Law Office Daniel J Miller - August 2019

Law Office Daniel J Miller - August 2019

INYOUR DEFENSE

AUGUST 2019

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Steering Clear

OF TEEN DRINKING AND DRIVING

Most parents recognize August as the month their kids go back to school. I have a son going into the ninth grade and a daughter going into the 11th grade. They have their classes, extracurriculars, and many other things to look forward to. They’re both on the honor roll, and they both want to go to college. They’re looking forward to the independence inherent in the college experience, just like countless other high school students, and relishing any opportunity to be independent until then. As parents, we should encourage them to be independent but let them know it comes with responsibility.

Many times, teenagers will try to drive home drunk because they don’t want their parents to find out they’ve been drinking. While this is an incredibly stupid decision, as parents we hold some responsibility for educating our kids about the dangers of drinking and driving. Don’t just assume your kids aren’t going to ever drink alcohol. High school kids are going to drink — it’s just a matter of when and how much. When we talk to our kids about drinking and driving, we shouldn’t emphasize how much trouble they’ll be in if we catch them drinking. That’s only going to make them try to hide when they do drink. Instead, we should emphasize we want them to be safe and be up front with them about the dangers of driving under the influence. That way, if they find themselves at a party having had too much to drink, they’ll feel safe calling you. One practice I think is helpful is creating a contract with your kids. When you talk to them about the dangers of drinking and driving, write down on a piece of paper that you promise to come and pick them up wherever they are if they call you saying they’re too drunk to drive. Having tangible proof of that promise will help reassure your teen you’ll follow through on your end of the deal if they follow through on theirs. Teen drinking is on the rise everywhere, and no high school student can avoid it completely. But, if you let your kids know their safety is your priority, you can help them steer clear of the worst-case scenario.

“We should emphasize we want them to be safe and be up front with them about the dangers of driving under the influence.”

This is the first year my daughter will drive to school, and she’ll also be driving her brother since they now attend the same school. While teen driving comes with its own potential dangers, I think some parents may not fully grasp all the dangerous scenarios teens can encounter with their cars. Teenagers are exposed to drugs and alcohol at younger ages than ever before, sometimes as early as middle school. Combine this exposure with a driver’s license and a car, and you have a recipe for the worst kind of trouble.

– Daniel J. Miller

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HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING EVENTS IN VIRGINIA BEACH! B efore the S ummer E nds

The summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the summer fun has to stop just yet. If you’re looking to squeeze in those last few drops of fun in the sun, check out some of these August events coming to Virginia Beach!

natural habitat. This adventure is sure to be fun for the whole family, but be sure to get there early — boarding the boat will begin at the aquarium at 8:30 a.m.

JIMMY BUFFETT CONCERT When: Aug. 3; 8 p.m.

Where: Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach Tickets: $36 and up (available through the amphitheater website) You may not have been able to make it to an island paradise this summer, but on Aug. 3 that island paradise is coming to you. Lay on the amphitheater lawn and take in the laid-back tunes of Jimmy Buffett. Don your favorite Hawaiian shirt, make some margaritas if you can, and get down to the amphitheater to hear tropical paradise in song form, with timeless classics like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

NEPTUNE’S 5TH ANNUAL COASTAL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL When: Aug. 24; 1–6 p.m. Where: Neptune’s Park, 31st Street / Atlantic Avenue

Tickets: $35–$40 (available through the Neptune Festival website) If you consider yourself a craft beer connoisseur, this festival is the place for you. Featuring 65 different local, regional, and national beers and ales, participants will be able to peruse 30 different breweries’ selections and hopefully discover some new favorites. While the sale of early bird tickets ended on July 1, you still have the chance to get advance tickets through Aug. 14.

MERMAID SEAFARI When: Aug. 14; 9–10 a.m.

Where: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Tickets: $24 (available through the aquarium website)

This hour-long cruise through Owl Creek comes with a magical twist. Greeting the tour participants will be myriad mermaids in their

B eating the O dds

3 OF THE BEST COMEBACKS IN SPORTS HISTORY

It was a classic underdog setup on May 4 when the San Francisco Giants faced off against the Cincinnati Reds. The Giants hadn’t won at the Great American Ball Park in three years. They’d been trailing the Reds all game, resulting in a 3-10 score at the top of the sixth inning. Statistics showed the Reds had a 99% chance of winning. But then, the tide turned: The Giants held the Reds and started making runs. At the bottom of the ninth inning, the Giants were only one run behind their opponent with two outs and a pinch hitter, Stephen Vogt, up to bat. Raisel Iglesias pitched to Vogt, who took a confident swing, and … Vogt’s home run tied the game, and Evan Longoria followed with another run in the 11th inning to end the game in the Giants’ favor at 12-11. Those watching saw sports history being made. Here are three more tales of beating the odds. HOUSTON ROCKETS VS. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: THE 2004 MIRACLE There’s no “i” in team. But that didn’t stop Rockets’ player Tracy McGrady from scoring a heroic 13 points in the final 33 seconds “It … is … outta here!”

of this 2004 basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs. Those final points resulted in a victory for the Rockets, boosting their rankings and confidence. US WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM VS. BRAZIL: 2011 WORLD CUP HOPE Having scored within two minutes of kickoff, things were looking up for the U.S. women’s team at the 2011 World Cup. But two goals against U.S. keeper Hope Solo soon brought the score to 2-1, in favor of Brazil. It wasn’t until minute 122 of overtime that soccer legend Abby Wambach saved the day with a goal to tie up the game. Solo’s elegant deflection of several penalty kicks secured a U.S. win and took the team into the semifinals. CORRALES VS. CASTILLO: 2005 FIGHT OF THE YEAR It’s said that the sheer force of will emanating from boxers Diego Corrales and José Luis Castillo was even felt by those outside the ring during the 2005 Fight of the Year. Ten rounds of intense bouts brought both men to exhaustion. During the 10th round, Corrales was knocked down twice in a matter of seconds and looked beaten. Miraculously, Corrales recovered from his second knockdown and landed a wicked right hook, knocking out Castillo and decisively winning the match.

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Most schools have programs that can take care of children and teenagers with disabilities, but what happens when they age out of those programs? Unfortunately, many communities don’t have organized services and support for adults with disabilities, but Hope House Foundation is changing that in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake. Hope House Foundation helps adults with special needs live fuller, more independent lives regardless of their disabilities. Hope House Foundation believes people’s lives are most enjoyable and fulfilling when they exercise as much control over their responsibilities and goals as possible. They also believe having control over your life shouldn’t be limited to people without mental disabilities. Hope House Foundation helps their clientele achieve independence in their daily lives ultimately by adapting to their needs, as opposed to the other way around. So, whenever they need help with budgeting, grocery shopping, or anything else, Hope House will be there to assist them. G iving H ope to T hose W ith D isabilities

HOW HOPE HOUSE FOUNDATION IS CHANGING LIVES

include laundry and household maintenance, meal preparation, community involvement, and even supporting their clients in new relationships. Some clients need extra services to accommodate their disabilities, whether those disabilities are physical or emotional. Even though the work can seem daunting, Hope House always strives to give people the personalized care they deserve. Hope House’s goal to help its clients lead more enjoyable, independent lives is evident in the story of Blake Thomas. Blake has autism, which led him to lash out violently when he was younger. His mother knew it would be best for them both if he moved out, and Hope House took it from there. With their help, Blake has made leaps and bounds toward greater autonomy. He does his own grocery shopping, and he’s quick to help clean up around his apartment. What Hope House Foundation ultimately does is help us all remember disabilities do not make someone less of a person, and they do not disqualify someone from fulfillment. We hope to see all adults succeed in all their future endeavors, no matter their unique challenges.

Hope House offers a variety of services for their clients, all depending on each person’s specific needs. Some of these services

ROASTED CORNSALSA

SUDOKU

Corn is plentiful during the summer months, and this easy-to-make salsa is sure to be a hit at your next get-together.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium ears of corn, shucked • 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced • 1/2 red onion, diced

• 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped • 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced • Juice of 1 lime • Kosher salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.

5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.

Inspired by Bon Appétit Magazine

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Drinking and Driving PAGE 1 Upcoming Events in Virginia Beach 3 of the Best Comebacks in Sports History PAGE 2 Appreciation for Hope House Foundation Roasted Corn Salsa PAGE 3 Bizarre Personal Injury Cases PAGE 4 INSIDETHIS ISSUE

ALOOKAT SOME INTERESTINGPERSONAL INJURYCASES THERIGHTPLACEATTHEWRONGTIME

There is no shortage of crazy cases that come through a court of law, but those revolving around personal injury can be especially surprising. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall accident or something a little more eccentric, there are a million ways to hurt yourself while simply going about your day. The problems arise when it’s determined to be another party’s fault. Let’s take a look at some notably strange cases where bizarre miscalculations led to injuries and ailments. AS BELOW, SO ABOVE Time spent in the restroom is inherently private. We don’t normally talk about it, but that’s not the case for a Pennsylvania woman who experienced a traumatic event during a routine trip to the lady’s room. In 2007, a schlocky horror plot came to life in a building along Philadelphia’s famous Market Street. The culprit was a faulty plumbing system. The woman was inside a restroom stall on the eighth floor, and, as she sat on one of the old toilets customary in the building, pressure building from inside the tank caused a massive explosion that sent her body hurling out of the stall. You don’t need to know the details of her injuries to understand the extent of her grievances. Some forms of suffering are better left to the imagination, especially if the aggressor was a literal stink bomb. She sued the building’s landlords for anxiety,

pain, and medical expenses, but it’s hard to determine which party was truly at fault without more information. IT’S RAINING CATS AND DOLLARS You can’t predict the

weather, no matter what your weather app says, but some people tend to forget that. A few years ago, an Israeli weatherman was faced with a lawsuit by a woman who claimed his inaccurate forecast caused her a great deal of suffering. She claimed he misrepresented a particularly harsh day in the forecast, and it encouraged her to wear insufficient layers that left her health to the whim of the elements. As a result, the woman caught the flu from the downpour and missed work for four days. Citing lost income, large medication costs, and tremendous anxiety, she sought reparations from the fraudulent weatherman and was amazingly awarded a four-figure settlement!

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