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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 October 2023
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
A Toast to Ziva
2 Years of Love and Joy With Our Daughter
This month begins year 3 with our daughter, Ziva — where has the time gone?!
Two years ago, we welcomed Ziva into the world (it still feels like just yesterday that I held that beautiful baby in my arms for the very first time). From the moment we found out my wife, Marissa, was pregnant, I knew our lives would be forever changed and full of many joyous moments, but looking back now, I chuckle because I just didn’t know. I didn’t know my heart could burst and love someone so much. I didn’t know that whenever I’d hear “Abba” come out of her mouth, I’d fall in love just a bit more. I didn’t know that her tiny hands and feet would be the center of my world. I didn’t know I wouldn’t mind the sleepless nights or the little tantrums. I didn’t know that raising Ziva would be this special. To say I’m grateful to be in this little girl’s life is an understatement — I’m so proud to be her dad. To watch her grow, play, love, and learn is the best gift I could have ever received. Our first year as parents was an adjustment — many things changed. There was less sleep and going out and more diapers and bottles. We learned all about Ziva that year. We had the opportunity to witness her different emotions, expressions, smiles, and laughs. We cheered her on as she rolled for the first time, crawled across the floor, and took her first steps. She even started potty training before she was a year old. In our second year with Ziva, she learned so much. It’s true when they say children are like little sponges. She began day care, learned so many new words, and her personality has emerged. Watching her experience new foods, tastes, movies, music, and animals is so fun. Life through the eyes of Ziva is magical. Now, Ziva is 2, and we are excited for a new chapter full of even more firsts. Recently, she’s been trying to learn how to jump — she is so close to figuring it out. She will squat, push off the ground, get a centimeter off the ground, fall on her butt, and start giggling. It’s these little moments with my
family that I’m so grateful for. Ziva is on the go — she runs around like crazy, and let me tell you, she’s fast! You can’t take your eye off her for a second because she gets into everything. She’s working on stringing words together and forming sentences, too.
This little girl has a huge heart and an infectious smile, and I’m so glad to call her my daughter — my little girl. Marissa and I are so thrilled to see what year three with Ziva has in store for us. Happy birthday, Ziva! We love you! -Louis Bernardo Berk
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FROM APPLICANT TO ARRESTED: The Fugitive Who Applied for a Police Job
question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” a new meaning. After taking Johnson into custody, the police proceeded to search her property. Incredibly, they found two credit cards in her possession they believed were stolen. Police added credit card theft charges to Johnson’s already considerable rap sheet. To make matters worse for her, the sheriff’s office also contacted Johnson’s former employer, the United States Postal Service, which launched its own investigation into her conduct. As of October 2022, Johnson was being held in a Hudson County jail awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania for the most serious charge against her. It’s unclear why she thought applying for a law enforcement position with outstanding warrants was a wise career move, but at least she made her would-be coworkers’ jobs easy that day.
check before hiring — or that this office specializes in resolving outstanding warrants. When processing her application, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office discovered the active bench warrant in Pennsylvania. The routine investigation also found 10 additional active bench warrants in Jersey City, New Jersey; Johnson had allegedly failed to appear on traffic charges. Most employers in this situation would probably move on to the next applicant, but the sheriff’s department decided to call Johnson in for an “interview” instead. Unsurprisingly, they had no
Even most criminals need traditional employment to pay the bills, but Zyeama Johnson looked for work in all the wrong places. Perhaps Johnson imagined her previous experience with law enforcement would give her a leg up in her application to the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office in New Jersey in 2022. But unfortunately for her, all of Johnson’s past and future involvement with the police would be on the wrong side of the law. Johnson was looking for a legal way to earn a living when she applied for a job as a security guard at the sheriff’s office. But her past money-making ventures
allegedly involved fraud, and she had failed to appear in a Pennsylvania court on the charges. Presumably, Johnson did not realize
intention of hiring her and arrested the fugitive on the spot. It gave the standard interview
a police station would perform a background
Unlock the Secrets of a Calming Bedtime Routine
