LEX CANIS THE
A Day for Food, Family, and Reflection
I’ll say it: Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. To me, it has always captured the purest expression of what makes life good and America great. It’s the gateway and kickoff to the holiday season and is a day centered on reflecting and focusing on all that we have to be grateful for and the abundance we enjoy. How could anyone not feel warm inside with the cold of late fall paired with a flavorful feast and the love of family and friends? My enthusiasm for Thanksgiving began on the cold snow-covered ranch of my youth in Montana. Each year my mother prepared an amazing feast made from scratch. Being so isolated, 20 miles away from the nearest town, my Mom made just about everything from scratch. Just as an example, the stuffing (dressing as we called and prepared it in Montana) was made from hand-pulled, homemade bread baked with wheat harvested from our fields and turned into flour by a hand-grinder.
time, skill, energy, and attention to detail that my mom put into that production was truly a gift to behold. The final product was so wonderful that 1,000 thank-yous or other statements of appreciation and gratitude to Mom would never be enough. Even though we cannot recreate those culinary masterpieces from my childhood, Estelle and I still go out of our way to make the day spectacular in our own way, even though it might be “scratch light.” Family and friends will tell you that Lee and Estelle go all-out for Thanksgiving. Each year, we invite a bunch of folks to our home for our feast. We know not everyone will be able to make it, but we want to make certain our dinner table is overflowing. Running out of food is never a concern — most years we do both a big turkey and ham; my wife makes a ton of sides from scratch (Koreans love their side dishes); and I personally select and test a giant spread of desserts to make a truly memorable extravaganza of deliciousness. And why shouldn’t we? Unlike holidays with religious or political leanings, Thanksgiving has come to symbolize a very American celebration of gratitude. In our day-to-day lives, it’s so easy to overlook how much we have and how good we have it. On Thanksgiving, I do not like tension. There’s enough stuff going on in the world that creates tension and stress. I just want to relax, eat, laugh, and enjoy life on Thanksgiving. I
don’t want to sit on the edge of my chair. I don’t want conflict and anxiety in the home or on TV. I want to sit back in my chair and enjoy the day surrounded by my friends and lots of food. I don’t really watch NFL football anymore. Personally, I do not support football players kneeling during the National Anthem, so they don’t get my time or money. However, professional football and Thanksgiving have been like peas and carrots for as long as I can remember. How could you not love to watch John Madden call the games for the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day with his famous six- legged turkeys? John never created any tension or stress for me, and I was always so happy to invite him into our home and share the day with him. That is the football I want to watch on TV. But regardless of my political leanings, I will absolutely be watching all three football games on Nov. 22. My football boycott will resume on Nov. 23. This year, as always, I’m grateful for my wonderful wife, my awesome weenie dog, and that my folks are still alive, healthy, and an important part of my life 28 years after leaving Montana.
Happy Thanksgiving, - Lee Berlin
That truly “from scratch” cooking may be what I remember most about the Thanksgivings of my childhood. The love,
1 Berlin Law Firm • DefendingTulsa.com
Meet Junior
Mascot, Alarm System, and Therapy Dog Extraordinaire
This month, we’re shining our spotlight on none other than Junior Oscar Mayer Tank Berlin himself. As our office mascot and reason for the honorary title “Lex Canis,” Junior has made frequent appearances in this newsletter. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t do a feature on this four- legged member of the firm and all the good he does around the office.
Skip the Sales and Have Some Pie
3 Reasons Black Friday Isn’t Worth Your Time
The day of chaos will soon be upon us. In a few weeks, Americans will leave their homes with bellies full of turkey to descend upon retail stores in the feeding frenzy that is Black Friday. Sure, it’s a bit stressful, but with all the great sales and gift-giving holidays on the horizon, Black Friday is the best day to knock out that shopping list, right? Not really. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t bother with Black Friday. YOU WANT THE LOWEST PRICES If you’re waiting to get the best deals of the year, Black Friday probably isn’t the day to go out. While stores may offer one special item at an outrageously low price, the rest of the sales can’t compete with other times of the year. Headphones are cheapest in August, vacuums are more affordable in April, and if you’re shopping for the holidays, keep in mind that toys will be priced at their lowest 10 days before Christmas. YOU WANT THE BEST BRANDS Here’s an insider secret: Most stores get new inventory to advertise specifically for doorbusters and Black Friday sales. New TVs at 75 percent off will get lots of people in the door, but those televisions aren’t the best brands. If you need a cheap dorm TV, then Black Friday is your day. But if you want a quality television to show off your 4K Ultra HD copy of “Avengers: Infinity War,” you’re better off waiting until after the New Year. YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY It’s hard for people to say no when they’re afraid they’ll regret not jumping on a deal when they had the chance. So they grab the $750 laptop because it’s $200 off, buy some new winter coats because they’re four for the price of three, and fill their cart with other incredible sales. Do you need 10 HDMI cables? Of course not. But when they’re on sale for $2.99 each, how can you say no to that bargain? If there is a specific item you want that’s on sale during Black Friday, like those cute department store boots or a PlayStation 4, then by all means get out there early and take advantage of the deal. But if you have a long shopping list, want to save money in the long run, or don’t know what you’re after, Black Friday isn’t worth the stress.
