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July 2022
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Ahead of the Game BEFORE PLAYSTATION AND XBOX, I HAD A COMMODORE VIC-20
Video games have gone from purely kids’ stuff to fun for all ages, with countless adults now latching onto the pastime as a favorite hobby. There are even esports tournaments where the best players compete professionally! July 8 is Video Game Day, and while gaming seems to have conquered the world in recent years, it was all brand-new when I was growing up. My family didn’t go out to eat very often, but when we did, one of our favorite places became a pizza place called Mazzio’s. Dad had a picture of pizza he’d drawn that lived on the side of the fridge. When he felt like pizza, he’d hold it up to his face like a mask and walk around the house with it. That was our sign that we were going out to dinner!
they’d programmed (or copied) and shared. We used to go to a computer swap meet in Dallas once every month or so, and we’d have to get up at 4 or 5 in the morning to make sure we got the good stuff. I remember buying a 20-megabyte hard drive, which was huge back then! Because of those experiences, I considered myself someone who knew a lot about computers. I found out just how wrong I’d been when I went to college. I had a roommate who was a computer science major and a best friend who majored in electronic engineering. I quickly realized I wasn’t quite the computer whiz I’d thought.
But knowing them did help me secure a University of Texas student email address. You had to know to go to the computer lab and
After we ate, we’d always get some tokens and play arcade games in the restaurant. My favorite was Spy Hunter, a driving game with a steering wheel you used for controls. Probably inspired by James Bond, you had to drive down the road while dodging enemy attacks and destroying as many of their cars as possible. Later, I remember spending hours in the Six Flags arcade playing a “Star Wars” video game. My first exposure to at-home video games was through my cousins, who had an Atari. Later, my best friend had a Commodore 64. My family ended up with our own Commodore VIC-20 not long
make a special request for it. I didn’t get to pick my password, and they assigned one to me that was three letters long! I used that email address
for many years, and the password never changed. We have come a long way in terms of security.
These days, I only play games I can download on my phone, but my kids used to dabble in console games. They used to love playing Rock Band on the Nintendo Wii — which they eventually broke from overuse. My daughter, Elissa, drums, so she got a kick out of playing the instrument in the game with real-time feedback. Kaity, my youngest, also has an Oculus virtual reality headset, and it’s fun now
after. My mom was attending college and supposedly needed it to do some programming. I don’t remember her doing much more than playing Q*bert, but I loved the machine. Dad subscribed to PC Magazine, which contained code for games you could program onto the computer using an early programming language called Basic. You had to type it up exactly as printed. The code might be relatively short, or it could be pages and pages of tiny print. Then you’d run it and cross your fingers, hoping you hadn’t made any errors before saving it to an audio cassette tape! Later, we got an IBM Clone with the world’s slowest modem. Back then, there was no internet as we know it today, but there were bulletin boards where you could send messages to other people and download games
and then to put it on and swing your arms around like a crazy person immersed in the game. According to some, we’ll all be living in virtual reality someday. We’ll see. I never used those programming skills academically or professionally, but I think the games still sparked an interest in learning something new and exciting about what technology could offer. They also taught me how to work through problems, which has remained useful in my law career. I can’t claim to have a lot in common with today’s gamers, but I sure did manage to have a lot of fun!
-Aaron Miller
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Good news, redheads! The freckles popping up on your face this summer are actually in style. Makeup and fashion experts have used platforms like TikTok and the runway to show that freckles can be trendy. The message is about embracing natural beauty, but some experts born without the luxury of freckles are taking matters into their own hands. Freckles are a matter of genetics. The sun activates these patches of pigmentation, so they are most commonly noticeable in those who are pale. The good news is freckles aren’t a sign of any issue. For those not blessed with these genetics, a few hacks can help achieve this look. Among some of the most popular freckle trends is using L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Temporary Root Spray. Those who dye their hair will recognize this product as a spray-on color for your hair intended to cover those pesky roots between dye jobs. With a small spritz, beauty experts have found this product also creates the dusty freckles of your sun-kissed dreams! Just be sure to spray the product at least 3 inches away from your face (and close your eyes!) for a more natural application. What the Freck? FRECKLES ARE THIS SUMMER’S HOT LOOK!
There’s only one way to make the great outdoors even greater — the campfire. But if your campfire smell lingers on your clothes for days after you enjoy the fire, it can be anything but “great.” Kill the smell with this go-to guide. But first — why does this happen? Fabrics cling to whatever it comes in contact with, and some fabrics, like cotton, tend to cling harder than others. Smoke is light and small, so it can easily penetrate fibers of your fabric, and wood may contain chemicals and compounds that can be very damaging to clothing. Thus, not removing the smoke smell could permanently alter your clothes. Go bitter or go home! Lemon juice and white vinegar are strong enough to cut through stains and smelly particles, but they’re gentle enough to keep your clothing in good condition. There are a few ways you can do this. You can soak your clothes in vinegar and cold water prior to washing. Alternatively, add a splash of lemon juice to your washing machine before washing any smoky clothes. Try adding a little H 2 O. Water is actually a very harsh compound. In a heated form, it has the power to kill bacteria and eliminate gnarly smells. So, if you have strong, lingering campfire smoke smells, try washing your clothes in very hot water. This will pull the smoke from your fabric. However, don’t use this method all the time. As mentioned, water can be harsh — even to the very item you’re cleaning. It’s time to keep it organic. Rather than relying on solutions or water to clean your garments, hang your smoky clothes outside. This is a useful solution for those who have items that cannot be washed at home, but it may not be completely effective. If that’s the case, try rubbing your clothes with dryer sheets to lift the smell, too! Try It: Don’t trust a home remedy with your favorite clothing item. Instead, place a few T-shirts you don’t care about near your next campfire. The following day, try a remedy on that shirt! If you run into any difficulties, consult with a trusted dry-cleaning expert. KEEP THE SMOKE AT BAY REMOVE THE SMELL OF CAMPFIRE SMOKE
Others opt for freckle pens or utilize the old trick of applying eyebrow makeup with a
fine-toothed brush. Pens often come in many different colors, so you can customize your freckle game, while eyebrow makeup is designed to enhance color and fullness of
your face, much like freckles do.
However, if you’re looking at specific brands to create freckles, why not go to the source? Freck Beauty changed the landscape of freckle beauty options when it began in 2017. Dedicated to creating products that accentuate natural beauty and encourage showing off freckles, Freck’s products are also vegan and cruelty free, so you can feel and look good! If you’re a conscious beauty product user, you may be curious about personal safety, too. This is valid because not all are made with ingredients that work for every skin. It’s best to do thorough research to compare brands, read ingredient labels, and try samples first to test on a small patch of skin before using them on your entire face.
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3 Foods That Boost Skin Protection From the Sun Eat Away the UV Rays
Fatty Fish You have heard that omega-3s are great for your heart, but your skin loves this compound, too. Omega-3s can limit the
By now, most of us know how to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. We apply sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses, and opt for shaded spots to enjoy a picnic or a break. But what if we told you there was a way to do more, and it involved some really tasty food?
The good news is that it’s true!
impact of a sunburn, which can lessen the damage sunburns do to your skin. This is due to the natural anti-inflammatory properties in omega-3s. The best source of this nutrient is in fish, like salmon, herring, or trout. Try searing these delicacies on the grill for your next barbecue.
Many studies have found that antioxidants are the key to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. While simply changing your diet won’t eliminate the need for sunscreen, you can boost the effectiveness of your sun protection habits by making a few simple swaps. Note: These benefits have only been found in the consumption of the actual food, not the consumption of the food’s nutrients in supplement form. Discuss your supplement options with a trusted medical professional before taking them. Colorful Fruits and Veggies The colors that make fruits and vegetables look so lively are the very compounds our skin loves. Foods like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, kiwis, and oranges all contain carotenoids, which can have sun protection abilities. Likewise, grapes and berries have their own compounds that do something similar. To add these to your diet, include fruit with every meal, swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for the summer, or snack on some fresh tomatoes!
Flavorful Drinks Your morning routine just got better. Studies have found that coffee and green tea can have tremendous health benefits for your skin. One study found that drinking coffee may lower your risk of developing melanoma (a common form of skin cancer), while green tea contains polyphenols, which, much like the compounds found in fruit, can offer skin protection. Pour yourself a mug each day to reap a few benefits for your skin.
As always, consult with a trusted medical professional if you have further questions or have concerns about your skin’s health.
TAKE A BREAK
HEALTHIER HOT DOGS WITH SLAW
Ingredients
Directions
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 green apple, peeled and diced • 1 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 small head red cabbage, cored and shredded • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 tbsp grill seasoning • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 8 organic chicken sausage links • 8 whole-wheat hot dog buns, toasted
1. In a large skillet over high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Sauté the apple, onion, and cabbage and toss until wilted. Season with cumin and grill seasoning and cook for 10–12 minutes, until tender. 2. Add the vinegar and maple syrup, then toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute and set the slaw aside. 3. On the grill, cook your chicken dogs according to the package instructions. 4. Assemble the works, starting with the bun and piling in the chicken dog and slaw. 5. Dig in! For an extra health boost, serve with grilled summer vegetables.
Inspired by RachaelRayMag.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
214.292.4225 www.AaronMillerLaw.com 1400 Preston Road, Suite 118 Plano, Texas 75093 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Aaron Remembers Old School Video Games
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Remove the Smell of Campfire Smoke
Should You Try the Freckle Beauty Trend?
3
Help Protect Your Skin With Tasty Food!
Healthier Hot Dogs With Slaw
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5 Family-Friendly Patriotic Flicks
America on the Silver Screen 5 Patriotic Movies the Family Will Love
‘An American Tail’ Follow Fievel the Russian mouse as he immigrates to America with his family in 1885. With action and anxiety-inducing antics, “An American Tail” provides younger children with history and a glimpse at the beauty of the American Dream. Plus, it’s nostalgia fodder for their parents, who likely grew up with Fievel and his family! ‘A League of Their Own’ Packed with Hollywood stars, “A League of Their Own” is inspired by the All- American Girls Professional Baseball League. Created in the depths of World War II, the league ran for 12 seasons. In the movie, two sisters must find a way to overcome their personal differences to make their baseball league a standout sport. (If you enjoy the movie, be sure to watch Amazon’s TV series!) ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’ This is one black-and-white film your politically active teens may enjoy. When Jefferson Smith becomes a U.S. senator, he’s taken under the wing of Senator John Paine, but Smith soon learns Paine has more nefarious ambitions. In the film, your family will see Congress in action — and a little ribbing, too!
“You’re killin’ me, Smalls!” is probably what you will say to your kiddo when they say they haven’t watched “The Sandlot.”
You may even discover they haven’t seen many America-themed classics! So, we have just the lineup for your next family movie night. In the spirit of Independence Day, check out these family-friendly American movie favorites. ‘The Sandlot’ An obvious choice but a good one, “The Sandlot” follows a group of neighborhood kids in the 1960s who gather at the local baseball diamond to play ball. It chronicles the feeling of summertime freedom, the gut-wrenching fear of local legends, the awkwardness of first crushes, and the true meaning of friendship. Plus, that Fourth of July scene will have the family in stitches! ‘National Treasure’ You may be surprised to learn that “National Treasure” is an action-packed movie with a PG rating! Loaded with history, the movie follows a passionate historian and a team of unlikely heroes as they search for a hidden treasure, and the location has been written on the back of the Declaration of Independence. (Be sure to check out the sequel, too, and the third movie, which is slated for a 2022 release.)
Check your local library or favorite streaming service to watch these titles.
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