The Hardison & Cochran Running Club

At the end of 2011, our Marketing Director Bill Campbell really wanted to start an athletic team within the firm. After coming back from lunch one day and seeing attorney Ashley Young running down Six Forks Rd., it all came together. In the next few weeks, Bill created the Hardison & Cochran Running Club. The mission of the team, which is comprised of members of the firm and friends of the firm, is to seek out charitable running events and participate. In addition to promoting health within the firm, the running club will allow members of the team to learn more about the non-profits and community initiatives in North Carolina.

While the collective team waits on scheduled 5Ks and half marathons at the end March and in April, two members of the club, Jim Swartz and Nicole Orr (pictured) have already started their running season. Saying they "started their season" is an understatement because over the course of two days they ran in four events. The father-daughter combo took part in a 15K, 5K, Half Marathon and an 8K which totaled approximately 31 miles. Swartz finished all the races under 4.5 hours and Orr came in at just over 4.5 hours.

Congrats to Jim and Nicole on their accomplishment! We'll be documenting our team races this year and also spotlighting what each race is benefiting. Check back soon!

Hardison & Cochran Newsletter Readers Weigh In On Cell Phone Use While Driving

Last Thursday, we sent out our monthly e-mail newsletter and asked for feedback from our readers on the topic of cell phone usage while driving. The question came from Chapel Hill's proposed ban on all cell phone usage which is to be voted on March 12th. For all the information on the ban, please check out our blog post from February 21st.  

While there are particulars, the main bit of news is that the town of Chapel Hill is set to vote on a ban of cell phone, including hand free devices, while driving a vehicle.

We asked for feedback and we got it. Below are some of the responses we received from this question for our folks, "Do you think cell phones should be banned fully when driving?"

Cell phones should be banned, no exceptions.  Once passed, it needs to be enforced by law enforcement. If you want to talk, then use a hands free device.

-Christine

I think if they ban cell phones, they will have to ban eating in the car, drinking drinks, tending to children in the back seat, changing the channels on the radio, putting on makeup and reading the newspaper.  I have seen all of these while riding down the road.

-Martha

I would like to weigh in on the issue of cell phone use while driving.

It has always amazed me that people who cannot even watch television and talk on the phone, feel that they can drive and talk on the phone or send text messages.

Have you ever been speaking with someone on the phone and it's completely obvious that they are watching television. They can't respond to you, or listen concretely to what you're saying. They keep saying, "Yeah.", or worse yet, nothing at all.

And I believe most people would agree that driving a vehicle requires more focus and concentration than watching television. Yet many of them will insist that they can drive and communicate via cell phone without compromising their driving skills. I never have understood it. 

-Karen

Texting only should be banned and drive with hands free device only, so drivers would have both hands on the wheel

-Elizabeth

I'd like to see a complete cell phone ban because there are enough distractions without cell use. And while they're at it - ban opening the mail while driving and trying to READ it!

 -Kathy

Thank you to all who responded. Again, if you would like to add your opinion, please do so in the comments section below.

* Picture courtesy of samantha celera via Flickr Creative Commons

Government Policy Change Allows States to Seize Federal Benefits for Child Support

A February 26th report from the Washington Post reports that a change in government policy will allow states to seize every dollar of federal benefits from people who owe back child support. This includes Social Security disability benefits. The policy change is within the Treasury Department and not the Social Security Administration.

Taking benefits from those who owe child support is not new as states could capture 65 percent of benefits of those who opted for benefit payment by way of paper check. Now 100 percent of this payment can be captured by the state because in March of 2013 payment by way of paper check will not be an option. All payments will be deposited in banking accounts or loaded onto prepaid debit cards. It is estimated that 275,000 men could be without any income due to the policy change.

For more information on this policy change, please view the full article from the Washington Post.

Additional Articles:
Child support debts may leave some with no income (Associated Press)
Social Security Could Get Garnished If You Skip Out on Child Support (Business Insider)

Ben Cochran Lands on North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star List For 2012

For the third straight year, Ben Cochran has been named a Rising Star by North Carolina Super Lawyers magazine. Cochran, a North Carolina Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law and the managing partner of Hardison & Cochran, also was selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2010 and 2011.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition, and I believe it reflects positively on the hard work of our entire firm,” Cochran said. “At Hardison & Cochran, we firmly believe in using a team approach when it comes to serving our clients.”

