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NOVEMBER 2024
Why I Love Football From Texas Tech to Super Bowl Parties
Football has always been more than just a game to me. It’s a tradition and a way to connect with family, friends, and coworkers. I got my first taste of this excitement when I watched the Cowboys practice during the preseason when I was 10 or 11. I stood by the field, trying to get autographs from players who were literally larger than life. I didn’t get one, but that didn’t matter much. Being that close to the team — to the game — was thrilling. My love for football deepened over the years. I became a Texas Tech fan when I went to school there, and that’s where I learned what it truly meant to root for the underdog. Tech didn’t have the size or resources of the bigger programs like the University of Texas, and Lubbock wasn’t exactly the picturesque setting of Austin. But somehow, that made the victories even sweeter. Tech had a great season during my sophomore year because we overcame many obstacles. It’s funny how those moments stick with you, and even now, watching football always brings back that same excitement. But what I’ve come to realize is that football isn’t just about what happens on the field. It’s about the people you share it with. Over the years, football has become a way to bring everyone together. We used to have this weekly football game pick among colleagues. We’d all choose who we thought would win against the spread, and whoever had the best record at the end of the season would come out on top. It was all for fun, no money involved, just bragging rights. It became a ritual, something to look forward to every week. Now, I host Super Bowl parties at my house. We play the squares game, where everyone picks a square, and you win based on the score at the end of each quarter. It’s only for small amounts,
maybe a dollar a square, but it makes the game more fun. As you’re watching, you can’t help but keep an eye on your numbers, hoping you’re going to win a little something. It adds another layer of excitement to the game, but more than that, it’s a reason to gather people together, share food, laughs, and a little competition. What I love most about football is how it creates a sense of community. Whether you’re at a Super Bowl party or just sitting on the couch with family, the game gives you something to root for together, something to celebrate. Of course, there’s the other side of it, too. Losing can be tough, especially when you’re really invested in a team. But even in those disappointing moments, there’s always next week, next season, and that hope keeps everyone coming back. It’s not so different from the way fans of other sports feel. In Europe, they have soccer, and it’s the same kind of thing. You pick your team, and over time, that team becomes part of who you are. The wins are sweeter, the losses sting a bit more, but either way, you keep showing up. And in the process, you build friendships, memories, and experiences that last a lifetime. For me, football will always be more than just a game on TV. It’s an invitation to connect with the people around me. Whether it’s reliving the glory days of the Cowboys or celebrating a Texas Tech win, football has given me the chance to share something special with others, and that’s something I’ll always treasure. – Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
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ROMAN RULES PECULIAR LAWS OF THE ANCIENT EMPIRE
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. anything obtained improperly. For example, if forensic evidence was gathered without a proper warrant, your attorney can file motions to suppress that evidence, which could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case. Protecting your right to a fair trial is crucial to building a solid defense. Exposing Flaws in Forensic Evidence Forensic evidence is not foolproof, and a good defense attorney knows how to expose its vulnerabilities. From challenging the chain of custody for DNA samples to questioning the accuracy of chemical analysis, attorneys scrutinize forensic reports for errors or contamination. By working with independent forensic experts, they can uncover discrepancies that cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims and weaken their case.
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. 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.
The Power (and Perils) of Forensic Defense in Court
Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, but a skilled defense attorney can turn things around by leveraging forensic evidence. From DNA samples to digital footprints, a well-crafted legal strategy that challenges forensic evidence can build a strong defense. Understanding how forensic evidence works in criminal cases is essential for mounting an effective defense. Forensic Evidence Forensic evidence plays a critical role in criminal cases. It can be physical, biological, digital, or chemical and provides proof that either supports or undermines the prosecution’s case. Physical evidence, like fingerprints, can directly link someone to a crime scene, while digital evidence, such as GPS data, may establish alibis. A defense attorney skilled in understanding these nuances can identify inconsistencies or errors in how evidence was collected or handled, which may raise doubts about the defendant’s guilt. Protecting Constitutional Rights One of the fundamental roles of a defense attorney is to protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This includes ensuring that forensic evidence was collected legally and challenging
The Role of Advancing Forensic Science Forensic science is constantly evolving, and a defense attorney who stays informed about the latest advancements can use them to your advantage. Whether it’s introducing new scientific methods or questioning outdated ones, staying current is key to crafting an effective defense. In criminal cases, forensic evidence can make or break a defense. A skilled attorney who can use and challenge this evidence is the key to securing a fair trial. When facing charges, having a defense lawyer with expertise in forensic science significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome. You can trust the experts at The Medlin Law Firm to utilize all evidence to support your case.
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HOW EXPUNGEMENT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE A Fresh Start
The Process Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is preparing and filing the petition. After submission, a hearing is scheduled for agencies to contest your request. If the court approves, an expunction order is signed, and all agencies must delete or return any related records. The process may take several months, but the long-term benefits of a clean record are worth the effort. Why Expungement Matters Clearing your criminal record can open doors to job opportunities, housing, education, and professional licenses that may have been previously off-limits. Beyond the practical advantages, expungement provides emotional relief, allowing you to move forward without the burden of past mistakes.
Have you ever wished you could erase past mistakes and start over? If you’ve been arrested or convicted, it might feel like those moments are holding you back from opportunities. Thankfully, expungement offers a way to clear your record and move forward. An expunge lawyer can guide you through this legal process, helping you build a new path free from past errors. Understanding Expungement Expungement, or expunction, is the legal process of removing certain criminal records from public access so they no longer appear on background checks. The process begins with filing a petition in the court where the original case was heard, including detailed information such as personal data, the offense, and a list of agencies that may hold records. An expungement lawyer will help you navigate these steps and ensure your petition is complete and accurate. Who Qualifies? Eligibility for expungement varies based on several factors. In Texas, you may qualify if you were acquitted, had charges dismissed, or were wrongfully arrested. Sometimes, even if you were convicted, a pardon can allow for expungement. If no formal charges were filed, you may have to wait 180 days for minor offenses and up to three years for more serious crimes before applying. An attorney can help clarify if your case qualifies for expungement.
If your past is holding you back, it’s time to explore your options. An expunge
lawyer can help clear your record, giving you a fresh start. Reach out to The Medlin Law Firm to begin the journey toward a brighter future.
GREEK CHICKEN AND RICE
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced
• 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
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 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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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Football’s About More Than the Game
2. Ridiculous Rules From Ancient Rome
Navigating Criminal Charges With Forensic Evidence
3. Clear Your Record and Embrace New Opportunities
Greek Chicken and Rice
4.
Tips for Effortless Organization
Furniture littered with loose knickknacks. Closet shelves devoid of folded clothing. A labyrinthine refrigerator stuffed with an assortment of food and drink, seemingly stocked by a madman. These are the marks of a house in dire need of organization. We always tell ourselves we will get to these things eventually, but we never do. But what if there were a way to make this laborious process seem effortless and natural? Combat laziness and procrastination with these easy organization tips! One Thing at a Time When the task ahead seems too large to complete, it may seem like the easiest course of action is not to attempt it. However, there is a simple solution to this problem — focus your efforts on one area at a time. Whether it’s your messy kitchen after cooking a big family dinner or a cluttered living room after a gameday gathering, start in one place and don’t stop until that area is clean. Working room by room makes cleaning your home much more manageable. Start the Clock If you are struggling to organize your place, it can help to set aside some time on your calendar. Schedule time every day just for cleaning up, which can help you prioritize. Better yet, set a timer for yourself on your phone: No messing around until you’ve spent at least an hour organizing! Planned for Convenience Everyone has a morning routine. Whatever yours is, a simple organization solution can hurry it along. Something as simple as a drawer or a storage container to keep all your toiletries in one convenient place can help you get your day started more efficiently.
Lazy but Organized EASY TIPS FOR A TIDIER HOME
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