Brooks & Crowley - April 2022

Brooks & Crowley - April 2022

Review Brooks & Crowley

April 2022

781-251-0555

www.brooksandcrowley.com

439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026

*Services Throughout Massachusetts

KNOWING YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY Helps You Understand Where You Came From

I went to a dinner once where the speaker was Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough. He spoke about the importance of knowing your family’s history. As a person who researches people, families, and events for a living, he has seen that family stories can die if they are not passed on. The only way for the next generation to know those stories is for the current generation to share them. History is life from one generation to another. He said, “You are your history,” so share it with your family. No matter your circumstances, share the stories so people can learn from them. If you’re too busy in the here and now, you can forget the everyday lessons that are playing out in all of our lives every day. Not just the big moments, but the everyday moments.

that centered around the invasion of Pearl Harbor. My dad told me that he had two cousins who had enlisted in the Navy and died during the attack. I later Googled their names, and sure enough, it was true. Here were two events that everyone in the world knows about, and the family involvement was never mentioned. Granted, they were tragic events. I wondered why I’d never heard these stories before. I understand why I never heard about my Great-Aunt Katherine and my father’s cousins. My parents had other things that required their attention. But I’m glad I know more about my family’s history. I like learning more about where I came from, and how it has shaped me into the person I am today.

Since the night of McCullough’s speech, I have made an effort to share our family’s history with my children, so they know where we came from.

This has happened in my family. One time, my father and I were chatting. The day

happened to be April 15, 2011, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. I remember the date because there was a front page

As people get older, the history of our ancestors and past generations gets lost unless

article in the newspaper that day. My father and I were talking about it in passing when he casually mentioned that his aunt, Katherine Crowley, had been a passenger on the Titanic and lived.

you have conversations about it. That’s one of the reasons I traveled to Ireland to visit my family. Your family’s

history is essential, and it’s what makes

you you. Sharing stories and experiences with one

I had never heard this before. At the time, my

another helps you keep a lasting legacy and preserves

father was 88 years old and my daughter of the same name — Katherine Crowley — was 9 years old. I was blown away. I couldn’t help but think that this information should have come up before. But that’s not the only one. Another time, several years later, my dad and I were watching an episode of the TV show “The Waltons”

the stories of your family.

So take the time to talk to your relatives and discover something new. You never know what you will find out — I know I was surprised!

–Neil Crowley

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WITH TIPS FROM ‘CHATTER’ Take Your Internal Pep Talks Up a Notch

You probably know about the benefits of positive self-talk, but have you mastered it? If not — or if you’ve never heard that phrase — “Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It” by Ethan Kross may be the most important book you read in 2022. Positive self-talk is something most of us engage in daily. It’s the “you can do this” nudge you give yourself to combat dark thoughts like

“Chatter” is an exception to the rule, perhaps because it was written by an actual psychologist! Leaning heavily on scientific research and engaging case studies, Kross offers concrete tips for reducing negative thoughts (what he calls “chatter”) and giving your self-confidence a boost. One of his biggest tips, which drives a big chunk of the book, is the importance of creating “mental distance” during your internal pep talks. Mental distance is exactly what it sounds like — stepping back mentally from your worries and problems so you can gain a new perspective. Kross goes over several ways to do this, including trying to “look back” at your current situation from one, five, or 10 years later; comparing this hurdle to tougher ones in your life; and shifting your internal monologue to third person so you can try talking to yourself as if you were your own friend. With these strategies, we can transform our thoughts, rather than avoid them. Of course, those suggestions just scratch the surface of what’s offered in the book. Kross also goes over how to help your friends, colleagues, and employees eliminate chatter, and howmastering your inner voice will help you thrive under pressure. The magazine Inc. named “Chatter” one of the “4 Business Books That Will Accelerate Your Success In 2022” — don’t miss it.

“I don’t know what I’m doing” and “no one will take me seriously” before a big presentation. But few resources give you precise strategies for how to engage in positive self-talk effectively so you can make those negative impulses go away.

Then Try Watching This If You Like This TV Show

If you like ‘Criminal Minds,’ then try ‘Mindhunter.’ If your favorite part of “Criminal Minds” was the criminal profiling, then you will love Netflix’s original series “Mindhunter.” Based on a book written by retired FBI profiler John E. Douglas, “Mindhunter” takes place in the 1970s as agents investigate the minds of convicted serial killers. The FBI agents then use this knowledge to help catch current criminals. Full of suspense and psychological thrill, “Mindhunter” will leave you wanting more after each episode. If you like ‘Friday Night Lights,’ then try ‘One Tree Hill.’ Do you like sports and drama? Then “One Tree Hill” is for you. This coming-of-age show follows multiple high schoolers as they try to handle family life, school, relationships,

The only bad thing about watching your favorite TV show is that you know it will eventually end, and it can be difficult to find more shows you can binge. Finding a new show involves trial and error — you never know what you’ll like until you give it a try! So, here is a list of three TV shows you can try to fill the void of your beloved TV show. If you like ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ then ‘Try New Girl.’ “New Girl” is similar to “The Big Bang Theory” in that it follows a group of friends as they navigate their everyday lives and relationships. The main character is Jess, who moves in with three single men after a bad breakup. Although the men find her behavior weird, they support her — most of the time. This show will have you laughing each episode, and you will fall in love with each character’s unique personality.

and sports. This show’s plot is full of twists and turns that will have you binge-watching all nine seasons. Because the show gained a huge following during its runtime — and the characters are still relatable even today — the creators and cast are considering a reboot! Finding a new series to watch can be challenging. But with some patience, you will be able to find your new favorite show in no time. Happy hunting!

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3 PRANKS THAT SEVERELY BACKFIRED APRIL FOOLS’ DAY GONE WRONG

April 1, aka April Fools’ Day, is when people love to pull pranks on one another. But if they’re not careful, pranks can end with a court case or jail time. Let’s take a look at a few April Fools’ pranks that have brutally backfired. Navistar Plant Shutdown In April 2021, Pamela Sisco texted her sister about an active shooter at Navistar Plant in Clark County. Her sister was frightened, and she called the authorities to let them know about the situation. The plant shut down after hearing about the incident because they thought it was a real threat. When officers were at the scene, they charged Sisco with inducing panic and disrupting

won the contest, and when she went to pick up her brand-new car, the DJ came out with a remote control toy car. They then went on air and laughed about how they fooled everyone. Castillo hired an attorney and sued the radio station for $60,000 — the cost of a new Hummer. Practical Joke at Work Creates a Law Glenn Howlett was a services manager at London City Hall in London, Ontario, Canada. In 2004, he decided to take a vacation to relax and not think about work. His colleagues decided to tell him that a major project he was working on was due earlier than Howlett expected. So, he made his vacation short and decided to return to work to finish his project. He became so stressed out that he began having heart palpitations and collapsed.

public services. This is a fifth-degree felony in Ohio, and she was sentenced to a year in prison. Radio Contest Gone Wrong a contest in 2005. They told their listeners they could win a new Hummer if they tracked the number of miles of two Hummers as they drove around town. Shannan Castillo KBDS (103.9 FM) is a radio station in California that held

Afterward, he sued his now former employer for damages. As a result, the city passed a law prohibiting practical jokes within workplaces. As you plan your pranks for April Fools’ Day, remember not to go too far with your jokes. Make them lighthearted and fun so everyone can laugh about them in the future.

Crostini With Ricotta, Peas, and Mint

INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?

Ingredients

directions

• 1 French baguette, sliced • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 tbsp and 1 tsp salt, divided • 1 lb English peas, fresh or frozen • 2 garlic cloves, smashed • 1 lb fresh ricotta cheese • Fresh mint leaves, sliced • Sea salt, to taste • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. On a large baking sheet, place baguette slices. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of salt. Bake for about 7 minutes, but do not brown. 1 tsp salt, then bring to a boil. Add peas and cook for 3 minutes. Drain peas and place them in ice bath. Cool for several minutes before draining. olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté drained peas with garlic until cooked through. The peas should still be firm, not mushy. 5. On a large platter, layer crostini with ricotta, peas, and a few slices of fresh mint. 6. Season each crostini with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. 3. In a medium pot, add water and 4. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tbsp

Get Neil Crowley’s comprehensive guide to Massachusetts car accident claims and expert advice you need to get your life back on track. Go to BrooksAndCrowley.com/reports to request your free copy!

Inspired by AheadOfThyme.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026 Inside THIS ISSUE

1 My Great Aunt Was on the Titanic

2 ‘Chatter’: Your Guide to Thriving Under Pressure

This Will Be Your New Favorite Show

3 Major April Fools’ Day Fails

Crostini With Ricotta, Peas, and Mint

4 April Events in Boston

What’s Going On, Boston? Tour Fenway Park This Month!

There are tons of fun outdoor activities you and your loved ones can go to this month. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few of our favorites.

Fenway Park Guided Tour Year-round Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St. MLB.com/RedSox/BallPark/Tours

Boston Marathon April 18

18 Main St., Town of Hopkinton BAA.or/Races/Boston-Marathon

Wouldn’t it be great to tour one of your favorite parks? Well, now you can! Fenway Park offers one-hour guided tours that you and your family can attend. This event is year-round, so you can go at any time you’d like. You and your loved ones will have the opportunity to explore the park’s historic grounds since it was established in 1906. You will also learn the history of the 109-year-old stadium, along with its famous team, the Red Sox. In addition, there are over 170,000 stadium artifacts and 150,000 photographs you’ll get to look at during your tour.

This marathon brings everyone outdoors — no matter what the weather feels like — to cheer on the runners. This marathon is a very popular sporting event that has been taking place in Boston for over 100 years. Each year, several athletes from around the world compete in this famous race. You can either watch the race or participate in it; the choice is yours! Some runners compete for the fastest time, some compete to raise money for charities, and others simply do it to try their best.

Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays April 21 Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St. MLB.com/RedSox Cheer on your Boston Red Sox at home as they play the Toronto Blue Jays. There’s nothing like going to a live baseball game with your friends and family. If you’re up to it, you can even tour Fenway before the game. How exciting would that be?

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