To be named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, an attorney must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. Lawyers are selected to the Rising Stars list based on peer nominations and independent research. Candidates are evaluated according to 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.

No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are named to the Rising Stars list, according to Super Lawyers magazine, which is distributed to attorneys and ABA-accredited law school libraries across the state.

Since 2002, Cochran has helped to secure compensation for North Carolina employees who are injured or become ill on the job. As a workers’ compensation lawyer, his work involves filing claims for workers and arguing their cases before the N.C. Industrial Commission. He also handles mediation of settlements for his clients.

“Ben is someone who truly grasps his leadership role with confidence,” said Hardison & Cochran partner Ken Hardison. “He is energetic about his duties and is truly dedicated to helping others, whether it is a client, a fellow attorney or a staff member," Hardison added.

Chapel Hill Town Council To Vote On Cell Phone Ban on March 12th

Distracted Driving. Texting While Driving. Cell Phone Use While Driving. Chances are you've heard these phrases more frequently in the past year. In December of 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended a full ban on cell phone use while driving.

While the above linked story originated out of Washington, DC, the story that prompted today's post is a little closer to home. The town council in Chapel Hill is set to vote on a proposal that will ban the usage of cell phones while driving, even hands free devices, on March 12th.

Here are some highlights of all the news in Chapel Hill:

1. It it unsure if the town of Chapel Hill even has the ability to ban cell phones.
An assistant attorney general said in a letter that the council does not have the authority to ban the cell phone usage. A Chapel Hill attorney said that the assistant attorney general did not have all the facts before writing the letter.

2. The Chapel Hill proposal will make using a cell phone a secondary offense
A police officer must stop a vehicle for another reason before issuing a ticket for a violation of the ban.

Below is a report from WRAL Channel 5 on the Chapel Hill Distracted Driving Cell Phone Ban:



 
Additional Reading on Distracted Driving:
Distracted Driving
Distracted Driving Technology
Cell Phone and Texting Laws State by State
NTSB Recommends Full Ban On Cell Phone Use While Driving

* Picture courtesy of samantha celera via Flickr Creative Commons

Valentine's Day Around the World

Flowers, chocolates, dinners and special gifts are the traditions in the United States for Valentine's Day, but how it is celebrated across the globe? To answer our own question, we performed a little research. Below are the findings:

Finland
Valentine’s Day in Finland is known as “Ystavanpaiva” which means “Friend’s Day.” The day is more about celebrating all of your friendships rather than focusing on just your significant other.

Lithuania
It is common for people to place stickers on the face and clothing of a friend or a relative.

Japan
On February 14^th, females present their significant other and close male friends with a gift. Chocolates are a very popular gift. Depending upon the relationship, the female will give a different kind of chocolate. Giri-choco is a type of chocolate given to bosses, colleagues and close male friends. Hon-mei is the type of chocolate given to a significant other. The giving of gifts is returned in kind by males to females on March 14^th. The holiday is known as “White Day.”

Scotland
Valentine’s dates are decided by the first young lady or young gentleman who is encountered on the street or elsewhere on February 14^th. After the first person is spotted, it is tradition to spend the rest of the day with them celebrating Valentine’s Day.

South Africa
Young ladies pin the name of their significant other on their sleeve. In some parts of South Africa, the male follows suit with the name of his female companion.  

Australia
Surveys have revealed that men are more romantic and more open about expressing their love than their female companions. Men in Australia buy more cards and love mementos than women on Valentine’s Day.

While the traditions may be a little different from place to place, it looks like when everything is boiled down Valentine’s Day is all about appreciating those who are close to you. So on this Valentine's Day, let everyone you care about know that they are special to you.

5 Recipes to Try This Super Bowl Sunday

The Super Bowl is all about football, but we all know the experience wouldn't be the same without pick me ups, appetizers and hor dourves (or what ever you want to call them). Today, we're going to cover the MVP of game day, the food. Here are 5 recipes to try out this Sunday.

BBQ Chicken Wings
Can't go wrong with this game day favorite. This one has a little honey twist.

Best Ever Jalapeno Poppers
You may have seen these in the freezer section, but nothing beats a homemade popper.

Cocktail Meatballs
Easy to eat with simply a toothpick and oh so good.

Who Loves Ya Baby-Back Ribs
Rare to see a rack of ribs as an appetizer, but wow them at the party with this one.

