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June 2025
Lessons From the Dugout
What Baseball Taught Me
Nothing is quite like the smell of freshly cut grass on a baseball field in the spring. Add the clink of aluminum bats, chatter from the dugout, and a worn glove in your hand, and you’ve got the backdrop of some of my favorite childhood memories. With National Little League Week falling in June, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on my own Little League days and what they gave me, beyond just a few stats. I started out in T-ball and played through my elementary and middle school years. Along the way, I picked up more than just the rules of the game. I learned what a pickle was — both from inside and out — and found out the hard way that second base isn’t like first. You can’t overrun it without consequences. Baseball also taught me the value of a good backup plan. You don’t just reach for the ball with your glove; you put your body behind it, just in case. And when someone else is fielding, you back them up. That mindset of being aware and ready has come in handy far beyond the diamond. I also remember a stretch where I wanted to pitch. I spent hours practicing with a rebound net in my yard, trying to nail the strike zone. When I finally got the chance to pitch in a game, I walked seven batters straight. That was the beginning and end of my pitching career, but honestly, I was just glad I got a shot. Something about the rhythm of those games stuck with me — sitting in the dugout behind chain-link, swinging in the on-deck circle, stepping up to the plate. I liked dragging out an at-bat foul ball after foul ball, just trying to stay in it. Practices could be freezing during Washington springs, but I never minded much. I just liked being out there. Baseball also taught me how to handle nerves, listen and talk on the field, and stay locked in. None of it felt profound at the time, but those habits also helped me learn how to approach other things in life. The value of staying alert, working as a team, and showing up prepared still applies to my work today. One of the things I appreciated most about baseball was having my dad involved. He was my team’s assistant coach for a few years, and even after he stepped back from that role, he never missed a game.
He played catch whenever I asked, rolled grounders for me to field, and made time for baseball in a way that stuck with me more than any win or loss. My own kids went a different route — tennis, cross-country, and track — but they ended up in sports, too. I encouraged them but tried not to push. They found their own pace, just like I did. I don’t play anymore, but I still keep a glove around. Sometimes, I pick it up, and it just feels right. Not because I’m chasing nostalgia but because those early seasons shaped something lasting. The field might be long behind me, but the baseball mindset of focus, patience, and showing up is still with me. And every now and then, it’s nice to remember where all that started.
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Turn Their Dreams Into Reality
What It Takes to Adopt a Child
Health You need to be there for your new child, especially as they adjust to their new home and environment, but you can’t do that if you’re battling a serious illness. Stable medical and emotional health are requirements for prospective adoptive parents. Those with a history of chronic illness or currently facing a serious condition must get a letter from their primary physician that states they are physically stable enough to raise the child until they turn 16. If one or both parents have a current or past psychiatric illness, you also need a doctor’s statement assuring stability. All members of the household must prove they are physically and emotionally stable. Criminal History Having prior convictions does not immediately disqualify you but makes things much more difficult. All household members over age 18 must pass a child abuse clearance process. If you or another adult in the home has an arrest history, you must provide personal statements about the incident. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, you may be considered ineligible or require rehabilitation before moving forward. Finances Raising a child isn’t cheap. According to the Institute of Family Studies, the expected cost of raising a child is $202,248–$430,928. There is no specified income requirement to be eligible to adopt, but you must prove you have the necessary resources to provide for the child. You should also consider other adoption costs, such as travel and adoption service fees. Home Environment An adopted child will spend ample time within your home, so the environment must be safe and accommodating to their needs. You must allow the agency to conduct a home study to ensure your house is safe and well-maintained. You may need to provide references that speak to your ability to care for and manage children. You should also be prepared to discuss your adoption and parenting plan. Adopting a child is a serious decision you should not take lightly. If approved, you will be responsible for another human’s life, development, and health. After you verify you meet all the requirements listed above, take some time to explore your state- specific requirements. The adoption process is complicated and sometimes disheartening, but stick with it. It will be one of the best decisions you make in your and your adopted child’s lives!
Welcoming a new child into the family is one of the most exciting and life-changing events we can experience. While many Americans conceive with their significant other, others explore the world of adoption. According to the most recent Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System report, approximately 114,000 foster children are eligible and waiting to be adopted. By adopting a child, you give them a place to call home, a family who cares for them, and experiences they would never have had without you. If you’re interested in adopting a child, you’re probably wondering what requirements you must meet to be eligible. Adoption is not a quick process: Domestic adoptions usually take up to two years to process, while international adoptions often take 2–5 years since you must follow American adoption rules and the guidelines of the child’s home country. These rules are strict, as most countries do not want to place children in unsafe conditions. Here are five of the U.S.’s adoption requirements. Age Both prospective parents must be at least 21 to be eligible to adopt. While this is a minimum age requirement, there is no cutoff age, so even those in their golden years can consider adoption.
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BRAIN GAMES
Why Did Old Hollywood Sound So Fancy?
