Razumich & Associates - August 2021

Take a look at the latest edition of Opening Statements!

OPENING STATEMENTS AUGUST 2021 WWW.LAWYERSREADYTOFIGHT.COM 317-934-9725 | INFO@RDLAWOFFICE.COM

FROMTHE DESK OF

John Razumich

It’s hard to believe that Summer is winding down. As crazy as 2020 was, it sure seems like 2021 is flying by. Here at the Firm, we are continuing in our efforts at providing each of you with the quality and competent representation that you deserve. Our backlog of cases is starting to flow more smoothly, and we have been involved in FOUR jury trials already since they restarted in April, and I am even happier to let you know that we had four EXTREMELY happy clients after those cases wrapped. It’s been a long road, but it’s finally starting to get better for the people we are trying to help. On the subject of trials, the first episode of our new podcast, Closing Arguments, aired on July 6, and covered issues on the history and development of fast and speedy trials, which is definitely a topic that’s VERY important to people these days. If you missed the live broadcast, which aired on Facebook, you can catch the show on our YouTube channel and the podcast version is available on all of the major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Finally, if you haven’t stopped by our website recently, we have, at long last, updated the look and staff listings. If you want to learn more about Attorney Andrew Redd, or Office Manager Melissa Hayes, that’s the place to go.

What Can Businesses Learn for Back-to-School Marketing?

Are you fascinated by the weekly challenges that businesses face? I know I am! One particularly interesting area is marketing. The key is to remember that great marketing is influenced by the culture around it, especially when that culture is influenced by holidays and seasonal changes. Right now, we’re smack dab in the middle of one of those seasons: the “back-to-school” rush, when it seems like every company is marketing the best things that every student must have. Items like sheets, Bluetooth speakers, shower caddies, laptops, smartphones, and even mini- fridges are often discounted and advertised all over. Maybe you’ve noticed that staple school supplies, like books, pencils, and calculators, aren’t advertised as much. The fact is that the marketing behind these back-to-school supplies can be a little less intense than with other consumer items. You don’t need to market things people actually need to buy. Does that mean you shouldn’t ever take up advertising space for things people need? Of course not. People need toilet paper, but that doesn’t stop the Charmin bears from doing their thing twice per ad break every time we turn on the TV or radio. But watch the way big

I hope everyone stays cool, and we’ll talk again next month!

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Everyone loves back-to-school season because of the shopping spree! Students can get tools they’ll actually use for the entire year while they’re on sale while saving a few extra dollars in the process. But you can get that very same feeling as an entrepreneur, too. Here’s how you can make the most of back-to-school deals this year for your home office. Upgrade your home office’s amenities. Are you a seltzer water fan? Every year, Amazon almost always has an “Off to College” sale, featuring various products that make dorm life a little bit easier and more convenient. If you want to do the same for your home office, look into a tabletop fridge — or an electric tea kettle, if tea is more your style. Some affordable decor, like wall art or small potted succulents, can spruce up your office without making a mess. If you’re looking to organize your space, consider buying desktop shelves to free up clutter. Then, you won’t have to leave your desk to stay in the zone! Look out for Apple and PC sales! Replacing your current technology can be expensive, but back-to-school sales are the perfect way to spare your wallet. Have an amazing computer Is Your Home Office Missing Something? Top 3 Tips to Take Advantage of Back- To-School Deals suppliers do their back-to-school advertising. It’s more generic, with storewide sales on school and office supplies as a whole. You might see pencils in an ad like this, but they don’t need to put the pencils on sale because they know parents have to buy these supplies. That tactic won’t work if you’re selling skateboards or laptops, though. Nobody needs those to ace an exam! So here’s where things get tricky — and retailers know it. Who do they advertise to? Parents make up one group, and students make up the other. Students, especially older teens attending college, may have their own money to spend on big items or at least the ability to convince their parents that they need those items. Obviously, advertising to teens is a different ballgame than marketing to parents. The “affordable, low price” angle won’t always work on teens, and for big items, it could be the wrong approach with parents, too. Advertisers selling consumer electronics are usually trying to show how hip, powerful, and durable their tech is. They want to make it seem like you can’t live without their gadgets (as we all know, this is at best a half-truth). This isn’t a bad approach for teens, and it’s not bad if you’re targeting their parents, either. Despite what your average teenager might believe, most parents don’t want their kids stuck with outdated tech or tragically uncool gadgets. And although it might surprise

parents to hear it, their kids aren’t immune to the allure of a purchase that will last for years to come.

Of course, advertisers know these things, because that’s their job. And you see it reflected in the various ads for back-to-school deals on things you might want but don’t actually need. I want to end by pointing out a unique feature of 2021’s back-to-school marketing blitz, which is how explicitly advertisers are pushing the pandemic angle. It truly is a back-to-school season we haven’t seen before, with in-person learning set to resume in schools of all kinds across the nation. Pay close attention to these ads when you see them, because you’ll learn a lot. These sorts of ads can really work well, but they can also be the fastest way to turn off a consumer. I’ve been anticipating them all summer, and so far, they haven’t disappointed. Some are explicitly pandering, but others — especially in the consumer electronics category — walk that balance well. As I said at the beginning, marketing is about culture. The draw of a 30% storewide sale is valued differently by parents and students, but so are trendy ads that touch on political and current events. Nobody said it was an easy line to walk, and even the experts get it wrong sometimes.