Rotel Cheese Dip
Along with salsa, possibly the most important part of the game day spread.

Monday: 8 Tips to Make Your Super Bowl Party the Best in the Neighborhood 
Tuesday: The 5 Best North Carolina Born NFL Players of All-Time
Wednesday: Read This to Wow Your Friends This Super Bowl Sunday  

Read This to Wow Your Friends This Super Bowl Sunday

At Hardison & Cochran, we're all about education. Usually that is based around an education of your rights when an accident occurs or you are fighting for Social Security disability benefits, but today it is going to be all about football. Staying with our theme this week of the Super Bowl, below we are offering up many links where you can read up before the game on Sunday. If you want to wow your friends with your football knowledge, this is a great place to start. If you'd also like a little education on personal injury laws, check out our free book and report page on our website.

Pro Football Reference
If it happened in professional football, this website has documentation of it. If you get into a debate with your friend about who is the best player or who is the best team, start here for some statistical evidence.

Football Strategy
Days, weeks, months and even years of film is viewed before games to build a solid game plan. Every team has a method to their madness on both sides of the ball. Brush up on the finer details of the game by checking out what some teams are trying to do with different sets, motions and personnel. 

NFL Official Signals
Everyone knows when the yellow flag comes out something illegal is going on, but what's up with all the gyrations by the official when he is explaining the call? Glad you asked. The above link is to the official NFL website that explains each motion a referee may go through with explanations of the penalty.

Super Bowl History
This is the best Super Bowl since _________. If you say those words, make sure you know about every Super Bowl played. This website from NFL.com will make sure you know everything about the Super Bowl.

New York Giants Roster
New England Patriots Roster
Get to know all the players who will be taking the field this Sunday.

This post is the third in a five part series of a celebration of the Super Bowl. Be sure to check in each day as we visit a topic associated with football. Previous topics are linked below:


Monday: 8 Tips to Make Your Super Bowl Party the Best in the Neighborhood
Tuesday: The 5 Best North Carolina Born NFL Players of All-Time

The 5 Best North Carolina Born NFL Players of All-Time

When you speak the words "North Carolina" to someone in the sports world, most times their mind goes straight to basketball. As we're about to show below, North Carolina has its fair share of football talent as well. Below is a list of the 5 best players to suit up in the NFL who were born in North Carolina. If you click the name of the player, you will be sent to their ProFootball reference page where you can check out all their information and stats. This list wasn't easy to pick, and we're sure folks have some strong opinions on this, so we welcome you to drop your thoughts in the comment section.



1. Bruce Matthews - Offensive Line - (Born: Raleigh, North Carolina)
1983-2001 (NFL Hall of Fame)
Matthews longevity in the NFL is something to marvel, but he wasn't just a body, he was a impact player on the offensive line. In his 19 year NFL career, Matthews was a 14 time Pro-Bowler and was selected to the First Team All Pro team seven times. He was also inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2007. From 1988 to 2001, Matthews did not miss a start on the offensive line. He was 40 years old during his last season in the NFL. (Wiki)

2. Bobby Bell - Linebacker - (Born: Shelby, North Carolina)
1963-1974 (NFL Hall of Fame)
The title reads NFL players, so it should be noted that Bobby Bell spent more than half of his career playing in the AFL before the two leagues merged in 1970. That fact does not take away the fact that Bell was an absolute athlete from his linebacker position. In his playing days, he stood 6'4, weighed in at 230 pounds and was reported to run a 4.5 40 yard dash. Those numbers today may be a little more frequent in today's NFL, but we're talking about the 60's and 70's here. His coach was quoted as saying, "He could play all 22 positions on the field, and play them well." In addition to being a nine time Pro Bowler, being voted to the First-Team All Pro team, being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1983, Bell was a member of two AFL Championship teams and one Super Bowl Championship team. (Wiki)

3. Carl Eller - Defensive End - (Born: Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
1964-1979 (NFL Hall of Fame)
We mentioned size in Bobby Bell's profile above and we'll talk about it again here when it comes to 6'6' defensive end Carl Eller. Eller was part of the defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings know as the "Purple People Eaters." The defensive front with the funny name did not disappoint as they led the Vikings to 10 Central division titles in 11 seasons from 1968 to 1978. In that time frame the Vikings went to four Super Bowl, but were unable to get a victory. Eller was a six time Pro Bowler and was voted to the First Team All Pro team five times. After being a finalist many years, Eller was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2004. (Wiki)

