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Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Can Blueprint make a difference? 1. Adopt the nation's best ethics laws 2. Expand nationally recognized Pre-K program 3. Better utilize community/technical colleges for skilled workforce 4. Health care for the uninsured 5. Transportation projects/more toll roads Calling itself a non-partisan organization, which also includes prominent civic and community leaders from across the state, Blueprint worked on the agenda for about a year — reviewing in excess of 400 reports on a wide range of topics and interviewing more than 50 experts on a variety of subjects. To collect additional input and guidance, in April the group hosted a series of workshops in nine regions of the state, drawing interest from about 750 residents. Blueprint certainly isn't the state's first reform movement, but its membership is growing every day with hopes politicians will step across party lines — and how refreshing that would be — to take the bait. Let's just hope state officials, and there's a whole new batch coming into office with this year's election, don't follow in the footsteps of their predecessors — or their friends in Washington. We deserve better. Pat Leblanc hopes to fill Alexander's shoes In addition to his family architecture firm, the Leblanc Group, Leblanc is also president of LCS Corrections, the fifth largest private prison system in the U.S., with several correctional facilities in Texas, Louisiana and Alabama. He says his prison business deals almost exclusively with federal inmates and it does not have any direct contracts with the state. The 53-year-old Leblanc has been politically active for years within the Republican Party and has been a major supporter of Ernie Alexander and Congressman Charles Boustany. He hosted an event for Boustany with Vice President Dick Cheney several years ago and more recently held a fundraiser at his home for Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani. Leblanc is also a past president of Acadiana Homebuilders, past chairman of the Cajundome Commission, and currently serves on the Louisiana Residential Licensing Board. Leblanc says he wants to see tougher ethics and financial disclosure laws for elected officials, as well as more state investment in the Lafayette area. "We're not prepared," he says, "and we're not in a situation where we have the roads or the infrastructure to be able to handle all this imposed growth that we've endured in the past two years. We are an economic engine for the state and yet it seems we're being overlooked in a lot of ways. We're sending a lot of money to Baton Rouge and we should be getting a lot more of it back." More tension over Jena Six The U.S. Department of Justice's Community Relations Service hosted a forum in hopes of healing some of the divide that appears to be growing. On Thursday night, 200 people gathered at a Jena middle school, most of whom were black. Only 12 percent of the town is black, while the majority, 85 percent of the town, is white. During the 4-hour forum, U.S. Attorney Donald Washington said the initial noose incident was investigated as a hate crime. Washington said there were all the elements of a hate crime but one - threat or use of force. NAACP Chairman Julian Bond stated, "This is an American outrage that demonstrates the continuing shame of racial division in our country." The organization has set out to help defend the Jena Six. The international media spotlight was already focused on Jena, but it got just a bit brighter on Monday when National Public Radio made the story its lead news item. About 40 miles southwest of the town, The Alexandria Town Talk has been covering the story. Today's edition covers the story in three different ways. One article reports that the tree where the nooses were hung was cut down by the LaSalle Parish School Board. The noose incident, which some have said should be handled as a federal hate crime, was never reported to the Jena Police Department, LaSalle Parish Sheriff's Office or LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters, according to U.S. Attorney Donald Washington. The school investigated the incident and determined the nooses were placed there as a "prank" in response to the question, he said. Washington's office doesn't have enough evidence to prosecute those responsible for the nooses with a hate crime, he said. In a second article, Washington elaborates on issues brought up at the community forum. "First of all, as the FBI said (during the forum) hanging a noose under the circumstances these nooses were hung is a hate crime," Washington said Monday. "... If these were adults who hung the noose, there would be less of an issue with moving forward with the investigation and prosecution." He said hanging the noose after a student asks about being able to conduct some kind of activity around school tends to indicate strongly that the white students who hung it were intending to send a message. But because those who hung the nooses were juveniles, it makes the process much more difficult. He said the federal government rarely prosecutes juveniles, and even if it does, it would be in a juvenile delinquency hearing that would be closed to the public and conducted in a manner that the public would be unaware that it even occurred. About a month ago in an editorial, The Town Talk expressed the sentiment that Jena is not alone in dealing with racial issues. However, it mentions no other communities where white people are still hanging nooses from trees and how those communities handled the problem. Then in today's editorial, the third piece about the Jena Six, the tone is more forceful, but the message is the same - racism isn't unique to Jena. News organizations, editorial writers, television stations and Web sites with all kinds of agendas have zeroed in on the trials and the community as being the epicenter of all things racist. They are wrong, of course, and they need only look in their own front yards to see that. But it is so much easier to go to Small Town, America, deep in the heart of Dixie, to find and point at ugliness. While there is mention of "six young black men who are charged with beating up a young white man," there's no mention of nooses hanging from a tree in the school yard, placed there by white students, or hate crimes or why they are enacted or why the initial situation should have been addressed properly a year ago when the principal recommended expulsion for the students found responsible. Instead, the paper has managed to avoid the issue of the nooses – just like the LaSalle Parish School officials, the LaSalle Parish Sheriff's Department, the Jena Police Department, and the District Attorney's Office. So for those who contend that nooses hanging from the branches of trees has nothing to do with race in America, check out this Web site, Without Sanctuary, a collection of "photographs and postcards taken as souvenirs at lynchings throughout America." Or watch this video of Billie Holiday singing "Strange Fruit": Comeaux chosen for Iberia Parish President Clapton and Landreth give 'em Hell Clapton started the day with a guitar in his hands, completing emcee Bill Murray's comic attempt to play "Gloria" and introducing the first act, Louisiana guitar great Sonny Landreth. Clapton helped Landreth close his set with "Hell at Home" and spent most of the day at the side of the stage, talking to the other performers, hanging out with his wife and children and taking pictures. Two Landreth performances from his Crossroads set (including Clapton's cameo on "Hell at Home") are online here. For a brief teaser, here's the video of Slowhand bringing Landreth to the stage:
