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March 2024
The Why Behind the Wait A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PROCRASTINATION
With National Procrastination Week kicking off on March 6, I wouldn’t be too surprised if you were reading this in April. Honestly, I’ve wrestled with procrastination for as long as I can remember! It’s a familiar battle for many of us, especially as we navigate the complexities of adulthood and professional growth. My need to get as close as possible to external deadlines has always driven my journey with procrastination. But as I have grown older and gained more control over my calendar, I have had to take more responsibility for determining those deadlines. That has meant change. The question arises, “What am I protecting myself from when procrastinating?” It’s a probing inquiry that forces me to confront the roots of my hesitation. Why do we procrastinate? Why put things off until the last minute when we know it’ll just make the task even more difficult or stressful? Is it fear of failure, or perhaps the daunting shadow of success? Understanding why I procrastinate is as crucial as recognizing the act itself. It’s about uncovering my motivation and vision for what I truly want. Questioning the “why” has led me to believe that battling procrastination head-on — or anything for that matter — isn’t the most effective approach. After all, what you resist, persists .
of respect. When I asked myself why, I realized that respecting the person who had proposed the agreement was not enough of a reason. I needed to decide if I truly wanted to pursue the opportunity because it would make my life better. Once I did that, and the answer was yes, it was not difficult to find the motivation to move forward expeditiously. There have been other times when I realized I was procrastinating a task because it was something I didn’t like doing, and it was time to delegate it to someone who enjoys that type of thing. For me, it’s not about demolishing the feelings that lead to procrastination but acknowledging their presence and working with them while ensuring they don’t take the driver’s seat. There’s a reason behind it, and going to war without understanding the reason can be futile. The world has shown us time and again that rushing into conflict without contemplation rarely produces the desired results. Sometimes, I need to do things only I can do. On those occasions, it helps me to add structure. Occasionally, I set a timer and commit to power through for the allotted time, hoping the momentum I build will carry beyond the timer. Other times, I briefly start a dreaded project right before I go to bed. For some reason, it is easier for me to pick it up the next morning once it is already in motion. My relationship with procrastination has evolved from one of conflict to understanding. It’s about recognizing the fulfillment in the present moment and the tasks at hand, appreciating them as markers of success and growth. As National Procrastination Week unfolds, I encourage everyone to explore their own procrastination patterns. Dive deep into the why, delegate when necessary, and most importantly, find joy in the journey of getting things done. After all, the true reward lies in the journey itself, not just the destination.
There was a time when I procrastinated moving forward with a business agreement proposed by someone for whom I have a lot
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How Someone Under 21 Can Legally Consume Alcohol WHEN MINORS ARE ALLOWED TO IMBIBE
When it comes to drinking age requirements, the U.S. is strict for a Western country. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was enacted in 1984, which raised the minimum age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21. It also set a precedent for the age requirement for other substances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned tobacco purchase for anyone under 21, and recreational cannabis is similarly age-restricted. While the law dictates that people under 21 can’t consume alcohol, that’s not the whole story. There are many exemptions nationwide, with every state having unique age requirement laws. Even counties can have special restrictions. American Indian reservations have independent sovereignty, so they don’t follow American laws at all. Religious Ceremonies and Services Currently, 26 states allow for religious exemptions for underage alcohol consumption. Alcohol is commonly used in many religious services; for example, Christian communion often involves a sip of wine. These legal loopholes are why priests aren’t arrested every Sunday. States that don’t have laws for religious exemptions never generally enforce the alcohol requirement on religious organizations, so they are practically legal. Medicinal Purposes People use alcohol for more than just recreation: it’s often used for medicinal purposes, too. For example, cough syrup uses it to break down ingredients. It is thus legal for medicinal purposes in 16 states, including Wyoming and Utah. Isopropyl and rubbing alcohol are distinct from the ethyl alcohol used in spirits, so they aren’t regulated similarly. Drinking for Education Alcohol is a culinary mainstay for many cultures, and many dishes include alcohol as an essential component — tiramisu, coq au vin, and flambé, to name a few. For minors interested in pursuing a culinary career, preventing them from accessing alcohol can be detrimental to their education. So, many states allow students enrolled in the culinary arts — including brewing, enology (the study of wines), and hospitality — to consume alcohol for educational purposes. For example, in Florida, students can drink as much as they want as long they’re on campus and have specific curriculums. Undercover Imbibing Minors can work for law enforcement. If they’re going undercover to expose illegal activities, there’s a good chance they’ll be offered
