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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 November 2024
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Celebrating Love, Family, and Milestones
I never knew my heart could hold so much love for someone. I didn’t realize that every time I’d hear her call me “Abba,” I’d fall a little more in love I didn’t know her tiny hands and feet would become the center of my universe or that sleepless nights and little tantrums wouldn’t bother me at all. I never imagined how truly special raising Ziva would be, and now, she’s grown into a beautiful little girl. On Halloween, in addition to having a blast dressing the kids up and celebrating, we also celebrated Marisa’s birthday. It was an incredible day honoring the best mom of two our little family could ever ask for. The way she loves me, our kids, and everyone around her is infectious. This month, on Nov. 25, we’ll celebrate Gavriel’s first birthday — I can still vividly remember the day he was born. We hadn’t chosen a name yet, but over the following few days, Gavriel just felt like the perfect fit. We were overjoyed to give Ziva a little brother, and the excitement of having a son was the best. It’s amazing how, with your second child, your heart expands and lets in twice the love. Every day, I find myself falling more in love with our little boy and our perfect family of four. It’s hard to believe a year has already passed, and I can’t wait to watch him continue growing alongside his sister. Lastly, this month is my 40th birthday. 40? Really? Wow. While part of me wouldn’t mind being 21 again, I know I can still feel that way. I’m genuinely excited about turning 40. Each year seems to bring more joy. The firm is thriving, and with every passing year, I look forward to the excitement and growth that lies ahead.
As I sit to write this, I’m in the midst of birthday and anniversary fun. October and November are huge months for our family — let me explain. Last month, on Oct. 7, Marisa and I celebrated six wonderful years together. Marrying her was the best decision I’ve ever made — I can’t picture my life without her. We’ve experienced so many beautiful moments, especially the births of our two children. Marisa is the strongest, kindest, and wisest person I know. I’ll never forget the awe I felt watching her bring our daughter and son into the world and the overwhelming sense of certainty that no one is more perfect for me. She is my home.
I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and kick-off to the holidays! It’s going to be an amazing holiday season!
Though our hearts were heavy with sadness, and the day felt somewhat overshadowed by world events, we made it a point to still honor and celebrate our love, marriage, and family with pride. It feels like just yesterday I was cradling that perfect little nugget in my arms on the day she was born. I can still recall the overwhelming joy of becoming a father for the first time, with goosebumps, smiles, and happy tears flowing that entire day.
-Louis Bernardo Berk
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THE $93,750 SPUD Uncover Fabergé’s Unexpected Masterpiece
a Fabergé potato, the world did a collective double-take. After all, who would have thought a potato — albeit one crafted by a master jeweler — would garner such attention and a hefty price tag to match? The bidding war was intense, with collectors and Fabergé
When you think of the name Fabergé, you probably imagine opulent, jewel-encrusted eggs that epitomize luxury and elegance. But did you know the famous Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, the mastermind behind the glittering eggs, also created a humble potato? And not just any potato, but one that fetched an astounding $93,750 at a Christie’s auction in 2016. Fabergé’s Glorious Spud In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peter Carl Fabergé was the go-to jeweler for Russian royalty. His intricate and lavish creations, particularly the famous Fabergé eggs, were commissioned by Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. Each egg was a masterpiece, often containing hidden surprises like miniature portraits, mechanical wonders, expensive jewels, or even tiny replicas of royal palaces. But amidst these exquisite creations, Fabergé had a sense of humor and a knack for the unexpected. Enter the Fabergé potato — a far cry from the shimmering eggs but equally fascinating in its own right. This potato, crafted from pink agate, was a whimsical
enthusiasts eager to own this unique piece of history. When the gavel finally came down, the potato had sold for a staggering $93,750. Not bad for a root vegetable! Why a Potato? You might wonder why Fabergé, a jeweler known for his elaborate and luxurious designs, chose to make a potato. Perhaps it was his way of showing artistry could be found in the simplest of things. Or maybe it was a playful nod to the significance of potatoes in Russian culture — a staple food that sustained many through tough times. Whatever the reason, Fabergé’s potato reminds us that even the most mundane objects can be transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of creativity and a touch of humor.
