Check out our July newsletter!
July 2026
(314) 961-5678 | becklawmo.com
Celebrate Independence Day the Missouri Way BIG FIREWORKS, SMALL-TOWN CHARM, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
When the Fourth of July rolls around, even the busiest among us are reminded to step outside, look up at the sky, and appreciate what makes this country and our communities so special. And here in Missouri, we don’t do Independence Day halfway. Right here at home, Celebrate St. Louis is shaping up to be something truly unforgettable. Set against the iconic Gateway Arch and riverfront, you can sing along to live music, feast on incredible food, and experience fireworks that have earned national recognition. This year also ties into “Celebrate 250,” marking America’s 250th birthday with a massive drone show featuring 1,500 drones lighting up the night sky. Add in a city-wide parade, which will be the 142nd edition, kicking off at 4 p.m. at Market and 14th Street heading east, ending at Market and Broadway. All this combined, and you’ve got one of the Midwest’s biggest and most meaningful celebrations, all open to the public. If you’re up for a road trip, Missouri offers no shortage of charm and character. Down in Rich Hill, the Famous for the 4th celebration delivers a nostalgic, small-town experience that’s hard to beat. I’m talking carnival rides, an old-school vibrant parade, and a pie auction that once made the Guinness Book of World Records. It’s the kind of event where traditions run deep, and neighbors feel like family. Over at Parkville’s Fourth of July celebration , the festivities stretch from sunrise to nightfall. The day begins with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade full of local flair. From there, it’s a full lineup of family activities, live music, REFERRALS WELCOME Thank you for referring clients to us over the years. You will never be
and even a patriotic skydiving exhibition around 8:45 p.m. The evening wraps up with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. over the Missouri River, a perfect ending to a full day of celebration. Meanwhile, O’Fallon brings the energy with its Heritage & Freedom Fest. Running through the Fourth of July weekend, this event combines parades, carnival rides for every age, plenty of food, and live entertainment, including a performance by Kansas (yes, that Kansas that sings “Carry On Wayward Son”). Festival hours on July 4 are noon to 10 p.m., making it an easy, family-friendly option with plenty to see and do. And if you find yourself on the western side of the state, Kansas City hosts the beloved Stars and Stripes Picnic at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The grounds open at 3 p.m., and the fireworks (some of the largest in the city) should begin around 9:35 p.m. It’s a relaxed and meaningful way to celebrate with food, music, and a stunning view. No matter where you choose to celebrate this year, the Fourth of July is a reminder to pause, connect, and appreciate the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. From big-city spectacles to small-town traditions, Missouri offers something for everyone, and I, for one, wouldn’t want to spend it anywhere else.
embarrassed by a referral to our office. We’re always available to lend a helping hand to anyone with any legal need. Just give us a call at (314) 961-5678 or visit us at BeckLawMO.com .
-Paul Beck
becklawmo.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
Once Overlooked, Now in Demand Experience Is Becoming the Workplace Superpower
The Power of Age Diversity Businesses are seeing the benefits of mixed-generation teams where different strengths come together. Experienced employees provide guidance and stability, while younger colleagues contribute digital skills and fresh ideas. This balance creates more innovative and productive workplaces. The Impact of Dependability Retention is a major concern for many employers, and this is another area where more experienced workers stand out. They tend to stay longer, show strong commitment, and bring consistency to their roles. By reducing job turnover, stable older workers save companies time, money, and resources.
Not long ago, the workplace generally pushed aside experience in favor of youth and speed. Now, many employers are realizing they underestimated one of their greatest assets. As workplaces face constant change and widening talent gaps, older workers are emerging as a strategic advantage rather than a backup plan. Experience That Delivers Results Older workers bring something no crash course can teach: lived experience. Years in the field sharpen judgment, improve decision-making, and reduce costly errors. They’ve handled challenges before, which means they often solve problems faster and more effectively. That kind of reliability can directly impact a company’s bottom line.
Breaking Outdated Stereotypes The idea that older workers can’t keep up with technology is fading. Many actively learn new tools and adapt to modern demands. Their willingness to grow challenges long-held assumptions and proves that learning doesn’t stop with age. A Smarter Workforce Strategy Rethinking the role of older workers is about both fairness and smart business practices. Companies that value experience alongside innovation build stronger and more resilient teams. Age is not a drawback; it is a competitive advantage.
The Strange Beauty of Victorian Insect Fashion WHEN JEWELRY CRAWLED
Jewelry made from insects? At first glance, the idea sounds like something out of a dream … or maybe a nightmare. But in the Victorian era, it wasn’t unusual at all. It was fashionable and admired. This fascination didn’t come out of nowhere. As cities grew and industry expanded in the 19th century, people grew more distant from nature while becoming more captivated by it. Instead of experiencing it directly, they collected and
that trembled slightly to give the illusion that the insect might take flight at any moment. Then came the trend’s more unusual sides. Rumors spread and stretched over time about women attaching live insects to their outfits and letting them move freely as part of the look. It’s tough to know how often that really happened, but even the idea of it is telling. Jewelry wasn’t about simply looking pretty; it was supposed to be noticeable and entertaining.
displayed butterflies and pressed plants, and incorporated natural elements into jewelry. Jewelers worked with everything from beetle shells to crafted gold replicas to mimic the shimmer and structure of wings and bodies. Some pieces featured iridescent green beetle wings stitched into fabric or set into necklaces. Others incorporated movement, with spring-mounted wings
Of course, not everyone admired the trend. Critics found it unsettling and
grotesque, mocking it in magazines. Still, it remained popular, helped along by global trade. Looking back, insect jewelry sits at a fascinating crossroads of art, science, and ethics. It reflects a time when beauty and curiosity sometimes blurred into exploitation, and it taps into the human desire to hold onto nature, even as it slips further away.
