibility, to determine what is meaningful in our lives. Since then, I have continued to look back at Frankl’s writing as I face certain obstacles or conflicts. My family and I had the opportunity last summer to visit Auschwitz, where Frankl had been imprisoned. It was an experience we will never forget.
Reading can be transformative whether you’re listening while commuting, annotating a worn paperback, or cherishing each page of a collectible hardback. I’ve already shared with you just how much reading has changed my life, and I think it’s only fitting that I share my favorite books for Read Across America Day on March 2.
‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac I first read this American classic back in
‘Who: The A Method for Hiring’ by Geoff Smart
college, and like any other student reading Kerouac’s work, I immediately got the travel bug. This was when I had my motorcycle and felt the world was all mine to experience. “On the Road” inspired me to gain a sense of adventure, curiosity, and freedom I didn’t know I had before. This book led me down Kerouac’s literary rabbit hole, and not long after, I decided to write my own sequel to “On the Road”! It’s clear this book was one of the first to make such a deep impression on me. ‘No Exit’ by Jean-Paul Sartre While I’m not sure I can say this is necessarily one of my all-time favorite books, it is one that made a mark on me with its message. The play begins when three characters find themselves in a strange, unknown room. “No Exit” was able to stir questions of free will, human connection, and how our actions can dictate our fate. This was a lot for a recent college grad like myself! Like “On the Road,” I felt compelled to write my sequel, which I wrote during a break from law school. I was 25 years old then and just about to pack my bags for France.
Regarding business books, this one has made one of the most significant changes in how I operate my firm. Smart’s book is a practical guide on recruiting, interviewing, and hiring the right people. Before reading it, the whole hiring process had eluded me, and I wasn’t sure how to perfect it. I know that hiring is
one of my most critical duties, as I want to bring only the right people to the firm. I have pride in my staff now, and it’s no wonder our firm is continuously voted one of the best places to work in New Mexico!
Anything by Fyodor Dostoevsky While “Crime and Punishment” and “The Brothers Karamazov” are my favorites of his works, any writing by the Russian master will change you. Dostoevsky has this incredible talent where he can describe and detail emotions you never realized you had. I urge you to pick up any of his books, and I promise you won’t be able to stop after just one!
Reading is so critical to developing ourselves. Reading a book means thinking about someone else’s thoughts and traveling to someone else’s land. Books allow us to see and experience perspectives and parts of the world we may never be able to see. I hope you can cherish some of these books as much as I do on Read Across America Day and beyond.
‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by Viktor Frankl
For those who might not know, my son Viktor is named after the author, so I’m sure you can tell just how important this book is to me. What first brought me to “Man’s Search for Meaning” was not only how important it is to so many other people but that it was a book my football
—Bert Parnall
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Paws for Prevention KEEPING CANINE ENCOUNTERS BITE-FREE
Most people love dogs. Dogs are friendly, appreciate a good belly rub, and are generally all-around pleasant. Unfortunately, they can bite. National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which takes place on the second week of April, spreads awareness about dog bites and how they can harm humans and dogs alike. This week, educate yourself and others on the importance of dog bite prevention. How Dog Bites Hurt Dogs and Humans While dogs are man’s best friend, their bites can cause a substantial amount of harm. Equipped with sharp teeth, dogs can tear through skin, and larger dogs with powerful jaws can even break bones. These injuries can be severe, leading to disabilities or — in extreme cases — death. While small dogs don’t have the bite of their larger kin, they can still break skin. Every dog bite can be dangerous, even if it doesn’t hurt much initially. Why? All dogs can carry diseases and bacteria. Some people assume that, since they aren’t humans, dogs can’t infect humans, but this is entirely false. If a dog bites you and breaks your skin, it will introduce a host of bacteria and other infectious organisms. It can lead to infection even if you can’t see it. Untreated infections can spread to the surrounding tissue, allowing for myriad illnesses, ailments, and diseases. Some dogs, especially stray dogs, can contract rabies; if a wild or unvaccinated dog bites you, head to the hospital immediately. Dog bites aren’t just harmful for the victims — they’re harmful for the aggressor dog. If it bites another animal or a person, the attacking dog likely faces retaliation — the animal being attacked may fight back, or the human will demand the dog be euthanized. Tips to Prevent Dog Bites (for Owners) Dog bite prevention can take a concerted effort. Not every dog has the instinct to bite, but those that do need extra care and a comprehensive plan. Here are a few tips to prevent aggressive behavior. • Have the dog spayed or neutered. Research shows that dogs tend to be less aggressive after the alteration. Of course, it’s not a guarantee, but it’s a step in the right direction.
