The Dark Side of the Internet

Protect Yourself From Online Scams and Digital Attacks 

In today’s digital age, online scams and cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, posing risks to everyday users. Let’s discuss how you can safeguard yourself from these digital attackers. Realize that the elderly are the most targeted group for online scammers, so be sure to alert your elderly loved ones so they are armed with the knowledge to protect themselves. Since I’m writing this article on May 4th, also known as “Star Wars Day,” I’ll refer to the bad guys as the “Dark Side.” May the Force be with you!

7 Tips to Protect Yourself From the Dark Side

Navigating the internet safely requires vigilance and knowledge about potential threats. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself from cyber threats and ensure your digital presence remains secure.

  1. Verify who you’re interacting with and confirm the identity of anyone asking for personal details online. Scammers often pretend to be from a trusted company. If you receive an email or message that looks suspicious or feels just a little off, contact that company directly using information from their official website.
  2. Create strong passwords. This is crucial. Your passwords should be long, unique, and include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common words or sequences that can be easily guessed. Additionally, use different passwords for different sites. A password manager can help you generate and manage secure passwords.
  3. Only click on links or attachments if you know who the sender is. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources can be dangerous. These can lead to fake websites designed to steal your information or install malware on your device. Never click a link sent to you via email or text without verifying that the sender is a real friend or company you are doing business with.
  4. Keep your software and devices updated. Regular updates help fix security vulnerabilities. Also, antivirus software should be used to protect against malware and other threats.
  5. Educate yourself about the types of scams that exist. These include phishing emails that ask for personal information or offer too-good-to-be-true deals. Being aware is your first line of defense.
  6. If you get a call from a bank, government agency, or even a child or grandchild asking for money or gift cards for any reason, tell the caller you will call them back. Hang up, call your child or grandchild directly, OR the bank or government agency, and find out if they were actually calling you. As an added measure, with your family, have a family “code word” that must be spoken out loud in the event of an emergency.
  7. MOST IMPORTANT: Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless it is from a reliable and vetted tech support company you have engaged proactively. This means you called the tech support line on the company’s website directly and initiated the request for support. Scammers will pretend they are from your bank and tell you they need to access your computer to resolve your account problem. Do not fall for it!

The Dark Side Won This Time, Now What?

Even after taking all these measures, sometimes the bad guys get away with it and scam you or a loved one. If you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, it’s important to act quickly. Immediately inform your bank or relevant service provider if you’ve shared any sensitive information. They can take steps to protect your account. You should also update your passwords right away, especially if you believe they may have been compromised. Again, ensure your new passwords are strong and unique. You may also want to report the scam to the alleged sender so they know someone is impersonating them and can take protective measures themselves. And, if applicable, report the scam to the relevant online platform or even the local police, consumer protection agencies, or internet crime complaint centers.

Rest Easy Knowing We Have Your Back

At Cris Carter Law, we don’t just give legal advice; we’re your trusted advisor for life. If you’ve been scammed, we can help you set up your affairs in such a way that there are layers of protection built in so it doesn’t happen again. If your elderly parents don’t have an estate plan in place – or it’s been a while since they had it reviewed – we are here for them, too. We can help them protect not only their data but also everything they want to pass on to you.

Mexican Street Corn Flatbread

Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1 lb. pizza dough, room temperature
  • 1/2 c. sour cream
  • 1/4 c. mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 c. corn kernels (preferably fresh)
  • 1 c. shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 c. (or more) crumbled cotija cheese
  • Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

  1. Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 425°. Lightly dust 2 baking sheets with flour.
  2. On a lightly floured work surface, divide dough into 2 balls. Stretch or roll each ball to a rectangle about 12″-by-6″. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
  3. In a small bowl, stir sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Remove 1/4 cup sauce and reserve.
  4. Divide remaining sauce between 2 flatbreads. Top flatbreads with corn, mozzarella, cotija, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
  5. Bake, rotating sheets from top and bottom after 10 minutes, until flatbreads are crisp on the bottom and browned and bubbling on top, 15 to 20 minutes. 
  6. Drizzle flatbreads with reserved dressing, sprinkle with cilantro and more cotija, if desired, and squeeze fresh lime juice on top. 
  7. Enjoy!