To see that, all you have to do is turn on the television this month.

already? You can still benefit majorly from staying tuned! During last year’s back-to-school sale, Apple offered 20% off their AppleCare+ service, which gives you two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months. Dropped your laptop or spilled coffee on it? They’ll fix it, no questions asked. Invest in the new office chair you’ve been wanting. Don’t sacrifice your posture just because you’re working from home. Whether remote working has turned into a permanent or a part-time solution for your job, you deserve an office chair that can help keep your back straight, preventing pain and slouching. Many big-box stores will be offering sales on office chairs, so take the opportunity to sit in a healthier way today — before the expensive holiday season rolls around! Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have the joy of back-to-school shopping too. We hope you treat yourself to something that’ll make your remote routine even better.

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THIS GREAT PYRENEES GUIDED HIS GOATS THROUGH A WILDFIRE Meet Odin, the Fireproof Dog

In October 2017, California was in flames. One of those blazes was the Tubbs Fire, which charred its way through 36,800 miles of forests and vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma County. More than 5,600 buildings were destroyed, and 22 people were killed. But when the flames finally died, a four-legged hero emerged from the ashes: Odin, the Great Pyrenees dog. Odin belonged to Ariel and Roland Hendel, two farmers in Sonoma County. When the Tubbs Fire threatened to char their home, they packed up as many of their animals and precious items as they could. Unfortunately, their flock of goats wouldn’t fit in the getaway vehicle — and their goat-herding dog, Odin, refused to abandon them. Great Pyrenees are prized livestock guardian dogs that will do anything to protect their charges, and Odin lived up to his breed.

Not only did Odin survive the fire and run right up to the Hendels for belly rubs, but he also kept every single one of his goats safe! A few wild deer even joined the goats, and he shepherded them through unscathed. The incredible story made the news, and Odin became a local legend. Unfortunately, even legends don’t live forever. This April, Odin passed away after a long life of tail-wagging, treat-eating, and goat-saving. In his honor, Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri gifted the Hendels two new Great Pyrenees pups: Buddy and Snowflake. They’re following in Odin’s pawsteps, protecting the goats he loved so much.

“I said, ‘Okay, Odin, take care of the goats. You’ll be fine,’” Roland Hendel told ABC News.

Both Hendels were sure they were seeing their dog for the last time. Their hearts sank even further when they heard their home had burned down completely. But on a trip back to examine the ashes, something amazing happened.

“In the distance, I saw Odin’s tail,” Roland told ABC. “Sure enough, there was Odin coming at the head of all his goats.”

Have a Laugh!

Easy Foil-Grilled Sausage and Vegetables

Inspired by NutmegNanny.com

Ingredients

• 4 sausage links of your choice • 1 lb green beans • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1 red onion, diced • 1 zucchini, diced • 1 yellow summer squash, diced • 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, grated • 1 tbsp thyme • 1 tsp oregano • 1 tsp basil • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat or your oven to 425 F. 2. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix well. Divide into four equal portions. 3. Prepare four 16-inch pieces of foil and place a portion in the middle of each section. Wrap each foil piece tightly and avoid holes. 4. Grill each foil packet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also bake each packet for 20 minutes at 425 F.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of John Razumich PAGE 1

Back-to-School Marketing Is a Free Lesson PAGE 1 Go Back-to-School Shopping for Your Home Office! PAGE 2

Meet Odin, the Fireproof Dog PAGE 3

Easy Foil-Grilled Sausage and Vegetables PAGE 3

Have Celebrity Divorces Always Been Crazy? PAGE 4

Have Celebrity Divorces Always Been Crazy?

What is it about celebrity marriages — and their subsequent endings — that fascinates society? Depending on how you measure, telling the stories of makeups and breakups is a multibillion-dollar industry for media organizations online, in print, and on TV. Are we really that hungry for nasty headlines? Or is something deeper going on in the human psyche? In the last 12 months, we’ve seen some of the worst marriage breakups in Hollywood history, but Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s libel suit took center stage. As usual, “Whom do you believe?” was the

didn’t get half the headlines her murder would (and the “trial of the century” that followed) two years later. You could argue, though, that we’re getting better. When we look at the roots of the “celebrity divorce” phenomenon, it goes back in time to the realm of myth. The gods of Greece and Rome were always leaving each other and getting back together, a clear indication of the drama that interested our ancestors. But the most famous celebrity divorce of the pre-19th century (and perhaps of all time) was Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. It had all the hallmarks of modern public breakups: People took one side or the other, with other parties still “shipping” Henry and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Henry and Catherine’s divorce led to the trauma of war across England and Europe. Like today’s celebrity cases, it didn’t last long. Anne was executed a few short years later when someone new caught the king’s eye. Henry VIII was the archetype of the modern Hollywood actor with the wandering gaze, and Catherine and Anne typified the women willing to give him “one more chance.” Seeing how that ended, perhaps we should be grateful that things today are aired out in the media — instead of on the battlefield!

question of the day, but it became obvious that both parties needed a therapist to work though serious emotional problems but tried unsuccessfully to do it on their own, instead. Perhaps the most disturbing element in the Heard/Depp trial was the violence that seemed to pervade their daily lives. But that’s nothing new; in fact, the violent behavior of both partners is likely what drew so much attention in the first place. That was certainly the case with O.J. Simpson’s breakup with his wife, which