CRONIN CALLER
THE
February/March 2021
LET’S PUT KINDNESS INTO THE WORLD
When was the last time you did something for someone just because you could — without thinking about what you would get in return or seeking attention for the action? Did you pay for someone’s coffee while in line at the drive-thru or pick up an item someone dropped at the grocery store? What about the simple act of holding the door open for someone as you both walk into the same building? When was the last time you did that? When you think back on those moments, how did you feel? I can imagine it felt good to do something for another human being, but after just a
cup. Ensure your emotional and mental well-being are cared for. Check in with yourself in those moments when your reaction feels extreme and find ways to renew your spirit. Keep a gratitude journal. Say a daily prayer or meditate. Go fishing or hiking. Garden, bake, or paint. Chat with an old friend. Whatever it is that renews your mindset, make time for it and actively practice it. Only then will you be in the right place to give to others through small, yet meaningful, random acts of kindness. You will be surprised at how much you will be impacted through your acts of service too. It is in giving to others that we receive the biggest rewards for ourselves. Our cups will definitely be full! I believe we’re stronger when we do small actions that send a positive ripple throughout our community. Paying it forward without an expectation of something in return can be our greatest weapon against the hurt, stress, and pain of this past year. Let’s work together to build back stronger simply by being kind to one another.
few moments, you didn’t dwell on it much longer. You enjoyed it at the moment and moved on with your day. That small, seemingly random act of respect and kindness, however, may have made someone’s entire day or brightened an otherwise difficult week. You never know what the people you interact with are experiencing, and the way you approach and treat them can have a lasting impact. I’m a big advocate for practicing random acts of kindness. Whether it’s picking up the tab for a family at a restaurant — when we could go out to eat — or helping someone carry a bundle of groceries or boxes from their vehicle. Being there for the people in our community can have a profound effect. In a time when it’s very easy to get bogged down by politics, COVID-19 regulations, the strain of working from home, virtual schooling, caring for a sick loved one, or searching for a job, sending out these seemingly small acts of kindness, or paying it forward, are the tools to help overcome a bad day or an angry mood. This knowledge helps to empower communities at large. We all have the power to help change the lives of those around us, and while we cannot control what happens to us, we can control how we respond and react to others. The same ripple effect mentioned above works the same way with negative energy. A driver may cut you off on the highway, but you have no way of knowing if they are racing to see a sick loved one or just didn’t see you. Don’t fuel that anger further by acting rudely toward the cashier at the gas station or your spouse, simply because you’re upset. Instead, try to rise above it. Be resilient and avoid succumbing to negativity. There has been so much negativity perpetuated in our communities that it has lowered our love for humanity. But of course, we are all human. We’re going to have our weak moments. When we’re unkind, try to recognize it and in that moment, ask if you are being kind to yourselves. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty
P.S. Every Tuesday, I host “Challenge2Change,” an empowerment series streamed via Facebook LIVE on the Cronin Law Firm Facebook page. The series encourages mindfulness, positivity, and empowerment. Join us every Tuesday at 11:30 am for interesting topics and some great conversation.
248.258.3500 | www.croninlawfirm.com
DO SOMETHING BETTER IN THE GARDEN
THE MEATBALL SHOP SUED SNOOKI!
3 Ways to Improve Your Harvest
(And Another ‘Jersey Shore’ Star, Too)
Reality TV stars Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Deena Cortese are gearing up for a court battle. But this isn’t a showdown with another celebrity: It’s a fight to the death over merchandise with ... a NewYork City-based meatball restaurant! This case sounds laughable, but there’s some real “meat” to dig into. The controversy started when the celebrity duo — known as “The Meatballs” since their time together on “Jersey Shore” — launched a clothing brand/ online store called The Meatball Shop late last year. The brand sells meatball-themed T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats with slogans like “Team Meatball Forever” and “Meatball Squad.” Over the holidays, they even offered a sweater with a checklist reading, “Pour wine, wrap gifts, decorate, be a meatball.” All of this merchandise plays off the pair’s “Jersey Shore” nickname, which Polizzi and Cortese earned because, as Food & Wine puts it, “The party girls are both very tan, curvy, and short.” Even with this claim to the moniker, the legality of the celebrities’ clothing line has some competition from, well, places that sell actual meatballs. According to Page Six, the New York City-based restaurant The Meatball Shop sued Polizzi and Cortese in December of 2020, claiming their clothing infringes on its trademark. As of writing this, a judge is considering The Meatball Shop’s request to shut Polizzi and Cortese’s operation down. To add even more meat to the argument, it was the owners of The Meatball Shop restaurant (Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow) who first taught Polizzi and Cortese to make edible meatballs in 2017. The lesson was documented in a photo shoot with “In Touch.” Does it get more ironic than that? If you want to keep up with the drama, check PageSix.com, and if this article made you crave meatballs, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Visit Epicurious.com and search “classic beef meatballs’’ for a recipe that will knock your socks off.
There’s something beautiful about cultivating your own harvest, but you can grow more than simple backyard vegetables. Help your garden “grow up” by trying something unique this spring. GROW FUN FOODS We plant gardens for a purpose, so why not make it fun! Plant fresh basil, tomatoes, onions, peppers, oregano, and more to create a garden worthy of your next homemade pizza. All you will need to buy is the crust! Pumpkin plants can offer fresh gourds for any Halloween fanatic, while new species of fruits and vegetables can create an exciting home-cooking experience. Try the silver cucumber for a sweet taste or pineberries for a mix between strawberries and pineapples. You just might find a new flavor you love. GOWITH THE FLOW Creating a year-round garden that practically takes care of itself means using principles of permaculture, a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature. Start by analyzing your space and yard. Determine your soil type and layer mulch or cover crops to protect it. Then, begin planting the same way that’s found in nature — trees grow at the top, shrubs and bushes are below, and other small plants and vines intermingle within. Choose crops that help each other grow (like corn, beans, and squash), and offer aid to your garden without digging up too much soil or disturbing its natural process. Permaculture gardening requires thoughtful planning, but once your crops are in place, nature will take its course. PLANT FOR YOUR HEALTH Mass production of your favorite fruits and vegetables reduces their key nutrients. Instead, choose fresh, home-grown varieties to yield greater health benefits. This is good news for those living with heart disease, joint disorders, or other chronic conditions. You can grow a garden chock full of nutrient-rich foods! Colorful fruits, root veggies, onions, and beans are great for joint health, while leafy greens can boost heart health. Grow pumpkins so you can harvest the seeds for better brain function, while berries can support your liver.
