Law Offices of Daniel J Miller - July 2019

Law Offices of Daniel J Miller - July 2019

INYOUR DEFENSE

JULY 2019

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Hard Work and a Hard Earned Dollar

LESSONS LEARNED FROM SUMMER JOBS

It doesn’t take a special job to learn about working hard and the value of money. Throughout high school and college, I made extra money working in the food industry as a busboy, a dishwasher, a short-order cook, a waiter, and a bar back. I worked every summer, and I often worked nights during the school year. The work might not have been glamorous, but I’m thankful for everything I learned. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a dishwasher or a lawyer — learning the value of a hard earned dollar and a hard day’s work are lessons that transcend professions.” During high school, I worked at a Greek restaurant called George and Steve’s in Suffolk. They had a great Greek hamburger I often ate on my lunch breaks. The owners and managers at George and Steve’s were all Greek, and I learned a lot about Greek culture, albeit in some strange ways. I remember once they decided to play a joke on me by sending me to get something from the walk-in freezer. When I walked in, I saw what looked like a skinned dog, and I freaked out. It was actually a skinned lamb, and that’s how I learned about one of the main dishes for Greek Easter.

Banque and Honky Tonk Haven. I opened and closed the restaurant and worked as a bartender, busboy, and short-order cook there. If seeing a skinned lamb helped me learn about Greek culture, working at the Honky Tonk Haven dumped me right into the deep end of backcountry culture, full of cowboy hats and country bands. One of the managers there embodied all of those things. His name was Bill, and he had a big, bushy beard and wore a black cowboy hat. The Honky Tonk Haven closed at around 2 a.m., and I would stay until around 4 a.m. cleaning up while Bill counted money in the back room. Once we had both finished, Bill would grab his shotgun, kick open the front door SWAT team style, and make sure there wasn’t anyone waiting around to rob us outside. There was never anyone there. Word probably got around that anyone who tried to rob the Honky Tonk Haven would have to go through a cowboy with a shotgun. my most valuable summer job lessons were about the value of money and the importance of working hard. My employers always said they liked me because I was a hard worker. I think some of that is missing in more recent generations, the desire to work hard because it’s the right thing to do. It doesn’t matter if you’re a dishwasher or a lawyer — learning the value of a hard earned dollar and a hard day’s work are lessons that transcend professions. You’ll take that mindset with you wherever you work. While Greek Easter and making Long Island Iced Teas aren’t bad things to learn, I think

SHOUTING OUT ONE OF OUR OWN To finish I want to voice our support for Tanya Lewis’ son, who played in the Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra back in May. We were a proud sponsor of this concert and our entire office was in attendance to show our support for his hard work, and the orchestra was incredible.

– Daniel J. Miller

In college, I did about every job imaginable at a big bar in Norfolk called the Fifth National

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C oming up in J uly

IN THE VIRGINIA BEACH AREA

The Virginia Beach area offers countless opportunities for all ages to get outside and enjoy the community this July. Check out some of these upcoming events! STARS & STRIPES EXPLOSION When: July 4; All Day Where: On the beach at 24th Street, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill 17th Street Park, 31st Street Park Price: Free! This Fourth of July, thousands will gather in Virginia Beach to join in the celebration of our great nation. This star-spangled shindig boasts a tall lineup of patriotic and classical music, tribute bands to rock out to during the day, and a dazzling fireworks show at night. This celebration of freedom and liberty is open to all ages, so break out your American flag T-shirts and sunscreen for a day of celebration in the sun!

Beach. Participants in Chalk the Walk

will be given a 4-by-4-foot area to draw in, until three blocks between 15th and 17th streets are completely covered! Judges will evaluate the artwork for three competitive divisions: Amateur, Professional and Youth. Anyone who wants to participate can register day of. While the event is free, participants should bring their own chalk.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE: CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY TOUR When: July 25; 7:00 p.m. Where: Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater Price: $39.25 (for the lawn)

With hit songs like “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” under their belt, pop country duo FGL is sure to put on a spectacular show in Virginia Beach when their tour comes through town. FGL’s unique style comes from a melting pot of artists and genres, from Garth Brooks and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Lil Wayne and Eminem, with some Shane & Shane and Casting Crowns thrown in for good measure. This is a show you won’t want to miss!

CHALK THE WALK When: July 6; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where: On the boardwalk at 17th Street Price: Free!

Over the course of seven hours, local artists (and wannabe artists) will have a chance to literally leave their mark on the streets of Virginia

For more information on these events, check out VisitVirginiaBeach.com!

TRUTH, LIES, AND SUPERSTITION O n the T rail of the M adden C urse

There is no urban legend in the world of modern video games as well-documented as the so-called “Madden Curse.” The curse revolves around the highly sought-after cover spot of the popular NFL video game “Madden NFL,” formerly known as “John Madden Football.” While the games date back to 1988, the curse is said to

as coincidence. Despite the ambivalence of many players, there does seem to be a correlation between the cover and player issues. Of the 22 players who have been featured on the cover, 16 of them have suffered from significant issues in the season that followed. While the causes varied, with severe injuries, contract

originate with the 1999 version. Garrison Hearst, a popular running back at the time, broke his ankle shortly after being featured on the cover of the 1999 edition. This was the first in a long line of injuries and personal issues that resulted in the rumor gaining traction. Soon, the idea that the game’s seemingly innocent cover could have devastating effects on a player’s career was widespread. Once a substantial honor in the world of football, the Madden cover spot has become one of the sport’s most feared superstitions for fans.

disputes, and personal issues all afflicting different players, something about the spotlight appears to have disturbed the powers that be. In fact, sometimes these issues occur shortly after the game is released in stores. Whatever the true cause, the curse seems to have taken a dip in recent years. Only one of the last five players has been affected, a stat that bodes well for this year’s star: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The real answer probably lies somewhere between

The players, however, seem to find the correlation more amusing than scary. Most of the athletes in contention for the spot still consider it to be a great honor, choosing to brush off the rumors

fact and fiction. The increased pressure of national attention is bound to make players tense up every once in a while, and in a game as physical as football, any distraction can end in disaster.

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E xpressing O ur G ratitude for AAD

HOW ACHIEVABLE DREAM ACADEMIES IS CHANGING LIVES

This month, we at the Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller wanted to show our appreciation for Achievable Dream Academies and all the terrific work they do. Achievable Dream Academies is a nonprofit that strives every day to tear down socioeconomic barriers to a quality education for students in grades K-12.

students have been able to break through social barriers and achieve success in academics and beyond. Graduates of their program, many of whom grew up in single-parent, low-income households, have gone on to be lawyers, engineers, officers in the military, and community leaders. Through AAD’s efforts, students truly can achieve their dreams. Supporters can pledge monthly or yearly payments that go toward things like field trips, technology, and after school programs. There’s even the option to sponsor a student for an entire year. This past month, our staff had the privilege of touring AAD’s Virginia Beach Facility and donating some of our proceeds to their cause. There are too many students in Virginia Beach, and in the United States for that matter, who have the potential to achieve great things but face an uphill battle to get there. Through programs like Achievable Dream Academies, these students can compete with millions of other students for scholarships and careers on a level playing field — and the Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller would like to express our gratitude for the work they do in our community.

Through partnerships with Newport News Public Schools and Virginia Beach City Public Schools, “An Achievable Dream” (AAD) supplements the resources and programs provided by public schools with additional components that increase the programs’ effectiveness. Students at the high school, middle school, or one of the two elementary schools operated by AAD have access to a well- rounded education through the SAME (social, academic, and moral education) curriculum, the latest in educational tools and technology, plus a wealth of extracurriculars. With AAD, many

JUICY LUCYSLIDERS

SUDOKU

The Juicy Lucy is a burger with cheese hiding in the patty, and it is a staple in Minnesota. We think it should be a Fourth of July favorite nationwide.

INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs. ground chuck beef, 20% lean • 8 slices melting cheese (like American, Swiss, Muenster, or cheddar)

• 16 small potato rolls, toasted • Salt and pepper, to taste • Your favorite burger accompaniments

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Divide beef into 16 evenly sized balls. 2. Rip cheese into roughly equal pieces, creating 16 equal portions. 3. Using your index finger, create a small indentation in each ball. 4. Fill indention with cheese and pinch meat around to seal. Then gently form balls into 3/4-inch-thick patties. Season patties. 5. Meanwhile, heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high. 6. Lightly coat skillet with oil and cook patties in batches. Brown one side undisturbed, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook until desired doneness, about 3 minutes for medium. 7. Serve on toasted potato rolls with your favorite accompaniments.

Inspired by Bon Appétit Magazine

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INSIDETHIS ISSUE

Lessons Learned From Summer Jobs PAGE 1 Virginia Beach Upcoming Events The Madden Curse PAGE 2 Celebrating Achievable

Dreams Academies Juicy Lucy Sliders PAGE 3 Did You Hear About the Dog Food Burglar? PAGE 4

HOWCANATHIEF SUE THE FAMILYHEROBBED? GONETOTHEDOGS

Have you heard the story of Terrence Dickson? Even if you don’t know the name, you might have heard his strange tale. Dickson was a burglar in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. One day, after breaking into a house and helping himself to some valuables, Dickson decided to leave through the garage. After discovering the automatic garage door was stuck closed, Dickson turned around and was horrified to realize he’d locked himself inside. To make matters worse, the family he was stealing from had just left for an extended vacation, so Dickson lived off of soda and dried dog food for eight days. When the family returned and found the unlucky burglar, a lawsuit was filed — by Dickson! He sued for mental anguish, and the jury awarded him $500,000. There’s nothing that shakes our faith in the justice system quite like injustice being served. When Dickson’s story first gained notoriety in 2001, thanks to an email circulated by the now-defunct Stella Awards newsletter, which highlighted “outrageous lawsuits,” people were rightfully enraged. There was just one problem: Terrence Dickson never existed.

In 2002, a reporter from Pennsylvania contacted the Bucks County prothonotary’s office, where all records for civil cases in the county are kept. He discovered there was no record

of any cases involving such a burglar. It’s worth noting the original email where this story first appeared ended with a call for tort reform from a made-up law firm in Ohio. Likely, this hoax was an attempt to manipulate the public perception of the justice system. Despite being debunked 17 years ago, this tall tale still makes the rounds and often appears on lists of “outrageous lawsuits,” many of which are featured on the websites of legitimate law firms! There are plenty of wacky legal cases, but when a story is too ridiculous, there’s a good chance a few important details are being left out or the readers are being lied to. Don’t believe everything you read online!

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