Check out our August newsletter!
OVERRULED
New Orleans Covington Injury & Estate Lawyers
August 2024
(504) 384-7978
www.ScottVicknair.com
Backpacks and Beyond GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
The community has been kind and supportive of us, so we thought it would only be fair if we gave something back. Our firm is involved with a number of charitable causes and organizations, like Hogs for the Cause, the Children’s Miracle Network, and our own initiative, which I have the honor of announcing to you now! This fall, we will be starting Project Backpack, our campaign to donate backpacks to families in need. In total, we will be giving out around 800 backpacks worth $8,000–$10,000, and each of them will be full of school supplies, like pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, crayons, scissors, and water bottles. We will be giving away over 300 backpacks to students of the newly opened Leah Chase school, which educates kids ranging from pre-K through 8th grade. We will also be handing out 500 backpacks on a first-come, first-served basis at a separate event on Aug. 10. This is something we are hoping to do every year and would appreciate your help in making this dream a reality! We would like to give special attention to some of the other nonprofits we are involved with and encourage you to donate to their worthy causes if you can. Hogs for the Cause We are especially fond of our friends at Hogs for the Cause, one of the biggest fundraisers here in New Orleans, which has raised millions of dollars and benefited thousands of families affected by pediatric brain cancer. Their organization has successfully raised enough money to build what they call “Hog Houses,” which are multimillion-dollar homes that provide housing to children receiving treatment at pediatric hospitals. To date, they have raised over $6,000,000 in Louisiana alone and millions from other states across the country, including Texas and California. Hogs for the Cause encourages members of our community to host fundraisers, sell food, put on events, and donate any proceeds to help aid their noble cause. I struggle to think of any mission nobler than helping families affected by pediatric brain cancer and am proud to be among their many supporters here in Louisiana. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals We have also been raising money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which works on behalf of a number of children’s hospitals across the country. Founded over 40 years ago, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised over $9 billion for hundreds of hospitals, helping to fund life-saving treatment, health care services,
and research to help save and better the lives of children. Their hospitals serve over 12 million children annually, including those suffering from life-threatening and debilitating diseases. They host a number of fundraising events, from the Miracle Network Dance Marathons, which raise money at more than 400 college campuses, high schools, and elementary schools across the country, to the Extra Life program, which fundraises money through local businesses, gamers, and live streamers to help brighten the lives of children nationwide. We are proud to support a number of selfless organizations that are giving back to our community and hope to broaden our outreach in the future.
– David Vicknair
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HIDDEN MEANING Exploring the Origins of Secret Languages
Brad and David recently enjoyed an insightful chat with Mike Alder, a Louisiana-born, California-based trial lawyer who has found success through mentorship, giving, and humility. Mike discusses lessons learned from trial verdicts, including how embracing failure as an event, not an identity, can be the key to success, along with a strong belief in the power of mentorship and consistency. These lessons have also spread from his professional life to his personal as he and his wife have recently undertaken the development of a beautiful ranch in the heart of Louisiana to use as an event space. “OVERRULED” next takes a deep dive into the controversy surrounding the FTC’s recent decision to ban noncompete agreements. With over 30 million employees affected, the implications are vast for both CHECK OUT THE LATEST ON ‘OVERRULED’!
Secret languages, born from a mixture of pragmatism, seclusion, and boredom, are spoken and understood only by a select few. From Pig Latin uttered in schoolyards to whispers of Lunfardo in the prisons of Argentina, the secretive languages of the world have origins that may delight and surprise you. Boontling In Northern California, a small community speaks a unique amalgamation of an Appalachian dialect, Spanish, and the language of the Pomo tribe called Boontling. It originated in the late 19th or early 20th century in Boonville. There, you can find locals referring to doctors as shoveltooths and roaring flames as jeffers . It supposedly originated among the women and children who toiled in the local hop fields and quickly spread throughout the community. Somehow, despite existing only in a small farm town, it has an expansive 1,600-word vocabulary and around 100 fluent speakers! Pig Latin Ancay ouyay understandyay isthay entencesay? You may decipher that question if you remember Pig Latin from elementary school. Despite disagreements about its linguistic credibility, Pig Latin has existed since Shakespeare’s time (around 400 years ago). Ironically, it is completely unrelated to Latin, and the origin of its name is a mystery. Famous speakers of Pig Latin include founding father Thomas Jefferson, who reportedly wrote letters using the light-hearted language. Lunfardo This language is so secretive that it’s practically criminal . Lunfardo began in the prisons of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where inmates masked their words from the nosy guards. The language has components from Portuguese, Galician, French, and German. For example, if an inmate wanted to compliment a pretty woman, they would call them a papirusa , which means “beautiful woman.” These days, Lunfardo exists mainly in the lyrics of Argentine tango music.
employers and workers. Join Brad and David for an in-depth discussion on the legal, business, and philosophical perspectives of noncompetes, including the potential constitutional challenges and what this means for the future of employment contracts.
