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Makin’ It Better NEWSLETTER
May 2023
Oregon Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury | Social Security Disability
1139 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103 • 503-325-8600 • JoeDiBartolomeo.com
When Life Gets You Down, Just Keep Swimming
On May 30, 2003, Pixar released another animated hit that quickly became a favorite among viewers. “Finding Nemo” was the fifth Pixar film released, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many. “Finding Nemo” tells the story of Marlin, an overcautious clownfish who travels across the ocean to rescue his son, Nemo. Marlin meets many new, friendly faces along the way, while Nemo discovers his own set of friends while he waits for his dad to rescue him. “Finding Nemo” is an endearing movie, and many of us fondly remember it. It doesn’t matter if you watched it for the first time as a kid or saw it when you took your kids to the movies. It’s an entertaining film with various life lessons weaved into it. Some were obvious and proved to be a focal point of the story, while others were buried a little deeper underwater.
when his travel companion, Dory, tells him, “When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.” We can apply this message to each of our lives. Life can be difficult at certain moments, and yet we must continue to push forward so we can reach our goals. It’s vital to encourage ourselves to keep swimming even when confronted with obstacles.
friend may be the person we need to help push us in the right direction.
Step outside your comfort zone. If Marlin had his way at the beginning of the movie, he and Nemo would seldom leave the anemone they call home. Marlin knew everything would be all right if they didn’t try new things, but Nemo pushed boundaries instead, inevitably leading to his kidnapping. The situation forced Marlin to leave his comfort zone to pursue and save his son. By doing so, he experienced incredible growth and became a better fish in the process. We all need to leave our comfort zones from time to time to experience personal growth. It’s not easy, and sometimes we even need a little push, but by trying new things, we can accomplish whatever we put our minds to. Although “Finding Nemo” is an animated movie produced for a younger demographic, there are still plenty of life lessons that people of all ages can glean. If you decide to watch “Finding Nemo” this month in honor of the movie’s 20th anniversary, pay attention to the fine details within the film. You might learn something new that will help you succeed. –Joe Di Bartolomeo
Stay open to new possibilities and friends.
In the grand scheme of “Finding Nemo,” much of the story revolves around the amazing power of friendship. Marlin would never have found his way to Sydney without the help of Dory or Crush. He adamantly didn’t want Dory’s help at first, but over time he became open to the idea, and the two became best friends by the movie’s end. Along the same line, Nemo could not have escaped captivity to return to the ocean without the help of his fish tank friends. Nemo is initially scared of his surroundings and the other fish in the tank, but he quickly grows more comfortable and confident. It can be scary to try new experiences in life, but they can help us grow. By this same token, we should be open to meeting new people and getting to know them — there’s no telling what kind of positive things they might bring into our lives. In fact, each new
Below, you’ll find a few of the best life lessons one can learn from “Finding Nemo.”
It’s important to just keep swimming. As things continue to go wrong for Marlin in his hunt for his son, he becomes fearful. At one point, the diving mask that holds the only clue to Nemo’s location slips from Marlin’s grasp and sinks to the ocean’s dark depths. Marlin is too afraid to retrieve it and considers giving up for the moment. That’s
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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Bing vs. Google
selecting Microsoft as your default browser. Look for the little blue AI pop-up on the right side of the page after you search. Where Google Still Wins Though Bing may have brought its search abilities closer to Google’s, if not matched the tech giant, there’s no question that Google still dominates the marketplace and likely will for years to come — no matter how good Bing THE SHOWDOWN IS ON — AGAIN!
For years, most people have written off Bing as a dead search engine. Sure, it existed in the 2010s — but why would you use it when the king of all search engines, Google, was available? Most people didn’t. According to Business Insider, Google has cornered about 93% of the search engine market, while Bing holds a measly 3%. But that may be about to change. If you haven’t heard, Bing is back — apparently better than ever. This winter, Microsoft unveiled a new version of the long-laughed-at search engine powered by its artificial intelligence partner OpenAI. Now, the renovated Bing will face off against Google’s AI chatbot, the newly launched Bard. The Perks of the New Bing Early reviews of Bing’s updates gave several features the thumbs up, including its extra- large query box, which lets you type in an entire paragraph to provide the search
engine background information on your question. Reviewers also enjoy the detailed, personalized, AI-powered answers alongside Bing’s search results. With Bing, you can customize the AI voice that answers your questions — a fun upgrade from generic Google. There are even a few computer geeks out there (like Mark Hachman of PCWorld) who picked Bing over Google before the update. Hachman cites Bing’s excellent image search filters, lucrative Microsoft Rewards, and the fact that it “delivers slightly more useful information
gets. Google is tied to millions of advertisers who rely on returns from its service. It’s the default search engine of the popular browser Google Chrome, and it’s even embedded in our vocabulary. Until we all start saying “Bing It,” Google probably isn’t going anywhere.
than Google in general search.”
As we write this, the new version of Bing hasn’t fully launched, but you may be able to test it by downloading the Bing app and
How to Receive SSD Benefits While Employed 3 Things to Expect at a Disability Hearing WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR
After your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application and request for reconsideration have been denied, disability hearings occur. At this point, you’re most likely frustrated and discouraged. Yet, at this stage, you have the highest chance of being granted disability benefits. These hearings allow you to convey your condition better and why you need these benefits. Although you can represent yourself, you’ll have a better chance of winning your case if you hire an experienced attorney. No matter what, you should be prepared for what will happen during a disability hearing.
to bring family or friends into the hearing. Instead, your attorney will accompany you, and you’ll meet with the administrative law judge (ALJ), the judge’s aide, and possibly an expert witness. The hearing will occur in a small conference room, and the judge won’t wear a judge’s robe. Questions You May Be Asked While we can’t predict the exact questions the judge may ask you, you should prepare for any questions about your symptoms, abilities, medical treatment, past work experience, and how your daily life has been affected by your disability. For example, you may be asked any of the following:
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How long are you able to stand before needing to rest? Do you need help getting dressed or with personal hygiene?
