Yeargan & Kert LLC - April 2022

Yeargan & Kert LLC - April 2022

THE DEFENSE REPORT

APRIL 2022

AtlantaDUILawyer.com 404-467-1747

5 OF HISTORY ’ S GREATEST APRIL FOOLS’ PRANKS YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME If you’re anything like me, when April Fools’ Day rolls around, I’m on my A game, just waiting for someone to try pulling one over on me. While the origin and history of April Fools’ Day is uncertain, one thing is for sure: People love playing pranks and some will go the extra mile to make their hoax seem more convincing. Some people are just natural born pranksters! Let’s take a look at some of the craziest pranks in history! CLOTHES REQUIRED FOR CATS AND DOGS On April 1, 2016, National Geographic pulled off a harmless prank. On Twitter, they tweeted that they would no longer be featuring any photographs of animals in the nude, for it is degrading. By the time readers were done reading through the article, they were let in on the April Fools’ joke and rewarded with tons of photos of puppies and kittens all dressed up. UPSIDE-DOWN VIEWING ONLY On April Fools’ Day in 2009, YouTube joined in on the fun. They turned some of their videos upside down, and on the “Tips for Viewing the New Layout” page, they suggested that users suspend their monitors from the ceiling upside down to be able to see the video. TACO LIBERTY BELL Back in 1996, Taco Bell pranked the United States big time. The fast- food chain claimed that they had somehow managed to buy the famous U.S. Liberty Bell, claiming they were renaming it the “Taco Liberty Bell” and that their headquarters would be relocating from California to Philadelphia. Taco Bell claims this April Fools’ Day prank increased revenue by $1 million in just one day!

A FASTBALL HOAX A Sports Illustrated writer, George Plimpton, posted a joke in the magazine’s April 1, 1985 issue. Even though the secondary headline read “Happy April Fools’ Day,” readers completely missed it and were drawn to the story, claiming that Mets pitcher Siddhartha “Sidd” Finch was able to throw at 168 miles per hour, an obvious joke. SPAGHETTI CROP In 1957, Great Britain had a blast convincing people that spaghetti grew on trees. In a broadcast on BBC, they reported that due to a light and mild winter, Swiss farmers were “enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop.” This announcement was followed up by three minutes showing Swiss farmers meticulously plucking spaghetti strands from the trees. As a result, some viewers even wanted to know how to grow their very own spaghetti trees. This April Fools’ Day, will you be playing any pranks on family, friends, coworkers, or loved ones? Some of the most popular and harmless pranks include taping light switches, attaching air horns to seats, and

taping the ball on a computer mouse. As long as the pranks are harmless, I’m all for it! Happy April Fools’ Day!

–Jim Yeargan

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TAKE YOUR INTERNAL PEP TALKS UP A NOTCH

WITH TIPS FROM ‘CHATTER’

You probably know about the benefits of positive self-talk, but have you mastered it? If not — or if you’ve never heard that phrase — “Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It” by Ethan Kross may be the most important book you read in 2022. Positive self-talk is something most of us engage in daily. It’s the “you can do this” nudge you give yourself to combat dark thoughts like “I don’t know what I’m doing” and “no one will take me seriously” before a big presentation. But few resources give you precise strategies for how to engage in positive self-talk effectively so you can make those negative impulses go away. “Chatter” is an exception to the rule, perhaps because it was written by an actual psychologist! Leaning heavily on scientific research and engaging case studies, Kross offers concrete tips for reducing negative thoughts (what he calls “chatter”) and giving your self-confidence a boost. One of his biggest tips, which drives a big chunk of the book, is the importance of creating “mental distance” during your internal pep talks. Mental distance is exactly what it sounds like — stepping back mentally from your worries and problems so you can gain a new perspective. Kross goes over several ways to do this, including trying to “look back”

at your current situation from one, five, or 10 years later; comparing this hurdle to tougher ones in your life; and shifting your internal monologue to third person so you can try talking to yourself as if you were your own friend. With these strategies, we can transform our thoughts, rather than avoid them. Of course, those suggestions just scratch the surface of what’s offered in the book. Kross also goes over how to help your friends, colleagues, and employees eliminate chatter, and how mastering your inner voice will help you thrive under pressure. The magazine Inc. named “Chatter” one of the “4 Business Books That Will Accelerate Your Success In 2022” — don’t miss it.

CARRYING A FIREARM IN GEORGIA UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEALED CARRY LAWS IN GEORGIA

• The defendant possessed the weapon outside their home or business.

Georgia’s concealed carry laws can be tricky. That’s why if you possess a firearm and want to carry it outside of your home or office, you need to understand and comply with the state law. First and foremost, if you want to carry your firearm, you’ll need a permit to do so. Georgia law also prohibits a person, licensed or not, from carrying a weapon if they are entering a government building. In the event that a person is ever convicted of violating the concealed carry weapons law, a prosecutor must be able to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant is guilty. This means the jury and/or judge must be fully convinced the defendant is guilty of the crime. To develop and prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, the following must be true:

• The defendant did not have a permit at the time they were arrested in Georgia.

If the defendant is convicted of unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, they face up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine plus a misdemeanor charge for the first offense. If it happens for a second time within a five-year period, the conviction can be increased to a felony punishment associated with the crime, bumping the charges up to 2–5 years in state prison. If you are convicted of violating Georgia’s concealed carry law, give us a call. We offer a free consultation and a tough defense to assist you in resolving your case!

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LAUGH IT OFF

Oftentimes, if you’re flagged down by a police officer or accused of driving under the influence, it’s the law to stop and pull over on the side of the road. In some cases, some people have even passed out in the middle of the road or at a stop light when they’ve had too much to drink. Laws in Georgia prohibit drivers from stopping in many different areas. In fact, you can be charged with improper stopping in some cases, and if you have, you should contact an attorney that you trust right away. So, where can and can’t you stop a motor vehicle? The law allows a person to stop their vehicle when necessary for the following reasons: to avoid conflict with traffic, to comply with the law, or to obey the direction of a law enforcement officer. But, where can’t you park your vehicle? Laws in the state of Georgia note that motor vehicle operators are prohibited from parking their vehicle in the following areas: • Where official signs prohibit stopping and standing • In front of a public or private driveway • On a sidewalk • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant • Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection • Within 20 feet of a driveway entrance to a fire station • Within 30 feet of approaching any flashing signal, traffic- control signal, stop sign, or yield sign • Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing • Within 75 feet of the spot across the street from a fire station driveway While it can be frustrating that you can’t stop your vehicle where you’d like due to the law, keep in mind that the purpose of Georgia’s Improper Stopping law is to prevent other drivers on the road from hitting a stationary vehicle, which may cause injury and significant damage. In the event that you’ve been charged with improper stopping, give us a call today to see how we can help! IMPROPER STOPPING IN GEORGIA UNDERSTANDING WHEN YOU CANNOT STOP YOUR VEHICLE

ONE-PAN CHICKEN TACOS

This recipe from TikTok user @violet.cooks almost broke the internet — and you’ll see why! The fried tortillas make it out-of-this-world delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces • 2 tbsp garlic powder • 2 tbsp cumin • 2 tbsp chipotle powder

• Canola oil (for frying) • Corn tortillas • Grated cheddar cheese • Pico de gallo and

guacamole salsa (to taste)

DIRECTIONS 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, garlic powder, cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix until the chicken is coated. 2. In a frying pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken mixture. Cook on medium heat for 5–8 minutes. 3. Remove the chicken from the pan, and add the corn tortillas (avoid overlapping) so they soak up the juices. Flip the tortillas and repeat. Then, add chicken and grated cheddar to each tortilla and fold it over the filling — in the pan. 4. Cook the tacos for 3 minutes per side until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. 5. Top with pico and guacamole salsa, and serve!

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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

Some of the Best April Fools’ Day Jokes

‘Chatter’: Your Guide to Thriving Under Pressure

Georgia’s Concealed Carry Laws

What Is the Improper Stopping Law?

One-Pan Chicken Tacos

Secret, Beautiful Vacation Spots in the US

HIDDEN VACATION GETAWAY GEMS IN THE US

SHH! THIS IS OUR LITTLE SECRET …

BEST FOR QUIET PARADISE SEEKERS: SILVER FALLS STATE PARK, OREGON Travel Distance: 1.25 hours by car from Portland, OR Best Time to Visit: Summer Oregon is already known for its spectacular waterfalls, but if you want to find a quiet oasis of cascading waterfalls and lush scenery, look no further than Silver Falls State Park. Set off on a 9-mile hiking trail loop named Trail of Ten Falls to see all 10 waterfalls. If you choose to stay overnight, the campgrounds include a gorgeous forested setting with spacious sites, nice bathrooms, and options for tent or RV camping. These sites often require a little over an hour’s drive, but that’s why they are perfect for quiet and enjoyable vacations. Consider giving them a try!

Who says you need to travel abroad for a glamorous or exciting vacation? We have so many incredible spots within the U.S.! From coast to coast, here are three underrated domestic, family-friendly vacation spots you just might be missing out on. BEST FOR FAMILIES: BROKEN BOW, OKLAHOMA Travel Distance: 3 hours by car from Dallas, TX, or Tulsa, OK Best Time to Visit: Late spring or fall Thanks to its location by Broken Bow Lake, you’ll be surrounded by forest and wildlife in almost any cabin or Airbnb you book in the area. The Wildlife Museum, BigFoot Speedway (a go-kart racing track), and Beaver’s Bend Mining Company (a kid-friendly geology center to learn about rocks, minerals, and the

area’s mining history) are great attractions on top of the awesome hiking and lakeside outdoor activities available. BEST FOR BEACH VACATIONERS: JEKYLL ISLAND, GEORGIA Travel Distance: 1.5 hours by car from Savannah, GA, or 1.25 hours by car from Jacksonville, FL Best Time to Visit: Fall This island used to be a private escape for wealthy families in the 1880s — and it shows. It’s a unique vacation spot on the East Coast for anyone looking for serenity and adventure. With over 10 miles of white sand beaches, and much of it undeveloped, you’ll get a very natural, tranquil experience with excellent seafood and Southern-style dining options.

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