Check out our February newsletter!
FEB 2019
HARMONSON HEADLINES
YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND
Off to a Running Start
T he end of last year was certainly busy for our family. My wife and I welcomed a baby boy, Winn, in October, and we moved into a new home to better accommodate the baby and our two older kids. With so much going on, I’ve taken a little break from some of my hobbies, namely running.
for 3 -4 days a week and going on longer runs on the weekends — pushing myself harder with each run.
When it comes to setting goals, pushing yourself harder is an important part of the process. Right at the end of 2018, I started thinking about what I wanted to accomplish in 2019, particularly for the law firm. One of my big goals is to bring in new clients. I know our firm is great at what we do and I want to push our firm to handle more cases this year, which will help us grow and allow us to assist more people like you. I sat down with my journal and wrote it all out. When you set goals, the more detailed you can be, the better. You need to outline a plan from the get-go rather than trying to figure it out later. As you work toward a goal, circumstances may change, and you may need to restrategize. Journaling is a great way to keep track of your progress, too. Every day or week, block off a little time to write down what you did to work toward your goal and what you plan to do next. I’ve found journaling helps keep my goals top of mind, which may be one of the most important aspects when working toward an ambition. The big holiday of this month is Valentine’s Day. It’s a great reminder to share our appreciation with loved ones — though that’s important to do year-round. Sheri and I have to plan to spend time together as a couple, especially with the birth of Winn. With three kids, it can be hard to really take a day for yourself, but with a little planning we usually make it happen. The spirit of Valentine’s lives every day in our household, and I hope it does in yours, as well. —Clark Harmonson
Of course, working in law keeps me very busy throughout the year. I’m always ready to help our clients through a tough time and get them what they need to move forward with their lives. But no matter the job, it is important to strike a balance between work and life. In the past, running has helped me keep that balance. As an avid runner, I have nine half- marathons and one full marathon under my belt. One goal I’ve set for myself for the new year is to run at least two half-marathons. I haven’t done much running since Winn was born in October, though I did manage a half- marathon in 2018. I even ran 8–9 miles on the weekends leading up to his birth. It is important for me to schedule a race date to provide the daily motivation to run. Looking ahead to 2019, I’m eager to get back out there. There’s a half-marathon at White Sands Missile Range in March that I intend on running. That would be a great way to kick off the new year. All I need to do is stick with my training regimen, which consists of going on short runs
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Why I Love El Pas PART 2
Continued from the January of 2019 newsletter ...
I loved El Paso because of its diversity, culture, and stunning views — stark desert mountains surrounded by beautiful valley vistas. I made many trips there during my college years, until my parents divorced and Mom moved back to Lubbock. After that, trips to El Paso were few and far between for several years, and the thought of moving to El Paso faded as I began my career. Sitting in that cold Houston office, I got a call from my dad. “Hey, Tuga [my nickname]. Why don’t you come out and visit some weekend soon?” I took him up on the offer. When I arrived, he introduced me to a lawyer who had his own law firm, helping people who had been injured in accidents. We had lunch over a plate of tacos at Lucy’s, and this lawyer told me how great it was to practice in El Paso. He explained that he was able to really help people and make a nice living all while still having time to spend with his family. It just so happened, this man needed a young lawyer to help him with his busy practice. He offered me a job on the spot, and I quickly realized Dad had set me up. I thought I was only coming to El Paso to hang out with family, but I got a lot more than I bargained for. My wife thought I had gone crazy when I told her I wanted to move to El Paso. But, always up for a challenge, she eventually agreed, and so began our love affair with the city. In April of 2004, we packed up our Jeep with every belonging — we didn’t have much in those days — and made the long trip across the state.
If you’ve ever visited a Starbucks coffee shop, you’ve likely heard a patron rattle off a drink order that was more specific than your grandma’s pecan pie recipe. For example, they might say, “I’ll take a Grande, four-pump, nonfat, no-whip, extra-hot mocha.” Without missing a beat, the barista scribbles the order on the cup and starts making the drink. Orders like this one are a mouthful for even the most seasoned Starbucks guru, but for deaf people, it can be difficult to even order a cup of black coffee. Adam Novsam, a deaf utility analyst at Starbucks headquarters in Seattle, set out to address that difficulty by heading the launch of the company’s first deaf-friendly signing store. The store’s grand opening took place in October in Washington, D.C. Its overall success relies primarily on its purposeful operation and design elements. In 2005, the ASL Deaf Studies Department at Gallaudet University created the DeafSpace Project using design elements, such as space and proximity, sensory reach, mobility, light, and acoustics, to address potential challenges for deaf people. Starbucks’ signing store incorporates these aspects of DeafSpace to make their store more accessible. For customers new to sign language, the store features some high-tech options for assisting with communication, ordering drinks, and receiving beverages at the handoff counter, including digital notepads and a console with two-way keyboards for back-and-forth conversations. Operation
SUDO KU
Aprons
All store partners at the signing store are proficient in ASL, whether they are hearing, hearing-impaired, or deaf. However, deaf partners wear special green aprons embroidered with the ASL spelling of Starbucks. What’s more, these aprons were created by a deaf supplier!
Education
For hearing customers who aren’t fluent in ASL — even those just ducking in to grab a cup of coffee to go — the signing store offers an opportunity to learn something new. For example, they can learn how to sign a word like “espresso” in ASL merely by reading the chalkboard above the register with the “sign of the week.” Starbucks’ decision to make their product more accessible has benefited thousands of customers all along the East Coast. Hopefully, as time goes on, other corporations will choose to follow suit so we can make a more deaf-friendly society.
SOLUTION PG. 4
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Since moving here, we have grown to love El Paso. We are still a part of Texas, but we are uniquely El Paso. The city is gritty but cool without trying too hard, like Austin does. The people are really what make El Paso great. Yes, we all have our differences, but what I see are good people who try to take care of their families and our community. There is real pride in El Paso, which has only grown in recent years. The revitalization of downtown and the growth we have seen in the last several years has been exciting to be a part of — except for the horrible construction! This beautiful city is truly home. Our three children are all native El Pasoans, and my mom decided to retire here, so life has come around full circle. At Harmonson Law Firm, we are proud to play our small part in helping the El Paso community. We truly love representing people in the borderland who have been hurt through no fault of their own. We are active in the community and are proud to help local organizations like El Paso Fighting Hunger, MADD, and the Rotary Club of El Paso. We will continue to be a part of the El Paso community for many years to come as it grows and thrives.
ALL EYES ON YOU Social Media and the Insurance Company
Online social media is a big part of many people’s lives. It’s how most of us communicate and share the day’s events. But while you may only intend to share with family and friends, a lot of information leaks its way into the public space. If someone wants to learn more about you, the chances are they easily could. All it would take is a quick online search. Following a car crash or other accident in which you file a claim, insurance companies are known to monitor the claimant’s social media. Regardless of the situation, it’s always a good idea to take a break from social media after an accident. The insurance company looks for anything they can use to deny your claim. All you have to do is make a post or share a photo online that indicates your injuries may not be all they seem. Let’s say, for example, someone runs a red light and hits the driver’s side of your car. You’re injured but well enough to go home. You take some time off of work to recuperate, and one evening, you decide to go out to dinner and drinks with friends to get your mind off the pain of your injury. While finally enjoying yourself, you take a few photos of the night out and post them on your Instagram or Facebook. In the pictures, you’re having fun and there is no clear indication that you’re injured. The insurance company may argue that if you’re well enough to go out on the town for an evening, your injuries must not be that severe — or you’re not really injured at all. You may have been in physical pain while you were out, but a smiling photo isn’t going to show that. The last thing you want to do is give the insurance company that kind of ammunition.
This article comes direct from the blog at ClarkHarmonsonAttorney.com/blog. Be sure to visit the site for more insight from Clark!
This Italian favorite makes for the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert. It’s easy to whip up and will make the holiday feel extra special. TIRAMISU INSPIRED BY FOODNETWORK.COM
INGREDIENTS
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6 egg yolks
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2 teaspoons dark rum 24 packaged ladyfingers
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pound mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish
1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. 2. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. 3. Fold in 1 tablespoon of espresso. 4. In a small, shallow dish, combine remaining espresso with rum. Dip each ladyfinger into mixture for 5 seconds. Place soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a walled baking dish. 5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top of the first layer of ladyfingers. Top with another layer of ladyfingers and another layer of mascarpone. 6. Cover and refrigerate 2–8 hours. 7. Remove from fridge, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and serve.
Of course, much of what you post online likely cannot be used against you, but it’s best to use your best judgment when posting. Additionally, it’s important to check and update your social media preferences. Who can see your posts? How easy are you to find with a basic online search? Securing your accounts and using restraint with your social media posts can make all the difference in your case.
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5505 North Mesa St. Suite 3 • El Paso, TX 79912 WWW.CLARKHARMONSONATTORNEY.COM 915.584.8777
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Setting the Foundation for a Great Year
Ordering Coffee Just Got Easier
Why I Love El Paso
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Tiramisu
Using Social Media After an Accident
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All About Chocolate
WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT CHOCOLATE
Fun Facts to Wow Your Loved Ones This Valentine’s Day
Chocolate is a treat savored by people all over the world. What we know as the sweet, creamy decadence that sustains Valentine’s Day actually has greater historical and cultural significance. Fermented chocolate drinks have been dated back to as early as 350 B.C. The Aztecs believed it was the beverage of wisdom, and the Mayans saw it as something to be worshipped. While the history of chocolate is as rich as its flavor, there are some common misconceptions about the treat. Dutch chocolate doesn’t necessarily refer to chocolate made in the Netherlands; the name refers to a specific chocolate-making process that uses the cocoa press. Before Dutch chemist and chocolate-maker C.J. van Houten invented the machine in 1828, chocolate was only used in beverages. Dutch chocolate is chocolate that has been modified with an alkalizing agent in order to produce a milder flavor, making it a fantastic option for use in baked goods, candy, and ice cream. German chocolate actually has nothing to do with the country of Germany, either. It used to be called “German’s chocolate,” named after its inventor, Sam German, an American who made sweet chocolate for baking. Adding sugar to the chocolate made it a go-to option for bakers around the world, and the base for German chocolate cake was born. For chocolate to be classified as Swiss, it has to be made in Switzerland, as chocolate-making is considered an art form in the country. Known for its “melt in your mouth” quality, Swiss chocolate uses condensed milk to add a velvety texture. Many chocolate makers outside of Switzerland will refer to their interpretations of Swiss chocolate as milk chocolate instead.
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