Check out our October newsletter!
October 2024
YOSEMITE DREAMS A Redwoods Adventure: Nature’s Majesty Awaits I have always felt better after spending time outdoors. Immersing myself in nature gets me out of my head and makes me feel small, in a good way — and connected to something bigger. In my youth, I visited Yellowstone National Park often, taking in the stunning views with my family. Later, I enjoyed watching my daughter have the same experience. According to Lonely Planet, the travel guide publisher, October is the best month of the year to visit America’s national parks. I am reminded of my longtime wish to visit Yosemite National Park, with its giant sequoia and redwood trees. The naturalist John Muir, credited with persuading Theodore Roosevelt to make Yosemite a national park, once wrote, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” That has been my experience. Being outdoors inspires a sense of awe and respect for the majesty of nature, the power of it, and the knowledge that it existed before you and it will exist after you. I especially love the green of the trees and the shade and cleaning of the air WORKSHOP Have you (or your clients) “been meaning” to get a plan in place? It’s easy to get started with our 7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan Workshop . This free workshop explains the key planning concepts, documents, and the factors in selecting a plan that is right for you. Plus, workshop participants receive a complimentary consultation with no obligation to retain our services. The workshop is available on demand or in person, so stop thinking about a plan and create one. Register online at PromiseLaw.com/Estate-Planning-Workshop or call (757) 690-2470.
they provide. Many of Yosemite’s giant sequoias are estimated to be 2,000–3,000 years old. Soaking in the wild beauty of a national park helps me understand my longing to be outside. For much of our lives, we are safe, warm, dry, and well-lit, inhabiting cars, buildings, and houses. As useful as they are, these spaces separate us from nature. Our natural state is to be outdoors. Nature’s calming benefits are evident in the practice of forest bathing — spending a couple of hours in wooded lands, consciously listening to and looking at the plants and animals around you. According to a 2023 survey of 36 studies, forest bathing is linked to significant reductions in depression and anxiety. Nature can be scary. You might encounter rushing water, buffalo, moose, or other wildlife looking at you as if wondering, “What are you doing hanging out on my turf?” Nature also reminds us of her power now and then, such as the surprise eruption of a geyser in Yellowstone recently, blowing up a boardwalk and sending visitors scrambling for safety.
Visiting these parks is a way to reconnect with nature’s power and what it means to be human. As we enjoy this October travel season, I hope you have a chance to absorb the beauty of a national park yourself! –Geneva N. Perry, Esq.
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NEUROSCIENCE-BACKED TIPS FOR A SHARPER MIND Supercharge Your Memory
In today’s fast-paced world, having a sharp and reliable memory has become more critical than ever. Fortunately, recent advancements in neuroscience have revealed new techniques to help us improve our cognitive abilities and retain information more effectively. Here are four scientifically backed tips to transform your memory and unlock your full potential. Exercise your brain and body. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical exercise can profoundly impact cognitive function. When you engage in aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or swimming, you improve your cardiovascular health and stimulate the growth of the hippocampus — the area of the
brain responsible for learning and memory formation. Meditate for a sharper mind. Did you know mindfulness and meditation can improve your memory? Researchers have discovered that individuals who practice meditation regularly, even just a few minutes a day, exhibit increased brain volume in the hippocampus, resulting in enhanced memory performance. Nourish your brain with the right fuel. The saying “you are what you eat” is true for brain health. A diet rich in low-sugar, low-refined carbs and healthy protein and fat sources can support optimal cognitive function. These foods provide the building
blocks your brain needs to keep your memory sharp and thinking clear. Practice improves memory. Practicing regularly is one of the most effective ways to improve your memory. Whether memorizing song lyrics, reciting poetry, or even just trying to recall your daily tasks, the more you challenge your brain to store and retrieve information, the better it will become. So, what are you waiting for? Start exercising, meditating, fueling your brain, and practicing today — your future self will thank you.
Playing Cards and the Calendar
AN UNEXPECTED SYNCHRONICITY
The humble deck of playing cards has remained relevant in a world filled with digital screens and instant gratification. Beyond card games, however, these pocket-sized wonders have a captivating history. The Calendrical Connections As we explore the history of playing
deck’s components and the modern calendar. From the two primary colors representing day and night to the four suits corresponding to the four seasons, the parallels are uncannily precise. The Rhythmic Resonance of the Cards Dive deeper, and you’ll find the 13 card values, from Ace to King, align seamlessly with the 13 weeks in a quarter and the 13 lunar cycles. When you add the numeric values of all the cards, the total is 365 — the exact number of days in a year, with the addition of the Joker card representing the leap year. Behind the Mysteries of the Court Cards But the synchronicity doesn’t stop there. The 12 court cards, comprising the Kings,
Queens, and Jacks, mirror the 12 months of the calendar year, adding another layer of intrigue to the connection. Embracing the Timeless Allure of Playing Cards Whether this remarkable alignment is a coincidence or deliberate, the relationship between playing cards and the calendar is a fascinating and thought-provoking revelation. For ardent card enthusiasts, this knowledge adds another dimension to their hobby. Rediscovering playing cards can be a refreshing and enlightening experience in a world that often prioritizes the digital and the instant. So, the next time you find yourself shuffling a deck, take a moment to ponder the hidden secrets that lie within.