2 | (314) 961-5678
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
Most landmarks just sit there, looking impressive while attracting tourists from around the world. The Eiffel Tower, however, secretly changes shape when no one’s paying attention. On hot summer days in Paris, this iconic structure actually grows taller. It sounds like something out of a science fiction story, but it’s just physics at work! Here’s what’s happening: The tower is made of iron, and like most metals, it reacts to heat. When temperatures rise, the particles in the metal start moving faster and spreading out. Scientists call this thermal expansion . That tiny movement, multiplied across thousands of metal pieces, makes the entire structure grow a little taller. However, this change isn’t dramatic, and you wouldn’t even notice it. The difference is usually just a few millimeters at any given time, though the difference between winter and peak summer can reach around 10– 15 centimeters. Still, for a structure that already towers over the city, it’s enough to make engineers pay attention. It gets even more interesting. The sun doesn’t heat the tower evenly. One side warms up more than the others, The Eiffel Tower Grows WHEN PARIS HEATS UP …
TAKE A BREAK
Barbecue Baseball
Cycling Fishing
Fireworks Ice Cream Independence Park Ruby Shade Stargazing Vacation
Flank Steak Tacos
Salad • 1 tsp paprika Ingredients
• 1 lb flank steak • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 small red onion, finely diced • 1/3 cup cilantro • 1 ripe avocado, diced • 1 tbsp lime juice • 8 small flour tortillas
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp chili powder • 1/2 tsp dried oregano • 1/4 tsp onion powder • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 tsp sea salt, divided
which means it expands slightly more on that side. As a result, the whole tower leans just a little away from the sun and traces an arc throughout the day. What’s wild is that this was never a flaw, as the tower was designed to handle it. Gustave Eiffel and his engineers were aware that metal moves, so they built flexibility right into the structure.
Directions 1. Heat grill to medium heat. 2. In a small bowl, combine first 7 seasoning ingredients with 1/2 tsp sea salt. 3. Brush steak with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle seasoning mixture on both sides. 4. Grill steak for 2–4 minutes per side. 5. Remove steak from grill and let it rest. 6. In a bowl, stir together 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, onion, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice. 7. Heat flour tortillas on the grill. 8. Slice the grilled flank strip into 1/4-inch strips. Assemble your tacos and enjoy!
So, the next time you picture the Eiffel Tower rising over
Paris, remember that it’s not frozen in place like a postcard!
becklawmo.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
Free 24/7 Legal Hotline (573) 203-5880 Call us with ANY legal issues. If we can’t help, we’ll connect you with a lawyer who can.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
(314) 961-5678 | becklawmo.com
8770 Rose Avenue St. Louis, MO 63144
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Summer Nights Done Right
1 2
Experience Is King in Today’s Job Market
The Rise of Insect Jewelry in the 19th Century
Flank Steak Tacos
3
Did You Know The Eiffel Tower Gets Taller in the Summer?
The Hidden Therapy in Your Kitchen
4
Chop, Stir, and Breathe Turn Everyday Cooking Into Mindfulness
Most of us walk into the kitchen on autopilot, hungry, distracted, and already thinking about what’s next. However, every now and then, we notice the rhythm of chopping, the way steam curls up from a pan, or the simmer of a pot. These are moments of mindfulness hidden in plain sight. No wonder research suggests that cooking goes beyond feeding a hungry stomach and can nurture your mind, helping you feel grounded, present, and emotionally balanced. Cooking as a Sensory Experience Mindfulness is all about engaging with the present moment, and cooking naturally pulls you there. The scent of garlic hitting a hot pan, the texture
of dough under your hands, and the colors of fresh vegetables are all sensory triggers that draw your attention away from distractions and into the “now.” A Moment for You and Your Thoughts Unlike passive activities, cooking gives your mind something structured yet creative to focus on. Following a recipe or experimenting with flavors provides a sense of direction, which can be especially calming during overwhelming moments. Studies show that this kind of focused activity can ease anxiety and improve emotional regulation, offering a steady anchor when thoughts feel scattered.
A Sense of Accomplishment Turning ingredients into a finished dish can be incredibly satisfying. That sense of completion after seeing, tasting, and sharing what you’ve made can boost confidence and elevate mood. Cooking becomes more than a task; it becomes a small, tangible success in your day! Good food and an accomplishment; it’s a win-win!
4 | (314) 961-5678
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator