Take a look at our March newsletter!
The Medl in News
MARCH 2022
BEINGTHE UNDERDOG HAS ADVANTAGES Lessons We Can Learn From College Basketball
March Madness is upon us, and we get the chance to see college basketball athletes put their skills to the test as they fight their way to the national championship. I had never been a huge basketball watcher until I went to college. I’ve always rooted for Texas Tech because I went there for my undergraduate degree and law school. I would go to their games while in school, and after graduating, I began watching them on TV. We have had some great basketball teams over the years, and I got to see them at the NCAA championship game against Virginia in 2019. This was my first time going to the tournament, and I felt quite excited. I traveled to Minneapolis in 2019 to see Texas Tech play! I could feel the electricity in the air as soon as I arrived at the stadium. Seeing all the basketball fans piling into the area — and cheering on the teams — was really cool to watch. Unfortunately, Texas Tech lost to Virginia in overtime. But my Red Raiders put up a great fight throughout the entire game, and I was still super proud of them. Even when Texas Tech was classified as the underdogs, they went against a higher-ranked team and never backed down from the challenge. I enjoy watching the underdogs play colleges and universities that are known for their sports teams. Although they don’t have the money, reputation, and prestige of some other schools such as Duke, Kansas, and Virginia, they still have talent and heart. It’s also exciting when the underdogs win against these ranked teams and cause an upset.
Just because a school isn’t known for their sports or doesn’t have the reputation like some of the higher-ranked teams, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good. Talent isn’t measured based on the college you attend, but on your skill, heart, motivation, and ability to work as part of a team. I think the underdogs have an advantage and a surprise factor when their opponents, sports announcers, and fans overlook them. They can use this as motivation to prove everyone wrong. When you have nothing to lose, nothing can stop you. The idea of being an underdog can also translate to your professional life. You may not have the brand or the resources, but with hard work and determination, you can still beat the bigger players and have success. Of course, not everyone expects us to succeed. But low expectations can be used to your advantage — on and off the court. Research shows that these underdog expectations can motivate people and help them succeed. Never doubt your abilities, even if you or others view you as an underdog. Continue to do your best, and don’t think that being an underdog is a weakness. Use it as your secret weapon. You can do anything you put your mind to. Even if you don’t always succeed, there is simply room for growth. Use that as motivation to continue pushing forward.
– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
https://www.MedlinFirm.com | Pg. 1
It’s More Than Just Tidying Up 4 Health Benefits of Spring-Cleaning
Spring-cleaning helps you breathe better.
Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring —which means it’s time for some spring-cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here’s how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect. Spring-cleaning reduces stress and depression. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones. It prevents illnesses. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses.
Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn’t the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your
respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. It keeps you more active. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body.
This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you inmoreways than one. Trust me, you’ll thankyourself later!
Get Lost Within the Pages of a Book 3 BOOKS THATWILL TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY
‘The Great Alone’ By Kristin Hannah This tale will take you on an emotional and physical journey as you follow along with a family that moved to Alaska to get a fresh start. After a tour of duty in the Vietnam War, Ernt is a different man, and he wants a change of scenery. His wife, Cora, will follow her husband anywhere, and their daughter, Leni, hopes to find her purpose and where she belongs in the world. This move may have seemed like a good idea at first, but soon the cold winters and the 18 hours of night settle in, and they quickly realize they are alone in their cabin surrounded by wilderness. Readers will
March 25 is Tolkien Reading Day! J.R.R. Tolkien wrote “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.” Both of these books tell a story of an unexpected journey. You can’t help but get lost in the storyline of Tolkien’s stories and empathize with his characters. In honor of Tolkien Reading Day, here are a few other books that will unlock your imagination and take you on an exciting adventure —without leaving the comfort of your home. ‘Lonesome Dove’ By Larry McMurtry If you love Wild West and cowboy movies, this book is for you. “Lonesome Dove” is considered one of the best westerns ever. You follow a former Texas Ranger, Jake Spoon, as he tries to outrun the sheriff of his town. “Lonesome Dove” gives you characters that you will love or love to hate. The theme is about the importance of friendship and finding where your place is in the world. All while being taken on a journey from Texas to Montana.
love this intense and emotional journey of strength and survival.
‘Lands of Lost Borders’ By Kate Harris The debut novel by Harris has won several nonfiction awards for her storytelling. Follow Harris as she and her childhood friend bike along the Silk Road and explore some of the most remote places on earth. Even if you aren’t a bicyclist, this story will help you discover the importance of unexpected adventures. “Lands of Lost Borders” celebrates the relationship between humanity and nature and captures the excitement and travails of a long journey. Reading enables you to unlock your imagi- nation and gives you the tools to take any adventure you wish. Follow along with these characters and see if they achieve their goals. Perhaps you can empathize with their stories based on your own experiences. Allowyourself to get lost within the pages of a good book this month.
https://www.MedlinFirm.com | Pg. 2
When Can Prior Convictions Be Used in Court? And Will They Hurt My Chances of Winning?
If you have prior arrests or convictions on your record, youmaywonder how that affects your current case.Will it make a jury see you differently or determine your punishment if found guilty? Will it even make a difference? Here’s what you need to know about your criminal record. Having past arrests or convictions will not hurt your chances of winning your current trial. Any evidence of prior convictions will not be valid as evidence in a court of law. Your criminal record does not come into playwhen deciding if you’re guilty of the crime you’re currently accused of. You can’t be tried for being a criminal in general. A jury will also not decide if you’re innocent or guilty based on your criminal record. Theywill only use evidence brought forward during your current court case. Your record could affect the punishment you receive if you’re found guilty. If you have a history of arrests and convictions, you should contact your criminal lawyer about whether or not the case should go to trial. In Texas, if the state wants to use prior arrests and convictions against you, there are some rules they must follow. One, for example if you testify, is Texas Rule of Evidence 609. This means that in order for a prior conviction to be admitted, the alleged crime must be a felony or involve moral turpitude. A crime of moral turpitude means that the crime has to be morally wrong, not just something that’s illegal. For example, a violent offense or theft is categorized as a crime of moral turpitude. But possession of drugs or speeding is not.
Other qualifications under the rule include if the conviction has a probative value that helps prove an issue or fault.
The final qualification under the rule is if the prior conviction is elicited from the witness or established in the public record.
Your history of past arrests and convictions can be used against you only if your record meets these three requirements.
If you have any questions regarding your criminal record and how it can impact your current case, allow your friends at Medlin Law Firm to assist you. We can look at your situation and see if your case should go through a trial.
Easy March Madness Chili
Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!
Ingredients
• • • •
2 lbs ground beef 2 tbsp chili powder
•
2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Creole seasoning
•
2 16-oz cans small red beans 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce
1 tsp ground cumin
•
Directions
1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.
Puzzle Time
Inspired by MyRecipes.com
https://www.MedlinFirm.com | Pg. 3
1300 South University Drive Suite 318 Fort Worth, TX 76107 682-499-9222 https://www.MedlinFirm.com
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Great clients refer great clients! Please think of Medlin Law Firm if you ever need an attorney. Leaving a review on Google, Avvo, or Yelp would mean the world to us.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1.
Being the Underdog Has Advantages
2.
Get HealthyWhile Spring-Cleaning!
Travel to Unexpected Places Without Leaving Your Home
3.
Can Your Criminal Record Impact Your Current Case?
Easy March Madness Chili
4.
Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round
MAKE A 4-LEAF CLOVER KEEPSAKE But Find the Elusive Good-Luck Charm First
One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning— faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them?
will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby.
Clover Craft
Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers
https://www.MedlinFirm.com | Pg. 4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator