MAY 2018 LOPEZ LAW
SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE C hallenge T eens to F ind T heir B liss
The month of May is a pretty big deal— especially in Indiana. In between April and June, we get a seemingly nonstop parade of holidays and excuses to celebrate: Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and of course, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. As one of the busiest months of the year approaches, I’d like to offer the following advice: Have as much fun as you can in this short life. Personally, I’m looking forward to enjoying backyard barbecues with my wife and daughter, taking my mother out for some fine dining, and hopefully making it to a couple of practice days at the Speedway. While joy is a worthwhile goal, however, it should never be pursued at someone else’s expense. I believe it’s important to treat everyone you encounter with respect and humility. This is easier said than done, and when I need a little reminder of our common humanity, I like to reflect on a quote that’s frequently (mis)attributed to either Plato or Philo of Alexandria: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” This is sound advice, regardless of the source. If you’re having a good time in the month of May, try your best to do it in a way that doesn’t spoil anyone else’s fun. And if you’re FROM THE DESK OF Marc Lopez
The two words parents fear most during the summer are probably “I’m bored.” School vacation boredom can set in quickly — a National Citizen Service survey found that teens run out of activities just 18 days into summer break. What’s a busy parent to do with a houseful of restless kids? Your best bet might be to turn the tables and challenge your teen to an activity that will help them learn and grow. There are opportunities everywhere to stave off boredom. Put your faith in your teen, and let them stretch their wings. They’ll learn self-reliance and resourcefulness in the process, and they might even discover an unknown passion. Encourage your teen to get involved in the community, test out their dream job, or check out local history. Here are a few ways you can get them started.
enjoying yourself so much that the police arrive on the scene, always remember to plead the Fifth. Be well, and do well.
DECLARE INDEPENDENCE DAY
Your teen craves more independence, so why not give it to them? Assign them a task for the day — say, getting the groceries — and the tools they need to complete it (cash and a grocery list). Let them fulfill their desire to be independent while helping you out! By entrusting them with these duties, you’ll demonstrate your faith in them, and they’ll gain confidence by completing their task.
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BECOME A HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARIAN
EXPLORE LOCAL CULTURE
DEVELOP A GREEN THUMB
There’s a treasure trove of culture in your community if you know where to find it. Challenge your teen to explore local culture. This could include visits to a restaurant that serves food they’re unfamiliar with, checking out a museum, or even meeting up with a friend from school they don’t normally hang out with.
Do you live near a local farm or community garden? This might be an opportunity for your kids to give back to the community while learning more about where food comes from and how it’s grown. They’ll put some of their energy to good use as they help weed and harvest crops. Encourage them to reach out and get involved. Getting in touch with their green thumb can be a rewarding experience. If your teen doesn’t already have an internship, the summer could provide the perfect opportunity to shadow a job. Are they set on going to law school? Curious about design and computer science? Encourage them to reach out to local businesses to see if they can job shadow an employee for a day. It’s also a good way for them to improve their communication skills and learn how to interact with professionals. They’ll explore some of their passions and perhaps find new ones. SHADOW THEIR DREAM JOB
Does your town have a story? Encourage your teen to explore your town’s roots. Equipped with a phone, they can document their work with film or audio recordings. This may include interviewing local residents and searching through newspaper archives. Have them take a partner for this activity so they have safety in numbers (and a potential cameraperson). Has your teen expressed frustration with the way the government is run? Challenge them to do something about it! They can contact their local legislators, write letters, or learn about the bills that are up for vote. Even if they can’t vote yet, getting involved will help them feel part of the process and prepare them for when they can. During some of the most recent rallies, many of the mobilizers were teens. They have more influence than they realize. BECOME PART OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The Incredible Journey of Bobbie the Wonder Dog
continued throughout their stay, but time ran out, and the Braziers had to return home to Oregon without their beloved Bobbie. What the Braziers didn’t know was that Bobbie had been searching for his family as well. He may have been scared away, but he was determined to get back home. And so began his incredible journey. He turned his head west and began walking. And walking. With winter setting in, Bobbie had a monumental task ahead. Bobbie swam across numerous rivers. He trekked across the Great Plains and over the Rocky Mountains. While we will never know exactly what Bobbie endured, we know he made it home. Over 2,500 miles later, in February, 1924, a tired and beaten-down pup arrived home in Silverton, Oregon, to a stunned family. Bobbie the Wonder Dog’s story made national headlines. He received a medal and the key to the city, and he became a silent movie star in the film “The Call of the West.” Today, you can visit Bobbie’s memorial near his home in Oregon.
