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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 October 2022
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Saving the Best for Last Let’s Finish 2022 With a Bang!
October is officially upon us and while we really don’t have a drastic seasonal change from summer to fall, the weather is beginning to cool off a bit and Halloween is just around the corner. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to kick off the holiday season. October also signifies the beginning of the 4th quarter — the last one of the year. While I believe that all quarters are important, the 4th quarter, in particular, really stands out to me. Finishing strong in everything that I do has always been in my wheelhouse; you MUST always finish what you start. As a business owner, I’ve observed that many people take off the 4th quarter, either mentally and/or physically (some take off the entire month of December!). It’s definitely understandable why the 4th quarter is difficult to focus on as we jump from holiday to holiday and attend many parties and events. It’s a busy quarter — after Halloween, you blink and the ball is dropping as we prepare to ring in the new year. Every year, I always sit and think to myself, “The year isn’t over. It’s not time to think about the next year yet.” Maybe some people didn’t have the best year and they’re ready for a fresh beginning. But it’s important to keep in mind that it’s usually those who get complacent in the 4th quarter who lose market share and those who are out there hustling gain that market share from their competitors. So, I’m big on working hard to finish out the year strong, while also taking time to celebrate with my family. Switching gears a bit, according to Lonely Planet, October is the best month of the year to visit our amazing national parks in the U.S. While I’ve been to a few national parks, I haven’t yet visited some of the “big name” ones like Yellowstone, Zion, and Yosemite.
In photographs, these parks and their sights and wildlife are so enchanting — they almost look unreal! Knowing that photos never do the real thing justice, I’m confident that the views and magic of these national treasures are absolutely breathtaking. It’s on my bucket list to visit every single one, so if you have any recommendations, be sure to let me know! Lastly, on Oct. 10, we recognize World Mental Health Day. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed an uptick in suicide rates among people I’m in some way connected to — even if it’s a friend of a friend, three levels deep. It’s always extremely gut-wrenching to see. Our lives are the most precious things we own, and it’s essential that we take the time to evaluate our own mental health and be cognizant of the mental health of those around us. At times, it can be tough to know how someone is truly feeling, but we all need to come together to bring awareness to the importance of seeking help when you need it. This includes making yourself available to others as a trustworthy, safe, and nonjudgemental ear to listen. Sometimes, all we need is the encouragement and support of others to get us through some of our darkest days and deepest struggles.
We are all human and we are all here together, navigating this beautiful thing we call life — let’s lend a helping hand and an open ear!
-Louis Bernardo Berk
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Teenager Saves a Woman’s Life After Taking One First-Aid Training Class
It was a typical day at work for 15-year-old McDonald’s worker Sydney Raley — she was taking orders, engaging with customers, and delivering food. Everything went as planned for Raley until the unexpected happened. After handing a woman part of her order, Raley left the drive-thru window to retrieve the rest of her food. But when she returned, something strange happened. “She was coughing like crazy, and I noticed she was gagging … I immediately knew, ‘Oh, no, she’s choking,’” Raley told CNN. The woman’s daughter freaked out because she felt so scared for her mother. Even some of the McDonald’s employees seemed shocked and momentarily unable to take action. Luckily, Raley knew what to do. She immediately told her colleague to dial 911 as she dove through the drive-thru window to help the choking woman. Besides working at the fast-food chain, Raley was also a babysitter and had taken
a first-aid class through the Red Cross. In this class, she learned the Heimlich maneuver, which Raley used to dislodge the chicken nugget the woman had eaten. Although the woman was in shock after what she endured, she felt grateful for the teen and her act of heroism. Her bravery didn’t go unnoticed by Paul Ostergaard either, the owner-operator of the McDonald’s where Raley worked. He told CNN, “Sydney truly personifies what it is to be a hero.” In addition to this recognition, Raley also received $100 from a fund first-responders use to reward people who do brave work within the community. Thank you, Sydney, for showing us that not all heroes wear capes — they are in our community everywhere we go. We encourage everyone to take a first-aid training course, so all of us can become the heroes of tomorrow. Plus, you never know when that knowledge will come in handy.
