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Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
How Do Moms Juggle It All?
Happy Mother’s Day!
I look at my wife, Marisa, and sometimes I’m not sure how she does it. Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to recognize all moms do. I genuinely believe women are the most incredible gender on the planet, and anyone who has seen a mom in action would agree. Recently, Marisa decided to take a well-deserved weekend getaway — the first in three years since Ziva, our first child, was born! While she prepped her trip, I double-checked to make sure she had the grandparents and nannies all scheduled because I knew there was no way I could handle the kids by myself. But then it hit me. She’s been handling our kids solo every time I’m away. The realization was both humbling and a bit embarrassing. She’s a superhero.
might be in jeopardy. If I miss one night of sleep, I’m practically a zombie the next day, but Marissa has been powering through sleepless nights for years with Ziva and Gavriel. I’m convinced moms are superhuman with a bit of caffeine to help power them through each day. This Mother’s Day, and every day really, we owe a massive thank you to all the mothers out there. Marisa not only keeps our world spinning, but she does it with such grace that it leaves me in awe. Her strength, patience, and unconditional love deserve more than just a day’s celebration. For me, the greatest part of my day is coming home to the chaos and love Marisa and our kids create — it’s hands down the best part of my life. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I fell in love with the woman she is, but every day, I fall deeper in love with the mom she’s become. “For me, the greatest part of my day is coming home to the chaos and love Marisa and our kids create — it’s hands down the best part of my life.”
So, here’s to all the moms, grandmas, aunts, and every woman who’s played a part in shaping our lives. Your resilience and love
make the world go round, and in May, we get to shout a little louder about how incredible you are. Happy Mother’s Day to each of you! I hope your days are filled with some peace and quiet and tons of love!
This resilience and capability are traits all moms share. From our own moms who raised us to the moms before them, a relentless train of maternal strength emerges. From dirty diapers to countless spills, they handle it all with a smile. Somehow, Marisa magically balances a million tasks every day without breaking a sweat.
-Louis Bernardo Berk
And here’s the kicker: If roles were reversed and men had to take on half of what mothers do daily, let’s just say the human race
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Woman Arrested After K9 Sniffs Out Her ‘Innocent’ Tote Bag Criminal Mastermind? Not Quite
There are bad decisions, and then there are “ Florida-level ” bad decisions. And right at the top of that list is walking around with a bag that literally announces your crime in bold letters. That’s exactly what 31-year-old Teryn Acri did when she was caught with a tote bag that read, “ Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs ” — which, naturally, was full of drugs. You can’t make this stuff up. Acri’s latest brush with the law happened when the car she was riding in got pulled over by deputies in Brevard County. The driver, clearly possessing a stellar decision-making record, assured the
officer that “nothing illegal should be inside.” Unfortunately for her, Aurora, the department’s drug-sniffing K9, had other ideas.
When the deputy searched the vehicle, Acri’s ironically labeled tote bag was sitting there like a neon sign screaming, “ CHECK ME IMMEDIATELY. ” Inside? Allegedly, police found meth, needles, Narcan, digital scales, small baggies, cut straws — pretty much everything except what you would usually find in someone’s bag. What makes this situation even more ridiculous is that this isn’t even Acri’s first run-in with the law this year. She was arrested on Jan. 6 for — you guessed it — drug trafficking. But after making her $15,500 bond just two days later, she was out and about, making more exceptionally bad life choices. Now, she’s back behind bars, and something tells us she won’t be meeting bail this time. If irony were a crime, Acri would be serving a life sentence. Carrying drugs is bad enough, but labeling them like a cartoon villain? That’s next-level absurdity. The universe has a sense of humor, but so does law enforcement, and they love an easy arrest. If nothing else, let this be a PSA: If your bag screams, “ I’m guilty, ” expect to be treated accordingly.