4. Sonny Jurgenson - Quarterback - (Born: Wilmington, North Carolina)
1957-1974 (NFL Hall of Fame)
There must be something in the water down in Wilmington. In addition to bringing the world one the best, if not the best, basketball players of all time, they produced one of the first outstanding passing QB's in the NFL. Before the Dan Marino's, Peyton Manning's, Tom Brady's and Drew Brees' of the passing world, there was Sonny Jurgenson. He was a 5 time Pro Bowler and was voted to the First-Team All Pro Team twice in his career. He was voted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1983. (Wiki)

5. Dwight Stephenson - Center - (Born: Murfreesboro, North Carolina)
1980-1987 (NFL Hall of Fame)
He has the shortest NFL career on this list, but he produced results. His bust sets in the NFL Hall of Fame, which he was inducted to in 1998, to prove it. Coming from Alabama where legendary coach Bear Bryant said Stephenson was the best player he ever coached, he quickly became the offensive captain and starting center of the Miami Dolphins. In the 80's the Dolphins' offensive line had an amazing streak of the least QB sacks given up for nine years in a row. Six of those years, Stephenson manned the center position. Stephenson was a five time Pro Bowler and voted to the First Team All Pro team four times. (Wiki)

This post is the second in a five part series of a celebration of the Super Bowl. Be sure to check in each day as we visit a topic associated with football. Previous topics are linked below:

Monday: 8 Tips to Make Your Super Bowl Party the Best in the Neighborhood

8 Tips to Make Your Super Bowl Party the Best in the Neighborhood

This Sunday folks will be getting together to watch an American Classic, the Super Bowl. There will be all kinds of gatherings and parties across the Tar Heel state for the game, but today we're offering some tips that will make sure your party is the talk of the neighborhood.

1. Plenty of Seating
If your place is set up for a family of 3 or 4, you might want to look into changing around your TV and living room set-up a little bit to get the maximum amount of chairs for folks to watch the game. You don't want to put everyone on top of each other, but you also don't want the majority of your guests standing up or sitting on the floor.

2. Ask Everyone You Invite to Bring their Favorite Appetizer
If you want a variety of foods, just ask everyone you invite to bring their own appetizer. In addition to having an array of great food, it could be a great conversation starter between two of your pals that don't know each other very well.

3. Don't Skimp on the Salsa
While number two above has you asking your friends to bring a variety of appetizers, it is an unwritten rule that the party host must provide the salsa. They must provide the salsa like a champion. If you're hosting, you might want to check out some salsa recipes at AllRecipes.com.

4. If Need Be, Go Multiple
Sometimes, you just have to call the audible at the line. It happens. If you have more than one TV in the house, you might want to check out your set-up and put another TV in the watching area for maximum coverage. Your guests will thank you.

5. Gussy Your Place Up A Little
This one may be for the ladies more so than the men, but it says a lot when you walk into a house for a party and decorations are placed everywhere. Placing balloons, streamers, and colored napkins is a good place to start. Last year, you may have had to look around for green and yellow streamers and balloons (Green Bay Packers), but this year both team have the same colors; red, white and blue.

6. Have a Prize at the End of the Night
When everyone gets to your place, have them write down what they think the score will be to the game. When the game is over, check out all the scores and award the person with the closest score a little prize of your choosing. Extra point if it football themed.

7. Tailgate Before the Game
If you have been to a college or pro football game, you know it is all about the tailgate. Just because you're not at the game doesn't mean you can't have a little bit of outside fun. Kickoff is slated for 6:30pm on Sunday, so just have the outside tailgate where you grill up some chicken wings, hamburger sliders, etc. from 3:00pm till 6:00pm. At six, everyone can start making their way inside to find a seat for the game. If you're real hardcore, just bring the TV outside, but this is not reccommended.

8. Make Designated Driver Plans Well Before the Game
If you are going to one or hosting a Super Bowl party, make sure you and the people at the party have a way to get home if they have been drinking alcohol. If you want to be the best host in the world, have someone on stand-by who is able to take people home safely.

This is post 1 of 5 of an ongoing celebration of the 2012 Super Bowl. Come back tomorrow for more!