Bruce Law Firm - December 2023

From Miracle Cure to Tasty Delight

How to Avoid Costly Divorce Mistakes

Tips to Prevent Critical Missteps

Divorce is a life-altering journey for many couples, with uncertainty and significant life changes that will affect you, your family, your finances, and your future. Here is a list of common mistakes to avoid to help you or a friend navigate the divorce process more smoothly. Don’t: Listen to the Wrong People The person you choose to be your lawyer is critical. Attorneys play a pivotal role in divorce proceedings, so DO heed their advice and guidance. Don’t: Make Emotional Decisions Emotions for both parties in a divorce can prevent a satisfying resolution. Focusing on facts, like financial matters or child custody issues, is essential. If you need someone to talk to, therapy is your best option. Don’t: Get Caught Up in the Small Issues It’s crucial to evaluate the worth of your possessions before engaging in a dispute. Some assets like homes or cars are worth fighting for, while others like a television or couch are not. Don’t: Be in the Dark About Your Finances Being up to date on your financial situation can save you money in the long run. Take the time to comprehend your financial situation fully, whether informally or through legal processes like discovery. Don’t: Make Decisions Based on Emotions Divorce is an emotional drain on most people. It is best to approach it with an open, rational mind. You don’t want to say something that can affect you personally, so always keep your head cool. Don’t: Pay Exorbitant Legal Fees While having legal representation is essential, going into litigation can become quite expensive. Mediation is a more cost-effective way to resolve divorce issues. Don’t: Ignore Tax Implications How you divide your assets can have severe tax implications for you, so knowing what they are upfront is essential. A failure to discuss tax consequences in advance can lead to big problems later — and a worse overall settlement than you thought. Divorce is a life-changing event that should be approached carefully. Seek the counsel of experienced attorneys, stay level-headed, and prioritize your long-term well-being during this challenging time. The Bruce Law Firm is always ready to answer your questions and discuss strategy. To learn more about how we can help, call us today!

The Unbelievable History of Ketchup

Ketchup, the popular tasty and tangy condiment found on tables and in refrigerators worldwide, has a surprising and somewhat peculiar history. In the 1830s, it was not just a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs; it was actually sold as medicine — yes, medicine! A Unique Origin Ketchup’s roots can be traced back to Asia, where it was called ke-tsiap (Xiamen), a sauce made from fermented fish sauce. It made its way to Europe in the 17th century, but it looked and tasted different from the ketchup we know today, as it included ingredients like mushrooms, walnuts, and oysters — no tomatoes. The Medicinal Claim and Tomato Connection In the 1830s, an Ohio physician named Dr. John Cook Bennett began marketing a tomato-based concoction as a medicinal elixir. Dr. Bennett claimed his tomato extract had incredible healing properties and promoted it as a cure for a wide range of ailments, including diarrhea, indigestion, jaundice, and rheumatism. During this time, tomatoes were still relatively new in American cuisine, and many people were skeptical about their edibility and safety. In fact, some believed tomatoes were poisonous, but Dr. Bennett aimed to market them as a safe and healthy miracle ingredient. His tomato preparation was a precursor to modern ketchup. The Transition to the Table Over time, the medicinal claims surrounding tomato-based ketchup faded, and people began enjoying its taste. A tomato-based ketchup started to appear in cookbooks as an ingredient in recipes and was commonly paired with eggs, meat, and fish. By the late 19th century, ketchup had become a staple in American households, and companies like Heinz began mass-producing it. Today, it’s tough to imagine ketchup as anything other than a delicious topping for our favorite foods, and while tomatoes do contain antioxidants and vitamin C, we know ketchup won’t cure a sickness. However, its transformation from fish sauce to tomato medicine to a beloved topping is a remarkable twist in culinary history!

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