Check out our Sept newsletter!
www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 September 2022
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
My Light and Inspiration: In Remembrance of My Grandma
with colleges and universities all over the nation who were taking trips. Even more inspiring, she was able to smooth-talk CEOs of major airline companies into cutting her package deals. As a 5-foot-tall Cuban woman, she was stern, and if she demanded something, she was going to get it one way or another! In my eyes, that’s the quality of someone who will never give up. Her inspiration behind her admirable work ethic and determination was her children. It wasn’t easy, but she provided a great life for them, and I have so much adoration for her. This past March, she was able to meet my daughter for the first time and that moment was incredible. My grandma also taught me how to take care of family and how to give back. Paying it forward and doing good for others is so important because there are many people who are less fortunate and in difficult situations. On Sept. 5, we celebrate International Day of Charity, and on this day, I think of my grandma and her willingness to give the shirt off her back, and I’m even more inspired to give to others. Some of my favorite organizations to donate to are in Israel and help out children and orphans, families struggling to afford groceries, or people who may not have access to shelter and food. I’ve always had a belief that the more you give, the more you receive in other ways. Helping others makes you feel good inside. It’s really crazy to witness giving without expecting anything in return and being repaid with much more than you gave.
Much of who I am and the values that I hold dear were handed down through my dad from my grandma. On May 20 of this year, the world said goodbye to an amazing woman: my grandma, Mina Berk. Sept. 8 is National Grandparents Day, when we celebrate the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren and their amazing attributes. Born and raised in Cuba, my grandma moved to the United States in her 20s, got married, and had three children. Unfortunately, my grandfather left my grandmother to raise the children on her own as a single mother. This was in the 1950s and 1960s when women weren’t nearly as independent as they are today — she was a single mom immigrant living in New York City. She was forced to find a way to make ends meet. What amazes me most about my grandmother is that she didn’t just find a way to get by, she created an empire! Starting from the ground up, she built her own travel agency business with no knowledge on how to create and manage a travel business that, at the time, was largely dominated by men. What set her apart and made her wildly successful is that she thought outside the box. Instead of selling two travel tickets here and there, she focused on selling in volume and began working
This month, if you’re fortunate enough to still have your grandparents, hug them a little tighter, and for those who lost their grandparents, may you find comfort in their memory and the many valuable lessons they’ve passed down. Grandparents bring wisdom and love to every life they touch. -Louis Bernardo Berk
www.LouisBerkLaw.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Thinking Outside the Bun Leads to Legal Action The Story of 50 Cent vs. Taco Bell
In 2008, rapper 50 Cent filed an unlikely lawsuit against the fast- food chain Taco Bell. Was it an endorsement deal gone wrong? Quite the opposite. According to the rapper, the company had implied an endorsement deal in the media when there was none. Taco Bell, known for their quirky and humorous ads, had released a print ad formatted as a faux “letter” to 50 Cent, requesting that 50 Cent change his name to 79, 89, or 99 Cent as a part of their latest promotion. The letter reached the national press and even television … except for 50 Cent’s actual mailbox. In fact, 50 Cent had no idea Taco Bell used his name. By releasing the letter, 50 Cent became the face of Taco Bell’s whole campaign, too. The letter was part of a larger hip hop- themed campaign, and customers could go to the Taco Bell website and participate in a “Rap Name Creator” to discover their rap name. They also had a “Why Pay Mo’ Rhyme Generator” that played hip hop music and a montage of “hip hop-themed scenes,” according to the rapper’s lawyer, Peter D. Raymond.
— filed a federal lawsuit saying they featured the rapper in an ad campaign without his permission and profited directly from his celebrity status without paying him a multimillion-dollar fee. Raymond said his client sought $4 million in damages.
In response, Taco Bell Corp. spokesman Rob Poetsch issued a statement saying: “We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his name to either 79, 89 or 99 Cent for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we would have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice.” In the end, both sides settled, keeping the terms of the settlement confidential and paying their own legal fees. So, it’s possible that 50 Cent was paid after all, but we’ll never know the exact terms of their legal agreement, except “both sides are satisfied,” according to Raymond. Since then, more companies have been careful about using celebrity names in their marketing without permission. It pays to think inside the bun, after all.