Delish – Mexican Street Corn Flatbread

5 Things To Do In Colorado In The Coming Months

As the days grow longer and the sun graces our beautiful Colorado landscape with its warmth, it’s time to shake off our tendency to hibernate and embrace all the wonderful activities Colorado has to offer. While ensuring your estate planning needs are in order is crucial, it’s equally important to enjoy life to the fullest. So, let’s dive into some fun things to do in Colorado this month! Luckily, the entire Front Range is full of activities for all people and personalities, offering a true playground of entertainment at our fingertips. Here are some of my favorite ideas for getting out of the house this month:

  • Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs: Did you know that, on average, about 4.5 MILLION people visit Garden of the Gods every year? That’s more than Yosemite, and on par with Yellowstone for visitation numbers. And we have this stunning gem right here in our own backyard. April is a perfect time to take a mini-road trip and admire these towering red rock formations before the number of visitors starts to skyrocket in the coming summer months. Learn more and plan your visit here.
  • Cherry Creek Regional Trail – Denver: If packing up the kids, the dog, extra water, granola bars, and hiking boots to head for the mountains feels like a daunting task, consider trying the Cherry Creek trail right here in Denver. This 45.5-mile trail winds through the city while still offering some of the beautiful sights of the state. The Cherry Creek trail’s two endpoints are the Platte River Trail at Confluence Park in Denver and south of SR 86 in Franktown. View the trail map here.
  • Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – Fort Collins: Fort Collins boasts a 16,000 sq ft interactive and immersive museum sure to delight the entire family. Originally forged from a partnership between the City of Fort Collins Museum and the nonprofit Discovery Science Center, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery focuses on “fun learning experiences that explore the interplay of science and culture” and offers a playground for the adventurous spirit. Adult tickets are $15, with youth/seniors/students being $12.50. Kids under 2 are free. Plan your visit and purchase tickets here.
  • Hot Springs – Find a hot spring near you: If you feel like you are still thawing out from the winter months, taking some time to soak in a steamy hot spring could be just what the doctor ordered! Colorado is home to numerous hot springs, all offering different views and amenities. Find the right hot spring for you and your tribe from this quick list of 30 Colorado Hot Springs: A Quick Guide.
  • The Denver Mint – Denver: There are only 6 United States Mint Facilities (4 production facilities, 1 bullion depository, and 1 headquarters) in the country, and one is right here in Colorado! The even better part… tours are free! Head to the Denver Mint to learn more about coin manufacturing and craftsmanship and the history of the mint. Learn more and plan your visit here.

Colorado Green Chile Ribs

While I am busy boasting about all of the fun activities that can be found along the Colorado Front Range, let’s take a moment and share a recipe submitted by a local Rocky Mountain home cook. See the full list of Colorado based recipes here.

Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds pork baby back ribs
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa verde
  • 3 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Additional minced fresh cilantro

Directions:

  • Cut ribs into serving-size pieces; rub with 1 tablespoon cumin. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown ribs in batches. Place ribs in a 6-qt. slow cooker.
  • Add onion to same pan; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until onion is tender. Add salsa verde, green chiles, broth, 1/4 cup cilantro, flour, garlic, cayenne, and remaining cumin to slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until meat is tender. Sprinkle with additional cilantro.
  • Enjoy!
Taste of Home: Colorado Green Chile Ribs

Lessons Learned in Care Giving

I recently had the opportunity to try on a new skill set due to circumstance, not choice. Luckily, exploring the role of caregiving opened my eyes to the intricate dance involving responsibility, compassion, and kindness. As I embarked on the journey of full-time (but thankfully short-term) caregiving, my mind kept reminding me, “You Are NOT a nurse; you NEVER EVER wanted to be a nurse! You are an attorney.” It became obvious to me that the skill set that had allowed me much success as an attorney throughout my life did not translate seamlessly into caretaking finesse.

So what did I do? I charged into this nursing role like I would any legal problem; like a warrior. I worked really hard, physically and emotionally, to be the best caretaker I could be. I worked hard to understand the medical terminology, communicate with doctors, nurses, and support staff, juggle medications, manage meals and physical care, and the list goes on and on. Could I nurse? Yes. Was I great at it? No. There were times when I felt I had done a task well, but face it, my bedside manner left a lot to be desired.

Talk about overwhelming! I searched for the lesson and the learning. What I found was a dose of humility and a profound respect for those who are caregivers. Only after I was nearing the end did I realize how much easier it would be next time. Let me share some tips and insights with you should you become a caretaker. From maintaining balance to self-care to strategies for providing the best care for your loved ones, I hope these tips provide insight, and perhaps support, for when you need it.

1. Create a Routine: A daily routine helps create a sense of security and predictability for the patient. This can also reduce the stress on caregivers.

2. Practice Self-Care: As a caregiver, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. Make sure to carve out time for yourself – whether that is exercise, reading, or simply taking a quiet moment to breathe.

3. Communicate Often: Keep the lines of communication open. Ask about your patient’s needs, their feelings, and any changes they may be experiencing. Don’t think you know it all, or that you know best. Listening to the patient can lead to better care and mutual respect. (Remember: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know!)

4. You are Not Alone: Ask for help. Realize that people don’t know what you need. Tell them what you need and ask for help. You will be surprised at the number of people that will say yes and offer to help. There are also support groups and community resources that can provide much-needed emotional support, as well as practical advice and resources.

5. Stay Organized: Keep track of medications, appointments, and important documents. Do not rely on your memory or the patient’s memory. Keep a notebook or use a phone app or other online tools to help manage all the details.

6. Learn About Your Patient’s Condition: Education is key. Attend appointments and ask questions. If your patient has a specific health condition, educate yourself about it. The more you understand their condition, the better you can manage their care.

7. Be Patient: Caregiving can be challenging and frustrating at times. Remember to be patient – with your loved one and yourself. It’s okay if everything doesn’t go perfectly. You’re doing your best. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. You’re not alone in this journey.

Spring Pea Pesto

Quick, easy, versatile, and deliciously vibrant! Use this as a dip, spread, or sauce for pasta. Welcome, spring!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups peas, either frozen and thawed- or use fresh English peas
  • 1/2 cup packed mixed herbs- mint, tarragon or dill
  • zest of one lemon
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced chives or green onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
Directions:In a food processor add peas, mixed herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives (or green onion), salt, pepper and olive oil.Pulse for a few minutes until the peas break down but are still textured.Serve immediately or store in the fridge for 3 days.Enjoy!
Feasting At Home: Spring Pea Pesto

Invest In Yourself

February, the month of love, is typically when we express our affection and adoration for others: our partner, children, parents, grandparents, and other special people. This year, I encourage you to honor that one very special person… YOU! Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is easy to get caught up with meeting the needs of others and overlook our own needs. When we do that, it is to our detriment. Make February a month that you take time to appreciate yourself. Do those special things for you! Pamper yourself. Fill your tank. You deserve it. Think: What is one thing you can do to show yourself some love? Now Think Again: What is one more thing you can do to show yourself? See how easy that can be.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic Valentine’s Day sweet – and the perfect option whether you intend to share them, or devour them all yourself!

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces milk chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • toothpicks
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves
Directions:

  1. Melt chocolate and shortening in a double boiler, stirring occasionally until smooth.
  2. Insert toothpicks into tops (stem ends) of strawberries. Hold a strawberry by the toothpick and dip it into the chocolate mixture.
  3. Turn the strawberry upside down and insert the toothpick into a Styrofoam block or place strawberry on a sheet of waxed paper; allow chocolate coating to cool. Repeat with remaining strawberries.
AllRecipes: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Don’t Let The Online Spooks Haunt You!

It has been exciting to welcome all things fall recently. However, this email is about things that may haunt you and cause you difficulties and suffering. So, pardon me if I get a bit more serious this go-round, as October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In our world, where many aspects of our lives are tied to our computers and online connection, our online safety has become more significant. Around the globe this month, a month-long campaign is waged to raise awareness about the ever-evolving cyber threats and the crucial measures individuals and organizations need to take to protect themselves against these risks.

Below are five easy tips to help keep you, your family, and your information safe online. I know you are busy. I know it is not easy. I know you think you have better things to do with your time. I also know innocent people, like you and me, who have been victims of cybercrime. Given what scammers and con artists can take from you if they get into your cyber world, the time and effort you take NOW can save you much more time, energy, money, and damages tomorrow.

Brains & Gains: The Importance of Brain Health

In an increasingly fast-paced and demanding world, the significance of maintaining optimal brain health cannot be overstated. Often dubbed as the body’s most intricate and essential organ, the brain serves as the command center for every facet of our existence, from decision-making and problem-solving to emotions and memories. As research continues to uncover the intricate interplay between lifestyle choices, mental well-being, and cognitive function, the imperative of preserving and enhancing brain health becomes all the more evident. Nurturing our brain’s vitality through mindful practices and informed choices is paramount to leading a fulfilling and cognitively empowered life.

I have shared below six tips for helping maintain brain health in your day-to-day life. These are easy to practice and will help your overall health, not to mention help keep your brain in tip-top shape.

Tips for Your July 4th Holiday Weekend

Make Sure You Have All Your Fourth of July Party Supplies

Whether you are heading out to your backyard, or getting together with family or friends, the Fourth of July holiday is the unofficial start to summer and backyard party season. Here is a quick checklist to make your Fourth of July planning easier. Make it even easier by asking others to help. 

Fourth of July Party Checklist

  • Folding table, picnic table, festive tablecloth & napkins (maybe even a centerpiece!)
  • Lawn Chairs, folding chairs, camp chairs, umbrellas, or shade tents
  • Paper or plastic plates, cups, and eating utensils
  • Plenty of fresh water; a water dispenser & a cooler
  • Smores sticks, marshmallows, chocolates, and graham crackers
  • Bug spray, sunscreen, citronella candles
  • Flags, party favors, fireworks
  • Sprinkler, pool, water guns
  • Music, playing device, portable speakers
  • Backyard games, cornhole, dodge ball, badminton, Twister, or cards
  • First Aid kit
  • Towels, blankets
  • Paper towels and cleanup supplies

Now that the party is underway plan for a SAFE 4th of July. Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe during the festivities.

4th of July Safety Tips

  1. Before using any fireworks, read the instructions and labels carefully.
  2. Designate one responsible adult to monitor and be responsible for all Fireworks. Ensure your firework handler wears protective eyewear when handling and igniting fireworks.
  3. Create a Safe Area where you plan to ignite the fireworks. Ensure that friends and family are at a safe distance away and that trees, shelters, or shrubbery are not in the trajectory of the fireworks.
  4. Know where your water source is should anything unexpected occur. Keep a filled bucket of water handy. (the dog will love that!)
  5. Keep a keen eye out for the kids and people that act like kids during the fireworks.
  6. Have everyone maintain a safe distance from the fireworks to protect them from potential harm.
  7. Trash fireworks that didn’t light. Don’t relight. Wait and then soak those fireworks in water before disposing of them properly.
  8. Protect Your Pets! If your pet doesn’t like the noise of fireworks, leave them at home. If you bring your pet with you, make sure they are cool and comfortable. Their paws are sensitive and burn on the hot pavement just like your hand would. If it is too hot to touch for 10 seconds, it is too hot for your pet.

Tiny Habits to Improve Your Life

One of life’s rewards is having great friends that are bright, successful, articulate, and full of valuable information. For those of you that don’t know Mary Kelly, I am pleased to introduce you to my friend, Mary. Mary is an international speaker and the author of 15 books on topics such as leadership, business, and economics. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy and devoting over 20 years on active duty in intelligence and logistics, she retired from the Navy as a commander. She has a master’s degree in history and economics, a Ph.D. in economics, and always has a wealth of information to share. You can read more of Mary’s wisdom at https://productiveleaders.com. But first, enjoy Mary’s article on Tiny Habits You Can Do Today to Improve Your Life.

Tiny Habits You Can Do Today to Improve Your Life

Living your best life means something different to everyone. Your definition may be drastically different from the people close to you or your co-workers.

One of my favorite moments last week was talking to my Lyft driver. A retired chemical engineer, he drives because it is how he gets other people’s honest perspectives. “No one is trying to impress anyone during a drive,” he pointed out. “Passengers are honest about their lives and their opinions, and I learn from everyone.”

I love his perspective. He is fascinating! Why waste time when you can learn from talking with other people? His role of driving for a few hours a day evolved from his tiny habit of learning from someone else every day.