SOLUTION
There’s a certain charm to old Hollywood movies — glamorous stars, sweeping orchestral scores, and, of course, that oddly posh, vaguely British way of speaking. You know the one. The voice makes Katharine Hepburn sound like she’s perpetually midway through an important luncheon and Cary Grant appear to deliver a one-liner while also sipping afternoon tea. This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s the Transatlantic accent , and for a while, it was the gold standard of sophisticated speech. Unlike normal regional dialects, the Transatlantic accent wasn’t something people naturally developed by growing up in a particular area. It was an acquired accent drilled into the minds of upper-crust New Englanders at elite boarding schools and embraced by stage actors who wanted to sound refined. Essentially, it was the linguistic equivalent of wearing a tuxedo at all times. Hollywood, never one to pass up a trend, adopted this cultivated accent in the early days of talkies. Why? Because it made actors sound polished, articulate, and, quite frankly, fancy. The crisp, clipped tones worked wonders for those speedy, back-and-forth screwball comedy exchanges. Just watch “His Girl Friday” and try not to be dazzled by the machine-gun dialogue between Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell! And then, just as suddenly as it arrived, the Transatlantic accent packed its bags and vanished. By the 1950s, Hollywood started shifting away from aristocratic dramas and high-society stories, opting instead for gritty realism and everyday characters. The era of Marlon Brando and James Dean meant mumbling was in, and sounding like you vacationed on the French Riviera every summer was … well, out. Of course, we can still enjoy the legacy of the Transatlantic accent in classic films. Want to master it yourself? Pick up “Speak With Distinction” by Edith Skinner, the holy grail of old- school elocution training. Soon enough, you’ll drop your R’s, crisp your T’s, and stretch your vowels until “dance” becomes “ dahnce .” After all, old Hollywood may be gone, but its impeccable enunciation will never go out of style. Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and the Art of Speaking Like an Aristocrat
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
This light, flavorful dish of tender, marinated beef slices can serve as a protein-rich appetizer or a tasty entree for a summer evening.
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional) • 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices • Bamboo skewers soaked in water
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in a refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Lasting Lessons of Little League
1
Are You Eligible to Adopt?
2
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
3
Did Old Hollywood Stars Really Talk Like That?
What Happened to Wendy Williams?
4
WENDY WILLIAMS FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM Inside Her Battle for Control Over Her Life
When did you last hear Wendy Williams’ iconic “How you doin’?” It’s likely been a few years, and it’s not because you didn’t tune in to her daytime talk show. Actually, Williams hasn’t filmed an episode of her talk show since 2022. It’s not because she got tired of the responsibility or was taken off the air due to unpopularity. Williams effectively disappeared after an incident with Wells Fargo led to a court-appointed guardian taking over her financial affairs. Williams learned that Wells Fargo had frozen her accounts after she attempted to make multiple large withdrawals from her bank account. Even more unsettling, her financial advisor, through Wells Fargo, notified the bank that Williams was of “unsound mind,”
which prompted a court-ordered guardianship. Initially, many believed this was solely a financial guardianship, but the Hollywood Reporter revealed that the court-appointed guardian was overseeing nearly everything in Williams’ life. So, how did Wendy Williams end up in this situation? In 2024, her care team disclosed that the talk show host had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. Information related to her situation came from various sources but nothing directly from Williams for many years. She has recently started taking phone interviews and making television appearances and has clearly disagreed with the situation since 2022. Wendy Williams states she has been living in a memory unit in New York City for the past three years but does not think she belongs there. “Look, I don’t belong here at all,” stated Williams during a phone interview with “Nightline.” “This is ridiculous.” Williams is actively fighting for her freedom, and one source even told ABC News that Williams’ court-appointed attorney was planning to file a request to terminate the guardianship. The fact that she’s getting opportunities to share her side of the story provides hope to her fans, but only time will tell how this will unravel.
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In the fast-moving world of business, promises fly quickly. Deals are struck over phone calls, decisions are made over lunch, and partnerships are formed with a handshake. But in the eyes of the law, not all promises are created equal, and not every agreement has the same legal power. Understanding the difference between a contractual obligation and promissory estoppel is crucial for Nevada businesses looking to safeguard their rights and avoid costly misunderstandings. WHEN A FORMAL CONTRACT RULES THE DAY For a contract to be legally enforceable, certain conditions must be met. At its core, that means both sides understand what’s being agreed to, something of value is exchanged, and there’s a mutual commitment to formalize the deal. In Nevada, contracts serve as the strongest foundation for enforcing business relationships. When both sides meet these requirements, courts can intervene to award damages, enforce terms, or even order specific performance if one party fails to hold up their end of the deal. Contractual Obligation vs. Promissory Estoppel
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6770 S. McCarran Blvd, First Floor Reno, NV 89509 775.448.6070 SierraCrestLaw.com
... continued from Front
A sturdy contract is measured by its precision. It lays out the roles, responsibilities, remedies, and consequences, minimizing room for misunderstandings and costly disputes. WHEN A PROMISE STILL HOLDS WEIGHT But what if no formal contract was signed? This is where promissory estoppel steps in. It’s a legal principle that stops someone from backing out of a promise if the other person relied on it and suffered as a result. Under Nevada law, promissory estoppel requires proof that: • The promise was specific and unambiguous. • The other party relied on it in a way that made sense. • That reliance led to real and measurable harm. • Upholding the promise is the only fair outcome. In short, you can’t promise something, watch someone rely on it heavily, and then shrug it off without consequences. A COMMON EXAMPLE: BIDS IN CONSTRUCTION Imagine a general contractor solicits bids from subcontractors for a major project. One subcontractor submits a competitive price, and the contractor uses that bid to secure the main contract. But then, the subcontractor backs out after realizing they underpriced the work. Even without a formal contract, the subcontractor could be bound under promissory estoppel because the contractor relied on their promise to their detriment, a principle Nevada courts have repeatedly upheld. WHY THIS DISTINCTION MATTERS The lesson is simple:
Formal contracts offer stronger, clearer protections, but even informal promises can carry legal weight if reliance and harm occur. Smart business owners should: • Prioritize written agreements whenever possible. • Seek legal review before relying heavily on verbal promises. • Understand that their promises, even casual ones, can become enforceable obligations.
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