cards, we uncover the intricate relationship between a standard
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TAKE A BREAK
The Supreme Court Shakes Up the Administrative State
AUTUMN BOO CANDY COFFEE FOLIAGE
A Seismic Shift in the Balance of Power
In a landmark decision sure to reverberate across the nation, the Supreme Court has struck down the longstanding Chevron doctrine, a ruling that significantly curtails the power of federal agencies. This monumental shift in the legal landscape promises to have far-reaching implications, from environmental regulations to health care policies. The Chevron Doctrine Toppled For over four decades, the Chevron doctrine has been the bedrock of federal administrative law, granting agencies the authority to interpret ambiguous statutes they are tasked with enforcing. However, in a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court overturned this precedent, calling the doctrine “fundamentally misguided.” This decision marks a dramatic departure from the previous deference afforded to federal agencies, empowering the courts to rely on their own interpretation of the law. Implications Across the Spectrum Environmental regulations, health care costs, and economic policies are just a few domains that will face increased judicial scrutiny, as courts now have the authority to second-guess agency decisions. This shift could lead to more challenges to federal actions, potentially slowing the pace of regulatory changes and altering the balance of power between the branches of government. A Call for Vigilance and Engagement Citizens, businesses, and policymakers must closely monitor the implications of this landmark decision. Staying informed and engaged will be key as the courts grapple with the boundaries of federal agency authority. Only by remaining vigilant and actively participating in the process can we ensure the delicate balance of power is maintained and that people’s needs are effectively addressed. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and its companion case, Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce , has sent shockwaves through the administrative state, fundamentally reshaping the relationship between federal agencies and the courts. This seismic shift will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, and it is up to all of us to stay informed, engaged, and ready to navigate the evolving legal landscape.
GHOST GOURD MOON SPOOKY SOUP TAILGATE TOUCHDOWN
Ultimate Baked Ziti
Loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is a family favorite perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
• 1 (16 oz) package of dried ziti pasta • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can
diced tomatoes • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook ziti according to package instructions. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. 4. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. 5. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper. 6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. 7. Top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
The Perfect Season to Visit America’s National Parks
Neuroscience-Inspired Strategies for a Sharper Mind
2
The Secrets of the Deck
3
Ultimate Baked Ziti
Supreme Court Upends Federal Agency Power
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Tracing the Court Jester’s Origins
Medieval Mischief-Makers THE ANTICS OF COURT JESTERS
Jesters: Entertainers and Advisors While the jester’s primary role was to entertain royalty through stories, music, acrobatics, and flatulence, they were also often highly intelligent advisors. Jesters could critique political decisions and social norms under the guise of humor, providing valuable feedback to the nobility. They even accompanied soldiers to the battlefield, distracting the enemy and delivering dangerous messages. The Evolving Jester By the 17th century, as live theater was booming, jesters began transitioning from court entertainers to professional actors and comedians. Figures like Richard Tarlton, the beloved jester of Queen Elizabeth I, became renowned performers in their own right. As jesters found fame outside the court, they paved
When we think of court jesters, we often picture colorfully clad figures in pointed hats dancing and jesting for the entertainment of royalty. However, these medieval performers’ roles and responsibilities were far more complex than today’s caricatures. The Origins of Court Jesters We can trace the court jester’s roots to the comedic actors of ancient Rome. As the Roman Empire cracked down on these outspoken performers, many became traveling entertainers, sowing the seeds for the Middle Ages and Renaissance court jesters. Historical references to these “fools” became more common between the 12th and 15th centuries, with the term “jester” gaining popularity in 15th and 16th centuries.
the way for generations of comedians, satirists, and performance artists. Though the court jester institution largely died out by the 18th century, the legacy of these multifaceted performers lives on. From Shakespearean fools to modern stand-up comedians, the spirit of the court jester continues to entertain, provoke, and enlighten audiences. So, the next time you see a fool in a pointy hat, remember the rich history and complexity behind this enduring archetype.
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