Harmonson Law Firm - December 2019

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DECEMBER 2019

HARMONSON HEADLINES

YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND

A LOOK BACK AS A DECADE COMES TO AN END

It’s hard to believe this decade is coming to an end. It will soon be the ‘20s! It’s been quite the decade too, both around the world and right here in El Paso. Here in El Paso, the decade was bookended by presidential visits. The decade began by a visit

I still remember when Asarco’s smokestacks were brought down in 2013. These smokestacks, which were part of Asarco’s copper smelter operation, had dotted the El Paso skyline for decades. For many, the smokestacks were a staple of the community. At that same time in 2013, the El Paso city building was demolished. A few fellow attorneys and I actually stayed at the DoubleTree Hotel to have a watching party of the demolition. You can still find the video of the demolition on YouTube. The following year in 2014, we saw some major construction projects come to an end, namely the Southwest University Park baseball stadium. Construction of the project wasn’t without controversy, but it did bring a lot of excitement to the community, especially as the AAA Minor League baseball team, the Chihuahuas, officially moved to El Paso from Tucson. Now, the Chihuahuas have become a local staple and a major source of pride for many El Pasoans, this one included. We’ve also seen the revitalization of our downtown over the last decade. While revitalization efforts are still ongoing, it’s brought a lot of great opportunities and interest to the heart of El Paso. Many buildings like the Mills building and the Plaza hotel have been or are currently being renovated. Revitalization efforts will likely continue as local property owner Billy Abraham has been forced to sell his dilapidated downtown properties, and the courts seem poised to allow the demolition of the Duranguito neighborhood to make way for a new multipurpose arena. El Paso Streetcars also made their return in 2018, although I rarely see anyone riding these million-dollar beauties. Our family has enjoyed a revitalized downtown and I hope that the growth will only continue. Finally, the ‘10s have been marked by the IH-10 (GoTen) project here in El Paso. It seems that construction has been with us nonstop for the entirety of this decade. Will the efforts be worth it and will the construction ever be completed? Time will tell. So far, I give the improvements and especially the Loop 375 extension five stars. Wishing everyone peace this holiday season and a happy new year at the end of this dynamic decade. – Clark Harmonson

from our 44th President, Barack Obama, who visited Ft. Bliss in 2010 to thank service members for their service. Ft. Bliss is such a large part of our community and is an important part of our nation’s role as global peacekeepers. President Obama then visited in 2011 to discuss his plans for immigration reform, a problem that has yet to be solved in this decade. Now at the end of the decade, we have had two presidential visits from our 45th President Donald Trump in 2019. President Trump held a rally for support of his pet project, the border wall, in February. He also visited El Paso in the wake of the El Paso shooting in August. This decade will be remembered most because of these two men who are so vastly different and the tumultuous change our nation has undergone after Donald Trump’s election in 2016. Speaking of politicians, the ‘10s also saw the rise and fall of Beto O’Rourke. O’Rourke was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 after defeating eight-term incumbent Democrat Silvestre Reyes in the primary. O’Rourke burst onto the national scene when he narrowly lost the U.S. Senate seat to the highly unpopular Ted Cruz in the 2018 elections. In March of 2019, O’ Rourke announced his run for president. During his campaign, he tacked hard left when he proposed severe gun control legislation in the wake of the El Paso shooting. O’ Rourke only recently ended his bid for the presidency. Love him or loathe him, one thing is certain: Beto loves El Paso and has used his popularity to let the nation how awesome a place El Paso truly is. Politics aside, we had a lot of great things happen in El Paso over the last decade. In 2012, the El Paso Children’s Hospital opened its doors, bringing a new level of pediatric care to the city and the region. Not only have things been built up, but things have also been taken down.

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It’s always fun to celebrate with friends and family during the holiday season. You see people you haven’t seen in months or more. You’re catching up, telling stories, and just having a great time. But at a lot of these celebrations, it’s not uncommon to enjoy conversation and dinner with a drink or two. In fact, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, more people drink alcohol than during any other time of year. As a result, it can also be the most dangerous time of year on the road due to more alcohol-related accidents. The reason for the increase in alcohol-related accidents comes down to more social drinking. A higher number of people are drinking as they eat dinner, watch the game on TV, or gather around to simply catch up. The list goes on. But the danger comes when a person decides to drive after having a drink — or a few. While we all know to never drink and drive, there will always be someone who ignores this advice. However, if you are in a situation when you need to drive after having a drink, a good rule of thumb is to wait about 1 hour after your last drink before getting behind the wheel. With that said, 1 hour probably isn’t enough time if you have had several drinks. STAYING SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEA It Starts With One Dri

In 1983, one movie introduced Red Ryder BB guns, fishnet-clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Your kids are listening to you (oh, fudge!). They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on. LESSONS FAMILIES CAN LEARN FROM ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’

Kids won’t believe in magic forever. Magical stories about Santa or even “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with wonder but won’t enchant them forever. Belief in certain parts of the Christmas season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always

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be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season.

Sometimes ‘disasters’ lead to new adventures.

Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world.

Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!

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Even the best drivers exhibit bad driving habits from time to time. We learn bad driving habits from our parents, peers, and other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, there are many bad driving habits that can have serious consequences. Here are three common examples you likely see every day on your commute and may even be guilty of yourself! Not Signaling When Turning or Changing Lanes Most drivers are guilty of this here and there. You might be changing lanes on the interstate or making a left turn, and you neglect to signal your intentions. A lot of people consider it harmless, but it’s far from it. It’s crucial to indicate your intentions to other drivers. Turn signals help reduce crashes when properly used. Yes, we’ve all signaled our intention to change lanes to have another driver hit the gas to prevent us from making that lane change, but that’s on them. We don’t have to be that selfish driver. Driving With High Beams On This is something many drivers do by accident and don’t realize it until other drivers flash their own high beams to get your attention. There are also instances when people install aftermarket headlights on a vehicle, only to install them incorrectly and then fail to calibrate them. As a result, these aftermarket headlights are angled slightly up and into the eyes of other drivers. When you turn your lights on, always check your dashboard to see if your high beams are on. If you have aftermarket lights installed, make sure they are properly calibrated for your vehicle. YIELD TO THESE 3 BAD DRIVING HABITS

If this isn’t possible, there are a few other tips to help keep you safe during the holiday revelry:

• Avoid drinking alcohol altogether. It’s okay to say “no.” You should never feel obligated to drink or give in to peer pressure.

• If you want to have a drink in hand, make it water or another nonalcoholic beverage.

• Have a designated driver you can count on, either at the event or quick phone call or text away. Alternatively, have a taxi number saved on your phone, or download the Uber or Lyft apps so you can request a car when you need one.

• Finally, don’t let drinking become the main focus of any event. This is a time of celebration and catching up with friends and family!

CRANBERRY GINGERBREAD

INSPIRED BY FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE

Gingerbread is a holiday classic of the very first order, but it’s often a construction material rather than a treat. This recipe, on the contrary, is purely for eating.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for greasing 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Grease a loaf pan with canola oil. 3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1/2 cup canola oil, molasses, brown sugar, eggs, ginger, and cranberries. In a separate bowl, sift and combine flour with baking powder, baking soda, DIRECTIONS • • • • 2 large eggs •

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2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp kosher salt

Driving While Distracted It’s never been easier to drive distracted; people often keep their phones within arm’s reach. Taking your eyes off the road and surroundings even for just a second to glance at a text can end in disaster. Always put your phone away and on silent while driving to reduce the temptation. If you use your phone for navigation, music, or podcasts, turn off notifications while you’re driving. On some phones, this is an extra step, but it’s a step that can save your life.

cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until blended. 4. Scrape batter into loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes. 5. Transfer to a rack, let cool for 20 minutes, slice, and serve.

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A Decade Comes to an End

Lessons Families Can Learn From ‘A Christmas Story’

Have Fun, Enjoy the Holidays, and Stay Safe

Cranberry Gingerbread

Are You Guilty of These Bad Driving Habits?

Get to Know Some of Curling’s Best Athletes

ROYAL RINKS Curling Athletes Every Fan Should Know

Every four years, as some of the world’s best Olympic athletes battle for gold medals, the world falls in love with curling. Curling originated in 16th-century Scotland and is most popular in Canada, where many Scots immigrated. Now, 480 years after the first recorded instance of curling occurred on a frozen pond in Scotland, many devotees have left their mark on the sport’s history. These are just a few of the greats. Roy Thiessen Choosing only one devoted coach to highlight is difficult, but it must be Roy Thiessen. Roy coached championship teams — or rinks, as they are called in curling — at both provincial and national levels. His expertise led him to chair the first Saskatchewan Summer Games in 1972, the World Junior Men’s Curling Championships in 1979, and the World Ladies’ Curling Championships in 1983. Budding athletes can learn all of Roy’s secrets and the fundamentals of curling in the numerous books he wrote. Harvey Mazinke Curling Team In 1973, Canada held its collective breath as the Harvey Mazinke Curling Team took their final shot in a world championship match against Sweden. The rock ultimately failed to reach the rings, crowning Sweden as world champions

and snapping the 10-0 record Harvey Mazinke had built during a week of competition. But regardless of that final score, Harvey Mazinke’s impact on the sport was not diminished. The team was crowned the Canadian Men’s Curling Champions in 1973, and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame recognizes them as “ambassadors to the game.” Joyce McKee Curling Team Without Joyce McKee, Sylvia Fedoruk, Donna Belding, and Muriel Coben, the Canadian Ladies Curling Association Championship, now called the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, would have never become the nationally recognized organization it is today. The aforementioned women were part of the Joyce McKee rink and were the first winners of the championship in 1960. Their style, play, and knowledge propelled women’s curling into the leagues of men’s competitions, proving that women could compete at just as high of a level as their male peers. To this day, the Joyce McKee rink’s accuracy is unparalleled. If you can’t wait another two years before curling hits center stage at the Winter Olympics, check out the podcast “Curling Legends” to get your fix of curling greatness.