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404-445-2005 | www.balamslaw.com November 2024
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Family, Friends, and the Joy of Simple Traditions
Well, friends, here we are! It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is almost upon us. I love this time of year, with the vibrant colors of fall and the crisp chill in the air that hints the holiday season is near. Every year, I look forward to the simple joys of Thanksgiving. I love spending time with family and friends, watching football, cooking, and eating great food. My daughter loves sweet potato casserole, and one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving is watching the Macy’s Day Parade — my older one isn’t into it, but my 6-year-old will watch it with me!
for your trust in our firm, especially with your loved ones. Your referrals mean everything to us. Without your support, I couldn’t pursue a career I love or work toward achieving successful outcomes on your behalf. Many of you navigate complex challenges, and your resilience and determination in seeking justice inspire me every day. Thank you for allowing us to stand by your side. My Family I love my family! My girls mean everything to me, and my mom has been such an important part of my life. I cherish the moments when we can all come together, slow down, and appreciate the simple joys. Whether we’re laughing, reminiscing, or making new memories, it’s always a special time. If you know me, you know how much I love being a mom. Every experience that comes with it is a blessing. For me, family is everything. Our Team Behind every successful law firm is an exceptional team, and I’m fortunate to work with staff who bring kindness and passion to everything they do. At The Balams Firm, we proudly call ourselves a “girl gang.” We are a team of four women united by our dedication, expertise, and professionalism. The incredible women I have the privilege of working with are truly the backbone of the firm, and without their support, we wouldn’t be where we are today! Whether it’s the joy of spending time with loved ones, sharing meaningful conversations, or working alongside a dedicated group of women who make our firm what it is, I am filled with gratitude.
I love the cozy conversations with family and friends, the tradition of gathering together, and sharing what we are thankful for. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the blessings that enrich our lives. As I gather with loved ones around the table, I’m filled with immense gratitude for the remarkable people in my life. I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for each of these invaluable relationships. They make life extraordinary, and I’m grateful for each of them! Our Clients To our valued clients, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude. You are true partners in this legal journey, and I’m so thankful
This Thanksgiving, I wish you a happy and healthy holiday full of tons of laughter and good food! Now, I need to start whipping up that sweet potato casserole!
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THE $93,750 SPUD Uncover Fabergé’s Unexpected Masterpiece
a Fabergé potato, the world did a collective double-take. After all, who would have thought a potato — albeit one crafted by a master jeweler
When you think of the name Fabergé, you probably imagine opulent, jewel-encrusted eggs that epitomize luxury and elegance. But did you know the famous Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, the mastermind behind the glittering eggs, also created a humble potato? And not just any potato, but one that fetched an astounding $93,750 at a Christie’s auction in 2016. Fabergé’s Glorious Spud In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peter Carl Fabergé was the go-to jeweler for Russian royalty. His intricate and lavish creations, particularly the famous Fabergé eggs, were commissioned by Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. Each egg was a masterpiece, often containing hidden surprises like miniature portraits, mechanical wonders, expensive jewels, or even tiny replicas of royal palaces. But amidst these exquisite creations, Fabergé had a sense of humor and a knack for the unexpected. Enter the Fabergé potato — a far cry from the shimmering eggs but equally fascinating in its own right. This potato, crafted from pink agate, was a whimsical departure from his usual opulent fare. The Humble Potato’s Journey Fast-forward to 2016, and this extraordinary potato was again in the spotlight. When Christie’s auction house announced the sale of
— would garner such attention and a hefty price tag to match?
The bidding war was intense, with collectors and Fabergé
enthusiasts eager to own this unique piece of history. When the gavel finally came down, the potato had sold for a staggering $93,750. Not bad for a root vegetable! Why a Potato? You might wonder why Fabergé, a jeweler known for his elaborate and luxurious designs, chose to make a potato. Perhaps it was his way of showing artistry could be found in the simplest of things. Or maybe it was a playful nod to the significance of potatoes in Russian culture — a staple food that sustained many through tough times. Whatever the reason, Fabergé’s potato reminds us that even the most mundane objects can be transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of creativity and a touch of humor.
PECULIAR LAWS OF THE ANCIENT EMPIRE ROMAN RULES
Dress Codes and Party Fouls Beginning in around 215 BC, the Roman Republic began instituting what was known as sumptuary laws, which restricted the clothes people could wear, foods they could eat, and the maximum number of attendees at parties. They created these, in part, to reduce the costs of banquets, festivals, and other Roman ragers. Some examples were enacted in 213 BC when it became illegal for women to wear colorful dresses — unless they were celebrating a ritual sacrifice — to wear more than a half ounce of gold or even to ride around in carriages. However, they soon repealed these laws because they considered them antiquated . Shocking Statute Tough luck for those who like hanging out on tall metal poles — if a lightning strike killed someone in Rome, the law forbade families from burying them! This is because Romans believed lightning strikes were
divine retribution from the king of the Roman pantheon, Jupiter. See Ya Later, Gladiator! Romans “borrowed” the idea of gladiatorial games from their (conquered) neighbors, wherein people would fight — sometimes to the death — for the public’s amusement and began holding them back in 264 BC. However, because only 3 of every 5 people made it to their 20s at the time, only about 10% of those bouts involved actual fatalities. Many slaves, prisoners of war, and Christian martyrs fought as gladiators in the arena, but if they were already sentenced to execution, they had no hope of survival. One peculiar law involving gladiators was that they would fight until an injured combatant put down his shield and lifted his index finger to ask for mercy. At that point, it would come to an abrupt halt — though the emperor, if in attendance, would make the final decision.
