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JANUARY 2025
LAUGH UNTIL IT HURTS CELEBRATING GLOBAL BELLY LAUGH DAY
Have you ever laughed so hard that your stomach hurt? I certainly have!
I’m not sure how it all started, but it took on a life of its own. I have five uncles and one aunt on my mom’s side, and one Christmas, they all came over to our house. We spent the week cutting out photos from magazines and family albums, mixing them together into hilarious creations — it was a riot! I remember we put my uncle’s head on a llama’s body, giving birth, and we couldn’t stop laughing. Those creations are still a family treasure. My mom kept them all and created an album, and we pull them out often. The laughs they brought us that day still make us crack up years later. My uncle Jimmy, who was the centerpiece of all that mischief, passed away last year. Like so many others, that memory brings a big smile to our faces and reminds us of the joy he brought to our lives. It's funny how laughter can imprint memories on you, connect the family, and help people live forever.
cortisol, which can help us feel more relaxed and resilient. For our bodies, laughter increases blood flow, improves circulation, and can even boost the immune system. Psychologists have also noted the mental benefits of laughter. It shifts our perspective, allowing us to see things in a brighter light. Humor can encourage problem-solving, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve overall mental well-being. Sometimes, we all get so caught up in the business and stress of our daily lives that we forget to take the time to pause and laugh. So, as we kick off a brand-new year, here’s to the inside jokes that connect us, the harmless pranks that give us a
I remember we put my uncle’s head on a llama’s body, giving birth, and we couldn’t stop laughing.
On Jan. 24, we celebrate Global Belly Laugh Day, and it got me thinking back to these memories that still crack me up. Laughter is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools we have to connect with others. It bridges gaps, strengthens our relationships, and can even help to lighten the heaviest of situations. For me, there’s nothing better than the echo of my kids’ laughs coming down the hall or their little giggles as I swoop them up in my arms. Studies have shown that laughter has great benefits for our physical and mental health. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, you know, the feel-good chemicals that reduce stress and improve mood. Laughter also decreases the levels of stress hormones like
chuckle, and the contagious giggles from our kids that make life that much brighter. Happy Global Belly Laugh Day!
–Case Barnett
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Transform Your Food Zone SECRETS TO A SPOTLESS PANTRY
Depending on how you organize your home, your pantry is either a tidy spot for storing snacks or a dungeon-like display of disorganization. If a walk- through of your current space would give Gordon Ramsay a kitchen nightmare, here are three ways to whip it into shape. Purge and Polish Before you do anything else, empty out the contents of your pantry entirely. You heard that right — everything must go! Move all your items to another room, check all expiration dates, and dispose of everything that’s gone bad. Next, check the quality of your pantry shelves and replace any that could pose a safety risk — or create a colossal mess — if they were to collapse. Next, wipe down and disinfect the entire area before filling it up again with the food items you decide to keep. Decrease and Declutter Now that you’ve determined what stays and what goes, look for ways to rearrange your
pantry further. For example, cereal boxes are space-killers, so why not pour their contents into containers that will preserve freshness longer and occupy less space? You’ll create extra room for small kitchen appliances that may get in your way. Repurpose and Revitalize If you need new ways to store items, look around the rest of your house before spending money at the store. Why purchase new containers when the glass jars you’d otherwise recycle would work just as well? After removing the labels, a good wash and rinse is often all it takes to make them as good as new. Do you have baskets or bins in your home you aren’t using to hold much? Empty and repurpose them to store more goodies at less cost. It’s incredible how often we burn through cash on new items when we already have plenty of things that could serve the same purpose. All you need is a little imagination!
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST "Top-notch skill combined with high class advocacy makes Case Barnett Law a solid choice for any PI case. Case has the unique ability to balance aggressive litigation with the panache of a statesman. His opponents have no idea they are losing until it's too late. I recommend him as an attorney and a person, hands down." –Kevin S. "Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication involving my case. You were organized, thorough, professional, and there for me during a difficult time in my life. I've dealt with numerous attorneys as a police officer, and you stand out as being one of the best. During my case, you were top-notch and brilliant on a level that would exceed anyone's expectations. I'm grateful to have chosen you as my attorney, which led to my successful acquittal of all charges. I would highly recommend you to anyone and thank you again for fighting for me until the end." –Derrick D. This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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WINNER WINNER POTLUCK DINNER Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef • Salt and pepper, to taste • 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cups sliced, peeled potatoes • 2 cups finely chopped celery • 1 cup finely chopped carrots • 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper • 1 cup finely chopped onion • 1 cup water • 2 cans (10-3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted • 1 can (5 oz) chow mein noodles, divided • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
TESTING THE TRUTH The Critical Role of Cross- Examination in the Legal Process Cross-examination is one of the most critical parts of the legal process, especially when it comes to witnesses and expert testimony. Cross-examination allows us to test the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of the evidence presented, ensuring the facts are correct and fairly interpreted. My dad, known as one of the best cross-examiners of criminals in California, and possibly the country, taught me the value behind it. While I grew up, I watched him in action and learned that cross-examination is both an art and a science. When dealing with witnesses, particularly experts, it’s important to understand the science or subject matter they’re presenting. Defense experts often rely on their credentials, research, and the way they present their findings to the jury, and a skilled cross-examiner knows how to delve deeper, reasoning through their statements to uncover any biases, assumptions, or flaws in their conclusions. My dad’s approach demonstrated the importance of preparation and adaptability. He understood the material well enough to challenge even the most seasoned experts and could think on his feet to respond to unexpected answers. He taught me that while science is often objective, the way it is presented can be subjective; the expert’s perspective or the defense’s narrative shape it considerably. By rigorously questioning witnesses and experts, we ensure the evidence is thoroughly vetted to help juries reach informed decisions. Combining knowledge, reasoning, and strategic questioning is critical to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble beef until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 2. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté potatoes, celery, carrots, green pepper, and onion for about 5 minutes. Add water, cover, and simmer for 4–5 minutes. Stir in soup and beef until well incorporated. 3. Sprinkle half the chow mein noodles into a greased, shallow 2-qt baking dish, and spoon meat mixture over noodles. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Top with cheese and remaining noodles. Bake, uncovered, another 10 minutes or until heated through.
LAUGH LAWS
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1 The Stories and Memories That Keep Us Smiling
Page 2 Tips for a Tidy Food Area
Our Clients Say It Best
Page 3 Cross-Examination Techniques Learned From My Dad
Winner Winner Potluck Dinner
Page 4 Create an Indoor Obstacle Course This Winter!
Beat the Indoor Blues Turn Your Living Space Into a DIY Obstacle Course This Winter
Create engaging obstacles. Now for the fun part: building your course! Use simple household items to create engaging stations: • Balance Challenges: Lay a strip of painter's tape on the floor to serve as a balance beam, or use a two-by-four if space allows. • Crepe Paper Maze: Stretch crepe paper across a corridor to create a thrilling laser maze. Cranking up some spy-themed music can enhance the atmosphere. • Sack Races: Use pillowcases or sleeping bags for sack races across the living room. It’s a fantastic way to burn off some energy! • The Lava Floor: Arrange cushions for the classic game where the floor is lava, encouraging kids to leap from one safe spot to another. • Crawling Challenges: Set up an army crawl zone with streamers for kids to maneuver under.
As the winter weather confines us indoors, transforming your living room into an action- packed obstacle course can turn dreary days into dynamic adventures. Here's how to create a playful paradise right in your home, ensuring the kids (and maybe even the adults) will have a blast while staying active. Start with a plan. Kick off your indoor fun by sitting with your kids and brainstorming a list of challenges. The possibilities are endless! The key is to tailor the course to your space and the ages of your participants. The planning part of the activity will spark creativity and build anticipation for the fun ahead. Safety comes first, and fun comes second. Before the wild rumpus starts, safety- proof your space. Clear away fragile items and sharp corners, and lay down cushions and yoga mats to soften the landscape. This ensures everyone can enjoy the course worry-free.
Time it for excitement. If kids start losing interest or finish the course too soon, introduce a timer to add a competitive edge. Time each round and challenge the kids to beat their previous scores. This will keep the excitement levels high! Wrap up with a race against the clock. Finally, make cleanup fun by setting it to music or turning it into a timed challenge. Who can put away the most items before the buzzer goes off? This helps with the mess and teaches responsibility in a fun, engaging way. Turning your living room into an obstacle course is a delightful way to enhance physical activity, creativity, and family bonding during those long winter months. So, why not start planning your adventure today?
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