Never a Dull Moment Why We Should Live for Today
We can’t change the past, nor can we predict or guarantee the future. In the end, all we have is the present, yet most of us live our lives ignoring its many possibilities. It’s easy to tune out the life around you, especially if you do many of the same things every day. Taking care of the kids, commuting, working, and running errands can blur together. Just as bad, when life isn’t going the way we want, it’s easy to fantasize about how things “should” be or how they once were. When we live busy or stressful lives, worrying or planning can also make us feel more in control. The problem with these strategies is that they don’t change anything. They help us discount the only thing we can control: what we do now. Life can pass you by that way if you’re not careful. The solution is to exist in the present moment as much as possible and enjoy the good things around us while we have them. Studies show that living this way makes people happier, healthier, and more likely to form strong relationships. But how do you even get started? The process requires a different way of thinking called mindfulness. Mindfulness is about focusing on what is happening in the present moment — not that work deadline, the movie you just watched, what’s for dinner, or the kids’ extracurricular schedule. It takes practice, and many people use meditation or breathing to help.
When mindful, we concentrate on what others say and become more fully present. We also start to notice the small things we usually overlook: the cool breeze on our skin, the sound of the birds, the feel of a sweater, or the sight of our loved ones smiling. Our lives become fuller. And our stress decreases because we’re not clinging to things beyond our command. No one ever stops worrying entirely, and some planning is necessary to live a successful life. But too much can leave us with no energy or time to enjoy it. John Lennon once sang, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Start living in the present so you don’t blink and miss yours.
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TAKE A BREAK
Teachers have impacted you and your children’s lives in more ways than one. Maybe they inspired you to take a certain career path, always understood you, or were there for you or your child when it was needed. Teachers have a demanding job, so in honor of World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5, let’s take some time to appreciate them. Here are three ways to show your gratitude this month. Donate school supplies. Some teachers spend personal funds to purchase school supplies for their classrooms. This expense can become costly, especially if they provide for multiple students. Donate unused notebooks, pencils, pens, or other school supplies to a teacher. Some teachers even have wish lists available if you want to purchase new items for their classrooms. They will appreciate your kindness, and the children who need these supplies will also be grateful. Write thank-you letters. If you had a teacher who impacted your life, or if your child has a favorite teacher, write them a thank-you note. Handwritten notes are more meaningful than ones you buy at the store. It shows you put in time and effort to create something specifically for them. You can write about a favorite memory you had with them or the ways they’ve inspired you. If you’re feeling extra generous, add a gift card to the note! A small message can go a long way in turning someone’s day around. Volunteer when you can. In addition to teaching in the classroom, teachers need to chaperone students during field trips, recess, lunch, and standardized tests. Contact your child’s school and see when they need volunteers to help with these activities. Teachers will greatly appreciate it because they will have a chance to take a break or organize their materials for the next class. Even if it’s just for the day or a few hours, teachers will appreciate the extra assistance. Teachers play a vital role in preparing our children for the real world. They teach them vital social skills and problem-solving strategies that will assist them as they age. So, let’s take some time to show appreciation for their dedication to our children. IT’S WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY! 3 Ways to Show Gratitude
CREAMY BAKED PUMPKIN RISOTTO
Ingredients
• 5 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth • 2 cups Arborio rice • 2 cups of pumpkin, diced • 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin purée • 1/2 yellow onion, minced
• Salt, to taste • Pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese • 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 400 F and arrange a rack in the middle. 2. In a 3-quart baking dish, combine broth, rice, diced and puréed pumpkin, and onion. 3. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until evenly combined. 4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until water has been absorbed and rice granules are puffed. 5. Remove from the oven and stir in basil, grated Parmesan cheese, mascarpone cheese, and olive oil.
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Welcome, Fall!
Fast-Food Hero Taking Each Moment as It Comes
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Creamy Baked Pumpkin Risotto It’s World Teachers’ Day!
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Age Is Just a Number
Wanted to Legally Change His Age The Man Who Felt 20 Years Younger
He alleged that he experienced age discrimination because, being 69, he is limited in what he can do. If he were 49, he could buy a house and car and work more hours, and his chances on the dating app Tinder would improve if he were younger. What was the court’s decision? Ratelband’s argument did not convince the district court in the Dutch city of Arnhem. The court said there was no evidence that Ratelband had experienced age discrimination. It stated that, unlike legally changing your name or gender, changing your age causes many problems such as the many rights and duties related to age, such as voting, attending school, military obligations, and pension. Although Ratelband has the freedom to feel 20 years younger, mentally and physically, he cannot legally change his age because of the legal and societal implications that would follow, the court added.