It is important to remember that there is a lot we cannot control, but we do have control over small amounts of time, and tiny changes in attitude and perspective make a difference.

Many people do not realize that small things add up to big things.

For example:

1. Walk a mile a day. That is 365 miles you walk that year.

2. Drink four ounces of water every hour from 7 AM to 7 PM. That is forty-eight ounces of water.

3. Write for 15 minutes a day and you have a manuscript in 90 days.

No matter where you are, you can improve by making minor changes. Tiny habits, compounded over time, produce amazing results.

Here are nine things you can do right now to change your life and increase your level of happiness:

1. Practice habit stacking. If you have been meaning to read more, but cannot seem to find the time, take the 5 minutes it takes your coffee to brew in the morning to read. Do not reach for your phone. Grab your book instead. This commitment is much easier because it is not a lot of time, and you are already spending that time waiting for your coffee. Another example is to floss right after brushing your teeth. You are already in the bathroom, so flossing is the next logical step.

2. Incorporate the 2-minute rule. Instead of committing to something for 20 minutes every day, commit to 2 minutes. Decide to walk for 2 minutes every day. Relieve stress by doing deep breathing exercises for 2 minutes. Clean out a drawer for 2 minutes. It is much easier to do something for 2 minutes than it is to carve out time for 20 minutes.

3. Set clear boundaries. Boundaries are necessary to keep us sane in both our personal and professional lives. Do you want to be available for clients 24/7, or would you like to handle business only during standard business hours? I know that I habitually work on weekends, but I don’t expect others to if those are not their working hours.

4. Identify the person you want to be. Use the right words to describe the type of person you want to be. Are you trying to quit smoking? You are a non-smoker. You are trying to become less messy? You are an organized person.

5. Find your community and join them to further commit to your habits. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people helps you keep that positive mindset. Think about going to the gym. We may not feel like going to the gym, but once we get there, we see other people who are working out and making an effort, so we do the same thing. It is the same at work. Align yourself with others in your industry or others who share your goals. Allow other people’s success to be a source of motivation.

6. Get back on the wagon. None of us are perfect. Donuts are my kryptonite. I really like donuts. One of the best donut stores on the entire planet is Horseshoe Donuts in Monument, Colorado. They have apple fritters, that way about 4 pounds. And they are delicious. Everything they have is delicious. I have dreams about their donuts. But I also don’t get to eat donuts every day. I might treat myself once every few months, but eating one donut is a treat. Eating donuts three days in a row is a habit. There are consequences for the donut. If I have a donut, I have to be extra healthy for a few days. If I skip a workout, I recommit to working out tomorrow. Most of us have good habits, so we cannot allow slip-ups to derail progress. Get back into positive habits right away. It is far easier to restart the habit immediately than to start all over again days later.

7. Don’t break the chain. Tracking your habits gives you a visual reminder of the progress you are making, and make sure tracking is a visual reminder of your attainable goal. For instance, if you want to improve your writing speed and skills, consider a goal of writing five hundred words per day for 30 days. Every day that you write, draw a giant x or smiley face on the calendar. After a few days, you may not feel like writing, but you don’t want to break the chain. At the end of 30 days, consider tracking for another 30 days. Seeing your progress gives you increased energy to keep moving forward.

8. Choose concrete goals instead of abstractions. “Getting healthy” or “start going to the gym” are not concrete goals. They are too abstract, and they do not lead to healthy habits. Instead, choose to do one easy health-related commitment, such as doing five sit-ups a day. You improve health, but the time investment is minimal. At some point, sit-ups every day will become second nature – a new habit – at which point you can add another tiny habit.

9. If you start too big, make your tiny habit tinier. We often set habits that are still too big because we are used to thinking big. If you cannot run for 30 minutes, drop it down to 30 seconds and add 30 seconds every day. If you cannot get motivated to go to the gym, let your first tiny habit be doing a jumping jack at home. Then your second tiny habit can be filling your water bottle. These tiny habits are meant to become automatic movements that you just do not think about once they are ingrained. In the end, all these tiny habits build on each other, and you will find yourself at the gym or running for 30 minutes.

Tiny habits are the stepping stones for our lifestyle. If something is not working, or we are not living our best life, then it is time to explore how to change our tiny habits, so we receive the outcome for which we work so hard.