Check out our April newsletter!
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Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
A Simple Way to Recharge Your Mind and Body Nature Over Notifications
The world around us is beautiful, but we often don’t spend enough time appreciating nature in our community. When was the last time you walked through a park or along the shore just to enjoy the serenity of these surroundings? I love our planet, and we can find much to do once we get outside and explore. April 22 is Earth Day, a great time to get outdoors, hike through nature, or spend time on the beach. People are always looking for ways to improve their health and will spend their hard-earned money on health goals, hoping to live a long, healthy, and happy life. They’ll try red light therapy or spend a few hours in a sauna each week, but there’s a much easier and more affordable solution to our health woes. All we have to do is get outside and enjoy nature. Walking on a beach barefoot is one of my favorite things to do as it instantly connects me to the planet. Many other activities you can do outside can bring tremendous benefits. Over the years, various studies have shown that being outside can help improve our mood, reduce stress, encourage us to be more physically active, increase sleep quality, and much more. When you think about it, most of us spend a lot of our time indoors, whether working in an office or relaxing with our favorite show at night. Getting outside breaks that routine. The next time you feel stressed or down, just step outside, take a deep breath, and embrace the sunshine. If you want to maximize your enjoyment of nature, leave your phone and other distractions inside. Distractions have the incredible ability to take us out of any moment. While they can ruin our enjoyment of nature, they can also risk our lives in other settings. I’ve seen this countless times in my line of work. People driving while distracted has become way too common. Sometimes, it’s out of our control. We’ve all been driving when something catches our eye and distracts us momentarily, like when we spot a billboard or a unique vehicle. However, some people distract themselves every time they get behind the wheel, putting lives at risk whenever they hit the road.
The next time you need to drive somewhere, take a look at the other drivers in your vicinity when you stop at a red light. You’ll be amazed at how many people have their heads down and are looking at their phones. Many of these people will continue using their phones once their car is in motion, whether driving at low speeds through a school zone or at high speeds on the freeway. This is why it’s so important that we all try to drive distraction- free. You have to pay attention while driving because, most likely, the person in front, behind, or to the side of you is driving while distracted. Just put your phone and other distractions down! That text message or email can wait until you arrive at your destination. The number of clients I’ve represented who were in an accident caused by someone else texting and driving is too high!
Let’s live without distractions and more in the moment this April. It will bring more enjoyment (and safety!) to our lives! -Louis Bernardo Berk
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SCIENTISTS’ SURPRISE: STUDENTS SERVED RADIOACTIVE OATMEAL GOING DANGEROUSLY ROGUE
objections at the time. At the dawn of the Atomic Age, most Americans saw science as a powerful force for progress — the Atomic Energy Commission approved dozens of human experiments with radioactivity. The importance of ethics review boards and informed consent of research subjects was nowhere on scientists’ radar at the time. Not until 1972, when the Associated Press reported on a Tuskegee Institute study in which Black men with syphilis were promised treatment they never received, did Congress finally pass legislation protecting people from unethical research. Scientists later determined the boys at Fernald didn’t suffer serious health effects; one said the exposure was about the same as 30 chest X-rays. For students like Boyce, however, the injuries ran deep. Thirty former Fernald students later sued Quaker Oats and MIT and were awarded $1.85 million in a 1998 settlement.
10–17 were eager to join the Science Club mainly for the perks enjoyed by members. Boyce, who was sent to the school after his parents abandoned him, also hoped the scientists might intervene on the students’ behalf and report dismal conditions at Fernald, where students, many of whom were mentally disabled, were abused and treated brutally. Boyce and others received no help from the scientists, however, and weren’t even informed they were subjects of a scientific experiment until more than 40 years later.
Students at a state special-needs school in Massachusetts decades ago flocked to join the school’s Science Club, lured by gifts, promises of field trips, and hopes of emotional support from the scientists in charge. What they received instead was a daily dose of radioactive oatmeal. As part of a secret experiment by the Quaker Oats Company and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), dozens of boys at Fernald State School during the late 1940s and early 1950s were fed oatmeal laced with radioactive tracers. The goal was to study their bodies’ absorption of iron and calcium and prove the cereal’s nutritional benefits. Some boys also were injected with radioactive calcium.
“We didn’t know anything at the time,” Boyce told Smithsonian magazine.
“We just thought we were special.”
The study at Fernald,
originally named the Massachusetts State School for the Feeble-Minded, was led by an MIT professor of nutrition. No one raised
A student named Fred Boyce and about 70 other boys ages
Please Don’t Be Used Against Me in Court Dear Diary,
incident and looking into Vanessa Guerra, a suspect in the case, a law enforcement officer allegedly found her diary. He flipped through the pages, looking for any information that would catch his eye, when he stumbled upon an entry from Aug. 12, the same day a 2004 Ford Freestar van was stolen and resold at an auto salvage business. “Totally stole a car today! Something I never thought of doing,” Guerra allegedly wrote in her diary. Guerra was charged with receiving stolen property and theft, although she claims she didn’t know the vehicle was stolen. However, workers at the auto salvage business informed law enforcement they recognized Guerra as the seller of the stolen vehicle.
Many of us have fond memories of writing in diaries or journals throughout our youth. We would share our thoughts and feelings in a book we would keep hidden from friends, family members, and others. It was our sanctuary where we could be ourselves without worrying about judgment or embarrassment. You may even remember the feeling of rage or hopelessness when you spotted your brother or sister holding your diary. Thankfully, there usually wasn’t anything too incriminating in our teenage diaries, and some of us have continued the practice well into adulthood. However, a recent news story proves we should be cautious about the information we share in our private journals.
Most people will probably not blab to others about crimes they have committed, especially if they are currently unsolved. This case reminds us to be just as cautious about what we write in private journals. While your diary may be your safe place to share your innermost thoughts and feelings, your entries could come back to haunt you if you’re involved in a criminal case, especially if you blatantly admit to the crime.
Last year, a Minnesota woman was arrested for auto theft. While investigating the
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Unpack Parenting’s ‘Mental Load’
TAKE A BREAK
Finding Peace in Modern Parenting
Parenting is a labor of love, but let’s face it — sometimes, it just feels like labor. The mental load of raising kids and running a household creates a constant to-do list in your head: planning parent-teacher conferences, organizing meals, managing schedules, and worrying about everything in between. With nearly half of parents saying their stress is overwhelming, it’s clear we’re carrying more than we can handle. But the good news is that you don’t have to carry it alone. Forget the Instagram Fantasy We’ve all been there — scrolling through picture-perfect family photos on social media and wondering how everyone else makes parenting look so effortless. But let’s get real. No one’s life is as polished as their posts. Instead of measuring yourself against unrealistic standards, focus on what makes your family happy and healthy. Spoiler alert: It’s not homemade Pinterest lunches or spotless playrooms. Find Your Village (and Use It!) Parenting wasn’t meant to be a solo sport. Whether it’s friends, family, or other parents, building a strong support system can make all the difference. And if you have a
Classic Fish Fry Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
partner, open conversations about sharing the workload can lighten the load for everyone. Remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a superpower. Perfect Is Boring — Be Real Instead Let go of the idea that you need to be the perfect parent. Perfection is overrated and impossible. Life throws curveballs, and part of raising resilient kids is showing
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp water • 2 cups plain bread crumbs • 1/2 tsp mustard powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Lemon wedges
• Vegetable oil • 2 lbs fresh cod • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour • 2 large eggs
them how to handle challenges without losing your cool. Be kind to yourself, and embrace the “good enough” mindset. You don’t need to do it all, and your kids don’t need you to be flawless — they need you to be present. Go From Overwhelmed to Empowered The mental load of parenting will never disappear entirely, but it doesn’t have to weigh you down. When you ditch unrealistic expectations, lean on your village, and embrace imperfection, you can find more balance and joy in the chaos. Parenting is messy, exhausting, and sometimes downright hard — but it’s also beautiful, rewarding, and full of unforgettable moments. So, take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and remember: You’re doing a great job. You’ve got this.
Directions 1. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Cut cod into 4 servings and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place flour into a pie tin. Whisk egg and water in a second pie tin. Combine bread crumbs, mustard powder, and cayenne in a third pie tin. 4. Coat your fish in the flour tin, then the egg tin, then the bread crumb tin. 5. Set coated fish in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes on each side. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Disconnect From Distractions, Reconnect With Nature
1
A Chilling Tale From the Annals of Science
2
When Your Diary Becomes Evidence
3
Classic Fish Fry
The Mental Load of Parenting: You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
4
A Pizza Delivery Nightmare in Florida
When Delivery Disputes Go Too Far A $2 TIP TURNS VIOLENT
to shield her daughter and reached for the motel phone when Alvelo allegedly began attacking her with a knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds to her legs, arms, chest, and abdomen. The attackers fled the scene, and Irizarry was taken to a local hospital. In addition to 14 stab wounds, Irizarry suffered a ruptured lung during the attack. While receiving treatment, she also discovered she was pregnant. Alvelo was later arrested and charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder, kidnapping, and home invasion with a firearm. Her accomplice remains at large. Unusual Nature of the Case This case stands out not only for its brutality but also because it flips the typical narrative involving delivery drivers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delivery drivers are more at risk of assaults
What started as a birthday celebration for a 5-year-old girl quickly took a dark turn when a Florida delivery driver stabbed a woman multiple times over a bad tip. According to court documents, the December 2024 incident occurred at a Central Florida motel where the victim, her boyfriend, and daughter were staying. The Incident After placing a $33 delivery order from Marco’s Pizza, the victim, Melinda Irizarry, tipped the delivery driver $2. Dissatisfied with the tip, the driver, 22-year-old Brianna Alvelo, reportedly returned to the motel with an unidentified male. Alvelo and her accomplice allegedly forced themselves into Irizarry’s motel room, brandishing a revolver. The attackers forced Irizarry’s boyfriend into the bathroom, and Alvelo produced a pocketknife before rummaging through the group’s belongings. Irizarry turned
than other professions. While disputes over tips are not unheard of, they rarely lead to violence. However, reports of assaults among delivery workers, particularly in the gig economy, are surprisingly common. Studies show that 1 in 5 food app workers are assaulted on the job, and over one- third of delivery drivers feel unsafe. Regardless of who is on the receiving end, cases like these underscore how everyday activities can lead to life-altering events with serious consequences for all involved. Always be vigilant.
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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 Abril de 2025
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
La Naturaleza Por Encima De Las Notificaciones Una forma sencilla de recargar la mente y el cuerpo
El mundo que nos rodea es hermoso, pero a menudo no dedicamos suficiente tiempo a apreciar la naturaleza en nuestra comunidad. ¿Cuándo fue la última vez que paseó por un parque o por la orilla del mar sólo para disfrutar de la serenidad del entorno? Me encanta nuestro planeta, y podemos encontrar mucho que hacer cuando salimos a explorar. El 22 de abril es el Día de la Tierra, un gran momento para salir al aire libre, caminar por la naturaleza o pasar tiempo en la playa. La gente siempre busca formas de mejorar su salud y gastará el dinero que tanto le ha costado ganar en objetivos de salud, con la esperanza de vivir una vida larga, sana y feliz. Probarán la terapia de luz roja o pasarán unas horas en una sauna cada semana, pero hay una solución mucho más fácil y asequible para nuestros problemas de salud. Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es salir al exterior y disfrutar de la naturaleza. Caminar descalzo por una playa es una de mis actividades favoritas, ya que me conecta instantáneamente con el planeta. Hay muchas otras actividades que puede realizar al aire libre y que pueden aportarle enormes beneficios. A lo largo de los años, diversos estudios han demostrado que estar al aire libre puede ayudar a mejorar nuestro estado de ánimo, reducir el estrés, animarnos a ser más activos físicamente, aumentar la calidad del sueño y mucho más. Si lo piensa, la mayoría de nosotros pasamos gran parte de nuestro tiempo en espacios cerrados, ya sea trabajando en una oficina o relajándonos con nuestro programa favorito por la noche. Salir al exterior rompe esa rutina. La próxima vez que se sienta estresado o deprimido, simplemente salga, respire hondo y disfrute de la luz del sol. Si quiere disfrutar al máximo de la naturaleza, deje el teléfono y otras distracciones en casa. Las distracciones tienen la increíble capacidad de sacarnos de cualquier momento. Si bien pueden arruinar nuestra diversión en la naturaleza, también pueden poner en peligro nuestras vidas en otros entornos. Lo he visto innumerables veces en mi trabajo. La gente que maneja distraída se ha vuelto demasiado común. A veces, está fuera de nuestro control. Todos hemos estado al volante cuando algo nos llama la atención y nos distrae momentáneamente, como cuando vemos una valla publicitaria o un vehículo singular. Sin embargo, algunas personas se distraen cada vez que se ponen al volante, lo que supone un riesgo para la vida cada vez que salen a la carretera.
La próxima vez que tenga que manejar a algún lugar, eche un vistazo a los demás conductores de los alrededores cuando se detenga en un semáforo en rojo. Le sorprenderá ver cuánta gente tiene la cabeza hacia abajo y está mirando el teléfono. Muchas de estas personas seguirán utilizando el teléfono una vez que su auto esté en movimiento, ya sea manejando a baja velocidad a través de una zona escolar o a alta velocidad en la autopista. Por eso es tan importante que todos intentemos manejar sin distracciones. Tiene que prestar atención mientras maneja, porque lo más probable es que la persona que va delante, detrás o a su lado esté manejando distraída. Deje el teléfono y otras distracciones. Ese mensaje de texto o correo electrónico puede esperar hasta que llegue a su destino. El número de clientes a los que he representado que sufrieron un accidente causado por otra
persona que enviaba mensajes de texto mientras manejaba es demasiado alto. Vivamos sin distracciones y más en el momento este mes de abril. ¡Aportará más diversión (¡y seguridad!) a nuestras vidas! -Louis Bernardo Berk
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PELIGROSAMENTE DESHONESTO Sorpresa Científica: Sirven Avena Radiactiva A Estudiantes
en humanos con radiactividad. La importancia
todo por las ventajas de las que disfrutaban los miembros. Boyce, que fue enviado a esa escuela tras ser abandonado por sus padres, también esperaba que los científicos intervinieran en favor de los alumnos y denunciaran las pésimas condiciones de Fernald, donde los estudiantes, muchos de ellos con discapacidades mentales, sufrían abusos y un trato cruel. Sin embargo, Boyce y los demás no recibieron ninguna ayuda de los científicos y ni siquiera se les informó que eran sujetos de un experimento científico sino hasta 40 años después. “No sabíamos nada en ese momento”, comentó Boyce para la revista Smithsonian. “Simplemente creíamos que éramos especiales”. El estudio en Fernald, originalmente llamada Escuela Estatal de Massachusetts para Débiles Mentales, estuvo a cargo de un profesor de nutrición del MIT. Nadie se opuso en aquel entonces. En los comienzos de la Era Atómica, la mayoría de los estadounidenses consideraban la ciencia como una poderosa fuerza de progreso: la Comisión de Energía Atómica aprobó docenas de experimentos
Hace décadas, los alumnos de una escuela pública de Massachusetts para personas con necesidades especiales se inscribieron de forma masiva al Club de Ciencias de la escuela, atraídos por regalos, promesas de excursiones y esperanzas de apoyo emocional por parte de los científicos a cargo. En cambio, recibieron una dosis diaria de avena radiactiva. Como parte de un experimento secreto de la empresa Quaker Oats y el Instituto Tecnológico de Massachusetts (MIT), a finales de la década de 1940 y principios de la de 1950, docenas de niños de la Escuela Estatal Fernald fueron alimentados con avena impregnada de marcadores radiactivos. El objetivo consistía en estudiar la absorción de hierro y calcio por parte de sus organismos y demostrar los beneficios nutricionales del cereal. A algunos niños también se les inyectó calcio radiactivo. Un estudiante llamado Fred Boyce y otros 70 niños de entre 10 y 17 años estaban ansiosos por unirse al Club de Ciencias, sobre
de los comités de supervisión ética y del consentimiento informado de los sujetos de la investigación no figuraba entonces en la agenda de los científicos. No fue sino hasta 1972, cuando Associated Press informó sobre un estudio del Instituto Tuskegee en el que a hombres afroamericanos con sífilis se les prometió un tratamiento que nunca recibieron, que el Congreso aprobó finalmente una legislación que protegía a las personas de las investigaciones poco éticas. Los científicos determinaron posteriormente que los chicos de Fernald no sufrieron daños graves en su salud; uno de ellos afirmó que la exposición fue aproximadamente la misma que a 30 radiografías de tórax. No obstante, para alumnos como Boyce, las lesiones fueron profundas. Treinta exalumnos de Fernald demandaron posteriormente a Quaker Oats y al MIT y obtuvieron una indemnización por 1.85 millones de dólares mediante un acuerdo en 1998.
• Aceite vegetal • 2 libras de bacalao fresco • Sal y pimienta al gusto • 1/2 taza de harina común sin blanquear • 2 huevos grandes • 2 cucharadas de agua Ingredientes
• 2 tazas de pan rallado sin sazonar • 1/2 cucharadita de mostaza en polvo • 1/4 cucharadita de pimienta de cayena • Gajos de limón
Instrucciones 1. En una sartén grande a fuego medio-alto, vierta aceite vegetal hasta alcanzar 2 pulgadas (5 cm). 2. Corte el bacalao en 4 porciones y sazónelo con la sal y la pimienta. 3. Ponga la harina en un molde para tartas. Bata los huevos junto con el agua en otro molde. Mezcle el pan rallado, la mostaza en polvo y la cayena en un tercer molde. 4. Pase el pescado por el molde con la harina, luego por el molde con el huevo y, por último, por el molde con el pan rallado. 5. Ponga el pescado rebozado en el aceite caliente y fríalo 5 minutos por cada lado. 6. Sírvalo con gajos de limón y ¡buen provecho!
PESCADO FRITO CLÁSICO
Inspirada por FoodNetwork.com
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