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Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
November Is an Exciting Month Counting Blessings This Holiday Season
Last month, as you may remember, it was a fun-filled month. We had my wedding anniversary, my wife’s birthday, and Halloween. As soon as November hits, the fun continues with my birthday and Thanksgiving.
Aunt Linda’s house. It’s always a late lunch/early dinner, and turkey is involved. Sometimes, my cousin, Evan, will fry a turkey, and if you’ve never tried it that way, you’re missing out! We go around the table and name some things that we are particularly thankful for. It doesn’t matter if there are four people at the table or fifty — we all take turns. There is always a Dallas Cowboys football game on TV on Thanksgiving too! Although they haven’t won anything in a long time, this year seems promising for them, so I’m excited for that. This month is also Veterans Day, and I want to take some time to pay tribute to our heroes: the men and women of the many branches of the Armed Forces who have made countless sacrifices for our freedoms. Their dedication to our country and the sacrifices they make are a gift we can never repay. At a time in our nation’s history when we are facing a great national struggle, it is important to focus on national pride and patriotism this Veterans Day. A few years ago, for two years in a row, I had the opportunity to volunteer and work with a camaraderie foundation that supported veterans coming back to civilian life after serving overseas. The foundation helped to connect them with local business owners and entrepreneurs to locate a job with some structure to help them assimilate back into the civilian lifestyle. Each year, I mentored a different veteran, and it was a gratifying and eye-opening experience. Some of my friends from law school and people I have met throughout the years had served in different branches of the military and their service is forever appreciated. The mental and physical sacrifices for our freedoms are something I do not take for granted.
Hands down, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is something that everyone across the nation gathers to celebrate and the gratitude flows. Spending time with family and friends, catching up on the past year, and feasting on delicious food is always a fabulous time. This year, I want to say thanks to family, friends, clients, and employees. Every single one of them made the growth we had at the firm this past year possible. It was the biggest year we have had yet and the support of everyone, especially my wife, was astounding. I am very blessed to have such great people in my life who offer such genuine support and love.
There is much to be grateful for this year, and I am looking forward to a happy and fun holiday season spent with friends, family, and loved ones.
Happy Thanksgiving!
-Louis Bernardo Berk
Each Thanksgiving, we start the day cuddled up on the couch, watching the Macy’s Day Parade. Then, we get ready for lunch at my
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Overcoming the Impossible Task Improving Your Mental Health One Step at a Time
Almost everyone at some point has encountered a task that is seemingly simple, but no matter what they do, they can’t complete it. These tasks can be as straightforward as making the bed or something bigger, like cleaning an entire room. For many, this is an obstacle that they may want to do but can’t, which weighs heavily on them and becomes detrimental to their mental health. It’s important to understand that the impossible task is not a sign of laziness; depression and anxiety can make any task feel much bigger and more difficult than it actually is. If you find yourself unable to do the things you need or want to do, try these techniques to help overcome your obstacles. Break up the task. When the overarching task feels daunting, breaking it up into smaller segments can help you manage it. If you’re cleaning the kitchen, clean for only a few minutes at a time before taking a break. It might take longer, but the space will be clean at the end of the day. Make the task more enjoyable. Play music or involve your pet in some way to make the task fun or create a reward system for yourself. For example, tidying a specific
area of the house or folding a basket of laundry may earn you time to play video games or watch TV. Alternating tasks and rewards is a great way to overcome any task, big or small. It can help to consider why the task feels so impossible, especially if you used to enjoy it. Try to remember what made it enjoyable and see if you can return to that state of mind. If the objective is not so urgent, determine its importance and if the task can be saved for another day. When all else fails, you can always ask someone for support or even pay someone else to do the task for you. No matter what you decide, there are ways to defeat the impossible task.