As soon as 50 Cent found out about the letter on the news, he wasn’t happy. On July 23, 2008, 50 Cent — whose real name is Curtis Jackson
... continued from Page 4
Step 2: Consider hiring an attorney.
• Legal representation. If you have an attorney — and a debt collector knows this — they aren’t allowed to contact you. They must contact your attorney instead. If you are called by a debt collector while you have legal representation, make sure to give them your attorney’s information. When a debt collector calls, they should identify themselves as a debt collector. Afterwards, they’re required to state the amount owed, that you can dispute the debt, and that you can request the name and address of the original creditor (if different from the current
You may want an attorney as soon as you can, so you can receive the best guidance possible. A lawyer will be your advocate when collectors engage in harassment or communication that is abusive, threatening, or deceptive. What is harassment? It includes using profane language; threatening bodily harm; misrepresenting what you owe; making false claims that you could be arrested; threatening your property; making repeated attempts to contact you or calling you anonymously; or, as mentioned earlier, failing to state debt and creditor information on the call as required by FDCPA.
creditor). They should also tell you that any information provided to them in your calls, emails, or other communication will be used in their efforts to collect the debt. There are even more restrictions on who they can call, so make sure to research for yourself if your loved ones begin receiving calls from your debtor.
Step 3: Report any violations to the FTC.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has an online website for reporting FDCPA violations, but your attorney can help with this as well. Take a look at FTCComplaintAssistant.com . We hope this helps our readers to stay safe from abusive collectors. Although debt can make us feel vulnerable, never forget that you do have rights.
2 | 407-906-0500
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
TAKE A BREAK
Workers shouldn’t have to choose between the job they need and the family members they love. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was created to allow employees to take reasonable unpaid leave for a particular family or medical reason so they can maintain a work/life balance. What does it provide? The FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave a year with the requirement of group health benefits to be maintained during the leave as if employees were continuing to work. They are also entitled to resume their same or equivalent job at the end of their FMLA leave. Who is eligible for FMLA? FMLA applies to all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees. Employees can be eligible for FMLA if they have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months, and work at a location that employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles. When can I use FMLA leave? An eligible employee can be granted up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for the following reason(s): LIFE CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE Preserving the Balance of Work and Family Life
GOULASH, HUNGARY’S NATIONAL DISH
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 yellow onion, chopped • 2 cloves of garlic, minced • 1lb ground beef • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 tbsp tomato paste • 1 1/4 cups beef broth • 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
• 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 1 tsp paprika • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• Birth of and/or bonding with a newborn child
• The placement of a child for adoption or foster care with the employee
• To care for an immediate family member with a serious condition (child, spouse, or parent, but does not include parent in-laws)
Directions
• To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and wait for it to heat. 2. Once heated, add onion and cook for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. 3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, and cook until no longer pink. Drain the grease, then add salt and pepper. 4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning and paprika. Add macaroni to the skillet. 5. Bring mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally. 6. Mix in the cheddar cheese and remove the heat.
• For qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, child, or parent is on covered active duty or call to covered active-duty status as a member of the National Guard, Reserves, or Regular Armed Forces The FMLA exists so employees can tend to their families without worrying about their job, allowing them to provide the best care for their loved ones. For more information regarding whether or not your company is eligible for FMLA, check out your local government agency for more details.
Inspired by Delish.com
www.LouisBerkLaw.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Referrals Welcome We thank you so much for referring clients to us over the years. We are grateful that you have
407-906-0500 www.LouisBerkLaw.com 4700 Millenia Blvd., Suite 175 Orlando, FL 32839
trusted us with taking care of those who need our services.
www.Facebook.com/AbogadoLouis
New address? New phone number? New email? Help us stay current by letting us know. Notify Louis at 407-906-0500.
www.Instragram.com/AbogadoLouis
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
National Grandparents Day
Why Did 50 Cent Sue Taco Bell?
2
Goulash, Hungary’s National Dish Your Guide to Family and Medical Leave
3
Can Collections Go Too Far?
4
Know Your Legal Rights! When Collections Go Too Far …
Did you know that millions of Americans have debt in collections? Anyone who has ever dealt with a collection agency can attest that it’s no fun. Luckily, there are laws that limit what collection agencies can and cannot do.
Step 1: Know your FDCPA rights.