Before you dig into these new gardening methods, consult with an expert at a nursery or greenhouse to get the best possible results.
2
Cronin Law Firm | 248.258.3500
MICHIGAN’S BARITONE David Ruffin’s Soulful Voice Propels Michigan’s The Temptations Into Stardom
David Eli Ruffin was born on Jan. 18, 1941, in Whynot, Mississippi — more than 860 miles away from the Michigan city where a record label and his deep, melodic baritone voice would propel him and The Temptations into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and music history. Ruffin, who would later be known as David Ruffin, originally pursued a career as a minister when he was appointed under the guardianship of minister Eddie Bush at just 14 years old. Ruffin was soon drawn to the allure of the
stage and began his singing career as a gospel singer, touring the country in his teens for solo performances and as a member of various soul groups. Crowds were drawn to Ruffin, whose energetic personality and talent tantalized both the gospel and secular crowds. When he was just 16 years old, Ruffin went to Detroit. It was in the Motor City that Motown Records discovered Ruffin in the early 1960s, and soon, he was asked to replace Eldridge Bryant in a little-known group called The Temptations. It would prove to be both Ruffin and The Temptation’s biggest break. In 1965, Ruffin was asked to take center stage as the group’s lead singer, and once again, his showmanship wowed crowds while his powerful, soulful baritone carried the group’s many hits, including “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Ruffin’s personality drew the attention of the media, as The Temptations made appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “American Bandstand.” Ruffin’s original stint with The Temptations ended in 1969, and Ruffin pursued a solo career, releasing “MyWhole World Ended (The Moment You Left).” Ruffin later joined The Temptations on stage once more for a reunion tour in 1983, and the group was honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 — just 20 short years after The Temptations’ hits shaped an entire generation of music lovers. Passing away in 1991 — he and the rest of The Temptations reign with other Motown Records artists as the singers who captured the beauty and sadness of life with their powerful voices and songs.
ENGLISH GROUND BEEF PASTIES
BRAIN BREAK
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS •
3/4 lb ground beef
•
2 sheets store-bought puff pastry dough
• •
1 medium onion, diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• • •
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup beef broth (as needed)
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, and potatoes.
3. Roll out the pastry dough into roughly 10-inch circles or squares. 4. Spoon 1/2 of the beef mixture onto each sheet of dough, then top the mixture with parsley, salt, and pepper. 5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching each pasty shut and tucking in both ends. 6. Transfer the pasties to the prepared baking sheet, then cut several small slits in each pasty for ventilation. Bake for 45 minutes. 7. Remove the pasties from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 F. Spoon 1 tsp beef broth into each slit, then bake for an additional 15 minutes. 8. Serve and enjoy!
SOLUTION ON PAGE 4
3
Cronin Law Firm | www.croninlawfirm.com
21 East Long Lake Rd., Suite 250 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 248.258.3500 www.croninlawfirm.com
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1 2
Why Kindness Matters
Our 2 Facebook Live Events You Won’t Want to Miss! Grown in Michigan: David Ruffin Puts The Temptations on the Map English Ground Beef Pasties ‘Jersey Shore’ Stars Battle a New York Restaurant Over Meatball Merch Make Gardening Better With These 3 Ideas!
3
4
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK LIVE For Special Workshops and Programming!
At Cronin Law Firm, we believe our responsibility to our clients extends beyond the courtroom. Our goal is to create an atmosphere in which our clients can grow, find justice, begin new chapters, and discover peace of mind. To achieve this, we have to go beyond simply offering legal advice, filing motions, and meeting wi th other attorneys. Our team has created two regularly occurring Facebook LIVE events, providing clients with the extra support they need. ‘CHALLENGE2CHANGE’ For the past year, Sabrina Shaheen Cronin has invited mental health, wellness,
legal, educational, political, psychological experts, and experienced community professionals to join her for an hourlong Facebook LIVE workshop designed to encourage a commitment to a better community. Every Tuesday at 11:30 am, Sabrina and the various experts discuss obstacles that may be preventing people from moving forward or challenges the entire community could benefit from learning more about. So, grab your lunch, head over to Facebook LIVE, and settle in for an hour of empowerment, encouragement, and understanding. Together, we can be challenged to change and create a better community. ‘THE CRONIN LAW SHOW’ Sabrina, her team of attorneys, and various experts offer their views and opinions for this special show! Whether we’re discussing estate planning, mask mandates, or various other peculiarities in the law, our goal on “The Cronin Law Show” is to help citizens feel better equipped to discuss and consider their legal options. Don’t forget to tune into Facebook LIVE every Thursday at 11:30 am for an educational segment you won’t want to miss.
Thanks for watching and be sure to share your favorite videos with a friend!
Cronin Law Firm can be found on Facebook at Facebook.com/CroninLawFirm, on Instagram @thecroninlawfirm, YouTube @The Cronin Law Firm and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts @The Cronin Challenge2Change
4
Cronin Law Firm | 248.258.3500
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Online document