Reardon Anderson - May 2023

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ReardonAnderson COUNSELORS AT LAW

ReardonAnderson.com

May 2023

ARE WE TOO DEPENDENT ON TECHNOLOGY?

SOME STUDIES SAY WE ARE!

No matter where we look, technology surrounds us! We have it in our cars, mounted on our walls, in the palm of our hands, and all around the firm. In fact, did you know that according to Orbelo, users spend 397 minutes online each day? That’s six hours and 37 minutes! It’s mind-blowing to think about how much time we spend on these devices. Everything we do in our daily lives usually requires some electronics tool. When we speak with clients, we hear stories about how technology — primarily the internet — has helped them. For example, social media has helped many people touch base with their loved ones and reconnect with long-lost friends. With the help of sharing locations and other apps, many parents can keep tabs on their children and contact them anytime and anywhere. Likewise, with just one click, business owners can connect instantly with current clients and prospects. They can share important information and nurture their relationships. Technology has also improved communication by allowing business owners to seamlessly engage their clients through emails, texts, or Zoom. We’ve noticed that, with the help of advanced technology, many of us now have more control and flexibility with our schedules. However, sometimes our smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices complicate our lives. We’re sure you’ve had your frustrations when trying to contact someone in customer service, but were only able to interact with

artificial intelligence through chatbots and automated voices. Sometimes, it feels like you’re talking or typing in circles while trying to explain your dilemma — you could resolve the issue in minutes if you were chatting with a real person! Business owners have the same frustrations. According to EnTech, 48% of companies experience tech issues daily. This can include emails going to clients’ or customers’ spam folders, the inability to open files, internet issues, and more. Sometimes, fixing a problem can take days, weeks, or even months. Tech issues can frustrate workers because they can’t complete their tasks as efficiently as they would like. Tech Jury wraps it up nicely with two different statistics: 85% of American adults can’t go one day without being online, and 50% of American teens say they are addicted to their phones. That’s insane! And it’s about time we do something about it. Because of these numbers, we encourage you to disconnect and unplug from technology from time to time. Although social media, streaming services, and other

technology advancements help kill time, it’s best to indulge in moderation.

We understand how difficult it can be to disconnect from technology, so start small with baby steps. Set limited hours when you can use your phone. Then, slowly cut that time back each week. You can also conduct a digital detox where you don’t use your phone one day out of each week. Or establish times throughout your day (like when you’re spending time with loved ones) when you don’t use your phone. When you distance yourself from technology and start to connect with others face to face, you’ll be surprised by its amazing benefits and the relationships you can strengthen. We would love to speak with you in person about any legal needs you may have. So, if you must use the internet to do anything, use it to schedule an appointment with Reardon Anderson! The Reardon Anderson Firm

“However, sometimes our smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices complicate our lives.”

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Pirates Stole Our Metric System

Contract Disputes Can Hinder Relationships! Can You Prevent Issues From Happening? Having a great relationship with your suppliers is crucial. Unfortunately, these connections can start to fall apart when one or more parties fail to comply with contract obligations. Dealing with contract disputes can delay some processes, lead to late payments, and more. How can you avoid these contract disputes? MAKE YOUR DEMANDS AND NEGOTIATIONS FAIR. Creating clear and fair principles and expectations in your contract is critical, but sometimes, contracts can include unrealistic demands. To mitigate this issue, negotiate a contract that benefits both parties. You want your agreement to protect your business if your supplier cannot meet their obligations. Your contract should include clauses pertaining to pricing, volume, payment, duration, quality, recalls, and the process of resolving disputes. Keep a copy of your contract in a safe place in case you need to review it later if an issue does arise. UNDERSTAND YOUR SUPPLIERS’ OBJECTIVES. While it’s essential to enter a negotiation with an idea of what you want to achieve and deliver, you also want to understand your supplier’s interests — they may differ from yours. Before signing the dotted line, ensure you know your supplier’s desired outcomes and how you can reach an agreement that creates a win-win deal for both parties. KEEP NOTE OF ALL FORMS OF COMMUNICATION. If a dispute occurs, it’s imperative that you have records of correspondence between you and your suppliers. Keep note of all emails, calls, and texts along with the days and times these correspondences occurred and what the discussion entailed. By doing this, you will have a record you can use that helps support the intention behind both parties.

WHY AMERICA NEVER CHANGED TO KILOS AND GRAMS

Pirates, that’s right, pirates stopped America from changing to the metric system. While they can’t take all the blame, they steal a good chunk of it. There was a specific time in history when America did consider taking up the metric system. But pirates intercepted the standards, and America has refused to change its measuring system ever since. Way back when America was still a new country, there was no regulated measuring system throughout the states. Each territory was using some bizarre system that stayed only within state lines. For example, people were using Roman measurements, Dutch systems, and British systems dating back to King Henry VII. In 1789, Thomas Jefferson decided that some order needed to be in place. A lover of all things French, Jefferson admired the metric system’s logic and principle. He asked the French to help the U.S. transition to the metric system, and they were kind enough to send scientist Joseph Dombey. Dombey boarded a ship and set sail for America with two items pivotal to our measuring system change. The first gadget was a copper cylinder 3 inches in height and width, weighing precisely 1 kilogram. The second was another copper object, a rod estimated to be a meter in length. These simple trinkets would have eased us into the metric system. Except, we never received them. In fact, Dombey never set foot in America. Unfortunately, storm winds blew his ship off course and into the pirate-filled Caribbean. The pirates hijacked his boat and held him captive, hoping to use him for ransom. In a tragic turn of events, Dombey died in that pirate

prison before any ransom money could be sent. The pirates then

MONITOR PROGRESS AND WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH SUPPLIERS.

Some instances occur when businesses fail to monitor their supplier’s obligations and notify them if the contract was breached. If this pattern continues, you may have difficulty accomplishing tasks or goals, which hinders your relationship with your supplier. Appoint someone familiar with the contract and regularly check to ensure all parties follow it. You can then work with your supplier to resolve any issues or renegotiate the terms within the agreement. If you need assistance creating a contract, require advice on how to resolve a contract dispute, or are seeking professional help, allow Reardon Anderson to assist you! We will be happy to review your situation and help you develop strategies that will benefit your business and supplier.

auctioned off everything Dombey had on his boat, metric measuring tools included.

So, you can thank the pirates for all the

painstaking work we have to go through when using metric- based recipes. Why Americans never swapped systems after 1789 is still a mystery!

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DON’T LET DISTRACTIONS OVERCOME YOU! 3 WAYS TO PRIORITIZE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Every day, you may spend your time caring for others, checking off errands on your to-do list, clocking in and out of work, or scrolling through social media. But is caring for yourself one of your daily activities? If you want to be able to provide and give your best to others and our work, you must prioritize your mental health. Here are three strategies you can use to help yourself before you help others. ELIMINATE NEGATIVE SELF-TALK. The biggest critics we have in our lives are ourselves! How we talk to ourselves plays a huge role in communicating with others and our behaviors. When you realize you’re talking down to yourself, interrupt those thoughts by speaking kindly instead. You’d be surprised how much of a difference this strategy can make in your life.

By practicing these strategies, you will gradually prioritize your mental health and focus on things that fulfill you with joy. It may take a few tries before you make these mindsets a habit, but we promise it will be worth it. And don’t forget to ask for help when needed. Being vulnerable isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength!

RESTRICT REPETITIVE THOUGHTS. You may have a lot of “what if” or “if only” statements racing through your mind. When dealing with those types of intrusive thoughts, focus on what you’re currently doing instead of trying to shut those thoughts off. If you’re cooking, concentrate on the smells, sounds, and motions. Be present in the moment! FOCUS ON YOUR VALUES. Your values are the things you believe to be important to your way of life. Values can include spending time with your friends and family, doing your best at work or with your hobbies, your health, and more. So, the next time a negative thought enters your mind or you’re stuck in a difficult situation, return to your values. They can help you determine your priorities and guide you even when times are tough.

GINGER PORK STIR-FRY

Looking for a healthy stir-fry that has all of the delicious flavors and none of the heavy ingredients? This one might be perfect for you!

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp cornstarch 1 cup orange juice 2 tbsp soy sauce

1 small onion, sliced 1/4 lb fresh snow peas 1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned

• • • • • •

• • •

2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Cooked rice

• •

1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips

Green onion, chopped (optional) Sesame seeds (optional)

2 tbsp canola oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth; set aside. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir-fry pork in oil until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove pork and add onion, peas, and red pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Stir in orange juice mixture and pork. Bring to a boil, and then cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired.

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Technology: A Blessing or a Curse? 2 4 Strategies to Avoid Supplier Contract Disputes The Mysteriously Missing Metric System 3 Have You Focused on Yourself Lately? Ginger Pork Stir-Fry 4 Healthy Aging Through Yoga

HOW SENIORS ARE FINDING NEW VITALITY THE AGELESS BENEFITS OF YOGA

For many seniors, maintaining an active lifestyle can be a challenge. Your body might not be as flexible as it once was, and new pains or discomforts seem to appear out of nowhere as time passes. This change can be problematic and will require some adjustment on your part, especially if you’ve lived an active lifestyle. Thankfully, there are some activities you can do to help you stay active, like yoga! You might think that yoga is just for young people, but that’s not the case at all! Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can be modified to suit a wide range of abilities, making it accessible to people of all ages. There is no expectation of perfection, as each individual is encouraged to listen to their own body and move at a comfortable pace. So even if you have health limitations or concerns, yoga is a safe and pleasant activity. Plus, you’ll gain a host of benefits from participating.

core. Your balance and posture will improve, which will help lessen physical discomfort and reduce your risk of falls. In addition to physical benefits, yoga is also mentally stimulating. The practice of yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. By incorporating breathing techniques into their practice, seniors can improve cognitive function and memory. There’s also a social aspect involved. Many yoga studios offer classes specifically for seniors, which can provide a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone to practice together. It’s a great way to meet new people and have fun while staying active. There are advantages for people of all ages to practice yoga. If you’ve been interested in trying this activity for a while, now is the time to get out and get involved. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it!

By holding poses and moving through sequences, yoga helps to lengthen and stretch muscles, increasing the range of motion and reducing stiffness. You’ll also build muscle strength, particularly in your

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