Imagine America in 1923. Yankee Stadium opened its doors for the very first time. Walt and Roy Disney founded The Walt Disney Company. The first issue of Time magazine hit newsstands. President Warren G. Harding died of a heart attack in office, and Vice President Calvin Coolidge became the 30th president. And Bobbie the Wonder Dog trekked 2,550 miles to return home. Of all the stories to come out of 1923, Bobbie’s may be the most incredible. It all started with a road trip. The Brazier family of Silverton, Oregon, decided to take a road trip to visit relatives in Wolcott, Indiana. Mom, Dad, their two daughters, and their Scotch collie piled in the family Overland Red Bird touring car and headed across preinterstate- highway-system America. Several days later, after the Braziers had settled in with their Wolcott relatives, Bobbie the Scotch collie was attacked by a pack of dogs. The dogs scared Bobbie away, and despite a long search around Wolcott, the family was unable to find any trace of the collie. The search
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Have you ever come across an article claiming you shouldn’t drink cold water? According to some sources, ice water and other iced beverages are harmful to your health. But is there any truth to it? Let’s look at the three most commonly cited reasons: • Drinking cold water causes blood vessels to restrict, which decreases circulation, so your body is unable to digest nutrients and water as effectively as it otherwise would. • Cold drinks turn certain fats solid after consumption. These solid fats are harder to digest, and fats are crucial to the absorption of certain fat-soluble nutrients. • Cold water weakens the immune system. It triggers mucus production and strains your immune system, which makes you more susceptible to illness. There is some truth here. Drinking cold water does cause blood vessels to restrict. It can also cause some fats to turn solid. But that’s where the truth ends and the science gets a little shaky. There are no scientific studies that indicate drinking cold water is bad for you. May usually marks the end of Mother Nature’s cold-weather tantrums, and the sunshine tends to produce a noticeable jump in our collective enthusiasm for outdoor adventures. More adventures means more driving, and more driving—unfortunately—means more automobile collisions. MARC’S TIPS AND TRICKS 1. Put your phone away. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that nearly 400,000 people are injured each year due to distracted driving. 2. Don’t drive intoxicated. Having a drink and then driving is not against the law. It is against the law, however, to drive while in a state of intoxication, which significantly increases your chances of being involved in an accident. 3. Observe the speed limit . One-third of all fatal crashes involve at least one vehicle operating at excessive speed. Even with all of these precautions, collisions are bound to happen. When the inevitable occurs, you don’t want to get stuck paying out-of-pocket for someone else’s mistake. The next time someone hits your car, remember: 1. Take photos. Document the damage you’ve suffered, and try to do it as soon as possible. 2. Seek treatment. This is a good idea even if you lack physical symptoms. If something does come up later, not going to the doctor shortly after the accident can cause all sorts of other problems. 3. Watch what you say (and who you say it to). If you haven’t discussed your accident with your own attorney, don’t make any statements to the other driver’s insurance provider. These insurance people are crafty, and beneath their manners and pleasantries is an unmistakable agenda: to avoid paying you. Don’t fall for it. Is Cold Water Bad for You? SEPARATE FACT FROM FICTION Here are some easy steps you can take to increase your personal safety:
One important thing to keep in mind is body temperature. Your body is usually good at regulating its internal temperature. When you drink cold water, your body works to bring your temperature and circulation back to normal. By the time fat solids hit your digestive tract, they’ve softened up quite a bit, and your body will digest them normally. No matter what temperature you like your beverages, water does your body good. Plus, water is one of the best free weight loss tools around. When you replace all other beverages with water — cold, warm, or hot — your body feels full longer without added calories.
GRILLED RANCH POTATOES
Ingredients
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Ranch dressing for drizzling
2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/4 tablespoon extra- virgin olive oil
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Bacon bits (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 packet ranch seasoning
Directions
1. Heat grill to medium. In a large pan, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. 2. Skewer potatoes. (If using wood skewers, be sure to soak in water an hour before grilling.) Grill until tender and lightly charred, about 15 minutes. 3. Drizzle with ranch and garnish with chives and bacon bits.
Recipe inspired by Food and Wine Magazine
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Marc Lopez PAGE 1 Beat BoredomWith Our Summer Survival Guide PAGE 1 Bobbie the Wonder Dog’s Incredible Journey PAGE 2 Can Drinking ColdWater Hurt You? PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Grilled Ranch Potatoes PAGE 3 Gear Up for Grilling Season PAGE 4
GET YOUR GRILL ON 2 May Holidays, 2 Reasons to Grill Is there anything more American than grilling a burger outside on Memorial Day? This year, there’s another reason to fire up the grill that weekend: In addition to being Memorial Day, May 28 is also National Hamburger Day! Enjoy this delicious coincidence by heating up the grill, gathering the fixings, and making one of these tasty burgers at home.
THE CLASSIC BURGER
bun topped with marinated red peppers and arugula for flavor and texture. If you want to get extra fancy, pour a bit of balsamic reduction over the patty before adding the toppings.
Nothing beats the American classic: a seasoned beef patty, a slice of cheddar cheese, a squirt each of mustard and ketchup, a layer of crunchy lettuce, some thinly sliced onions, and a couple of zesty pickles. For a homemade touch, make the pickles yourself by soaking cucumbers in a brine of vinegar, dill, and salt.
THE PORTOBELLO BURGER
is the perfect creamy topping, and you can use grilled focaccia bread topped with garlic aioli. As you bask in the late spring weather and the inviting smell of delicious food this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the Americans who gave their lives so we could enjoy these freedoms, and thank those who served.
For a delicious veggie burger even meat eaters will love, use a portobello mushroom as your patty. Remove the stems, then marinate the mushrooms for 15 minutes in a mixture of 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and a clove of minced garlic. Season the shrooms with salt and pepper, then place them on the grill just as you would any other burger. Gruyere cheese
THE MEDITERRANEAN BURGER
Take your patty to the next level with a Mediterranean twist. Mix feta cheese and garlic into your ground beef before forming your patties. Serve it on a grilled ciabatta
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