Come On ... Not Again!

I don't even know how to start this post...so maybe I'll ramble for a while. First, I set this blog up to write about positive things in New Orleans, to let everyone know some of the quirky oddities that they might enjoy, as I have. Second, I used to not discuss, or try not to discuss politics - first because I felt I wasn't knowledgeable enough to hold my own, and second, because these discussions almost always led to an argument, even if the parties involved agreed with eachother (there would always be some small point of contention). Anyway, here goes...

This site has an article that gives the gist behind my concerns, (if you ignore the racial rhetoric that follows it): The Bayou Buzz

I read a Times Picayune article reporting that approximately two dozen ministers were backing Senator Jefferson for re-election. I am shocked! Or, maybe not. I just hope that we (and, trust me, I'm speaking in generality, when I use the word "we" herein) are educated enough about the polilitical and life issues, unbiased enough about racial issues, and strong enough to not be mere followers in this election. We need to think hard about those who we feel have our best interests at heart.

Senator Jefferson, who is in a runoff against newcomer Helena Moreno, is accused of corruption (bribery, racketeering, fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice). At first, I couldn't even believe that we voted him back into office, right after all of this mess started, after federal investigators claim they found $90K in his freezer. Then, in October 2008, enough of us voted for him that he could be in the runoff?!!! After the Katrina fiasco, and all of the other political corruption issues that we've gone through --- and this is not to say that this wasn't going on long before Katrina --- we're still willing to have politics as usual? Hasn't three years of still rebuilding, because of political shenanigans and red tape, or the lack of political clout, taught us anything? I don't even need to see newscasts, or read any articles, to know that we are the laughingstock of the U.S. --- I'm embarrassed enough without those reminders thrown in my face. When are we going to say enough is enough? When are we going to start thinking for ourselves, people?

We talk about keeping church and state separate. Well, this isn't it. I wish I could get some of these ministers' personal, or maybe "congregational" takes on the "whys" of these endorsements. Only two ministers were mentioned in the articles that I read, so I don't know who make up the "two dozen". I guess their congregations know who they are. And, I guess the ministers' two dozen, or more, congregations can ask them for their reasons, on can they? Who's brave enough? And BTW, what's going to become of these ministers' endorsements in regards to tax implications/consequences? Hmmmm?

And yes, I know about "innocent until proven guilty". I'm all for that, but even taking that into consideration, how much time and effort will it take for someone to fight for our issues, along with their own huge issues? You know, maybe that's why some of the ministers, or at least one, anyway, can relate to Jefferson, since at least one minister is dividing his time between two states. And, we've accepted that. Let Jefferson concentrate on his legal battle. Let us get someone new in, with new ideas, new energy. Let's get someone in who can bring a clean slate to some of the committees on which we desperately need representation. Because, even the most seasoned veteran has to have lost some credibility, if he's been stripped of his "powerful" committee post.

We're constantly hearing campaign slogans about "change", from the most highly publicized presidential election, to the most local neighborhood representative ones. Change takes faith, something I'm always hearing about in religious conversations. I say we step out here and now, on faith, and ask for change. Let's be brave, people, and try something/someone new.

A Relieved Push From Gustav

Going home tomorrow, Thursday 09/04/08. Some gutter damage to house; privacy fence did not fare well. Called insurance company to start a claim. Called contractor, whose work I really like, to let him know I will need his help. Trying to be proactive in this reactive situation. I may not even have power, but luckily I will be able to stay with my friends until my power is restored.

Some changes to be made. All of those items that I've purchased , such as the gifts for my "grandsons", Anthony and Phillip, and the suitcase I've been "meaning" to get back to a friend, will be distributed. Freezer and pantry contents will be pared down; how many cans of peas does a body need?!!! Recently purchased artwork will be hung --- I want to enjoy my possessions. Will move past this temporary lifestyle. See ya, Gustav!

Happy Birthday From Gustav

Sept. 2; still in Montgomery, AL. And, oh yeah, it's my birthday. At least I can say I "got out of town for my birthday". Thanks, Hurricane Gustav!!!

Did get to visit a local museum; then got lost, for a while, in a maze of unmarked Macon Country roads. Right now, I'm finishing up the celebration in a motel room, eating fudge I bought in a Bass Pro shop --- and I don't even like fudge!

"Happy Birthday to Me"

Waiting for Gustav

In Montgomery tonight. Left New Orleans at 4am this morning; my friends and I stayed off the main highway (I-1o), meandering down Hwy. 90, and 31 then I-65, to Montgomery. Traffic wasn't bad. Got here late afternoon. Son Chris was last one to reach his intended destination of Arlington TX, as he had to get released by his employer. So everyone settled in for the night...waiting.

Hurricane Gustav has been moving faster than I anticipated, but just a few minutes ago dropped from forward movement of 17mph to 16mph. Hope it continues to move quickly, though, as we don't want it to intensify in strength.

Going to bed. Hope everyone is safe tonight.

The Times Picayune - A Wealth of Knowledge - Who Knew?!

Oh, my goodness, how did I ever miss Dan Gill's gardening article in the Saturday "Times Picayune"?! I normally skim the headlines, take out the Living section, check out the grocery ads, and scan the "Lagniappe" magazine for upcoming events. I just happened to pick up the real estate section of the Saturday paper, "Inside Out", and saw the article. Hmmmm, just what I was looking for - something on planting fall vegetables. Time to start another project - greens, beans, and squash!

The Times Picayune can also be found at: www.timespicayune.com.

I'm Not Alone in Liking Bugsy Malone!

On Saturday, 07/26/08, I was delighted by the production of "Bugsy Malone, Jr.", performed by kids, ranging from 8 to 16 yrs. old, in the NORD/Crescent City Lights Youth Theater. I thought I was going to see something close to an elementary school play, put together just before the end of a school year, with flubbed lines, froggy voices, and the inevitable stagefright and forgotten lines. The acting was very good, as was the singing. The group numbers were bouncy, and reminded me of big Broadway productions. And, the greatest thing was that I could understand the words! No garbled lines, no trailing off at the end of sentences, and no pockets where kids were just mouthing the words! These kids seemed to be having the best time up there on stage!

The same could be said for the kids in the audience; they were mesmerized! No fidgeting. No whining. My 3-yr. old grandson sat in the front row, with his eyes moving from character to character, mouth open in awe.

My sister and I were invited to the performance by her friend, the mother of two of the actors. We plan to go again, so that others in our family will get the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful play If you can, please catch one of the performances (see link above). You're in for a treat!

WWOZ Radio

I'm taking a break from organizing the myriad of bottles and jars in my cooking sauce collection. My son's girlfriend is threathening to do a fridge intervention, so I decided that this is my project for today. Anyway, I'm breaking - you see, you can do that when you're retired - because a friend of mine just called and told me to put my radio on WWOZ (a New Orleans jazz and heritage station). The "Tuesday New Orleans Music Show", with Tom Morgan, is broadcasting. Ross O'Keefe is sitting in for Tom. I just heard a set of "Summertime" (Presevation Hall Jazz Band), "Fever" and "I'm Gonna Put Some Hurt on You" (Alvin Robinson), and "Where Ya At" (Dr. John). IMHO, there is nothing like New Orleans music! For that matter, there's nothing like our music, food, history, people ... "sigh"...I could go on and on. As a matter of fact, I think I will ... in a future blog.

In the next set, I heard a great tune that reminded me of swinging out, but I didn't catch the title of the song. So, I just called the station, talked to Ross, and asked him for the name of the song. He told me it was "Wear Your Black Dress" (Willie Egan). Well, it wasn't that song, but that also was a great swingout song. I thought that was nice of Ross to take the time to give me the info, so I decided to look him up, and found an interview. I decided to do a test to find out if he would say how great the city is, so I listened to his interview, and he did! I also liked the way he described WWOZ as "...the musical heartbeat of the Crescent City" How poetic is that! Most people try to describe the food or the music or the people. Ross' statement sums it up nicely, "Whenever you leave the city, you start to miss what makes it special". So true!

You can hear Ross' entire interview at:
http://videos.nola.com/nola/2008/04/wwoz_show_host_interview_ross.html