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Dec. 2021
Just Ask Adrianos
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To Live Like the Romans Did Traveling Back to the Reign of Julius Caesar
I’ve always had a fascination with history. I studied it throughout my college days and continue to read books and watch documentaries that detail how life used to be. We can learn a lot by studying history and can apply many of the lessons that past civilizations learned to make our lives better. Many empires and civilizations left a lasting imprint on history and today’s society, but none were as grandiose as the Roman Empire. My interest in Roman history is no secret. My wife actually gave me a Roman coin from the third century that I wear daily around my neck. I’ve often wondered: What did it feel like to live during that time? Would it match what the history books tell us? We may never know for sure, but in the spirit of Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day on Dec. 8, I thought it would be interesting to imagine what it would be like to live in the Roman Empire, specifically during the reign of Julius Caesar. As famous as Julius Caesar has become, many people probably imagine he was born into a life of luxury, but that is not the truth. Caesar was born into a poor, noble family in Rome’s red-light district. Caesar came of age in the middle of a civil war. The outcome of the civil war forced Caesar to join the army, but he soon returned to Rome once he felt it was safe. His inheritance had been confiscated, so he ended up living in a lower-class neighborhood in Rome. Not long after, Caesar began his rise to power in Rome’s political system. He found he needed to persuade the public and earn the people’s affection, so he would borrow and spend copious amounts of money to throw huge parades. This made the people love him. Through his connections, intelligence, and popularity, he was able to amass an incredible amount of influence. After crossing the Rubicon and coming up victorious in another civil war, he was appointed dictator for life over the entire empire.
Julius Caesar was the true underdog, and it would have been fascinating to witness his rise to power firsthand and see how it truly compares to the history books. Shakespeare immortalized the death of Julius Caesar, and his play has helped keep Caesar’s reign in the spotlight to this day. I can only imagine what it would have been like to talk to Caesar, as he was one of the most influential people to ever live. His intelligence was surely unmatched. It also would have been incredibly awe-inspiring to see the major structures of the Roman Empire in their heyday. I’ve been to Rome and seen the Colosseum as well as the aqueducts, but it would have been a completely different experience when they were in use (though one aqueduct is still technically in use to this day). Imagine walking into the Colosseum to hear the roar of 100,000 people watching an exhilarating gladiator match. We may get close with the Super Bowl and other major sporting events, but there would have been no Jumbotrons or extra sound pumped into the stadium. What you saw was what you got, and I’m sure it was an incredible experience. We have the Romans to thank for many of our modern-day necessities like sanitation and surgical tools, but that doesn’t help us understand the day-to-day lives of citizens in the Roman Empire. Since we will likely never have the opportunity to travel back in time, we have to rely on the information presented in history books to tell the story of everyday citizens. Even though Romans had many luxuries other civilizations did not have, they still do not compare to what we have and experience every day. We really do have it better than anyone else in history.
-Adriano s Facchetti
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The Next Big Health Secret Why Seeing an Attorney May Be Good for You!
Consulting with an attorney when you are facing legal trouble allows you to have an advocate and expert in your corner who is fighting for you and your rights. And according to recent studies, it may be good for your health too!
For example, in Colorado, some chronically ill patients are struggling with immigration issues or problems as a result of losing their jobs in the COVID-19 pandemic. By consulting with lawyers — in addition to psychiatrists, social workers, and medical doctors — patients are lowering their stress levels, improving their physical well-being, and staying closer to their families. But how does this work? To answer that question, we have to examine the toll stress takes on our bodies. Constant stress, like concerns about visitations or deportation, can cause our bodies to fail. This often leads to headaches, heartburn, a weakened immune system, insomnia, stomach problems, and more. These problems then compound into other issues, causing the body to spiral when intervention isn’t possible. However, when the source of stress is relieved, the side effects are eliminated as well. This can powerfully help people who are facing potentially life-altering legal situations. So, while your attorney may not be able to perform heart surgery or help alleviate your knee pain, their expertise may be just what you need to feel better in the long run.
According to NPR, a 2017 study of Veterans Affairs offices in Connecticut and New York found that veterans who saw clinic attorneys reported improved mental health within three months after their initial meetings. Additionally, in Colorado, a five-year survey of 69 patients from 2015 to 2020 found that patients in Medicaid programs who saw attorneys at their clinics had a decrease in the amount of physical health problems they were facing. While further studies are needed to corroborate this evidence, the message is clear: Finding solutions to your legal concerns through an attorney is healthy!
This idea has led to several states permitting Medicaid patients to use some of their health care dollars toward legal clinical programs.
When people hear the word “cryptocurrency,” some may associate it with cybercriminals and unscrupulous activity. But is using cryptocurrency actually safe? Let’s take a look at several common concerns to answer that question. Cryptocurrency — Is It Safe? An Overview of the Risks of Virtual Money
Is cryptocurrency safe to use?
Currently, it’s perfectly legal to buy and sell with cryptocurrencies. In fact, if you use a crypto exchange like Gemini, many big- box merchants have partnered to trade and sell their goods for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. If you’re considering putting most of your funds into cryptocurrency to use like a checking account,
however, it may not be the best decision. The market fluctuates dramatically, even if the values have, overall, risen to enormous highs over the past few years.
Is cryptocurrency secure?
If you put your money into a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), you know your money is safe (unless something extremely drastic happens to the economy). However, if you put your money into cryptocurrency, you might wonder if it’s secure or whether hackers can take it from you. Luckily, the blockchain technology of cryptocurrency records every single transaction as timestamped “blocks” in a digital ledger. Additionally, every transaction requires a two-factor authentication process. It’s a complex, technical process, but it makes cryptocurrencies extremely difficult to tamper with, especially the biggest currencies like Bitcoin or Ether.
Is cryptocurrency safe to invest in?
As a newly created market, cryptocurrency is still fairly volatile in the eyes of financial experts. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea to invest or play the market. Just make sure to keep your cryptocurrency portfolio diversified, and don’t invest too deeply in one currency over another. Research the cryptocurrency exchange you plan to use. Never invest more than you’re willing to lose, and try to talk with experienced crypto investors to gain their tips and insights. By utilizing this knowledge, you can use crypto thoughtfully and safely, and you’ll have some insights to share when people ask you the same questions.
Not all cryptocurrencies are “unhackable,” however. In 2018, hackers robbed Coincheck investors of nearly $534 million.
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TAKE A Break
BOOST YOUR MOOD WITH THESE TIPS SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS ALONE?
Many Americans spend the holidays alone every year, and the pandemic has only made it more difficult for people to see their loved ones, as travel has become more restricted and strenuous. If you’re one of these people who are spending their first holiday season alone this year, here are a few strategies you can try to make the situation a little easier. Don’t hold yourself to the usual standards. One of the best things about spending the holidays alone is that you can do things your way. You don’t have to worry about meeting everyone else’s standards. Instead, you only have to make yourself happy. Simply telling yourself that you are not going to have the usual holiday environment can slightly help, but redefining what the holiday means to you can remove a huge weight. Trying new things or looking toward the future are great ways to reduce the stress of spending the holidays alone. Keeping up with old traditions may remind you of what you’re missing out on, so it can greatly help to create your own traditions. Plan ahead. If you know in advance that you’re going to be spending the holidays alone, planning ahead can prevent negative feelings. While being spontaneous can sometimes keep things fresh, it could leave you with a feeling of hopelessness about what to do next. There’s no need for your list to be extensive or highly detailed, but even just planning to watch a movie or cook some of your favorite dishes can give you something to look forward to. Take care of yourself. Just because you’re not seeing people during the holidays does not mean you should forgo your basic needs. Stick to your regular hygiene habits and do not let them get away from you. The same goes for eating and sleeping. Staying clean, well-fed, and well-rested goes a long way toward improving your happiness. As with all mental health advice, what works for some does not work for everyone. Do what you think will work best for you and help you keep your thoughts happy.
Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com DIY HOLIDAY EGGNOG
Ingredients
• 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 cups milk • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
To Live Like the Romans Did
1
Your Attorney Is Good for Your Health! Is Virtual Money a Safe Choice?
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DIY Holiday Eggnog Tips for Spending the Holidays Alone
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Katy Perry’s Real Estate Battle
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Katy Perry’s Legal Battle With Nuns Fighting for Convent Real Estate
Katy Perry is known around the globe for having multiple No. 1 hits, including “I Kissed A Girl,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Firework,” but two nuns in Los Angeles know Perry for a completely different reason. They were in a multiyear legal battle with Perry and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles over the purchase of a convent. In 1972, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary pooled their money and purchased an 8-acre, French-style chateau in Los Angeles. Sisters Rita Callanan and Catherine Rose Holzman lived in the chateau-turned-convent until 2011, when the Archdiocese of Los Angeles reportedly forced them to relocate.
The archdiocese and Perry both sued Hollister for her involvement, claiming she took advantage of the nuns, and a judge invalidated her purchase months after it was made. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the archdiocese, creating an opportunity for Perry to buy the estate due to the fact that the nuns did not have the approval of the pope, the Holy See, or the archbishop.
In 2017, a jury found that Hollister intentionally interfered with Perry’s legal purchase. She was ordered to pay both Perry and the archdiocese millions of dollars. The sisters continued to support Hollister, and they both accompanied her to bankruptcy court, where Sister Holzman collapsed and died during the court proceeding. Sister Callanan blamed Perry for the death of Holzman. The convent is back on the market, and it does not appear that Perry will move forward with the purchase.
Two years later, Archbishop José Gomez sold the property to Perry without any input from the sisters, but the nuns felt that the archdiocese did not have the right to do this. Gomez accepted a $14.5 million cash offer from Perry, but the nuns refused to sell to her. Believing they had sole ownership of the convent, they instead sold it to restaurateur and developer Dana Hollister.
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