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JULY 2024
Luck or Hard Work? The Determining Factors Behind Success
While I hate playing the lottery, I understand its appeal. Buying a lottery ticket is a relatively cheap way to trick yourself into fantasizing about what you would do with the winnings and how great your life would be after you won. But if we are honest with ourselves, the chances of winning the lottery are essentially zero . With July 17 being National Lottery Day, I wanted to examine the relationship between luck and success. Naturally, both hard work and luck play a part in determining your success. We do not decide when or how many opportunities come our way or when fortune favors us more than others. However, we do have control over how hard we work, how persistent we are, and how much time we dedicate to study and self-improvement. Personally, I prefer the ability to help determine the outcome myself. It is much more satisfying when you can achieve something through your own grit and determination than by random chance.
result. Lottery winners were not happier than the controls; in fact, they enjoyed life significantly less. They found their current life and circumstances uninteresting and unstimulating. The paralyzed subjects were also no happier than the controls. But rather than being joyless because of a lack of meaningful interaction with the world, they were suffering because they were stuck idealizing their past. We can only control certain things, and life can become less meaningful when we can’t make self-actualizing decisions due to significant handicaps or having none at all. BENEFITING FROM LUCK Even when opportunities arise, you need the knowledge and wit to recognize and seize them. We will all be blessed with a lucky event now and then, but leveraging the maximum benefit from those events can lead to greater success. The thing is, though, you can’t plan for the lucky stuff. Moreover, you can’t really predict when it’s going to happen or what it’s going to look like. You can only focus on your goals and recognize that you will occasionally fail, but you can recover and work toward a successful outcome. THE PARABLE OF THE CHINESE FARMER There is a famous story of a Chinese farmer who suffers from a series of seemingly devastating events followed by fortunate circumstances. For instance, when the farmer’s horse runs away, his neighbors lament the loss and take pity on him for his circumstances. However, the next day, the horse returns alongside seven wild horses. His neighbors then say, how lucky you must be! What a remarkable turn of events! Now you have eight horses! However, no matter how horrific or uplifting the
occasion, the farmer always responds the same way, “We will see.” It speaks to the realities of life and only being able to control some things.
THE HARSH REALITY OF WINNING THE LOTTERY Once you win the lottery, all your problems should be over, right? Well, according to research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, a study of 22 lottery winners, 22 control subjects, and 29 paralyzed accident victims yielded a surprising
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Paris 2024: Not Your Grandfather’s Olympics Game Changing From the country that gave us Napoleon, escargot, and high-fashion runways, this news should come as no surprise: The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will break the mold. Organizers have missed no opportunity to put a distinctly French stamp on this international event, as TikTok personality one37pm pointed out in a video. Venues, ceremonies, medals, and mascots are all intended to highlight France’s unique architecture and history. The setting for the opening ceremonies will be the picturesque heart of Paris. The parade of athletes will be held on the River Seine, with each national delegation riding in boats fitted with cameras to project the athletes’ images on public screens. It may be hard for Paris to out-do opening ceremonies of the past, such as the four-hour extravaganza at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing or London’s 2012 Olympic opener featuring a Queen Elizabeth body double parachuting into Olympic Stadium from a helicopter. Nevertheless, in a significant first, admission for the
hundreds of thousands of expected spectators will be free, a gesture also likely to be remembered. Open-water swimming events will also be held in the Seine — a plan that alarmed fans who recall that the river flooded with untreated sewage as recently as last year after heavy rains overwhelmed the city’s old sewers. French officials say the city has dug a giant reservoir nearby to collect excess rainwater and prevent a recurrence. The Eiffel Tower will be a looming presence over a temporary arena built for beach volleyball and other events. The layout ensures that the nearly 1 billion expected TV viewers will get an eyeful of the iconic 135-year-old iron spire. The Eiffel Tower plays another pivotal role. Iron taken from its girders during renovations in the past century has been forged into the center of each Olympic medal in the shape of a hexagon (mimicking the rough outline of France on a map). While most Olympic mascots have been cuddly animal figures, France’s quirky mascots, the Phryges (pronounced fri-jee-uhs), are red, white, and blue cartoon characters modeled after a conical hat worn as a symbol of liberty during the French Revolution. It’s a brief reminder, lest viewers forget, that among all of its other distinctions, France is also one of the birthplaces of modern democracy.
Why Marriages End
The Most Common Causes of Divorce in Illinois
Just as no two marriages are alike, no two divorces are exactly alike, either. People get divorced for a variety of reasons. Either partner could commit serious grievances or offenses against the other, or they could have slowly drifted apart. Here are some of the most common reasons couples file for divorce in the state of Illinois. ADULTERY In Illinois, adultery is a Class A misdemeanor. According to 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) 5/11-35, “a person commits adultery” when they have sexual intercourse with someone who is not their spouse. However, that person must either be married and aware that they are having intercourse with someone who is not their spouse or unmarried but aware that the person they are having intercourse with is . More than being illegal, adultery is also one of the most common reasons couples in Illinois end up getting divorced. It can be difficult to remain in a relationship with someone who has betrayed your trust physically and emotionally. SUBSTANCE ABUSE The abuse of drugs and alcohol is a serious problem in Illinois, which causes a great deal of suffering. According to research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the rate of drug use is
significantly higher among those who are divorced compared
to those who are married, lending
credence to the fact that substance abuse is correlated with
divorce. Alcoholism and drug addiction can lead to a litany of problems, whether physical, social, or economic, which naturally put a significant strain on marriages. FELONY CONVICTION
One of the common legal grounds for divorce in the state of Illinois is being convicted of a felony. Conviction understandably puts a great deal of strain on a marriage. From the crime itself to the time spent apart due to possible incarceration, the financial difficulties brought on by the loss of income, as well as legal fees and penalties, are a perfect recipe for an unhappy marriage.
