Dickerson Oxton - July 2021

Dickerson Oxton - July 2021

816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com

JULY 2021

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Resuming Past Traditions And Inching Back to Normal

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

“There’s been plenty to

Independence Day is on the horizon, and many of us are feeling excited to be able to resume our usual traditions, gathering with friends and family and enjoying barbecued food and flashy fireworks. I’m looking forward to going on a mini-vacation with my family prior to the holiday to see my parents in Omaha and watch a big fireworks display near their house. That’ll give us time to get back home to see the show at Corporate Woods Founders’ Park. The show in the park has been a family favorite for a while, and I know a lot of other local families look forward to it as well. Having it back this year really signals that we are starting to get back to the buzz of life that’s been missing for a while now because of the pandemic. There’s been plenty to miss in the last year and a half, but upon reflection, I realize what I’ve missed most is just being around people. There’s something about the energy of a packed restaurant or a gathering like a Fourth of July celebration that is so special. While I totally understand that avoiding interacting with people was crucial to stay safe for a time, I am so relieved that we are getting to the point where it’s safe to be out doing things together and enjoying the simple pleasures we used to do without a second thought. I have noticed this is an adjustment though! We were lucky at the office to get to come back to work in person after just a month of being remote, but we were wearing masks in common spaces and being cognizant of other safety guidelines. I remember when wearing a mask was

new and felt strange, but now not wearing one is what

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

miss in the last year and a half, but upon reflection, I realize what I’ve missed most is just being around people.”

feels strange. Sometimes I

BURN INJURIES

have the sense that I’m missing something when I’m out without a

mask. It goes to show how adaptable we are.

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

It’s easy to see that everyone is eager to get back to a more normal existence. I love seeing my local restaurants busy again. In fact, I’m so grateful that they were able to survive the pandemic. I know it was a hard time for many small businesses, but they are such an important part of a thriving community. While I know there have been tremendous costs and challenges in the last year and a half, I think this time has also taught us so many important lessons. Prior to the pandemic, it was sometimes hard to communicate to jury members just how life-changing an illness or injury can be. It’s easy to take our health for granted until we personally experience a threat to that. The pandemic was a looming threat for all of us, and I think it’s helped bring more compassion and understanding in that realm. It’s also certainly helped me and my family value the little things in life. My kids are so excited to get to swim at the public pool again this summer and to pack in as many play dates as possible to make up for lost time. I hope you’re able to enjoy your favorite foods and traditions this Fourth of July. Maybe we’ll see you at the park for the fireworks show!

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Chelsea Dickerson

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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The Fourth of July, aka Independence Day, was first celebrated back in 1776 when the U.S. was comprised of 13 colonies, the American Revolutionary War was just underway, and breaking free from British rule went from a radical to a widely accepted idea among colonists. In September 1783, Britain formally recognized American independence, ending the Revolutionary War and allowing our Founding Fathers to begin building the democratic society we have today. That is the well-known history of the holiday. Here are some lesser- known facts. WE COULD’VE BEEN SAYING “HAPPY SECOND OF JULY!” The vote in favor of independence actually occurred on July 2, 1776. July 4 marked the day when the document was adopted by representatives from the 13 colonies. And if Founding Father John Adams had his way, we’d be celebrating the Second of July, not the Fourth, in commemoration of the infamous vote. It doesn’t quite have the same ring, does it? JULY 4 IS THE BIGGEST BEER AND HOT DOGS HOLIDAY OF THEMALL. According to America’s Beer Distributors, Americans shell out more money for beer on July 4 than on any other national holiday. Those FUN FOURTH FA LITTLE-KNOWN INDEPENDENC It’s hard to imagine a Fourth of July celebration without brilliant, booming fireworks lighting up the sky. While you may have fond childhood memories of lighting sparklers and setting off bottle rockets, you should only share those traditions with older children and under adult supervision. If you want to let the kids go wild, consider these fireworks alternatives that are perfect for hours of fun on the Fourth. SILLY STRING Okay, parents, we hear you. Silly String might be fun, but it’s a mess! That’s why it’s perfect to reserve for this one holiday a year! And since you won’t be cleaning up debris from fireworks, you’ll at least keep the mess to a minimum. GLOW STICKS For a more colorful, less messy option, get some glow sticks or glow- stick necklaces and bracelets and let the kids light up the sky with their dance moves. Family Fun on the F

High on the slopes of Bristen, a mountain in the Glarus Alps in central Switzerland, a pair of skiers discovered something unexpected. At 4:30 a.m., the skiers climbed toward the summit of Bristen when they realized they weren’t alone. They were being followed by a cat — not a lynx or a wildcat, but a little mewling house cat. How does a house cat end up on the slopes of a snow-covered, 10,000-foot mountain? This was an answer the skiers wouldn’t get. They weren’t even sure what to do with a cat in general. It’s likely that it simply wandered away from one of the nearby towns or villages near the base of the mountain, but even for a human, that’s a major undertaking. Lost, the cat followed the only sign of civilization it could find: the skiers, Cyril and Erik Rohrer. “She started to shiver, and her paws began to bleed from the hard snow,” Cyril noted. “We picked her up and carried her when she was too exhausted to walk uphill anymore. We were definitely confused. I felt really sorry for the cat. She was really exhausted on the ridge underneath the summit.” The cat stayed with them for some time before they met up with another group of hikers who were headed down the mountain. The cat joined them for what would hopefully be a journey back home. And it was! Remarkably, the cat’s owners were found. They revealed that their cat had vanished four days earlier and apparently followed yet another group of hikers up Bristen. “Animals do weird things. And they are way tougher than humans. They’ll never give up. Even though they are hurting really, really bad,” Cyril said of his feline hiking companion. Hopefully, that will be the little feline’s last trip up for some time! The Meow at 10,000 Feet

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ACTS CE DAY TRIVIA

of drinking age may be using that beer to wash down the 155 million hot dogs that are also consumed on this patriotic holiday, according to Forbes. No doubt that’s why Nathan’s, the famous hot dog brand, puts on its annual International Hot Dog Eating Contest during the holiday weekend. SOME PRESIDENTS HAVE LIFE- ALTERING TIES TO THE HOLIDAY.

Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872, perhaps foreshadowing his political career. He was seriously involved in state politics in Massachusetts rising to the position of governor before being elected as the 30th U.S. president in 1923. Three presidents have also died on July 4. Two — John Adams and Thomas Jefferson — died on the 50th anniversary of the famed holiday, both perishing in 1826. James Monroe, who was also a Founding Father (and served as the fifth U.S. president), died on the holiday as well.

TAKE A BREAK

Mexican Corn Salad

Quiz your friends and family on these fun Fourth facts during your holiday get-together this year. Have a great and safe Fourth of July!

Inspired by JoCooks.com

Fourth

SAFE ALTERNATIVES TO FIREWORKS FOR KIDS

Don’t let the long ingredient list scare you. This summer salad celebrates in-season veggies and herbs and comes together quickly.

INGREDIENTS

CONFETTI 2 WAYS

• 4 cups of fresh corn, cut from 5 cobs • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped • 1/2 red onion, diced • 6 green onions, chopped • 1 jalapeno, diced • 1/2 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tbsp sour cream • 2 tbsp mayonnaise • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped • 1/2 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled

Confetti poppers always feel festive and fun, and unlike Silly String and glow sticks, they also bring the noise factor your little ones will love. If you want to really amp it up, fill colorful balloons with confetti and let your kids pop them and enjoy the burst of sparkle and color. Buy a biodegradable option like Ecofetti and let Mother Nature do the cleaning up. FLASHLIGHTS Mini LED flashlights are easy to find, and they’re affordable too. Buy a few and color the lenses with bright-colored Sharpies then let your kids make a multi-color light show of their own. As a bonus, teach your kids how to play good old-fashioned flashlight tag. When it comes to safely putting on a show in the sky, the best advice is to leave it to the pros and enjoy a local show. If you’re going to shoot off fireworks at home, know the risk and be sure to have safety measures in place, especially for the youngsters.

DIRECTIONS

1. In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and corn. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes or until corn starts to char. 2. Add the corn to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and stir together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. 3. The salad pairs well with grilled entrees and can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Resuming Past Fourth of July Traditions The Miraculous Mountain Cat Fun Fourth of July Facts Safe Alternatives to Fireworks for Kids Take a Break Mexican Corn Salad 5 Wacky Pizza Trends From Around the World

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2. Ketchup and Corn Pizza (Brazil) — According to several sources, Brazilians swap pizza sauce for ketchup or tomato slices and top their pies with strange combinations of local ingredients like corn, beets, hearts of palm, and potato sticks. 3. Haggis Pizza (Scotland) — Pizza may be the only semi-enjoyable way to eat haggis: a mix of sheep or calf offal, oatmeal, suet, and seasonings that are boiled in an animal’s stomach. Last year, Papa John’s got in on the action when it released a limited-edition haggis pizza in honor of a Scottish poet, Robert Burns. 4. Mockba Pizza (Russia) — This local pie comes topped with four kinds of fish (sardines, tuna, mackerel, and salmon), onions, herbs, and occasionally fish eggs. Most troubling of all, it’s served cold! 5. Chickpea Pancake Pizza (Argentina) — In Buenos Aires, locals top their super-cheesy pizza slices with fainá — chickpea pancakes cooked separately from the pies and balanced on top of each slice. Keep these pizzas in mind when planning your next international vacation! They might be tastier than they sound, and if not, they’ll still make great Instagram fodder. As actor Cole Sprouse once tweeted, “You’re losing followers because you’re not relatable enough. Try mentioning that you eat pizza. If that doesn’t work, play the ukulele.”

Here in the U.S., pineapple is considered a wild and controversial pizza topping. Even celebrities take a stand. Justin Bieber is pro-pineapple, but Jimmy Kimmel is against it. According to a 2019 YouGov Omnibus study, only anchovies and eggplant are more hated. But in other parts of the world, the tangy yellow fruit is far from the strangest topping you’ll see! Here are five wacky pizza trends from around the globe that will either make you hungry or inspire you to sprint the other way. You may want to order a comforting cheese pie from your favorite local pizzeria before reading this, just in case. 1. Banana-Curry Pizza (Sweden) — The Swedes first accessed bananas in 1944, and since then, they’ve put them on everything , including pizza which they top with tomato sauce, smoked cheese, banana slices, and curry powder. 5 WACKY PIZZA TRENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD THEY EAT WHAT ON PIZZA?!

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