Holland & Usry April 2018

BASEBALL AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM

“If I were on the field, I’d want the manager sticking up for me.” –Bobby Cox

Through our shared love of the Braves, my cousin and I have been able to travel to a number of cities. We’ve seen them play the Mets at Citi Field, the Cubs at Wrigley, and the Nationals at Nationals Park. Turns out that no matter where you go, you’ll find baseball fans eager to spend the day in the sunshine cheering on their team.

I played a little baseball as a kid, but it didn’t take long before I realized the only future I had was as a fan. Growing up around here, like most folks I pulled for the Braves. The problem was that they were terrible for the better part of my childhood. It wasn’t until about 1991 that our fortunes began to turn around. I still vividly remember the “worst-to-first” season of 1991. After years of being basement dwellers, we were a powerhouse. As a kid, it was beyond thrilling. I hadn’t even considered the possibility that the Braves could be good, let alone that they would win the pennant. But that’s exactly what we did. Even though we lost the Worlds Series that season in a crushing fashion, it was hard to view that turnaround as anything other than a massive success. We eventually won the World Series in 1995, capping off a glorious period for the Braves. Many people contributed to that remarkable period in Atlanta’s baseball history, one of whom was the Braves’ manager, Bobby Cox. He was a manager to admire, sticking up for his players through thick and thin. I was lucky enough to be in attendance for his last home game in 2010, and it felt like saying goodbye to an old friend.

Come to think about it, there are a lot of things about baseball that remind me of the legal process. Ask anybody under the age of 25 what they think about baseball, and they’ll probably tell you that it’s long and slow. The games can stretch beyond three hours, and the season is a whopping 162 games. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The same goes for many cases we work on. I’d love to tell you that most legal matters can be resolved with a short meeting, but that’s just not how it works. The same way that a long season brings great rewards, consistent hard work on a case makes a more favorable outcome. I also like to think the role of an attorney isn’t too different from that of a manager. When I read that Bobby Cox quote at the top of this article, I can’t help but think of my relationship with my clients. As a lawyer, my job is to manage conflict. I’m there to be a tireless advocate, sticking up for the people I represent whether it’s opening day of a case or we’re nearing the home stretch.

“

I’d love to tell you that most legal matters can be resolved with a short meeting, but that’s just not how it works. The same way that a long season brings great rewards, consistent hard work on a case makes a more favorable outcome.

–John Holland 864.582.0416

FAMILY TIME IN THE

HIKING A hike with family is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. All a hike requires is a trail and a sense of adventure. The best part of hiking is that you can tailor the distance to fit your family’s needs. If you have children or grandkids who aren’t up for the challenge of an arduous daylong trek, there’s sure to be a shorter scenic trail. If nothing else, you can always turn around and backtrack the way you came. FISHING Fishing is a great way to get out and do something relaxing yet challenging. It doesn’t require a lot of skill or investment. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the desire to connect with nature. This is why fishing is the perfect activity for youngsters of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river. While these are all great stand-alone options, together they form an amazing three-headed monster for your next family outing. By combining camping with a hike to a river or lake where you can go fishing, you are sure to create lasting memories with your family that will draw you closer together. Ditch the lines at the airport and the stress of travel. Unleash the possibilities of adventure in the great outdoors. GREAT OUTDOORS

Family adventures are a great way to grow closer and develop meaningful connections. But with lodging prices rising and the logistical nightmare that traveling with the entire family can be, many Americans are looking at a new option: ditching the beaches and resorts and heading to the great outdoors. Actually, we know this option isn’t new at all. Spending time outdoors with family may very well be one of the most time-honored traditions ever. CAMPING Lodgings and flights are expensive, so going on a family vacation can cost thousands of dollars — and that’s just for the basics! But camping only requires a tent, a fire, picnic food, and water. Rather than scarfing down fast food between flights and dealing with airport security, departure delays, and long flights, take a deep breath and roast marshmallows over the fire with the people you love.

Success Story SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“In 2014, I was nearly killed in a motorcycle accident. I was in bad shape and had a lot of fear that I wasn’t going to make it through. Rob Usry took all that fear away from me and made sure I was okay. Rob really went above and beyond to check on me and make sure I was getting better. I truly felt like family. Everyone in the office was very nice and caring. We just settled my case, and the settlement outcome was more

than I ever could have imagined. I’m very happy with the results. I urge anyone with a legal problem to go to Holland & Usry, PA. They care and are the best at what they do. Finally, it doesn’t matter where I am — if I’m in need of a lawyer, I’m calling Holland & Usry because they’re the best. They are my lawyers.”

–Justin Clauson, Woodruff motorcycle accident client

www.bhollandlawfirm.com

With Freedom Comes Risk MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of riding on two wheels with nothing in front of you except open air. But with the added freedom of a motorcycle comes added risk. If you plan on riding this spring and summer, it’s crucial that you take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Safe riding starts before you even hit the road. Wearing appropriate safety gear will help minimize your injuries in the event of an accident. While only riders under age 21 are required by law to wear a helmet in South Carolina, it’s smart practice to wear one at any age. Reflective tape on your helmet and riding gear will increase your visibility, and that’s never a bad thing. Another important preparation is to check the conditions on your route before you head out. Adverse conditions affect motorcycles much more than other vehicles. While you’re at it, make sure your bike is in good shape. Check the tires for proper pressure and any signs of wear. Test the high and low beams on your headlights, as well as your tail light and signals. Finally, check the level of your hydraulic and coolant fluids. All of these tests are particularly important before your first ride of the season. Then, it’s important to gauge the operational status of your bike. You don’t want to be cruising along only to find that your brakes aren’t acting as they should. The same goes for your clutch, throttle, and horn. Go for a quick cruise around

the block before undertaking a long ride. If a problem arises at 10 mph, you will likely be fine. The same can’t be said at 60.

Once you’re on the road, it’s important to practice defensive driving. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers following too closely, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, or being distracted behind the wheel. Be cautious and don’t assume drivers will give you adequate space. Sadly, not all accidents are preventable, no matter how careful you are. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, Holland & Usry can help get you what you deserve.

Good News

PASTA WITH TURKEY AND BROCCOLI

Ephesians 2:8 “God saved you by His grace when you believed and you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” John 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

This simple, delicious recipe only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s also a great way to encourage kids to eat their broccoli. The next time you make pasta, leave the canned sauce in the pantry and make this instead!

Ingredients

•

2 cloves garlic, chopped

•

3/4 pounds pasta (shells or orecchiette)

•

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

•

2 cups broccoli florets

•

Salt

•

3 tablespoons olive oil

•

Parmesan cheese

•

1 pound ground turkey

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli when pasta is 1 minute from done. Drain both and return to pot. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, garlic, crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook while breaking up meat with a wooden spoon for 3–5 minutes. 3. Combine turkey with pasta and broccoli mixture, adding the remaining olive oil as you stir. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan cheese.

Recipe inspired by realsimple.com

864.582.0416

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.

101 W. St. John St., Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306

INSIDE this issue

1

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

2

3 Awesome Ways to Create Lasting Memories Hear From a Happy Client: Justin

3

Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle Pasta With Turkey and Broccoli

4

The Origins of April Fools’ Day

If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email [email protected]

FOOLED AGAIN

The History of April Fools’ Day

Although April Fools’ Day has been celebrated for centuries by cultures around the world, the holiday’s origin is unclear. Historians point to a variety of possible beginnings, but the only solid conclusion is that the April Fools’ Day we know today is a blend of traditions. THE GREGORIAN CALENDAR In 1582, France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Some people were slow to get the news, and others failed to recognize that the start of the year had moved from April 1 to Jan. 1. Those who celebrated during the last week of March became the butt of jokes and hoaxes. People placed paper fish on the backs of March celebrators to symbolize young, easily caught fish and referred to them as “poissons d’avril,” or “April fools.” HILARIA Other historians have linked April Fools’ Day to the ancient Roman festival Hilaria, which was celebrated at the end of March. The festival honored Cybele, a mother of gods, and celebrations included parades, masquerades, and jokes to honor the vernal equinox, the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. ‘CANTERBURY TALES’ Another origin story comes from Geoffrey Chaucer’s 1392 book, “The Canterbury Tales.” There are still questions about whether Chaucer really wrote the stories and whether they have any direct link to April Fools’ Day. In the

book, Chaucer describes the date “32 March.” Some believe this was a joke, because March 32 doesn’t exist, but some medievalists insist it was a misprint.

April Fools’ Day certainly has murky origins. Whether our traditions come from the Gregorian calendar switch, Hilaria, or even “The Canterbury Tales,” we can all enjoy our chance to let loose and play pranks on our friends and family at least one day each year.

www.bhollandlawfirm.com