Check out our latest edition!
FLATTMANN FILES “Quality Is No Accident” From ‘Titanic’ to History Documentaries
April 2023
Exploring the Past Through Film
I enjoyed watching “Titanic,” which isn’t too surprising since I enjoy watching documentaries and movies related to history. I’ll never pass up on an American Revolution documentary or a “World War II in Color” marathon, but I’ve also started to get into podcasts. I recently stumbled across a podcast called “American History Tellers,” which relates detailed stories about pivotal historic moments. What I love about watching these documentaries or listening to podcasts is that they put you in the shoes of the people who experienced it firsthand. You get to see their viewpoints and how they reacted to events as they unfolded. You quickly realize that, although much time has passed, we really haven’t changed too much as people. When crises arise, we experience fear, worry, and anxiety. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about the Black Death or the COVID-19 pandemic. Sure, the areas affected and the scope of the events may be different, but the shared human emotions are the same. They say that history repeats itself, and I couldn’t agree more. You pick up on it quickly if you study history or watch enough documentaries. The exact situations may change, but people’s reactions and emotions remain the same. Some trends and patterns continually repeat throughout the entire course of human history. There are many books on this subject if you’re interested in learning more. (I’m currently reading one by Ray Dalio: “Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order”) The sinking of the Titanic was a pivotal moment in history. There are plenty of lessons to learn from the event. I hope you all get some time to watch “Titanic” or listen to a podcast about the historical event on the 111th anniversary of the ship’s sinking.
On April 14th, 1912, the world was stunned when the Titanic hit an iceberg and proceeded to sink during its maiden voyage. Nobody expected the ship to sink. In fact, many believed it to be unsinkable, as J. Bruce Ismay, the chairman of the company that owned the Titanic, proclaimed, “Not even God could sink this ship.” Yet, the Titanic did sink, which led to a flurry of new laws to ensure an incident like this would never occur again. Of course, I wasn’t around when the actual Titanic sank, but I have fond memories of seeing the movie for the first time. It was 1997, and I was in high school dating my now-wife. There wasn’t much happening around Covington in those days. We essentially had putt-putt golf and a movie theater. We spent the typical weekend night eating all-you-can-eat pizza at the place next door to the movie theater before watching a movie or two. I confess that sometimes we would buy tickets to one movie and then hang around to see another playing down the hall. That’s something you can’t do these days.
I remember cashing in government savings bonds that were given to me by my great aunt to see “Titanic” and to take my wife on dates. (I probably should have hung on to those bonds.) That was how badly I wanted to go on those dates! We always had a great time, but when I look back on those memories, I’m amazed at how much has changed. Things just seemed to be easier back then. If you saw someone come in through the exit door at the movies, you weren’t terrified someone was coming to cause harm; it was just somebody sneaking their friend in.
-Grady Flattmann
(985) 590-6182 • 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening. Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies. When Pollen Strikes Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time
Hold the Cheese, Please! McDonald’s Customers Sue for Being Forced to Pay for Cheese
not receive cheese on their burger but were charged the same price as a Quarter Pounder with cheese. Their lawsuit states that they, and other customers who do not want cheese on their burgers, are forced to pay for two slices of cheese anyway, and they sued for damages as a result of being overcharged and required to pay for American cheese when they did not want or receive it on their burger.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, things got a little crazy! Two McDonald’s customers sued the fast-food chain for $5 million, alleging they were unfairly charged when they ordered Quarter Pounders without cheese. According to the lawsuit, the fast-food restaurant chain historically had four menu options: a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Quarter Pounder, and a Double Quarter Pounder. The “with cheese” options were roughly between 30 cents and 90 cents more expensive than the “without cheese” burgers. At some point, McDonald’s discontinued the “without cheese” options.
According to USA Today, a McDonald’s spokesperson advised that the company does its best to allow customers to customize their food orders. If someone doesn’t want cheese as it is listed on the menu, the fast-food chain will not include cheese, thus they didn’t think the lawsuit has any merit.
Only a Quarter Pounder with cheese and a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese were available at the time these two customers visited the restaurant. The ingredients listed on McDonald’s website for these items include a sesame seed bun, quarter- pound 100% beef patty, ketchup, onions, pasteurized processed American cheese, and pickle slices.
And because the McDonald’s customers failed to prove they were damaged by an overcharge, the case was dismissed!
These customers ordered Quarter Pounders but asked for no cheese on their burger, and they did
2 • FlattmannLaw.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
TAKE A BREAK
FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine
SOLUTION
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure. Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self- care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
ONE-PAN CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS WITH EGG NOODLES
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
Ingredients
• 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved • Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided • 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed
• 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
Directions 1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
(985) 590-6182 • 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Flattmann Law (985) 590-6182 FlattmannLaw.com 213 W. 21st Ave. Covington, LA 70433 “Quality Is No Accident”
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Grady’s Love for History Films and Documentaries
1
2
Combating Spring Allergies Hold the Cheese, Please!
One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles Putting Together a Self-Care Routine
3
4
Illinois’ Sip and Spit Law
Sip … But You Must Spit Check Out This Strange Illinois Law!
unfortunately, virgin wines taste nothing like actual wines! This leaves a gap in many culinary students’ education and may even force them to relearn the skill once they turn 21 and sample alcoholic wines. According to CBS News, Emily Williams Knight, the president of Kendall College, a private Illinois university that focuses on culinary arts, says “taste training” is an integral part of culinary education for young students, which includes learning
By law, in the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years old. When an individual under 21 breaks the law and consumes alcohol, they are subject to arrest and hefty fines. However, there’s a loophole in Illinois. In 2012, the Illinois State Senate voted 48–6 in favor of passing a “sip and spit” law for Illinois culinary students over 18 but under the legal drinking age of 21. This strange law enabled these students to know their wine well without becoming intoxicated. The students can only sample the wines during their scheduled class times, and an adult that is 21 or older must supervise. Each sample of wine must be less than a shot’s worth in volume, and most importantly, they cannot swallow — they must just taste the wine, then spit it out. Culinary students nationwide rely on nonalcoholic wines to learn about the taste, color, and smell of wines and how to best pair them with their dishes, but
to pair dishes and meals with adult beverages. Understanding the different tastes and notes of various wines is essential to help these students succeed and prepare them for culinary arts and hospitality management careers. On Aug. 24, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 758 into law so Kendall College students over 18 but younger than 21 could better develop their wine-tasting skills to enhance their culinary abilities. However, the rule is clear: Sip … but you must spit!
4 • FlattmannLaw.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator