Law Office of Daniel J Miller - November 2019

Law Office of Daniel J Miller - November 2019

INYOUR DEFENSE

NOVEMBER 2019

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Finding a Reason

TO CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING

A lot of people anticipate Thanksgiving dinner. I almost anticipate the Thanksgiving preparations more than I do the dinner itself. For the past couple of years, my sister and I have been in charge of preparing the main dishes for our family’s Thanksgiving dinner. The prep always begins the day before with shopping, cooking, and brining the turkey. Finding a turkey to feed 15 people can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge I enjoy every year.

one another went without incident. These two groups of people, once separated by an ocean, began working to bridge gaps in language and culture to live together. The Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims shared a meal of venison, fish, vegetables, beer, and many other dishes. They shot guns, ran races, and struggled to learn each other’s languages. Ultimately, it was a celebration of safety and camaraderie between two very different groups of people that endured for half a century. In the following years, people all over New England held “Thanksgiving” regularly following the end of a drought or a military victory of some sort. However, Thanksgiving wasn’t an official holiday in the U.S. until President Lincoln made it so in 1863. Food was always a part of these celebrations, but the food was always a response to something greater, like family, providence, or good health. Today, it almost feels like the food has replaced the real reason for celebration. The 15 people who gather around our table on Thanksgiving are family, but they come from all over. Some of them come from New York, others from New Orleans, and some are local family we don’t see very often. Everyone makes the effort to come under one roof and share a meal together, and that’s definitely something I am thankful for.

“Everyone makes the effort to come under one roof and share a meal together, and that’s definitely something I am thankful for.”

Even though food is a major part of the Thanksgiving celebration, so many people fixate on the turkey, the pie, or maybe even the cranberry sauce, that they lose sight of why the holiday exists in the first place. Historically, Thanksgiving has been a day to give thanks for what we have and the good fortune that comes our way. The first Thanksgiving meal was shared between the English colonists (the Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag tribe in 1621. Ninety of the Wampanoag people met with the 50 settlers one day, and despite tensions between the two groups, getting to know

game on TV — I hope everybody focuses on something they’re thankful for this year. Whether it be for new friends, seeing family, or just an all-around great year, make sure you have something worth celebrating this Thanksgiving.

– Daniel J. Miller

While every Thanksgiving deserves great food — and a good football

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VIRGINIA BEACH EVENTS IN NOVEMBER A uto S hows , L ights D isplays , and I ndia F est

The holiday season is nearly upon us, whether you’ve already started your Christmas shopping or you’re just trying to make it through Thanksgiving first. It’s a busy time of the year, but, if you need a breather, here are a few fun events coming up this month.

Where else can you get a holiday lights show that includes musical crabs, festive fish, and Santa and his elves? Nowhere but the Holiday Lights Merry Mile! Join the 20,000 families who

2019 COASTAL VIRGINIA AUTO SHOW When: Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Virginia Beach Convention Center Price: TBA

marvel at Virginia Beach’s dazzling display every year. It’s the biggest, most spectacular holiday lights show in town, and you’d be crazy not to include it in your holiday season.

Classic muscle cars, antique tractors, and high-end custom makes and models — all under one roof! That can only mean one thing: It’s time once again for the Coastal Virginia Auto Show. This event is geared toward the serious auto aficionados and the passing admirer of these incredible machines. Enjoy live demonstrations, live music, and a kids’ corner, so bring the whole family for a weekend of pedal-to-the-metal excitement and fun! BAYPORT CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY LIGHTS MERRY MILE When: Nov. 22–Dec. 31, 5:30–10:00 p.m. (Sunday–Thursday),

2019 INDIA FEST When: Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Where: Virginia Beach Convention Center Price: Free!

A few days before you fill your stomach with turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, why not get your fill of rajma, jalebi, and naan at India Fest, hosted by the Asian Indians of Hampton Roads (AIHR)? Food won’t be all this cultural experience provides, though. From Bollywood dances to henna, this event promises visitors a full day of introduction into all facets of Indian culture. If you love to experience new cultures, or just really like Indian food, don’t miss out on India Fest.

5:30–11:00 p.m. (Friday–Saturday) Where: Virginia Beach Boardwalk Price: TBA

T he S port T hat U nited a C ountry

THE 1995 RUGBY WORLD CUP

In early November, the 2019 Rugby World Cup will wrap up in Japan. The international competition brings out world-class athletes and entertainment. While matches are certainly intense, respect for the competition and for referees is a core tenet of rugby culture. After going head-to-head with an opponent, you’ll still shake hands, and maybe have a beer together, at the end of a match. This principle was on full display nearly 25 years ago at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in South Africa. The South African Springboks were up against the New Zealand All Blacks, and a number of factors made this an exceptional match. Just a few years earlier in 1991, apartheid legislation had been repealed in South Africa. The policy had left a deep cut, and the country still had a long journey toward healing and reparation. Nelson Mandela, who had been elected in 1994, was set on championing a “rainbow nation” in this new postapartheid era. Rugby started in England in the late 1800s, and colonizers took it to South Africa, where South Africans of every color embraced the game. It was controversial because of its connection to the architects of apartheid, but Mandela saw rugby’s potential as a symbol of hope

and unity for a country that desperately needed it. Springboks captain Francois Pienaar (played by Matt Damon in “Invictus,” the film adaptation of this event) thought the president’s support of the team was a brilliant act. “During those six weeks, what happened in this country was incredible,” Pienaar said. Just before the final game that would decide the 1995 World Cup winners, Mandela sported a Springboks jersey and stood behind the team. Through a hard-fought match, South Africa came out on top, and,

after receiving the trophy from President Mandela, Pienaar explained the atmosphere of the event: “When the final whistle blew, this country changed forever.” If the 1995 World Cup was any indication, the camaraderie inherent to rugby can transcend all kinds of barriers. Meet a fellow rugby player or fan in any part of the world, and you’ll likely forge an instant kinship. In 2021, you can look forward to cheering on the women’s teams during the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

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F unding the F alcons WHY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS ARE WORTH SUPPORTING

Normally, I take this section of the newsletter to spotlight a notable charity or nonprofit organization in the Virginia Beach area we believe does valuable work for the community. However, this month I wanted to talk about something a little different. This football season, our firm sponsored the Cox High School football team for the 2019 season. Sports are an important part of public schools. They offer students a sense of belonging, identity, and camaraderie they can’t find in a classroom. But, unfortunately, when budget cuts hit the public school system, sports programs are often the first place schools look to cut funding. This is happening all over the United States, and many students are losing the activities they love to do. Some scientific studies have found some interesting and noteworthy benefits of playing sports in high school. For instance, students who played sports were less likely to drop out of high school and consistently had higher grades than their classmates who did not play sports. At the same time, high school student athletes are 15% more likely to attend college.

High school athletics programs can lead students to be more confident, lead well, and respect themselves. Not to mention, they keep students physically active and healthy throughout their

time as a student. Healthy competition on the field prepares students for a competitive world, and a gap in funding shouldn’t change that. Both of my sons play on the football team at Cox High School. I love going to their games even if they don’t always win. It’s great to see kids taking part in something they care about. That’s why our firm decided to sponsor the Cox High School football team this season. Go Falcons!

THE BEST LEFTOVER TURKEYSANDWICH

SUDOKU

Thanksgiving may be held on Thursday, but the food often lasts at least through the weekend. To make the best use of the excess, grill up some killer turkey sandwiches.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 slices sourdough bread • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 slices Swiss cheese • 1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey

• 3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce • 1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing • 2 tbsp leftover gravy • 1 tbsp butter, room temperature

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

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What’s Your Reason to Be Thankful? PAGE 1 What’s Coming Up in Virginia Beach? The 1995 Rugby World Cup PAGE 2 Funding the Falcons The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich PAGE 3 History’s Most Successful Pirate PAGE 4 INSIDETHIS ISSUE

CHINGSHIH: HISTORY’SMOST SUCCESSFUL PIRATE LEGENDOFTHEPIRATEQUEEN

From Blackbeard to Jack Sparrow, pop culture teems with pirates who frequented the ports of the Caribbean. And while these pirates are well-known for their (sometimes fictional) accomplishments, the most successful pirate in history terrorized the seas of China instead. Her name was Ching Shih. Ching Shih, who was born Shih Yang, was working in a Cantonese brothel when she met the pirate Zheng Yi. He came from a long family of notorious pirates and was impressed by Ching Shih’s cunning. They married in 1801 and built a pirate empire known as the Red Flag Fleet. When Zheng Yi passed away suddenly in 1807, Ching Shih strategically maneuvered her way into leadership, taking control of over 60,000 pirates. Historians describe Ching Shih as a brilliant military strategist, a skilled businesswoman, and a harsh disciplinarian. After taking control of the fleet, Ching Shih implemented a strict code of conduct. The code included rules for distributing booty, protecting female captives, and beheading anyone who disobeyed Ching Shih. Under her rule, the bloody crimes of piracy became a profitable business. The Red Flag Fleet would eventually clash with the British Empire, the Portuguese

Empire, and the Qing dynasty of China, but no one could topple the pirate queen.

After almost a decade of

pillaging the high seas, Ching Shih decided piracy wasn’t the best retirement plan. In 1810, she walked into the office of a local governor- general, completely unarmed, and requested full pardons and government jobs for her entire crew — along with permission to keep all their stolen goods. In exchange, she promised to give up piracy for good. Thankful to be free of the Red Flag Fleet, the Chinese government agreed to her terms. Ching Shih’s second husband was even made an officer in the Chinese navy. Ching Shih returned to Canton with her vast wealth and spent the next 34 years living a life of comfort with her family and running a gambling den. In 1844, the legendary pirate queen passed away of old age at 69, a rare feat for pirates of her era.

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