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OVERRULED
Louisiana Estate and Injury Attorneys
New Orleans • Covington
March 2024
(504) 384-7978
www.ScottVicknair.com
How a 30-Day Digital Declutter Can Transform Your Life The Digital Minimalism Movement
access. It will create a mental barrier, making you think twice before mindlessly diving into the digital abyss. 4. Plan Replacement Activities Plan activities for the time you usually spend using technology. What will you do instead of scrolling through Instagram or binge-watching Netflix? The book recommends replacing the time with high-quality leisure time. Try reading, painting, learning something new, or creating something. Another suggestion is to seek activities that require real-world social interaction. Spending quality time with friends or family playing games or watching sports takes the pressure off social interactions but still allows for meaningful connections. The Benefits of Digital Declutter Being constantly connected to our phones creates “solitude deprivation.” Because we are so attached to our phones, we are never alone with our thoughts, which is contributing to the rise of anxiety and depression in our society. To combat this, try these three strategies: 1. Plan time away from your device. 2. Take a walk and leave your phone and headphones behind. 3. Allow yourself to be present in the moment. These moments of solitude provide your mind with the space for self-reflection, problem-solving, and enjoying the world around you. I can personally attest to the transformative power of these walks. Most of my best ideas and solutions have come to me when I’m away from my phone. The book, “Digital Minimalism,” has changed my life. I highly recommend you give it a try. Doing so will reclaim your time, attention, and a better life. REFERRALS WELCOME! We sincerely thank everyone who has sent us a referral this past month. We appreciate being your personal trusted legal advisor; even if we cannot handle your case, call us and we will work on finding someone who can assist you. CALL NOW – OPEN 24/7 (504) 285-7675
It’s no secret that technology holds a significant sway over our lives. Recent data shows people spend an average of two hours and 24 minutes on social media daily. That means we spend almost 25% of our free time on social media. I discovered a book by Cal Newport that sheds light on how our tech devices and social media apps are designed to hijack our attention and create behavioral addictions. He introduces the concept of “digital minimalism.” It’s a philosophy of technology use where you intentionally focus your usage time on a small number of optimized and carefully selected activities that support the things you value
most. Digital minimalism isn’t about rejecting technology; it’s about regaining control over how and when you engage with it. How to Digitally Declutter Newport suggests starting with a “digital declutter.” It involves taking a break from all non-essential digital activities for 30 days. By temporarily disconnecting from optional technology, you’ll gain a fresh outlook on integrating them back into your life with intention and purpose. He breaks the process down into steps: 1. Organize and Audit Your Use
Create a designated folder in your phone, perhaps named “digital detox,” and move all the optional apps into that folder. The apps include social media, games, podcasts, and even news apps that consume your time. 2. Check Your Usage Statistics To become aware of how much you interact with technology, check the usage statistics on your phone to see how much time you spend on these apps. This eye-opening exercise can help you gauge how
much digital distraction has infiltrated your life. 3. Intentional Use and Strategic Placement
In the future, you should be intentional about using any apps in the “digital detox” folder. A helpful hack is to move this folder as far away from your home screen as possible, making it more challenging to
www.ScottVicknair.com | 1 -Brad Scott
Bigfoot Is an Endangered Species!? A Washington County’s Unique Hunting Ban
Brad and David recently hosted Phil and Renee Piediscalzo, owners of Orleans Shoe Co., as they shared the process of building their independent shoe business. Phil and Renee discussed challenges faced and lessons learned, as well as provided invaluable insight for entrepreneurs and business owners such as the importance of adapting to local markets, fostering meaningful relationships with their customers, and actively supporting their local community. For those with an affinity for Louisiana’s history, culture, and folklore, Brad and David introduce the founder of “Louisiana Dread,” Kyle Crosby. Kyle and his team are dedicated to producing online content that aims to shed light on forgotten or misunderstood aspects of the state’s history as well as share spine-chilling local horror stories. Prepare to be captivated as “Overruled” delves into a range of fascinating topics, from what makes a great gumbo to the story of the never-identified New Orleans serial killer known as “The Axe Man.” This conversation is an enlightening experience for both locals and non-locals alike. Check Out Our Newest Podcasts!
Most people don’t consider the legality of Bigfoot hunting, but in Washington state, it’s part of the law. In Skamania County, it’s illegal to kill the mythological ape. Should someone murder the creature, they’d face a stiff penalty. Bigfoot — sometimes called Sasquatch — is an elusive ape-like cryptid said to roam the forests of North America. It allegedly has reddish-brown fur, a gorilla-like body, and its namesake big feet. Some claim Bigfoot is the “missing link” between walking apes and our ancestors, who walked on all fours. Most scientists dispute the claim, saying that any ancestor this old likely would’ve adapted or gone extinct. Bigfoot was first spotted in California in 1958, and most sightings since occur in Washington state. Per every 100,000 people, 9.12 sightings are in the Evergreen State. That’s a third more often than its neighbor Oregon, the runner-up at 6.06. If there were a Bigfoot capital of the world, it’d be in Washington. On April 1, 1969, the Skamania County legislature enacted Ordinance 1969-01, the first law prohibiting the killing of Bigfoot. Anyone convicted of murdering the cryptid would be classified as a felon and imprisoned for five years. While modified decades later, it set an important precedent: Bigfoot is a protected species. Tourism picked up shortly after that. Bigfoot mania officially hit the U.S. in the 1970s as directors released films like “Sasquatch, the Legend of Bigfoot.” New Bigfoot enthusiasts started to visit Washington in droves, hoping to be the first to find proof of its existence. While locals appreciated the influx of cash from tourism, they didn’t appreciate the influx of guns from Bigfoot hunters. County legislatures enacted a new ordinance in 1984. It further clarified the regulations on Bigfoot and designated the ape as an endangered species. As such, hunting Bigfoot with the intent to kill is illegal. However, the ordinance softened the penalty for hunting Bigfoot, lowering the penalty for poachers to a year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Every law has some logic; no matter how frivolous it may seem, there’s a reason why lawmakers went through the trouble. While this law may seem unnecessary, it protects “Bigfoot” and the Skamania County citizens alike.
If you want to discuss an area of interest that you feel passionate about, contact Katie@svlaw.law. Drop us a line about who you are and what you want to chat about. If you are a good fit, we will work to get you scheduled as a guest on “OVERRULED”!
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Do you know the muffin man? We’d be surprised if you didn’t. This nursery rhyme is still passed down in kindergarten classrooms and children’s books in many languages. The origin of this and other popular nursery rhymes is nebulous. While “Ring Around the Rosie” was a time-keeping method for doctors during the Black Death, “The Muffin Man” is allegedly about the British serial killer Frederick Thomas Linwood. Linwood, or the Drury Lane Dicer, is said to have murdered up to 15 children in the late 1500s. Urban legend says he would employ “Looney Tunes” style tactics, tying a muffin to a string and pulling it along the street to lure his victims. Some especially morbid accounts say he also murdered seven rival bakers during his spree. Having that many victims would make him the first serial killer in history. Often, truth is stranger than fiction, but in this case, no actual facts support this creepy origin story. The book “The Singing Game” by Opie and Opie states that the first recorded mention of this nursery rhyme exists in a manuscript from 1820. It is originally a poem with music added later. One version of the song changed Drury Lane to Dusset Lane, home to the first confirmed serial killer, Mary Ann Cotton, but that’s where the similarities stop. This urban legend isn’t sweet enough for our taste, but don’t worry. You can keep singing about the muffin man without fear. DO YOU KNOW THE MUFFIN MAN? YES, FROM DRURY LANE The (Supposed) Dark History of This Popular Nursery Rhyme
PARDON OUR DUST! We always #fightforthewin, and that includes making sure our hardworking attorneys and staff have everything they need to provide our clients with the exceptional client customer service we are known for! Our firm has steadily expanded over the last few years to meet the needs of our clients, and now our New Orleans office is expanding to meet the needs of our team. No worries, we are staying in the same building at 909 Poydras St., but we are moving into a larger office space. Currently under renovation, moving day is expected to be March 1, 2024, and we couldn’t be more excited!
When asked what he is most excited about with this move, firm partner David Vicknair stated, “I am excited for the expanded space and how it is going to better serve our clients and, specifically, how our space planners made sure to develop the layout so it is conducive to productive work and allowing our teams to be more efficient and have their own productive work areas.” After the move, drop on by, say “Hi!” and check out the new office space!
SESAME GARLIC RAMEN
Inspired by TheSaltyMarshmallow.com
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tsp Sriracha • Chopped green onions, for garnish
• 2 6-oz packages of ramen noodles • 2 tsp of sesame oil • 2 cloves of garlic, minced • 1/4 cup soy sauce
Directions 1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Toss the seasoning packet or save for another recipe. 2. Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. 3. Add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. 4. Remove pan from heat, whisk in soy sauce, brown sugar, and Sriracha until well combined. Feel free to add more heat or sweetness to taste. 5. Drain noodles and combine with sauce, tossing gently. 6. If desired, add your choice of cooked meat or tofu and mix thoroughly. 7. Garnish with green onions.
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Louisiana Estate and Injury Attorneys
(504) 384-7978 www.ScottVicknair.com 909 Poydras St., Suite 2025 New Orleans, LA 70112 Inside This Issue
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Benefits of Digital Minimalism
Why Bigfoot Is a Protected Species in Washington Check Out Our Newest Podcasts!
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Sesame Garlic Ramen The Alleged Dark History of the Muffin Man
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Red Bull Pays Over $6 Million in Court
RED BULL DOESN’T GIVE YOU WINGS Marketing Campaign Disproved in Court
before you go writing a letter to Red Bull for your voucher, know that customers are no longer eligible for this compensation. In Red Bull’s words, they settled to “avoid the cost and distraction of litigation,” noting that their ad campaigns and can labels “have always been truthful and accurate.” Red Bull denied any wrongdoing. What Red Bull did was tread the line between false advertising and “puffery,” the legal term for extravagant claims about a product. The law allows for some lofty claims — such as “World’s Best Coffee” — so long as they are opinions. “Red Bull gives you wings” sounds like a factual statement, so it doesn’t fall under puffery. The energy drink company has continued using the slogan in its marketing in event sponsorship and TV ads. So, while Red Bull may not actually give you wings, it did pay out a lot of money in a court settlement over the claim.
For decades, Red Bull has run the marketing campaign that its energy drink gives people wings. Most assume it’s a joke, an exaggeration of the beverage’s stimulating effects. The courts disagreed. A group of Red Bull drinkers in 2014 filed a class action lawsuit against the Austrian company, accusing them of false advertising. Despite the company’s claims, they alleged that the drink does not give you wings. To be more specific, the suit alleged that the ad campaign uses flying imagery to convey that the beverage is better than other caffeinated drinks. While the brand’s messaging claims it improves response times and concentration, the suit alleges the beverage isn’t much more effective than a cup of coffee. Red Bull settled for over $6 million. They also agreed to compensate customers who were disappointed about the drink’s wingless results. Such claimants could receive $10 or a voucher for $15 of Red Bull products. But
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