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BERT’S BUZZ MAY/JUNE 2024
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STRUMMING THE DAYS AWAY How Music Has Been a Constant in My Family and Life
As we gear up for World Day of Music on June 21, I can’t help but dive deep into my own musical journey. It’s a road that’s taken me from tentative guitar strums as a kid to performing on stage in France and all the way into my family’s rich musical heritage. It’s quite the ride, and it still continues today.
Music isn’t just a hobby in our family; it feels more like a force that ties us all together. From my grandparents — my surgeon grandfather with his deep bass voice and my classically trained violinist grandmother — to my parents and
siblings, everyone brought their own tune to the mix. My father’s love for Johnny Cash and my mother’s chorus performances painted our family life with a rich musical palette. While I’ve been to my fair share of concerts, the best ones would have to be those of my piano- playing kids who took the stage at Carnegie Hall. I couldn’t be any more proud of their talent and dedication, and I can’t take any credit for it since they truly got it from their mother. My wife is a magnificent pianist, and she even performed Chopin’s Revolutionary Étude for the talent section during the Miss America competition! Though I reckon I’m more of an amateur compared to the pros in my family, I still love to pick up the guitar and lose myself in a song. During the quarantine, I even played “Forever Young” for my team — a reminder of how music can lift spirits and bring us together, even when we’re apart.
Frankly, my musical adventure started out casually. I picked up the guitar as a kid and played around, but never really took it too seriously. My brother, on the other hand, was all in. He went off to Spain to master flamenco guitar while I was content to dabble in rock back home. He was the one who sparked my love for heavy metal when I joined him at my very first concert: Iron Maiden. But it wasn’t until my mid-20s, during a break from law school in France, that I truly got bitten by the music bug.
I had been to France before when studying abroad in Paris
And here’s the thing about music: It’s for everyone. You don’t have to be a prodigy or a professional. Whether you’re playing, listening, or just tapping along, there’s a place for you in the world of music. As we celebrate World Day of Music, I thought I’d share with you a song from my band in France (in which I played the bass). If you’re curious, you can scan the QR code and check it out! Maybe
during my junior year. That was back in 1990 when I met a fellow American, Billy, at a Jane’s Addiction concert. We stayed in touch, and surprisingly enough, we met again when I went to Burgundy for my break from law school in 1995. That’s when he told me his blues band called The Thing was in need of a bass player. I thought, “Why not?” and jumped in. We played gigs every weekend for six months. Trust me, the French had a serious love affair with the blues back then (and might still)! But living that rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle — late nights and little sleep — eventually took its toll. I was ready for a change. That’s when I moved to San Diego to crash with my brother for another six months. Those days turned into an impromptu sabbatical from law school, filled with songwriting and soul- searching. It was during this time that I realized just how much music meant to me. I even managed to scribble down 15–20 songs!
it’ll inspire you to strum a little, sing a little, or just let music play a bigger role in your life. Here’s to the melodies and harmonies that bring us all a little closer, no matter where we are in the world. —Bert Parnall
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Proactive Tips for Motorcyclists and Drivers HOW WE CAN ALL SHARE THE ROAD AND SAVE LIVES
4. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course: Even experienced riders can benefit from a refresher course. A motorcycle safety course can sharpen your riding skills and teach you advanced techniques for avoiding accidents. For drivers: Share the road responsibly. 1. Check Twice for Motorcycles: Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than cars, which can make them harder to spot. Always check twice before changing lanes or turning at intersections — a second glance can save a life. 2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Give motorcycles more space than you would another car. They can stop faster than passenger vehicles, and tailgating can lead to catastrophic results if a sudden stop is necessary. 3. Use Turn Signals: Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This not only alerts motorcyclists of your next move but also helps prevent collisions. 4. Respect Motorcycle Lane Rights: Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as any other vehicle. Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle, as this can be incredibly dangerous. 5. Don’t Drive Distracted: It’s all too easy to get distracted behind the wheel, especially with smartphones. But taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds could result in an accident. At 55mph, a car is traveling at 80 feet per second. Looking down at your phone or any other distraction means your vehicle will travel the length of a football field in under four seconds. That’s enough time for a light to change or a car near you to brake or change lanes, making collisions more likely. Safety is a 2-way street. Motorcycle safety is not just the responsibility of motorcyclists; it’s a cooperative endeavor that drivers must participate in as well. This Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, let’s pledge to be more mindful of our two-wheeled companions. Together, we can reduce accidents and ensure that everyone enjoys their ride safely. Remember, the road is there to be shared!
