Law Office Of William F. Underwood - October 2021

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Justice MONTHLY

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OCTOBER 2021

Does the Perfect Pizza Exist? WHY I BELIEVE ALL PIZZA IS GOOD (AND SOME OF MY LOCAL FAVORITES, TOO!)

October has one of those strange celebrations known as Pizza Month. It seems like there’s a holiday for everything these days, but I knew I couldn’t let this month pass by without featuring some of my favorite local pizza places (and a few stories from my years as a loyal fan of pizza.) For starters, I probably eat way too much pizza, but I can’t get enough. I really can’t explain what it is about pizza that makes it so comforting and tasty. It has to be something with the dough, sauce, and cheese that makes this dish always seem to hit the spot. I know there are people out there who don’t enjoy it like I do, but I think everyone can at least agree that pizza will always be comforting. Villa Garganos is the local restaurant that stands out to me the most. I always order the same thing, and it’s become my go-to spot for pizza. I have great memories in this place on Friday afternoons

I’ve tried a few other items, but this one always does it for me.

I’ve introduced Priscila to Garganos now, too. She has some Italian heritage in her family, so I was excited to show her what authentic Italian food could taste like in Albany, Georgia. While she didn’t love the pizza as much as I do — she opted for the veal Parmesan — she seemed to enjoy it! Priscila also introduced me to one of my new favorite ways to eat pizza. It’s called “turbo pizza,” and it’s really simple! You buy a frozen pizza and add your favorite ingredients on top. It’s affordable, easy, and you end up with a personalized pizza that you actually enjoy! It’s become a staple in our home. I also like the pizza at Harvest Moon. Of course, the live music at Harvest Moon is always entertaining, but you can’t go wrong with one of their famous Moon Pies (pizza). This is a great spot for anyone who likes unique or fun toppings. For example, the Shroomage comes with caramelized onions and two kinds of mushrooms! You could also try the Seafood Pie or the Bleu Buffalo if you’re looking to compromise with someone who doesn’t want pizza. Another place I like to try is Picnic Pizza. Picnic is a great option for those who want something that’s no-fuss and simple. I really enjoy their large pepperoni slices, and sometimes I opt for the Sicilian pizza style. This kind of pizza has a thicker crust and is often baked into a square. It doesn’t taste any better or worse than

other styles, but it’s a great option for some variety!

I’m not sure there’s anything that could deter me from eating pizza. I even worked in a pizza place when I lived in Colorado, and I wasn’t sick of it by the time I left those joints. Unfortunately, I never did learn any pizza tricks, but I did watch some real masters who could toss the dough! I know pizza isn’t the healthiest food, but there truly is something to be said for a good slice of pizza. It’s easy, tasty, and it always seems to hit the spot — no matter where you pick up a slice.

when my dad and I would go to lunch. (Honestly, we made excuses to meet at

Garganos for lunch when it wasn’t Friday, too.) There are a ton of options on the menu, but I always go for the special

-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III

P.S. If you do check out Garganos, Picnic Pizza, or Harvest Moon, I hope you try some of my favorite slices. And I’m always looking for new pizza places, so share some of your favorites with me next time we meet.

individual pizza.

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HOW READING FICTION CAN BENEFIT YOU SELF-HELP BOOKS CAN’T DO IT ALL

Many CEOs and other successful individuals continually espouse the benefits of regular reading. Many times, leaders read self-help books to improve their leadership skills and become more successful. This is all well and good, but even the most successful people in the world could be missing out on the unique benefits that come specifically from reading fiction. But what are

and feelings of others. That’s because when the characters in the book we’re reading are thinking or feeling a certain way, we tend to think or feel that way with them. Less Stress and Better Sleep When we read fiction specifically, we tend to disengage from the world — and that’s a good thing! Our brains can’t always be functioning at their peak capacity. We need breaks, or else we’ll stress ourselves out and negatively affect other areas of our lives. Stress tends to keep us from sound sleep, but reading fiction before bed engages the imagination, taking us away from the stresses of everyday life before we drift off. More Comfort With Uncertainty Even though many stories (particularly those portrayed in popular movies) have

nice happy endings, most people would agree that life sometimes leaves things a little more open-ended. While this fact might stress out some people, researchers have discovered that fiction readers don’t need “cognitive closure” as much as nonfiction readers. Greater Happiness Even if none of the benefits of fiction interest you, everyone wants to find ways to make themselves happy — and for many, that is reading fiction. According to one survey, 76% of participants said that reading makes them feel good and improves their lives. So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that novel you’ve been meaning to read and crack it open!

those benefits exactly? Greater Empathy When a psychologist analyzed 86

functioning MRI (fMRI) studies, he found that the same parts of the brain that fire up when reading fictional stories also fire up when we’re seeking to understand the thoughts STAY SPOOKY, NOT SCARY 3 Halloween Safety Tips You Must Follow This Year

an adult, and those who go out alone should be given a curfew and route to follow. Always obey traffic signs and stay on sidewalks. Not only is this respectful to homeowners, but it can also protect candy seekers from accidents and various dangers. Finally, if your child has a dark costume, add reflective tape or bright colors so they don’t blend into the night. Watch for Ghosts While creepy figures may be more emboldened on Halloween night, this warning is about the fictitious ghosts and goblins that are out trick-or-treating. If you must travel via car on Halloween, look out for trick-or-treaters. Avoid neighborhoods if possible and drive slowly. Put down all distractions, including your phone or food, to keep your full attention on the road. And if possible, just don’t drive! Walk, bike, or use public transportation to cut down on the amount of vehicle traffic in neighborhoods. Carve the Pumpkin Safely Pumpkins are a must around Halloween, but they can come with a few dangers. For starters, be vigilant when carving and opt for carve-less jack-o’-lanterns when possible to avoid potential accidents. Furthermore, use battery-operated tea lights rather than candles to prevent fire dangers. These lights can last longer and are unlikely to spark a fire. Bonus: Inspect your child’s candy! While razor blades in candy have been debunked, not all of your child’s candy may be safe. Remove any pieces young children could choke on and don’t tempt fate with candy that has a broken seal. Simply toss it out and report any incidents to local authorities.

Most kids can’t wait for Halloween! They can dress up like their heroes or favorite characters, stay up way too late, and receive copious amounts of candy — just by walking through the neighborhood!

Don’t let a tragic mishap ruin this special tradition by following these safety tips.

Stick to Treats, Not Tricks Halloween night is often busy, and it can be just as dangerous as it is fun. Young trick-or- treaters should always be accompanied by

Happy Halloween from the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C.!

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ATTENTION PARENTS!

3 TIPS YOUR TEEN DRIVER NEEDS TO KNOW

Leave Early What’s the rush?! Teen drivers who find themselves speeding or worrying about driving on certain routes could benefit from leaving earlier. Encourage your teens to give themselves about 10–15

Drivers of all abilities and ages should follow traffic laws and avoid distracted driving to prevent tragic accidents, but for many teens, inexperience behind the wheel can be an Achilles’ heel. Couple that with common teen pressures, like social media or sneaking out late, and teen driving can become a dangerous fact of the road!

minutes of extra driving time to account for traffic, unfamiliar territory, and potential obstacles. This will allow them to focus on driving safely rather than trying to get to their destination on time by making potentially fatal mistakes.

If your teen just began driving — or will start soon — share these three tips to help them prevent accidents and injuries.

Don’t Make Assumptions When you’re a teen, it’s difficult to think

Know School Zone Laws Driving in certain areas comes with particular rules, and school zones are no different!

beyond the scope of the here and now. (This is a scientific fact; teenage brains are in a hyper-speed state of growth!) This can make it difficult for teens to think beyond what they see or experience, which can often lead to assumptions. On the road, this can be dangerous! Assuming that a driver is turning one way, or that you can squeeze in

Because teens are often driving to and from schools, they may need to become familiar with these specialty rules. These include things like how to operate around school buses and what speed to drive in parking lots or in school zones. Teach your teen to watch carefully for pedestrians, too.

between two vehicles because they won’t slam on their brakes, can result in accidents! Teach your teen that unless they have proof, they shouldn’t assume they know what other drivers are doing. Remind them they should do what they believe is best with the information they have at that moment.

Driving is an important part of growing up, but it doesn’t come without its hazards. If your teen is injured in an accident, the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., can help. Call us today to learn more!

OKTOBERFEST SOFT PRETZELS

We Value You!

At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our September newsletter:

Bring the salty taste of Oktoberfest to your home kitchen with these soft pretzels!

• 4 1/2 cups flour • 3 tbsp oil, divided • 2/3 cup baking soda • 2 eggs, beaten • Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups warm water • 1 tbsp salt • 1 tbsp sugar • 1 packet active dry yeast

George Wallace, James Singleton, and Ken West

Your recommendations are greatly treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments on our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888.

Directions 1. In a bowl, combine water, salt, and sugar. Add yeast and let rest for 5 minutes. Add flour and 2 tbsp oil, then mix thoroughly into a dough. 2. Remove the dough from the bowl. Coat bowl with remaining oil, then return the dough, cover with plastic wrap, and set it aside in a warm place for 1 hour. 3. Preheat oven to 450 F. 4. Cut dough into 8 pieces. Roll them into thin ropes, then twist ropes into pretzel shapes. 5. In a large pot, boil water. Add baking soda, then boil each pretzel for 1 minute, flipping halfway through. 6. Transfer pretzels to a baking sheet. Brush them with egg and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10–15 minutes. Enjoy!

