Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC - June 2019

Take a look at our newsletter this month.

www.enkanter.com

June 2019

FROM STONE TABLETS TO MICROCHIPS ‘SAPIENS’ IS QUITE THE JOURNEY

My favorite books are those that give me either a new perspective on, or a newfound appreciation for, life. This month, I wanted to review a work that does both. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” is an engaging dive into the events, trends, and attitudes that have shaped our world. By following the story of our earliest ancestors all the way up to our latest scientific breakthroughs, history professor Yuval Noah Harari presents some truly unique takes on the human experience — some uplifting, and others deeply troubling. But don’t worry, this isn’t a heavy research paper filled with intellectual jargon. “Sapiens” is one of those rare works that manages to be academic and approachable at the same time. No doubt drawing on his experience as a lecturer, Harari’s writing is almost conversational, putting complex ideas in easily understandable terms. Still, he shows his work. Each page is filled with footnotes citing the foundations of his research.

This balance between readability and educational value is what makes “Sapiens” such a page-turner. Harari has great instincts as an author, knowing when to get into the weeds on a topic to explore a point, and when to jump back to the bigger picture. This sort of selective pacing is what makes a book that spans the entire known history of the human race feel like light reading. While the writing in “Sapiens” may be breezy and approachable, the ideas it conveys are heavy hitters. Relatively early in the book, the authors suggest that wheat may be the most successful species on the planet. After all, from the moment we learned to cultivate it, kingdoms and empires sprung up to monopolize its production. Humans went from being hunter-gatherers in relatively egalitarian communities to stratified societies with laborers, farmers, soldiers, and tax collectors. It’s telling that our first evidence of humans developing written language comes from stone tablets used to track grain storage. And that’s just the first section of the book. Throughout “Sapiens” Harari looks for the threads that tie us back to our pre- agricultural ancestors, looking for answers to the age-old question: “What makes us human?” He’s clever enough to know better than to land on a single answer, but the journey is well worth the book’s ultimately vague destination. From comparisons

between ancient religion and modern day banking systems to explorations of new ways to frame human history itself, “Sapiens” is nothing but thought provoking. If you’ve ever found yourself curious about our origins and our role in the world today, this book is well worth your time. It will likely challenge the way you look at the past and present, and will definitely have you thinking about the future. But if you, like me, enjoy entertaining new perspectives, “Sapiens” is right for you.

“THROUGHOUT ‘SAPIENS’ HARARI LOOKS FOR THE THREADS THAT TIE US BACK TO OUR PRE-AGRICULTURAL ANCESTORS, LOOKING FOR ANSWERS TO THE AGE-OLD QUESTION: ‘WHAT MAKES US HUMAN?’”

-Elliott Kanter

The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883

Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com

ENJOY YOUR FAMILY TIME BY TAKING A BREAK FROM YOUR PHONE

STAY FOCUSED Stay Focused is like Siempo, but there are some significant differences. You can set times to access certain apps and put the most distracting ones on lock. Stay Focused also has a “strict mode” that prevents you from uninstalling it, so be sure to think carefully before activating the lockdown because you won’t have access to those specific apps until the timer runs out. FOREST In the time that Forest takes control of your device for a set time limit, the app starts growing a tree. Once the tree is fully grown, your time is up, and it joins the other trees that were grown during other breaks. If you pick up your phone and try to access an app, Forest will send you a notification asking you if you want to kill your baby tree by giving up. Who says guilt isn’t a good motivator?

BESIDES APPS Aside from using these apps, silencing your phone and putting it in another room, leaving it in your car if you’re out at dinner, or keeping it in your purse or back pocket during a social event can also reduce your screen time. Having your phone out of sight and out of reach will keep the temptation of pulling it out at bay. Spending time with your family is crucial, and with these apps and tips, you’ll enjoy each other’s company without too many screen distractions.

Setting some time aside to be with family is important, but it can be difficult when everyone is always on their cellphones. Constant cellphone use has become a global problem, and the habit is hard to break because we rely on mobile devices heavily for work, school, and keeping in contact with friends and family. Luckily, there are plenty of apps that can reduce how often you’re on your phone and minimize distractions. SIEMPO After you install Siempo on your phone, it will ask which apps are likely to distract you. Once you select them, the app will move those apps away from the home screen and place the important ones, such as the messaging, contacts, email, and calendar apps, on the first screen. You can also designate times for specific apps to be used throughout the day.

DEADLY DAYS WHAT TEEN DRIVERS NEED TO KNOW School’s out for summer, and we’re sure students of all ages are enjoying their three months of freedom. Of course, this freedom means that many high school students will be taking to the roads this month as they commute to their summer jobs, spend time with friends, or engage in countless other activities. Unfortunately, serious accidents involving teenagers skyrocket this time of year due to the increase in drivers. 100 DEADLY DAYS OF SUMMER It’s a tragic statistic, but one that needs to be shared. According to highway safety advocates “We Save Lives,” every summer an estimated 260 U.S. teenagers die in car accidents per month. That’s 26 percent higher than any other month of the year. These otherwise carefree summer months are the reason auto accidents are the leading cause of death for teens. SO WHAT CAN WE DO? Teens want their freedom, and parents shouldn’t simply take away their car keys. But if you have a teen at home, it’s important to have a conversation about safety and expectations. Distracted driving is a big contributor to teen accidents, so remind your student that cell phone use is NEVER acceptable in the driver’s seat. Also, even if you are certain your teen doesn’t drink, emphasize the dangers of driving under the influence, or being the passenger of a drunk driver. Admitting to drinking under age may get

them in trouble, but it’s far better for them to call you and ask for a ride in these situations than risk a deadly crash.