Does it always seem like your kids get a burst of energy right before bedtime? After a jam-packed day, your child’s pent-up stress and energy will likely spike when it’s time to head to bed. The key is implementing a consistent bedtime routine to help them transition into sleep mode. Try therapeutic techniques to soothe your child for a full night of shuteye. Squeeze ’em tight (add pressure). Just like you would swaddle a baby, you should wrap your kids up like tiny burritos! When you add pressure that squeezes them tight, your child’s tactile and proprioceptive senses are activated, which creates a sense of calm and relaxation. You can also do this with weighted blankets, tight cuddles, or by tucking them in nice and snug with pillows placed around them to add more pressure. Get them warm and cozy. Warmth is another element that can increase calm and signal bedtime! Put their
blankets in the dryer so they’ll have them nice and warm when it’s time to lie down. Additionally, you can give them a warm drink with a straw, as the warmth not only relaxes them but the straw also encourages sucking motions, which are incredibly soothing for children. Create gentle movements. Repetitive and rhythmic movements like rocking back and forth generate vestibular input for the nervous system. This will help your children feel comfortable and ready to sleep! You can try these motions by rocking them on a yoga ball for a few minutes, reading a bedtime story in a rocking chair, or sitting with them in a porch swing or hammock right before bed. Turn the screens off. We already know that looking at screens harms our sleep, so why would that be any different for children? Decrease screen time as the day advances and completely turn off any screens at least two hours
before bedtime. Not only do you want to cut these harsh lights, but you should also add comforting ones! Unwind in dim lighting as the day ends, and place lava lamps or a night light in your children’s rooms to help soothe them. Also, adding a white noise machine or playing calm music can do wonders! Combine these therapeutic methods to create the perfect bedtime routine that will have your energetic kiddos in bed without a hitch.
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TAKE A BREAK
THE REVENGE OF THE RONIN Unveiling the Historic Massacre of Kira Yoshinaka
Never has there been a tale of revenge so blood-filled and epic as the 47 Ronin. Honorable and loyal to the end, these samurai warriors proved their dedication to their master in an incident that would become immortalized in Japanese literature, theater, and film. So, what led these samurai on a vengeful rampage? It started in April 1701, when nobleman Asano Naganori, also known as the lord of Ako, was treated with complete disrespect and arrogance by Kira Yoshinaka, a court official. After holding back his anger, Asano finally snapped. Asano revealed his sword and attacked Kira in the middle of the palace’s main hall. Although Kira lived to tell the tale, Asano broke court rules and was ordered to kill himself. Following the court’s ruling, Asano ended his life on April 21, 1701. After his demise, Asano left behind his faithful 47 samurai, whose status was lowered to ronin (samurai with no leader). Crushed by his death, the ruthless men created a plan. The 47 Ronin laid low for two years by dispersing and living in “retirement.” The years passed, and the men were able to lower Kira’s guard. At this point, one of the ronin had reached his 80s and could not participate in the vengeful plan. However, the remaining 46 men raided Kira’s estate on an early January morning in 1703. They fearlessly battled Kira’s samurai and decapitated Kira. The ronin then carried his head in a basket for miles to their deceased lord’s grave.
HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
Save money this October with this delicious homemade pumpkin spice latte that will taste better than any store-bought coffee. Ingredients
Authorities were intensely conflicted on how to treat the vengeful massacre. While it broke the shogun’s rules,
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• 2 shots espresso (or 1/2 cup freshly brewed coffee)
the act followed the respected samurai warrior code. Yet, in the end, all 46 men were ordered to kill themselves via self-
• 1 cup milk of choice • 3 tbsp pumpkin purée • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup
Directions 1. In a small pot on medium heat, heat milk until simmering but not boiling. 2. Make your espresso (or coffee) and pour into a large mug or Mason jar. Add pumpkin purée, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla and stir until well combined. 3. With a milk frother, froth the heated milk until foamy. Then, pour into your pumpkin espresso mixture and top with whipped cream. For decoration, you can sprinkle more cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top!
disembowelment, hara-kiri . The ronin ranged in age from 15 to 77 years old.
After their deaths, the ronin became legends and were buried alongside their master, Asano Naganori. You can visit this famous site at Sengakuji Temple in Tokyo.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Happy Birthday, Ziva!
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Criminal’s Job Hunt Backfires: Arrested During Interview!
Tips to Soothe Your Energetic Kids Before Bedtime
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
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The Legendary Tale of the 47 Ronin
The Troubling Saga of Sherri Papini’s Disappearance THE SHOCKING TRUTH BEHIND SHERRI’S KIDNAPPING REVEALED
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In 2023, Sherri Papini was charged with false statements and mail fraud and sentenced to 18 months in prison for her long-winded lies that wasted police resources and federal financial assistance. Her story resulted in numerous innocent Hispanic women being wrongly questioned by authorities. But now, these women can rest easy knowing the case is finally closed.
the community and made many Hispanic women fear wrongful persecution. At the time, male DNA was found on Sherri’s clothing, despite her insistence no men were involved in her kidnapping. Years later, in 2020, the authorities used genetic DNA technology to track down the man, Sherri’s ex-boyfriend, James Reyes. This was when Sherri’s tale began to fall apart. Reyes was questioned by police, who exposed the truth about Sherri’s vanishing act. He revealed that Sherri told him her husband, Keith, was abusing her, and she needed his help to escape. She convinced him to brand her, but all her other injuries were self-inflicted. Reyes had no idea about Sherri’s fabricated story involving two Hispanic kidnappers. At first, Sherri stuck with her story when questioned again but eventually admitted it was all a hoax.
Sherri Papini vanished out of thin air in November 2016. The day she went missing, her husband, Keith Papini, came home expecting to see his wife and kids but found the residence eerily empty. Keith called the children’s day care to ask when his wife picked them up, but they informed him she never did. While the kids were safe, Sherri was missing. Three weeks passed before Sherri was finally found alone on a freeway nearly 146 miles from her home on Thanksgiving Day. She was cut and bruised, her long hair chopped short, and her back branded with a Bible verse. When the police questioned Sherri, she was hesitant and frightened. She claimed two Hispanic women abducted her, took her to an unknown location, chained her up, and tortured her before planning to traffic her. The story horrified
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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 Octubre 2023
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
UN BRINDIS POR ZIVA Dos años de amor y alegría con nuestra hija
Este mes comienza el tercer año junto a nuestra hija, Ziva. ¡¿Cómo ha pasado tan rápido el tiempo?!
Hace dos años le dimos la bienvenida al mundo a Ziva (todavía parece que fue ayer cuando sostuve a esa hermosa bebé en mis brazos por primera vez). Desde el momento en el que nos enteramos que mi esposa, Marissa, estaba embarazada, supe que nuestras vidas cambiarían para siempre y que estarían llenas de muchos momentos felices, pero mirando hacia atrás ahora, me da risa porque simplemente no lo sabía. No sabía que mi corazón podía desbordarse y amar tanto a alguien. No sabía que cada vez que oyera “Abba” salir de su boca, me enamoraría un poco más. No sabía que sus pequeñas manos y pies se convertirían en el centro de mi mundo. No sabía que no me importarían las noches en vela ni los pequeños berrinches. No sabía que criar a Ziva sería tan especial. Decir que estoy agradecido por estar en la vida de esta niña es quedarse corto: estoy sumamente orgulloso de ser su padre. Verla crecer, jugar, amar y aprender es el mejor regalo que jamás podría haber recibido. Nuestro primer año como padres fue un período de adaptación: cambiaron muchas cosas. Hubo menos horas de sueño y de salidas, pero más pañales y biberones. Ese año aprendimos todo sobre Ziva. Tuvimos la oportunidad de contemplar sus diferentes emociones, expresiones, sonrisas y carcajadas. La alentamos cuando se dio la vuelta por primera vez, cuando gateó por el piso y cuando dio sus primeros pasos. Incluso empezó a aprender a ir al baño antes de cumplir un año. Durante nuestro segundo año con Ziva, ella aprendió mucho. Es verdad cuando dicen que los niños son como pequeñas esponjas. Empezó a ir a la guardería, aprendió muchas palabras nuevas y su personalidad afloró. Verla experimentar nuevos alimentos, sabores, películas, música y animales es muy divertido. La vida a través de los ojos de Ziva es mágica. Ahora que Ziva ya tiene dos años, estamos muy ilusionados con la llegada de un nuevo capítulo lleno de primeras veces. Por ejemplo, desde hace poco intenta aprender a saltar, y está muy cerca de conseguirlo. Se pone en cuclillas, se impulsa,
se despega un centímetro del suelo, cae sentada y empieza a reírse. Es por estos pequeños momentos con mi familia por los que estoy tan agradecido. Ziva es muy activa: corre como una loca por todos lados y, déjenme decirles algo, ¡es veloz! No puedes quitarle los ojos de encima ni un instante porque se involucra en todo. Además, está intentando enlazar palabras y formar frases.
Esta pequeña niña tiene un corazón enorme y una sonrisa contagiosa, y estoy encantado de poder llamarla mi hija, mi pequeña. Marissa y yo estamos muy emocionados por ver lo que nos depara el tercer año con Ziva. ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Ziva! ¡Te amamos! -Louis Bernardo Berk
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De aspirante a detenido: EL FUGITIVO QUE SOLICITÓ UN TRABAJO COMO POLICÍA
nuevo significado a la pregunta habitual de las entrevistas: “¿Dónde se ve dentro de cinco años? Tras detener a Johnson, la policía procedió a registrar sus pertenencias. Por increíble que parezca, encontraron en su poder dos tarjetas de crédito que creían robadas. La policía añadió cargos de robo de tarjetas de crédito a los ya considerables antecedentes penales de Johnson. Para empeorar las cosas, la oficina del sheriff también se puso en contacto con el antiguo empleador de Johnson, el Servicio Postal de Estados Unidos, que inició su propia investigación sobre su conducta. En octubre de 2022, Johnson estaba detenida en una cárcel del condado de Hudson a la espera de ser trasladada a Pensilvania por el cargo más grave que se le imputaba. No está claro por qué pensó que solicitar un puesto en las fuerzas del orden con órdenes de detención pendientes era una buena decisión profesional, pero al menos aquel día facilitó el trabajo a sus posibles compañeros.
comprobación de antecedentes antes de contratarla, ni de que esta oficina está especializada en resolver órdenes de detención pendientes. Al tramitar su solicitud, la oficina del sheriff del condado de Hudson descubrió la orden de detención activa en Pensilvania. La investigación rutinaria también encontró otras 10 órdenes de detención activas en Jersey City, Nueva Jersey; Johnson supuestamente no había comparecido por cargos de tráfico. La mayoría de los empleadores en esta situación probablemente pasarían al siguiente candidato, pero el departamento del sheriff decidió llamar a Johnson para una “entrevista”. Como era de esperar, no tenían intención de contratarla y detuvieron a la fugitiva en el acto. Esto dio un
La mayoría de los delincuentes necesitan un empleo normal para pagar las facturas, pero Zyeama Johnson buscó trabajo en todos los lugares equivocados. Tal vez Johnson pensó que su experiencia previa con las fuerzas del orden le daría una ventaja en su candidatura para trabajar en la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Hudson, en Nueva Jersey, en 2022. Pero, por desgracia para ella, toda la relación pasada y futura de Johnson con la policía estaría en el lado equivocado de la ley. Johnson buscaba una forma legal de ganarse la vida cuando solicitó un trabajo como guardia de seguridad en la oficina del sheriff. Sin embargo,
en el pasado había cometido fraude y no había comparecido ante un tribunal de Pensilvania por los cargos que se le imputaban.
Presumiblemente, Johnson no se dio cuenta de que una comisaría realizaría una
Ahorra dinero este mes de octubre con este delicioso café con leche casero con especias de calabaza que sabrá mejor que cualquier café comprado fuera de casa.
Ingredientes
• 1 cucharadita de especias para pastel de calabaza • 1 cucharadita de extracto de vainilla • Crema batida (opcional)
• 2 shots de espresso (o 1/2 taza de café recién hecho)
• 1 taza de leche • 3 cucharadas de puré de calabaza • 1-2 cucharadas de sirope de arce
Instrucciones 1. En una olla pequeña a fuego medio, calentar la leche hasta que hierva a fuego lento, pero sin que llegue a hervir. 2. Preparar el espresso (o café) y verterlo en una taza grande o en un tarro. Añadir el puré de calabaza, el sirope de arce, las especias de pastel de calabaza y la vainilla, y remover hasta que se mezclen bien. 3. Con un espumador de leche, espumar la leche caliente hasta que quede espumosa. A continuación, verterla en la mezcla de espresso y calabaza y cubrir con nata montada. ¡Para decorar, puedes espolvorear más canela o especias de calabaza por encima!
LATTE CASERO CON ESPECIAS DE CALABAZA
Inspirado por AmbitiousKitchen.com
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