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December 2025/January 2026
Board Games, Brain Gains, and Family Fun THE JOY OF PLAYING GAMES TOGETHER
There’s a reason my family won’t play Monopoly with me. I don’t need Boardwalk or Park Place to win. I just take all the greens, and before you know it, it’s over. It’s the strategist in me and my love for playing games. Games have always been a wonderful part of my life. Whether it’s a classic like dominoes or a family favorite like Skip-Bo, a card game, these activities bring us together and keep our minds sharp. National Games Day is on Dec. 20, and as we prepare for the holidays and quality time with our loved ones, I can’t think of many better ways to pass the time than over a board game. Growing up, my brothers and I played All-Star Baseball, a spinner-based board game where circular cards represent real players. When you’re “up to bat,” you spin for outcomes like hits or outs and move players around the bases to score runs. As huge baseball fans, it was one of our favorites as kids. During COVID-19, I got to revisit the game in a sense. A friend of mine mentioned a better version they used to play called Strat-O-Matic Baseball. This one is
more authentic because it considers pitching, defense, and other key aspects of the sport.
These days, there’s an online version of the game where you play as general managers and select players for your team. You have a budget, put together lineups, and compete in simulated seasons using real baseball strategy. There are three games every night, and my friends and I play them often. We always played plenty of board games like Risk or Gettysburg. These are strategic games, so if you want to win, you have to rely on strategy, not luck. I play backgammon all the time, and I even used to play in a lot of tournaments. I, of course, learned how to play chess, even though it’s not my forte. You have to take time to learn it and then more time to play it well. We were on vacation recently, and the hotel had an open room with a chess set you could walk through and make a move. Another person would come in and play another move. It was fun, even though we never managed to finish it. No matter the game, they bring families together. Everyone is sitting around, talking, getting to know each other even better, and having fun. Over COVID-19, our family really bonded over games. Even when one person didn’t really want to play, they would join in, and it was an excellent way to spend a couple of hours. It’s a much better time than just sitting in front of the TV.
Games also teach us life skills and help our minds stay healthy. As we get older, brain teasers help stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia. There’s no question that people who keep playing games throughout life have stronger cognitive function, and it keeps them young. Games are also important for children because they’re hands-on learning opportunities and memories that will stay with them throughout their lives. Staying sharp is crucial for me, but I love the fun and strategy in them most of all. Games are a way to connect, learn, and grow, no matter your age. I will always enjoy them for the family fun, the friendly competition, and the thrill of a winning strategy. I hope you and your family have many memorable game nights this holiday season.
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–-Elliott Kanter
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | (619) 231-1883
BRIGHTEN UP WITH DIY FIXTURES
CUSTOM LIGHTING WITHOUT THE COST
Lighting is one of those things that can completely change the feel of a room. Add a lamp to a dark corner or a warmer bulb to a living room pendant, and you’ve suddenly made the space feel more open and inviting. And it’s not just the type of bulb that matters. Lighting fixtures also add to the look and feel of your space. In fact, they’re often what people notice first. If you’re looking for an update, you don’t need to spend a fortune or hire an electrician to make it happen. DIY upgrades can go a long way. How about making your own floor lamp? It might sound complicated, but it’s not. All the materials you need, a base, shade, socket, and wiring kit, are readily available and can be combined to make something unique. Personalizing the base or lampshade to fit your style adds character. And remember, it doesn’t have to look brand-new. Half the charm is the rough edges.
You can also create DIY table lamps. All kinds of items can be upcycled to make the base, including an old vase or jar. Just make sure it’s heavy enough to stay upright. You can wrap the base in fabric or give it a fresh coat of paint if it needs extra personality. Then, drill a hole for the cord, install the socket, and add the shade. If you want to go bigger, try a wall fixture or ceiling light. Mount a couple of sockets on a stained wood board and hang it like a sconce. Or take something unexpected, like a metal basket or ceramic bowl, and turn it into a pendant light. It just takes a light canopy kit and a little patience. None of this has to be perfect. That’s kind of the fun. You’re working with your hands and putting a bit of yourself into the space. And when you flip that switch and see what you built to brighten your room, there’s a satisfaction in knowing you made it happen.
Practical Tips for Walking or Cycling in the Dark STAY SEEN, STAY SAFE
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. While you should always be mindful of your surroundings when commuting, this is even more important when visibility is low. Focus on the vehicles around you and pay close attention to driver behavior. Avoid distractions like listening to loud music on your headphones or texting while you are on the move. If the weather changes and becomes dangerous, like heavy rain, find shelter and don’t risk an accident.
The cooler temperatures this time of year make it perfect for an evening stroll or early morning bike ride, but with that change in weather comes shorter days and less visibility. For pedestrians and cyclists, taking extra precautions and being aware of the risks is essential. From struggling to see in the dark to slipping on wet and rainy sidewalks, these conditions increase the likelihood of accidents. Wearing reflective clothing, watching your surroundings, and planning the right route are crucial. DRESS FOR THE DARK. Whether on your bicycle or on foot, wear clothing that will help drivers see you in busy areas or when crossing the street. Dark colors can cause you to blend in with the night, so try to find something bright to wear. Reflective clothing and gear, like lights or tape, can help make you easier to see and are especially important for cyclists. You need a white headlight and a light on the back of your bike. CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROUTE. Plan your commute around well-lit streets and pathways if you know you will be out when it’s dark. The more lamps or street lights on your route, the easier it will be for you to see any hazards and for drivers to spot you. If you are walking, always stay on the sidewalk if there is one or walk facing oncoming traffic. Use crosswalks whenever you can and obey the crossing signals. A good rule of thumb is to make eye contact with drivers before crossing a street so you know they see you. Use bike lanes when they are available, or you can ride in the travel lane.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist, contact the Law Office of Elliott Kanter.
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The courtroom isn’t the only path to a resolution when legal disputes arise. Mediation can be a powerful alternative that saves time, reduces stress, and aims to find solutions that everyone involved can feel good about. A neutral third party can ensure everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and facilitate collaboration and creative ideas for difficult situations. The mediation process allows both sides to find a win-win solution instead of leaving the decision-making to a judge and jury. By choosing mediation, people can resolve conflicts on their own terms and keep meaningful relationships intact. FASTER RESULTS Traditional litigation can be lengthy and time-consuming, sometimes taking years to resolve. Mediation often moves much faster, helping people reach an agreement in just a few months or sessions. The process also offers far more flexibility with your time, as you get to schedule sessions rather than wait on the court’s timelines. Mediation is focused on problem-solving, not beating the other side, allowing both parties to communicate quickly and avoid adversarial, drawn-out court battles. LESS COSTLY Mediation is a much more cost-effective way to resolve disputes, partly because it is a shorter process. The price tag of litigation can add up quickly with attorney fees, court costs, and additional expenses related to the discovery process. When you hire a mediator, you will typically only pay an hourly rate. Many mediators offer virtual sessions, which could also help you save on travel costs. COLLABORATION OVER CONFLICT Mediation only works when everyone is willing to listen and work together. If all parties can do that, the process can help preserve relationships and potentially prevent future disputes. The whole idea behind mediation is long- term cooperation, open communication, and ultimately finding common ground. It can be far less conflict-driven than litigation, giving everyone more control over the outcome. When all parties brainstorm together to reach a shared goal, more solutions are usually available to them. If you are looking for a solution based on mutual respect and teamwork, Attorney Elliott Kanter provides mediation services alongside Leticia Ostler at Kanter Ostler Mediation & Dispute Resolution. Visit KanterOstlerMediation.com to learn more and to schedule a consultation. Skip the Courtroom Drama Resolve Disputes Quickly and Peacefully Through Mediation
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
INGREDIENTS
Gravy •
• • • • • •
1 tbsp black peppercorns 1 tbsp mustard powder
4 tbsp flour
1 tbsp dried thyme 1 tsp celery seeds
• • •
2 beef stock cubes
3 tbsp caramelized onion chutney
1 tbsp olive oil
2–3 tsp yeast extract
4 1/4 lbs topside joint of beef
DIRECTIONS
1. With a pestle and mortar, crush peppercorns, mustard powder, thyme, and celery seeds together. 2. Stir in oil, then rub into beef. 3. Preheat oven to 375 F and set seasoned beef in a snug roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour. 4. Remove from the oven, lift onto a platter, and cover with foil to rest 30 minutes. 5. For gravy, pour juices from the pan into a large measuring cup. 6. Let the juices separate, then spoon 2 tbsp of fat back into the pan. Discard remaining fat. 7. Top juices in the cup with boiling water to make 3 cups total liquid. 8. Heat pan with fat over medium heat and stir in flour, stock cubes, onion chutney, and yeast extract. 9. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, and gradually add juices/water. Bubble to thicken and serve with the beef.
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | (619) 231-1883
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC 110 W A St., Ste. 950 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1883
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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MORE THAN A WIN
LIGHTING WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
OUTSMART DARKNESS ON YOUR DAILY COMMUTE
ROAST BEEF WITH CARAMELIZED ONION GRAVY
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CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR DIFFICULT DISPUTES
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3 TRAIN TRIPS TO TAKE TODAY
TRACKS AND TREASURES
SCENIC RAIL JOURNEYS WORTH RIDING
lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A EUPHORIC EUROPEAN ESCAPE While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient- Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s-era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations. A SYMPHONY OF SWISS SCENES For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails
its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. AN ALASKAN ADVENTURE If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper-level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
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