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It’s Earth Day! Let’s Cut Down on Our Waste The Truth About Lyman Beginning a Journey Starts with Dedication to Transparency 2860 Piedmont Road, Suite 275, Atlanta, GA 30305 lymanfirm.com The Lyman Firm Newsletter TELEGRAPH Amicus Curiae www.LymanFirm.com 404-267-1986 February 2019 The Lyman Firm Newsletter T: 404 267 1986 F: 470 745 0699
APRIL 2023
G eorgia is a blue-collar state — a grassroots mix of farmland,
April has arrived, and there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy the balmy weather than now. On April 22, we can show our appreciation for our planet and develop solutions to protect our environment further when we celebrate Earth Day. We only get one planet, and it’s not likely that we’ll be able to move to a new one when we’ve used up Earth, so we must take some precautions to preserve our environment. While environmentalism has become politicized, there are things we do that are bad for the environment. Regardless of whether you think global warming is real, there’s no question we harm our planet through our waste alone. When we throw items in the trash, they eventually end up in landfills. That landfill may or may not impact our climate or environment, but it’s still a trash heap that takes up space and looks terrible. While we all have different political beliefs, we can all agree trash harms our planet. I didn’t think much about climate change or the environment when I was younger. That all changed once I had kids. I started to think about the legacy I was leaving behind. What kind of planet am I leaving behind for my children? Or their children? One of my favorite movies of the past 20 years is “WALL-E.” It gives us a futuristic view of our planet if we stop making efforts to control our trash. It gets piled up, causing the humans to leave, and robots are left to clean up the mess. While the movie embellishes some aspects, it warns us of the dangers of ignoring the ever-increasing piles of garbage we produce. A few years back, a band that I’m very fond of with a completely ridiculous name — King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard — released an entire album about climate change and included a song called “Planet B.” The chorus says, “There is no Planet B. Open your eyes and see.” We’re not going to be able to travel to Mars when the Earth is unsalvageable. We have to take steps to protect the planet we have. So, what can we do to help our planet? There are many changes we can make. One thing I do is use reusable bags whenever I go to the grocery store. Plastic bags are terrible from a waste perspective, and we don’t need to use them most of the time. “I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.” mountains, and urban development representing ever-expanding opportunities. Being a native of North Atlanta, I have spent most of my life in this fair state, cultivating both my character and my profession as I grew up. Now, I have a distinct opportunity to help those around me in ways I hadn’t anticipated in my younger days. I lead The Lyman Firm as a proud curator of justice for the everyday person, somebody who might not have gotten a fair shake before they met me. I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right. My passions weren’t always for courtroom thrills, though. Growing up in Smyrna, I sought to chase a different kind of rush: the roar of the racetrack. I wasn’t half bad either, eventually taking my hobby for auto racing from amateur status in 2004 all the way to semi-pro in 2007. Unfortunately, like so many other things that went down along with the economy the following year, my racing career crashed in 2008. Shattered by the abrupt end to my racing journey due to a lack of financing,
James and three-year-old daughter Cleo — I am fully immersed in the fun-loving, homely, and exciting life of my family. They are my foundation, and without them nothing would be possible. But I also have a second family of sorts in my clients, whom I treat with the respect and attention a person is owed whenever they find they’re backed in a corner and need help. The pleasure I get from representing good, honest people in the courtroom is unrivaled when compared to the other fields of profession I’ve engaged in life. Oftentimes, I ask a client to share the names of the attorneys they’ve worked with on other cases. Almost none of them are able to muster an answer — the names of their lawyers completely lost in the tides of life’s trials.
I began to look for a new avenue to pour my passions into.
As we grow older and further away from our teens and 20s, we begin to realize that life isn’t always about going fast, both literally and metaphorically. It was during my post racing downtime that I realized I wanted to go back to school at Georgia State. After spending years as a writer and editor, I discovered and followed my newfound calling and began practicing law after graduating from law school. After years of unparalleled grit, drive, and success in the field of law, I was fortunate enough to be able to open my own practice in January of 2018. This new venture has even allowed me to work alongside my brother, a paralegal and case manager, in what has been one of the most exciting periods of my life. For now, our plans for the future include an imminent expansion of the firm and growing the company in ways that still allow us to keep our fundamental values and operations in check.
Most other countries I’ve visited make shoppers pay for plastic bags if they don’t bring their own. Use recyclable bags, or pass on the bag altogether if you buy something small. If you have no other choice, find some way to reuse them in the future. Unfortunately, some companies out there don’t believe in helping the environment. Someone I’m close with works for a large business that has separate bins for different kinds of waste and recyclables. Someone within the company tracked where those bins went, and they ended up being dumped in the trash, even when they were recyclable. People think they’re making a difference when they’re not. While we can’t control what larger companies do, we can still hold ourselves accountable for our own actions. If you feel like you’re consistently generating a large amount of garbage, now is the time to change your ways. I saw on Reddit the other day that this lady was only using one trash bag per month to prove we don’t need to create as much waste as we think. If we could all live with that same mentality, we would immediately cut down on the trash affecting our planet. That’s when I tell them that there are a million different lawyers out there doing a million different things, but when I take on your case for a serious injury or a wrongful death suit, you’ll remember me as a man who gave you the best possible chance while shooting you straight every step of the way.
At home with my wife Lindsay beside me, and our two children — our five-year-old son
-Thomas Lyman -Thomas J. Lyman
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outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening. Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies. When Pollen Strikes Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time
Cheese and Desist! McDonald’s Customers Sue for Being Forced to Pay for Cheese
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, things got a little crazy! Two McDonald’s customers sued the fast-food chain for $5 million, alleging they were unfairly charged when they ordered Quarter Pounders without cheese. According to the lawsuit, the fast-food restaurant chain historically had four menu options: a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Quarter Pounder, and a Double Quarter Pounder. The “with cheese” options were roughly between 30 cents and 90 cents more expensive than the “without cheese” burgers. At some point, McDonald’s discontinued the “without cheese” options.
not receive cheese on their burger but were charged the same price as a Quarter Pounder with cheese. Their lawsuit states that they, and other customers who do not want cheese on their burgers, are forced to pay for two slices of cheese anyway, and they sued for damages as a result of being overcharged and required to pay for American cheese when they did not want or receive it on their burger.
According to USA Today, a McDonald’s spokesperson advised that the company does its best to allow customers to customize their food orders. If someone doesn’t want cheese as it is listed on the menu, the fast-food chain will not include cheese, thus they didn’t think the lawsuit has any merit.
Only a Quarter Pounder with cheese and a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese were available at the time these two customers visited the restaurant. The ingredients listed on McDonald’s website for these items include a sesame seed bun, quarter- pound 100% beef patty, ketchup, onions, pasteurized processed American cheese, and pickle slices.
And because the McDonald’s customers failed to prove they were damaged by an overcharge, the case was dismissed!
These customers ordered Quarter Pounders but asked for no cheese on their burger, and they did
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TAKE A BREAK
FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure. Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self- care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
ONE-PAN CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS WITH EGG NOODLES
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
Ingredients
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved • Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided • 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed
• 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved
• 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
Directions 1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
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404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com
404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com 2860 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30335
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2860 Piedmont Rd., Suite 275 Atlanta, GA 30305
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THIS ISSUE
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Eliminating Waste on Earth Day
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My Life in the Courtroom, the Home, and the Racetrack
3 Wild Divorce Settlements Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Bistecca Alla Fiorentina The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles Putting Together a Self-Care Routine Let’s Retire These Health Myths Combating Spring Allergies Hold the Cheese, Please!
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Illinois’ Sip and Spit Law
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The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe Sip … But You Must Spit Check Out This Strange Illinois Law!
BOTTLED WATER IS SAFER THAN TAP WATER
The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle- cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With
We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction.
THE 5-SECOND RULE KEEPS FOOD SAFE In 2012, the Illinois State Senate voted 48–6 in favor of passing a “sip and spit” law for Illinois culinary students over 18 but Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent only sample the wines during their scheduled class times, and an adult that is 21 or older must supervise. Each sample of wine must be less than a shot’s worth in volume, and most importantly, they cannot swallow — they must just taste the wine, then spit it out. on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant. Culinary students nationwide rely on nonalcoholic wines to learn about the taste, color, and smell of wines and how to best pair them with their dishes, but By law, in the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years old. When an individual under 21 breaks the law and consumes alcohol, they are subject to arrest and hefty fines. However, there’s a loophole in Illinois. under the legal drinking age of 21. This strange law enabled these students to know their wine well without becoming intoxicated. The students can
unfortunately, virgin wines taste nothing like actual wines! This leaves a gap in many culinary students’ education and may even force them to relearn the skill once they turn 21 and sample alcoholic wines. According to CBS News, Emily Williams Knight, the president of Kendall College, a private Illinois university that focuses on culinary arts, says “taste training” is an integral part of culinary education for young students, which includes learning
Seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water.
information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health. to pair dishes and meals with adult beverages. Understanding the different tastes and notes of various wines is essential to help these students succeed and prepare them for culinary arts and hospitality management careers. On Aug. 24, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 758 into law so Kendall College students over 18 but younger than 21 could better develop their wine-tasting skills to enhance their culinary abilities. However, the rule is clear: Sip … but you must spit!
CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS
The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false.
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