Humid Beings

Nagin and the Times-Pic

This blog has often referred to Ray Nagin as Mayor Curly, because he's always been more of a clown and stooge than a leader.Now he's got a book that continues to prove that point.However, the Times-Picayune is helping itself or the cause of justice and reform by piling on at…

What it feels like . . .

So Esquire magazine (one of my faves) has a regular feature called "What it feels like." I enjoy it.Here's one Orleanian's partial perspective on what it feels like to live in this amazing city at an amazing time:After complaining (along with other, better bloggers) so long that America, or at…

The People Who Know What They're Talking About Know We Are Not OK

Here's Loyola New Orleans Professor David White, after a recent flyover of the wetlands:“Flying over the coast and the Mississippi Delta, it is a terrifying and powerful image because of what is no longer there and it proves to me that the city is more vulnerable to another significant storm…

As Things Stand, NOBS Could Well Be Right

In the many months since my blogging activity trailed off, I've become a devotee of the New Orleans Bingo! Show. In my more enthralled moments, I don't think of them as the best artists working in New Orleans; I think of them as the ONLY artists working in New Orleans.…

Okay, NEXT?

So the Saints lost today. Congrats, Seahawks.Should we tear down the levees? Should we reinstall Nagin as mayor? Should we resuscitate Harry Lee as Sheriff of the Chalmetairie Parish?No.We should continue to work. We should finish strong.This was a setback.As if 80 percent of our city flooded wasn't enough.This was…

New Year / Trading Places

This post has been a long time coming, and I'll confess I'm rusty. The Muse has been visiting during these many months, but somehow I've known it was time to be quiet for awhile.Perhaps that's ending.Anyway, to start the new year, I'm posting the menu I'll be handing out at…

Danny Barker Instructs Us About the Saints

Dave Dixon Passed Away Today; He Changed Our Lives for Better

Link.This is a sad day for New Orleans. He was a visionary and passionate advocate for our city and the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.Everything the Saints have ever done, every event that ever took place in the Superdome, every smile and tear that we Saints fan have shared--all those…

Ground Zero NYC / Ground Zero NOLA

I'm intrigued by the debate over whether an Islamic Center and mosque should be built near the 9/11 Ground Zero in New York. (I'm intrigued only by the reasonable voices of goodwill in the debate. This excludes you, Fox News.)To try an analogy that New Orleanians might get, how's this?…

As Greg Peters says, the guy's got a point . . .

Weak posting lately, but I hope to improve. Don't we all?Check this out. Louisianans should listen and reflect.

Light During Dark Times

Steps Will Be Taken

Tomorrow, in the Louisiana Superdome, steps will be taken.Over the past two years, when steps were taken both years, the Saints have compiled a 13-4 home record, with a Super Bowl win.Steps will be taken.

A Version of Ashley Morris Lives on in "Treme"

Link.Good to see Ray and Mark quoted in here.

The Sanctity of Dome Family and Neighborhood, by Chef Who Dat

Beautifully done, Chef Who Dat.

Reasons for Hope in NOLA: Money to be Spent, Things That Have Been Done

I went to a public event Friday that featured Greg Rigamer (a demographer), Patrick Quinlan (Ochsner CEO), and Paul Pastorek (state superintendent of education). Here are some reasons for hope that I gathered from their respective presentations on recovery in New Orleans, healthcare in New Orleans, and education in New…

Troubling Fallout for Saints from Their "Final Solution" for 1,200 Fans

We've already discussed a solution for how the New Orleans Saints can have a new press box, new suites, AND Chef Who Dat and his 1,200 friends in the house. I am in the process of presenting that plan to top Saints brass.In the mean time, the Saints should pay…

The Death of Cafe 641 and the Fate of 1,500 Season Ticket Holders

In New Orleans, especially the new and resurrected New Orleans, we understand the necessity for change, even change that involves sacrifice--maybe especially change that involves sacrifice.We need to remind the executives of the New Orleans Saints about just how creative New Orleanians are.Right now, according to this (and confirmed by…

Why New Orleans is the Perfect Place to Run

1. It's beautiful.2. It's temperate.3. It's visually complex.4. It's flat.5. When you run up Camp Street toward downtown the day after the Irish Channel Parade, you find this (and you leave behind lots more on the street):

Katrina as Matchmaker

Odd. From today's New York Times wedding announcements:Ms. Gomez and Mr. Crosby met in October 2005 through a mutual friend who had gone to the University of Florida for a semester when Loyola University in New Orleans had temporarily closed after Hurricane Katrina. The friend had a get-together shortly after…

Section 635 Discusses Free Agency and Draft Matters with Saints Brass