The Bledsoe Firm - November 2020

The Bledsoe Firm - November 2020

The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 NOVEMBER | 2020

1920 to 2020: T he E volution and I mpact of T elevision

For decades, people have been watching television for entertainment, education, and news. World Television Day, celebrated on Nov. 21, aims to highlight the impact TV has had over the past 100 years. Technology has changed dramatically since the 1920s, and this holiday gives us a chance to take a look at just how far TV and video consumption has evolved. It all started with the Baird Model B. The 1920s mark the era of the first televisions in the world, including the Baird Model B and the Octagon television. These looked similar to old-fashioned radios, but they had a small display screen on the front of the device. Though they were considered a huge leap at the time, their poor video and audio quality could make many who are living in 2020 wonder how anyone could see anything on those tiny screens.

and 3D advancements far outpaced the TV’s meager beginnings. Flatscreens and thinner TVs became the next big thing, leading to the release of the Wallpaper TV, which is only slightly thicker than a credit card. Still, more changes are yet to come. In the 2020s, TVs will continue to evolve, bringing better quality and designs into homes and workplaces with the rollable TV and the double-sided TV. However, these advancements are only part of video media consumption. Phones, laptops, and tablets have also become TVs in their own right, allowing people to watch movies, shows, cartoons, and videos wherever they are in the world. TV is more than a source of entertainment; it’s a symbol of communication and globalization. With all the advancements that have been made, TVs enable access to news in a way people have never experienced before. People have never been as connected with the entire world as they are now. You can find out almost instantly what is happening in other parts of the world — a news report can be shared thousands of times within an hour after release.

When the United Nations held the first World Television Forum in 1996, it was to discuss the significant impact of TVs. With access to so much information, people were understanding the world far better, becoming more aware of social injustice as well as movements toward peace and security, and focusing more on economic and social problems. The United Nations realized just how powerful TV is and dedicated Nov. 21 as a day to spread awareness and celebrate this impact. In a way, whenever you turn on your TV, open your phone, or hop on your computer to enjoy a movie or check the news, you’re observing World Television Day — you just didn’t know it. This month, be aware of exactly what the TV has done in the past century and continue its celebration by sharing your favorite form of video media. —John Bledsoe

As TVs developed, video and audio quality became better, and screens grew in size. Many TVs in the 1940s used projectors to make the pictures bigger. Eventually, grayscale imaging began transitioning to color in the late 1960s. In the following decades, TV design, overall quality, and availability skyrocketed. During the 2000s, TVs began to function as more than just TVs and could connect to a computer and the internet. Moving into the 2010s, 4K, LED,

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BORED ON THANKSGIVING? PLAN A MOVIE MARATHON! Thanksgiving Flicks for the Whole Family

A fter a giant Thanksgiving meal, it can be tempting to sink down onto the couch and never get up — so embrace it! This Thanksgiving, try planning a family movie night to enjoy while the turkey settles. Movie nights are about as low maintenance as family hangouts can get. According to Elle magazine, actress Angelina Jolie credits family flick marathons for helping her survive quarantine with six kids at home. Her secrets to success are comfortable clothes like pajamas and robes, along with plenty of movie snacks. This Thanksgiving, plan your marathon around these holiday-themed films. 1. ‘Free Birds’ — This hilarious 2013 animated film stars Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson as turkeys who have escaped the Thanksgiving table. Together, they go on a mission back in time to break up the first Thanksgiving and get turkey off the menu for good. 2. ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ — This old-school television special from 1973 is a Thanksgiving classic. In it, Charlie Brown and Snoopy navigate football, an ever-growing

Thanksgiving guest list, and a backyard feast of junk food.

3. ‘Garfield’s Thanksgiving’ — Everyone loves Garfield, and this 1989 television special starring Jon, Odie, and the fat cat himself is another Thanksgiving mainstay. The vet puts Garfield on a diet at the worst possible time: right before Thanksgiving. 4. ‘An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving’ — This 2008 period drama is based on a short story by Louisa May Alcott and tells the tale of an estranged family who find themselves back together just in time for the holidays. It’s historical, heartwarming, and fit for all ages. 5. ‘A Family Thanksgiving’ — This Hallmark comedy is a funny combination of “A Christmas Carol” and “17 Again.” A high-powered lawyer is transported to an alternate universe and gets a look at what her holiday life could have been like if she’d made different choices.

With these five films on your watch list, you won’t need any other Thanksgiving entertainment!

N avigating C o -P arenting W ith a N arcissist E x Being the Best Co-Parent You Can Be

Parenting after divorce requires a coordinated effort from both parents. If either parent is uncooperative, it can make things difficult for the child. This is even more of a struggle if one parent has a personality disorder, such as narcissism. Narcissistic traits provoke conflicts and make it difficult to create the healthy environment that children need. Depending on the severity of the situation, these negative experiences can cause lifelong mental health problems for children. You should seek therapy for your children if your co-parent is a narcissist. How to Deal With Your Ex-Spouse in School Issues If you have school-aged children, it’s likely that your ex will attempt to create issues at your child’s school, which can become a stage for your ex’s attention-seeking behaviors. Your ex-partner will be fighting a one- sided battle to appear as the “better parent.” The best thing you can do is control your temper and think strategically to calmly sidestep conflict. Don’t allow yourself to “compete” and avoid debating them at all times. How to Deal With Them During Your Child’s Activities Minimize contact to prevent situations that feed the narcissistic tendencies. If your child has an assignment or activity that is due next week, plan to help your child complete the task without expecting help from your co-parent. On the occasion where you must be in contact with them, be very precise and neutral in your tone. Any willful

misinterpretation of your words by your ex-partner can lead to a fight that may further affect your child’s mental health.