While ancient Rome may be known for gladiators, grand conquests, and fashionable togas, a surprisingly intricate legal system kept their civilization in line. They had many laws — some familiar, others bizarre — that dictated the everyday lives of millions of Roman citizens, enslaved people, and soldiers across a vast empire. Here are three of the most outrageous and interesting laws Romans enacted as a republic and an empire.
404-445-2005
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HELPING KIDS WITH ADHD THRIVE
TAKE A BREAK
STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT
It’s common for parents of children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed — and more than a little guilty for having these emotions. First and foremost, it’s perfectly understandable for any parent to experience hurdles as they work to help their child live a happy, healthy life. Although there are unique challenges to raising a youngster with ADHD, every day is an opportunity to take positive steps to help your child learn and grow. Here are four quick tips to help make the rough times a little smoother. Build a balanced routine. Helping your child stay on task with daily routines is critical to managing their ADHD journey. Are they hydrating regularly? Do they follow consistent meal and sleep schedules? Sometimes, staying consistent with the smallest things makes the biggest impact on your child’s well-being. Plan a digital detox. With everything so tech-based these days, there’s a good chance your child spends a lot of time in front of a screen. Set aside time throughout the week to interact with them in a digital-free environment — even if it’s just to chat about their day. This time is meant to help you build a stronger relationship
GREEK CHICKEN AND RICE
with your child, so try to avoid discussing anything that may cause conflict or a distraction.
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced Ingredients
• 2 cups chicken broth • 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice • Juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 cup feta cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
Find a community of support.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme
Participating in a support group is a fantastic way to connect with other parents, share concerns, and learn new ways to encourage your child’s growth and success. As a bonus,
connecting with parents whose experiences are similar to yours could lead to their children interacting with yours — which may go a long way in helping your child relate to other people and develop their social skills. Tailor your tools. Every child with ADHD is a unique individual with specific needs. A specialized mental health professional can help you craft a solid framework to address obstacles as they arise. Whether you need guidance on stress management or tips on sharpening your communication skills, utilizing the services of an empathetic therapist could provide you with the fresh perspective and game plan you need to help your young one thrive.
Directions 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 2. Add chicken, oregano, and thyme and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
404-445-2005 www.balamslaw.com 310 Maxwell Road, Suite 500 Alpharetta, GA 30009 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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A Season of Thanks and Giving
Discover Fabergé’s Playful Potato Masterpiece
Ridiculous Rules From Ancient Rome
Greek Chicken and Rice
3
Tailoring Your Child’s ADHD Journey
Hollywood Ending in the ‘Rust’ Trial
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HOLLYWOOD ENDING Alec Baldwin Walks Free After Case Dismissed
contributed to the swift decision. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison but has appealed, and what happened in July in Alec Baldwin’s trial may affect the outcome of that appeal. Hollywood Ending When the third day of Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico began, it became apparent that something was amiss. The defense attorneys had something important to bring to the court’s attention. Assistant District Attorney Erlinda Johnson was absent. As it turned out, she had resigned from the case after allegations that Santa Fe police, in conjunction with Special Prosecutor Kari Morrisey, had conspired to hide evidence from the defense. The evidence in question was a case of ammunition matching those retrieved from the set of “Rust.” The ammunition was given to Santa Fe police before the trial, but it was filed under a separate case number — even though
About three years ago, on Oct. 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by a live round fired by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie “Rust.” You might believe this would be an open-and-shut manslaughter case. However, just like the scenes Hutchins brilliantly captured on film, this scene was more complex and layered than you may expect. Baldwin’s trial was dismissed just three days after it began, on July 13, 2024. Ironically, but perhaps fittingly, Baldwin’s criminal case came to a dramatic, Hollywood-esque conclusion. Is the armorer to blame? Previously, in May, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the film, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The jury deliberated for just three hours before passing judgment; evidence revealing Gutierrez-Reed loaded the gun that killed Hutchins likely
Photo: Abhi Suryawanshi
the witness who handed in the evidence claimed it was relevant to the “Rust” trial. In light of these revelations, Santa Fe County District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice. Throughout the day, as the camera centered on Hollywood star-turned-defendant Alec Baldwin, viewers were treated to his wide range of emotions: first, annoyance, then sadness, and, finally, tearful exultation. This was his Hollywood ending.
404-445-2005
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