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Louisiana Trial Attorneys
New Orleans • Covington
www.ScottVicknair.com (504) 500-1111
April 2023
A Military Conflict Like No Other
There’s Much to Be Learned From WWII
On April 19, 1775, the Revolutionary War kicked off with the “shot heard round the world.” This event would go on to define our country as it helped us gain our independence from Great Britain and become the United States of America that we know today. Being so far removed from this war, it’s hard to imagine what it felt like for the countless individuals who fought for our freedom. Although we can’t talk with our ancestors who battled in the Revolutionary War, many of us had close relatives who fought in another significant conflict that reshaped both America and the world as a whole — that conflict was World War II. If you have a grandfather, father, or another relative who fought in World War II, you likely didn’t hear too many stories about it, and for good reason. The war saw between 50–85 million casualties, many of which were regular civilians who got caught in the most unfortunate situations. It was a battle between good and evil, and the outcome completely reshaped our relationships with Europe and Russia. While it might feel like it happened so long ago and that these events could never happen again, we’re not even 100 years removed from the deadliest conflict in human history. My grandfather got deployed during WWII and received a Silver Star for his actions. The details of his deployment have always fascinated me. Like most of the veterans of his generation, he was hesitant to talk much about his experiences and service. He enlisted at the young age of 17 and had no military training or anything. He was just a young kid from Schriever who felt absolutely terrified of flying. When he first deployed, he was so scared that the pilot invited him to sit in the military plane’s cockpit to calm his nerves. At one point during his service, he blew up a tank with a bazooka and saved the lives of many members of his platoon. He was so brave, and we are so thankful he survived the war, but I can’t even begin to imagine the atrocities he witnessed firsthand in battles and at concentration camps. Here in New Orleans, we can better understand the events that took place during WWII by visiting the National WWII Museum. They’ve expanded on it yearly, and it’s now a massive facility. It’s hard to walk through
the museum without having tears form in your eyes. Taking in everything at that museum helps remind us about the importance of standing up to evil, which has become even more important in regard to recent events. I had a high school teacher who would have us draw a picture of a cookie jar with Hitler’s hand reaching into it. There was appeasement after appeasement when it came to Hitler’s efforts. People thought he would stop if they let him take this country or that country. That’s not how it works when dealing with someone bent on conquest with ill-intentions. Once they get a little, they’ll keep taking until someone forces them to stop. This is something we’re seeing today with Putin and Russia. We’ve learned from previous conflicts and stepped in alongside NATO and other allies before the situation reached a boiling point leading to another global war. Some thought we should just let Putin have Ukraine, but I think he wouldn’t have stopped there. Moldova would have been next and then Poland, forcing us and other NATO countries to respond. Between museums, documentaries, and books, plenty of options are available if you want to learn more about WWII. Spanish philosopher George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This month, I am making a concerted effort to focus more on learning history and invite you to do the same. By learning from our ancestors and the prior generations, I like to think that, together, we can avoid previous mistakes in the future.
-David Vicknair
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outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening. Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies. When Pollen Strikes Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time
Cheese and Desist! McDonald’s Customers Sue for Being Forced to Pay for Cheese
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, things got a little crazy! Two McDonald’s customers sued the fast-food chain for $5 million, alleging they were unfairly charged when they ordered Quarter Pounders without cheese. According to the lawsuit, the fast-food restaurant chain historically had four menu options: a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Quarter Pounder, and a Double Quarter Pounder. The “with cheese” options were roughly between 30 cents and 90 cents more expensive than the “without cheese” burgers. At some point, McDonald’s discontinued the “without cheese” options.
not receive cheese on their burger but were charged the same price as a Quarter Pounder with cheese. Their lawsuit states that they, and other customers who do not want cheese on their burgers, are forced to pay for two slices of cheese anyway, and they sued for damages as a result of being overcharged and required to pay for American cheese when they did not want or receive it on their burger.
According to USA Today, a McDonald’s spokesperson advised that the company does its best to allow customers to customize their food orders. If someone doesn’t want cheese as it is listed on the menu, the fast-food chain will not include cheese, thus they didn’t think the lawsuit has any merit.
Only a Quarter Pounder with cheese and a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese were available at the time these two customers visited the restaurant. The ingredients listed on McDonald’s website for these items include a sesame seed bun, quarter- pound 100% beef patty, ketchup, onions, pasteurized processed American cheese, and pickle slices.
And because the McDonald’s customers failed to prove they were damaged by an overcharge, the case was dismissed!
These customers ordered Quarter Pounders but asked for no cheese on their burger, and they did
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What’s New According to InjuryFacts.org, the top three leading causes of work-related injuries are (1) exposure to harmful substances or environments; (2) overexertion and bodily reaction; and (3) slips, trips, and falls. The reason exposure to harmful substances is number one is directly associated with illness related to COVID-19 cases in 2020. The part concerning the environmental factors includes exposure to things like electricity, radiation, temperature, and other harmful substances. The top three account for over 75% of all nonfatal injuries involving days away from work. Previously, exposure to environmental and harmful substances ranked sixth. Prior to the whirlwind year that was 2020, contact with objects and equipment accounted for 16.7% of cases and ranked number three. At Scott|Vicknair, we are here to represent you in all manner of work-related and maritime injuries because we understand that a good lawyer on your side is paramount in getting you the financial assistance you need to only worry about your recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured at work, don’t be an April Fool — instead, give us a call at (504) 500-1111!
FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure. Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self- care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
ONE-PAN CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS WITH EGG NOODLES
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
Ingredients
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved • Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided • 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed
• 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved
• 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
Directions 1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
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(504) 500-1111 www.ScottVicknair.com 909 Poydras St., Suite 2025 New Orleans, LA 70112 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Exploring David’s Fascination With WWII
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Combating Spring Allergies Hold the Cheese, Please!
One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles Putting Together a Self-Care Routine
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Illinois’ Sip and Spit Law
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Sip … But You Must Spit Check Out This Strange Illinois Law!
By law, in the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years old. When an individual under 21 breaks the law and consumes alcohol, they are subject to arrest and hefty fines. However, there’s a loophole in Illinois. In 2012, the Illinois State Senate voted 48–6 in favor of passing a “sip and spit” law for Illinois culinary students over 18 but under the legal drinking age of 21. This strange law enabled these students to know their wine well without becoming intoxicated. The students can only sample the wines during their scheduled class times, and an adult that is 21 or older must supervise. Each sample of wine must be less than a shot’s worth in volume, and most importantly, they cannot swallow — they must just taste the wine, then spit it out. Culinary students nationwide rely on nonalcoholic wines to learn about the taste, color, and smell of wines and how to best pair them with their dishes, but
unfortunately, virgin wines taste nothing like actual wines! This leaves a gap in many culinary students’ education and may even force them to relearn the skill once they turn 21 and sample alcoholic wines. According to CBS News, Emily Williams Knight, the president of Kendall College, a private Illinois university that focuses on culinary arts, says “taste training” is an integral part of culinary education for young students, which includes learning
to pair dishes and meals with adult beverages. Understanding the different tastes and notes of various wines is essential to help these students succeed and prepare them for culinary arts and hospitality management careers. On Aug. 24, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 758 into law so Kendall College students over 18 but younger than 21 could better develop their wine-tasting skills to enhance their culinary abilities. However, the rule is clear: Sip … but you must spit!
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