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Friday, March 30, 2007
Blueprint La. prioritizing agenda Racines and Warmdaddy kick off the weekend  Two top-flight shows tonight kick off the weekend in Lafayette. First up is Racines at Downtown Alive! in Parc Sans Souci at 6 p.m. Accordion master Steve Riley's side project mixes Creole and zydeco songs into Riley's deep Cajun repertoire, with some serious instrumental interplay between Riley and fiddler Kevin Wimmer. After Racines, renowned jazz saxophonist and recent Independent cover subject Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson teams up with vocalist Stephanie Jordan for two shows (7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) at the Ballroom at 417 Jefferson St. Tickets are $15-$27 at the door for the Anderson/Jordan show, with an additional $10 food and liquor charge.
Flower festival blooms at Blackham Coliseum  We've got to get ourselves back to the garden. That's the mantra every Saturday morning for many residents of Lafayette who have turned their neighborhoods into the flowering paradise we're experiencing this spring. Where better to find native plants, medicinal herbs, showy blooms and expert advice than the Festival Des Fleurs de Louisiane, taking place Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 at Blackham Coliseum. In its 17th year now, the festival brings amateurs and master gardeners together for a celebration of everything green. All proceeds go toward funding of the Ira Nelson Horticulture Center on the UL campus. Call 482-5339 for more info.
2 Lawyers vie for District 40 seat
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Face time with Breaux Ellington and Tucker: Let the court decide "Furthermore, from published reports it is clear that John Breaux's citizenship will be challenged in court and litigation is imminent. As such, it would be improper for you to issue an opinion on these questions of fact in face of imminent litigation. We therefore again urge you not to accept the request to render an opinion on this issue." Shell nixes Gulf LNG terminal Shell's proposed LNG terminal came under fire shortly after it was permitted, when it was learned that the methods it would use to reheat subzero LNG posed a hazard to Gulf marine life and fisheries. Shell suffered harsh criticism from fishermen and environmental activists, who fought a losing effort in court attempting to challenge Shell's permit. Aaron Viles, of the Gulf Restoration Network, told the Houston Chronicle that their campaign ultimately proved successful. "Whether it was the lawsuit or whether it was the public relations effort, Shell wasn't able to move forward as quickly as they would have liked to, and I think they lost their edge in getting into the marketplace." Shell says it now plans to utilize other LNG terminals, either existing or in the works, to which they may buy capacity rights for importing LNG. Louisiana Stafford Act waiver tied up in Iraq showdown Read more on the bill from The Times-Picayune and The Advocate.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Louisiana jumps to 41 in personal income City Club's Bella Figura opens Thursday Crooked Crossroads  Crooked Still closes out this season of Louisiana Crossroads. The Boston-based quartet is comprised of members of The Wayfaring Strangers, Fiddlers 4 and Bruce Springsteen's Seeger Sessions touring band. The alternative bluegrass band features the banjo, cello and double bass - sans drums or electricity. The Boston Globe wrote of the group: "The quartet combine state-of-the-art musical chops with a deep understanding of American traditional music's raw melodic grace."Crooked Still takes the stage tonight at 7 p.m. at The Sliman Theater in New Iberia. (The show will also broadcast on KRVS 88.7 FM.) Then on Thursday night, there's a second show in Lafayette at Grant Street Dancehall at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information on the New Iberia show, call (337) 369-2337. For the Lafayette show, charge tickets by phone at (337) 233-7060 or order online. Play with fire at Pyromania  Feel your temperature rising? Saturday, March 31, and Sunday, April 1, mark the 12th annual explosion of the fiery arts festival, Pyromania. Fire is the great transformer--sand melts into sparkling glass, opaque paints blossom into shimmery translucent glazes on ceramic pots and dull iron bends to become ornate tracery. Local, national and international artists will be featured creating artwork and inviting the public to create their own objects d'art. The festival, sponsored by the Lafayette Art Association will be held on the grounds of Blackham Coliseum and is free to the public.