Monday, July 30, 2007
Buckels planning another bid for District 31 "I know the issues," he adds. "I know the voting record and we need leadership in this district." Buckels, who worked for 30 years in insurance investments, now represents Redflex, the company recently awarded a contract to install cameras to monitor red light running in Lafayette. He would be facing off against Trahan, the incumbent Republican, and Nancy Landry, a family law counselor and registered independent who has raised an early $100,000 for the race and is launching radio ads this week. Landrieu secures FEMA funding for Iberia Parish elementary school  It literally took an act of Congress to force FEMA to relocate an Iberia Parish elementary school situated in a flood zone to higher ground. Peebles Elementary is located on Weeks Island Road near the Port of Iberia. Inundated by Rita's storm surge, in the early days after the storm, the school was identified by FEMA as qualifying for $3.2 million to relocate outside of the flood zone. School board officials spent nearly half a million purchasing a site for the new school before FEMA reneged on their promise. Louisiana senator Mary Landrieu attempted to restore the funding, but FEMA denied her request last year. In January, the Iberia Parish School Board voted to spend approximately $12 million of their own money to build a new elementary school that would merge Peebles and Grand Marais Elementary. Last week, Landrieu amended a Senate homeland security appropriations bill to include $1.6 million to help relocate Peebles Elementary. Landrieu, calling FEMA's actions "ridiculous," took the agency to task.FEMA made a promise to Peebles Elementary school and six months later the agency broke its word. The Senate recognized that rebuilding a school in a location that is extremely vulnerable to devastating storms makes no sense and these children deserve better from their government. The Homeland Security Appropriations bill will now go to conference with the House, which passed its version June 15. Wetlands activist travels 12,000 miles Lafayette Middle School makes Southern Living  Kudos to Lafayette Middle School and teacher Stacy Hess for their inclusion in Southern Living's current August 2007 cover story on protecting barrier islands. Southern Living writer Steve Bender notes:On Fifi Island, a small barrier island near Grand Isle, I watched seventh-grade students from Stacy Hess's environmental and biological sciences class at Lafayette Middle School plant salt-tolerant black mangrove seedlings to help stabilize a shoreline scraped clean by Hurricane Katrina. The description accompanying the picture on the right-hand page says it all: Coordinated by Wayne Keller of the Grand Isle Port Commission, students from Lafayette Middle School in Louisiana plant seedlings they grew at school as part of the Coastal Roots project. The black mangrove seedlings will keep Fifi Island from washing away. "You are all heroes," David Bourgeois of the Louisiana Sea Grant Marine Extension tells the children. "You are going to save this island." Blueprint debuts reform agenda today Calling itself a "nonpartisan organization led and supported by business and community leaders from all regions of the state," the group's mission is implement essential changes in state government. Blueprint reps say they've been reviewing existing Louisiana-based research, analyzing studies from regional and national groups and interviewing experts, interested parties and academics that have been involved in these issues. A multi-million dollar media campaign will ensue after today's launch. Candidates who sign on to support Blueprint's agenda will receive the group's support. The organization promises to actively campaign against those who do not.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Saban to LSU: It wasn't personal You know, I'm very aware of all the things that happened. One of our ladies, administrative assistants, who worked for us at LSU who went to a wedding in Baton Rouge got her tires slashed at the wedding. So I think we're very aware of the backlash; live it every day. I absolutely hate to see people on my staff who we care about, love, and want to see have success have to be penalized, you know, for that. But at the same time, I can't answer that question any differently than what I've already answered it. We have respect and admiration for the people in the state of Louisiana. What was accomplished there at LSU was special to us. We have respect for the institution and the people who are there now, the players that have represented the program there that we have had involvement with in the past, and would do anything to help any of them be successful. We have no ill feelings towards anybody. It was not our intention to create any of this by leaving there. It was not a personal thing to us. It was strictly a professional decision. When we left LSU it wasn't personal. We thought it was professional. We learned about ourselves, made a mistake in terms of what we did, in terms of what we want to do, where we feel we should be, and you can't go back. I mean, there was no opportunity for me to go back to LSU. This was a great opportunity that we had at the University of Alabama. We chose it. It wasn't personal. It wasn't meant to hurt or harm anyone at LSU. Now, I can't say that any better, any more, whatever. I'd like for somebody to record it and we just push the button and go from there. How's that? I'm just kidding (smiling). LSU Coach Les Miles, who has had to live under Saban's shadow at LSU and has played his own part in fueling the rivalry with Bama, faces reporters today. Eric Clapton and Sonny Landreth at Crossroads tomorrow Here's a smoking live clip of Landreth with John Hiatt to fire up your Friday morning: Chris John heading to Mid-Continent O&G Assoc.? Contacted this morning by The Independent Weekly, Mid-Continent spokesman Larry Wall declined comment, and John could not be reached. After losing the 2004 Senate race to David Vitter, John began lobbying Congress for Ogilvy Governmental Relations. Earlier this year, he also considered running for governor. Election speculation hot topic in Iberia Another name on many lips is term-limited state senator Craig Romero, who served as Iberia Parish President from 1984 until he was elected to the state senate in 1992. Iberia Parish councilman Bernard Broussard, who was one of the key players in calling for the audit of Langlinais' administration, has also been mentioned, but Broussard confirmed yesterday that he is running for his own district seat. Meanwhile the council will meet on Monday to find an interim replacement for Langlinais. While council members have been mum about who they are considering from within their own ranks, members who are not running for re-election are likely choices. George Gros and Ray Fremin are stepping down in January, and sources say they are on the short list to become the interim head of parish government. Council president Caesar Comeaux has also been mentioned as a possible choice. Qualifying is Sept. 4-6. The election will be held on October 20. Louisiana's kids don't count
