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TNDUIATTORNEY.COM
JUNE/JULY 2019
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DEFENSE DOCKET
DOG DAYS KEEPING UP WITH DEXTER AND RITA
It’s time for another update on our firm’s mascots: Dexter and Rita. Over the years, many of our readers have told me how much they enjoy these features on our two giant schnauzers, so here they are! These two had a great Easter with the family and made the most of the spring weather. Like many of us, Rita is starting to get a “middle-age spread.” Weighing in at 100 pounds, her days of cuddling up with my wife Casey to watch TV are beginning
to get a little painful (for Casey). So, through diet and exercise, we plan to slim her down to a very svelte and athletic 80 pounds. While Rita’s health should be relatively easy to look after, Dexter is facing an uphill battle. As longtime readers will know, Dexter has had his fair share of surgeries — one to repair his broken hip when he was a puppy and another to repair a torn ACL last year. Now, at 6 years old, his hip is beginning to give him trouble again. The more he ages, the more he favors that hip and leg, making it important for us to walk him twice a day to keep his hip and leg strong and flexible. The last thing we want is for the problem to get worse through lack of exercise (and the walking is great for me and Casey as well!). Despite his pain, Dexter still loves to romp around with Rita and his family. Pushing through and defying expectations is very in-character for him. When I adopted Dexter around 6 years ago, he was the runt of the litter, weighing just 12 pounds. But within a year, he tipped the scale at 90 pounds and was very active. When less than a year old, he broke his hip. But, he rebounded well from surgery and was running and even swimming in no time. This dog doesn’t let anything keep him down for long.
Dexter and Rita may have their challenges, but they stay affectionate and upbeat no matter what. These guys are a big part of our lives, and we want to keep them healthy. There will be plenty of walks and trips to the park this summer!
– Johnny Houston
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Is Your Pillow Affecting Your Health? WHAT BAD PILLOWS DO TO YOU
If you’re feeling stiff and tired during the day or constantly waking up at night, it could be because of your pillow. Many people don’t think about their pillows when it comes to health, but your pillow plays a significant role in your overall well-being. REST Everyone knows that getting eight hours of sleep per night is ideal for a healthy body and mind, and your pillow can make all the difference in how you sleep. A lousy pillow causes discomfort and makes it difficult to relax, which can prevent you from getting the quality of sleep that is best for your health. STIFFNESS The way you sleep is connected to the type of pillow you use at night. For instance, a
side sleeper needs a thicker pillow to support their neck, while a back sleeper needs a thinner one. Your pillow should allow your neck to rest comfortably without straining your muscles. If you’re sleeping with the wrong kind, it can cause stiffness and pain in the neck, which can lead to dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and headaches. ACNE Breakouts are no fun, and they happen to everyone. Pillowcases tend to collect oil and dirt through constant contact with your skin, hair, and the environment. This buildup can irritate your skin and result in acne. By washing your pillowcase once a week, you can significantly reduce unpleasant breakouts. ALLERGIES Along with collecting dirt and oil, pillows can accumulate dust mites and dead skin cells, which are key triggers for allergies. If you suffer from severe allergies, it’s a good idea to invest in a dustproof, zipper-locked pillowcase to keep irritants away. There’s one excellent way to see if you need a new pillow or not: Try bending it in half. If it returns to its original shape, your pillow is fine, but if it doesn’t, it’s time to invest in a new one.
Meet Our Newest Associate
Jay Underwood
Jay Underwood was born and raised in the Chattanooga area. He graduated from Southern Adventist University in 2007 with a major in history. He attended law school at the University of Memphis and graduated in 2010. Jay began his legal career by primarily focusing on criminal defense. In 2014, he joined the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. He has extensive experience in criminal law and detailed knowledge of the criminal defense process, from arrest all the way through appeal. While at the Public Defender’s Office, Jay handled many of the office’s most serious cases, was a Division Leader, and supervised appeals. He has successfully litigated serious trials and motions and has earned the respect of judges and other criminal defense attorneys. Jay has also successfully handled cases at the Court of Criminal Appeals, persuading the court to reverse two separate murder convictions. He has also been admitted to practice in federal court in the Eastern District of Tennessee and will soon be licensed in Georgia. Jay is now proud to be a part of the team at Houston & Alexander!
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This Is What Happens When You Steal a Protected Animal ANIMAL THEFT AND TRESPASSING DON’T GO UNNOTICED
You wake up slowly, still groggy from a raucous night out with your friends. As you look around, taking stock of your surroundings, you see the other inhabitants: a desk, your shoes, a penguin … a penguin?! While footage confirms that two young Welshmen stole Dirk the penguin from his SeaWorld Australia home, the men had little memory of the night’s misadventures the next morning — until they saw Dirk waddling around their rented apartment. The night before, after imbibing a hefty amount during their vacation in Australia, the men got the harebrained idea to break into SeaWorld and swim with the dolphins. After getting inside, video footage captured them stripping down to their skivvies and running around the facility — until they spotted the penguin enclosure. “Look at them!” one said. Distracted from their original plan, they made their way to the penguins, grabbed one, and left. Dirk, the 7-year-old fairy penguin (the smallest species of penguin), was bred in captivity and had never left his enclosure.
misfortunes weren’t quite over. He was chased out of the canal by what onlookers believe was a shark, only to be chased back in by a surprised dog. Fortunately, concerned passers-by called authorities, and SeaWorld workers came to rescue Dirk and bring him back to his family. Dirk returned unharmed to his partner, Peaches, but his kidnappers weren’t so lucky. Once a Facebook post recounting their misdeeds made its rounds, police traced the crime back to the two Welshmen. They were charged with trespassing, stealing, and keeping a protected animal, and there was no shortage of public shaming as their crime circulated the internet. Taking note of their letter of apology and admissions of guilt and regret, the judge enforced a heavy fine for the crime in lieu of jail time. Charges for kidnapping a protected animal vary from state to state, but the Endangered Species Act ensures perpetrators face harsh penalties, including fines and maximum sentences. The Animal Legal Defense Fund also provides free legal assistance and training to help protect animals from harm.
The next morning, realizing what they’d done, the three young men panicked and released Dirk into a nearby canal. But Dirk’s
Be careful on your next night out, and please, enjoy wildlife without stealing it!
Client Testimonials
Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts
LIFESAVER Houston was able to get my case dismissed. You get what you pay for. If your name is important to you, go with Johnny.
Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine
–Kevin
• 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste Ingredients
SAVED MY LIFE! I was charged with a second offense DUI. I have no excuse, and I should not have been driving. My husband had just passed away, and I was going through personal issues. I backed into another car and was charged with DUI and felony vehicular assault. My case was uphill, and Mr. Houston made no bones about it. He told me he could not guarantee a particular outcome but would guarantee that he and the other lawyers at Houston & Alexander would work hard to get the best result possible. Mr. Houston was able to get my second offense reduced to a first offense. I had to wear an alcohol monitor but was happy to do so. Otherwise, I was looking at significant jail time. I cannot say enough about this law firm! Everyone there is friendly and treats me like family. I also love their office! If you have any legal issues, I would call them immediately!
• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped • Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese,
preferably Parmigiano- Reggiano, for garnish
Directions
1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.
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– K.M.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Keeping Up With Dexter and Rita
PAGE 1
Pillow Talk
PAGE 2
Meet Our Newest Associate
PAGE 2 PAGE 3
The Price You Pay for Stealing a Penguin
Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts
PAGE 3
Take a Deep Breath
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An Ancient Solution to Modern Problems The Truth About Meditation
Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
levels, and patients who habitually meditate report less chronic pain. Another study published in the same journal found that regular meditation also fights depression. HOW DO I MEDITATE? Meditating is as simple as sitting in a quiet place, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes. Whenever your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your breath. You don’t need to climb a mountain or pay for a week-long retreat to start meditating. That said, there are plenty of resources that help beginners build a strong foundation for meditation. Popular apps like Calm or Headspace are available on any smartphone and offer guided courses you can start anywhere, anytime. You could also check online or at your local community center for group classes if you would like some in-person guidance. Meditation isn’t a magical ritual that will cure all that ails you, but plenty of research suggests meditation does provide tangible benefits to our mental and physical well-being. Maybe one day, meditation will be as commonplace as daily exercise.
This is the first step in every meditation session. Though often associated with the New Age metaphysical movement, meditation isn’t all about incense and healing crystals. Meditation is an ancient practice that strengthens your mental focus, and recent research suggests that it offers real solutions to modern problems. WHAT IS MEDITATION? Meditation has strong roots in various religious and cultural
traditions, but anyone can find value in practicing it. The purpose of meditation is to strengthen your mind by promoting mindfulness, focus, and awareness. DOES MEDITATION WORK? It depends on what you mean by “work.” Will meditation allow you to defy gravity and hover above the earth? Probably not. But there are so many benefits that will leave you feeling lighter in another way. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindful meditation lowers stress
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