alcohol or put into situations where drinking is advisable. In Hawaii and Michigan, undercover agents are allowed to purchase or consume alcohol so long as it pertains to their assignment. With Family Some parents prefer that their children drink at home for various reasons. A few argue it discourages drunk driving and other risky behavior. Others just like to share a beverage with their children at dinner. Regardless of the reasons, several states allow underage drinking in the presence of a family member or guardian. The details of this exception vary widely. For example, some stipulate that a family member must provide the alcohol, like in New Mexico. Many states restrict alcohol to home use only, such as in Nebraska. Texas and other states allow the exemption in any location, such as restaurants. Drinking is distinct from possession, in case things weren’t complicated enough. In 19 states, minors can possess alcohol with parental consent. Other states, like Utah, prohibit alcohol possession at all times. Other Complexities The law is always nuanced, but few are as complex as the tangled web of alcohol restrictions. States like Pennsylvania restrict the drinking age and require sellers to fulfill strict requirements, like only selling beer and wine under 5.7% alcohol. Meanwhile, Louisianians sell daiquiris from drive-thrus (so long as they don’t have straws). The bottom line is that the U.S. has so much variety because it allows the states to set their own guidelines, and the differing cultures within states and counties affect their drinking laws. “The bottom line is that the U.S. has so much variety because it allows the states to set their own guidelines, and the differing cultures within states and counties affect their drinking laws.” ”
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BIGFOOT IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES!? A Washington County’s Unique Hunting Ban Most people don’t consider the legality of Bigfoot hunting, but in Washington state, it’s part of the law. In Skamania County, it’s illegal to kill the mythological ape. Should someone murder the creature, they’d face a stiff penalty. Bigfoot — sometimes called Sasquatch — is an elusive ape-like cryptid said to roam the forests of North America. It allegedly has reddish-brown fur, a gorilla-like body, and its namesake big feet. Some claim Bigfoot is the “missing link” between walking apes and our ancestors, who walked on all fours. Most scientists dispute the claim, saying that any ancestor this old likely would’ve adapted or gone extinct. Bigfoot was first spotted in California in 1958, and most sightings since occur in Washington state. Per every 100,000 people, 9.12 sightings are in the Evergreen State. That’s a third more often than its neighbor Oregon, the runner-up at 6.06. If there were a Bigfoot capital of the world, it’d be in Washington. On April 1, 1969, the Skamania County legislature enacted Ordinance 1969-01, the first law prohibiting the killing of Bigfoot. Anyone convicted of murdering the cryptid would be classified as a felon and imprisoned for five years. While modified decades later, it set an important precedent: Bigfoot is a protected species. Tourism picked up shortly after that. Bigfoot mania officially hit the U.S. in the 1970s as directors released films like “Sasquatch, the Legend of Bigfoot.” New Bigfoot enthusiasts started to visit Washington in droves, hoping to be the first to find proof of its existence. While locals appreciated the influx of cash from tourism, they didn’t appreciate the influx of guns from Bigfoot hunters. County legislatures enacted a new ordinance in 1984. It further clarified the regulations on Bigfoot and designated the ape as an endangered species. As such, hunting Bigfoot with the intent to kill is illegal. However, the ordinance softened the penalty for hunting Bigfoot, lowering the penalty for poachers to a year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Every law has some logic; no matter how frivolous it may seem, there’s a reason why lawmakers went through the trouble. While this law may seem unnecessary, it protects “Bigfoot” and the Skamania County citizens alike.
BRAIN GAMES
SOLUTION
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 2 boneless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn
• 1 cup canned black beans • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
Directions 1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
From Deadline Driven to Self-Motivated: A Journey Through Procrastination
1
When Minors Can Drink
2
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl
3
Why Bigfoot Is a Protected Species in Washington
The Marketing Campaign That Cost Red Bull Over $6 Million
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MARKETING CAMPAIGN DISPROVED IN COURT RED BULL DOESN’T GIVE YOU WINGS
For decades, Red Bull has run the marketing campaign that its energy drink gives people wings. Most assume it’s a joke, an exaggeration of the beverage’s stimulating effects. The courts disagreed. A group of Red Bull drinkers in 2014 filed a class action lawsuit against the Austrian company, accusing them of false advertising. Despite the company’s claims, they alleged that the drink does not give you wings. To be more specific, the suit alleged that the ad campaign uses flying imagery to convey that the beverage is better than other caffeinated drinks. While the brand’s messaging claims it improves response times and concentration, the suit alleges the beverage isn’t much more effective than a cup of coffee. Red Bull settled for over $6 million. They also agreed to compensate customers who were disappointed about the drink’s wingless results. Such claimants could receive $10 or
a voucher for $15 of Red Bull products. But before you go writing a letter to Red Bull for your voucher, know that customers are no longer eligible for this compensation. In Red Bull’s words, they settled to “avoid the cost and distraction of litigation,” noting that their ad campaigns and can labels “have always been truthful and accurate.” Red Bull denied any wrongdoing. What Red Bull did was tread the line between false advertising and “puffery,” the legal term for extravagant claims about a product. The law allows for some lofty claims — such as “World’s Best Coffee” — so long as they are opinions. “Red Bull gives you wings” sounds like a factual statement, so it doesn’t fall under puffery. The energy drink company has continued using the slogan in its marketing in event sponsorship and TV ads. So, while Red Bull may not actually give you wings, it did pay out a lot of money in a court settlement over the claim.
