19 JUNE
Road to justice
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In the Face of Corporate Negligence
A Case for American Heroes
When companies make promises about their
important than the safety of America’s heroes. Last year, 3M agreed to pay the government $9.1 million as recompense for the fraud — and make no mistake, fraud is what they committed. Now, servicepeople injured as a result of Combat Arms earplugs are participating in class-action lawsuits to get the compensation they deserve.
products and services, we expect them to be accurate. All too often, however, that’s not the case. There is always
current litigation against businesses that knowingly misled the public about the safety and validity of their products, from the makers of the mesh involved in hernia surgery
You can qualify for participation in a lawsuit against 3M if you meet the following criteria:
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You served between the years of 2003–15.
to Johnson & Johnson, whose iconic baby powder was found to contain asbestos. I want to discuss one such case today that is particularly galling and should leave every American outraged. It involves 3M Combat Arms earbuds and the health of American military personnel. We expect our military to have access to the best equipment and training. In fact, their lives depend on it. Servicepeople don’t have a say in the guns, clothes, and tools they use on a daily basis because these crucial items are issued by the government. As such, the troops on the ground have to accept them with blind faith. But what kind of person would knowingly and willingly put American heroes at risk just to make a few bucks? It’s unconscionable, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened in this case. From 2003–15, 3M received a government contract to produce earplugs for the military. These plugs, branded Combat Arms, were supposed
• You suffered hearing loss, tinnitus, or another noise-related injury while on duty.
• You reported your injury within two years after the completion of your deployment.
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You were not dishonorably discharged.
If you meet these criteria and would like to bring suit against 3M, we encourage you to call our office today. You’ll likely never need to testify in court, but it’s important you work with a skilled attorney to ensure your paperwork is properly filed, so you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to. Personally, I find this case to be deeply troubling and infuriating. That a corporation would knowingly harm America’s most selfless and brave citizens is reprehensible. We are here to help fight against this injustice. If companies like 3M aren’t held accountable for actions like these, they will continue to perpetrate
to filter out high-decibel sound while allowing less dangerous sound to pass through. The promise was that soldiers would hear their fellow servicemembers without risking hearing loss from loud noises like gunfire or explosions. But the reality was far from that promise. Combat Arms earplugs did not do what they were supposed to; in some cases, they actually increased the risk of hearing loss, tinnitus, and other noise-related conditions.
them with impunity. That’s a dangerous situation for every American.
–Jim Snell
Even worse, 3M knew they didn’t work as advertised. They callously crunched the numbers and decided profits were more
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Enjoying the Journey
Roadside Attractions Worth Visiting
The United States can be a weird place, and some landmarks definitely reflect that sentiment. Along almost every highway, bizarre landmarks draw road trippers of all ages. Sometimes tourist traps aren’t worth the price of admission, but when you’re taking your summer road trip this year and your family needs a place to stop and stretch, these are three roadside attractions worth checking out.
THE LOST SEA; SWEETWATER, TENNESSEE The Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in the U.S. Lying 140 feet beneath the surface, it’s a fun escape from the summer heat, since it’s 58 degrees year-round. Kids and adults alike can learn about the history and geology of the area on a guided tour through forest above and lake below. And afterward, you can stop by the general store, ice cream parlor, or cafe. THE MYSTERY SPOT; SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA Advertising itself as a “gravitational anomaly,” this wacky spot in the middle of the redwood forest showcases a series of optical illusions
such as balls rolling uphill and a cabin where visitors can lean toward the ground and appear to defy gravity. It might not be aliens, like some believe, but visitors of all ages will get a kick out of the illusions messing with their perception. Plus, the nearby hiking trails through the redwoods offer a free added experience. DINOSAUR LAND; WHITE POST, VIRGINIA It might not be Jurassic Park, but it’s still worth a look. Nestled in the greenery of Northern Virginia, this park has over 50 life-size statues of dinosaurs of all kinds. Tours are self-guided, parking is free, and children (or adults) with dinosaur obsessions are sure to smile and point out their favorites. It’s certainly something to “rawr” home about. Whether these spots are your destinations or you’re just passing through on your summer road trip, visiting these roadside attractions and others like them will add some fun to your travels.
We believe that we should always be improving as a firm to better serve our clients.This attitude of perpetual education comes largely from Jim Snell, who believes no attorney can ever attain a level of mastery that allows them to rest on their laurels.As such, Jim never tires of seeking ways to get a little better at his work. Recently, he traveled to Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government for a weeklong program called “Mastering Negotiation.” Jim shared the classroom with 68 students from all over the globe, many of whom, as he likes to put it,“have their own Wikipedia page.” Being among such august company inspired Jim to throw all his attention into his studies. The teachers were no slouch, either. Among the instructors was former Ecuadorian President Jamil Mahuad. He gave a firsthand account of negotiating a historic peace agreement with Peru in 1998, which resolved centuries of strife between the two countries.
every type of case, whether we’re talking personal injury or criminal defense,” he says,“a negotiated solution is preferable. Of course, you have to be willing to litigate if necessary. And even then, being a skilled negotiator helps your clients in a major way. Appealing to a judge or jury, after all, is a type of negotiation.” Being a great attorney begins with a rock- solid understanding of the law, but it’s far from the only talent required to provide the best possible outcome for clients. Jim is willing and excited about improving secondary skills, which speaks to his determination for self-improvement.There is no requirement for attorneys to travel to the world’s most prestigious university to learn how to broker agreements in their favor. Jim views this as a privilege, one that can only help his firm and his clients going forward. Jim’s attitude of continuous education is contagious. It inspires everyone at the firm to constantly search out avenues to do their job with a little more skill and compassion. The reason for this approach is simple: Our clients deserve it.
