Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC - August/September 2021

Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC - August/September 2021

www.enkanter.com

Aug/Sept 2021

CAN YOU FIT THE WHOLE WORLD INTO ONE BOOK? WHAT I LEARNED FROM ‘A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING’

When I’m defending someone in court from a criminal charge or standing up for them against an insurance company, one of the most important things I can do is tell that person’s story. A drug dealer may not get much sympathy from the jury, but an older brother doing whatever he can to feed his siblings might. A woman who injured her hand in a car wreck may not seem to be too badly impacted — until you hear she’s an artist who can no longer hold a paintbrush. To win legal cases, you have to be creative, and you also have to be a great storyteller. The trouble is that it’s hard to fit a person’s entire life into a few minutes or hours in court! Since I’m so familiar with that challenge, I couldn’t resist picking up Bill Bryson’s book “A Short History of Nearly Everything.” If I have to work hard telling the story of a single person, can he really fit the whole world in one book? Incredibly, the answer is “Yes!” In 544 pages, Bryson covers everything from The Big Bang to fossils, thermodynamics, and the lives of Marie Curie and Charles Darwin. It’s full of science, history, and the best combinations of the two. The most amazing thing about the book for me was that it never became boring or difficult to read. Bryson is a wonderful writer, and he snuck in humor all over the page. Here are just a few fun facts from the book.

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Albert Einstein was rejected from two teaching jobs after discovering E = mc 2 . One of the founders of chemistry sniffed and tasted all of the new chemicals and elements he found. Eventually, one of them killed him! Charles Darwin had a famous feud with the man who coined the word “dinosaur.” If someone is hit by a meteor, they won’t pass away from the impact — the compressed air will poof them out of existence! The type of fish in fish sticks is constantly changing. We’ve been through at least four popular fish types so far, and you never know what’s coming next.

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If you’re at all interested in science, you’ll love “A Short History of Nearly Everything.” It makes all of the long-ago people and events seem real and up-close. As another reviewer put it on Amazon, “It is a must read for every human, as it hands you a feeling of bursting pride — being a participant in humanity’s great journey.” I learned a lot while reading the book, and I even laughed out loud! Most poignantly, it made me think. Humans are just a small part of the Earth’s history, but we’ve done so much good (and so much harm) during that time. Reading “A Short History of Nearly Everything” didn’t just give me insight into how to tell my clients’ stories

more effectively. It also reminded me that even though I’m only one person, I can make a big impact on the world. Like Einstein and Darwin, you and I have the opportunity to change things for the better, including ourselves. If clearing up a legal problem will help you do that, I’m here to help you and your family along the way. Call me today to learn how we can work together.

-Elliott Kanter

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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883

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DON’T THROW AWAY THOSE POOL NOODLES! 3 NOODLE HACKS YOU HAVE TO TRY AFTER POOL SEASON

You may only have a few more weeks of great pool weather left, so soak it up while you can! Afterward, you may find yourself taking stock of the pool toys that survived this season or notice an end-of-season sale on pool noodles. Don’t scoff! These fun pool toys can also be handy tools around the home.

your car won’t get dinged! Another easy way to protect your car is to attach pool noodles to the top of a vehicle’s luggage rack. This will prevent your cargo from scratching the top of your vehicle! (Just be sure to strap everything down so it doesn’t slide off.)

few months, but fingers and hair will be protected from those sturdy metal jaws.

RELIEVE PAIN

As we age, life takes its toll, so why not have a little cushion? A pool noodle is an easy solution for this. You can cut a pool noodle the length of your keyboard, and then cut it in half to create a soft and affordable wrist guard at your desk. Try the same method with ladder rungs to protect your knees and shins or cover handles with noodles for an easier grip! Need a few more noodle hacks in your life? Reader’s Digest has you covered. Check out their extensive list online at RD.com.

STOP THE PINCH

Check out these affordable life hacks that are all thanks to the common pool noodle.

Pool weather may be ending, but trampoline season is still in full swing. Despite how fun trampolines can be, they can be risky. But pool noodles can help relieve some of your fears. Simply measure the length of a single spring on your trampoline and cut pool noodles into same-length sections so you have one piece for every spring. Then, cut the noodle pieces lengthwise and fit them over the springs. You may need to replace the noodles every

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE

Create extra padding and prevent scratches and dings just by manipulating a few pool noodles. If you have a tight garage space, cut pool noodles lengthwise and slide them over garage beams, work benches, or other items that are frequently hit by your car door. The noodle will take the blow, and

ARE YOU TRAFFICKING DRUGS BY ACCIDENT? WHAT TO WATCH FOR WHEN CROSSING THE BORDER

THE SNEAKY SWAP In this scenario, the liar’s tactic is simple. Usually, they’ll ask if you will carry something across the border for them. Then they’ll either package the illegal drugs to look like something else or swap out the innocent items for methamphetamine, cocaine, or fentanyl when you aren’t looking. If the ruse is uncovered, you end up in jail while they get off free and clear. Here in California, drug smuggling carries a sentence of 26–43 years. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF The best way to protect yourself from living out this nightmare is to refuse to bring anything across the border for another person. This includes strangers, of course, but you should also be careful with acquaintances, coworkers, and even friends and family. If you don’t trust someone completely, say “no.” Hopefully, you will never be arrested at the border, but if you do end up facing drug smuggling or drug trafficking charges, call the Law Offices of Elliott Kanter right away. We specialize in drug smuggling charges at the Tijuana border and can help you make a case.