• Socialize the dog with other dogs and people. Dogs need to speak each other’s language; the only way to learn is by being around other dogs. Taking your pet to dog parks and other dog-friendly places is a great way to introduce it to its peers in a positive environment. Furthermore, the more people it interacts with, the better. The dog won’t be as startled or surprised by humans if it knows how we act. • Try positive reinforcement training. You get more flies with honey. Dogs learn better with positive reinforcement. Treats, attention, and other rewards are excellent incentives for better behavior. Negative reinforcement, especially physical punishment, results in more aggressive dogs. • Allow growls. Dogs growl for a reason. It’s a warning, not an announcement. If you discourage growls and snarls, it may bite without warning. Growling gives you time to separate the dog from other dogs and people. • Contact a professional. If all else fails, contact a dog trainer. These specialists have experience in correcting dog behavior. Researching the trainer is important, as there are no legal requirements to become a dog trainer. Luckily, licensing organizations can point you in the right direction. Remember that every dog has a chance. It wants to learn and help humans — it’s in their DNA. It’s usually because of an owner’s negligence that a dog bites. If a dog bites you, contact an attorney. You shouldn’t have to accumulate medical bills for treatment related to a dog bite.
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A heartwarming story unfolded about an hour north of Traverse City, Michigan. It’s the tale of Scout, an adventurous dog whose journey from an abandoned stray to a beloved companion showcases the love our furry friends have for us. Scout’s story began as a frequent escapee from Antrim County Animal Control. Scout constantly “slipped the leash” and traveled to the same location after all his escapes: the Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. Every time he escaped, Scout crossed a highway, jumped a 10-foot chain link fence and a 6-foot privacy fence, and slipped in the front door to sleep on his couch in the lobby. The nurses at Meadow Brook had to make a choice after Scout reappeared in their lobby for the third time. And after recognizing the patients wanted Scout around just as much as he wanted to be there, they happily took him in. After giving him a check-up, it was clear Scout had not lived the easiest life before finding his way to Meadow Brook. No one knows where he came from before escaping animal control for the first time, what his original name was, or the exact abuse he suffered before finding his forever home. Scout flinches at loud sounds and has round pellets, likely buckshot or BBs, lodged in his face. But despite his past, Scout openly cares for and protects the residents of Meadow Brook. Scout now patrols Meadow Brook, visiting the residents as often as possible. Whenever someone is having a rough day, whether it’s because a friend forgot to visit or their health is acting up, Scout is there to ease their woes with a damp nose poking for affection and a doggy smile on his face. From Stray Dog to Nursing Home Hero Scout’s Heartwarming Tale
SUDOKU
Solution on pg. 4
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala This chicken tikka masala recipe is a tantalizing journey for your taste buds.
Ingredients
• 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp paprika • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes • 1 14-oz can tomato sauce • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp minced ginger • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 tsp garam masala
“He makes a good nursing home dog,” Stephanie Elsey, the facility’s clinical
care coordinator, said. “He knows his job, and he’s good at what he does.”
Directions 1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, coriander, and paprika in the slow cooker. 2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. 4. When the chicken is done cooking, stir in the Greek yogurt. 5. Serve over rice or with naan and enjoy!
Scout’s journey from a shelter’s uncertainty to a beloved member of the Meadow Brook community is more than just a happy tale. It’s a reminder of life’s
unexpected joys and the incredible, healing bond between humans and animals.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Bert’s Ultimate Reading List That Will Change Your Life
2 3
Why Dog Bites Are More Serious Than You Think
Take a Break!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Michigan’s Stray With the Biggest Heart
4
How to Make and Play With Slime
Pass the Slime!
A VISCOUS GAME FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
(without looking to see where the bin actually is). 3. That person pulls their bin over their head similarly, and so on until the end of the line. Directing the slime is the messy part since participants are blindfolded. That’s how you play pass the slime! Hint: If it gets stuck in your hair, try coconut oil. While pass the slime is particularly unique and fun, it’s just one of many ways to play with slime. You can also make art, form bubbles, and more. Children are imaginative and constantly invent new and exhilarating slime activities. The family who slimes together stays together.
To begin, mix the glue and food coloring into a bowl. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of contact solution. If you want a thicker consistency, add another 1/2 tablespoon. Knead the slime. It will be liquid at first, but it’ll thicken as you work it. After a while, the concoction turns into slime. The Rules Once you have your slime, have the participants sit in chairs arranged in a row just a few feet apart. Everyone should have something over their eyes (disposable masks work perfectly) and a wide bin in front of them. Make sure to have a lot of slime. It can be any color — but the more, the better. The rules are simple, but they need some coordination. 1. The person in front starts things off with their bin filled with slime. 2. They pull their bin over their heads, attempting to spill its contents into the bin in front of the person behind them
Make memories and have fun passing the slime! What makes this game so great? You only need people, chairs, bins, and masks or eye coverings for an unforgettable experience. Slime is the latest and greatest fad among children, and it’s easy to see why: Its unique texture and bright colors keep kids engaged. How to Create Slime Before you can play, you have to make the slime. There are many approaches, but the simplest recipe requires only three ingredients. You can customize it with food coloring and scale up the ingredients for larger quantities. • 8-ounce bottle of Elmer’s white school glue • Food coloring of choice • 1 1/2–2 tablespoons of contact saline solution or lens cleaner (make sure it contains boric acid or sodium borate)
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
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