Take a look at our March newsletter!
MARCH 2024
BE SMART, GET RINEHARDT Rinehardt Law | RinehardtLawFirm.com | 419-LAW-2020
MARCH MADNESS EMBRACING THE MADNESS WITH A DASH OF COLOR
As spring approaches, so does one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the sports calendar: March Madness. This annual college basketball tournament has grown from humble beginnings in 1939 to become a nationwide phenomenon, captivating millions with its blend of athleticism, strategy, and, of course, a touch of unpredictability that can turn any bracket on its head. March Madness is more than just a series of basketball games; it’s a tradition that brings together sports enthusiasts, casual fans, and even those who wouldn’t typically follow basketball. It’s a time when office pools and bracket challenges come to the forefront, fostering a unique blend of camaraderie and light-hearted competition among colleagues and friends. One of the most endearing aspects of March Madness is the sheer unpredictability of the outcomes. Every year, the tournament is rife with upsets, Cinderella stories, and buzzer-beaters that make predicting a perfect bracket nearly impossible. Statistically speaking, the odds of picking a perfect bracket are so astronomically high that they’re often compared to winning the lottery — multiple times. Anecdotes abound that highlight the whimsical nature of bracket predictions. Take, for instance, the story of Carrie, one of the case managers in our office. With no particular knowledge or interest in college basketball, Carrie entered a local bracket challenge hosted by a fellow attorney. Her method? Selecting winners based entirely on the color of their uniforms. The result was nothing short of miraculous — Carrie triumphed over nearly 100 other participants, securing first place in a testament to the unpredictable joy of March Madness.
This tale is a perfect illustration of how the tournament brings people together, offering a respite from the usual rigors of work and life. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, a little light-heartedness and a dash of color are all it takes to emerge victorious in the face of overwhelming odds. In the spirit of fostering community and friendly competition, our firm is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our own bracket challenge for the upcoming March Madness tournament. This invitation extends to all our current and former clients and their friends and families. Whether you’re a seasoned basketball analyst or someone who, like Carrie, has a keen eye for color schemes, we encourage you to join the fun! To enter, simply follow the instructions on page 4 of this newsletter. The winner will not only receive a cash prize but will also be featured in our April newsletter, gaining bragging rights and eternal glory in the process. So, as we gear up for another exhilarating March Madness, let’s embrace the madness, the unpredictability, and the community spirit that this tournament brings. Whether you’re in it to win it or just looking to add a little excitement to your March, remember: Sometimes, the best strategy is no strategy at all. Get your brackets ready, and may the best (or luckiest) participant win! – Hillary Rinehardt
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ELEVATE YOUR VIEWING EXPERIENCE Game Day Snack Ideas
Game day is not just about the thrill of the match; it’s also an opportunity to indulge in some delicious snacks that make the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or settling in for a solo viewing, the right selection of snacks can elevate any game day to an event in itself. Here are some tantalizing snack ideas that are sure to please any crowd and make your next game day unforgettable. 1. Classic Chicken Wings No game day is complete without a platter of chicken wings. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, versatile enough to be doused in a variety of sauces — from spicy buffalo to sweet barbecue or tangy lemon pepper. Oven-baked, fried, or tossed in an air fryer, wings are a must- have for any sports gathering. 2. Loaded Nachos Loaded nachos are a communal favorite that allows for endless customization. Start with a generous layer of tortilla chips, then pile on the toppings: seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, black beans,
jalapeños, diced tomatoes, green onions, and a hefty drizzle of queso. Finish under the broiler for a melted masterpiece perfect for sharing.
3. Veggie Platter With Hummus For a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, a colorful veggie platter paired with a variety of hummus dips is a great choice. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes offer a refreshing crunch, while beet, classic chickpea, or spicy roasted red pepper hummus dips add a flavorful punch. 4. Sliders Sliders are the perfect mini sandwich that packs a big flavor. Whether you opt for classic beef, pulled pork, or a vegetarian patty, these little burgers can be customized with an array of toppings and sauces to suit any taste. Serve on a large platter so guests can mix and match their creations.
Master March
CREATIVE
tournament performances can be a quick guide to identifying potential Cinderella stories or recognizing perennial powerhouses. While past performance is not always indicative of future success, it can be a helpful indicator of a team’s experience under pressure. 4. Coaching Credentials Coaches play a pivotal role in navigating the treacherous waters of the tournament. Opting for teams with experienced or highly regarded coaches can be a wise strategy. These are the leaders who have been there before and know how to prepare their teams for the rigors of March Madness. 5. The Underdog Route Everyone loves a Cinderella story, and March Madness is notorious for them. Picking a few lower-seeded teams to pull off upsets can not only be thrilling but also differentiate your bracket. Look for teams that have been heating up toward the end of the season or have a standout player capable of carrying the team on a deep run.
CHOOSING YOUR BRACKET TACTICS FOR
Madness
2 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com 1. Mascot Matchups Instead of delving into player stats and team records, why not let the mascots battle it out? A showdown between the Wildcats and Blue Devils? Let the fierceness or uniqueness of the Every March, the NCAA basketball tournament sweeps the nation into a frenzy of hoops hysteria. Known affectionately as March Madness, this tournament is notorious for its unpredictability. While some fans meticulously analyze stats, others, like the legendary Carrie who chose winners based on uniform colors, take a more unorthodox approach. For those looking to fill out their brackets with a blend of strategy and fun, here are some creative tactics to consider.
mascot guide your picks. It’s a playful way to make selections, and you might just find the mascot’s spirit embodies the team’s likelihood to advance. 2. Geographic Loyalty Root for teams closest to your hometown or state. This method adds a personal touch to your bracket and allows you to support local talent. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter about regional pride and might even introduce you to powerhouse schools in your vicinity that you were previously unaware of. 3. Historic Performance Some teams have a storied history of success in the tournament. Researching past
5. Popcorn Station A popcorn station with custom seasonings and add-ins can offer a fun, interactive snack option. Provide plain popcorn with shakers of different seasonings — think cheesy, spicy, and sweet options — alongside mix-ins like M&Ms, pretzel pieces, and nuts. It’s a simple but effective way to cater to all taste buds. 6. Homemade Dips and Chips Dips are the unsung heroes of the snack table. Whip up a batch of guacamole, salsa, and a creamy spinach dip for a trifecta of flavors. Serve with an assortment of chips and watch them disappear faster than you can say, “Nothing but net!” 7. Mini Tacos Mini tacos are a fun and easy-to-eat option that can be filled with a variety of ingredients to please both meat lovers and vegetarians. Think mini fish tacos, shredded chicken, or roasted vegetable tacos topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. 8. Sweet Treats No game day is complete without something sweet to round off the feast. Bite-sized brownies, cookies, or a selection of candies in team colors can add a festive touch to your snack lineup. Remember, the key to a successful game day snack spread is variety and abundance. With these ideas, you’re sure to score big with your guests, turning any game viewing into a delicious occasion. Let the games begin! 6. Social Media Sentiment In today’s digital age, social media can be a goldmine of insights. Teams with a positive buzz or viral locker room celebrations might be carrying momentum that translates into success on the court. This tactic is especially useful for capturing the emotional and psychological state of the teams. 7. The Randomizer When all else fails, randomness can be your ally. Using a random number generator or simply flipping a coin for each game adds an element of chaos to your bracket. It’s as unpredictable as the tournament itself and removes the pressure of making the “right” choice. Join Our Bracket Challenge! Armed with these tactics, we invite you to join our firm’s March Madness bracket challenge. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who enjoys the spectacle from the sidelines, there’s a place for you in our competition. Not only is it a fantastic way to engage with the community, but you also stand a chance to win a cash prize and be featured in our April newsletter. Remember, the beauty of March Madness lies in its unpredictability. Whatever method you choose, embrace the madness and enjoy the journey. May your brackets bust in the most spectacular or successful ways possible!