• Time. Debt collectors are only allowed to call you between 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in your local time zone. Any calls outside these hours are an FDCPA violation. • Place. You may be contacted by phone, mail, fax, or email; however, collectors can’t contact you in “unusual places,” such as hospitals, schools, or restaurants. Although they can call your home or office, you have the right to tell them not to contact you at your workplace.
If you ever fall behind on paying your mortgage, credit card debt, medical debt, student loans, or auto loans, it’s important to know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Especially for individuals, FDCPA covers all kinds of debt — but specifically targets third-party debt collectors such as collection agencies, debt buyers, and lawyers who practice debt collection as part of their business.
When, where, and who can contact you to collect your debt? There are some limitations, such as:
Continued on Page 2 ...
4 | 407-906-0500
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 September 2022
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Mi luz e inspiración: En memoria de mi abuela
viajes. Y lo que es aún más inspirador, es que fue capaz de convencer a los directores de las principales aerolíneas para que le ofrecieran paquetes. Era una mujer cubana de cinco pies de altura, muy seria y, si exigía algo, lo conseguía de una manera u otra. A mi parecer, esa es la cualidad de alguien que nunca se rinde. Su motivación detrás de su admirable ética de trabajo y determinación eran sus hijos. No fue fácil, pero les dio una gran vida, y la admiro mucho. El pasado mes de marzo, pudo conocer a mi hija por primera vez, y ese momento fue increíble. Mi abuela también me enseñó a cuidar de la familia y a mostrar generosidad. Devolver los favores y hacer el bien a los demás es muy importante, porque hay muchas personas menos afortunadas y en situaciones difíciles. El 5 de septiembre celebramos el Día Internacional de la Caridad, y en este día, pienso en mi abuela y en su disposición a hacer todo lo posible por los demás, y me inspira aún más a ayudar a otros. Algunas de mis organizaciones favoritas para hacer donaciones están en Israel y ayudan a los niños y huérfanos, a las familias que pasan por dificultades para comprar víveres, o a las personas que no tienen acceso a vivienda y alimentos. Siempre he creído que cuanto más das, más recibes en alguna otra forma, porque ayudar a los demás te hace sentir bien por dentro. Es una auténtica maravilla poder presenciar el hecho de dar sin esperar nada a cambio y ser correspondido con mucho más de lo que se ha dado.
Gran parte de quién soy y de los valores que atesoro los heredé de mi abuela a través de mi padre. El 20 de mayo de este año, el mundo dijo adiós a una mujer increíble: mi abuela, Mina Berk. El 8 de septiembre es el Día Nacional de los Abuelos, en el que celebramos el vínculo entre los abuelos y sus nietos, así como sus increíbles cualidades. Mi abuela, quien nació y creció en Cuba, se mudó a los Estados Unidos a los 20 años, se casó y tuvo tres hijos. Por desgracia, mi abuelo abandonó a mi abuela y tuvo que criar a los niños ella sola como madre soltera. Esto sucedió en los años 50 y 60, cuando las mujeres no eran tan independientes como ahora: ella era una madre soltera inmigrante que vivía en la ciudad de Nueva York. Se vio obligada a buscar la manera de salir adelante. Lo que más me sorprende de mi abuela es que no solo encontró la manera de ganarse la vida, ¡sino que creó un imperio! Empezando desde cero, puso en marcha su propio negocio de agencia de viajes sin saber cómo crear ni administrar un negocio de viajes que, en aquel momento, estaba ampliamente dominado por hombres. Lo que la diferenció y la hizo triunfar es que pensó de forma innovadora. En lugar de vender dos boletos de viaje por aquí y por allá, se dedicó a vender a gran escala y comenzó a trabajar con colegios y universidades de todo el país que realizaban
Este mes, si tienes la suerte de tener todavía a tus abuelos, abrázalos con más ganas, y para los que han perdido a sus
abuelos, espero que encuentren consuelo en sus recuerdos y en las muchas y valiosas lecciones que han transmitido. Los abuelos aportan sabiduría y amor a todas las personas que les rodean. -Louis Bernardo Berk