The Delusional Daily Advertiser The Independent analyzes the Advertiser editorial in this week's issue. Our conclusion: The editors and publisher of The Daily Advertiser are either stunningly naive — or transparently partisan. In both cases, with the most important governor's election in the history of Louisiana approaching, neither answer is comforting or acceptable. Read our complete editorial.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Giuliani winning over state Republicans Zeus goes fast-food Lake Peigneur mystery continues Casting call for James Lee Burke movie If you think you fit the bill, and you're in New Iberia, call (910) 262-6252 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to set up an appointment for Saturday, March 31. If you're in Lafayette, there's a casting call for Sunday, April 1 at Cite des Arts (109 Vine St.); for more information, call (337) 560-0921, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.bamcastingla.com. Bobby Jindal's Internet friends Visit Jindal's MySpace page.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Board to appoint Thibodaux's successor
Four more years of Saints in New Orleans Breaux will run, if he can Video bingo in the Berry Video bingo, with its flash and speed looks a lot like video poker. "They're gonna bring in the latest and greatest in video bingo machines," Flash said in the Daily Iberian. "They'll have a better feel to them, and there will be less concentration involved." Bon Temps Bingo's application is currently pending with the state Department of Revenue. Presidential debate in Louisiana? Full text of the letter is here. Here's one highlight: There is no doubt that the next President of the United States will bear a significant responsibility to address the ongoing and momentous challenges of this recovery. This duty is highlighted by the region's vital role in our nation's economy and national security and the statement our efforts make about how America protects and cares for its own people in times of crisis.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Four new Acadiana faces on the Louisiana Music Commission Nutria. It's what's for Easter dinner "We're conditioned poorly in the United States to think of rodents as rats in sewers and such things," said Rexford D. Lord, a capybara expert at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, in the New York Times. With Louisiana's wetlands in dire straits at least somewhat caused by the nutria's voracious consumption of wetland plants, perhaps it's time to take another look at nutria as nutrition. According to Cuban native and Guama's restaurant owner Rubens Mesa, nutria ought to be on the table. "In Cuba, we eat them whenever we can catch them," he says. "It's a great meat, tender and delicious." Medical office condos next to Heart Hospital Sonny Landreth joins Clapton's Guitar Fest Check out this YouTube video of Landreth and John Hiatt performing "Riding with the King" – a Hiatt song later covered by Clapton and B.B. King. Bossier bans cockfighting
Thursday, March 22, 2007
NY Times on John Breaux "Yet the Washington savvy with which Mr. Breaux is widely credited carries its own pitfalls here, too, in a peculiar election year in which beleaguered local voters are more fed up, and more ready for change, than perhaps at any time since the desperate Huey Long years of the Great Depression. Mr. Breaux represents skill, but he also symbolizes the political establishment." La. GOP endorses Jindal; Boasso ballistic  That didn't take long. The day after Gov. Kathleen Blanco announced she wouldn't run for re-election, the Louisiana GOP announced it was officially endorsing U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal. Fellow Republican challenger Walter Boasso isn't happy. Boasso, the Arabi senator who made a name for himself with his levee-board reform efforts and formally declared his candidacy less than two weeks ago, says the Jindal endorsement is vintage back-room dealmaking."This is not acceptable," he contends. "It's not right. The people of Louisiana are too smart to be fooled by the actions of a few political elite claiming to represent the entire Republican Party and the interests of voters statewide." School board delays decision on Trahan Trahan has come under fire recently because the school system is yet to receive nearly $13 million in Title money for the current school year – money the system typically gets in November. Trahan has cited changes in state oversight and its budget cycle for the delays. Superintendent James Easton is recommending her contract be renewed. A little bit more of old Mexico in Lafayette Cox Communications tops in diversity
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Oh nooooo. Mr. Bill enters governor's race?  Louisiana filmmaker Walter Williams, creator of Mr. Bill – the irrepressible 1970s clay character that suffered countless dismembering mishaps on Saturday Night Live – is running for governor. New Orleans City Business reports that Williams, who lately has worked on documentaries and performed stand-up comedy in New Orleans, is telling friends and family that he's a candidate.Mr. Bill was last seen advocating for coastal restoration in educational shorts for America's Wetland Campaign. But when major corporate sponsors like Shell Oil signed on to the campaign, Williams pulled Mr. Bill and has since used the character as a protester against Shell's reckless environmental practices. WOW Café & Wingery taking over old Luther's Vitter twists the knife  Most of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's peers and colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle were gracious with their remarks last night after Blanco announced she wouldn't run for re-election. U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal released a statement that said, "This is the governor's day, not mine. Campaigning can wait." The Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation, led by state Rep. Jim Tucker, issued a few mild jabs but still wished Blanco and her family well in her future endeavors. Sen. David Vitter, however, who's been engaged in an acidic letter-writing exchange with Blanco, apparently couldn't find one respectful thing to say about the governor, and didn't even mention her by name."This certainly doesn't change my strong support for Bobby Jindal for governor that I announced some time ago, ... I'm excited about Bobby because of the positive change he's for, not who he's running against." Call for artists Waguespack's signature works begin with a 24-hour play process, where writers take home a topic at 8 p.m., spend the midnight hours writing a script, show up bleary-eyed at 8 a.m. the next morning, hand over the script to a group of actors, choreographers, designers and musicians who then have about 10 hours to produce the play, which is performed at 8 p.m. that night. The play will be written and performed on April 20-21. Interested artists should come to the Acadiana Center for the Arts on Monday, March 26, or Tuesday, March 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. Writers should bring writing samples, visual artists should bring samples or photos of work and all performing artists should prepare something to show. For more information call Waguespack at 739-4273. National reaction to Blanco Blanco's own words Read also the full transcript of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's announcement yesterday that she will not seek a second term.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Blanco won't run Read Independent Editor Scott Jordan's open letter to the governor urging her not to seek re-election. Salt dome waste facility comment period ends Friday Hatching the next big idea  Local entrepreneur Billy Savely says he has the next big idea, and Oprah Winfrey and QVC should take notice. On Friday, Savely travels to Chicago to participate in Oprah's Search for the Next Big Idea. His big idea is the Home Roof Hatch, invented after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and marketed not only as an emergency exit but also as a portal for easy roof access. Ten finalists will be chosen to present their product on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and the studio audience will vote on a winner to sell her product on QVC.
