Yeargan & Kert LLC - February 2022

Yeargan & Kert LLC - February 2022

THE DEFENSE REPORT

FEBRUARY 2022

AtlantaDUILawyer.com 404-467-1747

EXAMINING THE HISTORY BEHIND GROUNDHOG DAY WINTER OR SPRING? February is a month of winding down from the hustle and bustle and settling into the new year, and both Valentine’s Day and Groundhog Day fall in February. While Valentine’s Day is celebrated by the vast majority of people (or at least recognized), not many know much about Groundhog Day. As the tradition goes, on Feb. 2, the legendary groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, ventures out of his hole, all bright-eyed and bushy- tailed in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. They say that if he sees his shadow, we have six more weeks of winter to endure. But, if he doesn’t see his shadow, we are heading right into spring. Many (especially those who live in warmer climates) are just fine with continuing on with a few more weeks of winter, but others can’t wait for spring.

“true hibernators,” and when they finally come out of hibernation, it usually is right around the tail end of winter.

While it’s absolutely fun to pretend that Punxsutawney Phil is predicting the weather when he comes out of hibernation, the real reason that groundhogs come out of their holes in the beginning of February is to search for a mate. Mating season takes place in March, so, like any smart groundhog would do, they wake up a tad early to start scoping out potential partners. They remain active for a few months until it’s time to hibernate again for the winter months. Thus, in 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the first Groundhog Day took place, and one of the newspaper editors declared that Punxsutawney Phil was the only true weather-forecasting groundhog! Are you one of the many Americans who wake up every Feb. 2, excited to see if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow or not? This year, will we cruise right into spring, or are we hanging on for six more weeks of winter? Only Phil knows!

But how exactly did this tradition start, and when did groundhogs become the weather-predicting gurus?

Our Groundhog Day tradition originated from the Christian celebration of Candlemas Day, on which clergy members would bless candles needed for winter and distribute them. Candlemas Day would fall on the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Germans then adopted the celebration, using a hedgehog to predict whether or not they would have a “second winter.” If the German hedgehog saw its shadow, they would need to be prepared to endure another winter. Many of the early settlers in Pennsylvania were German and brought their tradition along with them. However, because groundhogs are much more common in those parts than hedgehogs, they used a groundhog to make the prediction. Groundhogs are considered to be

–Jim Yeargan

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3 STEPS TO IDENTIFY YOUR VALUE FEEL CONFIDENT IN BUSINESS!

We’ve all been taught that bragging is annoying, but when you’re afraid to identify your worth, it can really hurt your confidence and success in business. To prevent that from happening, here are three tips to make it easy to name your price! NO. 1: GET TO KNOW YOUR VALUE. How do we figure out our value? Specifically, how do we come up with a quantifiable method to reach an exact, irrefutable number? Well, we don’t. The best place to start is deciding who you want to be in your business and industry and building from there. With a solid mission statement and concrete affirmations that support your value in the business, you’ll gain more confidence in arriving at a price point. NO. 2: BE OPEN TO RECEIVING — AND GIVING — LOVE. Accepting compliments can be tough, but in business, compliments can be powerful catapults to your continued success. When you take time to notice all the people you’ve helped, the accomplishments you’ve achieved, and the difference you’ve made, the motivation it fosters is monumental. Keep your happy emails, texts, and reviews from clients and create an easy reference for instant, uplifting support. If a client seems happy, never be afraid to ask for a testimonial. Many people simply need to be asked, and they’ll be happy to provide one.

In the same stride, consider the people who help you and your business every day and find ways to show appreciation. Passing that love around can make a huge difference in energizing the way you perceive your value. NO. 3: MAKE THE FINAL GAME PLAN. After considering what your offerings are likely worth, whom you’re looking to serve, and what they’d be willing to pay, you can name your final price. After all, prices don’t fall from the sky. Without obsessing over it, look at what kind of value your competitors have set for themselves. That’ll give you a great starting point.

Take good care of yourself, friends — and don’t forget that a confident price tag is a great way to do just that in your business.

CYCLING DUI? YEP, IT’S A THING!

GEORGIA CLASSIFIES BIKES AS VEHICLES

The state of Georgia classifies a normal bicycle as a vehicle. Facing a conviction for cycling while intoxicated is serious and should be treated with as much caution and concern as a regular DUI. Because a bicycle is considered a vehicle, traffic laws prohibiting drivers from operating their vehicles under the influence apply to those riding a bike, too. To be guilty of cycling under the influence, one must be under the influence of alcohol or another drug to the extent that it is not safe to be riding a bicycle. This includes intentionally under the influence of topic vapors, glue, or aerosols or a combination of these substances. If the cyclist’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher while riding or in physical control of the bicycle within three hours from the time of consumption, or they are under the influence of marijuana or a non- prescribed controlled substance, they can be charged with a DUI.

It should be noted that even if you have a prescription for a controlled substance, an arrest for cycling under the influence could still take place if that drug is impairing your ability to safely ride the bicycle. Keep in mind that even if you are arrested and facing charges for cycling under the influence, you are not guilty until all legal elements required for the conviction are proven in a court of law. Cycling under the influence is a misdemeanor offense in the state of Georgia, and one may face up to 12 months in jail or a $1,000 fine if found guilty. If you have any questions or concerns, the legal team at Yeargan & Kert LLC is available to assist you. Call us now to find out how we can help!

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LAUGH IT OFF

It’s happened to you at some point: You’re driving, singing along to your favorite tune, when out of nowhere, someone is riding your butt and cutting you off in an aggressive manner. Who got their knickers in a knot? Better yet, what can you do in these situations? PROTECT YOURSELF. First and foremost, your priority is to keep yourself safe. Be sure your doors are locked, and if you’re stuck in traffic, leave enough room between your car and the car in front of you to pull out of traffic in case of an emergency. Avoid competing with other drivers at all costs and never exit your vehicle to argue with another driver on the road. If an aggressive driver confronts you in any way, call 911 immediately. REDUCE YOUR OWN STRESS. Even if another driver is antagonizing you, let it go. Be sure you have allowed plenty of time to get to your destination and keep your seat position and climate comfortable in your vehicle. The best thing to remember is that you can’t control the traffic, but you can control the way you react to it. BE A COURTEOUS DRIVER. When driving, keep the roads more safe by apologizing to other drivers when you make a mistake and controlling your anger. Do not take any traffic issues personally. At all costs, avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver and never make any obscene gestures. In fact, don’t show any signs that their behavior has affected you. Use your horn only when necessary and never tailgate the driver in front of you. Remember that applicable law in the state of Georgia defines aggressive driving as driving with the intent to harass, annoy, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another driver, passenger, or pedestrian. The driving pattern must be intentional and directed toward a specific individual. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER

MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST

This succulent chicken stuffed with cheese, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes is impressive on the plate but easy in the kitchen! Our recipe makes 2 servings.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 chicken breasts • 2 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed • 2 canned artichoke hearts, chopped • 4 tsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 10 large basil leaves, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1/2 tsp curry powder • 1/2 tsp paprika • Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 365 F. 2. Cut a slit lengthwise to create a pocket in the middle of each chicken breast. Place the breasts on a baking sheet. 3. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, basil, and garlic. 4. Divide the mixture in half and stuff each chicken breast pocket. Using toothpicks, seal the edges of the pockets. 5. Season the chicken with curry, paprika, salt, and pepper, then bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. 6. Remove the toothpicks and serve with rice, potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables!

Stay safe, and if you ever need help or representation, contact the professionals at Yeargan & Kert LLC! We’ve got your back.

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Yeargan & Kert, LLC 3715 Northside Parkway Building 100 Suite 500 Atlanta, GA 30327 404-467-1747 AtlantaDUILawyer.com

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INSIDE

Let’s Talk Groundhog Day!

3 Steps to Identify Your Business Value

Cycling DUIs

Aggressive Drivers 101

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast

Include Mother Nature in Your Next Date

3 OUTSIDE DATE NIGHT IDEAS YOU, ME, AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS Did your significant other leave it up to you to come up with a romantic date idea this Valentine’s Day? Luckily for you, there are tons of date activities that are easy and affordable for you to enjoy with Mother Nature. While the possibilities are endless outside, here are three popular outdoor date ideas! WATCH THE SUNSET. Sunsets are intuitively romantic: The sun paints the sky in calming reds, pinks, and purples, creating a beautiful backdrop. While watching the sunset, you and your partner can have a romantic picnic with the sky in view. Or you can embrace the scenery with your other half and create memories you both will never forget. GO STARGAZING. If you live in the city, stargazing is a good chance to escape for the night and get away from the light pollution in the city. If you already live in a location where you can easily see the stars, take advantage of the peaceful privacy with your loved one. Maybe you’ll spot a shooting star you can wish upon while you’re out there!

HIT UP A DRIVE-IN MOVIE. If you’re looking for a way to be extra comfy while still sitting outside, a drive-in movie is the best destination! The best part about a drive- in is that you can view both new and old movies as well as bring your own snacks and drinks. If the weather permits and if you have a truck, you can load the bed with blankets and pillows and have a cozy night while watching a movie. These date night ideas are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but they don’t have to be limited to just the holiday! You can also consider these for any date that you have with your significant other. Nothing brings couples closer like being together with nature.

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