We’ve all heard about people legally changing their name or gender, but have you ever heard about someone trying to change their legal age? In 2018, a 69-year-old Dutch man named Emile Ratelband petitioned a court for permission to change his age. He wanted to alter the year he was born on his birth certificate by 20 years so he could be 49 years old. So, how did this case end? Let’s find out. What was his reasoning? Ratelband wanted to change his age because he argued that he felt 20 years younger. He said his doctors told him that he had the body of a younger man, and his health was far better than most men his age.
The district court rejected Ratelband’s request, but he plans to appeal.
In the Netherlands, the public doesn’t take Ratelband’s claims seriously. They even make fun of his international exposure and willingness to provide interviews worldwide to justify his wishes. So what do you think of this legal case? Is age just a number? Let us know your thoughts!
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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 October 2022
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Dejemos lo mejor para el final ¡Terminemos el 2022 por todo lo alto!
Ya es oficial, falta poco para octubre y, aunque realmente no tenemos un cambio estacional drástico para pasar de verano a otoño, el tiempo empieza a refrescar un poco y Halloween está a la vuelta de la esquina. No sé ustedes, pero yo estoy listo para dar inicio a la temporada de fiestas. Octubre también supone el comienzo del cuarto trimestre, ¡el último del año! Aunque considero que todos los trimestres son importantes, el cuarto trimestre, en particular, destaca para mí. Terminar con fuerza todo lo que hago siempre ha sido mi especialidad: siempre debes terminar todo lo que empiezas. Como empresario, he observado que muchas personas se toman un descanso durante el cuarto trimestre, ya sea mental o físicamente (¡algunos incluso se toman todo el mes de diciembre!). Es definitivamente comprensible por qué es difícil concentrarse durante el cuarto trimestre, ya que vamos de una festividad a otra y asistimos a muchas fiestas y eventos. Es un trimestre muy ajetreado: después de Halloween, parpadeas y la bola está cayendo mientras nos preparamos para dar la bienvenida al año nuevo. Todos los años, me siento y pienso: “El año no ha terminado, aún no es hora de pensar en el siguiente”. Puede que algunas personas no hayan tenido el mejor año y estén listas para un nuevo comienzo. Pero es importante tener en cuenta que, por lo general, los que se confían en el cuarto trimestre son quienes pierden cuota de mercado y aquellos que se esfuerzan le ganan esa cuota de mercado a sus competidores. Por ello, soy partidario de trabajar duro para terminar el año con fuerza, a la vez que me tomo tiempo para celebrarlo con mi familia. Cambiando un poco de tema, según Lonely Planet, octubre es el mejor mes del año para visitar nuestros increíbles parques nacionales aquí en EE. UU. Aunque he estado en algunos parques nacionales, todavía no he visitado algunos de los “ famosos” como Yellowstone, Zion y Yosemite.
En fotografías, estos parques, así como sus vistas y su vida silvestre, son tan cautivadores... ¡Que casi parecen irreales! Consciente de que las fotos nunca le hacen justicia a la realidad, estoy seguro de que las vistas y la magia de estos tesoros nacionales son absolutamente impresionantes. En mi lista de cosas por hacer está visitar cada uno de ellos. Si tienes alguna recomendación, ¡no dudes en decírmelo! Por último, el 10 de octubre se celebra el Día Mundial de la Salud Mental. En los últimos años, he observado un aumento en las tasas de suicidio entre las personas con las que tengo algún tipo de relación, incluso si se trata de un amigo de un amigo, una conexión a tres niveles de profundidad. Es algo que siempre me resulta extremadamente desgarrador. Nuestras vidas son lo más valioso que poseemos y es esencial que nos tomemos el tiempo necesario para evaluar nuestra propia salud mental y ser conscientes de la salud mental de quienes nos rodean. En ocasiones, puede ser difícil saber cómo se siente realmente alguien, pero todos debemos unirnos para crear conciencia sobre la importancia de buscar ayuda cuando se necesita. Esto incluye ponerse a disposición de los demás como un oído confiable, seguro y sin prejuicios para escuchar. A veces, lo único que necesitamos es el ánimo y el apoyo de los demás para superar algunos de nuestros días más oscuros y nuestras luchas más profundas.
Todos somos humanos y estamos aquí juntos, navegando por esta hermosa cosa que llamamos vida. ¡Tendamos una mano amiga y un oído abierto!
-Louis Bernardo Berk
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Nunca tengas un momento aburrido Por qué deberíamos vivir en el presente
No podemos cambiar el pasado ni predecir o garantizar el futuro. Después de todo, lo único que tenemos es el presente, pero aun así la mayoría de nosotros vive la vida ignorando las muchas posibilidades que tiene esta. Es fácil desconectarte de la vida que te rodea, especialmente cuando haces muchas de las mismas cosas todos los días. Cuidar de tus hijos, ir al trabajo, trabajar y hacer recados son cosas que se te pueden volver borrosas y confundirse en una sola actividad. Y lo que es igualmente malo es que cuando la vida no nos está saliendo como quisiéramos, nos resulta fácil fantasear sobre cómo “deberían” ser las cosas, o sobre cómo fueron alguna vez. Cuando vivimos ocupados o con estrés, las preocupaciones o la planificación constante son cosas que nos pueden hacer sentir que tenemos un poco más de control. El problema con estas estrategias es que las mismas no cambian nada. Tan solo nos ayudan a descartar lo único que podemos controlar: lo que hacemos ahora. La vida te puede pasar por el lado si no tienes cuidado. La solución es existir en el momento presente tanto como sea posible y disfrutar las cosas buenas que nos rodean mientras las tengamos. Los estudios demuestran que vivir de esta manera hace que las personas sean más felices, saludables y más propensas a formar relaciones fuertes. Pero, ¿por dónde empezar? El proceso requiere de una forma de pensar distinta y que se conoce como atención consciente. La atención consciente es enfocarte en lo que está sucediendo en el
momento presente y no en ese plazo de entrega de un trabajo, la película que recién viste, lo que hay para cenar o el cronograma extracurricular de tus hijos. Es algo que requiere de práctica y muchas personas se ayudan mediante la meditación o la respiración. Cuando somos conscientes, nos concentramos en lo que dicen los demás y nos hacemos más plenamente presentes. También empezamos a notar las pequeñas cosas que solemos pasar por alto: la brisa fresca sobre nuestra piel, el sonido de las aves, cómo se siente un suéter que llevamos puestos o la sonrisa de nuestros seres queridos. Nuestras vidas se hacen más plenas. Y nuestro estrés se reduce porque ya no nos apegamos a cosas que no podemos controlar. Nadie deja nunca de preocuparse por completo y, además, para vivir una vida exitosa, es necesario que nos planifiquemos en cierta medida. Pero demasiado de ello nos puede dejar sin energía ni tiempo para disfrutarla. Tal como cantó John Lennon una vez: “La vida es lo que pasa cuando estás ocupado haciendo otros planes”. Empieza a vivir en el presente para que no pestañees y te pierdas de tu propia vida.
Ingredientes
RISOTTO CREMOSO DE CALABAZA AL HORNO
• 5 tazas de caldo de pollo o de verduras bajo en sodio • 2 tazas de arroz Arborio • 2 tazas de calabaza, cortada en cubos • 1 1/2 tazas de puré de calabaza en lata • 1/2 cebolla amarilla picada • Sal, al gusto
• Pimienta, al gusto • 1/2 taza de albahaca fresca picada • 1/4 de taza de queso parmesano rallado • 2 cdas. de queso mascarpone • 2 cdas. de aceite de oliva
Inspirado en FoodNetwork.com
Instrucciones 1. Calienta el horno a 400 °F y coloca una rejilla en el centro. 2. En una fuente de horno de 3 cuartos, combina el caldo, el arroz, la calabaza cortada en cubos y en puré, y la cebolla. 3. Sazona con sal y pimienta, y luego revuelve hasta que se combinen uniformemente. 4. Cubre bien con papel de aluminio y hornea hasta que el agua se haya absorbido y los gránulos de arroz estén hinchados. 5. Retira del horno y añade la albahaca, el queso parmesano rallado, el queso mascarpone y el aceite de oliva.
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