Compton Law Firm March 2019

Compton Law Firm March 2019

March 2019

www.ComptonLawFirm.net (405) 542-2529

THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

March is Women’s History Month, and around this time of year, I find myself thinking a lot about the women in my life and how important they are to me. My wife, Carrie; my daughter, Addysen; and my mother have all had a significant impact on my life, and I’m so grateful that they’ve served as teachers and supporters for me. As I’ve written before, my mother is a fantastic person I’ve learned from and owe a lot to. But it isn’t just my life that she’s positively influenced. When she was younger, she had a profound impact on education in West Oklahoma, specifically for students with special needs. She supported alternative education programs for them, which extended into technical schools, and it changed the students’ lives and futures for the better.

made time to be with her family. Throughout everything, my mom made sure to take care of us and keep the home environment as perfect as possible. She’s always had a strong work ethic, and watching her put so much effort into making other people’s lives better made me the person I am today. She also taught me to never judge people because of preconceived notions and to be empathetic. Both are important skills I use in my practice all the time. Carrie has been a huge supporter in my life, even when things get hectic. My wife is always there for me through all the crazy adventures I want to have. Before I started my own law firm, I took on multiple businesses, many of which were high-risk, but she was right there with me. When I decided to go to law school and become a lawyer, she was by my side encouraging me to accomplish my goals.

However, she hasn’t just been a supporter for me. Carrie is a high-level professional and has helped me make many business decisions for Compton Law. Whenever I make plans to develop the firm, she helps me make important choices. I value her opinion immensely, and I’ve never gone wrong taking her advice. My daughter is learning from two of the most amazing women I’ve ever known. Watching Addy grow with my mom and Carrie as role models makes me incredibly proud. They’re teaching Addy how to be strong, independent, and empathetic, just like my mother taught me. I don’t think I could have ever asked for better teachers for Addy than my mother and Carrie. I know Addysen is going to mature into a brilliant, caring person. I’m very thankful for everything these women have done and continue to do for my daughter and me. I feel lucky to have them in my life, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch Addy become an incredible person.

It’s truly incredible that in addition to all the hours she spent helping people, she always

“MY WIFE, CARRIE; MY DAUGHTER, ADDYSEN; AND MY MOTHER HAVE ALL HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON MY LIFE, AND I’M SO GRATEFUL THAT THEY’VE SERVED AS TEACHERS AND SUPPORTERS FOR ME.”

–Dustin L. Compton

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A WALK IN THE WOODS IS THE PRESCRIPTION 3 WAYS CONTACT WITH NATURE IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH

Our ancestors were deeply connected to their natural environment, mostly because their survival depended on it. With no Whole Foods available, those who could best track a mammoth, find water, and forage for edible plants kept themselves alive and passed on their genes. Given our history as hunter- gatherers, it’s no wonder contact with nature provides us with several health benefits. A MEMORY BOOST In a University of Michigan study, a group of students were asked to take a memory test that involved repeating numbers back to researchers. Next, researchers separated the students into two groups. Group A took a walk around an arboretum and Group B walked along busy city streets. Afterward, they were asked to take the memory test again. Group A, the students who had walked in the

arboretum, performed 20 percent better on the memory test. Group B didn’t show any marked improvement. Additional research has corroborated the memory-enhancing effects of nature.

Chiba University in Japan, participants spent two nights in the forest. Researchers evaluated their levels of stress hormones during and after this period and compared it to their normal work days in the city. Across the board, participants’ stress levels were much lower during the days spent in the forest and for several days afterward. Today, we’re less connected to our natural environment than our ancestors were. Modern comforts and technology mean we don’t have to go outside to get our food. But nature is still accessible and you don’t have to go far to find it. In many of the studies, even minor exposure to the outdoors, like adding plants to your home or looking out a window during work, showed health benefits. This winter, find ways to bring a little more nature into your life each day. Your brain will thank you.

A MOOD BOOST Observing the benefits nature has for

cognitive function, scientists wondered what effects it might have on individuals diagnosed with depression. In one study from the University of Essex, participants with major depressive disorder reported an improvement in self-esteem and mood after spending time in nature. Exercising while in nature resulted in even more of a mood boost for participants. A CALMING EFFECT Research also shows that spending time in nature reduces stress. In a study conducted by

AN INSIDE JOB THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING FLAGS

Theft is a serious matter, made even more grave when the victims are fallen war heroes. Such was the situation that stumped police in Hudson, New York, in 2012.

Apparently, the wooden flagpoles attract groundhogs, something other groundskeepers have experienced as well. “I’m glad we don’t have someone who has taken it upon themselves to desecrate the stones and the flags in front of them,” said Hudson mayor Bill Hallenbeck. “We can all rest a little easier knowing that it was a critter and not a human defacing our flags, especially those of the veterans,” added Hudson’s police commissioner.

The crime was first committed in July of the previous year. Flags had been placed around the graves of soldiers in Cedar Park Cemetery — only to go missing right around Independence Day. Veterans groups and locals were outraged and mystified by the crime. Some worried that a hate group was to blame, as the missing flags had adorned the graves of Jewish soldiers. Veterans worked to replace the flags, one by one, and right the wrong. No culprit was found, and the community moved on — until the following July, when the mystery repeated itself. Like the year before, flags were placed on veterans’ graves in honor of Independence Day, and again, they went missing sometime

in the night, this time taken from the graves of African American Civil War soldiers. Cemetery caretaker and veteran Vincent Wallace was appalled, as was the rest of his community. “I just can’t comprehend the mindset that would allow someone to do this,” Wallace said.

Determined to find out who was to blame, police put up surveillance cameras and recorded the goings-on in the cemetery. As they watched the tapes, sure enough, they saw one of the culprits sitting atop

Turns out Punxsutawney Phil has some very naughty cousins — ones who aren’t subject to the law.

a gravestone with an empty flagpole in front of him. It was a groundhog.

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LEGALLY CHANGING YOUR NAME AFTER MARRIAGE

FOLLOWING UP WITH YOUR LEGAL RECORDS

Getting married is a beautiful and wonderful occasion, but it can also be stressful because it requires more change than some people might realize. In addition to applying for a marriage license, hiring a person to perform the marriage, and receiving the marriage certificate, couples have to decide whether one or both of them will change their name. When someone decides to legally change their name, they must follow particular steps to ensure all the legal documentation is correct during and after the change. Oklahoma. The state recognizes a valid marriage certificate as proof of a name change and only requires the couple to fill in the new name on the marriage license application. Both persons write their legal names on the certificate and fill in the name they will use after the marriage. The marriage certificate is the most important document necessary to change your name, and it can provide proof of your name change when handling your other accounts and records. THE DOMINO EFFECT Once your name is changed, you need to follow up with all your legal records. Your first stop should be the Social Security Admission, MARRIED COUPLES CHANGING THEIR NAMES Changing names can be a simple affair for couples marrying in

where you will need to fill out an application for a new Social Security card, which can be done online or in person. One of your next steps will be to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to change the name on your license — make sure to bring copies of your Social Security card and marriage decree. Then you’ll want to contact your bank; this step is one of the easiest to skip, but it is essential if you intend to have joint bank accounts, and you need to update your name on your credit card, debit card, and checks. A marriage should be a joyous time in your life! It’s advisable to call an Oklahoma family lawyer who can help with all the paperwork and expedite the legal changes that accompany a name change. If you’re recently married and need help with the process, call our offices today to speak to an attorney.

MEME ME

HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS

1. In a large stockpot, combine water, garlic, and all herbs and spices to make brine. Cook over high heat until salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in ice. 2. Once water temp reaches 45 F, place brisket in a 2-gallon zip-close bag, pour in brine to cover, lay flat in a large container, and store in fridge. 3. Brine for 10 days, checking daily to make sure brisket is fully submerged and brine is stirred. 4. After 10 days, remove brisket from brine and rinse under cool water. In a large pot, cover brisket, onion, carrot, and celery with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 2 1/2–3 hours. 5. Remove, slice across the grain, and serve.

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8 whole allspice berries 12 whole juniper berries 2 bay leaves, crumbled 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 5-pound beef brisket, trimmed 1 small onion, quartered 1 large carrot, coarsely chopped 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped 2 pounds ice

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2 quarts water

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1 cup kosher salt

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1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons saltpeter (potassium nitrate)

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1 cinnamon stick, broken into large pieces

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1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

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8 cloves garlic

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120 W. Main St. Hinton, OK 73047

1

Women Who’ve Influenced My Life

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3 Ways Nature Improves Your Health

The Curious Case of the Disappearing Flags

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Marriage Brings Change

Homemade Corned Beef

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The Most Hated Cinderella

THE 1990 UNLV RUNNIN’ REBELS

The early ‘90s was a contentious time in college basketball, full of pure amateur competition. The days of the “one and done” player were far ahead, which meant that all the top-level talent was bred in the hotbed of the NCAA. Players like Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and David Robinson had to prove their NBA mettle in the grueling basketball tournament we all know as March Madness. It has always showcased the best of the best, but America has always loved an underdog. Last year, audiences adored Loyola Chicago as they made their way to the Final Four. Cinderella teams fill our hearts with hope and optimism, but not all of them are loveable. Perhaps no small school is more polarizing than the UNLV squad that was put together by the late, great Jerry Tarkanian. The team was nasty, flashy, and, most importantly, downright

impossible to beat. “The Runnin’ Rebels” ran the court like no team before. Reports have the 1991 Tarkanian squad referring to the Arkansas Razorbacks’ “40 minutes of hell” as “40 minutes of vacation” when it beat the then second- ranked team on its home court. The team embodied swagger and wasn’t afraid to create a splash everywhere it went. Most of the noise wasn’t positive, but when you win the national championship the year prior, a little arrogance is necessary to maintain your “bad guy” image. Formally a small state school known to locals as “Tumbleweed Tech,” UNLV wasn’t even a Division I school until 1970. When Tarkanian took over in ‘73, the school went from an institution most acclaimed for its hospitality program to an NCAA basketball tournament regular. After making their first Final Four appearance in 1977, the team started

down a path that would take them to four Elite 8s in five years, and there would be no greater success than the season that came to pass in 1990. Most games are back-and-forth, with drama centering around every possession. That was not the case during the 1990 national championship game. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski guided his team to the final through steady stellar performances throughout the tournament, and all was well until the legendary program met UNLV’s rowdies. The opening tipoff was about as close as Duke ever got to controlling any part of that game. Anderson Hunt, Stacey Augmon, and Larry Johnson ran the Blue Devils off the court, and the Cinderella team everyone came to hate won 103–73 in the biggest blowout in NCAA tournament history.

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