Check out our January newsletter!
01/26
THE MOTTLEY CREW REVIEW
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COGNITIVE CORNERSTONES
THE CASE FOR A SHARPER MIND
January is more than the start of a new year; it’s a chance to celebrate and challenge your mind.
As I sat with my mother at the funeral, I watched the photographs of the departed scrolling on the screen and immediately remembered it all from 50 years ago. The smell of her home. Her walking to the ice chest to get me a bottle of Coca-Cola and popping off the cap with a bottle opener. The smell of the automobile shop, with all its gears and gadgets. Everything . In that moment, my mind transported me back to 1975 as if it were yesterday. As a firm that represents people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries, we often engage in conversations about the power of memory. Many of our clients struggle with maintaining their recall of past events. Their losses always affect me deeply, reaffirming my commitment to helping them receive the recovery and justice they deserve. My experiences with clients have also taught me never to take a good memory for granted. Although my work as an attorney always provides a variety of mentally challenging tasks (and I suspect I’ll never fully retire from the profession for that reason), I also make an effort to keep my mind engaged outside of the office. As I’ve mentioned here in the past, I like to play the mandolin, and I exercise as often as possible.
In addition to being the official kickoff of 2026, this is National Brain Teaser Month. The 19th is also designated as Good Memory Day. These occasions are great opportunities to focus on ways to keep our minds sharp as we reflect on special moments that have colored our lives. Having a good memory is essential to all of us, but it’s especially critical as we age. The longer we live, the more moments we want to recall and hold onto. If we’re lucky, we will have collected plenty of cherished memories we’ll reflect on with fondness. Somehow, I’ve always been blessed with a good memory. Whether an event occurred 30 years ago or three months ago, I often remember it vividly. This fact hit home for me just yesterday, when I settled a case with a local mediator who is also a judge. When she called me before the mediation to introduce herself, she remarked that she didn’t believe she had ever had any dealings with me. She was correct that we had never crossed paths on
a case before, but I reminded her that, in 1994, she had taken me out to lunch when I was interviewing at the law firm she was working at.
Above all, getting out there and enjoying life is the biggest key to promoting a strong memory. Hobbies are essential, as they help us
“Oh, my God!” she exclaimed. “You have such a good memory!”
maintain a positive attitude by focusing our minds on things that stimulate and excite us. Considering that January is the time for New Year’s resolutions, I encourage you to make 2026 the time you finally pursue that special interest or pastime you’ve always thought about. It may help you more than you realize.
Last fall, I accompanied my mother to a funeral of a close friend of my parents who had lived past 100. She was an elementary school principal, and her husband ran an automobile service station next to her school. Interestingly, they lived across the street from the school where my father served as principal, and I often visited their home during the first 10 years of my life. My father also had his car serviced at the husband’s shop, so I’d frequently go along with him to the station.
Life may have its ups and downs, but the moments and people we hold dear and
remember are what matter most. Make this the year you do everything possible to keep your mental wheels turning.
–Kevin Mottley
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PLAYING LONG AFTER OTHERS RETIRE THE NFL’S AGELESS VETERANS
Football is supposed to be a young man’s game. The average pro player only sticks around for three seasons, but many skilled veterans refuse to leave the field after over a decade of play. Today, a handful of players are getting attention for what they’ve done in their careers and because they’re still doing it. Aaron Rodgers tops the list. He just turned 42 in December and has been suiting up for the Steelers this season after an injury setback with the New York Jets last year. Rodgers has more than 59,000 passing yards behind him and doesn’t show much sign of slowing down. He may be twice as old as some of his teammates, but the four-time MVP is someone the Steelers roster leans on when things get tough. Marcedes Lewis, a current Chicago Bear, has another story worth telling. The 41-year-old was drafted in 2006 and has logged more seasons at tight end than any player in NFL history. Lewis will likely retire after this year, but with nearly two decades in the league, he’s already left his mark with almost 440 career receptions and an average of 12 yards per catch. Then there’s Washington Commander Josh Johnson. At 39, he’s worn more jerseys than most equipment managers. Johnson has been a depth
quarterback option for over a dozen NFL teams and has had stints in other leagues. Johnson’s path is unusual, but his adaptability has kept him employed.
Punter Thomas Morestead proves specialists can carve out legends, too. He’s been kicking around the league since 2009 and is now in his 17th season, currently with San Francisco. Even after so many years in the league, Morestead can still drop the ball inside the 20 with frustrating accuracy for returners. The biggest of the senior NFLers is Calais Campbell. The 6-foot-8 defensive lineman has collected over 100 sacks in his career and is still tearing up offenses at 39. Now in Arizona, where his career began in 2008, Campbell’s showing that power and know-how can keep a defensive lineman relevant long after most would have retired. Some rookies dream about making a roster, but these veterans still collect paychecks after years of punishment. In a league built on speed and turnover, they’re living proof that grit and determination can stretch careers far beyond the norm.
Tips for Outsmarting Identity Intruders CYBER CAUTION
Your laptop could have a dangerous afterlife. Most of us use laptops for everything from banking to shopping. The good news is that these items can store critical personal information to help make our lives more convenient … which is also the bad news. Before selling or getting rid of your personal computers, make sure you remove all personal information from them. If you’re unsure of how to get started, the Federal Trade Commission’s page at bit.ly/4i4tNnS is a fantastic resource. Fine print may be a red flag. You know all those pesky end-user licensing agreements you rush to sign without reading when you download (just two examples) new software or a video game? Well, you may want to read all those tiny words carefully next time, as they will likely include details on how the company uses … and perhaps even sells … your data. The few extra minutes it takes to review and understand your agreement may save you from receiving unwanted spam
In case no one’s told you lately, you’re perfect just the way you are. So perfect, in fact, that criminals may want to be you. Jan. 28 is Data Privacy Day. While it may not be the most glamorous holiday on the calendar, it’s among the most important. Here are a few often-overlooked ways to better protect yourself from identity theft and keep your most sensitive information safe and secure.
at best and having your information used for nefarious purposes at worst. Your ‘friends’ may be felons. Social media may be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, but it’s also a surefire way to have your identity stolen in a flash. It’s advisable never to add a “friend” or follower you don’t know, and it’s also wise to make sure whomever you involve in your social media network is who they say they are. Unfortunately, photos and other information from legitimate users can be stolen and used by thieves to create clone accounts and swindle unsuspecting individuals. The next time you get a friend request from a stranger, or from someone who is already on your page, it’s best to ignore it or verify the sender’s identity … especially if they immediately start asking you for money or private information!
–Kevin Mottley
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SURPRISING INSIGHTS INTO BENJAMIN’S BRILLIANCE This month, I dedicate this section of the newsletter to a true Renaissance guy: Benjamin Franklin. I’ve always liked him because he was such an odd fellow. His many quirks, contributions to our nation’s history, and revolutionary life hacks are the stuff of legend (and too voluminous to include in full here). In celebration of Benjamin Franklin Day on Jan. 17, here are some little- known facts about this unforgettable figure. He starved himself in his quest for knowledge. It’s common for people today to save up funds or secure loans to get an education, but very few of us would ever consistently forgo meals to afford books. However, that was the only way young Benjamin could broaden his knowledge after he ended his formal education after just two years to work at his family’s soap- and candle-making business and, later, his brother’s printing shop. Despite his absence from the classroom, he continued to be an avid independent reader. When his funds were short, he spent his meal money on reading material. The sacrifice paid off, as he sharpened his literary skills by rewriting excerpts from the books entirely from memory. His will supports students to this day. Before he died in 1790, Benjamin conceived a way to ensure his commitment to education would last for centuries. He willed £1,000 each to the cities of Boston (his birthplace) and Philadelphia (his eventual home). He stipulated that the money would be held in a trust for 100 years, with a portion used solely to support local businesses. His will specified that the remaining funds be held for another 100 years, after which the cities were encouraged to use them as they deemed necessary. By 1990, the remaining trust was worth more than $6 million. This astronomical amount helped fund Boston’s Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology and Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute. He was born twice (sort of). Today’s history books say that Benjamin was born on Jan. 17, 1706, but that’s not entirely accurate. In 1752, British and American colonies decided to time-travel (literally) by switching from the traditional Julian calendar (in use since 46 B.C.) to the Gregorian calendar (still used in the majority of the world today). The reasons behind the change could make an article of their own, but the result was an 11-day jump in time-keeping. That’s right, one of America’s most celebrated people was born on Jan. 6 and Jan. 17.
SUDOKU
KOREAN GROUND BEEF
INGREDIENTS
Sauce • 1/4 cup reduced- sodium soy sauce • 1 tbsp honey, or a liquid sugar-free sweetener • 1 tsp cornstarch • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Stir Fry • 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef, 85/15 • 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced • 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, minced Finishing Touches • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as you cook, about 5 minutes. 3. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 4. Stir sauce into the beef, then cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce thickens. 5. Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve over white rice (if desired).
–Kevin Mottley
Inspired by HealthyRecipesBlogs.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
MottleyLawFirm.com | (804) 823-2011
1
Memory Mastery
2
Football’s Longest Careers
Defend Your Data
3
A Founding Father’s Fantastic Feats
Korean Ground Beef
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Turn Cold Nights Into Warm Memories
DON’T LET THE FIRE DIE Make Winter Bonfires Your New Tradition
Provide toasty treats. Sometimes, clothes alone are not enough to protect us from winter’s chill. During these moments, it can help to eat or drink something that fills your whole body with warmth. Thankfully, you’ll have a bonfire to help you toast and warm some delicious treats. S’mores are usually the go-to, but you can also warm up hot dogs, sausages, or even corn on the cob. And don’t forget the drinks! Hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or even tea can help everyone stay comfortable and in good spirits. Add games or fun activities. Some may grow bored with traditional bonfire activities, which is why you should have an extra activity or game up your sleeve. Depending on the lighting, you could play a card or board game. If the lighting is too dim, you can incorporate other activities requiring more movement and adventure. Kids and adults alike will have fun playing a game of flashlight tag or participating in a scavenger hunt. Plus, the extra movement will help everyone stay warm!
Many Americans invite their friends and family for a bonfire throughout the summer and fall. Nothing beats making s’mores, sharing stories, and enjoying the flickering flame under the moonlight. As temperatures drop and winter weather appears on the radar, some cover and ignore their bonfire area until after the cold and rainy seasons. However, you can still create an awe-inspiring bonfire during winter if you put together a plan. Winter bonfires can quickly become a regular part of your seasonal traditions, and these strategies will help ensure your bonfire is a hit with everyone who attends. Help people stay warm. Nobody wants to sit outside in the dark and freezing cold. Encourage everyone attending to dress in warm clothes appropriate for the frigid temperatures, but be prepared to help out if someone starts to feel chilly. Have extra blankets and coats within reach so you can easily pass them to anyone in need.
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