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight the shared responsibility of motorcyclists and drivers to keep our roads safe. Bikers are at a much higher risk of fatality after a collision due to their exposure. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed in 2022 that motorcyclists were 22 times more likely than car passengers to die in a crash. It’s vital we all do our part to save a life. Whether you’re behind the handlebars or the steering wheel, here are essential safety tips to help everyone arrive safely at their destinations. For motorcyclists: Gear up for safety. 1. Wear the Right Gear: A DOT-approved helmet is a must, and it’s wise to invest in jackets, pants, gloves, and boots specifically designed for motorcycle riding. These can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident. 2. Be Visible: Increase your visibility to other road users. Wear bright or reflective clothing and ensure your motorcycle’s lights are functional and bright. Remember, one of the most common reasons drivers collide with motorcycles is because they didn’t see them. 3. Ride Defensively: Always assume that other drivers don’t see you. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and stay out of blind spots, especially near larger vehicles. Be extra cautious at intersections where motorcycle accidents are most likely to occur.
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Sharks are powerful, violent creatures. They can have thousands of razor-sharp teeth. They swim about 12 mph when attacking — twice the speed of a (very fast) human swimmer. The mere presence of a shark is enough to close down a beach and frighten movie audiences. The Unbelievable Shark Encounter THAT SAVED A MAN’S LIFE
SUDOKU
Apparently, some sharks are different. One shark even saved a man’s life.
Eugene and his family were enjoying a warm summer day in Huntington Beach, California. As he swam in the ocean, enjoying the cool waters of the Pacific, he was struck by a sudden tremendous force, pushing his neck backward. He later described the sensation as “instant whiplash.” After a difficult and painful swim, he reached the shore. Eugene’s daughter asked why his back was so bloody. He was shocked to find a giant gash across the center of his back, as well as several teeth marks on one side. The family headed home as lifeguards closed the beach, fearing more attacks. That evening, Eugene was in severe pain from the injury and was rushed to the hospital. Not surprisingly, blunt force trauma was causing his pain, befitting a large shark ramming him in the back. However, this wasn’t the only diagnosis he received that day, nor was it the most severe. While examining Eugene, doctors discovered a walnut-sized tumor on his right kidney. They quickly rolled him into the operating room and removed the cancerous tumor before it could progress. Whether the shark intended it or not, it may have saved Eugene’s life. Undetected, the tumor might have metastasized and spread to the rest of his body. Without that attack, he may not have known about the cancer before it was too late. Because of that fact, we are confident the shark is a hero, whether it knows it or not.
Solution on pg. 4
Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce
Inspired by StarTribune.com
Ingredients
For sauce: • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 1–2 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp fish sauce • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 1/2 lb flank steak • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 2 tbsp lime juice • 1–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp fish sauce
Directions 1. Freeze flank steak for 30 minutes. Cut crosswise, against the grain, into thin slices. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, curry paste, and fish sauce. Add steak and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 8 hours. 3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, curry paste, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Bring to a gentle boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peanut butter and stir until well blended. Remove from heat and add lime juice. 4. Thread the marinated meat onto 12 long skewers. Grill until beef is medium rare, 1–2 minutes per side. 5. Transfer satay to a platter and serve with peanut sauce.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
World Day of Music Marks a Lifetime of Melodies
2
Essential Safety Tips for Motorcycle Awareness Month
3
Take a Break!
Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce
When a Shark Became a Lifesaver
4
Use High-Yield Savings Accounts for Student Loan Repayment
Take Advantage of the Student Loan Grace
WITH HIGH-YIELD BANKING
More than 43 million adults have student loan debt. These loans are not easy to pay off, but it’s much easier with some strategic financial planning. This method uses a six-month grace period, high-yield savings accounts, and good savings habits. The lowdown on loan grace period. With any financial planning, the first step is to get a clear picture of the situation, which is no different. You want to calculate your minimum monthly payment. There are many calculators online just for this purpose. For reference’s sake, the average monthly loan payment for people with a bachelor’s degree is $302, while those with a master’s pay $688. Most federal student loans have a six- month grace period after graduation and before you must start making payments. Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Federal Family Education Loans fall under this category. Perkins Loans have a nine-
month grace period, so they can benefit even more from this financial plan. Note that interest accrues during your grace period. Get better rates with a high-yield savings account. Once you start earning an income, you’ll need to work fast. Open up a high-yield savings account immediately. These accounts have a much higher interest than their traditional counterparts — up to 12 times higher. Not all banks offer them, and not all have the same annual percentage yield (APY). Currently, SoFi has a sky-high APY of 4.6%, while Wells Fargo’s highest interest accounts only reach 2.51%. Carefully research the bank you’re using and read the fine print. High-yield accounts have a few drawbacks. Generally, you can’t make more than a few withdrawals a month. Few banks offer ATM cards for these accounts. They’re perfect
for carving off student loan debt but not for daily finances.
Once you’ve set up the account, it’s time to start saving. Deposit any extra cash from your loan payment into your high-yield account. When the grace period ends, you’ll have a savings account to keep up with your loan and its interest. Student loan debt is a huge hurdle for every college graduate, but you can pay your loans off with a little savvy planning. Keep the goal in mind whenever you make that monthly deposit. Soon, you’ll no longer count yourself among the millions of indebted Americans.
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