Winston & Damman's online newsletter for April 2018
On Your Side (810) 966-WINS (9467)
April 2018
Devoted to the Diamond The Winston Family’s Baseball/Softball Obsession
year between both of her teams. Zach’s team, which has been with Shawn since Zach was 8, tore up the Little League, placing third in the state in 2016. And Hannah pitched her heart out, even as her passions began to turn more toward theater and performance than sports. Though Hannah and Meghan have reached the point where I can’t coach them myself anymore, I still watch nearly every game. There are so many awe-inspiring moments with these kids. You watch them pull off something incredible and wonder, “Where the heck did that come from?” Both baseball and softball are difficult and complex sports. You constantly have to dust yourself off and get back in the game after making a mistake. Our kids have all grown so much, not only as athletes, but as people. These sports have given them the tools to work seamlessly with a close-knit team, moments with these kids. You watch them pull off something incredible and wonder, ‘Where the heck did that come from?’” “There are so many awe-inspiring
“Baseball is a game of failure,” my husband, Shawn, is fond of saying both to me and to whichever team he’s currently coaching. “Sure, you can bat a 300 average and make it into the Hall of Fame, but you’re still only connecting with the ball about 30 percent of the time.” Shawn has inspired me to fall in love with the sport, and as I coached my two daughters through their early softball careers, it became integrated into our family dynamic. Like Shawn says, it may be a game of failure, but that just makes our kids’ successes that much more exciting, and it teaches them important lessons about dealing with adversity. As April rolls around, we’re already smack-dab in the middle of the season — a hectic, thrilling time for the entire Winston clan. Still, it can’t possibly be as crazy as last spring and summer. My 11-year-old son, Zach, was competing in tournaments with Shawn as coach; my 13-year-old daughter, Meghan, was on two softball teams; and our 17-year-old daughter, Hannah, was with her high school team. It felt like we were on the road for 12 weeks straight, carting the kids around to tournament after tournament. Of course, it was worth it to see our kids give their all, with some pretty amazing results. Meghan’s Almont Attack team won seven games straight and went on to win the state championship. She put a whopping 75 games under her belt last
stick to their goals with single-minded intensity, and bounce back quickly when life gets hard. Before I met Shawn, I thought baseball was a slow, boring game. As you can imagine, he pretty quickly disabused me of that notion. As I learned the intricate strategies that go into every play, I became convinced it was much more than I’d imagined. And when my kids are involved, I’m there every step of the way. Though I may chauffeur my kids around all season, I’m happy to do it. The feeling of pride I get when I see them out on the field makes it all worthwhile.
–Nicole Winston
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Family Time in the Great Outdoors
Family adventures are a great way to grow closer and develop meaningful connections. But with lodging prices rising and the logistical nightmare that traveling with the entire family can be, many Americans are looking at a new option: ditching the beaches and resorts and heading to the great outdoors. Actually, we know this option isn’t new at all. Spending time outdoors with family may very well be one of the most time-honored traditions ever. CAMPING Lodgings and flights are expensive, so going on a family vacation can cost thousands of dollars — and that’s just for the basics! But camping only requires a tent, a fire, picnic food, and water. Rather than scarfing down fast food between flights and dealing with airport security, departure delays, and long flights, take a deep breath and roast marshmallows over the fire with the people you love. HIKING A hike with family is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. All a hike requires is a trail and a sense of adventure. The best part
of hiking is that you can tailor the distance to fit your family’s needs. If you have children or grandkids who aren’t up for the challenge of an arduous daylong trek, there’s sure to be a shorter scenic trail. If nothing else, you can always turn around and backtrack the way you came. FISHING Fishing is a great way to get out and do something relaxing yet challenging. It doesn’t require a lot of skill or investment. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the desire to connect with nature. This is why fishing is the perfect activity for youngsters of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river. While these are all great stand-alone options, together they form an amazing three-headed monster for your next family outing. By combining camping with a hike to a river or lake where you can go fishing, you are sure to create lasting memories with your family that will draw you closer together. Ditch the lines at the airport and the stress of travel. Unleash the possibilities of adventure in the great outdoors.
Bicycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them Protect Yourself While You Pedal
Every year, the roads across St. Clair County and all of Michigan see an increased number of bicyclists. There are a lot of positives to ditching an engine for a set of pedals. Riding a bike is great exercise. It decreases your environmental impact and slashes the amount of money you spend on gas. As infrastructure struggles to adapt to the increased number of cyclists, it’s important to stay safe on the roads. When an automobile collides with a bicycle, the cyclist is at much greater risk of serious injury.
wear bright clothes. And of course, always wear a helmet. On the roads, you cannot assume how a driver will behave.
Some drivers are absent-minded behind the wheel, while others are outright hostile to cyclists. We’ve even seen accidents caused by drivers throwing objects at cyclists! Since smart drivers are far from a certainty, you need to play defense. Signal all of your turns well in advance, and don’t expect a driver to give you right of way.
Drivers should be your primary concern but not your only cause for worry. Potholes and other road hazards pose a serious threat to bicyclists. If you’re traveling on unfamiliar roads, keep your eyes peeled for any obstructions or construction. Unfortunately, not all accidents are avoidable. If you are injured in a crash while on your bike, the tireless advocates at Winston & Damman can help. We have years of experience dealing with bike accident cases and will help get you what you deserve.
While riding your bike, it’s crucial to make yourself as visible as possible, especially on shared roads. Affix a bright rear light and front LED light to your bike. These inexpensive accessories will reduce your chances of an accident. When riding at night, it’s also a good idea to
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‘My Cousin Vinny’ Makes Light of the Trial Process THE GREATEST LAW COMEDY EVER
The courtroom is no place for April Fools’ Day pranks, but the legal profession isn’t entirely without levity. Sometimes, when the stress of a case builds up, a little laughter can be the perfect thing to cut the tension and raise everyone’s spirits. Unsurprisingly, most representations of the law in movies focus on the more somber aspects of the justice system. But sprinkled in among the dramas and documentaries is the occasional comedy that makes light of a world with a surplus of seriousness. The gold standard for legal comedies is, without question, 1992’s “My Cousin Vinny.”
The movie’s humor arises from the tension between small- town and big-city personalities, as well as Vinny’s unorthodox courtroom style. The interactions between Vinny and his fiancee, Mona Lisa Vito (Tomei), are particularly uproarious. Even when they’re not in court, these two can’t help but cross-examine one another. It certainly isn’t the most accurate representation of a trial you’ll ever see on film, but “My Cousin Vinny” does offer a few interesting insights into the legal process. Chief among them is the importance of cross-examination. Testimony is often considered some of the strongest evidence in a case. Vinny’s bullish desire to uncover the truth shows that some testimony, whether from a supposed expert or first-hand witness, can’t stand up to rigorous analysis. When you sit down to watch a movie, sometimes all you’re looking for is a couple hours to unwind and laugh. “My Cousin Vinny” delivers that in spades, with some valid legal commentary to boot. Lawyers may not be the funniest people in the world, but we still have a sense of humor!
Featuring Joe Pesci at the peak of his powers and an Oscar- winning turn from Marisa Tomei, the movie has lost
none of its punch since its release. The plot centers around two New Yorkers wrongfully accused of and put on trial for murder. The lawyer they hire, Vinny Gambini (Pesci), happens to be the cousin of one of the men accused, hence the movie’s title. He’s wildly inexperienced but brings a unique set of skills to the courtroom.
Pasta With Turkey and Broccoli This simple, delicious recipe only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s also a great way to encourage kids to eat their broccoli. The next time you make pasta, leave the canned sauce in the pantry and make this instead!
INGREDIENTS
• 3/4 pound pasta (shells or orecchiette) • 2 cups broccoli florets • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 pound ground turkey DIRECTIONS 1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli when pasta is 1 minute from done. Drain both and return to pot. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium- high heat. Add the turkey, garlic, crushed red pepper,
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper • Salt • Parmesan cheese
and a pinch of salt. Cook while breaking up meat with a wooden spoon for 3–5 minutes. 3. Combine turkey with pasta and broccoli mixture, adding the remaining olive oil as you stir. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan cheese.
BASEBALL GARDENING PUDDLES SPRING
BEES GREEN RAINBOWS TULIPS
BLOSSOMS KITES RAINDROPS UMBRELLA
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(Recipe inspired by realsimple.com)
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this edition INSIDE
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The Winston Family’s Baseball/Softball Obsession 3 Awesome Ways to Create Lasting Memories There’s Room on the Road for Bicyclists A Funny Movie About the Justice System? Pasta With Turkey and Broccoli Have You Tried This Natural Healing Remedy?
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EARTHING:
Sleep Like You’re on Vacation
Have you ever fallen asleep on the beach after swimming in the ocean? If you have, you know it’s the most restful and relaxing sleep imaginable. You might have thought it was just the result of warm sunlight and vacation vibes, but research suggests you may have been experiencing the effects of a practice called “earthing.” Earthing, sometimes referred to as “grounding,” helps bring our bodies into a natural balance. The theory states that our bodies naturally develop a positive charge. As leading nutritionist Dr. John Briffa explains, “During the normal processes of metabolism, the body generates what are called ‘reactive oxygen species,’ which are commonly referred to as ‘free radicals’ ... Free radicals lack sparks of energy known as ‘electrons.’” When a molecule lacks electrons, it gives off a positive charge.
An unbalanced positive charge contributes to inflammation, which can then cause many chronic diseases, including heart disease. You should balance your natural positive charge with a negative charge. How can you safely expose yourself to a negative charge? Just let your skin touch the earth. Earth gives off a mild electric charge, with plenty of electrons to balance out our overabundance of free radicals. There has yet to be a large-scale scientific study about the benefits of earthing, but current research is promising. One study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found earthing helps reduce blood viscosity, which is a major factor in cardiovascular disease. Another study in the Journal of Inflammation Research showed that earthing might speed up healing. Firsthand
accounts from individuals who practice earthing often report lower stress levels, increased energy, and better sleep.
Many people who practice earthing make it a point to walk outside barefoot on grass, soil, or sand at least once a day. You have to be careful where you walk, as you don’t want to get cut on sharp rocks or broken glass. An alternative to walking barefoot is to use an earthing pad, which can imitate the negative charge of our planet inside your home. Earthing is quickly gaining a following in the health community. If you are looking for a natural way to improve your overall health and sleep better, why not try taking a walk? Just remember to leave your shoes behind.
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