Giuliani coming to Lafayette This will be the former mayor of New York's second visit to Lafayette. In 2004, Giuliani made an appearance at the Paul Fournet hangar of the Lafayette airport in support of David Vitter's campaign for U.S. Senate. Vitter is now serving as a regional director for Giuliani's presidential campaign. A cockfighting phaseout? "America's Next Top Model" coming to Artesia  On Saturday, March 31, the hip Johnston Street boutique Artesia, across from Albertsons, will be the site of a casting call for the ninth season of "America's Next Top Model." Created and hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, the wildly popular show airs on The CW network (Cox Cable Channel 10) Wednesdays at 7 p.m.The Artesia casting call starts at 2 p.m. with parking at Blackham Coliseum. Applications and eligibility requirements are available online or at Artesia and can be returned to the store before the event. On-site registration will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 31. One winner receives an automatic VIP entry into the semi-final round in Dallas and a $500 shopping spree at the store. The woman chosen as "America's Next Top Model" wins a modeling contract. For more info, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Monday, March 19, 2007
PHI posts annual losses The pilots union called off its strike in November and under a new court-approved agreement, striking pilots are being returned to work in phases through May. The report notes that PHI's pilot workforce is now back up to 648, compared to the 597 working pilots at the start of the strike. Pilots are continuing to work without a labor contract, which company and union officials have failed to negotiate for almost three years now. A federal court is scheduled to hear ongoing company claims that the union engaged in bad faith bargaining, as well as a counter suit from the union, on Nov. 7. Students fight for Gulf Coast Their goal is to convince Congress to pass a public works law that would provide jobs for 100,000 residents in Louisiana and Mississippi so residents there can help rebuild the area themselves - and get paid what residents call "a living wage" of $15 an hour. "When people say it's not possible, I'd like to turn to Iraq," said Scott Myers-Lipton, associate professor of sociology at San Jose State who has helped shape the project and traveled to New Orleans with the students. "The U.S. has 40,000 public works jobs for the citizens of Iraq," and there is no reason it can't provide 100,000 civic works jobs for its own people, he said. Read more about the Gulf Coast Civic Works Project. Collars First film out on DVD  If you missed the Lafayette premiere of "I Always Do My Collars First: a film about ironing," there's no need to get your jeans all up in a knot--the film has just been issued on DVD. UL Cinematic Arts Workshop filmmakers Connie Castille and Allison Bohl captured the essence of small town culture where women eye one another's housekeeping expertise with sly humor. The film, $16, can be ordered directly from the website or by calling Connie at 277-5292.
Leaky levees in $1 billion Morganza-to-the-Gulf project "The one thing we've learned – and Katrina taught us again – is that earthen levees do not work," storm-surge expert Mark Kemp told The Times-Picayune. "They are expensive to build, must be constantly upgraded because of subsidence, and they are notoriously unreliable. Plus, they kill wetlands. … The most economical and sustainable storm defense in the long term is to build wetlands – and levees kill wetlands. Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority Chairwoman Sydney Coffee responded: "Will the design have to be looked at very closely? … Yes," she said. "At the same time, I'm not going to suggest that those who have fought long and hard for Morganza-to-the-Gulf … that we're taking it out of the plan … That's just not going to happen." Skinner running for DA The election will be held in October 2008, and Skinner says he won't make a formal announcement until after this fall's elections. He will face incumbent DA Mike Harson, should Harson seek re-election. The 15th Judicial District includes Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion parishes.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Suite success for Saints "We are extremely appreciative of the support we received from fans and local businesses last season and are very encouraged with the response so far in 2007," said Rita Benson LeBlanc, the Saints' owner and executive vice president of administration. "We are hard at work to make sure the Saints are successful, both on and off the field, and look forward to announcing any team milestones when they are achieved." Rita's so much more eloquent than her grandfather. KADN Fox 15 launching local news State GOP launches attack ad against Breaux Stroud's shuts its doors Chamber retreats for roads
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Coastal scientists question restoration plans Bodin nixed by Iberia Parish Council
After apparently hiring former New Iberia Mayor Bobby Bodin to be the Iberia Parish chief administrative officer on Feb. 14, the Iberia Parish Council decided last night that he did not meet the conditions stipulated for the March 15 hire date, and voted to withdraw a resolution that would have ratified his position. Bodin, who worked as an independent AFLAC insurance agent and sold policies to Iberia Parish Govenment employees, collected residuals from the policies. The initial terms of Bodin's hire included disassociation with AFLAC to avoid problems with the state Board of Ethics. While Bodin resigned from AFLAC on March 12, he only cancelled the residuals on the policies he sold to Iberia Parish Government employees. " It's my understanding that the ethics board says he cannot receive any residuals from any AFLAC account he sold, whether it be to parish employees or not, because that would be a violation of the Governmental Code of Ethics since we have the contractual relationship with AFLAC," says Carolyn Nix, Iberia Parish Council administrative s ecretary. Assistant District Attorney Eric Duplantis told the council that because Bodin had not totally disassociated himself from AFLAC, he did not meet the conditions stipulated. While Bodin received eight votes to recommend his hire in February, last night 11 councilmen voted against him.
National ad campaign for levee protection If you have friends in the television industry, send them this link and encourage them to run the ad. Another Broken Egg under way in River Ranch Local worthy causes Also, the Blue Moon Saloon will host a benefit this weekend for drummer Glenn Fields, whose home was recently damaged in a fire, this Sunday evening. Expect performances from members of the Red Stick Ramblers, Lost Bayou Ramblers and the Pine Leaf Boys.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Bodin claims CAO position ahead of schedule NuNu's, Rouses square off in Youngsville Founded in Houma in 1960 by Anthony J. Rouse Sr., Rouses is the largest independent grocery retailer in the state with 15 Louisiana stores. Construction on the Sugar Mill Pond location is scheduled to begin this summer at the intersection of Hwy. 92 and the new Youngsville Parkway. Blueprint LA stepping out New Orleans Journal update We asked what was in it, and because of her accent I thought I heard her say, "Pineapple, doughnuts, and spices." Margaret must have had the same reaction, because she asked, "What was that middle ingredient?" The young woman, realizing that she was dealing with aliens, pronounced the word with extreme clarity: "Doughnuts." Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys used to sing a song that included these lyrics: Corn bread and turnip greens, Ham hocks and butter beans! Mardi Gras down in New Orleans Yeah, that's what I like about the South. For me, you can add that the South is a place where the list of acceptable pie ingredients includes doughnuts. An artful week  Beginning Saturday, March 17, UL Lafayette's College of the Arts will present the Festival of the Arts, a week of visual art, dance, design, music and theatre that includes a fashion show, lectures, art exhibitions, concerts and dance and theater performances. The week's events conclude with a grand finale cocktail party and student Art Walk at Fletcher Hall on Friday, March 23 @ 7 p.m., Bryan LaFaye's "At Lake Martin" (pictured) will be a part of the evening's silent auction. It's all part of SPARK, an annual campaign to raise awareness of the college. Proceeds will go to scholarships, fellowships, technology upgrades, facility enhancements and faculty assistance. For more information, call (337) 482-6224 or e-mail
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Editorial: Impeach Will Langlinais Louisiana Legislative Auditor Steve Theriot's report found that Langlinais directed public funds to improve private property; was inappropriately reimbursed for meals already paid for with parish and state monies; entered into contracts in violation of the parish charter; used public funds for charitable donations and to pay for employee meals and social events; and pressured parish employees to solicit donations and work on his campaign fund-raising golf tournament during parish work hours. ... This audit was sparked by previous charter violations and questionable financial dealings between Langlinais and a number of parish contractors. ... With our post-hurricane political environment demanding governmental and ethics reform more than ever, Langlinais' actions are an embarrassment not just to Iberia Parish, but to the whole state of Louisiana. Read the editorial: Impeach Will Langlinais.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Attorney Hank Perret joining Dynamic Industries  Revered Lafayette attorney Hank Perret is leaving his downtown law firm to join local oilfield construction company Dynamic Industries as in-house general counsel. The hire is a significant coup for Dynamic's CEO Mike Moreno. "Hank is one of the hardest working and most respected lawyers in Louisiana," says Lafayette attorney Frank Neuner. "Convincing him to give up his law firm, private practice and numerous clients is a major accomplishment for Mike, and together they will be a formidable duo in the business world." Perret, a 52-year-old commercial litigator who has been practicing for three decades — 20 years with Perret Doise — chairs the Louisiana Board of Ethics. He is vice chairman of the board at Our Lady of Lourdes and co-founded the Community Foundation of Acadiana and Crossroads Catholic Book Store — both of which are non-profits. He also founded the Miles Perret Center in memory of his late son.Perret's departure comes on the heels of a similar move by his partner, Dennis Doise. Doise, 58, is joining River Ranch Development Co. and its related entities as in-house general counsel later this month. Both attorneys will serve in of counsel capacities with their former law firm, and Doise says no decision has been made on whether the 20-attorney firm will retain its moniker. MonaVie and ... boudin? New Iberia's West End focus of meeting
New Iberia's West End was once a thriving neighborhood filled with businesses, restaurants and dance clubs lining the commercial center of Hopkins Street. Today, the West End is is a blighted, high-crime neighborhood that few shopkeepers want to invest in, and New Iberia city government is attempting to turn this trend around. Wednesday, March 17 at 5 p.m., the inaugural meeting of the West End Business Association will be held at the Iberia Parish Library at 1111 W. St. Peter St. The intent of the new organization is to brainstorm ideas for revitalization of the neighborhood. On the agenda is a welcome by Mayor Hilda Curry and election of officers. For more information about WEBA, call Main Street Manager Jane Braud at 369-2330.
Louisiana: the last holdout for cockfighting Despite being outlawed in every state, the sport still thrives. On Sunday, The Seattle Times published a feature about cockfighting activities in its region: Cockfighting, its loyal fans keep fighting to the death." UL Lafayette women's basketball team in the big dance Here's your women's bracket; if the lady Cajuns beat Marquette on Saturday, it could set up a showdown with No. 3 seed Oklahoma on Monday. ESPN's take on the Cajuns is here. Mhire offers Parisian tours
Monday, March 12, 2007
11.5 acres by Pinhook Hilton bought for $3 million Eddie Mouton of the local real estate company J. Alfred Mouton Inc., who brokered the real estate transaction, says several of the buildings were leased until a couple of years ago by different entities, including Seabulk Shipping, Langford Engineering and the Louisiana Department of Corrections. He says the buildings were originally constructed for oilfield companies like Exxon, Chevron and Texaco and that all but one will be demolished. Mouton is unaware of Sethi's plans for the property, but speculation in real estate circles is that Sethi will likely construct a hotel and restaurants at the site. The property has Pinhook Road frontage, is bordered by the Hilton and Vermilion River on the south and is accessed by Calco Boulevard. Reached on his cell phone, Sethi declined comment for this story. School board to decide new CFO FX debuts Louisiana's Riches St. Paddy's party in Abbeville La. Republican Party gubernatorial endorsement? The Louisiana Republican Party starts trudging through that sticky wicket at the Cajundome this Saturday, March 17. The one-day meeting is open to the public and endorsement policies are on the agenda. For more info on the meeting, call (225) 928-2998.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Ethics Board rules on Bodin The second issue involves his wife Liz Bodin's job working as the commercial relationship manager for the parish's fiscal agent, IberiaBank. The ethics board stated that because Ms. Bodin is a salaried worker rather than an officer or partner in the bank and thus her salary remains substantially unaffected by any transactions with Iberia Parish Government, that her continued employment is not prohibited. However, the ruling reads, "Mr. Bodin should be aware that Section 1112 of the Code will prohibit him from participating in any way in matters concerning his wife and in such instances he would have to disqualify himself." One of the CAO's duties is to sign checks, which would be handled by his wife. The Iberia Parish Council is slated to vote on the hire based on the ethics ruling on March 14, and if he is hired, Bodin will assume parish duties on March 15. Disney's first black princess is from New Orleans  In New Orleans yesterday, Walt Disney Studios announced its next animated musical will feature its first black princess - who will also be from New Orleans."From the heart of Louisiana's mystical bayous and the banks of the mighty Mississippi comes an unforgettable tale of love, enchantment and discovery with a soulful singing crocodile, voodoo spells and Cajun charm at every turn." "The Frog Princess," set for release in 2009, will introduce Maddy, "a young African-American girl living amid the charming elegance and grandeur of the fabled French Quarter." Legendary songwriter and Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Randy Newman has been tapped for the film's musical score, and the story was penned by John Musker and Ron Clements, the duo behind "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin," and "Hercules." Bertrand running for city-parish council The fix is in (for cats and dogs)  The Big Fix Rig, a mobile 18-wheeler spay and neuter clinic rolled into Lafayette on Wednesday and has set up shop through March 30. Stationed at the Wal-Mart parking lot on the corner of Verot School and Pinhook roads, the unit spays and neuters local cats and dogs, while focusing on the feral cat population. (They'll even help you catch the cats.) The cost is $10 per cat and $20 per dog. For info on cats, call 371-9865, and for info on dogs, call 344-2829. The Big Fix Rig is sponsored by the Humane Alliance of Asheville, N.C., and the ASPCA, along with the Wild Cat Foundation and Lafayette Animal Aid.
Brandon Stokley a Saint?  The New Orleans Saints visited yesterday with free agent wide receiver Brandon Stokley, the Comeaux and UL Lafayette grad cut last week by the Indianapolis Colts in a salary-cap move. Stokley was put on injured reserve last year after rupturing his Achilles Tendon, but hopes to be ready for spring workouts.If 30-year-old Stokley's healthy, he could be a good match for the Saints. He's a high-character guy that fits the mold of Sean Payton's team, and the Saints need a gritty possession receiver now that Joe Horn's officially gone over to the dark side and signed with the Atlanta Falcons. State's businesses coming back "This report confirms what we've heard anecdotally from employers and business owners across the state," says Lafayette businessman Matt Stuller, chair of the LRA's Economic and Workforce Development Committee. "The back-to-back storms devastated thousands of Louisiana businesses." Stuller says retail trade and service sectors were particularly hard hit.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
City Garden Market closes Steve Riley featured in OffBeat  Check out this month's cover story in OffBeat, which focuses on accordionist Steve Riley of the Mamou Playboys and fiddler David Greely. The article explores both Riley's and Greely's approach to music:"Riley and Greely may be pursuing very different approaches, but they're both responding to the same challenge: how do you create something new inside an old tradition? Greely's response is to absorb the roots of Cajun music so thoroughly that they become second nature. Then, when he tries to express his own feelings, the tradition will be part of the expression because it's part of him. Riley's response is to investigate every branch of the Cajun tree - from swamp pop to Cajun rock, from Creole to zydeco - so he can understand all the possible extensions of the tradition. So when he tries to express himself, he has at his fingertips multiple options that are all still part of Cajun music." (photo by Rick Olivier) Cracking down on litter Louisiana's $10 million in (cough, cough) uncollected pollution fees Complete results and study methodology are here. STM grad dies from Iraq war injuries Mark's wife, Stephanie, and his parents, Neil and Kim Graham, flew to San Antonio Tuesday to be with him. Old Abdalla's site gets major overhaul Lafayette architect Jay Chase is turning the two-story, 72,000-square-foot space into an office complex with suites that will rent for $19 to $22 per square foot. Renovations to the box start in two weeks and should take five months, at which time tenant improvements will begin as leases are signed. "I can't disclose anything at this time," Trahan says of potential tenants.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Thibodaux pushes for new school tax Hit the boudin trail  The Southern Foodways Alliance - an institute of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture headquartered at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, has launched an oral history initiative to capture the stories behind the great cooking of the South. Naturally, Louisiana is a destination for food folklorists, and they have created two online chapters - the Boudin Trail and the Gumbo Trail. Local boudin maven Bob Carriker, who created the Boudin Link, weighs in as an authority on our favorite snack, and an interactive map gives locations and driving directions for those who can't make it to The Best Stop blindfolded.
New exhibits at the ACA  Just in time for the festival season, the Acadiana Center for the Arts presents two new exhibits, opening this Saturday, March 10. In the main gallery, "Women of the World: A Global Collection of Art," will feature 179 different pieces of art created by 179 women from 179 different countries and will run through Festival International weekend. In the smaller gallery, the photography exhibit "Visions of Music: William Claxton, Stuart Klipper and William Greiner" will highlight Louisiana's traditions of dancing and festivals. Both shows will run through April 30. An opening reception for both exhibits will be held March 10 from 6 - 8 p.m. at ACA. Louisiana Folk Roots will also present a jam session at the ArtHouse from 6 - 8 p.m.
Mellington leaving DDA/LEDA for HomeBank Mellington, 56, is an active community leader who serves as chairman of the board for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. LEDA's Gregg Gothreaux says no decision has been made on his replacement. "We're going to take some time to see where we are and how best to move forward with our partnership with DDA," he says. Open Letter to Gov. Blanco: Don't Run Jordan also says that Blanco dropping out of the race sooner rather than later would be the best thing for Louisiana's future and reputation. "If you drop out of the race now, you will encourage a new slate of challengers to enter the race and present Louisiana voters with their platform for moving the state forward," he writes. "More than anything, that is what Louisiana needs right now. We need every voice, every option and every idea on the table." Read the letter here.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Local drummer's apartment damaged by fire  Local drummer Glenn Fields was at home yesterday on the corner of Brook and Calder streets when his water heater caught fire, engulfing his apartment in flames and smoke within minutes. The drummer for the Red Stick Ramblers - who has also worked with the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, the Racines and the Bluerunners - was able to rescue his drum set, musical instruments and vinyl albums, but he lost his clothes and his furniture. Fields says he has one pressing need right now: "If anyone knows of a cheap apartment, let me know." Contact Fields with any apartment leads at (225) 892-9206.(photo courtesy of Jillian Johnson of WORK agencies) Iberia Parish audit uncovers funding abuses The audit also lists a series of possible constitutional and charter infractions committed by Langlinais between 2000-2006, including providing approximately $156,707 in parish pipe, dirt, gravel and labor to residents of the parish, receiving at least $7,796 in questionable expense reimbursements, making $8,825 in charitable donations using public funds, and pressuring parish employees to solicit donations and work at his campaign golf tournament fund raiser on parish time. Former parish CAO Simone Champagne, who left her position in January to run for state Rep. from Jeanerette, voiced concerns to Langlinais before she left office. "I did not feel that it was proper that we utilize parish employees on parish time for campaign fund raising for someone's personal benefit," she says. "My priority was to the tax payer, not for fund raising for someone's political future on taxpayer time." The Iberia Parish Council meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, to discuss what action to take in light of the audit findings. STM's Mark Graham critically wounded in Iraq  St. Thomas More grad Mark Graham was critically injured in Iraq Friday, March 2. Both of Mark's legs were amputated above the knees, he lost a kidney and sustained burns on 60 percent of his body. Mark's wife, Stephanie, and his parents, Neil and Kim Graham, are scheduled to fly to San Antonio today to meet him.
Both Mark and Stephanie McElligott Graham graduated from STM in 2002. "We are praying for him fervently," says STM Principal Ray Simon. STM is getting timely information on Mark's condition from a family member who works at the school. A Web site is also providing updates.
CNN reported the incident Friday: "Two American soldiers and an interpreter died and a third U.S. soldier was wounded when a roadside bomb exploded northwest of the capital, the military said."
"The soldiers, from Multi-National Division-Baghdad, were on a routine route-clearance patrol northwest of the capital — to assess the safety of the road — when the incident occurred."
Council may grandfather downtown peanut vendor Update: The council passed the amendment by a vote of 6 - 2 Perfect timing for national hurricane conference Identifying long-term forecasting strategies and funding sources are the main agenda of the 61st Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference, which kicked off yesterday in New Orleans. The conference's timing couldn't be more appropriate – it comes as a government watchdog group is blasting Unified New Orleans Plan's rebuilding recommendations, and The Times-Picayune's multi-part investigative series on coastal land loss continues. Grant Street's original owners buy Somewhere's Else
Monday, March 05, 2007
Don't mess with Louisiana Prosecution for littering ranges from fines of $50 to $5,000, four to 100 hours of community service, and potential driver's license suspension and jail time. Among other environmental impacts, litter affects fish breeding grounds and contributes to flooding, and KLB estimates the problem costs taxpayers more than $15 million annually. Breaux supports Jindal? The clip recycles old quotes from Breaux that shower praise on Jindal. In 1998, Breaux chaired the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare and appointed Jindal as its executive director, commending the young Republican for his work on health care reform. Breaux is now repeatedly being mentioned as the Democratic Party's top choice to oppose Jindal in this year's governor's race, should Gov. Blanco decide not to seek re-election. NY Times features Cajun music and Savoy family After years of recycled arrangements and graying performers and listeners, Acadiana's dance halls are suddenly filled with young musicians, young dancers and a hard-rocking approach to the old acoustic instruments. The article "Cajun Sound, Rock ‘n' Roll Energy" focuses on Wilson Savoy of the Pine Leaf Boys and his musical family. But three other local bands – the Lost Bayou Ramblers, the Red Stick Ramblers, and Feufollet - are also cited as "the core of a renaissance in Cajun and Creole music." Alliance Française de Lafayette president encourages visit to NOMA show  A major art exhibit Femme, Femme, Femme, depicting women in French society, opened at the New Orleans Museum of Art this weekend. Nearly 85 works by Manet, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Corot and Picasso, among others, have been gathered from the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and 40 other museums throughout France. The show was conceived two months after Hurricane Katrina, when French museum directors and the minister of culture visited New Orleans and pledged a show of support for the Crescent City, once a French colony. Bernard de Reyniès, president of the Alliance Française de Lafayette, was at the opening. "It is everything regarding the woman," he says. "The paintings are very famous, very good. This is a real chance for the people of Acadiana to see French painting from the 19th century and to support New Orleans. It would be a pity not to look at it."The exhibition will be on view through June 3, 2007. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at ticketmaster on line or by calling 504 522-5555. (photo of Edouard Manet's "The beer waitress" by H. Lewandowski, courtesy of Réunion des Musées Nationaux / Art Resource, NY Musee d'Orsay, T-P: Ten years to save Louisiana's coast or it's too late
Friday, March 02, 2007
Downtown Lafayette businesses call for increased security Police Chief Jim Craft says one suspect has been apprehended in the assault cases and stresses the city is also exploring proactive steps. "Daytime random attacks like that, that really bothers us," he says. Craft notes his department has already conducted a site security survey for the Vermilion Street parking garage and will be recommending several ways to improve its security. He plans to meet with City-Parish President Joey Durel next week about the recommendations, which include restricting public entrance to the parking garage and improving lighting and video surveillance in the area. In the meantime, Craft says the department has already stepped up its daytime patrol downtown. Catahoula's Steakhouse coming to Lafayette Gaines honored with new literary excellence award Gaines, a south Louisiana native who lives in Oscar, La., is the author of renowned works of fiction, most notably The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, A Gathering of Old Men, and the Pulitzer Prize-nominated A Lesson Before Dying, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 2004 he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature. Submissions are being accepted through the end of April. The winner will receive a $10,000 award and appear at an event in Baton Rouge to read from his or her winning work. Saints release Joe Horn; Colts release Brandon Stokley  Two of Louisiana's favorite wide receivers were released on the eve of free agency last night. The New Orleans Saints cut loose Joe Horn, the team's all-time leader in touchdown receptions, four-time Pro Bowler and the Saints' voice of the team and region in the nightmare post-Katrina 2005 season. Farther north, The Indianapolis Colts parted ways with Brandon Stokley (pictured), the Comeaux and UL Lafayette alum who's been one of Peyton Manning's most reliable targets since 2003. Both Horn and Stokley were plagued by injuries last year and due large bonuses and base salaries for the 2007 season, so neither move comes as a complete surprise. Still, it's going to be strange seeing either of those guys in a different uniform.Horn's release has an unfortunate subplot, as he's saying he feels betrayed by head coach Sean Payton. Horn's agent says he's already been contacted by four other teams, including the Atlanta Falcons. Joe Horn as a Falcon? Blasphemy! Louisiana No. 49 in child care
Thursday, March 01, 2007
From ‘Red' to ‘Rock' Citadel General Manager Mary Galyean says the move diversifies the group's Lafayette franchise, which now boasts five stations. "We felt like there was an appetite for classic rock in the market," she says. Rock 93.7 has the nationally-syndicated Opie & Anthony Show in the morning drive slot, and its closest rock competitor would likely be Baton Rouge's Eagle 98.1, which caters to an older rock demo. Easton on micromanagement Micromanagers engage FEAR in the workplace, which leads to frustration, depression and loss of productivity. It encourages staff to play politics. It costs your team its best members by demotivating employees, causing resentment and damaging trust. And if you see yourself in the questions the superintendent poses, there's still hope: "First you have to admit that you have a problem." Read Easton's latest letter here or his letter of Jan. 9. In other school board news, board member Rickey Hardy calls for a permanent injunction against Easton's banishment from the board table, and Easton takes his new spot. Hurricanes can't stop Marcia Ball A few tickets remain for tonight's show at UL's Angelle Hall and are available by calling 233-7060 or visiting www.louisianacrossroads.org. For a sneak preview of what to expect tonight, click the play button to see and hear Ball rollicking through "Route 90."
Foster Campbell back in Lafayette today  Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell will be back in Acadiana today to speak at the annual Collaborating to Stop Violence Against Women Conference at the Lafayette Hilton. Campbell, a Bossier City Democrat who plans to formally announce his candidacy for governor next month, is slated to speak on a new measure he spearheaded that the PSC recently passed which waives utility deposits for victims of domestic violence. This is Campbell's second stop in Lafayette in less than a week's time. Last weekend, he spoke to the Rotary Club of Lafayette and at the annual state Police Jury Association conference, where he stumped for his proposal to levy a tax on all oil and gas processed in the state – a move he says can fund coastal restoration and allow for eliminating the state's personal and cooperative income tax. Crawfish without beer? "We're trying to make an authentic Cajun style festival. The beer goes along with the crawdad and the other Cajun food that we are going to have." Pastor Jim Hill of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark doesn't think the two should go together: "When you try to mix alcohol with families the two do not mix. Alcohol should not be used drunk or partaken of when families are around." Pastor Hill is calling for a boycott of the festival. Pizza Place slides into NYPD location  If you blinked you probably missed the transition from NYPD pizza to the Pizza Place, the newest pizzeria in Lafayette. NYPD closed its doors only two months ago, but with pizza ovens already in place, new owners Carl and Nathalie Rodriguez were able to open in the time it takes to say pepperoni. They bring a 17-year-tradition honed on handmade dough and homemade sauce from their Center Street location in New Iberia to Polk St., downtown and across from Parc International. Theirs is a nostalgic taste from the past before pizza got trendy or topped with gourmet items. For those who are already jonesing for the two-foot long stromboli from NYPD, hang on. Nathalie's sister, Charlotte Broussard who works in the Pizza Place says they are working on the recipe and as soon as they are happy with the results, it will be back on the menu. Beer will be back as well once they receive their liquor license. For more info call 233-3342.
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