Check out our December newsletter!
How the Sweet Treat Came to Symbolize Christmas The Short, Sweet History of the Candy Cane
I had so much fun writing up the history of the Reese’s peanut butter cup for Halloween I’m keeping that theme rolling with a brief history of one of my most favorite simple pleasures of Christmas: the candy cane. It’s been with us a lot longer than I thought, according to an article I found on the aptly titled website, CandyHistory.net. The candy cane originated in 1670 when an uncharacteristically gentle German choirmaster gave white sticks flavored only with sugar to his choir boys in an attempt to stop their fidgeting during long church services. Over the years, the sticks evolved into their characteristic hook shape but remained flavored only with sugar. Soon they were given to all children attending services. I’m not sure why
we did away with that tradition, but as a parent of two rambunctious 9-year-olds and two active teenagers, I am totally against sugar in church. Back to the history lesson. As with almost all Christmas traditions in America, it was only a matter of time before an immigrant brought it here, and we found a way to monetize it. The first known use of the candy cane as a Christmas decoration occurred in 1847 at Wooster, Ohio, when a German-Swedish immigrant decorated a Christmas tree with the hook-shaped confection. The iconic red and white, peppermint- flavored candy cane took hold at the turn of the 20th century. However, its availability was limited because it could only be made by hand. That’s where the American entrepreneurial spirit came in to save the day again. In the 1920s, a candy maker in Albany, Georgia, named Bob McCormick began sending the treat to family and friends for Christmas. Seizing on the small-scale success of the candy and the hopes of creating a new market (plus the Christmas spirit), his brother-in-law figured out a way to automate production by inventing a candy cane-making machine. Thus followed mass production. His company, Bob’s Candies, soon realized handsome profits and unleashed the explosion of candy canes into the market. It soon became indispensable for any Christmas in America — no candy canes, no Christmas.
According to NextAvenue.org, Bob’s Candies realized the American dream
of many entrepreneurs — it was bought by a bigger company, Brach’s. Brach’s makes over 500 million candy canes a year. Ninety percent of them are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The candy cane enjoys a unique position among all candies in
that its design has been extensively spiritualized. However, there’s no strong evidence this was ever the intent. But I’m all for finding the divine in the simplest of things, so I support the meaning that’s been attached to this candy, which includes:
Do a good deed! Be part of a solution! We’re here for you and your family and friends to answer questions about these cases:
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The shape resembles both a shepherd’s hook and “J” for Jesus The red color symbolizes Jesus’s blood; the white, His purity The solidity of the candy reveres the rock-solid foundation of the church
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• Wrongful death • Serious accident injuries • Work injuries
• Family law —
small fee required, we’ll explain when you call.
Here’s hoping your Christmas is simple and sweet, just like a candy cane. All joy, grace, and peace to you and yours from all of us at Holland & Usry.
Give the gift of peace of mind, and make sure callers tell us you sent them so we can thank you! Call 864.898.6458.
864.582.0416
Deck the Halls With Handmade Cards 3 Easy Ideas You Can Make With Kids!
Handprint Cards This Christmas card variation is a favorite for kids to make and family members to receive. Have your child place their hand on the blank card stock and trace their hand with a pencil. Then, cut out the shape of their hand using scissors. Finally, with the cut-out hand facing down (fingers to the ground), have your child decorate it as if it were a tree, drawing ornaments, lights, candy canes, or other decorations. Pipe Cleaner Cards For this card, you need green pipe cleaners and gold stars (like the ones you’d earn in school). Simply twist a pipe cleaner into a tree shape using a zig-zag pattern to form the widest branches at the bottom to the smallest boughs at the top. Glue the pipe cleaner to the card. Finish with a gold star as a tree topper!
Sending Christmas cards is a great way to tell people you’re thinking of them during the holiday season. However, like everything lately, buying enough Christmas cards for your loved ones is expensive. Store-bought cards can also feel too stiff and formal for our friends and family.
That’s why you should consider making Christmas cards this holiday season! It is more cost-effective and a great way to give your cards a personal touch that lets friends and family know you care. The best part is that making holiday cards doesn’t have to be laborious or stressful — it’s quick, easy, and fun! Don’t believe us? Check out these three easy Christmas cards you and your family can make at home. Each card idea is built upon plain white cards! Washi Tape Cards All you need for this card is a roll of washi tape with any design you wish. Simply cut strips of the washi tape, starting with a longer piece (about 2—3 inches), and place it horizontally across the card near the bottom. Then, build upward using gradually smaller pieces of tape to make a triangle — and that’s it! You’ve successfully created a washi tape tree! You can also draw a tree stump under the longest strip or a star on top.
TESTIMONIALS “Contacting Rob was the best thing we could have done! He knew exactly what to do and took the stress off of us. He is a good man and a great lawyer. I highly recommend Holland & Usry.” -Patricia Jordan “Rob Usry contacted me immediately and was able to answer my questions regarding my case and the best way to move forward. Rob was compassionate and clear about the next steps. Holland & Usry’s website provided guidance and pertinent information I needed to understand how workers’ comp works and how they are able to help people get the assistance they need with a case. If you have any questions about where to start, visit the website, check out the information provided, and send an inquiry. They will listen attentively to the details and provide useful advice.” -Kelly Blye
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CHALLENGING THE IMPAIRMENT RATING When a Second Opinion Changes Everything
We typically refrain from referring our Spartanburg clients with personal injury and workers’ compensation cases to doctors, as it can adversely impact their cases. However, in this unique instance, it was imperative and beneficial to do so. The need for an independent medical exam (IME) arose due to the employer’s chosen surgeon assigning the same impairment rating to our client’s left knee following two operations. Our client’s injury occurred when he slipped on wax while exiting a car he was working on at the BMW plant near Spartanburg in Greer, resulting in a severe twist to his left knee. Subsequently, the surgeon
designated by the employer performed an arthroscopy with partial medial meniscectomy and excision of the superomedial plica/synovial shelf. Surprisingly, the surgeon provided a 5% impairment rating for our client’s left leg. Despite undergoing a second surgery involving another partial medial meniscectomy, our client’s knee issues persisted, and the same 5% impairment rating was assigned, which raised concerns. Recognizing the need for a more thorough evaluation, I made the unconventional decision to arrange for our client to undergo an IME conducted by a different surgeon. This new assessment yielded a 15% impairment rating, which aligned more closely with our client’s actual limitations. As a result, we successfully negotiated a settlement for a clincher amounting to $40,348.05. This settlement represented a 30% workers’ compensation disability to the left leg, ensuring our client received the appropriate compensation for his injuries and limitations.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” –Luke 2:10-11 “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” –Luke 2:19 Good News
Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
• 10 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped • 4 tbsp butter
• 4 large eggs, separated • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions 1. In a medium heatproof bowl, add chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and blended, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 2. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. Then gradually add melted chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites and then cream into the chocolate mixture. 5. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill for 3 hours or until set.
864.582.0416
* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
101 W. St. John St. Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306
INSIDE this issue 1. A Simple and Sweet Christmas Wish 2. From Your Heart to Theirs: Handcrafted Christmas Cards for Loved Ones
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Testimonial
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A Unique Case Where an IME Made All the Difference
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Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
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Give the Gift of Innovation This Christmas
If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com . 5 Must-Have Tech Gifts for Christmas 2023
Self-Cleaning Water Bottle These days, everyone is carrying around their oversized water bottles. Let your tech-lover be ahead of the curve with a self-cleaning water bottle! These innovative bottles use UV-C LED technology to sanitize the water and the inside of the bottle regularly. The LARQ Bottle PureVis is a popular choice as it also can keep beverages cold for 24 hours.
As Christmas shopping gets increasingly hectic, knowing what to get for the tech lovers in your life can feel impossible. New devices and gadgets hit the market daily, and following tech trends might not be part of your daily routine. Fortunately, 2023 has brought some standout innovations anyone would love to unwrap on Christmas Day.
Noise Canceling Headphones Considered a modern staple, noise-canceling headphones are the perfect gift for a special someone who needs a break from the chaos and a way to focus. You can find a variety of headphones in different price ranges, so staying within your budget is easier. However, if you want to splurge, Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are an excellent choice with crystal clear sound and over 20 hours of battery life. Smart Alarm Give the gift of a good night’s rest and a peaceful
UV Phone Sanitizer Did you know your smartphone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat? This year, grab a UV phone sanitizer for yourself and your loved ones that can remove 99.99% of bacteria. The PhoneSoap Pro can clean your phone and other small items with its sleek design.
Pet Camera With Treat Dispenser Do you know a tech lover who also dreads leaving their furry friend home alone? A pet camera strapped with a nifty treat dispenser might be their favorite gift of 2023! A small surveillance camera allows pet parents to keep an eye on their fur babies, and Petcube’s Bites 2 also lets them dispense a small treat to keep their pets happy.
morning! Smart alarms have been a popular gadget this year, with features like white noise sound, artificial sunrises, Bluetooth speakers, and gentle morning wake-up calls. For a sleek design, try the Loftie Clock with its all-black look. For a faux sunrise to fill the room, go for Philips HF3670/60 SmartSleep.
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