CHUNKY GUACAMOLE
The key to great guac is choosing perfectly ripe avocados. If they are not ripe enough they will be hard and lack flavor; if they are too ripe, they will have dark spots and will taste smokey. Ripe avocados have a darker color and when gently squeezed will yield slightly to pressure but not feel mushy. Picking the perfect avocado is almost an art form. Planning is essential — the avocados will continue to ripen once you get them home, so choose a ripeness that will be ready on the day you want to make your guacamole. Underripe avocados will usually ripen at room temperature in 2–3 days. If you have a ripe avocado but aren’t ready to use it, refrigeration can give you an extra day or two.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 medium avocados, ripe • 2 tbsp minced onion • 1 small jalapeno or serrano (more spicy) chile, minced (1–1 1/2 tsp)* • 1/4–1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves • 1/4 tsp table salt • 1/2 tsp cumin (optional) • 2 tbsp (or more!) lime juice * Use caution when handling; wash hands or use gloves and do not touch your eyes; for milder flavor, do not use seeds and ribs.
DIRECTIONS
1. Halve avocados and remove the pits. Use a paring knife to dice the flesh without cutting through the skin. Use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Mash avocado lightly with onion, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, and cumin (if using) with a fork until just combined. 2. Sprinkle lime juice over diced avocado and mix the entire contents of the bowl lightly with a fork until combined but still chunky. Adjust salt, to taste, and serve. 3. Although it is best the day it is made, guacamole can be covered with plastic wrap, pressed directly onto the surface of the mixture, and refrigerated for up to two days. Return guac to room temperature, removing plastic wrap at the last moment, before serving.
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INSIDE THIS EDITION
1 Let the Games Begin 2 Score the Perfect Snacks for Your Watch Party
Go Big or Go Bust!
3 Chunky Guacamole 4 Send Us Your Brackets!
Dive Into the Excitement: Join Our March Madness NCAA Pool! March Madness is upon us, and it’s that time of the year when college basketball takes center stage! We’re thrilled to invite you to participate in the first annual Rinehardt Law March Madness NCAA Pool. It’s your chance to showcase your prediction skills, enjoy the thrill of the game, and possibly win fabulous prizes! Brackets will be available on March 17 at 6 p.m., and entries must be submitted before the first tip-off on March 21. Registration Details After reaching our March Madness pool page, you’ll see an option to “Join.” If you’re not already logged into CBS Sports, you’ll need to either log in or sign up for a free account. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you’ll be part of the excitement in no time!
Pool Rules and Prizes Our pool follows the standard NCAA bracket challenge rules. Make sure your bracket is filled out before the tournament’s first tip-off to ensure your participation. It’s free to enter and the bracket is open to all. Each entrant may submit up to two brackets. We have incredible prizes lined up for the top performers. While the spirit of competition is our main focus, winning comes with its rewards! • First place: $150 Amazon gift card (plus bragging rights!) • Second place: $100 Amazon gift card • Third place: $75 Amazon gift card We’re excited to see your picks and watch the tournament unfold together. Whether you’re a seasoned college basketball fan or just looking for a bit of fun this March, our pool is the perfect place to get in on the action.
How to Enter Joining our pool is easy. You have two simple ways to enter:
Option 1: Use Our Bitly Link We’ve made it super easy for you to access our NCAA pool with a custom Bitly link. Just type or click on the following URL from any web browser: bit.ly/RinehardtLawMarchMadness . This link will take you directly to our pool page on CBS Sports.
Option 2: Scan the QR Code Prefer using your phone? No problem! Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone camera. The QR code is a quick, hassle-free way to navigate straight to our pool without typing any URLs.
Don’t wait — join the Rinehardt Law March Madness NCAA Pool today and let the games begin!
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