Junior’s role at the office is multifaceted, making him a valuable member of the Berlin Law team. When he’s not posing in photo shoots per his mascot responsibilities, this short-haired Dachshund pulls double duty as our firm’s part-time alarm system and Zen therapy dog. While those may seem like conflicting responsibilities, Junior finds a way to strike a balance. Those close to Junior would describe him as a “barkapotomus,” at least when strangers are around. While he’ll put on a brave face to deter would-be intruders, the truth is that Junior wouldn’t hurt a fly — he has a strict no-nip policy. To his friends and coworkers, however, Junior is nothing but supportive. Making his rounds through the office, he provides a calming presence to our team as they work through the often stressful challenges of criminal defense. While Junior’s work in stress relief isn’t always client-facing, he has been known to offer a helping paw to visitors. Once we had a very distressed elderly woman come to us for assistance on a small misdemeanor matter. As Lee worked to understand her needs, she couldn’t stop crying. So Lee asked her if she would like him to get Junior and hold him. Junior stepped up to the plate and let this person hold him in her time of need. The effect Junior had on this woman was amazing and almost immediate. It was as if he knew her pain and wanted to help. When he’s not on the clock, Junior enjoys life at the Berlin household, where he keeps his vast collection of squeaky toys. Most mornings, he’ll take a 1 1/2-mile walk around the neighborhood with Lee before returning to enjoy a freshly prepared scrambled egg breakfast. His other hobbies include barking and chasing after squirrels and keeping up with his friends on social media (you can find him on Facebook under “Junior Oscar Mayer Berlin”). All in all, Junior is loyal, supportive, and protective — we could not have asked for a better face of our law firm. In all he does, Junior makes sure we stay positive and always have our best paws forward. If you stop by the office, chances are you’ll get to meet this star member of our team!
2 Berlin Law Firm • 918-770-0172
Oklahoma Statute Offers Fresh Start This month, thousands of Oklahomans will get the chance for a fresh start. As of Nov. 1, a change in the law to Title 22 O.S. Section 18 “Expungement of Criminal Records” will go into effect, easing the restrictions on clearing nonviolent felonies from their record. For so many people with nonviolent felonies in their past who have gotten their lives back on track, this is incredible news. WHAT’S CHANGED Previously, in Oklahoma, you needed to obtain a full pardon to expunge your felony record, something not easily achieved. You also had to have no other felony convictions in your history and no misdemeanors in the past 15 years. On top of all of this, 10 years had to elapse from the moment you completed your sentence before you could even begin the process of seeking expungement. Great News for Nonviolent Felons
NOT SURE IF YOU’RE ELIGIBLE? The law can be confusing, and the last thing you want to do is spend the time, money, and energy seeking an expungement only to find that you don’t meet the full requirements. That’s why our contract counsel Kyle Killam is waving his consultation fees for November and December to help former nonviolent felons find out if they are eligible for this opportunity. READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? If you are eligible for expungement under this new law, we want to help you clear your name as soon as possible. That’s why, for the next two months, we’ll be offering our assistance in seeking a criminal expungement at a reduced rate. Now through Dec. 31, for only $1500 — a $1000 discount — you can hire the fine folks at the Berlin Law Firm to help you get your nonviolent felony expunged and the fresh start you deserve. Want 2019 to be your best year yet? An expungement is the perfect place to start. Call us today at (918) 770-0172 for your FREE eligibility consultation.
Now you do not need a full pardon to clear your nonviolent felony conviction. You still cannot have any other felony convictions, but the grace period for misdemeanors has been moved down to seven years . Best of all, you can seek expungement a mere five years after serving your sentence. Suddenly, a whole swath of formerly ineligible expungement candidates are going to be afforded the chance to get their lives back on track.
Inspired Be
Pumpkin Chickpea Fritters Ingredients
Inspired by Healthy.Happy.Life
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1–2 teaspoons flour, for binding (optional) 1 cup panko bread crumbs, for coating 1/4–1/2 cup safflower or canola oil, for frying
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1 can chickpeas, drained
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1/2 cup organic pumpkin purée
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1/4 cup sunflower seeds
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2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon garlic granules
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
4. Form mixture into golf-ball- sized spheres and roll to coat in panko breadcrumbs. Pat into flat cakes and carefully drop into hot oil. 5. Fry fritters, flipping once, until golden and toasty, about 2 minutes per side. 6. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel to dry and cool. Serve 5 minutes after cooking.
1. In a large mixing bowl, mash
together chickpeas and pumpkin purée until the majority of peas are mixed with purée.
2. Add sunflower seeds, apple cider vinegar, spices, and flour to mixture. Fold until fully integrated. 3. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high.
3 Berlin Law Firm • DefendingTulsa.com
NEW ADDRESS 8516 E. 101st Street, Suite A Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
We didn’t go far. We are still located in the Park Place Business Complex, directly across the parking lot from our old office.
WE HAVE MOVED
8516 E. 101st Street, Suite A Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
Phone: 918-770-0172 DefendingTulsa.com
Inside This Issue
Thank America for Thanksgiving Page 1 What to Know Before Black Friday Shopping Meet Junior! Page 2
Have a Nonviolent Felony? We’ve Got Good News Pumpkin Chickpea Fritters Page 3
A Historic Veterans Day Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I
THE RESTORATION OF PEACE In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. VETERANS DAY Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.
THE GREAT WAR By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by a Serbian nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into World War I. The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future.
This year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it.
4 Berlin Law Firm • 918-770-0172
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