www.LouisBerkLaw.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Cuando el pensamiento creativo conduce a acciones legales La historia de 50 Cent contra Taco Bell
En el año 2008 el rapero conocido como 50 Cent presentó una inverosímil demanda contra la cadena de comida rápida Taco Bell. ¿Fue acaso por un acuerdo promocional que salió mal? Pues, todo lo contrario. Según el rapero, la empresa dio a entender en los medios de comunicación que existía un acuerdo promocional entre ambos, cuando no era así. Taco Bell, famosa por sus anuncios publicitarios estrafalarios y chistosos, había publicado un anuncio impreso, formateado como una falsa “carta” dirigida a 50 Cent y pidiéndole a este que se cambiara el nombre a 79, 89 o 99 Cent, como parte de su última promoción. La carta en cuestión llegó a la prensa nacional e incluso a la televisión … pero no llegó al propio buzón de 50 Cent. De hecho, este último no tenía ni idea de que Taco Bell había usado su nombre. Con la publicación de la carta, 50 Cent se convirtió también en el rostro de toda la campaña de Taco Bell. Dicha carta fue parte de una campaña de mayor alcance, basada en una temática de música hip hop y en donde los clientes podían ir al sitio web de Taco Bell y participar en un “Creador de nombre de rapero” para descubrir su nombre de cantante de rap. También tenían un generador de rimas llamado “Why Pay Mo’” (“¿Por qué pagar más?”), el cual tocaba música hip hop y un montaje de “escenas con temática de hip hop”, de acuerdo al abogado del rapero, Peter D. Raymond. 50 Cent no quedó muy contento cuando se enteró sobre la existencia de la carta en las noticias. Así, el 23 de julio de 2008, 50 Cent (cuyo
verdadero nombre es Curtis Jackson) presentó una demanda federal alegando que la empresa utilizó su imagen en una campaña publicitaria sin su permiso y que se lucró directamente de su condición de celebridad sin pagarle una tarifa multimillonaria. Raymond indicó que su cliente buscaba recibir un pago de 4 millones de dólares por daños y perjuicios. Como respuesta, el vocero de Taco Bell Corp., Rob Poetsch, emitió una declaración en la que afirmó: “Le hicimos una oferta caritativa y de buena fe a 50 Cent para que se cambiara el nombre a 79, 89 o 99 Cent por un día y rapeando su pedido de comida en un Taco Bell y nos hubiese complacido mucho poder hacer una donación de $10.000 a una beneficencia de su elección”. Al final, ambas partes llegaron a un acuerdo, cuyos términos mantuvieron en la confidencialidad y pagando sus propios honorarios legales. Por lo tanto, es posible que, después de todo, sí le hayan pagado a 50 Cent, pero nunca sabremos los términos exactos de dicho acuerdo legal, excepto por el hecho de que, según Raymond, “ambas partes quedaron satisfechas”. Desde ese entonces, más empresas han sido cuidadosas respecto a usar nombres de celebridades de forma publicitaria y sin el permiso de estas. Después de todo, en estos casos conviene no ponernos demasiados creativos.
Ingredientes
• 2 cucharadas de aceite de oliva extra virgen • 1 cebolla amarilla picada • 2 dientes de ajo picados • 1 libra de carne molida • Sal y pimienta a gusto • 1 cucharada de pasta de tomate • 1 1/4 tazas de caldo de carne • 1 lata de salsa de tomate de 15 oz
• 1 lata de tomates cortados en cubos de 15 oz • 1 cucharadita de condimento italiano • 1 cucharadita de paprika • 1 1/2 tazas de macarrones en forma codo, sin cocinar • 1 taza de queso cheddar rallado • Perejil fresco picado, • para decorar
Instrucciones 1. En una sartén grande a fuego medio, agregue el aceite de oliva y espere a que se caliente. 2. Una vez calentado, agregue la cebolla y cocine durante 5 minutos. Luego, agregue el ajo y cocine durante 1 minuto. 3. A continuación, agregue la carne molida a la sartén y cocine hasta que ya no esté rosada. Escurra la grasa y agregue sal y pimienta. 4. Incorpore la pasta de tomate, el caldo de carne, la salsa de tomate y los tomates cortados en cubos. Sazone con el condimento italiano y paprika. Agregue los macarrones a la sartén. 5. Deje que la preparación hierva a fuego lento y cocine durante 15 minutos. Revuelva la pasta ocasionalmente. 6. Mezcle el queso cheddar y retire la preparación del calor.
GOULASH, EL PLATO NACIONAL DE HUNGRÍA
Inspirado en Delish.com
2 | 407-906-0500
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator