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Malloy Monthly
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March 2025
A Fun Approach to Spring-Cleaning OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
Remember Forgotten Areas It’s easy to vacuum the living room and wipe down the counters, but what about the spots you lost track of? The junk drawer that hasn’t been touched
I can’t tell you how ready I am for the snow to be gone! There’s nothing quite like spring, the season of fresh air, warmer weather, and, if you’re like me, an annual deep-cleaning spree that makes you question why you’ve been holding onto a drawer full of mismatched socks for so long. In our house, spring-cleaning is a full- family event. We each tackle different areas — sometimes willingly, sometimes with a little bit (okay, a lot) of persuasion. However, my philosophy is if we’re going to suffer through sorting, scrubbing, and decluttering, we might as well make it fun. So, we throw on some music and turn it into a competition. Of course, we reward ourselves when it’s all done, too. But spring-cleaning isn’t just about the house. Just like we clear out the dust bunnies from under the couch, it’s the perfect time to do a little mental and emotional decluttering, too. Let’s talk about how to freshen up your home and mindset this season. Physical Spring-Cleaning Declutter Every year, I ask myself, “Why do I have this?” about many random objects. If the answer is “I don’t know” or “I might need it someday,” chances are, it’s time for it to go. Generally, if you haven’t used it in a year, donate it, sell it, or toss it. You get bonus points if you convince your kids to do the same without bribing them with ice cream.
since last spring and the pantry with the expired spices need a little TLC. We tackle these once a year, and I always feel like I’ve uncovered buried treasure.
Deep Clean There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing a clean baseboard or a freshly scrubbed fridge. Split up the big tasks: windows, carpets, and all the nooks and crannies we usually ignore. It’s not the most fun, but it feels great afterward. Mental Spring-Cleaning Let Go of Mental Clutter Like that pile of clothes I swear I’ll wear again (but never do), my mind can hold onto unnecessary stress and worries. Spring is a great time to take stock of what’s weighing me down. Are there old grudges, unhelpful habits, or negative thoughts I can let go of? If it’s not serving me, it’s time to release it. Reassess Priorities Life gets busy, and sometimes, I find myself saying “yes” to things that drain my energy instead of filling my cup. Spring is my check-in time: Am I spending my time in ways that truly matter to me? This is when I reprioritize, set new goals, and make space for what brings me joy.
Welcome New Routines Spring-cleaning isn’t only about getting rid of things. It’s also about making space for new and better habits. Whether it’s finally committing to a morning walk, drinking more water, or limiting screen time before bed, you can use it to introduce better routines in your life. So, whether you’re tackling the overflowing closet, clearing mental clutter, or finally getting around to scrubbing that one mystery stain on the carpet, remember: Spring-cleaning is more than tidying things up. It’s time to create a fresh start for your home and mind.
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Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers’ Compensation • Slip and Fall • Premises Liability • And More
We all know the feeling — you’re driving, the road starts blurring, and your eyelids feel heavier and heavier. Then suddenly, you don’t remember the last few miles. That is drowsy driving, and it’s more dangerous than you may think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving caused over 90,000 crashes in 2017 alone, potentially leading to as many as 6,000 fatalities. That’s a huge number for something that many people dismiss with a cup of coffee. Why Is it Dangerous? Drowsy driving impairs your reaction time, decision-making, and overall ability to stay alert on the road. In fact, studies show that being awake for 17 hours affects your driving ability as much as having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%, and if you push that to 24 hours, it’s like driving with a 0.10% BAC — well over the legal limit. Even scarier, unlike drunk driving, there isn’t a breathalyzer test for drowsy driving. You might not even realize how impaired you are until it’s too late. DROWSY DRIVING IS AS RISKY AS DRUNK DRIVING The Silent Danger
Start Your
Brackets!
Many say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. However, if you’re a college basketball fan, it’s safe to say that March Madness is your favorite season! Millions of fans come out to support their favorite teams and fill out brackets to guess the national champion. But the history of college basketball’s biggest tournament might surprise you. Humble Beginnings March Madness originated in Illinois as an annual high school tournament sponsored by the Illinois High School Association. It went from a small invitational in 1908 to over 900 schools participating by the late 1930s. It wasn’t until 1939 that high school official Henry V. Porter called the tournament “March Madness.” The Emergence of March Madness for Colleges March Madness wasn’t nationally known or associated with the NCAA until CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger used the term while covering the 1982 spring tournament. Since then, the term has been synonymous with the event, and college basketball has never been the same. The First March Madness Champions Before UConn, Kansas, Baylor, and Virginia became NCAA men’s basketball champions, the University of Oregon paved the way. On March 27, 1939, the University of Oregon defeated Ohio State University, 46–33. Ohio State’s star forward, Jimmy Hull, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player — not bad for a 2007 Ohio Basketball Hall of Famer. Evolution of Tournament Expansions Only eight teams played in the 1939 tournament; by 1951, the number of teams doubled to 16. It wasn’t until 1985 that the 64-team tournament emerged. Further tournament expansion concluded in 2011, with 68 teams participating in college basketball’s big dance. March Madness Today March Madness isn’t exactly what it used to be 40 years ago, from the hoopla and controversy of Selection Sunday How the NCAA Evolved Into a Basketball Powerhouse
(March 16 this year) to the chaos and parity caused by NIL (athletes’ pay for
Take a Break
“name, image, and likeness”). Nonetheless, the tournament’s foundational values of camaraderie mixed with a bit of friendly competition and, of course, the love of watching basketball remain as prominent as ever.
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Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers’ Compensation •
Forbidden Fruit WHEN PILFERING A PINEAPPLE WAS BRITAIN’S JUICIEST CRIME
Prevent Drowsy Driving •
Sleep: Adults require roughly 7–9 hours of sleep per night. If you know you have a long drive ahead, prioritize rest. Safety first! • Breaks: Driving for long periods without a break can wear you down. Be sure to stop, take breaks, grab a snack, or just wake up a bit. • Buddy System: If you’re going on a long road trip, take turns driving with a friend so no one gets too exhausted. • Warning Signs: If you catch yourself yawning often, drifting between lanes, or struggling to keep your eyes open, pull over and rest before continuing. •
Power Naps: A 15- to 20-minute nap can work wonders if you’re feeling drowsy. Just make sure you’re in a safe location! For more information on drowsy driving and how Malloy Law Offices can help, scan the QR code. Remember — drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving! Homemade Shamrock Shakes
Most criminals sentenced to seven years have committed a serious crime, such as armed robbery or multiple burglaries. In 1807, however, a British man named John Godding was sentenced to seven years in an Australian penal colony for an entirely different offense: stealing seven pineapples. The prickly-skinned golden fruit was so prized in 16th, 17th, and 18th century Britain that pineapples commanded exorbitant prices and were even available to rent to prosperous Brits who featured them as centerpieces at parties. The pineapple craze drove prices for the fruit so high that they became a prized target among petty thieves. Pineapples are native to the Caribbean and South America, and Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing them to Europe after finding them in Guadeloupe in 1493. The fruit quickly became de rigueur among the wealthy as an exotic delicacy. Importing pineapples was difficult, however, because they usually spoiled en route. In the 1770s, pineapples were selling in England for the equivalent of $17,000–$23,000 apiece in 2025 U.S. dollars. Europeans went wild over the sweet, fragrant fruit, which became a symbol of warmth and hospitality incorporated into Renaissance architecture. Kings and queens clamored for pineapple, including Catherine the Great and King Ferdinand of Spain. King Charles II of England even commissioned a portrait of himself being presented with one. Initial attempts to cultivate pineapples in Britain’s cool climate failed. Transplanting and propagating plant stock and nurturing young plants to maturity was a painstaking process made more difficult by the fruit’s long maturation cycle, which requires as long as 2 1/2 years or more from planting to mature pineapples. British farmers tried for centuries before finally succeeding at producing pineapples in “hot houses” or “pineries” heated by furnaces placed within glass-walled enclosures. Advancements in global trade eventually made pineapples more readily available in Europe. Had the unfortunate Mr. Godding, the pineapple thief, committed his crime in modern times, he would probably have gotten off with a mere $100 fine.
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Ingredients Milkshake • 1 pint vanilla ice cream • 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract • 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring Toppings
• Whipped cream • Green sprinkles • 2 maraschino cherries
Directions 1. Put 2 tall drinking glasses into the freezer to chill. 2. Allow ice cream to slightly soften for 10–15 minutes. 3. In a blender, add milk, peppermint extract, green food coloring, and softened vanilla ice cream. 4. Blend on lowest setting and work up to medium speed for 1 minute or until smooth and pourable. 5. Pour evenly into frosted glasses, and top with garnish of your choice. Serve immediately.
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7910 Woodmont Ave. #1250 Bethesda, MD 20814 (202) 933-7277 • Malloy-Law.com
Inside This Issue
1
A Lighter Home, a Lighter Mind
2
The History of College Basketball’s Rise to Riches
2
Eyes on the Road, Not on Your Pillow
3
Homemade Shamrock Shakes
3
Pineapple Theft Was Once Britain’s Ultimate Crime
4
3.14 Reasons to Celebrate Pi Day
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
March 14: The Ultimate Day for Math (and Pie!) Lovers
Every year on March 14 (3/14), math lovers, students, and pie enthusiasts all come together to celebrate Pi Day — a day dedicated to the most famous irrational number of all time: pi. Why March 14? Because the date, 3/14, matches the first three digits of pi (3.14). But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a mathematician to appreciate Pi Day. If you like eating pie, you’re already doing it right! The History of Pi (And Why We Care) Pi, the mathematical constant that represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, has been around
colleagues started the tradition of marching in a circle and eating pie. In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives officially recognized March 14 as National Pi Day. Celebrate Pi Day Eat Pie: Whether it’s apple, pumpkin, or pizza pie, eating anything circular is a Pi Day tradition.
Memorize Digits: Did you know that the world record for memorizing pi is 100,000 digits? How many can you get?
for thousands of years. The ancient Babylonians and Egyptians had rough approximations of it, but it wasn’t until Greek mathematician Archimedes (287–212 BC) that we got a more precise method for calculating it. Pi is an irrational number, so it never ends or repeats itself. How Pi Day Came to Be While pi has been known for centuries, Pi Day itself was officially born in 1988, thanks to physicist Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Shaw and his
Host a Pie Bakeoff: Pi Day is a perfect blend of geeky fun and tasty treats.
Wear Pi-Themed Clothing: You can always rock a pi symbol shirt, a pie hat, or socks! It’s a fun way to see who notices or catches on. Pi Day is a perfect blend of geeky fun and tasty treats. So whether you love math or you’re just in it for the pie, make sure to celebrate this fun “irrational” day!
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Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers’ Compensation • Slip and Fall • Premises Liability • And More
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