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Illinois’ Intricacies Exploring Our State’s Unique Divorce Code
Laws vary from state to state, and the legalities of divorce are no different. Illinois has several unique provisions and aspects to its divorce code that set it apart from other states. It is important to understand if you are considering filing for or are currently getting a divorce. These intricacies can affect everything from child custody agreements to divorce settlements and are a key reason why retaining a divorce attorney early in the process can prevent you from falling into any legal pitfalls. Here are some of the unique intricacies of divorce in Illinois. GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE Unlike some other states, you need proper grounds to get a divorce in Illinois. “Grounds” essentially refers to circumstances that legally allow you the right to get a divorce. To get a divorce in Illinois, you and your partner must claim you have irreconcilable differences. Also, spouses must be separated for six months before the divorce. RESIDENTS ONLY If you are a recent immigrant to our great state, you may have to wait a while before severing ties with your partner. This is because in order to file for divorce in Illinois, you must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days before proceedings can begin. INCOME SHARE CHILD SUPPORT Illinois uses an income share model to determine child support. Each parent’s monthly net income is combined to decide the total support
obligation. Unlike in some other states, this means both parents share financial responsibility for the upbringing of their children. With these intricacies in mind, you are better equipped to handle the realities of divorce in Illinois. If you have any questions or wish to set up a consultation, call our office at 312-248-6170 .
TAKE A BREAK
Summer Pizza Fire up the flavor with a grilled summer pizza loaded with veggies and light on the cheese.
Ingredients: • 1 lb pizza dough • 1/4 cup pesto • 1/3 cup shredded quesadilla cheese • 10 thin slices of zucchini • 10 thin slices of summer squash • 2 mini bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 thin slice of
red onion, diced • 1 strip cooked bacon, chopped • Butter Glaze (optional) • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tsp steak seasoning
Directions: 1.
Preheat grill to high heat on one side. 2. Reduce the flame on half of the grill burners to low.
3. Roll out pizza dough into a circle. Place dough on the grill over high heat. 4. Close the cover and let dough grill for 1–3 minutes until bottom is slightly cooked and shows char marks. 5. Use tongs to flip crust over and move it to the low-heat side. 6. Brush dough with pesto, sprinkle with cheese, and evenly distribute veggies and bacon. 7. Grill for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted; then carefully remove. 8. Optional: Combine butter and seasoning. Brush crust edges with butter glaze and place pizza in broiler until golden.
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161 N. Clark, Ste. 1700 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 488-1938 rbbfirm.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.
The Role of Hard Work and Luck in Achieving Success Paris Summer Olympics Will Showcase French Flair
2.
Top Factors Leading to Divorce in Illinois
3.
Aspects of Illinois Divorce Law You Should Know
Summer Pizza
4.
A Must-Do Guide for Chiang Mai
Unlock the Wonders of Chiang Mai Temples, Waterfalls, and Night Markets Await
EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT BAZAAR. If you’re looking for authentic food, great bargains on gifts, and an exciting scene, you have to visit the city’s famous Night Bazaar. This is one of the oldest night markets in the country, and the nearly 1-mile stretch is packed with vendors who sell art and delicious street food. Give yourself at least a few hours to take in the whole experience of this beloved destination. With its scenic views and lively culture, Chiang Mai blends traditional and unexpected adventures. Whether you’re feeding an elephant at one of the city’s sanctuaries, hiking in the mountains, or chowing down on local cuisine, this gem of Northern Thailand will surely enchant you!
The beautiful Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand.
a small admission price, smaller temples are typically free. Remember to dress appropriately for your visit, covering your shoulders and removing your hat. Intricate structures and statues adorn many temples and are truly peaceful places. WALK UP A WATERFALL. Have you ever walked on water? You can literally walk up the Bua Thong Waterfall, known as the Sticky Waterfall. This remarkable natural space is located just outside the city in the Namtok Bua Tong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park and draws many visitors annually. The porous limestone rocks of Bua Thong are sticky and allow people to climb up the waterfall without slipping. You can find different paths with varying degrees of difficulty for adventurous explorers.
Known for its historic temples, lovely mountains,
and cool weather, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country! Whether you seek cultural wonders, lush landscapes, or jungle experiences, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting city. Grab your passport and sense of adventure as we explore some of the best activities for your Chiang Mai vacation! EXPLORE THE TEMPLES. Impressive temples are all over Chiang Mai, and they are unbeatable outings. While larger temples, like Wat Phra Singh, have
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