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March 2 Marks Read Across America Day! HOW BOOKS HAVE IMPACTED MY LIFE lymanfirm.com The Lyman Firm Newsletter TELEGRAPH Amicus Curiae www.LymanFirm.com 404-267-1986 February 2019 2860 Piedmont Road, Suite 275, Atlanta, GA 30305 The Truth About Lyman Beginning a Journey Starts with Dedication to Transparency T: 404 267 1986 F: 470 745 0699 The Lyman Firm Newsletter
MARCH 2024
When the day winds down and the world gets quiet, I find comfort in the world of books. Reading before bedtime and sneaking in pages during the day has become a habit for me. This love for reading started when I was a kid thanks to my dad, who was a big reader. Even in third grade, I got into novels, and I remember bringing a Tom Clancy book to school that got me into a bit of trouble because it had a few swear words. But that didn’t stop me from falling in love with reading. Over the years, I’ve become an avid reader. I enjoy fiction and nonfiction and usually juggle reading a book of each type simultaneously. Reading has become a way for me to escape from the daily grind, especially when I read at night. It takes my mind off things and lets me dive into different worlds. The cool thing about reading is that it transports you to different places and introduces you to various characters you’d otherwise never meet in real life. I’ve come to appreciate good writing — an art form that brings stories to life. Two books that have stood out for me over the years are “Blood Meridian” and “Catch-22.” Cormac McCarthy’s book “Blood Meridian” explores the idea of manifest destiny and how it relates to the fleeting nature of life. It provides a new perspective on this 19th-century ideology and highlights our fleeting existence by sharing stories of historical events that happened on the border between Texas and Mexico back in the 1850s. The gruesome nature of these stories made me think about how life can be so short and how we should make the most of our lives because the truth is that they often could be much, much worse or gone at any moment. On the other hand, “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller navigates the chaos of bombing missions in World War II with a touch of humor. As the reader follows a U.S. Army squadron based in Italy, we see how humans cope with some of the most arduous and gruesome times of their lives. It’s a book that left me thinking about just how complex — and resilient — humans can be. heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.” Although I used to read a lot about history and war (as you can see), my taste has shifted to science fiction over the last five G eorgia is a blue-collar state — a grassroots mix of farmland, 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, “I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the
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.
years. I’ve found something fascinating about exploring different worlds and futuristic ideas. Ultimately, that’s why reading can be so profound. You can travel to space in one book and leap back through time in the next. Books have a magical power to take us on a journey, inviting us to learn more about ourselves and the diverse perspectives in life. When we read, we get to view the world from someone else’s point of view, putting ourselves in their shoes and experiencing their unique take on life. It’s a chance to explore the human experience and the wide range of emotions that come with it. So, as we celebrate Read Across America Day on March 2, I can’t help but think about the significant impact books have had on me. They’re not just stories but companions, guides, and a portal to new worlds. Reading has changed my life, and each book I read has left a lasting impression and helped shape the person I am today! 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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How Someone Under 21 Can Legally Consume Alcohol WHEN MINORS ARE ALLOWED TO IMBIBE
When it comes to drinking age requirements, the U.S. is strict for a Western country. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was enacted in 1984, which raised the minimum age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21. It also set a precedent for the age requirement for other substances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned tobacco purchase for anyone under 21, and recreational cannabis is similarly age-restricted. While the law dictates that people under 21 can’t consume alcohol, that’s not the whole story. There are many exemptions nationwide, with every state having unique age requirement laws. Even counties can have special restrictions. American Indian reservations have independent sovereignty, so they don’t follow American laws at all. Religious Ceremonies and Services Currently, 26 states allow for religious exemptions for underage alcohol consumption. Alcohol is commonly used in many religious services; for example, Christian communion often involves a sip of wine. These legal loopholes are why priests aren’t arrested every Sunday. States that don’t have laws for religious exemptions never generally enforce the alcohol requirement on religious organizations, so they are practically legal. Medicinal Purposes People use alcohol for more than just recreation: it’s often used for medicinal purposes, too. For example, cough syrup uses it to break down ingredients. It is thus legal for medicinal purposes in 16 states, including Wyoming and Utah. Isopropyl and rubbing alcohol are distinct from the ethyl alcohol used in spirits, so they aren’t regulated similarly. Drinking for Education Alcohol is a culinary mainstay for many cultures, and many dishes include alcohol as an essential component — tiramisu, coq au vin, and flambé, to name a few. For minors interested in pursuing a culinary career, preventing them from accessing alcohol can be detrimental to their education. So, many states allow students enrolled in the culinary arts — including brewing, enology (the study of wines), and hospitality — to consume alcohol for educational purposes. For example, in Florida, students can drink as much as they want as long they’re on campus and have specific curriculums. Undercover Imbibing Minors can work for law enforcement. If they’re going undercover to expose illegal activities, there’s a good chance they’ll be offered
alcohol or put into situations where drinking is advisable. In Hawaii and Michigan, undercover agents are allowed to purchase or consume alcohol so long as it pertains to their assignment. With Family Some parents prefer that their children drink at home for various reasons. A few argue it discourages drunk driving and other risky behavior. Others just like to share a beverage with their children at dinner. Regardless of the reasons, several states allow underage drinking in the presence of a family member or guardian. The details of this exception vary widely. For example, some stipulate that a family member must provide the alcohol, like in New Mexico. Many states restrict alcohol to home use only, such as in Nebraska. Texas and other states allow the exemption in any location, such as restaurants. Drinking is distinct from possession, in case things weren’t complicated enough. In 19 states, minors can possess alcohol with parental consent. Other states, like Utah, prohibit alcohol possession at all times. Other Complexities The law is always nuanced, but few are as complex as the tangled web of alcohol restrictions. States like Pennsylvania restrict the drinking age and require sellers to fulfill strict requirements, like only selling beer and wine under 5.7% alcohol. Meanwhile, Louisianians sell daiquiris from drive-thrus (so long as they don’t have straws). The bottom line is that the U.S. has so much variety because it allows the states to set their own guidelines, and the differing cultures within states and counties affect their drinking laws. “The bottom line is that the U.S. has so much variety because it allows the states to set their own guidelines, and the differing cultures within states and counties affect their drinking laws.” ”
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BIGFOOT IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES!? A Washington County’s Unique Hunting Ban Most people don’t consider the legality of Bigfoot hunting, but in Washington state, it’s part of the law. In Skamania County, it’s illegal to kill the mythological ape. Should someone murder the creature, they’d face a stiff penalty. Bigfoot — sometimes called Sasquatch — is an elusive ape-like cryptid said to roam the forests of North America. It allegedly has reddish-brown fur, a gorilla-like body, and its namesake big feet. Some claim Bigfoot is the “missing link” between walking apes and our ancestors, who walked on all fours. Most scientists dispute the claim, saying that any ancestor this old likely would’ve adapted or gone extinct. Bigfoot was first spotted in California in 1958, and most sightings since occur in Washington state. Per every 100,000 people, 9.12 sightings are in the Evergreen State. That’s a third more often than its neighbor Oregon, the runner-up at 6.06. If there were a Bigfoot capital of the world, it’d be in Washington. On April 1, 1969, the Skamania County legislature enacted Ordinance 1969-01, the first law prohibiting the killing of Bigfoot. Anyone convicted of murdering the cryptid would be classified as a felon and imprisoned for five years. While modified decades later, it set an important precedent: Bigfoot is a protected species. Tourism picked up shortly after that. Bigfoot mania officially hit the U.S. in the 1970s as directors released films like “Sasquatch, the Legend of Bigfoot.” New Bigfoot enthusiasts started to visit Washington in droves, hoping to be the first to find proof of its existence. While locals appreciated the influx of cash from tourism, they didn’t appreciate the influx of guns from Bigfoot hunters. County legislatures enacted a new ordinance in 1984. It further clarified the regulations on Bigfoot and designated the ape as an endangered species. As such, hunting Bigfoot with the intent to kill is illegal. However, the ordinance softened the penalty for hunting Bigfoot, lowering the penalty for poachers to a year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Every law has some logic; no matter how frivolous it may seem, there’s a reason why lawmakers went through the trouble. While this law may seem unnecessary, it protects “Bigfoot” and the Skamania County citizens alike.
TAKE A BREAK
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 2 boneless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn
• 1 cup canned black beans • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
Directions 1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
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404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com 2860 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30335
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Profound Impact of Reading on My Life
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My Life in the Courtroom, the Home, and the Racetrack When Minors Can Drink 3 Wild Divorce Settlements Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Bistecca Alla Fiorentina The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl Why Bigfoot Is a Protected Species in Washington
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Let’s Retire These Health Myths The Marketing Campaign That Cost Red Bull Over $6 Million
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The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe MARKETING CAMPAIGN DISPROVED IN COURT RED BULL DOESN’T GIVE YOU WINGS
BOTTLED WATER IS SAFER THAN TAP WATER For decades, Red Bull has run the marketing campaign that its energy drink gives people wings. Most assume it’s a joke, an exaggeration of the beverage’s stimulating effects. The courts disagreed. A group of Red Bull drinkers in 2014 filed a class action lawsuit against the Austrian company, accusing them of false advertising. Despite the company’s claims, they alleged that the drink does not give you wings. 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. CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS To be more specific, the suit alleged that the ad campaign uses flying imagery to convey that the beverage is better than other caffeinated drinks. While the brand’s messaging claims it improves response times and concentration, the suit alleges the beverage isn’t much more effective than a cup of coffee. 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. Red Bull settled for over $6 million. They also agreed to compensate customers who were disappointed about the drink’s wingless results. Such claimants could receive $10 or
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 What Red Bull did was tread the line between false advertising and “puffery,” the legal term for extravagant claims about a product. The law allows for some lofty claims — such as “World’s Best Coffee” — so long as they are opinions. “Red Bull gives you wings” sounds like a factual statement, so it doesn’t fall under puffery. information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health. a voucher for $15 of Red Bull products. But before you go writing a letter to Red Bull for your voucher, know that customers are no longer eligible for this compensation. In Red Bull’s words, they settled to “avoid the cost and distraction of litigation,” noting that their ad campaigns and can labels “have always been truthful and accurate.” Red Bull denied any wrongdoing. The energy drink company has continued using the slogan in its marketing in event sponsorship and TV ads. So, while Red Bull may not actually give you wings, it did pay out a lot of money in a court settlement over the claim.
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
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
on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant.
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