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The Medlin News
FEBRUARY 2026
I used to sing the Don McLean song “American Pie” to my daughter at bedtime. It’s a long one, which helped. Most nights, she’d be asleep before I got to the last verse. I had the lyrics to all six verses memorized back then. Of course, I still remember the line about the day the music died. I think a lot of people do, even if some of them don’t know exactly what it refers to. It was Feb. 3, 1959, when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. Even decades later, that single moment is a big deal in music history. For me, it feels local. I went to school at Texas Tech in Lubbock, which is Buddy Holly’s hometown. He is still a major figure there. There’s a statue, a park, and a genuine sense of pride that one of rock’s true pioneers started out playing local venues like the Cotton Club. You can still find people from all over the world who travel to Lubbock just to visit the places connected to him. I’ve always been a big Buddy Holly fan. I liked his music, as well as his approach to it. He wanted control over his recordings and insisted on using his own band instead of studio musicians. He also worked with early techniques like double tracking and layering sound. That was cutting-edge stuff at the time and his innovations had a major influence on what rock music eventually became. The Beatles, especially Paul McCartney and John Lennon, were huge fans of Holly. They loved his lyrics and his writing style. Lennon once said, “I was Buddy Holly,” in reference to his admiration for him. Even their band name was inspired by Holly’s own backup band, The Crickets, a name What Buddy Holly Left Behind LUBBOCK’S GIFT TO ROCK AND ROLL
that also has a story behind it. Legend has it that Holly and his band were recording and kept hearing a chirping sound before finding a cricket in the garage where they were working. They went with it. Simple as that. Lennon and McCartney liked the insect idea and put their own twist on it by spelling “beetles” with a B E A T to reflect the rhythm in their music. Of course, part of what keeps Buddy Holly in people’s minds today is the tragedy. He was only 22 when he died. He had just gotten married and had his whole life ahead of him. And then there’s the “what if” factor with the people who barely missed the plane. Waylon Jennings was supposed to be on it, but he agreed to give his seat to J.P. Richardson, The Big Bopper, because Richardson had the flu. Tommy Allsup lost a coin toss with Ritchie Valens for the third seat. One flip of a coin changed the course of their lives. Every now and then, I still listen to Buddy Holly’s songs. They hold up and have the same energy that made them stand out in the first place. I can’t help but wonder what else he might have done if his career hadn’t been cut short. And I’m not the only one. It’s been nearly 70 years since that crash, and we’re still talking about him. I guess that’s the thing about good music. It outlives everything else.
– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
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A GLOBAL DINNER ADVENTURE AWAITS COOK THE WORLD
Are you tired of the same spaghetti night or pizza delivery? It’s time to shake things up and turn dinner into a family adventure. Instead of hopping on a plane, grab your aprons and “travel” the world through food. Each week, choose a country, find its most famous dish, and cook it together, no passports required! Step 1: Choose your destination. Begin your journey by selecting a country that excites everyone. Maybe your kids are obsessed with anime (hello, Japan!) or you’ve been craving something spicy from Mexico. Every culture has a dish that tells a story, like Italy’s cheesy lasagna, India’s vibrant butter chicken, and Greece’s fresh tzatziki and gyros. Choose one that feels doable and prepare to embark on a new flavor adventure. Step 2: Cook up some fun. Now it’s time to bring the world to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, play music from the country you’re exploring, and assign roles. One person can chop, someone can stir, and someone else can handle the playlist (very important). Kids love getting hands-on, and it’s an excellent way to help
them learn about teamwork, creativity, and patience. Talk about where the dish comes from, what people might traditionally serve with it, or how it’s eaten in that culture. Before you know it, your kitchen will smell like another part of the world. Step 3: Eat, share, and celebrate. When the food hits the table, make it special. Light a candle, add a little decoration, and let loose. Take that first bite together and talk about the flavors. What’s new, what’s surprising, and what’s delicious? Create a “family food passport” where you write down the country, the dish, and everyone’s rating or favorite moment. It’s a great way to remember your culinary travels. Step 4: Keep the journey going. Once you start, it’s hard to stop! Turn this into a weekly or monthly family ritual. Each dish brings a new story, a new skill, or a fresh memory. You’ll end up with full bellies and a collection of shared experiences that span the globe.
THE HIGH COSTS OF SKIPPING COURT Don’t Let a No-Show Snowball
February might be the shortest month, but when it comes to criminal court, every day matters. Miss just one date, and things can start to snowball in a hurry. In Texas, if you miss a court appearance (even by accident), the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest on the spot. That means police can take you into custody the next time you get pulled over or interact with law enforcement. If you were out on bond, you might also face a separate charge for failure to appear, and your bond could be revoked. On top of that, the Department of Public Safety can place a hold on your driver’s license that stops you from renewing it or getting it reinstated. Many people don’t realize how quickly this can happen. And unfortunately, the most common reasons for missing court, such as a family
emergency, confusion about the date, or not receiving the notice, don’t always hold up once a warrant is in effect. Courts expect you to show up … period. That’s why it’s important to double- check every date and keep in close contact with your attorney. If you missed a court date, don’t wait around hoping it won’t come up. A good lawyer can step in and try to get the warrant recalled or ask the court to reset your case. Some counties have programs that allow you to avoid arrest if you act quickly and follow the correct procedures. But the longer you delay, the fewer options you have. Even with only 28 days, there’s plenty of time to get into serious trouble this February. Don’t let a missed court date turn one problem into another. But if something’s already caused you
to miss a hearing, or you’re worried there’s a warrant out for you, give us a call. Deal with it the right way. The sooner you start, the better your odds.
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GAME DAY ISN’T WORTH A DWI Keep the Penalties on the Field
In Texas, football isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life. And when the Super Bowl rolls around, it feels more like a holiday than a regular Sunday. Parties start early, the food flows, and people crack open drinks before kickoff. The problem? Too many people still drive home afterward. DWI arrests tend to spike this time of year. Law enforcement knows people are drinking during the big game, and they’re out in force looking for it. If you get pulled over and show signs of impairment, even without hitting .08 on a Breathalyzer, you can be arrested and charged. And in Texas, things can turn serious fast. A first-time DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. You could face up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a license suspension. Plus, a conviction can stay on your record for life. That’s why the best move is always to plan ahead. If drinking is on the agenda, set up a sober ride before the first drink hits the table. Designated drivers, rideshare apps, or even staying overnight at a friend’s place are all better options than facing a criminal charge or worse. Another thing people often forget is how unpredictable the roads can become after a major game. Bars and restaurants let out all at once, people are texting or celebrating, and accidents happen fast. Even if you’re not drinking, you’ve got to stay sharp.
drinking. You can decline roadside tests, but you may still be arrested. Once that happens, stop talking. Ask for your lawyer, and then call us. Football season should end with high fives, not handcuffs. If you run into trouble and are facing a DWI charge, you can trust our team to fight for your rights. We’ll work to protect your record, your license, and your future.
If you do get stopped, remember your rights. You don’t have to explain yourself. Be polite, hand over your license and insurance, and don’t answer questions about
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Ingredients • 4 thick, boneless pork chops • 3 1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning, divided • 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp avocado oil • 1/4 cup stone-ground mustard • 1/4 cup fresh honey • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Pat pork chops dry before seasoning them with salt and 1 1/2 tsp of garlic and herb seasoning. 3. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. 4. Sear pork chops in hot oil for 1–3 minutes on each side. 5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mustard, honey, and remaining garlic and herb seasoning while the pork cooks. 6. Remove pork chops from skillet. Add honey mustard mixture to the skillet and mix. 7. Place pork chops back in skillet and cover with sauce. 8. Place pan in oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until pork reaches 145 F. 9. Set oven to broil for the final minute to allow the tops to caramelize and enjoy!
For resources, practice areas, and more, scan the QR code to visit our website, MedlinFirm.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. The Day the Music Died
2. Explore Cultures Through Family Meals
Fast Consequences for Missed Hearings
3. Super Sunday Driving Reminders
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
4. Reclaiming Valentine’s Day for Yourself
Love Yourself Like You Mean It YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY SELF-CARE GUIDE
For many Americans, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with romance. We get reservations weeks or months in advance, shower our partners in love and affection, and enjoy an extravagant date night. It’s a day filled with high expectations, and with that comes stress and pressure. If you feel like you’re always going above and beyond to impress on Valentine’s Day without getting the same effort in return, it may be time to show yourself some extra love.
and enjoyable activities. Think about the things you love to do the most. When was the last time you played a round of golf, went on a walk through nature, or enjoyed your favorite movie uninterrupted? Whatever your favorite activity may be, find a way to incorporate it into your self-care day.
In addition to your favorite activities, take some time to pamper yourself. Get a massage, buy something for yourself that you really want, or take a long, relaxing bath. These actions will help you feel good inside and out! To ensure your self-care day is a success, consider turning off your phone and other devices for the duration of the day. Scrolling through social media will not help you feel any better; in fact, it will likely make you feel worse. This is a time to focus on yourself and ensure you get the attention and love you deserve. If you waste the whole day scrolling through TikTok or X, you’ll focus on everything but yourself.
Everyone deserves a happy and fulfilling life, but it can be hard to achieve when work, relationships, and other pressures weigh us down. Most of us rarely take time for ourselves, so as the pressure builds, we start to experience episodes of burnout, depression, and anxiety. This Valentine’s Day or sometime close to it, take time for yourself and practice self-care. It will help you feel rejuvenated while removing any negative thoughts that have been lingering.
How you approach self-care is entirely up to you, but it almost always involves engaging in relaxing
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