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THE LEGAL LEDGER 800-800-4300 DENMONPEARLMAN.COM DOING MY BEST Lessons From a Cub Scout Leader JAN 2023
Scouting programs have taught our youth self-sufficiency, responsibility, and character for decades. But when I signed my two boys up for the local Cub Scout pack, I didn’t expect to get into Scouting alongside them! The organization needed parents to fill the need for scout leaders, and it’s difficult for most adults to make the extra time. I realized I could do something positive for children and learn many new skills along the way. The Cub Scout program began allowing girls to join in 2017, which spurred a need for female leaders. All mixed-gender packs have a male and female leader present at all times as a way to keep the kids safe. I love that girls can now join the program, but they need adult women to step up and make their participation
learn to give back to others and realize their power to make a difference. The Cub Scout motto is “Do Your Best,” and we try to incorporate that mantra into every activity. Of course, the kids also love the big events. They adore the pinewood derby, where each child builds a wooden car to race. Every camping trip is also a big hit. Cub Scouts is very family- oriented, so these trips present an opportunity for families to get away from daily life and bond. It has certainly done that for my boys and me. I love the opportunity for us to spend more time together while teaching them essential life lessons. I’ve also learned many new skills as a part of my role. Most notably, being a scout leader has improved my patience. My “wolf pack” of second graders love spending time
together and playing, so they can get a little rowdy. It takes all my leadership skills to keep them on track, but I do my best, too, and I love working with the kids. Unsurprisingly, Cub Scouts is always looking for other parents who can become leaders or fill different volunteer positions. If you think you might be a good fit for the role, I recommend it highly! Being a scout leader lets me connect with my kids, teach them responsibility, and serve my community. Childhood is fleeting, but having this shared interest brings us closer and lets me better appreciate these precious years while they last.
possible. I also think female leaders provide a much-needed alternate perspective for kids and adults, and our participation helps break down some of the gender stereotypes that still exist. Though I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, the program has been outstanding, providing comprehensive manuals and instructions for all leaders. It also requires an online training course, so we understand the policies and procedures. A lot of other training is hands-on, with senior leaders providing instruction and mentorship to the recruits. It’s a fun and welcoming environment. Since starting, I’ve loved seeing the kids in my den grow. (Each “pack” in Cub Scouts consists of multiple smaller groups called “dens.”) They get excited about the badges and awards, and most of them teach valuable lessons about what it’s like to be a community member. Cub Scouts also require community service, so the kids
—Nicole Pearlman
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FAIR IS FAIR
THE MEANING BEHIND ‘FAIR USE’ COPYRIGHT LAWS
Copyright law in the U.S. is confusing. A brand has the right to protect its intellectual property, but the law also allows for “fair use” of copyrighted material under certain circumstances. So, what exactly is fair — and who decides? The fair use doctrine enables commentary, criticism, reporting, research, or teaching. Without it, the news could not run a short clip on a movie, and your child couldn’t quote a novel in their book report. Fair use states that copyrighted material should not be duplicated but can be used for illustrative or critical purposes. There are four factors courts consider when deciding whether a particular use is “fair.” They are the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of material used, and the effect on the copyrighted work’s value. These criteria are less complicated than they sound, but how the courts interpret them can be very complex.
example: Using Mickey Mouse on university clothing would be a copyright infringement, but showing a clip of Mickey Mouse in class to discuss the history of animation would be fair use. The nature of the copyrighted work generally refers to whether the material is already published. For instance, you cannot publish excerpts from private letters and declare fair use. Amount or substantiality reflects how much of the material a person uses. While there is no strict rule, courts will likely view a 30-second clip differently from a 30-minute one. Finally, the effect on the market asks whether the use will give people less need to purchase the original work. For example, fewer people will likely buy a book if half of it is published online; one paragraph won’t have the same effect. When deciding whether something is fair use, courts must consider all four factors, meaning applying the law can be tricky. As a broad rule, entertainment and advertising purposes do not fall under fair use, but criticizing, reporting on, or teaching about a work does. Still, many well- intended people have discovered that their so-called fair use wasn’t so fair after all. So, consult a copyright lawyer for guidance if you have any doubts about being on the right side of the law.
Purpose and character of use refer to whether the copyrighted work is used for commercial or educational purposes. Consider a university, for
MAKE 2023 A SUCCESS Sticking With Your New Year’s Resolutions
Countless Americans make New Year’s resolutions every year. But for many of us, the resolution we made in 2023 is the same one as in 2022. Resolutions make us feel good, and it’s tempting to believe a new year can change everything. But many of us give up not long after workers finish cleaning the confetti out of Times Square. We tend to fail at our New Year’s resolutions for many reasons. Most crucially, we’re often not sure what we want. When we resolve to “get in shape,” does that mean losing a certain amount of weight, building so much muscle mass, improving our endurance, increasing our strength, or something else entirely? Not specifying what we want to accomplish makes walking away from our resolutions easier. Commitment is the first step to creating resolutions that will last. To make a change, you must know what that change is. Be specific about your goal, and ask yourself if you’re willing to do what it takes to get there — you’re setting yourself up for failure and disappointment if you’re not. Once you’ve resolved to follow through, keeping your resolution requires creating a plan. Crucially, it must be realistic. Becoming a millionaire is out of the cards for most people in 2023, no matter how hard you try, but getting a better-paying job isn’t. Outline measurable steps you’ll need to take to meet your goal and create milestones to help you achieve it, such as applying to three jobs each week. It’s also critical to think of contingency plans in advance. We all slip up, and eventually, you will eat a donut, make an impulse purchase, or skip a day at the gym. At this point, many people decide they’ve failed and give up. But a setback does not have to be the end of your resolution. Think about all the things that could go wrong in advance and create a plan for responding to them. You’ll be more likely to dust yourself off and try again. Finally, remember that change is possible. Too often, we decide we can’t do something because it’s too complicated. But when we believe in ourselves and confidently say that we can achieve a goal, we tend to follow through. We’re more likely to succeed when we decide failure is not an option.
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LET’S GET METAPHYSICAL
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
This recipe is healthy, affordable, and quick to make on busy nights when you need dinner in a pinch!
MEET THREE QUARTZ MOON’S ASHLEY STEVENSON
INGREDIENTS
Ashley Stevenson has been involved in metaphysical retail since 1999, when she first moved to Florida. After some detours around the country, she’s back in the area, and in 2020, launched Three Quartz Moon in New Port Richey. A small passion project has since become something much larger. “I started Three Quartz Moon so I could better control my environment and spread positivity in my community,” Ashley explains. She decided to venture out on her own after her previous workplace became a toxic environment — the exact opposite of what a metaphysical shop focused on spiritual and emotional health should be. Ashley started small, making jewelry and selling her wares at local markets. Now, she has a brick-and-mortar store. Metaphysical shops, sometimes called “new age” stores, offer items like crystals, oils, incense, candles, and other interfaith items that help people connect with their spirituality. Three Quartz Moon now carries over 120 kinds of stones and works by local artists. “Our top-selling items vary week to week because we are always getting new and exciting items,” Ashley explains. “We do, however, specialize in products that cater to specific holidays, solstices, moon cycles, and so forth.” Being a business owner has helped Ashley improve her work/life balance, and she now enjoys spending more time with her family and engaging in self-care. Once she feels the current store is in a good place, she hopes to expand to bring metaphysical items to more people in the Tampa area. Ashley is a proud mother to her 6-year-old son, Flynn, and her dachshund, Yawkey. She has been married to “the most supportive husband” since 2016. She enjoys amateur geology or “rockhounding,” photography, and traveling in her spare time. She regularly seeks ways to help her community. “I love helping people with their journey in life,” Ashley says. “I also enjoy teaching people about things that may have been considered taboo without making them feel inferior.” If you’d like to learn more, visit ThreeQuartzMoon.com to check out the store’s inventory, social media accounts, and upcoming events!
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3 tsp olive oil, divided
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
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1 1/2 tsp reduced-sodium seafood seasoning
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1/4 tsp pepper
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1 garlic clove, sliced
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Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
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10 cups fresh baby spinach (about 10 oz)
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6 small tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
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1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS
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Preheat air fryer to 450 F. Rub 1 tsp oil over both sides of salmon, then sprinkle with seafood seasoning and pepper. In a greased air fryer basket, place salmon. Cook about 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily. In a 6-qt stockpot, place remaining oil, garlic, and pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in tomatoes; heat through. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil. Cook until vinegar is reduced by half, then remove from heat.
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5. Arrange spinach on serving dish. Place salmon over spinach mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
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INSIDE 1 Why Nicole Pearlman Leads Cub Scouts
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Is It Copyright Violation or Fair Use?
Tips to Make Your Resolutions Last
Shop Local With Three Quartz Moon
Air Fryer Roasted Salmon With Sautéed Balsamic Spinach
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How to Stay Hydrated Without Drinking Water
STAY HYDRATED WITH THESE ALTERNATIVES HATE THE TASTE OF WATER?
Did you know that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? It’s a hidden epidemic that many Americans fail to realize is happening. Most people need to drink at least 4–6 cups of water daily, but Americans only average 2.5 cups each day. This leaves them seriously dehydrated, and they get used to the feeling, so they don’t even notice it. For many
cauliflower, strawberries, spinach, watermelon, and bell peppers are 92% water. Eating enough fruits and vegetables in your daily diet can increase your water intake by 2–3 cups without drinking anything. Iced Coffee How often have you heard that coffee is bad for you and will dehydrate you? Coffee is one of the few caffeinated drinks that does not cause fluid loss. It’s also 98% water, so it’s actually helping to rehydrate you. Decaffeinated coffee is the best way to go, but you can get the same benefits by drinking regular coffee. Just don’t overdo it since too much caffeine can cause adverse effects. Limit yourself to one or two cups a day. Coconut Water and Drink Mixes Many people consume sports drinks to counter dehydration, but many of those are loaded with sugar and sodium, which both dehydrate you. Instead, try drinking coconut water. It has more potassium and fewer carbs and sodium than sports drinks, so it’s a great alternative to maintain your hydration levels. You can also try drink mixes that flavor your water and make it taste better. Be cautious of what you use, as many drink mixes contain sugar and caffeine, which can counteract your efforts.
people, the challenge comes from finding time in the day to drink enough water, while others simply don’t like the taste.
If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy the taste of water, there’s good news. There are other ways to stay hydrated. Here are a few of them.
Fruits and Vegetables Most of us already know how beneficial eating fruits and vegetables can be, but they also help us stay hydrated. Many fruits and vegetables are comprised mostly of water. Lettuce and cucumbers have 96% water content, celery and radishes have 95%, and
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