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The Medlin News
FEBRUARY 2024
Leadership and Other Lessons From the Boy Scouts Reflections on the Organization That Changed My Life Forever
Like some of you, I was in the Scouts when I was young. I loved it. Camping and other activities taught me about the great outdoors and many other exciting things. In honor of National Boy Scout Day on Feb. 8, I want to reflect on my time with the Boy Scouts. I joined to make my parents proud — I wanted to be a part of something I believed in. With the wave of anti-establishment sentiment rising nationwide, it wasn’t easy to be adorned in any uniform in school or on the street. Sometimes, we were mocked, but I was steadfast and unfazed. Even when I felt down or self-conscious, I knew from my father’s Boy Scout tales about camping and other skills he learned that it would be glorious. He wasn’t wrong. Camping was the most fun part of the Scouts; we built fires, roasted marshmallows, set up tents, raised the flag, went fishing, sailed, and took long hikes through the woods, identifying different types of trees and plants. It was at camp that I first completed the mile swim. I also learned how to sail, and my passion for it has never left me. One day in the future, I look forward to having my own sailboat floating up and down the rivers and canals of America, just like I did back then. Though my technique has vastly improved over the years, I’ll never forget the first fire I made and the first s’mores I ever roasted.
Near the beginning of the book, he explained the meaning of the well-known Scout Motto (“Be Prepared”) as follows:
• Be Prepared in Mind so you know the right thing to do at the right moment and are willing to do it. • Be Prepared in Body so you are able to do the right thing at the right moment. Those words resonate with me to this day. This is a key to our work at Medlin Law Firm. As lawyers, we must educate ourselves on the ever-changing legal landscape to do the right thing at the right moment for our clients. Scouting was a team effort, and we had to work together to get things done, just like I work with the team here at Medlin Law Firm. Even though I quit the Scouts before I became an Eagle Scout, disappointing my father, I will always cherish the memories from my time in Scouts. As a Scout, I was trained to be a leader by being
exposed to many situations. Besides the foundation laid by my parents, being in the Scouts taught me teamwork and leadership and to always be prepared to do the right thing. Always be prepared.
Until next month, – Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
I will never forget what I learned from reading “Scouting for Boys” by Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement.
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THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING A 15-MINUTE NAP CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD, HAPPINESS, AND HEALTH
To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine. Think Clearer Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in
high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels.
Live Longer Power naps help more
than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking. The Road to Freedom HOW ABANDONED JUVENILE IMMIGRANTS CAN GET CITIZENSHIP Fortunately, we have a pathway to get these children legal status, known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Using this process, children who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected can find a legal path to a green card. To start the process, the child must be in a safe place. A relative or a nonabusive parent can file to become the legal guardian. Once the child is in a secure area, a state court has to find that the child is eligible for the program through paperwork and testimony from witnesses. Though it is indeed possible to get an abandoned child legal status, the filing process and court process can take weeks. Medlin Law has fought for these children for many years despite the judicial roadblocks and bureaucratic gridlock. The Medlin Law Firm is passionate about protecting these vulnerable children on their path to citizenship and other immigration needs. We can advise and guide you through filling out the complex paperwork. We have the experience and knowledge to fight for you and your family.
Every year, people flock to the U.S. to become citizens, but for immigrants, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen is challenging. There are numerous processes and a stack of forms to complete, which can be incredibly frustrating. Getting citizenship can be even more difficult for abandoned children. In some cases, these children have been in very unsafe and dangerous situations, and much like the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, also known as Dreamers) kids, the U.S. is the only home they’ve ever known. For immigrant children, emotional issues and other injuries are exacerbated by the challenges they face. The fear of deportation or detainment may lead children in these situations to not report abuse, adding to their stress. We have fought hard to protect many children in situations like this. It’s emotionally difficult and time-consuming, but we are passionate about fighting for the rights of these children and ensuring they have a safe, stable restart.
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YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT NEVER TALK TO THE COPS WITHOUT A LAWYER
We’ve all watched a television show where the cops are interrogating a suspect and recognize some version of the following exchange:
Be explicit, be firm, and then be quiet until your lawyer arrives. The second sentence of your Miranda rights states, “Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in the court of law.” This is why it’s better not to say anything until consulting your lawyer. Having a skilled criminal defense attorney allows you to navigate the traps and pitfalls of the murky legal system. You always have the right to an attorney. Suppose you find yourself in an interrogation room, and the police deny or imply you can’t have an attorney. In that case, they are lying to you, which they can do when questioning suspects during an investigation. This is all the more reason to have an experienced lawyer working on your behalf to keep you from being intimidated or tricked into saying something untrue. The Sixth Amendment guarantees you the right to have legal counsel present in all criminal prosecutions. At Medlin Law, we have decades of experience dealing with the criminal court system and fighting for the best interests of our clients, no matter how daunting the situation may seem. Remember your rights and have us work on your behalf in all your interactions with the police.
Suspect: Should I get a lawyer? Cop: You don’t need to; we’re just talking.
This scene is so pervasive that it’s likely playing on a television, laptop, or tablet near you right now. Hollywood, television, and movies have been lying to you. Shocking, we know. Whenever the police question you, you should always have a lawyer, and there are several reasons why. Having legal counsel doesn’t make you look guilty. If you’re involved in any ongoing investigation or criminal case, hire a lawyer before the police interrogate you. Lawyers aren’t just for guilty people; that’s another perception that television perpetuates. No matter who you are, you need to hire a lawyer to protect yourself from the manipulative tactics of skilled police investigators. You have the right to remain silent for a reason. When the police want to question you, you should explicitly ask for a lawyer using one of the following suggestions:
• • •
I will only speak with a lawyer present. I am requesting my right to counsel.
I am requesting a lawyer.
Marry Me Chicken
This dish will have your guests going down on one knee to marry you … or this delicious chicken. Remember, the quickest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach!
Ingredients
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1.
Be Prepared: Reflections on the Organization That Changed My Life
2. 3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap
Navigating Immigration Laws
3. Understand Your Rights
Marry Me Chicken
4. Ancient Brews, Smoking Chimps, and Ghostly Wins!
UNLOCK HISTORY’S STRANGEST SECRETS Our Ancestors Were Weird
History is more than just a chronicle of battles and treaties; it’s a rich tapestry woven with odd and almost unbelievable events that can mystify us now. A dive into the quirky corners of the past can reveal historical anomalies, including ancient beverages and victories from beyond the grave. Besides entertaining us, our history shows our ancestors as multifaceted, creative, and peculiar as we are today. The First Beer In ancient Sumeria, people were not just trailblazers in writing and architecture but also avid brewers. Archaeologists unearthed a 5,000- year-old Sumerian tablet depicting individuals consuming a beer-like substance through reed straws from a shared bowl. This ancient concoction, possibly the earliest known beer recipe, underscores the longstanding human passion for alcohol and communal gatherings. Racing to the Grave One of the most astonishing stories in sports history involves jockey Frank Hayes. In a 1923 horse race at Belmont Park, New York, Hayes achieved victory from beyond the grave. Suffering a fatal heart attack
mid-race, he miraculously remained in the saddle, and his horse, Sweet Kiss, crossed the finish line in first place. This extraordinary event remains the sole known instance in sports where a participant posthumously claimed the gold medal. A Smoking Monkey Looking to the East, North Korea’s Pyongyang Zoo featured another oddity in 2016: Azalea, a smoking chimpanzee. Trained to ignite and puff on cigarettes, this chimpanzee was a peculiar draw for visitors. In sparking controversy over animal rights, Azalea illustrates the bizarre and often questionable ways humans have historically interacted with animals. These stories demonstrate that the annals of history are not just repositories of conventional wisdom and significant events but also a collection of the bizarre, the unusual, and the extraordinary. These peculiar tales help us gain a more nuanced and colorful understanding of our collective past, shedding light on the complexity and eccentricity of our history.
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