When to Expect the Worst Expect a lengthy battle in family court. A narcissistic ex-partner is likely

to be on their worst behavior during the separation process. Be especially prepared when you are in front of a judge, because this is a likely place for a narcissistic partner to display their negative tendencies. Focus on any self-care you need to be emotionally sound and resilient as you deal with the process. A Final Word Stick to neutrality and minimize contact. Get your children and yourself into therapy. Hire the best family law attorney you can. Do all of the above, and you’re well on your way to doing your best to co-parent with a narcissistic ex-partner after a divorce.

For more informative articles like this one, be sure to visit our blog at JustFamilyLaw.com/family-law-expert-blog!

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W ord S earch Cobbler Cranberry

DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOURSELF S elf -C are D uring the H oliday S eason During the holiday season, many of us try to do too much in a short period of time. We add obligations to our normal, everyday duties, and it can be overwhelming. This can be even more true for people who are co-parenting, which often causes added stress. To combat this stress, follow these pointers to help keep you grounded during this hectic time of year. Take time to breathe. You don’t have to agree to every task or invitation that comes your way. Remind yourself that many engagements during the holidays are optional. Take control of your day by saying no and taking breaks when you need to. When you don’t take time for yourself, you put yourself at risk mentally and physically. For example, continuous stress can elevate your blood pressure and lead to heart problems. The American Heart Association states that heart attacks most commonly occur in December and January. There are 33% more coronary episodes during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. When you feel overwhelmed, step away from the rush. Designate a quiet place where you can take a 10–20-minute break. During this break, smartphone apps like Calm or Headspace, which guide users in meditation or breathing exercises, can be helpful. These exercises can do wonders to change your state of mind during a busy day. Get moving. One of the best ways to reduce stress and keep yourself grounded is to engage in more physical activity. Exercising regularly is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself during this time of year. It helps keep you in shape, reduces stress, elevates your mood, and helps you manage feelings of anger and anxiety. The hard part is making it a habit. Researchers at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, found that taking a break from exercising for even a few days or a week reduces the mental benefits of exercise. Set aside 30 minutes a day to move, and you’ll be feeling better all season long. Just remember: Commitment is key. While managing stress is crucial, you also don’t want to lose sight of what matters most. For many of us, that’s family. During the rush of the holidays, it’s easy to overlook your loved ones. Make time to tell stories around the dinner table or play board games.

Election Football Novel Sagittarius Thanksgiving Topaz Turkey Veterans Voting Windy

LUXURIOUS VEGAN CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Inspired by WellPlated.com

Making chocolate mousse with avocados may sound strange, but we promise it’s a match made in heaven! This sinfully delicious recipe is a great holiday treat.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup almond milk • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1–3 tsp maple syrup, to taste • Fresh berries, for garnish

• 4 oz vegan dark chocolate, chopped • 2 large avocados, pitted and skinned • 3 tbsp cocoa powder

DIRECTIONS

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate. Heat in 15-second intervals, then stir and repeat until melted. Set aside to cool. 2. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooled chocolate and other ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding additional sweetener as desired. 3. Scoop into glasses and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Top with berries and serve!

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Inside

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Celebrate World Television Day

5 Thanksgiving Movies for the Whole Family

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Co-Parenting With a Narcissist Ex

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself — Especially Now

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Luxurious Vegan Chocolate Mousse

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Building a Blanket Fort 101

BUILD HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT W ith the P erfect B lanket F ort

After months spent stuck at home, it’s no surprise your kids are going stir- crazy. Old toys get stale, new toys are expensive, and there’s only so much backyard-adventuring they can do as colder weather moves in. So, how can you keep your kids freshly entertained? Build an excellent blanket fort! Choose the space wisely. A smart fort-building space isn’t always what's easy or predictable. Living rooms and bedrooms are go-to spots, but take a look around your different rooms and consider how they might provide better building opportunities. For example, your dining room table can provide the support you need to build a massive fort. The long hallway leading to the bedrooms means the fort can have tunnels attached to it. You can even build in the attic, where the fort might not have to be temporary. Go for a space that’s fun and unique, even if it means it’s in your way for just a little while. Build it right. A fort ceiling needs to stay above your kids’ heads where it belongs. They don’t need standing room, but they do need something they can move through freely. Always remember to counterbalance by using lighter sheets on top and heavier blankets on the bottom to weigh everything down. If you add a blanket to one side, add a similar blanket to the opposite side. Also

attach blankets to stationary items like doorknobs or furniture legs. If you’re stumped, string up a line of rope to serve as the stable center of your fort.

Make it comfortable. If you take the time to construct a fort that has multiple purposes, your kids are less likely to get bored with it. When they’re all played out, encourage some quiet time in the fort with tablets and laptops for cordless entertainment. String up lights on the ceiling of the fort to provide hands- free light for reading. When it comes to comfort, spare no expense. Couch cushions, pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags are all fair game. You may even get an impromptu nap out of your kids if you do it right.

Forts can be magical places for imagination and hours of entertainment. All it takes is a little creativity and some dedication!

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