departure from his usual opulent fare. The Humble Potato’s Journey
Fast-forward to 2016, and this extraordinary potato was again in the spotlight. When Christie’s auction house announced the sale of
PECULIAR LAWS OF THE ANCIENT EMPIRE ROMAN RULES
Dress Codes and Party Fouls Beginning in around 215 BC, the Roman Republic began instituting what was known as sumptuary laws, which restricted the clothes people could wear, foods they could eat, and the maximum number of attendees at parties. They created these, in part, to reduce the costs of banquets, festivals, and other Roman ragers. Some examples were enacted in 213 BC when it became illegal for women to wear colorful dresses — unless they were celebrating a ritual sacrifice — to wear more than a half ounce of gold or even to ride around in carriages. However, they soon repealed these laws because they considered them antiquated . Shocking Statute Tough luck for those who like hanging out on tall metal poles — if a lightning strike killed someone in Rome, the law forbade families from burying them! This is because Romans believed lightning strikes were
divine retribution from the king of the Roman pantheon, Jupiter. See Ya Later, Gladiator! Romans “borrowed” the idea of gladiatorial games from their (conquered) neighbors, wherein people would fight — sometimes to the death — for the public’s amusement and began holding them back in 264 BC. However, because only 3 of every 5 people made it to their 20s at the time, only about 10% of those bouts involved actual fatalities. Many slaves, prisoners of war, and Christian martyrs fought as gladiators in the arena, but if they were already sentenced to execution, they had no hope of survival. One peculiar law involving gladiators was that they would fight until an injured combatant put down his shield and lifted his index finger to ask for mercy. At that point, it would come to an abrupt halt — though the emperor, if in attendance, would make the final decision.
While ancient Rome may be known for gladiators, grand conquests, and fashionable togas, a surprisingly intricate legal system kept their civilization in line. They had many laws — some familiar, others bizarre — that dictated the everyday lives of millions of Roman citizens, enslaved people, and soldiers across a vast empire. Here are three of the most outrageous and interesting laws Romans enacted as a republic and an empire.
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TAKE A BREAK
HELPING KIDS WITH ADHD THRIVE
STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT
It’s common for parents of children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed — and more than a little guilty for having these emotions. First and foremost, it’s perfectly understandable for any parent to experience hurdles as they work to help their child live a happy, healthy life. Although there are unique challenges to raising a youngster with ADHD, every day is an opportunity to take positive steps to help your child learn and grow. Here are four quick tips to help make the rough times a little smoother. Build a balanced routine. Helping your child stay on task with daily routines is critical to managing their ADHD journey. Are they hydrating regularly? Do they follow consistent meal and sleep schedules? Sometimes, staying consistent with the smallest things makes the biggest impact on your child’s well-being. Plan a digital detox. With everything so tech-based these days, there’s a good chance your child spends a lot of time in front of a screen. Set aside time throughout the week to interact with them
GREEK CHICKEN AND RICE
in a digital-free environment — even if it’s just to chat about their day. This time is meant to help you build a stronger relationship with your child, so try to avoid discussing
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced Ingredients
anything that may cause conflict or a distraction.
• 2 cups chicken broth • 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice • Juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 cup feta cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
Find a community of support.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme
Participating in a support group is a fantastic way to connect with
other parents, share concerns, and learn new ways to encourage your child’s growth
and success. As a bonus, connecting with parents whose experiences are similar to yours could lead to their children interacting with yours — which may go a long way in helping your child relate to other people and develop their social skills. Tailor your tools. Every child with ADHD is a unique individual with specific needs. A specialized mental health professional can help you craft a solid framework to address obstacles as they arise. Whether you need guidance on stress management or tips on sharpening your communication skills, utilizing the services of an empathetic therapist could provide you with the fresh perspective and game plan you need to help your young one thrive.
Directions 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 2. Add chicken, oregano, and thyme and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Embracing Life and Family
Discover Fabergé’s Playful Potato Masterpiece
Ridiculous Rules From Ancient Rome
Greek Chicken and Rice
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Tailoring Your Child’s ADHD Journey
Hollywood Ending in the ‘Rust’ Trial
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HOLLYWOOD ENDING Alec Baldwin Walks Free After Case Dismissed
the gun that killed Hutchins likely contributed to the swift decision. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison but has appealed, and what happened in July in Alec Baldwin’s trial may affect the outcome of that appeal. Hollywood Ending When the third day of Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico began, it became apparent that something was amiss. The defense attorneys had something important to bring to the court’s attention. Assistant District Attorney Erlinda Johnson was absent. As it turned out, she had resigned from the case after allegations that Santa Fe police, in conjunction with Special Prosecutor Kari Morrisey, had conspired to hide evidence from the defense. The evidence in question was a case of ammunition matching those retrieved from the set of “Rust.” The ammunition was given to Santa Fe police before the
About three years ago, on Oct. 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by a live round fired by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie “Rust.” You might believe this would be an open-and-shut manslaughter case. However, just like the scenes Hutchins brilliantly captured on film, this scene was more complex and layered than you may expect. Baldwin’s trial was dismissed just three days after it began, on July 13, 2024. Ironically, but perhaps fittingly, Baldwin’s criminal case came to a dramatic,
Photo: Abhi Suryawanshi
trial, but it was filed under a separate case number — even though the witness who handed in the evidence claimed it was relevant to the “Rust” trial. In light of these revelations, Santa Fe County District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice. Throughout the day, as the camera centered on Hollywood star-turned-defendant Alec Baldwin, viewers were treated to his wide range of emotions: first, annoyance, then sadness, and, finally, tearful exultation. This was his Hollywood ending.
Hollywood-esque conclusion. Is the armorer to blame?
Previously, in May, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the film, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The jury deliberated for just three hours before passing judgment; evidence revealing Gutierrez-Reed loaded
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La Papa de $93 750
Descubra la Inesperada obra Maestra de Fabergé
Cuando piensa en el nombre Fabergé, probablemente piense en huevos incrustados en joyas que encarnan el lujo. ¿Pero sabía que el famoso joyero ruso Peter Carl Fabergé también creó una humilde papa? Y no cualquier papa, sino la papa que se vendió por la increíble suma de $93 750 en una subasta de Christie en 2016. La gloriosa papa de Fabergé A finales del siglo XIX y principios del siglo XX, Peter Carl Fabergé era el joyero favorito de la nobleza rusa. Sus fastuosas creaciones, particularmente los famosos huevos de Fabergé, fueron encargados por los zares Alexander II y Nicholas II como regalos de pascua para sus esposas y madres. Cada huevo era una obra maestra, que con frecuencia contenían sorpresas ocultas como retratos miniaturas, maravillas mecánicas, costosas joyas o incluso diminutas réplicas de palacios reales. Pero entre estas exquisitas creaciones, Fabergé tenía un sentido del humor. Aquí es donde entra la papa de Fabergé — muy diferente a los resplandecientes huevos pero igual de fascinante en su propia forma. Esta papa, creada a partir de ágata rosada, era un cambio extravagante de su habitual opulenta tarifa. El viaje de la humilde papa Pasamos al 2016, y esta extraordinaria papa fue de nuevo el centro de atención. Cuando la casa de subastas Christie anunció
la venta de una papa de Fabergé, la guerra de pujas fue intensa, con coleccionistas y entusiastas de Fabergé ansiosos por ser dueños de esta única pieza de historia. Cuando el mazo finalmente golpeó la mesa, la papa se había
vendido por la asombrosa cantidad de $93 750. ¡Nada mal para una hortaliza de raíz!
¿Por qué una papa? Se podrá preguntar por qué Fabergé, un joyero conocido por sus elaborados diseños, eligió hacer una papa. Quizá era su forma de mostrar que el arte podría ser encontrado en las cosas más simples. O quizá fue un lúdico guiño a la importancia de las papas en la cultura rusa — una comida básica que sustentó a muchos en tiempos difíciles. Cualquiera que fuese la razón, la papa de Fabergé nos recuerda que incluso los objetos más triviales pueden ser transformados en algo extraordinario.
Ingredientes
POLLO GRIEGO CON ARROZ
• 1 lata (14 oz) de tomates en cubos • 1 taza de arroz blanco de grano largo sin cocinar • Jugo de 1 limón
• 2 cucharadas de aceite de oliva • 1 cebolla, picada • 2 dientes de ajo, picados • 2 libras de pechugas de pollo sin hueso y sin piel, en cubos • 1 cucharadita de orégano seco • 1 cucharadita de tomillo seco • 2 tazas de caldo de pollo
• 1/2 taza de queso feta • Sal y pimienta al gusto
Instrucciones 1. En una sartén grande a fuego medio, calienta el aceite de oliva y saltea la cebolla y el ajo hasta que estén tiernos. 2. Añade el pollo, el orégano y el tomillo, y cocina hasta que el pollo no esté rosado, unos 3–4 minutos. 3. Vierte el caldo de pollo, los tomates en cubos y el arroz. Lleva a ebullición, luego reduce el fuego a bajo y tapa. Cocina a fuego lento durante 15 minutos o hasta que el arroz esté bien cocido. 4. Incorpora el jugo de limón y el queso feta, luego sazona con sal y pimienta.
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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 Noviembre 2024
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Celebrar el Amor, la Familia y los Hitos
abrumadora de ser padre por primera vez, con la piel de gallina, sonrisas y lágrimas de felicidad durante todo ese día. No sabía que mi corazón podía albergar tanto amor por alguien. No sabía que cada vez que la oyera llamarme “Abba”, me enamoraría un poco más. No sabía que sus pequeñas manos y pies se convertirían en el centro de mi universo ni que las noches en vela y las pequeñas rabietas no me molestarían en absoluto. Nunca imaginé lo verdaderamente especial que sería criar a Ziva, y ahora se ha convertido en una preciosa niña. En Halloween, además de pasarlo en grande disfrazando a los niños y celebrándolo, también festejamos el cumpleaños de Marisa. Fue un día increíble en honor de la mejor madre de dos hijos que nuestra pequeña familia podría pedir. La forma en que me quiere a mí, a nuestros hijos y a todos los que la rodean es contagiosa. Este mes, el 25 de noviembre, celebraremos el primer cumpleaños de Gavriel; aún recuerdo vívidamente el día en que nació. Aún no habíamos elegido un nombre, pero en los días siguientes, Gavriel nos pareció perfecto. Estábamos encantados de darle un hermanito a Ziva, y la emoción de tener un hijo era lo mejor. Es increíble cómo, con tu segundo hijo, tu corazón se amplía y permite que quepa el doble de amor. Cada día estoy más orgulloso de nuestro pequeño y de nuestra perfecta familia de cuatro. Parece mentira que ya haya pasado un año, y estoy deseando verle crecer junto a su hermana. Por último, este mes cumplo 40 años. ¿40? ¿De verdad? Vaya. Aunque a una parte de mí no le importaría volver a tener 21 años, sé que aún puedo sentirme así. Estoy muy emocionado por cumplir 40 años. Cada año parece traer más alegría. El bufete está
Mientras me siento a escribir esto, estoy en plena diversión de cumpleaños y aniversarios. Octubre y noviembre son meses muy importantes para nuestra familia: déjenme explicarlo. El mes pasado, el 7 de octubre, Marisa y yo celebramos seis maravillosos años juntos. Casarme con ella ha sido la mejor decisión que he tomado en mi vida; no puedo imaginarme mi vida sin ella. Hemos vivido tantos momentos hermosos, especialmente los nacimientos de nuestros dos hijos. Marisa es la persona más fuerte, amable y sabia que conozco. Nunca olvidaré el asombro que sentí al verla traer al mundo a nuestra hija y a nuestro hijo y la abrumadora sensación de certeza de que nadie es más perfecto para mí. Ella es mi hogar.
prosperando y, con cada año que pasa, espero con impaciencia la emoción y el crecimiento que nos aguardan. Les deseo a todos un feliz Día de Acción de Gracias y un buen comienzo de las vacaciones. ¡Van a ser unas fiestas increíbles! -Louis Bernardo Berk
Aunque nuestros corazones estaban llenos de tristeza y los acontecimientos mundiales ensombrecieron un poco el día, nos propusimos rendir homenaje y celebrar nuestro amor, nuestro matrimonio y nuestra familia con orgullo. Parece que fue ayer cuando acunaba en mis brazos a esa pequeña joya perfecta el día que nació. Todavía recuerdo la alegría
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