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How You Should Answer Always be honest. These judges have seen countless cases, and they can spot a lie from a mile away. While honesty is vital, so is being authentic and detailed. Simply answering “yes” or “no” will not convey your case thoroughly. Be as specific as possible to provide the complete picture of your situation. The ALJ will likely not accept or reject your case immediately. Instead, you will receive your judgment in the mail 3–4 weeks later. If you plan on having a disability hearing, you want to increase your chances of success by hiring a skilled attorney. Our team at Di Bartolomeo Law Office is here to help you.
Not a Traditional Courtroom These hearings are nothing like a TV
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Describe your unsuccessful attempts at employment. How does your illness affect your ability to work?
courtroom, so don’t feel intimidated. This is not a public hearing, which means you have no jury or audience. You won’t be able
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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
When dealing with a personal injury lawsuit, you may have learned about multiple types of damages, including punitive ones. Punitive damages can be considered if you were involved in an accident directly caused by someone’s negligence or harmful intent. Also called “exemplary damages,” punitive damages are often awarded when the defendant is a large company or entity. If you were injured due to a corporation’s negligence, punitive damages might be part of your settlement. Punitive vs. Compensatory Damages One way to define the difference between punitive and compensatory damages is that punitive damages are awarded to help prevent the mishap from recurring, while compensatory damages ensure the victim receives the justice they deserve. Punitive damages punish the defendant for their crime and make them an example to others. The compensation ensures the defendant doesn’t commit the same crime again while warning others they can face a similar penalty. These damages are often awarded when large corporations are involved, but they can also be granted in drunk or distracted driving accidents.
Meanwhile, compensatory damages reimburse the victim for the costs caused by the accident, such as medical bills, car repairs, missed wages, etc. Compensatory damages can also include future expenses for the victim, like ongoing medical care for a severe injury.
Examples of Punitive Damages There are various causes for punitive damages. These include:
• Malpractice • Product liability (defective products) • Drunk/distracted driving • Assault and battery
How Often Are Punitive Damages Granted? Punitive damages are hard to justify as you must prove the defendant acted maliciously or irresponsibly. You will also have to ensure the cost of punitive damages accurately reflects the injury and damage. In a case where punitive damages could be awarded, you will need a reliable attorney to help guide you through all the obstacles ahead. While receiving punitive damages is challenging, it’s not impossible. Call our expert team at 503-325-8600 to learn more.
PUZZLE
Ginger Pork Stir-Fry Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 cup orange juice • 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp canola oil • 1 small onion, sliced • 1/4 lb fresh snow peas • 1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned • Cooked rice • Green onion, chopped (optional) • Sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth; set aside. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir-fry pork in oil until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove pork and add onion, peas, and red pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Stir in orange juice mixture and pork. Bring to a boil, and then cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired.
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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503-325-8600 JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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1139 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103
What’s Inside
1
Life Lessons From ‘Finding Nemo’
2
Have You Tried the New Bing?
What Happens at a Disability Hearing?
3
What Are Punitive Damages?
Ginger Pork Stir-Fry
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3 Ways to Brew Coffee Outdoors
Best Ways to Brew in the Wild How to Make Coffee While You Camp
Whether you need to recover from a stellar night around the campfire or fuel up for a blissful mountaintop meditation session, you’ll need a fuss-free and portable coffee brewing method. Easy to travel with and perfect for outdoor nomads, these camping hacks will make any moment in nature even better. Portable Pour-Overs While instant coffee packets are a tried and true method, we can all agree that they aren’t the epitome of fine-quality coffee. For the same ease but better taste, try single-serving pour-over coffee. These innovative products consist of a paper pour-over stand that perfectly fits on top of a mug. Lightweight and portable, this method gives you a pour-over coffee taste with the convenience of instant coffee. We
recommend brands like Kuju and Copper Cow Coffee for their excellent flavors, like bourbon and Vietnamese coffee. Cowboy Coffee The epitome of “no-nonsense,” cowboy coffee requires only a pot, water, and ground coffee. All you need to do is boil some water, add the coffee grounds, wait until they sink to the bottom, and enjoy! With a rich, robust flavor, cowboy coffee may not be the best option for casual frappuccino drinkers. Yet, it provides a good cup of joe for those sleeping under the stars. AeroPress Coffee When you buy an AeroPress, you get full- bodied coffee whenever your heart desires. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, then you probably already know about AeroPress.
If you haven’t heard of it or need more convincing, this small gadget requires little effort for delectable brews. The AeroPress is shaped like a tube with a filter at the bottom and an accompanying plunger cylinder to press the coffee. Just add ground coffee and water to the tube, then press down with the cylinder. Coffee will drip through and have you questioning why you ever spent $7 on a latte. Get your AeroPress from their official website (AeroPress.com) or big box store! Don’t let the ruggedness of the outdoors ever stop you from enjoying a nice, smooth cup of coffee. You can bring your favorite caffeine fix to forest trails, mountaintops, and sandy shores.
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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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