Outrageous Etiquette Rules From the Past WHEN LAUGHING WAS SCANDALOUS
Absolutely. When crossing the street, a lady could only lift her dress with one hand because lifting with two hands was just too scandalous and might show off too much ankle. Photographs were another place where emotions were strictly off-limits. Smiling in photos was considered undignified, and people had to remain as serious as possible. So, if you’ve ever wondered why your great-great-grandparents looked like they just lost a bet in every old photograph, now you know! Fast forward to the 1960s, and while some rules relaxed, others remained oddly specific. Holding your drink in your right hand at a party? Absolutely not! Your right “social” hand had to stay free to shake hands and light cigarettes. And if you were a dinner guest, you had better prepare a toast — because nothing says party etiquette like being put on the spot for an impromptu speech. So, the next time you see someone laughing freely or using an umbrella without shame, take a moment to appreciate just how much times have changed!
Etiquette has always been an ever-changing game, but some rules from the past are so bizarre that it’s hard to believe anyone actually followed them. From mandatory gloves to rain-soaked gentlemen, let’s take a trip back in time and appreciate just how far we’ve come in the world of social graces. Imagine being a Victorian woman at a fancy gathering. You spot someone across the room and want to strike up a conversation — but wait! If you weren’t spoken to first, you had to stay silent. Initiating conversation could ruin your social standing because heaven forbid a woman has an independent thought. And if you did manage to chat with someone, you had better keep your laughter under control. Women were expected to cover their mouths when laughing because too much joy was unacceptable. Speaking of controlling appearances, let’s talk about the ultimate fashion injustice — men and umbrellas. In 18th-century England, a man carrying an umbrella was seen as weak. A true gentleman had to brave the rain with a stiff upper lip and a soggy coat. Meanwhile, women had their own list of fashion do’s and don’ts. Gloves? Mandatory. Hair up at all times?
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TAKE A BREAK
For families, “sick season” can seem never-ending. Just when it feels like the sniffles are gone for good, someone else comes down with a cold. Even though the weather’s getting warmer, germs have not taken a vacation. Keeping your family healthy requires extra precautions, no matter the time of year. Keep your hands clean. Focusing on everyday hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent illness, and it all starts with hand-washing. Soap and water are the go-to combo, but hand sanitizer is an excellent option for cleaning on the go. Teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom, playing outdoors, and visiting crowded places. You can even turn this habit into a fun family ritual by having your little ones sing their favorite song while scrubbing for 20 seconds. Fuel up with healthy choices. A strong immune system is also key to illness prevention. Getting adequate sleep and eating a nutrient-dense diet provides natural immune-system support. The kids and adults in your family can boost immunity by loading up on fruits and vegetables; focus on those full of vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Lean proteins like chicken and fish and fiber-rich foods like avocados and broccoli also support a robust immune system. Stay on top of surface cleaning. Germs love high-contact areas like countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and light switches. Cleaning these surfaces daily reduces germ exposure and complements frequent handwashing. If someone has been sick, more frequent wipedowns will help prevent others from getting sick. And don’t forget about phones, tablets, and remote controls. These devices harbor bacteria and viruses and come into contact with our hands and some of them, our faces. See a doctor when symptoms linger. Unfortunately, even the best prevention habits can’t guarantee an illness-free household. If a family member has a fever lasting more than two days or cold and flu symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, it’s time to visit your health care provider. When in doubt, trust your instincts — early treatment can be key to ensuring quick recovery. Healthy Families Start With Smart Habits Tips for Fighting Germs Year-Round
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
Directions 1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Celebrating All Super Moms
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Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups Everyday Habits to Keep Your Family Healthy Florida Woman Takes the Title for World’s Worst Criminal Etiquette or Absurdity? The Most Ridiculous Social Rules From History
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Too Heavy? Detroit Rapper Takes Legal Action Against Lyft
RIDESHARE REFUSAL Detroit Woman Sues Lyft Over Driver’s Discriminatory Behavior
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have become popular ways for Americans to get from point A to point B. Most drivers are courteous, kind, and conversational as long as you return the favor and respect their vehicle. However, not every ride will be perfect. Every once in a while, you encounter a rude, unaccommodating, or disrespectful driver. A Detroit woman
recently found herself in a disagreement with a Lyft driver who was unwilling to provide service, resulting in a lawsuit. This past January, Detroit rapper Dajua Blanding, known on stage as Dank Demoss, requested a Lyft to drive her to her cousin’s house so she could attend a Detroit Lions watch party. The driver arrived at her home 10–15 minutes later in his Mercedes- Benz sedan but locked the doors upon seeing Blanding approach his vehicle. The driver, identified as John Doe, refused to let Blanding in his car. Realizing something wasn’t right, Blanding pulled out her phone and started recording. The driver claimed that Blanding was too big to fit in the back seat and that his vehicle’s tires could not support her weight. Blanding assured the driver she could fit, but he responded, “Believe me,
you can’t.” He encouraged her to order a Lyft XL before apologizing, canceling and refunding her ride, and driving away. Blanding, who says she weighs about 490 pounds, has since obtained legal counsel who stated the Lyft driver’s actions were against the law. Michigan is the only state where weight is a protected characteristic. Her attorney claims that denying someone a ride based on their weight is the same as denying them due to their race or religion under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Lyft released a statement afterward, stating that it “unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination.” Blanding is currently suing Lyft and the driver for damages, including stress, humiliation, embarrassment, outrage, mental anguish, fear, and mortification, as well as emotional, economic, and noneconomic damages.