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Meet Charles Foti's medical experts Of all the expert witnesses that Foti could have used in this case, Wecht is a controversial choice. He's currently under an 84-count federal grand jury indictment that alleges mail and wire fraud and also accuses Wecht of bartering unclaimed bodies in exchange for use of lab space at Carlow University. In addition to Wecht, another expert Foti used was Dr. Michael Baden, host of the HBO television show Autopsy. Baden is perhaps best known for being an expert witness for O.J. Simpson's defense, and here's how USA Today encapsulated Baden's work in that case:
Contradicted nearly all of pathologist Spitz's opinions about fingernail wounds, thinks Simpson cut hand on glass shards; believes multiple killers used multiple weapons; killers should have gotten blood on skin and clothes; Goldman could have remained on his feet struggling with his killer for two or three minutes after being stabbed; didn't recall telling national TV audience that Goldman remained standing for 10 minutes; reviewed film clip and said difference between two, three and five minutes was inconsequential because it was still five to 10 minutes from first stab wound to death. Mayhem tonight at the Blue Moon  Tonight the Mayhem String Band rolls into Lafayette for a show at the Blue Moon Saloon. The young 5-piece North Mississippi string band plays what it calls "outlaw bluegrass" music. The acoustic group plays an old school style of country music - borrowing from bluegrass, old time and classic country – that's probably more hillbilly music than anything else, complete with blazing picking solos and songs about drinking, Hank Williams, love gone wrong, the devil, and jail. The Mayhem String Band is traveling across the country in support of their debut album "Rapscallions and Ne'erdowells".
Absinthe makes the brain go wander  Sometimes a glass of wine just won't do it. If you're looking to take a walk on the wild side, New Orleans native chemist Ted Breaux may be the distiller of your dreams. Breaux deconstructed the elements of absinthe, the beloved cocktail of 19th century bohemian New Orleans and France. Banned in the U.S. because of its storied hallucinogenic properties, it is alive and tippled in Europe. A decade ago, Breaux took his recipe to the french Combier Distillery which brews historic elixirs in 1870's alembics (alchemical stills). He has recreated a line of historic absinthes which can be mail-ordered from France, allegedly without bringing the revenuers beating on your door. One label, Lucid, which Breaux persuaded FDA regulators to admit into U.S. liquor stores and bars is legally sold in New York, and Breaux is looking for a Louisiana distributer. Lately, he has been working on another fringe aperitif, Perique, distilled from the extremely rare and highly pungent tobacco of the same name. Perique tobacco is native to St. James Parish, and only grown by a few farmers in the area. Described by Times-Picayune arts writer Doug MacCash asamber colored, mildly sweet, warm on the tongue but not hot, with the slight tannic bitterness of iced tea. The mellow can't-put-your-finger-on-it flavor invites one analytic sip after another, Perique liquor is also offered online by Liqueurs de France. Whether it makes it through the mail to your door is another story. Image: Absinthe Drinker in a Cafe by Edgar Degas Ernie Alexander won't seek re-election After much soul-searching and prayer, I have decided not to seek re-election as State Representative for District 43. Colleagues in the House of Representatives have encouraged me to run and have said "influential people" are promoting me as Speaker of the House. This is flattering. As Speaker, Appropriations Chairman or Ways and Means Chairman it is evident many benefits would accrue to this community. Nevertheless, a strong commitment to term-limits has tugged at my conscience. As one who went to Baton Rouge to testify on behalf of term-limits, urging that the Legislature adopt a limit of two four-year terms, I feel obligated to honor that original intent. I have enjoyed serving the citizens of District 43 and expect to continue service to my community in other areas. DOTD: state's infrastructure backlog now $14 billion The Focus on Louisiana series is sponsored by Cox Communications and the Council for a Better Louisiana and airs on Cox Channel 4 locally. CABL's Barry Erwin, who co-hosts the show with Cox's Rusty Jabour, suggested public/private partnerships to expand highway infrastructure, particularly in population growth areas like Baton Rouge and Lafayette, and to adequately support the state's entire transportation system. An effort by state Sen. Mike Michot and state Rep. Joel Robideaux to divert motor vehicle sales taxes back to municipalities across the state for infrastructure improvements was unsuccessful in the recent legislative session. Michot said the plan would have meant about $15 million a year in additional road maintenance dollars for Lafayette Parish. To view the segment on transportation in streaming video, click here.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Will Langlinais resigns, pleads guilty to malfeasance in office  A somber Will Langlinais took the stand this morning before 16th Judicial District Judge John Conery to end his 15-year tenure as Iberia Parish president. Langlinais resigned, effective immediately. He also pled guilty to one count of malfeasance in office. Langlinais has agreed to pay $50,000 in restitution to Iberia Parish Government. Sentencing could include five years of hard labor or could result in probation. Conery set a sentencing date for Aug. 2 at 9 a.m. Iberia Parish council member Naray Hulin says the council will meet early next week to appoint an interim parish president, probably from among the members of the council.Langlinais' resignation comes at the end of a 15-month investigation instigated by four members of the Iberia Parish Council. Discovery of parish contracts entered into and extended by Langlinais without knowledge of the council led council members Bernard Broussard, Glen Romero, Larry Richard and Ray Femin to ask District Attorney Phil Haney for advice. Haney contacted the Attorney General's office and the state legislative auditor. An ensuing audit uncovered drainage work done on behalf of private landowners at no cost to them by parish public works employees, abuse of authority for reimbursement of expenses to which Langlinais was not legally entitled, extension and modification of contracts in violation of the parish Home Rule Charter, and malfeasance in office. Langlinais allegedly