I DON’T HAVE A TEENAGER. WHAT CAN I DO? Even if you don’t have a teen in your household, you can do your part to keep yourself and these young drivers safe on the road. As the summer winds on, be a little more defensive with your driving than you might otherwise be. Don’t assume a car is going straight in an intersection just because it’s not signaling. Don’t assume the person merging into your lane has checked their blind spots. Reduce distractions inside your own vehicle as much as possible. Together, we can make the roads of San Diego a little safer this summer. If you are involved in an accident, it’s important to seek legal counsel to understand your options. An expert auto accident attorney, like Elliott Kanter, can help you seek compensation.

The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com

Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com

ONLINE CRIMES

The internet is a powerful tool, with plenty of ways to be misused. According to Norton Cyber Security, over 143 million Americans have been affected by computer crimes in just the past year. Eighty percent of those surveyed had been victimized or knew someone who was. The best way to keep yourself safe from cybercriminals is to know how to spot these common crimes. WATCH FOR PHISHING “Phishing” refers to the act of sending out false emails to individuals or businesses in the hopes of gleaning sensitive information from those they fool. For example, a phisher may impersonate an HR professional and ask for employee’s Social Security numbers. Always regard any email with external links or requests for privileged information with suspicion, even if the sender initially looks trustworthy. BE PREPARED FOR RANSOMWARE Some criminals find it’s more valuable to simply lock down a computer rather than try and extract information from it. “Ransomware” is a type of computer virus used to lock down a device and hold the information within it hostage. Avoiding suspicious links and keeping your antivirus software up to date are the best ways to keep your data safe. It’s also a good idea to back up any important files. This sidesteps the threat of having them deleted. FIGHT HARASSMENT Cyberstalkers will use social media and other web platforms to stalk and harass their victims. They may use slander, libel, threats, and false accusations to demean, embarrass, and isolate their targets. If this is happening to you, law enforcement can help. Sentences for cyberstalking can include jail time and hefty fines. ACCUSED OF A CYBER CRIME? The anonymity of the internet, combined with the prevalence of these and other cybercrimes, has put law enforcement under a lot of pressure. This has led to many false accusations and unwarranted investigations. If you are being investigated as a potential cybercriminal, you’ll need an experienced attorney on your side. Elliott Kanter has been defending the rights of the accused for over 30 years, and he can help ensure that you are treated fairly under the law.

BLT DOGS

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

Is a hot dog a sandwich or not? We’re not here to weigh in on the ever-contentious debate, but when you combine a hot dog with a BLT, it definitely becomes more sandwich-like — and way more delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• •

4 strips bacon

• • • •

1 tbsp mayonnaise

4 hot dogs (ideally Boar’s Head Beef Frankfurters, but any all-beef variety will do)

1 head romaine lettuce, shredded 1 large tomato, seeded and diced

Salt and pepper, to taste

•

4 hot dog buns

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a skillet to medium and fry bacon until rendered and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain.

2. Fry hot dogs in bacon drippings, creating a crust, and cook until warmed through.

3. Using a dry skillet or oven, toast buns.

4. Spread mayonnaise on buns, place hot dog and bacon inside, and top with tomatoes and lettuce. Serve.

The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883

Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC 2445 Fifth Ave. #350 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1883

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DID WHEAT SHAPE HUMANITY? REVIEWING “SAPIENS”

TAKE A BREAK FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE

100 DEADLY DAYS OF SUMMER

BLT DOGS

ARE YOU DEFENDED AGAINST CYBER CRIMES?

MAKE THE ULTIMATE SUMMER TREAT

COOL FOR THE SUMMER

There’s nothing like an icy treat to cool down with on a hot summer day. But ice cream and store-bought popsicles tend to be full of processed sugar and artificial flavors. Beat the heat with a homemade treat instead! Here are some tips for creating the perfect homemade popsicles. • Invest in a popsicle mold. You can make popsicles with ice cube trays or paper cups, but an inexpensive popsicle mold can completely change the aesthetic of your popsicles, making them even more fun and delicious. • Use a pastry bag or freezer bag with a corner cut off to easily fill popsicle molds without making a mess. • When filling the molds, leave a 1/4 inch of space at the top. The mixture will expand when it freezes.

HEALTHY SUMMERTIME POPSICLES

• If your popsicle mold comes with a snap-on lid, leave the lid unsealed. Opening the lid when the molds are frozen can crack the brittle plastic. • Turn your freezer to the coldest setting and put your molds at the back of the freezer. The quicker your popsicles freeze, the creamier they will be because fewer ice crystals will form. • When you’re ready to eat your popsicles, carefully run the molds under warm water until they loosen. Gently wiggle the popsicle back and forth until it easily slides free. • Store uneaten popsicles in airtight freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Ready to get started? Use the above tips to mix up the delicious guilt-free popsicle recipe below.

INGREDIENTS • 2 cups berries • 2 tbsp honey • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt

DIRECTIONS 1. Blend berries in a food processor or blender until nearly liquified. Feel free to use your favorite kind of berry for this recipe. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work great! 2. Pour berry mixture into large bowl. Stir in honey, and then gently mix in yogurt. 3. Pour mixture into molds and freeze for 4–6 hours. 4. Enjoy with your family on a hot summer day!