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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 Mayo de 2025
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
¿Cómo hacen las madres para compaginarlo todo? ¡Feliz Día de la Madre!
Miro a mi mujer, Marisa, y a veces no estoy seguro de cómo lo hace. El Día de la Madre es la oportunidad perfecta para reconocer todo lo que hacen las madres. Creo sinceramente que las mujeres son el género más increíble del planeta, y cualquiera que haya visto a una madre en acción estará de acuerdo.
maternal. Desde pañales sucios hasta innumerables derrames, lo afrontan todo con una sonrisa. De algún modo, Marisa equilibra mágicamente un millón de tareas cada día sin sudar ni una gota. Y aquí viene lo bueno: si se invirtieran los papeles y los hombres tuvieran que asumir la mitad de lo que hacen las madres a diario, digamos que la raza humana podría estar en peligro. Si me falta una noche de sueño, al día siguiente soy prácticamente un zombi, pero Marissa lleva años superando noches en vela con Ziva y Gavriel. Estoy convencido de que las madres son sobrehumanas con un poco de cafeína que les ayude a impulsar cada día. Este Día de la Madre, y en realidad todos los días, les debemos un enorme agradecimiento a todas las madres que hay ahí fuera. Marisa no solo mantiene nuestro mundo en marcha, sino que lo hace con tanta soltura que me deja asombrada. Su fuerza, su paciencia y su amor incondicional merecen algo más que un día de celebración. Para mí, la mejor parte del día es llegar a casa y encontrarme con el caos y el amor que generan Marisa y nuestros hijos; sin duda, es la mejor parte de mi vida. Me siento bendecido por tenerla en mi vida. Me enamoré de la mujer que es, pero cada día, me enamoro más de la mamá en la que se ha convertido. Así pues, brindemos por todas las madres, abuelas, tías y todas las mujeres que han contribuido a forjar nuestras vidas. Su resistencia
Hace poco, Marisa decidió hacer una merecida escapada de fin de semana, ¡la primera en tres años desde que nació Ziva, nuestra primera hija! Mientras ella preparaba su viaje, yo volvía a comprobar que tenía todo previsto con los abuelos y las cuidadoras, porque sabía que no había forma de que pudiera encargarme de los niños yo sola. Pero entonces caí en la cuenta. Ella ha estado ocupándose de nuestros hijos sola cada vez que yo estaba fuera. Darme cuenta de esto fue a la vez humillante y un poco vergonzoso. Es una superheroína. Esta resistencia y capacidad son rasgos que todas las madres comparten. Desde nuestras propias madres que nos criaron hasta las madres que nos precedieron, surge un tren incesante de fuerza
y su amor hacen que el mundo gire, y en mayo podremos gritar un poco más alto lo increíbles que son. ¡Feliz Día de la Madre a cada una de ustedes! Espero que sus días estén llenos de un poco de paz y tranquilidad y un montón de amor. -Louis Bernardo Berk
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¿MENTE MAESTRA CRIMINAL? NO DEL TODO Mujer es arrestada después de que una agente canino olfateara su bolso de mano “inocente”