Thanksgiving Dinner for All How to Cook for Diabetics and Vegans on Turkey Day
Alongside family and football, food is often the highlight of Thanksgiving. But if you’re cooking dinner for a large group, crafting the perfect menu can be difficult. Veganism and vegetarianism are more popular than ever, and it can be frustrating finding dishes that everyone can enjoy — or even eat at all, in the case of a diabetic friend or family member. Luckily, there are plenty of options to create an amazing meal for any group of diverse diners. Diabetics Thanksgiving is a stressful time for anyone who monitors their blood sugar. Sweet potato casserole and sugar-packed pies can tempt even the most diet-conscious diabetic. But undereating can be as unhealthy
for diabetics as overeating, so it’s important to include appetizers in your Thanksgiving menu. Healthy options include raw vegetables and hummus, roasted nuts, shrimp cocktail, or a cheeseboard. For the main meal, turkey is fine if you hold off on any brown sugar or honey glaze. Green bean casserole is safe as well, and stuffing can be included as long as you use whole-grain bread. For dessert, parfaits made with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and sliced almonds are healthy and tasty and can round out the perfect meal. Vegans The best thing about cooking Thanksgiving for a vegan is that there are plenty of substitutes for classic dishes. Vegan turkeys are available at most grocery stores. It may not look like your traditional turkey since there are no bones, but it still cooks and tastes like a turkey. If a vegan turkey is out of the question, you can try making a mushroom Wellington or roasted cauliflower as a replacement. For side dishes, vegan macaroni and cheese and roasted Brussels sprouts are easy and safe. As for dessert, most grocery stores carry a variety of gluten-free and vegan desserts at their bakery, such as nondairy ice cream and flourless cookies, that taste similar or identical to their gluten-filled, non-vegan counterparts.
The holidays are a great time to come together, and with these options, you can make everyone feel included in the celebration.
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TAKE A BREAK
CAN YOU LEGALLY MOVE A STATE’S BORDER?
THESE OREGON COUNTIES HOPE SO
Earlier this year, several counties in Eastern Oregon voted to break away from the Beaver State and join their next-door neighbor, Idaho. Led by a grassroots organization called Citizens for Greater Idaho (or Greater Idaho, for short), this push to move the Oregon-Idaho border further west was fueled by an urban/ rural and liberal/conservative divide within the state. In short, rural Oregonians, who are mostly conservative, don’t feel like their state government, which leans liberal, represents their interests. However, rather than leave their homes and livelihoods behind for a government that better represents their values, they’ve decided they want to bring Idaho’s values and government to them. While the social and political dimensions of this movement are fascinating, the more pragmatic question of whether moving a state border is possible at all is an essential element to explore. What do legal experts say about the possibility of moving Oregon’s state border? Well, proponents of the move shouldn’t hold their breath. While some counties have “voted” to leave Oregon, those votes don’t hold any legal power. They’re more like a poll, gauging interest in an idea before further action is taken. To make Greater Idaho a reality, however, both state legislatures and the United States Congress will have to approve the move. Idaho’s state border is enshrined in its constitution, which means that in order for the borders to change, so would the state’s founding document. It’s a tall bar to clear, but state borders have moved before. In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that much of Ellis Island actually belonged to New Jersey rather than New York. The mere legal possibility, plus the affirmation of some representatives in the Idaho state government, including Governor Brad Little, is enough for Greater Idaho to continue hoping that they’ll have a say in the kind of government they want to have.
EASY PUMPKIN BROWNIES
Inspired by TheCookieRookie.com
If you have a hard time choosing between chocolate cake and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, this 2-for-1 treat will knock your socks off.
Ingredients
• 1 box brownie mix, plus other ingredients listed on box • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 can pumpkin purée • 6 oz cream cheese, softened • 3 tbsp sugar • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions
1. Preheat the oven as directed on the brownie box, then make the brownie mix. Fold in chocolate chips. 2. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin purée, cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Choose your pan as directed on the brownie box. Grease it if needed. 4. Pour half of the brownie mix into the pan and spread evenly. 5. Add the pumpkin mixture to the pan, evenly or in a pattern. Cover with the rest of the brownie mix and spread evenly. 6. Bake as directed on the brownie box, adding 10 minutes to account for the pumpkin. Test for doneness, and when your toothpick comes out clean, cool and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Counting My Blessings
1
Overcoming the Impossible Task Thanksgiving Dinner That Everyone Can Enjoy
2
Easy Pumpkin Brownies Can You Legally Move a State’s Border?