attempted to improperly influence the statements of various persons in response to the auditor's investigation. Langlinais says that he made the decision to plead guilty in order to end the ordeal for himself, his family and Iberia Parish. "I have made some errors in judgment; however, I have always attempted to act in the best interests of the citizens of Iberia Parish and their government. It is time for the controversy to end and for Iberia Parish to move forward. I remain forever thankful to the citizens for allowing me to serve as parish president." Foti casts about for a scapegoat So even after his always-shaky case was finally buried for good, note how Foti uses the word "victims," continuing to publicly imply that Pou, Landry and Budo murdered people while tending to patients post-Katrina at Memorial. The honorable thing for Foti to do yesterday would have been to accept his defeat and move on – but sometime after issuing his statement, Foti decided to ratchet up his character attacks on Pou and the two nurses. At a Baton Rouge press conference, Foti claimed he had medical experts willing to testify that the patient deaths were homicides – while conveniently neglecting to mention that New Orleans coroner Frank Minyard, after exhaustive testing and consultation with top forensic experts, had already said that the physical evidence did not support the homicide charges. In the most telling move, Foti then tried to place the blame on embattled New Orleans District Attorney Eddie Jordan, a tactic that might ordinarily fly if it wasn't so transparent and Jordan wasn't such an easy target as scapegoat. But Foti has to try and account for the most stinging rebuke of his career somehow, and according to The Advocate, he's not handling it well. Foti grew angry at the press conference when a reporter asked about his re-election prospects: "I really don't care how it affects my chances for election," he snapped. Foti might not care, but I suspect a lot of voters will care when they head to the voting booths on Oct. 20 for the Attorney General election. Will Langlinais resigns The Wine Loft uncorks Thursday McCoy, who has owned downtown's Jefferson Street Pub for more than four years, is a franchisee for the Baton Rouge-based company and has rights to develop additional locations of the high-end bar in Lafayette Parish. McCoy says while The Wine Loft's décor is upscale, the emphasis is squarely on comfort. "I believe the surprise to the public will be how laid back an environment they will experience in such an upscale bar," McCoy says. "It's quite a unique feel." For more on The Wine Loft, read today's Turk File. Ernie Alexander may not seek re-election No indictment against Dr. Pou Today's events are not a triumph, but a moment of remembrance for those who lost their lives during the storm, and a tribute to all of those who stayed at their post and served people most in need. ... All of us need to remember the magnitude of human suffering that occurred in the City of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina so that we can ensure that this never happens again, and that no health-care professional should ever be falsely accused in a rush to judgment. Read the accounts from The Associated Press and The New York Times.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
One week left for Road Home applications For more info, visit www.road2LA.org or call 1 (888) ROAD.2.LA (1 (888)762-3252) or 1 (800) 566-4224. For the record, here's the latest Road Home statistics: Total applications received and recorded to date: 158,489 Appointments held: 140,835 Benefits calculated: 103,292 Amount of benefits calculated: $7.285 billion Closings held: 36,655 Baseball great Johnny Bench in town today From 6 to 8 p.m. tonight, the former Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame catcher will be a guest speaker at a free public seminar for joint pain sufferers at the City Club at River Ranch. Bench had total hip replacement surgery in 2004 after suffering for years from chronic joint pain. The evening is sponsored by medical device manufacturer Stryker and the Arthritis Association of Louisiana. To register, call 1-888-stryker or click here. Excelling behind the plate and more so in the batter's box, Bench suffered knee problems in his later years as a player, a common ailment for catchers. For the last three years of his career, he played mostly third or first base, catching about 13 games. During one of his final games on Sept. 17, 1983, proclaimed "Johnny Bench Night" at Riverfront Stadium, he hit his 389th and final home run. Bench was overwhelmingly elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January 1989, his first year of eligibility. At the time of his retirement, he was the all-time home run and RBI leader for catchers (later surpassed by Chicago White Sox's Carlton Fisk and more recently by Oakland Athletics' Mike Piazza). Now 61, he is regarded as one of the greatest catchers to ever play the game. Annually, the Johnny Bench Award is presented to the best collegiate catcher in the country. Pave paradise, protect a tree  One of the most revered icons in town is getting a little TLC this month. Father Keith DeRouen, pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is overseeing a project to create more parking for the church and Cathedral-Carmel school; serendipitously, his plan will enhance and protect one of the oldest residents of the church grounds, and a charter member of the Live Oak Society, the St. John Oak.When the old rectory behind the oak was demolished for a parking lot, a vista opened up that allowed church officials to really see the scale of the tree. DeRouen says he consulted with arborist and UL horticulture professor Jim Foret, whose father before him kept watch over the St. John Oak for the past 50 years. "They're giving the root system more room--which is almost never done," Foret says. "With these trees the root system extends beyond the branches. Every time we pave a driveway or a patio next to a tree, we take away space for root systems. It's very unusual giving space back to a tree." DeRouen says the church actually lost about 15 parking spaces in the lot closest to St. John Street. Asphalt was removed which will be replaced by a crushed stone bed and a cobblestone walkway that will surround the tree while allowing the roots to breathe. A decorative iron fence will keep visitors from walking under the limbs and compacting the soil over roots that run along the surface. "All the work is for the oak," says DeRouen. "We're spending tens of thousands of dollars to give more longevity to the life of the tree. Of all the renovations that I've done here in the nine years, and I've renovated the exterior of the cathedral, the plaza, did the interior and exterior of L'Eveche, did the interior and exterior of the Cathedral Center, it's the first time we have had to go into debt, and it's because of the oak. I didn't expect that the attention to the oak would be so great, but it is what it is. It's worth every penny." Foret will be talking about the St. John Oak and other historic trees with Lagniappe guest host Conni Castille today at 1 p.m. on KRVS.
Louisiana could owe you money In December, the Legislature in a fit of largesse set aside $239 million to refund special assessments that policyholders paid in 2005 and 2006 to help bail out Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state's insurer of last resort that was overwhelmed by damage claims from Katrina. The key lies in the declaration page provided by your insurance company every year. The declaration page lists fees for assessments for the two types of coverage under Citizens: the FAIR and Coastal plans. Policyholders are entitled to the tax credit for the full amount of the fees charged for both of those plans. And if you already filed your returns by the May 15 deadline, you can still file an amended form. Read the entire article for more information.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Georges comes out swinging against Jindal  Republican gubernatorial candidate John Georges has been relatively quiet so far on the campaign trail, but now he's lobbed a grenade straight into the current fissure of the Louisiana Republican Party. As frontrunner and U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal continues to distance himself from embattled U.S. Sen. David Vitter, Georges is employing the risky strategy of supporting Vitter and blasting Jindal for a lack of loyalty."These recent disclosures have undoubtedly damaged Vitter's clout in Washington, but instead of abandoning him when he's in trouble – as Bobby Jindal has done – we should help Vitter remain a force in national politics by following his family's lead and forgiving him as constituents," Georges said in a statement released this morning. "Whether you like David Vitter's politics or not, you cannot dismiss his service to our state and the importance of having him recover from the crisis and remain in the Senate. The next few years are critical to our ongoing hurricane recovery and we need David Vitter in Washington." "As a lifelong Republican I am appalled at the way Bobby has turned his back on David Vitter," continues Georges. " …His actions in the last two weeks show he is only worried about getting elected and is unwilling to do what's right if it's not popular." Georges sees an opening here, and he's probably going to keep hammering away at it with his $7 million in campaign cash until Jindal makes some more definitive statements about his current perception of – and political relationship with – Vitter. As a recent Monroe News-Star story illustrates, Jindal's being vague by noticeably chilly regarding Vitter: When Jindal, R-Metairie, was asked whether he remained an ally of Vitter, who last week was linked to a Washington, D.C. escort service, Jindal said: "What do you mean by ally?" That was followed by a question asking Jindal whether or not he would vote on Vitter, a Republican who has been seen a mentor to Jindal in the past. His response: "There's not an election for three more years." Agave Mexican restaurant opens downtown Additionally, Balbeisi is about two weeks shy of opening what will likely be the prototype for a fast-food franchise of his popular Zeus concept. The Greek and Lebanese eatery is taking over the former Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits at 4100 Johnston St. The new restaurant will be Balbeisi's fifth Zeus location in Lafayette. No opening date has been set for his Italian restaurant, Trynd, which is locating next to Zeus Café on Jefferson Street. Four percent of parish voters turn out for tax renewals Buddy Roemer endorses John McCain
Friday, July 20, 2007
Lafayette Parish libraries go wireless Printing from laptop computers, however, is not yet available with the wireless network. Users can either e-mail the files to themselves to print at another location or save them to a disk or USB drive and use the public library computer to retrieve the files and print them at the library. For more information about wireless access and other electronic resources at Lafayette Parish's libraries, call 261-5787; for a list of the 10 branches and their hours of operation, click here. Buy a book, support your school However, says Abraham, about half of the store's clients don't select a school, leaving a lot of money on the bookshelf. To collect that unused money all you have to do is build a link to booksxyz.com into your next internet posting, whether you're blogging, facebooking, myspacing or whatever. Just mention a book that you like; for example I picked James Lee Burke's new book, The Tin Roof Blowdown. Create a link to the book at booksxyz.com by finding the book on the booksxyz.com website, copying the URL (that's the internet address on your browser), adding a hyphen and typing in the code of your school (I picked UL Lafayette). When somebody clicks on it as their link to buy the book at booksxyz.com, your school will become the default, and if they buy a book, the 5 percent will head to your school. Easy. Not so easy? You can reach Joe Abraham the old fashioned way, call him at 337 769-1466 for more information. Louisiana's oil revenue reaches record levels According to Louisiana Mineral Board Secretary Marjorie McKeithen, the state also earned another $600.1 million from bonus, leaseholder and interest payments, the highest tally for payments since 1983. Industry and academia sources credit Gov. Kathleen Blanco's proactive policies, such as streamlined permitting and fewer bureaucratic hoops. "The Blanco administration had its antenna up early on and responded to some of our concerns," says Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Don Briggs. "With effective change, there certainly is indication in these numbers that business is on an upward spiral in this state." The newfound riches could be chalked up to high prices, but David Dismukes, LSU associate professor and associate director of the Center for Energy Studies, says increased production is also responsible. "The fact that lease sales are generating record income indicates that the industry views Louisiana in a more attractive light for future energy investments," he says. - Jeremy Alford Lost Bayou Ramblers release "Live a la Blue Moon"  The Lost Bayou Ramblers will be at the Blue Moon tomorrow night, celebrating the release of their fourth album, and first live CD, "Live a la Blue Moon." The 18-track disc, recorded over a two-night stand at the Blue Moon back in January, features the band in their element and in their own backyard. The Ramblers roll through a crowd pleasing set that mixes its own traditional compositions alongside standards from John Fontenot and Iry Lejeune, throws in a brief "Who Dat" for the Saints, and closes things out with the 10-minute jam "Blue Moon Special." Saturday's show starts at 8 p.m. and also features opening act The Jungle Rockers from Austin.
