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The Medlin News
AUGUST 2023
Never Climb a Mountain Alone! YOUR OBSTACLES HELP YOU APPRECIATE THE VIEW
Since 1953, around 6,338 people have summited Mount Everest. This is one of the most challenging mountains to hike because it’s the highest mountain above sea level. You must prepare for months, sometimes years, in advance, then ensure you have all your supplies and tread carefully as you slowly reach the top. However, while the hike is strenuous, you must overcome other roadblocks — adjusting to reduced oxygen levels, retaining heat, treading through ice and snow, and standing firm against the strong, crisp wind. And don’t forget, you must go back down the mountain, too! But as I think about the obstacles that challenge mountain climbers, they’re very similar to those my clients face when battling a criminal charge. They must climb several hills to get the outcome they’re hoping for. But I want you to know that while it may seem nerve-wracking to lift your head and look at how tall the mountain is, the view will be worth it.
equipment? Am I prepared for this trek? What if I get hurt? Likewise, when clients are arrested, it can feel like they are at the bottom of the mountain, thinking about dozens of questions regarding their future: Will I be able to pursue a career? Will I lose my job? How will this affect my family? Remember, you’re not facing these battles alone — you have a team behind you that will walk you through the process. When people decide to climb Mount Everest, a group will take on the challenge together and encourage one another as they slowly inch their way higher on the slopes. Similarly, my team and I will support you and do everything we can to help you. We will investigate your case, collect evidence, question witnesses, and find any possible angle to achieve a case dismissal, a not-guilty verdict, or removal of charges from your record. While it will take a lot of time and effort, as you reach the peak of the mountain and see your case resolved, it will all be worth it. Just think about it — mountain climbers push their bodies to unthinkable limits as they reach the top. But they feel a sense of accomplishment when they take in the beautiful scenery and agree the hardships were worth it. No matter what you’re trying to achieve in life, nothing will come without roadblocks and obstacles. When you’re in the moment
and dealing with these hardships, you may feel it isn’t worth it. But I promise you, once you reach the top, you’ll realize you had to overcome those obstacles to get to where you are today. Now, while reaching the mountain peak is essential, descending back down is equally important. You have two ways to go down your own mountains — safely or dangerously. If you fall off the slope, it could be because you fell back into the habits and patterns that got you into your situation to begin with. Or you could fall because you haven’t forgiven yourself for your mistakes. It’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to a second chance and redemption. Your past doesn’t define you! So, give yourself some grace; forgiving yourself is the only way to move forward. My team and I will also be with you as you descend the mountain. We will provide you with organizations, counseling, and other resources to help you during this time. Remember, you will never have to trek up or down a mountain alone. We will be with you through it all and provide all the tools to help you come down the mountain safely. – Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
At the base of the mountain, climbers may have many
thoughts running through their heads — do I have all my
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THIS ENIGMATIC INSCRIPTION REMAINS UNSOLVED DISCOVER THE THEORIES BEHIND SHEPHERD’S MONUMENT
A mysterious 18th-century code has made even the most renowned geniuses lose sleep and continues to puzzle the world. On the grounds of Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire, England, lies the baffling code that refuses to be cracked. The Shepherd’s Monument was commissioned by British Parliament member Thomas Anson and sculpted by Peter Schee around the mid to late 1700s. But what makes this monument so mysterious? On the monument is an engraving of Nicolas Poussin’s painting “The Shepherds of Arcadia” and the inscription “OUOSVAVV” framed by the letters “DM,” which are placed slightly lower than the main eight letters. While the inscription has a long history of confusing
• A tribute to Anson’s late wife with the letters standing for “Optimae Uxoris Optimae Sororis Viduus Amantissimus Vovit Virtutibus,” meaning, “Best of wives, best of sisters, a most devoted widower dedicates [this] to your virtues.” • The monument is a dead end with jumbled letters to taunt those who look too deeply into inscriptions. While these theories have been the predominantly believed meanings for centuries, one recent discovery may make the most sense. Linguistic expert Keith Massey utilized his expansive knowledge of Latin to develop the phrase “Oro Ut Omnes Sequantur Viam Ad Veram Vitam,” which translates to “I pray that all may follow the Way to True
the public (including Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin), the monument’s mystery was reignited after its appearance in the bestselling novel “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown. Now, countless theories have been made, but no confirmed meaning exists.
Life.” This phrase was common on ancient Christian tombs. The primary hint was the mysterious “DM,” which Massey determined was “Dis Manibus” or “for the Manes,” another phrase seen on ancient Christian tombs. Massey explained, “My solution provides a straightforward and grammatical sentence, all parts of which are attested in tomb inscriptions and texts predating or contemporary with the creation of the Shugborough inscription.” Do you agree? Is this finally the true meaning behind this riddle, or is there still more to be uncovered?
So, what are the conspiracy theories out there behind this vague inscription?
• Masonic symbols lead to the hidden location of the Holy Grail with the outside letters “DM,” meaning “Devout Mason.”
You’re Innocent Until Proven Guilty! How Do You Fight False Allegations?
No one likes being accused of something they didn’t do. While some rumors aren’t as severe or dangerous, others can bring on legal procedures. According to a 2020 survey by YouGov, 20 million Americans claim to be falsely accused of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and other criminal acts. So, this begs the question: How do you defend yourself against these wrongful allegations? Here’s what you need to know.
danger. So, you had no choice but to use force or violence to fend away harm.