es un bolso lleno de drogas ”, que, obviamente, estaba lleno de drogas. No se pueden inventar estas cosas. El último encuentro de Acri con la ley ocurrió cuando agentes de policía del condado de Brevard detuvieron el automóvil en el que viajaba. La conductora, que claramente tenía un excelente historial en la toma de decisiones, aseguró al agente que “no debería haber nada ilegal adentro”. Por desgracia para ella, Aurora, la agente canino de detección de drogas del departamento, no pensaba igual. Cuando el agente de policía registró el vehículo, el bolso de mano de Acri (irónicamente etiquetado) estaba allí como un letrero de neón que gritaba: “ REVÍSEME INMEDIATAMENTE ”. ¿Adentro? Al parecer, la policía encontró metanfetamina, agujas, Narcan, balanzas digitales, bolsitas pequeñas, pajitas cortadas... prácticamente
Hay malas decisiones, y luego están las malas decisiones “ al nivel de Florida ”. Y justo en la cima de esa lista está caminar con un bolso que literalmente anuncia su crimen en negrita. Eso es exactamente lo que hizo Teryn Acri, una mujer de 31 años, cuando la atraparon con un bolso que decía: “ Definitivamente no
de todo, excepto lo que se suele encontrar en el bolso de una persona. Lo que hace que esta situación sea aún más ridícula es que este ni siquiera es el primer encuentro de Acri con la ley este año. Fue arrestada el 6 de enero por ( lo adivinó ) tráfico de drogas y liberada dos días después al pagar su fianza de $15.500. Y una vez más, está tomando decisiones de vida increíblemente malas. Ahora, está de nuevo tras las rejas, y algo nos dice que esta vez no podrá pagar la fianza. Si la ironía fuera un crimen, Acri estaría cumpliendo cadena perpetua. Llevar drogas ya es malo, pero ¿etiquetarlas como a un villano de dibujos animados? Eso sí que es absurdo. El universo tiene sentido del humor, pero las fuerzas del orden también, y les encantan los arrestos fáciles. Al menos, que esto sea un anuncio de servicio público: si su bolso grita “ soy culpable ”, espere que le traten como tal. Instrucciones 1. En una olla de cocción lenta de 4 ó 5 cuartos de galón, combina la carne, las zanahorias, los pimientos y la cebolla. 2. En un tazón pequeño, mezcla los 6 ingredientes restantes y viértelos sobre la carne. 3. Tapa y cocina a fuego lento durante 6 a 8 horas. Retira la carne del fuego, deja que se enfríe un poco y luego desmenúzala. 4. Retira la grasa de los jugos de la cocción y luego transfiere los jugos y las verduras a una cacerola pequeña y hierve a fuego alto. 5. En un tazón pequeño, mezcla la maicena con el agua, agrega la mezcla a los jugos y cocina durante 3 a 4 minutos, hasta que la salsa se espese. 6. Vuelve a poner la carne, la salsa y las verduras en la olla de cocción lenta y cocina durante 10 a 15 minutos. 7. Sirve la carne en las hojas de lechuga.
Ingredientes
• 1 filete de res deshuesado (chuck roast de aproximadamente 2 lb) • 3 zanahorias medianas, peladas y picadas • 2 pimientos rojos medianos picados • 1 cebolla mediana picada • 1 lata de 8 onzas de piña triturada sin azúcar, con su jugo • 1/2 taza de salsa de soya baja en sodio • 2 cucharadas de azúcar morena compacta • 2 cucharadas de vinagre blanco • 1 diente de ajo picado finamente • 1/2 cucharadita de pimienta • 3 cucharadas de maicena • 3 cucharadas de agua • 24 hojas de lechuga para acompañar
CANASTITAS DE LECHUGA CON CARNE DESHEBRADA EN OLLA DE COCCIÓN LENTA Receta inspirada por TasteOfHome.com
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