Jim Snell Goes to Harvard To Learn the Brass Tacks of Negotiation
Sharpening his negotiation tactics will benefit all aspects of Jim’s practice.“In
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Celebrate Nature Photography Day
Tips for Capturing the Best Outdoor Photo!
Nature Photography Day is June 15, and it continues to garner enthusiasm with each passing year. It’s been designated by the North America Nature Photography Association as a day to promote the enjoyment of outdoor photography and to explain how nature photography can advance conservation efforts locally and worldwide. Almost everyone has access to a sufficient camera with smartphones, but not everyone knows how to best capture a beautiful nature scene. Here are some tips to help! FIND THE ANGLES Landscape photography isn’t about appealing to someone else’s sense of style; it’s about shooting what makes you happy. Take some time to study the work of other nature photographers you enjoy. What angles do they use? What colors do they coordinate within the frame? How close do they get to their subject? Try something different. Go against the grain, use a different angle, shoot a close-up where others would shoot wide angle. Find a good starting place and experiment a little. HARNESS THE LIGHT Nature photos often look great in the morning or evening light, but the type of lighting you use is often dictated by the scene you are trying to capture. It’s generally accepted that side-lighting, where the sun is coming from either side of the camera, is the most desirable for landscapes because the contrasts between light and shadow can add depth to your photos. However,
front- and back-lighting —where you shoot away from or into the sun — can also produce nice photos. Similar to angles, try experimenting until you find something that looks good to you. CROP FOR TEXTURE Sometimes the difference between an amazing shot and a mediocre one is distance. When photographing nature, try zooming in or moving geographically closer and cropping close on your subject. This could be tree bark, a leaf, the forest floor, or a lizard’s skin. The fine details of your subject can often create stunning images. In your quest to snap the most Instagram-worthy shots, the most important thing to remember is to respect the animals and the environment. Be sure to bring bags with you to take any garbage or other waste with you, and stay on designated trails while exploring. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be taking incredible nature photos in no time.
Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts
Celebrities have to do jury duty just like the rest of us. Which famous talk show host was a juror for a murder case in 2004?
trivia
INGREDIENTS
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3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.)
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1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated
Send your answers to Caitlyn (caitlyn@snelllaw.com).
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3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1. The first correct answer wins a $15 gift card to Starbucks.
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2. All other submissions are entered in a drawing to win a second $15 gift card to Starbucks. 3. The funniest wrong answer will be chosen by Caitlyn and will also win a $15 gift card to Starbucks.
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
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Mint leaves, for garnish
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Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish
All entries must be sent to Caitlyn by Wednesday, June 19, and the winners will be announced in our next edition.
DIRECTIONS
1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.
Last month’s winner: Susan Kyzer
Inspired by Food &Wine magazine
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The Law Office of James R. Snell Jr., LLC 123 Harmon Street Lexington, SC 29072
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Inside this Issue The 3M Combat Earplugs Case PAGE 1
Roadside Attractions With Fun for All Ages AWeek in the Halls of Harvard PAGE 2 Tips for Capturing the Best Outdoor Photo! Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts PAGE 3
What It’s Like to Be Young, Rich, and Living in Dubai PAGE 4
Aspirational content detailing the lives of the wealthy is a staple across all types of entertainment. From “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” to “Downton Abbey,” media can give a glimpse into a world we’ll never get to inhabit ourselves. Unsurprisingly, YouTube is no different with dozens, if not hundreds, of channels providing an intimate look into the lives of the uber-rich. One such channel, Mo Vlogs, features an ever-growing account of the Middle East’s youngest millionaires and billionaires. It’s, um, quite a trip. A few characteristics separate Mo Vlogs from garden-variety,“I’m richer than you” YouTube accounts. Mo lives in Dubai, which means his posts offer a chance to observe an emerging culture from an insider’s perspective. Dubai, like many oil-rich cities, is swarming with new money. As a result, people don’t feel as sheepish around brand obsession and gilded opulence. The heights to which Mo and his friends flaunt their wealth borders on the ridiculous. It’s likely
that nobody in the United States would be caught buying a Rolls-Royce in $1 bills, but Mo is more than happy to. Another of Mo’s unique qualities is how disarmingly charming he is. His is not a channel of pure, unbridled arrogance. Instead, he encourages viewers to share in his joy. He never curses, loves his family, and keeps the tone of his content light- hearted. After all, it’s hard to be stone-faced when you have a life like his. One of the most fascinating things about platforms like YouTube is how they make our world smaller. Mo Vlogs is neither a government-sanctioned nor Americanized view of Dubai’s young and loaded. Instead, it’s one man’s fairly straightforward posts about his daily life. Sure, Mo’s life is preposterous by our standards, but it’s a life all the same. Given that SocialBlade lists Mo Vlogs in the top 1,000 blogs on YouTube with the most subscriptions, it’s safe to say many people are interested in his world.
YouTube Channel of the Month Mo Vlogs
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