Check out the December edition of our monthly newsletter!
December 2021
The Ornaments That Tell My Story
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL FIND ON MY TREE
My wife is crazy about Christmas. Every year, our home turns into a festive wonderland, complete with yards of fake snow, tons of lights, and a heavily decorated Christmas tree. It’s difficult to not get wrapped up in the excitement of the holiday each year when the decor comes out, but for me, the most important and sentimental pieces are what adorn our tree. Ornaments are a big part of the holiday season for me because I have many ornaments that mark an important moment in my life. Each year, looking at the Christmas tree is like traveling back in time, and my entire life is told by the things I choose to decorate it with. Like most people, I have commemorative ornaments that mark when I was born or turned a milestone age. Some ornaments feature photos of me at that age, while others simply spell out the date on something festive. Of course, my milestone birthdays and their subsequent ornaments may have looked a little different than what most people receive, since I was born on Dec. 26, but my parents never made my birthday feel like a “second Christmas.” Seeing those birthday ornaments is a small reminder of that — and it makes me excited for Dec. 26! Then I have the ornaments that honor my college years. I have one from 1995, when I started at Clemson University to earn my undergraduate degree. It’s a mailbox with a little raccoon popping out of it, and etched on the side of it is my P.O. Box address from that time. I also have an ornament for graduating from the University of Memphis Law School, recognizing another pivotal moment in my life. Finally, we have the fun ornaments. These pieces recognize milestones, special moments, and exciting adventures. My wife and I have an ornament to honor the first home we bought and ones from various apartments we have lived in. Our tree also features tributes to some of the various dogs we have had through special ornaments, and other pieces offer memories of vacations. I also have an ornament for nearly every sport I ever played in as a kid! These pieces of decor run the gamut of ornate crystal-like pieces to fun plastic ornaments, but each conjures up a memory I love. The coolest part about seeing those ornaments on our tree is that these days my ornaments share space with the ones my wife has picked up throughout her life, too. Just like I do, she has ornaments that commemorate special birthdays,
activities she was in, and school. We share a few together, but there are various spots on the tree where you can see big moments in our lives and the great opportunities we now share together. It’s really touching to see how we grew and came together. Maybe I’m a little sappy, but it’s hard not to be nostalgic when looking at a Christmas tree filled with meaningful ornaments. Sure, we have the nice decorative bulbs and pieces like everyone else, but there’s something powerful and special about meaningful ornaments. They remind us of who we are and what we’ve accomplished. It’s a great way to end the year — reflecting on all we have already done as we look ahead to a fresh start. This holiday season, whether you have a Christmas tree, sentimental ornaments, or something else entirely different, I hope you find a way to honor the traditions that give you the same nostalgia factor. They may seem silly, but the memories you can get from something as simple as an ornament cannot be replicated.
Enjoy your holiday season!
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CAUTION: SLOW COURTS
WHY YOUR CASE IS TAKING A LONG TIME
Under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, defendants in a criminal case are granted the right to a speedy trial. However, this right isn’t guaranteed to those in civil cases, and as a result, some cases can drag on for years when taken to trial. For instance, when our very own Curt Runger tried his first personal injury case in 2006, the car accident the case was centered around had occurred seven years earlier — when he was just entering college. Unfortunately, this timeline and the backlog of cases in the civil court system has only widened during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic first began, courts were at a standstill. It was not possible to conduct a jury trial in a courtroom because courts were not allowing “in-person” hearings. As the courts have re-opened, judges are now once again presiding over cases and conducting “in person” hearings, but the older cases that were set for trial before the outset of the pandemic typically take priority over newer cases with less age on them.
These delays, however, should not deter you from seeking justice, but you need to understand that the pandemic has caused an already clogged court system to become even more delayed. In light of the fact that there are older cases that may come up on the court’s docket before newer cases, it could take years for a new case to make it to trial, so if we can, we encourage our clients to seek routes that don’t rely on a backlogged and slow court system. In some situations, we can help you find justice quicker and at a rate that allows you to live a full, healthy life. We often encourage those with cases that could be solved in mediation to consider that as an option. Mediation is a process where a third-party, neutral attorney attempts to facilitate a settlement between a plaintiff and a defendant. A solid mediator will be adept at pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of a party’s case to both sides and will work hard to drive a reasonable settlement. While we always want you to receive the maximum amount of money you are owed for medical bills and pain and suffering
incurred as a result of a car or truck wreck, we also understand that the longer a case drags on, the longer you go without
obtaining closure. Mediations that occur outside of the court system can sometimes be the best way to bring that closure to cases and helps eliminate the inherent risk involved with taking a case to trial where it is often an “all or nothing” type situation. That being said, we understand mediation may not be possible for every case or that some parties will refuse to negotiate in good faith at medication, but we have extensive experience in personal injury actions and can help you make the decision that’s best for you. If you have questions about the status of your case or other options outside the court system, please contact our team today. You can also learn more about our other areas of legal expertise at DouglassRunger.com .
The Next Big Health Secret
WHY SEEING AN ATTORNEY MAY BE GOOD FOR YOU!
Consulting with an attorney when you are facing legal trouble allows you to have an advocate and expert in your corner who is fighting for you and your rights. And according to recent studies, it may be good for your health too! According to NPR, a 2017 study of Veterans Affairs offices in Connecticut and New York found that veterans who saw clinic attorneys reported improved mental health within three months after their initial meetings. Additionally, in Colorado, a five-year survey of 69 patients from 2015 to 2020 found that patients in Medicaid programs who saw attorneys at their clinics had a decrease in the amount of physical health problems they were facing.
But how does this work? To answer that question, we have to examine the toll stress takes on our bodies. Constant stress, like concerns about visitations or deportation, can cause our bodies to fail. This often leads to headaches,
heartburn, a weakened immune system, insomnia, stomach problems, and more. These problems then compound into other issues, causing the body to spiral when intervention isn’t possible. However, when the source of stress is relieved, the side effects are eliminated as well. This can powerfully help people who are facing potentially life-altering legal situations. So, while your attorney may not be able to perform heart surgery or help alleviate your knee pain, their expertise may be just what you need to feel better in the long run.
While further studies are needed to corroborate this evidence, the message is clear: Finding solutions to your legal concerns through an attorney is healthy!
This idea has led to several states permitting Medicaid patients to use some of their health care dollars toward legal clinical programs. For example, in Colorado, some chronically ill patients are struggling with immigration issues or problems as a result of losing their jobs in the COVID-19 pandemic. By consulting with lawyers — in addition to psychiatrists, social workers, and medical doctors — patients are lowering their stress levels, improving their physical well-being, and staying closer to their families.
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4 Steps to a Better Roadside Emergency Kit As more drivers hit the road this holiday season, it’s imperative they do so prepared! A roadside emergency kit can be a powerful tool for drivers who become stranded after an accident, when they run out of fuel, or when a vehicle breaks down. Before you take off on holiday adventures, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped. First, consider your survival. Every roadside emergency kit should feature items that could sustain you should you be stranded for an extended period. Items like water bottles, granola bars, and other nonperishable but easily eaten food items should be included. You may also consider adding a flashlight to your kit for easy functioning in the dark and a knife that can be used for a variety of needs. Then, think about your well-being. You may get stranded after an accident or need to help a passenger in an emergency. Pack bandages, sterile wipes, gauze, and ice packs to protect yourself and others should you have a medical emergency. It’s also wise to pack extra supplies of medication you may need, like insulin. Just be sure to replenish this supply regularly! (While you can’t pack this, knowing CPR can also be a valuable tool.) Next, pack for your recovery options. You may be able to call for your help on your cellphone when you have full service, but what do you do when you are out of range? A physical map can help you determine the next available service station to flag down assistance, while portable battery packs can keep your phone charged and usable. Finally, consider what your vehicle needs . Every roadside emergency kit should feature items that can help you in a pinch. Supply your vehicle with a spare tire, patch kit, and tire-changing tools. Then pack some jumper cables, extra brake fluid, and a pressure gauge. Other items like a screwdriver, duct tape, and reflective signs can also be useful if you break down on the side of the road.
DIY Holiday Eggnog
Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com
Making your own eggnog is easier than you think! This creamy, delicious drink will be a hit with your holiday guests.
INGREDIENTS • 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 cups milk • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy! INSPIRATION “If seeds waited for perfect conditions to grow, there would be no plants in the desert.” –Mashona Dhimaya
Bonus: You can purchase fully supplied roadside emergency kits online! Supplement these kits with your needs to optimize the selection.
For more helpful tips and details about our legal offerings, please visit DouglassRunger.com.
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 www.DouglassRunger.com
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Advertising Material
1 Feeling Nostalgic About Small Holiday Traditions 2 Here’s Why Your Case Takes Forever to Get to Court Your Attorney Is Good for Your Health! 3 4 Steps for a Perfect Roadside Kit DIY Holiday Eggnog 4 Why Basketball Is a Christmas Day Tradition Inside This Issue
Merry Hoopsmas WHY BASKETBALL IS A CHRISTMAS STAPLE
Nothing says Christmas quite like basketball — at least, that’s been the case since 1947. In addition to stockings, eggnog, and general yuletide cheer, each Christmas Day brings about an annual lineup of basketball games featuring the National Basketball Association’s best of the best, and it’s become a time-honored tradition.
However, for loyal fans and viewers, the tradition has sparked a few great moments, including the following greatest games, statistics, and achievements — plus a potential record to watch for this year. • Kings of Christmas Day: Since their initial 1947 debut, the New York Knicks have gone on to play the most holiday games of any other NBA team. They have 22 wins and 31 losses, giving them the most losses on Christmas Day. (Until recently, they had the most wins, too, but the Los Angeles Lakers now hold that title.) • Point Pros: This year could be a historic one for the NBA. LeBron James is slated to surpass the late Kobe Bryant for the most points scored on Christmas Day. James just needs 13 points to outpace Bryant when the Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets this year. However, the title for most points scored on a single Christmas Day game goes to Bernard King of the Knicks, who scored 60 points in a 1984 loss to the then-New Jersey Nets.
But where in the North Pole did this idea come from?
While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact reason, the NBA has hosted Christmas Day games since 1947, when the New York Knicks beat the Providence Steamrollers 89–75. For decades, teams across the league would play their regional rivals on Dec. 25, ensuring the basketball season moved forward and players didn’t have to travel too far from their families. That looks different today. In contrast to the National Football League’s Thanksgiving Day games, where the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys always play, Christmas Day is now reserved for the NBA’s top teams. In many ways, this is a marketing ploy designed to heighten NBA viewership on a day when few other sports host games, and by using their best teams, the NBA can ensure viewers are treated to great games.
You can catch all five Christmas Day games on ESPN and ABC this Christmas Day!
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