Check out our March newsletter!
MARCH 2019
I COME TO FIGHT. I DON’T BARK. I BITE! WWW.THETEXASLAWDOG.COM 817.775.5364 WHAT DO I LOVE ABOUT
Texas andArlington?
Growing up on a farm was awesome! I was driving tractors before I was 10 years old. I had dirt bikes, motorcycles, four wheelers, cows, and horses. I was able to go outside and shoot guns or walk to a nearby fishing hole. As I grew older, I had pasture parties and bonfires with friends. We even have a little cabin to stay in now when we return home to visit. Alison and I live in Arlington now, and the main reason is because it’s more densely populated, which is better for business purposes. Our law firm is just east of Cooper St. on I-30, and you can see “Car Wreck Lawyer” on the building from the interstate. Our home is about two miles from the office, which is convenient. We are less than 30 minutes from most anywhere in the metroplex. I can be at any Dallas County courthouse in 20 minutes or any Tarrant County courthouse in 15 minutes. We are right in the heart of the entertainment venues of North Texas, living and working just a mile or two from the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium, The Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, and the new Texas Live. The city has a total area of nearly 100 square miles with a population density of about 4,000 people per square mile. According to the census bureau population estimates, Arlington grew in 2017 by 146,000, which was the most of any metro area in the U.S. Texas has always been BIG, but it just keeps getting bigger. Despite the growth in the past few years, Arlington also has a friendly hometown feel, offering nearly 100 parks, nearby lakes, cultural diversity, educational opportunities, and a top-tier public university. One thing I aspire to do through my businesses is provide jobs to people who are right here at home. Unemployment rates have been lowered in this area due to easy access to jobs. Arlington was named “Best Places to Raise a Family in Texas” in 2017. On weekends, families are out at parks playing, having a BBQ, or getting out and enjoying live music and culturally diverse restaurants from NYC pizza to the Prince Lebanese Grill featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The weather is not too bad either, with mild winters and decent summers. I love living in Arlington for the convenient access to all areas of the metroplex, but it’s nice to be able to escape back to the farm for a close getaway to recharge.
W hat’s not to love about Texas? It’s been six sovereign nations over the years and was even its own country! Texas is business friendly and we don’t have a state income tax. I’m a Texan through and through. I was born and raised on a small farm in Hopkins County just outside of Sulphur Springs. My grandfather bought the farm in 1941 and was the first to run electricity to that area. My parents, Don and Cathy, are still there as well as my brother, Stanley, who runs his own cattle and trucking business from the farm. For years, our addresses on the farm have been our name. So, for Christmas we decided to get a street sign. On the country roads of Hopkins County, this is a big deal because you don’t see street signs like this in the middle of nowhere! It was fun having everyone go down to the end of the road and get it settled in its new place.
–Matt Aulsbrook
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CHECK IT OUT!
Are You Ready for Fido?
How to Decide if Your Family Can Care for a Pet
While we don’t know exactly why humans keep pets, one fact is certain: Millions of people love them. In fact, nearly 70 percent of households in the U.S. have a pet. But no matter what you see on your favorite dog Instagram accounts, keeping a pet isn’t endless playtime. Ask yourself the following questions before buying or adopting a furry companion.
3 Inspections to PerformThis Season
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO?
As we welcome spring, a lot of people turn their attention to spring-cleaning. It’s a time to dust and declutter. But there are areas of the home and garage that don’t receive that same treatment. So as you clean and organize this year, as millions do every year, be sure to include these steps in your routine.
Owning a pet can change your lifestyle. To start, you will have to consider the animal’s well-being when hosting events or taking vacations. You will also have to make room in your budget for pet-related expenses. Additionally, some animals can live for upward of two decades. Discuss how responsibilities will change as a pet ages and what your future will look like before making the commitment.
Check Your Outlets
DOES AN ANIMAL FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE?
Given all the electronic gadgets we seem to have these days, it’s very easy to overload outlets. Check to see if there is anything you can unplug and store. Get rid of cords you are no longer using. You also should go through every outlet in your home to make sure they are operating normally. This helps prevent fire and electrical hazards and ensures you have a working outlet when you need it most.
When choosing a pet for your family, gather research from animal experts and other pet owners. Calculate the cost of owning a pet, and evaluate how that animal will fit into your lifestyle. For example, dogs are one of the most high-maintenance and expensive animals to own, but they tend to be more involved in family life than a cat or a hamster. That said, your home’s size and location may make it better suited for a smaller pet, as many larger animals require more square footage and plenty of outdoor space.
Check Your Air Conditioner
It’s always good to check your A/C before you really can’t live without it. Make sure it’s working and performing well. Replace any air filters, and clear dust and debris. If you suspect it does need service, you’ll need to get your A/C checked out before service experts are overwhelmed with calls in the coming months.
IS YOUR FAMILY READY?
Every family is different, and it’s important to have an honest discussion about the implications of owning a pet. If you have kids, consider how much they will be able to contribute to such a responsibility. Another factor to consider is how much free time you have to spend with your pet; some animals require more attention than others. To avoid major conflict down the road, discuss care and responsibility plans as a family before welcoming an animal into your home. Keeping a pet can be a source of joy for your family, but it can also be a source of stress. Before making any major choice, talk to your family members and consider what owning a pet would mean for all of you.
Check Your Vehicles
Spring is a great time to make sure your cars and trucks are in working order. Is your vehicle due for an oil change? Have you noticed you aren’t getting the same gas mileage you once did? Do the brakes feel rough? Getting these things checked can save you a major headache down the road. It’s also a great time to review your insurance policy and make sure you actually have the coverage you think you do. If you aren’t sure or have questions, be sure to ask. Have your agent or insurance specialist review your policy with you. That way, you’re all on the same page if you need to call regarding that insurance in the future.
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Driving Under the Influence
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET PULLED OVER?
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As many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day during the weekend of March 17, law enforcement will be extra vigilant to find people driving erratically or recklessly. They’ll especially look for people who are driving under or over the speed limit, improperly crossing lanes, or tailgating, just to name a few. All of these behaviors are signs that a driver may be under the influence of alcohol. If you are pulled over after exhibiting the initial signs of drunk driving, there are a few things you can expect. First, the police officer will request your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You must provide these documents. At this point, you are detained, but you are not in custody. As a result, the officer is unlikely to read your Miranda rights, but remember that you still have rights. Just for Laughs
Second, the officer will seek out further signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol. The officer will ask you questions related to alcohol, like how much you have had and when, the type of drink, and so on. Answering these questions is completely optional, but the answers may be incriminating. Third, you may be asked to exit your vehicle to perform a field sobriety test. This may be a coordination or balance test. Additionally, the officer may request a Breathalyzer test as a preliminary alcohol screening to measure your blood alcohol content. You have the option to deny this test, as well. MONTSERRAT O S WA L D
If you exhibit the signs of intoxication, the officer can take you into custody. At this point, the officer will read your Miranda rights and charge you with driving under the influence. If you are arrested, you will be required to take a blood or breath test at the police station.
As always, you should never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. The best way to avoid a DUI charge is to simply not drive under the influence. However, regardless of your decision, it’s important to keep in mind that your rights remain intact when you are pulled over.
EVERYTHING POPCORN
Everything is the best bagel flavor. This is not a matter of debate. Sprinkle the seasoning on popcorn for a delicious snack that will have people asking, “What does this remind me of?”
INGREDIENTS
• • • •
3/4 cup corn kernels
• • • •
2 teaspoons granulated garlic 2 teaspoons granulated onion
2 tablespoons flaky sea salt 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
1/3 cup canola oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
DIRECT IONS
1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. 2. In a large saucepan, combine corn kernels and oil. Cook over medium-high heat, covered, until corn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve. INSPIRED BY FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE.
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MONTSERRAT OSWALD
INSIDE What I Love About Texas 1 Should You Get a Pet? 3 Inspections to Perform This Season 2 DUI: What Happens When You Get Pulled Over? Everything Popcorn! 3 Why Charities Hate Spring-Cleaning 4
Cases We Handle: • Personal Injury/ Wrongful Death • Criminal Law/DWI
• Business Law • Immigration
Donate With Care The Right Way to Donate After Spring-Cleaning
Spring is in the air, and it’s time to celebrate with another round of spring- cleaning. Banish the clutter and make room in your life for something new! Many charities see a sharp increase in donations as spring-cleaning season starts. Donating your used books, kids’ toys, and gently worn clothing allows your old items to have a second life. However, when filling that donation box, make sure you’re donating each item because it can do good and not just because you feel bad about throwing it away. Charities have a big problem with well-meaning citizens dropping off items that are better left in the trash. There are many items charities simply cannot handle. Most charities will have lists of items they can and cannot accept on their websites. Some items that you should not donate include:
These items may be unsafe to sell, costly to ship, or impossible to refurbish effectively. When a charity regularly receives items they cannot use, they have to spend hours of manpower sorting through things that end up in the trash anyway. This process can be expensive for organizations with already-strained resources. Some local charities spend over $1,000 a year on dumpster and trash removal fees for unusable donations. While charities will have no choice but to throw unusable donations in the trash, there are services you can use to make your spring-cleaning eco- friendly, even for items you can’t donate. For example, if you have torn or stained blue jeans, reach out to Blue Jeans Go Green. This program keeps denim out of landfills by turning it into insulation. And while Goodwill
can't take your batteries or old flip phone, you can check out Call2Recycle.org to learn how to safely recycle your e-waste.
• Expired medications • Old TVs • Cribs • Loose remote controls • Personal care items, like soap, shampoo, or makeup
• Mattresses • Carpets • Tangled cords or phone chargers • Any broken, damaged, or dirty items
Your donations can be a big help to local charities. Just don’t “donate” your garbage.
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