Imagine you’re driving through a checkpoint at the U.S./Mexico border. You’re doing nothing wrong, just going from Point A to Point B with a box of legal medication in the trunk for your coworker. But then, something unthinkable happens: The Customs & Border Protection (CBP) agents searching your vehicle open up the box and find methamphetamine inside. Suddenly, you’re under arrest for drug smuggling. A BAD DREAM COME TRUE This is a nightmare scenario, but unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more common on the California border with Mexico. You’ve probably seen the arrest in the news. Just a few months ago, NBC Los Angeles reported, “U.S. citizens were apprehended nearly seven times more often than Mexican citizens between October 2020 and March 31 [2021] for trying to smuggle drugs in vehicles.” But what you don’t see on TV is that oftentimes these drivers are duped by a friend, coworker, or acquaintance into believing they’re bringing perfectly legal items like money or medicine across the border. It could easily happen to you.

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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com

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KISS FUTURE CAR CRASH BILLS GOODBYE!

How good is your car insurance, really? Most people think that as long as they have liability insurance (the type of auto insurance that protects you in case you cause a car crash) they’re fully covered and ready to handle the worst. Maybe you feel that way, too. Unfortunately, liability insurance leaves a huge and dangerous coverage gap! WHAT’S THE POINT OF LIABILITY INSURANCE, THEN? Liability insurance is still a necessity. It will cover your assets so that you won’t be personally liable for a collision, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. But it isn’t enough. To really protect yourself and your wallet, you also need to purchase uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). WHAT IS UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE? This type of insurance will cover you if you’re in a car crash and get seriously injured by another driver who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have adequate coverage. It will also cover you if you’re struck by a vehicle while walking or riding your bike. Imagine this: Another driver causes an accident, leaving you with a broken leg or other serious injuries and more than $30,000 in medical bills. If that driver doesn’t have any insurance or enough insurance to pay for those bills plus lost wages and the pain and suffering that you incurred, you may indeed be responsible for the bills and not be compensated at all for your injuries. If you do have UM/UIM coverage, then you will be able to be compensated up to the limits of your insurance. HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU GET? Here in California you can purchase UM/UIM coverage equal to the limit of your liability coverage. The minimum the state mandates is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. It is recommended that you purchase as much liability and UM/UIM coverage that you can afford. With medical bills going higher every year, the minimum is not sufficient. It is suggested that you obtain at least $100,000 of coverage if not more. If you own a home or have significant assets, getting higher limits with an umbrella policy is prudent. To find out how good your car insurance really is, start by reviewing your auto insurance policy. Make sure your limits of liability are enough to cover your assets and that your UM/UIM policy limit is high enough to cover any significant injury. If you’re not sure whether you’re fully covered, reach out to our office for advice.

SUMMER VEGETABLE GREEK SALAD

Inspired by CookieAndKate.com

INGREDIENTS For the vinaigrette: •

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1 small cucumber, seeded and chopped 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled Optional protein choices: 1 cup cooked chickpeas or 6 oz Genoa salami

2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp dried oregano

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1/2 tsp honey

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

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For the salad: •

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

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DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, honey, and salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until well combined. 2. In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta (as well as the chickpeas or salami, if desired). 3. If you plan to serve all the salad at once, drizzle the dressing over the salad to lightly coat, then toss to combine. Otherwise, store the vinaigrette and salad separately, then dress each portion before serving.

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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883

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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC 2445 Fifth Ave., #350 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1883

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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ELLIOTT REVIEWS ‘A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING’

SAVE YOUR POOL NOODLES FOR AN EASIER LIFE ARE YOU TRAFFICKING DRUGS BY ACCIDENT? SUMMER VEGETABLE GREEK SALAD KISS FUTURE CAR CRASH BILLS GOODBYE!

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ARE YOU READY FOR APPLE SEASON?

APPLE SEASON BEGINS!

Throughout many of the northern states, August is a big month because it’s the start of apple season! Orchards begin to harvest their early season crop, and many varieties of apples are starting to ripen and will continue to do so throughout the fall. As these apples ripen, many orchards invite guests to their grounds to pick fruit and enjoy a day outdoors. Here are three orchards that are well worth the trip! STRIBLING ORCHARD, MARKHAM, VIRGINIA Situated near the Shenandoah River in the hills of Virginia, this orchard has a rich history that goes back to the founding of the United States. As you pick apples, you can enjoy learning about the orchard’s past. Guests are also invited to bring a picnic as they harvest their bounty. Learn more at StriblingOrchard.com . KIYOKAWA FAMILY ORCHARDS, PARKDALE, OREGON Tucked away in the Hood Valley just north of Mount Hood in Oregon, Kiyokawa boasts the largest U-Pick orchard in the valley and offers exceptional scenery for apple (and pear) pickers! There are many apples to choose from, but there are also fruit stands that sell cider, honey, and jam. Find out more at KiyokawaFamilyOrchards.com .

BRIGHTON WOODS ORCHARD, BURLINGTON, WISCONSIN This orchard features several varieties of apples, so it’s open well throughout the season. Their website even breaks down their apple varieties and lets visitors know the best times to stop by in order to pick the apples they want most! Check out all the selections at BrightonWoodsOrchard.com . A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME If you can’t make it to one of these three locations, why not see if there’s a local orchard that lets you pick your own apples or buy a fresh bundle? Before you go on your apple-picking adventure, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind.

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It’s great for the whole family!

Pick the apples, but don’t shake the branch.

• Set the apples gently in your carrier of choice so you don’t bruise the fruit! • Apples on the outer branches ripen first.

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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com

Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com