How to Stay Safe on Blackout Wednesday
November 20, 2025 | Adriel B. Villarreal
The night before Thanksgiving, known as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving,” has become a dangerous night for driving due to widespread binge drinking. Most college students are home for the holiday and spend Thanksgiving Eve partying with friends. Many adults of all ages also go to the local bar, enjoying the night before their day off from work. Unfortunately, this binge drinking also leads to an increased rate of impaired driving on Thanksgiving Eve. To help protect our community, we’re sharing these tips to help you stay safe on Blackout Wednesday. Don’t Drink and Drive We hope this first one is obvious, but it still needs to be said. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgment and make driving dangerous for yourself and everyone around you. DUI and DWI charges are also serious matters that could bring jail time, large fines, and license revocation. If you do drink on Blackout Wednesday, have a designated driver or use a rideshare service. This is a vital step to take even if you were planning on driving. Find a ride and come back for your car once you’re sober. Drunk driving causes approximately 11,000 deaths in the United States every year. Drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk. Tell Someone Your Plans If you…
Read MoreBuying an Operating Business – Step 3. Closing Day is upon us! And what happens after that?
November 6, 2025 | Carole Clark Isakson
A large portion of my day is spent working on transactions for clients who are either buying a business or selling a business. Having walked so many people through this process over the last three decades I have a pretty well-developed system for explaining how transactions typically work, what issues to watch for, and best practices. This blog is the THIRD of three addressing the sales and acquisition process for private transactions. For simplicity, I will address the process from the buyer’s perspective. I will also assume that the companies involved are corporations, although of course they could just as easily be limited liability companies, in which case the information will be the same, albeit with different terms. While the topics covered in this blog and the statements made apply in the majority of transactions, every transaction is different. Do not rely on this blog when undertaking a transaction; that should be done in connection with legal, tax and other professionals. Here is a reminder of the typical process: Execution of Non-Disclosure Agreement and preliminary limited information sharing. Execution of a Letter of Intent, which triggers much more extensive information sharing and the start of the formal due diligence process. Negotiation of the Purchase Agreement terms, and completion of all due diligence. Closing! Post closing…
Read MoreWinter Car Emergency Kit: 20 Recommended Items
October 23, 2025 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Driving during the winter can be hazardous. Severe weather, accidents, and engine troubles can happen at any moment. That’s why you should always drive prepared. If you do find yourself stranded on the road during the winter, having these emergency supplies in your vehicle will help you stay safe until help arrives. Stocking caps, warm socks, mittens, boots, and layers: Frigid temperatures are likely to be the biggest threat to your wellbeing if you get stranded during the winter, so warm clothes are essential. Blankets or sleeping bags: If you’re traveling a long distance or in a remote area where you could be stranded for several hours or even days, then blankets or a sleeping bag will help keep you warm and give you the opportunity to rest while you wait for help. Hand and foot warmers: Small and compact, hand and foot warmers are easy to store and provide lots of heat. First-aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, pain relievers, and other basic medical supplies are critical for addressing injuries sustained in an accident. Drinking water: Bring at least one gallon of emergency drinking water per person on extended road trips. High-energy, non-perishable food: Foods like trail mix, protein bars, dried fruits, unsalted and canned nuts, raisins, and peanut…
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