Scan the QR code to learn how you can download our Ebook!
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PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS Harnessing the Power of a Growth Mindset
Scott Vicknair Law Firm Celebrates Excellence in Education Join us in honoring Kathryn Israel, a remarkable 5th-grade teacher at Our Lady of Prompt Succor School in Westwego, Louisiana, for her exceptional dedication to shaping young minds! Recognized through our “High Seas & ABCs” teacher appreciation initiative, Ms. Israel’s unwavering commitment to education has earned her a well-deserved weeklong cruise. This initiative, a heartfelt tribute to local educators, highlights those who go above and beyond to inspire our community in Southeast Louisiana. Nominations poured in, underscoring teachers like Ms. Israel’s profound impact on
While there are no treadmills for the mind or ellipticals for our neurons, science tells us that mental exercise can help us obtain a growth mindset. The American Psychological Association defines a growth mindset as “the belief that a person’s intelligence and abilities can grow and improve with practice.” A growth mindset is the antithesis of a “fixed mindset,” which people exhibit when they quickly give up if they can’t solve a problem. Nurturing a growth mindset, in contrast, can help you view failure or setbacks as opportunities for learning. More Than Effort Having a growth mindset is about more than just effort. It is the belief that you can develop your abilities and talents, as well as a perspective on how you approach life’s lessons and learning. That belief allows you to learn more quickly and achieve greater results, no matter what you aim to achieve. This does not mean simply having an open mind; it also means finding a way to continue striving to improve your knowledge, attitude, and performance. Some call it having “grit.” Cultivating Success With a growth mindset, success plays second fiddle to self-improvement. Celebrating the effort we put into each task motivates and encourages us to work harder and accomplish more in the future. Rather than focusing on the destination, the focus is on the journey. A growth mindset is a great way to become more positive, successful, and adaptable. By incorporating more facets of a growth mindset into your life, you will be well on your way to changing things for the better.
shaping futures. Managing Partner David Vicknair and his mother Martha (herself an educator for over 30 years!) were honored to present the cruise award to Ms. Israel,
and we applaud her outstanding
contributions to the field of education!
What Our Clients Are Saying “David Vicknair was terrific! He was compassionate and straightforward in our case discussions. The best thing about being David Vicknair’s client was he achieved the result we desired. That is what a client wants — results.” – Cynthia H.
Thank You for Your Referrals!
This month, we’d like to thank Schwartz Law Firm, Paige J., and Kim B. for believing we’re the right firm to help their friends and family. Your continued support gives us the ability to reach more individuals and make a positive difference in their lives. Call us, if we cannot handle your case, we will work on finding someone who can assist you. CALL NOW – OPEN 24/7 (504) 384-7978
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Injury & Estate Lawyers
(504) 384-7978 www.ScottVicknair.com 909 Poydras St., Suite 1225 New Orleans, LA 70112
Inside This Issue
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How We Support Our Community
Decoding the World’s Secret Languages Check Out the Latest Episode of ‘OVERRULED’
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Scott Vicknair Law Firm Celebrates Excellence in Education The Role of a Growth Mindset in Overcoming Challenges
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Bizarre Traffic Laws You Won’t Believe Exist! America’s Wackiest Traffic Laws
Steer Clear of These Oddities on Your Next Road Trip
Virginia, drunk passengers can also receive a DUI if they’re riding with an intoxicated driver! So, always call an Uber if you and your buddy have had a drink or two. Whether born from safety concerns or legislative sessions that got wildly out of hand, these rules add a dose of humor to road-tripping across the U.S. Remember these oddities as you navigate the highways and byways — they’re not just funny anecdotes but actual laws that could impact your journey!
but it adds an extra layer of consideration for your Sunday drive. You’d better pick a different color for a leisurely weekend cruise. Oklahoma’s Driving Distractions Put down the comic books if you’re driving through Oklahoma. It’s illegal to read them while driving, which sounds reasonable enough considering the focus required to operate a vehicle safely. Save Spider-Man and Superman for later, and keep your eyes on the road! Drunk Driving … by Association? Strangely enough, in Texas, any driver who is within arm’s reach of alcohol while driving is breaking the law, and this includes
As you buckle up and hit the road across the U.S., you might want to brush up on more than just your driving skills — some local traffic laws are as quirky as the attractions dotting the country. From the bizarre to the downright hilarious, cruise through four of the weirdest traffic laws that could have you scratching your head or chuckling all the way to your next stop. California’s Speedy Ghost Cars Head to California, where no vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 mph. Yes, even those futuristic self-driving cars have to obey the speed limits. It’s an interesting precaution against our potential AI driver’s need for speed and flipping into joyride mode. Denver’s Color Coordinated Sundays In Denver, Colorado, black cars are banned on Sundays. The origin of this law is murky,
a passenger’s bloodstream! So, Texas drivers must think twice before offering their tipsy buddies a ride home. As for
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