Please advise an attorney before doing anything — they will lead you in the right direction, help cast doubt on the prosecutor’s arguments, and collect evidence.
How do you challenge a false allegation? •
After you hire an attorney, they can conduct a pretrial investigation to gather evidence to support your case. If they find favorable proof, they could convince the prosecutor not to file criminal charges or file for a lesser crime. Gather as much evidence as you can to support your side. Collect receipts, witness statements, photos, clothing, and more. These items will help you provide and strengthen your alibi. You also want to find evidence that undermines the credibility of the accuser.
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Whatever you do, don’t destroy evidence that isn’t in your favor — you could be charged with a crime. Also, don’t contact the accuser in person, by phone, text, or email. And don’t post anything about them or your case on social media. Most importantly, never talk to the police or prosecutor without your attorney.
Remember these 3 items: •
To be found guilty of these false allegations, the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to plead the Fifth and refuse to answer questions to avoid self-incrimination. You can challenge false allegations by claiming your innocence or pleading a defense. For example, if you acted in self-defense, you were forced to protect yourself and your property from
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If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges or a false allegation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can build a solid defense and help prove your innocence.
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WE’RE LIVING IN A RIGHT-HANDED WORLD! 3 Facts About Left-Handers What do David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Lady Gaga, Keanu Reeves, Morgan Freeman, Paul McCartney, and Tom Cruise have in common? They are all left-handed! Did you know that only 10%–12% of the world is left-handed? We are truly living in a right-handed world! No wonder most of the desks in school, scissors, and notebooks always feel weird and uncomfortable for left-handed users — they weren’t meant for them! In honor of Aug. 13 being National Left-Handers Day, here are three fun facts about lefties you may not know!
Are lefties better drivers? According to a study from the Center for Handedness Research and The Zebra, left-handed people are better drivers. The researchers looked at driving habits and accident rates of 1,500 people over a 10-year period and discovered that lefties had fewer accidents. Additionally, AA Driving School conducted a poll and found that 57% of lefties passed their driving test the first time, and only 47% of righties passed on their first time. Almost 50% of cats are left-handed (or should we say left-pawed?). A study by the Animal Behavior Centre at Queen’s University in Belfast collected data from 44 cats — 20 females and 24 males. The researcher asked cat owners to observe which paw they use to groom themselves and swat at toys, note what side they tend to lie on, and more. Owners recorded their observations until the cat performed each behavior 50 times.
The study showed that 60%–70% of cats have a preferred paw or side they use for daily activities. Furthermore, female cats were more likely to use their right paw, and males would use their left paw. Are you left-handed? What has your experience been like as a lefty? Whether you’re a righty or a lefty, your friends at Medlin Law Firm hope you have a great month!
GRILLED HALIBUT WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE Left-handers have several nicknames! When you come across someone who is predominantly left-handed, we usually call them lefties. But there are other names for these folks. In Latin, left is translated as sinister. Ancient civilizations that spoke Latin said that left-handers were considered to be unlucky. In Australia, lefties are called Mollydooker, meaning clumsy or awkward. Today, if a baseball player or boxer is left-handed, they’re known as a southpaw.
Ingredients
• 1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained • 5 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 2 tsp honey • 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/2 cup olive oil • 4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets
Directions
1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Mount Everest and Criminal Charges Are Very Similar
2. Can You Solve This 18th-Century Cipher?
20 Million Americans Face False Criminal Allegations
3. Are Left-Handers Better Drivers?
Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
4. A Guardian Angel Covered in Fur
A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS HOW WILLOW SAVED HER OWNER’S LIFE
We all wish our pets would be there for us in an emergency. Dogs, cats, and other animals can accomplish amazing feats when provided with enough love and care, and a cat from Liverpool named Willow recently proved that many times over. A cat’s sense of smell is incredibly effective at detecting when something is abnormal, and Willow used her nose to save her owner in the nick of time. For many with diabetes, falling into a diabetic coma is a constant concern, and they regularly check their blood sugar levels and take insulin shots to avoid that scenario. Amanda Jameson, a 51-year-old woman from Liverpool, received a diabetes diagnosis years ago but had always stayed on top of it. In April 2023, she fell asleep while her blood sugar was dangerously low. Thankfully, her cat, Willow, noticed something was wrong and sprang into action. Willow went to the living room, where Amanda’s husband had fallen asleep watching television. Willow proceeded to bite his leg and jump on him until he woke up around 4 a.m. He could tell something was wrong, as this was
abnormal behavior for Willow, so he followed her to the bedroom, where he spotted his wife. She was slumped over and unresponsive, and he immediately called her an ambulance. Doctors informed Amanda’s husband that she was moments away from slipping into a diabetic coma, but Willow had smelled something off and gotten help before it was too late. Most pets would get a few extra treats for their heroism, but Willow’s feats earned her a more prestigious award. The National Cat Awards named Willow as a finalist for their “Moggy Marvels” category. If Willow wins, she’ll receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher, and a year subscription to Cats Protection’s “The Cat” magazine. Although Willow likely doesn’t care about the trophy or the subscription, she’ll be happy enough with £200 worth of goodies and her owner safely by her side.
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