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NAVIGATING THE COMPLEX TERRAIN OF PROBATE AND TRUST LITIGATION
Probate and trust litigation may sound like legal jargon, but in its simplest form, it revolves around the fate of a person’s belongings after they pass away. Who takes control, who receives the inheritance, and what happens when disputes arise — these are the crux of probate and trust litigation. Understanding the distinction between probate litigation and trust litigation is crucial. If an individual dies without a will, the estate typically goes through probate. Likewise, if there is a will, probate is the route, and any disputes fall under probate litigation. However, if an individual has taken the proactive step of establishing a family trust through estate planning, the matters fall within the realm of trust litigation if conflicts arise. When engaged in probate or trust litigation, two primary issues come to the forefront. Firstly, there’s the question of who should be in charge — the executor in probate court or the trustee in the case of a trust. Secondly, the matter of who inherits what becomes a focal point of contention. In probate court, the battle often centers around appointing the right executor or representative. Similarly, in trust litigation, the focus shifts to determining the suitability of the appointed trustee. Concerns may arise regarding whether the chosen individual is managing the assets diligently or potentially misusing them for personal gain. Disputes over inheritance commonly stem from the interpretation of the will or trust. Ambiguities and confusion may lead to conflicting conclusions between reasonable parties. Additionally, suspicions may arise if one heir believes that the deceased was coerced or taken advantage of when making changes to the will or trust.
One significant aspect of probate and trust litigation involves questioning the circumstances surrounding changes in the will or trust. If a person altered their testamentary documents, was it done under undue influence or coercion? Evaluating the mental capacity of the deceased during such changes is crucial to establishing the validity of the alterations. Probate and trust litigation can be intricate and emotionally charged, often involving disputes over authority, responsibility, and inheritance. To navigate these complex legal waters, seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney specializing in probate and trust litigation is paramount. Every situation is unique, and legal professionals can provide tailored advice based on the specifics of each case. If you find yourself grappling with questions in this realm, don’t hesitate to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to ensure the best course of action for you and your loved ones.
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THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF A BUSINESS ATTORNEY IN SAFEGUARDING YOUR BUSINESS SALE
You’ve made the decision to sell your business — a moment that can be both exciting and financially rewarding. You envision riding off into the sunset with a cash payout and a promissory note from your eager buyer. However, before you embark on this journey, it’s crucial to recognize the potential pitfalls that can turn your dream sale into a nightmare. One indispensable ally you should have by your side throughout this process is a business attorney. Let’s explore the reasons why their involvement is paramount. The first and foremost reason to have a business attorney during the sale of your business is to ensure you get paid in full. Many business sale agreements involve a deferred payment component, meaning the buyer pays a portion of the purchase price over time. Buyers, however, may not always be keen on honoring these payments once they’ve taken control of the business. Having an attorney during the documentation of the deal serves multiple purposes. They can secure valuable collateral for the buyer’s obligation and meticulously inspect the contract for any potential loopholes. Identifying and addressing these issues early on can prevent the buyer from
finding ways to avoid making their scheduled payments, ultimately safeguarding your financial interests. Once the business changes hands, some buyers may find themselves grappling with the reality of the challenges involved. Discrepancies between their expectations and the actual demands of running the business may lead to frustration, and in some cases, legal action. To shield yourself from potential lawsuits, it’s imperative to have a business lawyer craft airtight purchase and sale agreements. This legal expertise ensures buyers cannot later complain or sue you over the terms of the agreement. Business sales involve more than just transferring ownership; they entail passing on existing relationships with landlords, lenders, trade creditors, and suppliers. Unfortunately, not all buyers fulfill their financial obligations to these entities, leading them to seek recompense from the original business owner. To prevent creditors from knocking on your door after the sale, a business attorney becomes essential. They help facilitate the proper transfer of these relationships to the buyer and ensure everyone involved understands that you are no longer liable for debts related to the business. In conclusion, while selling your business can be a thrilling and financially rewarding experience, it is not without its challenges. The importance of having a business attorney by your side throughout the process cannot be overstated. From securing your payments to protecting you from post-sale legal hassles and shielding you against business creditors, their expertise is indispensable. If you’re considering selling your business and have concerns about protecting yourself throughout the process, consulting with a business attorney is a prudent and proactive step to take. After all, a successful business sale is not just about the transaction; it’s about securing your peace of mind as you ride off into the sunset to your next venture.
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