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THE LEGAL LEDGER 800-800-4300 DENMONPEARLMAN.COM AN UNCONVENTIONAL HOLIDAY TRADITION NOVEMBER 2023
The Denmon family has a unique and cherished tradition that sets us apart from the typical Thanksgiving celebrations. While many families gather to watch football games, indulge in a hearty feast, or express gratitude, the Denmon family has a quirky yet heartwarming tradition of our own: We watch “Die Hard” every Thanksgiving in preparation for Christmas. This tradition began nearly two decades ago when patriarch Richard Denmon decided to break away from the usual Thanksgiving activities. Richard, a die-hard fan (pun intended) of movies, had always found solace in the thrilling escapades of Detective John McClane, played by Bruce Willis in the iconic film “Die Hard.” He believed the film’s themes of resilience, heroism, and triumph over adversity resonated with the spirit of the holiday season. The Denmon family’s Thanksgiving celebration unfolds in a unique way. After the bountiful dinner has been enjoyed and the dishes have been cleared, family members gather in the cozy living room, popcorn in hand, to relive the adventures of John McClane as he takes on a group of terrorists in Nakatomi Plaza during Christmas Eve. The film’s explosive action sequences, witty one-liners, and the enduring image of McClane’s white tank top have become integral elements of our Thanksgiving tradition.
As the movie plays, laughter fills the room as the Denmon family members exchange their favorite quotes and scenes. For them, “Die Hard” is more than just a film; it’s a bonding experience that brings generations together. Even the youngest members of the family, who may not fully grasp the film’s plot, eagerly anticipate this annual event. It’s become a rite of passage in the Denmon household, with teenagers eagerly awaiting the day when they can sit with the adults and watch McClane’s adventures unfold. Watching “Die Hard” on Thanksgiving serves as a symbolic transition from the gratitude of the holiday to the excitement of the Christmas season. It’s a reminder that, like John McClane, we all face challenges and adversities, but with determination and a sense of humor, we can overcome them. For the Denmon family, this tradition embodies the true essence of Thanksgiving: spending quality time with loved ones, sharing laughter, and creating lasting memories. It’s a reminder that traditions don’t have to be conventional; they can be as unique as the individuals who celebrate them. So, as the credits roll on “Die Hard” each Thanksgiving, the Denmon family is not only entertained but also reminded of the importance of resilience, unity, and the joy of being together during the holiday season. —Christian Denmon 1
IT’S A REMINDER THAT, LIKE JOHN MCCLANE, WE ALL FACE CHALLENGES AND ADVERSITIES, BUT WITH DETERMINATION AND A SENSE OF HUMOR, WE CAN OVERCOME THEM.”
WALK YOUR WAY TO BETTER DIGESTION
We all know the after-lunch slump leaves us counting the minutes to our next nap. But research shows that sleeping or lying down after eating isn’t the best for health (no matter how good it feels). When you do this, you’re not allowing your body the time it needs to digest your food properly, and you may experience various digestive issues, such as acid reflux and heartburn. So, is walking the best activity to do after eating? The answer is yes! Walking is a light movement that can help your food move through your stomach and intestines, making digestion smoother. Not only can walking help improve your digestion after eating, but this simple exercise can also bring many other benefits:
Of course, regular exercise improves your overall health significantly, even if it’s just a quick walk around the neighborhood! The Post-Meal Walk: When and how long is best? You gain the most digestive benefits if you walk right after eating. Waiting too long afterward may only minimally aid your digestive process. Be sure to get moving as soon after your meal as possible! As for frequency, ideally, you should go for a stroll after every meal. However, to get started, try going for a walk after dinner. You can increase your number of walks as you get accustomed to the exercise. Ten minutes is all you need to reap the benefits of walking after eating. While you can walk longer if you’d like, 10 minutes is doable even with a busy schedule. Plus, if you walk for 10 minutes after every meal, that’s 30 minutes
• • • • •
Regulating blood sugar levels Managing blood pressure Reducing the risk of heart disease
of exercise daily! Take your dog with you or stroll with your headphones, listening to your favorite podcast. How you walk is up to you, but no matter what, you’re doing your mind and body a huge favor!
Boosting your mood Improving sleep quality
HOW TO SILENCE YOUR PERSONAL INJURY STRESS
Lean on Others Some people bottle up emotions or don’t want others to see they’re struggling. But your friends and family want to support you in your time of need. Expressing your worries out loud with someone you trust can help you process your thoughts and feelings, and your loved one might even have guidance or perspective to offer about your situation. Either way, you’ll feel better knowing you have people in your corner.
Stress among Americans has arguably reached a breaking point. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of respondents had adverse health effects due to stress in the past month. But personal injury victims have it worse than most, with lost work, piling bills, continued health problems, and unresolved insurance claims keeping them awake at night. We know a personal injury case is one of the most stressful things a person can experience. In honor of Stress Awareness Day on Nov. 1, we want to share some tips for coping with anxiety and uncertainty before your claim is resolved. Keep a Journal Journaling is an effective tool for processing raw, unfiltered emotions. In a journal, you can write down your feelings, even if they don’t make sense, without being judged. Many find that writing their worries down on paper makes them feel less scary, and writing in your journal as a daily practice can create a soothing stress-relief routine.
Ask for Help Talking with family or friends isn’t enough for everyone. Stress, left unchecked, can take over
your life. If you struggle to sleep, lose your appetite, can’t concentrate on daily tasks, or start drinking or engaging in other unhealthy habits more often, it’s time to seek professional help. Many people benefit from therapy after a personal injury, so don’t feel like you’re alone. A professional can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and manage difficult emotions. Find the Right Attorney A lawyer you trust won’t make your stress evaporate into thin air, but one you don’t trust will worsen your anxiety. No matter how many cases they’ve won in the past, an attorney who doesn’t make you feel confident, comfortable, and heard is the wrong one for you. Not settling for less in your representation than you deserve will help you rest slightly easier.
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DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF TOMBOLO BOOKS
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • • • • • •
2 lbs ground beef
6 cups water
1 28-oz can tomato sauce
A LOCAL LITERARY OASIS WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chopped green peppers 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp salt
Convenience may reign supreme in an increasingly digital world, but an algorithm is no match for hand-curated selection. That’s the ethos of Tombolo Books, which has won “Best of the Bay” in the bookstore category for all four years it has been in business. A personal touch sets the store apart from its competitors on and offline. Alsace Walentine had 16 years of experience in bookselling in Asheville, North Carolina, when she decided to launch Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg. “It may surprise people, but there are a lot of cultural similarities between the two cities,” she says. “And I started thinking the one thing St. Pete is missing is a bookstore focused on bringing authors from all over the country to meet with readers.” Tombolo Books began as a pop-up store before going brick-and-mortar in 2019. The store now hosts 1–3 local or nationally known authors each week. “It builds a great community of people who get to meet their heroes and have their books signed,” Alsace says. But Alsace believes the top thing that sets Tombolo apart from other bookstores is selection. “We get input from all our booksellers and meet with sales reps who really understand the local audience and hot topics,” Alsace explains. “Sometimes, I only buy one copy of a new book because I know one regular customer will want it. Sure enough, they come in and discover it. It’s so fun to watch.” The customers are Alsace’s favorite part of her job. “At the end of every day, my wife and I always talk about our favorite customers and interactions,” she says. “People get personal with you and each other in a bookstore.” She adds, “This feels like important work. Seeing all the new books coming out, having access to new authors — it always feels like you’re on the cutting edge of new ideas.” Alsace notes that independent bookstores are making a comeback around the country, and she’s grateful for the community support. “It makes a big difference when people choose to pay full price for books rather than looking for a discount store,” she says. “They’re supporting the local economy and ensuring their money stays with their neighbors.” Alsace is currently reading “The Sentence” by Louis Erdrich. She encourages readers who want to learn more about the store to visit TomboloBooks.com or search “TomboloBooks” on Facebook or Instagram.
2 tsp beef bouillon granules
1 tsp black pepper
2 cups cooked long-grain rice Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1.
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3.
Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
(EASY WAY OUT)
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800-800-4300 DENMONPEARLMAN.COM
INSIDE 1 An Unconventional Holiday Tradition
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The Power of Post-Meal Walking
Stress-Busting Tips for Personal Injury Victims
Why Tombolo Books Is the Heart of St. Petersburg’s Literary Scene
Stuffed Pepper Soup
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Podcast Your Way to a Sharper Mind and Smarter You
PODCAST WISDOM: LIFELONG LEARNING POTENTIAL
You’re never too old to learn something new! There are plenty of debunked myths floating around about the brain’s ability to absorb information as we age, but the truth is, learning in every phase of life is incredible for your mind. We keep our cognitive skills sharp as we age when we continue learning new information and skills. So, what’s the easiest way to passively learn something new? Tune in to one of these podcasts and continue with your day! Podcasts from experts can provide you with a plethora of compelling information to keep your brain strong. ‘Ologies’ Witty and endlessly informative, “Ologies” is hosted by Alie Ward, a science correspondent with all the humor you need to keep coming back for more. Ward interviews experts and “-ologists” and asks them not-so-average questions. The information and insight you receive is easily digestible and entertaining. With
over 340 episodes at your disposal on most streaming platforms like Apple and Spotify, “Ologies” can keep you listening for a long time! ‘You’re Wrong About’ The first step to understanding the world around you is to consider the possibility that everything you know may not be true. That’s where “You’re Wrong About” comes in! Host and journalist Sarah Marshall dives into different historical figures and events falsely covered by the traditional media. From Sinead O’Connor to Bonnie and Clyde, Sarah meets with various experts to go through the cold hard facts and what you likely didn’t know about these people. Start listening to one of over 200 episodes and learn everything you never knew!
fitness myths, and trendy health gimmicks to keep you informed. With the help of hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, you learn the actual science behind your body’s health and discover what is true and what is simply trending. With plenty of podcasts at your fingertips, these three are exceptionally entertaining and informative. Put your headphones on and clean up the house, or drive your daily commute with one of these podcasts to keep your brain in tip-top shape!
‘Maintenance Phase’ With social media and so-called health
gurus everywhere, it can be challenging to know what health advice is factual or safe. “Maintenance Phase” debunks all the diet fads,
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