3
How COVID-19 Worsened America’s Opioid Crisis
4
How COVID-19 Worsened America’s Opioid Crisis Lockdowns Made Things Tough
Since the mid-1990s, over 500,000 deaths have been attributed to opioids. Many factors fueled the problem: corporate greed, economic recession, and changing attitudes toward pain treatments. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which escalated the opioid crisis to untold levels. Data released by the National Center for Health Statistics on July 14 show a large increase in overdose deaths. Between December 2019 and
have gone up for men and women of every race and age, and the numbers aren’t slowing down.
The question still lingers — why have opioid deaths increased during the pandemic?
The first reason focuses on the lockdowns. Many people were furloughed or completely cut off from work. This led to isolation, which is unhealthy for most people. For those already using opioids, they had more free time to use and their habits only grew worse.
December 2020, more than 93,000 Americans died from drug overdoses. That’s nearly 29.4% higher than the previous 12 months. This means that, on average, 255 Americans were dying from overdoses every day. One of the most notable things about the opioid crisis during the pandemic is the increase in death by overdose throughout the country. States like West Virginia have always been at the center of the crisis, but states like California, Arizona, and Colorado have seen shocking increases in overdoses. Opioid-related deaths
Then, hospitals became overloaded during the pandemic. Those already recovering from addiction found it more difficult to get medical treatment when the pandemic started. Most medical attention focused on COVID-19 patients, and many former opioid users fell to the wayside. The impact was even worse if they had lost their job — which led some people to return to old habits. As the pandemic continues to rage on, the opioid crisis has not waned. It could take years for opioid use to level out. And that assumes it won’t continue to increase.
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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 November 2021
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Noviembre es un mes muy emocionante Damos las gracias en estas fiestas de fin de año
Como recordarán, el mes pasado fue muy divertido. Celebramos mi aniversario de boda, el cumpleaños de mi esposa y Halloween. En cuanto llegue noviembre, la diversión continúa porque es el mes de mi cumpleaños y la época de celebrar el Día de Acción de Gracias.
mi primo, Evan, fríe un pavo, y si nunca lo ha probado así, ¡se lo está perdiendo! Nos reunimos alrededor de la mesa y nombramos algunas cosas por las que estamos especialmente agradecidos. No importa si hay cuatro o cincuenta personas en la mesa: todos nos turnamos. ¡En Día de Acción de Gracias también hay siempre un partido de fútbol americano de los Cowboys de Dallas en la televisión! Aunque hace tiempo que no ganan nada, este año parece prometedor para ellos, así que estoy ilusionado por ello. Este mes también se celebra el Día de los Veteranos, y quiero dedicar un tiempo a rendir homenaje a nuestros héroes: los hombres y mujeres de las distintas ramas de las Fuerzas Armadas que han hecho innumerables sacrificios por nuestra libertad. Su dedicación a nuestro país y los sacrificios que hacen son un regalo que nunca podremos recompensar. En una época de la historia de nuestra nación en la que nos enfrentamos a una gran lucha nacional, es importante centrarse en el orgullo nacional y el patriotismo en este Día de los Veteranos. Hace unos años, durante dos años seguidos, tuve la oportunidad de ser voluntario y trabajar con una fundación de camaradería que ayudaba a los veteranos que volvían a la vida de civil después de servir en el extranjero. La fundación les ayudó a ponerse en contacto con empresarios locales para encontrar un trabajo con cierta estructura que les ayudara a asimilarse de nuevo al estilo de vida de los civiles. Cada año, fui mentor de un veterano diferente, y fue una experiencia gratificante y reveladora. Algunos de mis amigos de la facultad de Derecho y personas que he conocido a lo largo de los años han prestado servicio en diferentes ramas del ejército y su servicio es siempre apreciado. Los sacrificios mentales y físicos por nuestra libertad son algo que no doy por hecho.
Sin duda, el Día de Acción de Gracias es una de mis festividades favoritas. Es algo por lo que todo el país se reúne para celebrar y el agradecimiento fluye. Pasar tiempo con la familia y los amigos, recordar el año pasado y darse un festín de comida deliciosa es siempre algo fabuloso. Este año, quiero agradecer a la familia, los amigos, los clientes y los empleados. Cada uno hizo posible el crecimiento que tuvimos en la empresa este último año. Ha sido el año más importante que hemos tenido hasta ahora y el apoyo de todos, especialmente de mi esposa, ha sido asombroso. Tengo la fortuna de contar con personas tan magníficas en mi vida que me ofrecen un apoyo y un amor tan genuinos. Cada Día de Acción de Gracias, empezamos el día acurrucados en el sofá, viendo el desfile de Macy’s Day. Luego, nos preparamos para comer en casa de mi tía Linda. Siempre es una comida tardía o una cena temprana, y hay pavo incluido. A veces,
Hay mucho que agradecer este año, y estoy deseando pasar unas felices y divertidas fiestas con amigos, familia y seres queridos.
¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias!
www.LouisBerkLaw.com | 1 -Louis Bernardo Berk
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Superar la tarea imposible Mejorar tu salud mental un paso a la vez
Casi todo el mundo en algún momento se ha encontrado con una tarea que aparenta ser simple pero que, sin importar qué hagan, no pueden completar. Estas tareas pueden ser tan poco complejas como hacer la cama o quizás algo más grande, como limpiar toda una habitación. Para muchas personas, este es un obstáculo que quizás quieren superar pero no pueden, lo cual se les vuelve una carga pesada y algo dañino para su salud mental. Es importante entender que la tarea imposible no es un signo de pereza; la depresión y la ansiedad pueden hacer que cualquier tarea se sienta mucho más grande y difícil de lo que realmente es. Si hallas que no puedes hacer las cosas quieres o debes hacer, prueba estas técnicas que te ayudarán a superar los obstáculos.. Subdivide la tarea. Cuando la tarea a realizar se siente abrumadora, subdividirla en segmentos más pequeños puede ayudarte a manejarla. Si estás limpiando la cocina, limpia durante solo unos minutos por vez antes de tomarte un descanso. Puede que tome más tiempo, pero el espacio estará limpio al final del día. Haz que la tarea sea más disfrutable. Escucha música o involucra a tu mascota de algún modo para hacer más divertida a la tarea o crea un sistema de recompensas para ti. Por ejemplo, ordenar un área específica de la casa o doblar
la ropa limpia de la cesta puede hacer que ganes tiempo para jugar videojuegos o mirar televisión. Alternar tareas y recompensas es un gran modo de superar cualquier tarea, grande o pequeña.
Puede ser de ayuda considerar por qué la tarea se siente tan imposible, especialmente si antes solías disfrutarla. Intenta recordar qué hacía que la disfrutaras e intenta ver si puedes volver a ese estado mental. Si el objetivo no es tan urgente, determina su importancia y si la tarea puede postergarse para otro día. Cuando todo lo demás falla, siempre puedes pedirle apoyo a alguien o pagarle a alguien para que haga la tarea por ti. Sin importar lo que decidas, siempre hay maneras de derrotar a la tarea imposible.
Ingredientes
Brownies De Calabaza Sencillos Inspirados por TheCookieRookie.com
• 1 caja de mezcla para
• 1/2 lata de puré de calabaza • 6 onzas de queso crema, ablandado • 3 cucharadas de azúcar • 1 cucharada de especias para pastel de calabaza
brownies además de otros ingredientes indicados en la misma
• 1/2 taza de chips de chocolate
Instrucciones
1. Precaliente el horno como se indica en la caja de mezcla para brownies y luego prepare la mezcla. Incorpore las chispas de chocolate. 2. En un bol mediano, mezcle el puré de calabaza, el queso crema, el azúcar y las especias para pastel de calabaza. 3. Elija el molde según las indicaciones de la caja. De ser necesario, engráselo. 4. Vierta la mitad de la mezcla para brownies en el molde y distribúyala de manera uniforme. 5. Agregue la mezcla de calabaza al molde, uniformemente o siguiendo un patrón. Cubra con el resto de la mezcla para brownies y distribúyalo uniformemente. 6. Hornee según las instrucciones de la caja y aumente 10 minutos para tener en cuenta la calabaza. Pruebe si está listo y cuando el palillo salga limpio, enfríe y disfrute.
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