Thank you for trusting us to serve you!

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Inspired by Tasty.co

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

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1918 DAWSON RD. ALBANY, GA 31707

Trey Boils His Love of Pizza Down to 3 Local Spots! PAGE 1

The Unique Benefits of Reading Fiction PAGE 2

3 Halloween Safety Tips Guaranteed to Keep This Spooky Holiday Fun! PAGE 2

Every Teen Driver Needs to Know PAGE 3

Oktoberfest Soft Pretzels PAGE 3

Corn Mazes Date Back to Ancient Greece? PAGE 4

CORN MAZES DATE BACK TO ANCIENT GREECE? A Historical Look at This Wacky Fall Tradition

Exploring a corn maze is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fall season with friends and family — but who came up with the idea of wandering around a corn field for fun? As it turns out, outdoor mazes are an ancient tradition, and the American corn maze of the '90s sprouted from the mazes of 17th-century European gardens. Don’t believe it? Here’s a quick tour of corn maze history. The Minotaur and the Maze Have you heard of Theseus and the Minotaur? This ancient Greek legend tells the story of the hero Theseus, who ventured into an elaborate maze to kill the half-man, half-bull imprisoned there. The monstrous Minotaur was known to eat heroes, and the labyrinth was known to trap them, but Theseus managed to slay the Minotaur and find his way

home with the help of a string that he unspooled as he walked.

One famous example is the half-mile-long Hampton Maze, which was planted in 1690 and still stands today. The Corn Maze: An American Invention Garden mazes eventually hopped the pond to America but didn’t become interactive puzzles until Don Frantz, Creative Director of the American Maze Company, came on the scene. In 1993, Frantz created the “first ever cornfield maze for private and public entertainment” to attract college kids in Pennsylvania. Today, every small- town corn maze is a descendant of his “Amazing Maize Maze.” To learn more about that wacky history, visit AmericanMaze.com.

This story isn’t the first recorded example of a maze or labyrinth — according to the World History encyclopedia, “[L]abyrinths and labyrinthine symbols have been dated to the Neolithic Age in regions as diverse as modern-day Turkey, Ireland, Greece, and India, among others” — but it’s perhaps the most famous ancient tale. If you’ve ever navigated a Halloween corn maze staffed by ghouls and ghosts, you can see the parallels! Garden Art to Get Lost In Mazes formed from bushes began popping up European gardens in the 17th century. They were a popular artistic feature of upper-class gardens in England, more for looking at than solving.

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Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? Have you or a loved one been in contact with Paraquat, a common commercial herbicide? If so, you may be entitled to compensation over negligence committed by Paraquat’s manufacturers. The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. is now representing clients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after being exposed to Paraquat. We will guide you through the mass tort claims process, protecting your pursuit of justice at every venture. ATTENTION! COMMON U.S. HERBICIDE LINKED TO PARKINSON’S AND YOU COULD BE COMPENSATED!

If you or a loved one … • Used Paraquat on a farm or commercial farming field • Lived near a site where Paraquat was used • Were exposed to Paraquat under other circumstances

… then we want to help you!

Call the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. today at 229-888-0888 to learn more about our process, your options, and how we can help. YOU DESERVE JUSTICE. Continued on next page ...

THE STARTLING TRUTH ABOUT PARAQUAT — AND NEGLIGENCE

For nearly 80 years, Paraquat has been used by American farmers to prepare fields for harvest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that it’s primarily used by commercial farming operations for weed and grass control. However, scientists have long known just how dangerous Paraquat can be. A study as early as the 1980s first linked Parkinson’s disease, a central nervous system disorder that often leads to tremors and immobility, to Paraquat exposure. In 2017, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation to express its concern for Paraquat’s link to Parkinson’s. They noted that exposure to Paraquat could increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s by as much as 600%, if they were exposed at a young age. When combined with a genetic predisposition to developing Parkinson’s, the exposure can be particularly devastating.

Yet, U.S. companies continued to market and sell the product without providing warnings.

Because of its danger and toxicity, Paraquat has been banned by dozens of countries in the European Union, Korea, China, and Brazil. The U.S. has limited the sale of and use of the chemical to commercial needs only; however, it has continued to allow farmers, workers, and those who live near these work sites to suffer the potential life- threatening consequences. Today, justice is being fought for those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after exposure to Paraquat either by working with it or living near a field where it was spread. Multiple lawsuits have been filed on the behalf of Paraquat’s victims, fighting against the negligent makers of Paraquat.

If this sounds like you, you may be entitled to compensation. Call us today at 229-888-0888!

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