The Advertiser seeks help with "grammer" 
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Cajundome's financial troubles mounting The sales tax office can only go back on an entity for three years, and based on the Cajundome's calculations, the estimated total (4 percent for local and 4 percent for state sales tax) plus penalties comes to about $1.4 million. Thus far, the state has not asked for its cut. The combined total of the FEMA money and sales tax, about $2.4 million, is more than a third of the Cajundome's annual $6 million budget. In response to Meche's claim, the Cajundome filed a petition for declaratory judgment in state district court yesterday, asking the court to determine whether the public entity is required to collect sales tax on events it self-promotes or concessions, catering and merchandise it provides. Cajundome attorney Gary McGoffin says in 1993 the dome began promoting some its own events, like the Eagles, Whitney Houston and New Kids on the Block concerts, and did not collect sales taxes. When a private company promotes an event, however, sales tax is collected; prior to November 2004, when the catering and concessions at the dome were handled by Quintess Catering, that company charged sales tax. McGoffin's petition argues that the dome does not fit the tax code's definition of either a "dealer" or "person" with an obligation to collect and remit sales tax. The dispute has been going on since August of last year, when Meche's office realized that sales taxes were not being collected on amusement rides for the Cajun Heartland State Fair. An inquiry into that issue led to the discovery that a similar situation existed across the board. Meche says the lawsuit will not stop him from pursuing an audit to determine how much is owed. Wood storks on view Saturday  They stand up to four feet tall as they wade through coastal wetlands, hunting for crawfish. Their heavy curved black beak open, they probe the shallows, making little noise unless aggravated. Then they hiss like a snake or croak like a frog. Startled, the big birds lift off slowly, fanning the air to get some height, pink feet dangling awkwardly until they catch an updraft and then with the spectacular black and white spread of their nearly 6 foot wing span, the storks take off over the cypress canopy to find a quiet place to fish. A wood stork is not an everyday sighting in Louisiana.This weekend, the endangered largest wading bird in North America will be on view at the South Farm of the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area Complex on Saturday, July 21 from 7 a.m. till noon. At this time of year, large groups of feeding wood storks and other waders are visible in the area. Bring binoculars, a sun-hat, bug-spray. To get to the South Farm, take the Ramah Exit off 1-10 (Exit 135), head north and follow the signs. For more information call La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries at 337 948-0255. The event is free, but you must have a valid Hunting/Fishing License or Wild Louisiana Stamp, call 888 765-2602 to purchase a license over the phone. Board of Regents' Web site leaks personal info In all, more than 80,000 names and Social Security numbers were accessible for perhaps as long as two years on an internal Internet site run by the Louisiana Board of Regents, the body that has oversight over the state's institutions of higher education. … For example, there's a list of administrators and instructors at South Louisiana Community College that includes their Social Security numbers. "I'd be shaking in my boots. I'd be really, really freaked out. All of my information is available to anyone who wants it right now," Titus said. In a statement issued yesterday, Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Joseph Savoie stated: "Although we are aware of no misuse of non-public information, we are working with the Attorney General's office to fully investigate this matter and take any appropriate action. No mission-critical data related to the Board of Regents or Louisiana's public colleges and universities were compromised." It also setup a webpage as "a precautionary step" to explain how to go about placing a fraud alert on one's credit. Blanco vetoes Sen. Michot's auto insurance bill Following the governor's veto, Michot released his own statement, noting how Louisiana continues to lag behind other states in minimum coverage requirements. He also acknowledged timing was "not great" for the bill. "However, we must also realize that this problem is not going to go away," he says. "We must remember that the required minimum coverage has not increased since the mandatory insurance law took effect over 20 years ago." Antiques Road Sheaux
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Lemoine may finish out Easton's term  After the school board parted ways with James Easton last month, deputy superintendent and chief academic officer Burnell Lemoine has filled in as acting superintendent. At its meeting tonight, the board will officially appoint Lemoine interim superintendent of the school system. It could be a lengthy appointment. Several board members are discussing having Lemoine fill out Easton's old contract term, through the end of 2008. Proponents say this would provide for an easier transition and allow the board more time to find its next superintendent. "That's what I'm leaning toward," says board member Mike Hefner. "Burnell's personality is the type that can get everybody refocused, particularly from the academic side." Lemoine was previously superintendent of the Avoyelles Parish School System and also served a brief stint as interim superintendent in Lafayette Parish in 2000.
Vitter's strategy: Stonewall, stonewall, stonewall Talk about déjà vu. That was the scene Monday night when U.S. Sen. David Vitter emerged from a week of hiding – and it was also The Advocate's description of the scene yesterday when Vitter returned to Washington, D.C. If there was ever any doubt, Vitter's strategy regarding his prostitution scandal is now crystal clear: stonewall, stonewall, stonewall. His contempt for the New Orleans and Louisiana press corps was evident all last week, but now he's upping the ante by thumbing his nose at the Washington, D.C. press corps as well. Yesterday was like a pathetic adult version of Beltway hide-and-seek, with Vitter using back doors to get to meetings, letting colleagues shield him in the hallways, and using an Isuzu Rodeo as his getaway car. It's as if Vitter truly believes that as long as he refuses to acknowledge unanswered questions about his behavior – including questions about whether some of the illicit activity happened on taxpayer time, and who paid for it – the matter will go away. At the rate things are going, the exact opposite is true; today brings a fresh round of editorials ranging from The Daily Advertiser to The Washington Post urging Vitter to come clean. And with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid now saying the scandal deserves a full airing due to the ongoing criminal investigation into Deborah Palfrey's prostitution ring, the spotlight on Vitter is only going to burn hotter. Interim no more: Walker is UL's new AD "This is a significant step in helping to put our athletic program on an even field with other Division I programs," Walker said in a press release. "These changes will give us the ability to provide the resources our programs need to be competitive." An almost 30 year administrator who earned his MBA from UL, Walker is responsible for personnel supervision, budget and policy management, contract negotiations, football game scheduling, contract approval of all athletic contests, ticket pricing, facility management, NCAA rules compliance, and alumni, fan and donor relations. His position becomes official after the board of supervisors for the UL System approves it. Langlinais hearing slated for Thursday A grand jury was convened in May, and Haney issued subpoenas for witnesses to testify under oath before the grand jury, following allegations of theft, malfeasance in office, obstruction of justice and falsifying public records brought to light in March by a legislative audit. On June 8, Block filed a motion to recuse Haney's office on the grounds of conflict of interest. Under Iberia's Home Rule Charter, the Iberia Parish DA's office is counsel for both the Iberia Parish Council and the Iberia Parish President, in this case, Langlinais. If Haney steps aside, the Attorney General's office will handle the case. Habitat's ReStore coming to Lafayette ReStore will take in donations of new or like-new home improvement items from builders, retailers, wholesalers and individuals and then sell those items back to the public at a deep discount. Manager Michael Urness calls the concept "a home improvement thrift store." Although the concept may be new to Lafayette, it's already at work across the country and in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas. ReStore is located at 209 E. Pinhook in Lafayette, on the United Way of Acadiana campus. It's set to open Friday, July 27, with a grand opening to follow in mid-August. ReStore will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. If you're interested in donating items, volunteering or learning more, contact Michael Urness at (337) 371-6030.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Respected former state rep. named to airport commission A Lafayette native who's worked for Mass Mutual Financial Group for more than two decades, Bacque will serve until July 3 of next year and will be eligible for re-appointment at that time. In 1982 Bacque served as president (now called chairman) of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and carried its banner for consolidation of city and parish governments. Four years later, he was founding chairman of Leadership Lafayette, a community leadership program sponsored by the chamber. Bacque was in the state Legislature representing District 43 from 1987 to 1991 as an independent and is well-remembered for his stance against former KKK grand wizard David Duke. His personal feelings notwithstanding, Bacque argued that Duke should not be seated because he failed to meet the state's requirement for domicile in the district he was elected to serve. Despite that state law was clearly on his side, Bacque lost the argument and Duke served from 1989 to 1992, eventually making the runoff for governor of the state in 1991. Vitter rolls the dice Taking this approach is the biggest gamble of Vitter's political career, and has the potential to blow up in his face. After again asking for forgiveness, he fired some direct shots at the journalists assembled for his statement: "Unfortunately, my admission has encouraged some long-time political enemies and those hoping to profit from the situation to spread falsehoods too, like those New Orleans stories in recent reporting," he said. "Those stories are not true. Now, having said all of this, I'm not going to answer endless questions about it all over again and again and again and again. That might sell newspapers, but it wouldn't serve my family or my constituents well at all because we all have a lot of important work to do for Louisiana." So here's what it boils down to: Vitter is saying that the Pulitzer Prize-winning Times-Picayune is staffed by liars. Former Louisiana Weekly writer and State Rep. candidate Christopher Tidmore is a liar. Louisiana Republican State Central Committeeman Vincent Bruno is a liar. Deborah Jean Palfrey is a liar. Wendy Cortez is a liar. Vitter's treading on extremely thin ice here. With his refusal to answer legitimate questions, he's keeping the story alive for local and national media. MSNBC's Chris Matthews said last night that Vitter looked "angry" and "contemptuous"; Washington Post media critic Howard Kurtz put it best: Doesn't a senator who preaches the sanctity of marriage and then breaches it have a responsibility to do more than read a statement? Does Vitter think reporters aren't going to dog him about this at every subsequent public appearance? I'm not in favor of these stakeouts -- especially when kids are involved, have a heart -- but I doubt