The Gettysburg Address - 150 Years Ago Today

Today, November 19, 2013, marks the 150 anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address.

The speech was given at the official dedication ceremony for the National Cemetery of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania.

The exacting wording of the speech is unknown. There are at least five recognized manuscripts of the Gettysburg Address. The most famous, and the only one that bear President Lincoln's signature, is the "Bliss version," named after Colonel Alexander Bliss, to whom a signed copy was given.

Learn more:
History: The Gettysburg Address
Google Cultural Institute: Gettysburg Address



By: Jeffrey Lapin of Lapin Law Offices

Distracted Driver Hits Manure Trailer

A Wisconsin man driving a rental car crashed into a tractor pulling a trailer full of liquid manure. He was allegedly just finishing talking and texting on his phone when the crash occurred.

LESSON: SH*T HAPPENS WHEN YOU DRIVE DISTRACTED

Article source: KCCI News: Texting driver in rental car hits manure trailer

Lapin Law Offices cautions everyone to not drive distracted.

By: Jeffrey Lapin of Lapin Law Offices

Veterans Day 2013

By: Jeffrey Lapin of Lapin Law Offices

November 11, 2013, is Veterans Day. On Veterans Day we honor all veterans, living or deceased, who served this County, unlike Memorial Day in which we honor those veterans who died in service. We celebrate Veterans Day with flags, memorials, parades, and acts of kindness for members of the military.

We should honor and thank all veterans, as well as their families, for their passionate and dedicated service to our County by protecting us and the freedoms we cherish.

To view an graphical historical Timeline of Veterans day: From Armistice Day to Veterans Day: A Timeline
To view some quotations: Veteran and Veteran Day Quotations

Read more about Veterans Day, including the history, notable quotes and other items in the full post: Honoring All Who Served - Veterans Day 2013

Iowa Stopping More Out-of-State Vehicles

By: Jeffrey Lapin of Lapin Law Offices

An investigation by the Des Moines Register showed that 86% of warnings and citations given by Iowa State troopers were issued to out-of-state motorists. Motorists from California, Colorado and Illinois were the most ticketed drivers.

The reason given for so many stops is, in part, to stop illegal drugs from traveling into or across the state. The findings noted above have called into question the tactics being used to pinpoint possible criminals.

Read more on Lapin Law Offices website blog: BE CAREFUL: IOWA STOPPING MORE OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLES

Daylight Savings Time Ends - November 3, 2013

By: Jeffrey Lapin of Lapin Law Offices

Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, at 2:00 a.m., so make sure to turn back your clocks one (1) hour.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) reminds us to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon dioxide (CO) sensors while we are changing our clocks. These sensors have saved many lives and it is a good habit to change the batteries every six months.

Enjoy the extra hour of sleep.

Source: United States Consumer Product Safety Commission: Replace Your Smoke Alarm and CO Alarm Batteries This Sunday