the senator can successfully run against the media here. The reason the camera crews were chasing him is that he went into hiding for a week. He says he's not going to help sell newspapers by talking about the scandal, but he has built his career on a platform of moral values and sanctity of marriage. Now, having used that spotlight to boost his political career, he wants his privacy? He wants the reporters to go away? It doesn't work that way. Wetlands documentary screens tomorrow night Locals join "counter filibuster" to end Iraq war Acadiana residents who favor ending the Iraq war are joining in a national protest aimed at Republicans who oppose setting a timetable for troop withdrawal. The "counter filibuster to end the war," sponsored by the left-leaning advocacy group MoveOn, will be held in approximately 150 cities across the country tonight. Organizers hope to put heat on Senate Republicans filibustering on Capitol Hill against a vote to begin withdrawal from Iraq. According to a press release sent out this morning by former Democratic Congressional candidate Mike Stagg, a local rally will be held on the steps of the federal courthouse at 5:30 p.m. Speakers will read statements from families of U.S. military serving in Iraq and the group will call on Sen. David Vitter to end his support of the Republican filibuster. Gulf Brew doubled expectations  The anticipated crowd for this past weekend's first Gulf Brew - a beer-tasting fundraiser for the Acadiana Arts Council - was around 450 people. So you can imagine the shock of the staff and volunteers of the Acadiana Center for the Arts this past Saturday when over 1,000 people showed up on an overcast and rainy afternoon. Beer lovers crowded into an air-conditioned tent to stand in line for up to 20 minutes to taste 3-ounce samples of beer from breweries from across the Gulf South.Rose Courville, the ACA's curator of exhibitions and event coordinator for, says the event raised over $15,000 for the arts group. By 3:30 p.m., an hour and a half into the opening of the event, some breweries were already running out of beer. "So at that point, " Courville says, "we offered a half-price ticket. But the flow of people didn't stop. That did not deter anyone from coming in the door." Plans are already underway for another Gulf Brew event, and Courville says it might not take another year for it happen. Although it's only a few days after the inaugural event, Courville says it could turn into a semiannual - or even a quarterly - event. Other plans include moving the event to Parc International (instead of the ACA's parking lot, where hopefully a theater will be constructed by next year), doubling the number of breweries and offering 50, instead of 15, samples of beer. "Now that we know Lafayette has a great interest in this type of event we will be much more prepared," Courville says. "But I think everyone left with a smile on their face."
Monday, July 16, 2007
Most UL athletes have high GPAs Sun Belt schools combined to have more than 650 athletes on the Commissioner's List, which honors those achieving a 3.5 GPA or better during the 2006-07 academic year. Those with GPAs of 3.0 to 3.49 were named to the Academic Honor Roll. The conference also announced that its 12 schools are graduating their student athletes at a higher rate than their respective school's student body. The Ragin' Cajun football team produced 35 academic honorees, including 12 Commissioner's List members. The women's soccer team had a program-best 15 Commissioner's List members. The women's soccer and track and field teams each had 21 student-athletes on the academic lists, followed by baseball (18), men's track and field (16), softball (10), volleyball (9), golf (6), women's tennis (4), and men's (3) and women's (3) basketball. View the full list of athletes here. Springing Edwards from jail Treen said he thinks Edwards has a good shot considering Bush's intervention on behalf of former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Bush recently commuted Libby's 30-month jail sentence in a case involving the leak of a CIA operative's name. The president accepted Libby's guilt but said the jail sentence was "excessive." … Tin Roof Blowdown interrupts everything By evening my eyes were rimmed with red and felt gritty. But it was over. I had done it. The Tin Roof Blowdown, James Lee Burke's new Dave Robicheaux novel, set in New Orleans and Acadiana in the aftermath of Hurrincane Katrina is slated to be out in bookstores on July 17th. I was supposed to tell you about it, but the reality is otherwise. You'll have to read it for yourself. Christian Conservative group calls for Vitter resignation A strong advocate for traditional family values, Storms gained national notoriety in 2002 - appearing on national news programs including ABC's Primetime Live and Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor - when he began circulating video he captured of public sex acts on the streets of the French Quarter during Southern Decadence, a gay pride festival. Authement bid to honor Johnston denied UL President Ray Authement asked the Attorney General's Office last month if he could rename the Research Park on campus in honor of former U.S. Sen. J. Bennett Johnston, a Democrat, but the resulting opinion, released last week, stated that "absent legislation," such a move "would be a violation of state law." - Jeremy Alford
Friday, July 13, 2007
Woman claims to be Vitter's prostitute Yesterday, state GOP leaders began rallying around the embattled and noticeably absent Vitter, nearly three days after the senator publicly confessed his "very serious sin." Lafayette Parish GOP Chairman Mark Gremillion reiterated his statement yesterday to The INDsider and issued this statement: Senator Vitter has handled his error properly and courageously. It is the consensus of the Republican Parish Executive Committee that Senator Vitter should continue to serve his constituents of the State of Louisiana. Vitter will likely avoid criminal prosecution, but The Advocate reports that he could face disciplinary action from the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. Barras challenging Hefner for District 5 city-parish council  John Barras, who is now in his tenth year on the Lafayette Planning Commission, is making a bid for the District 5 city-parish council seat being vacated by Lenwood Broussard. Broussard is one of four councilmen prevented by term-limits from seeking re-election. Barras will be challenging school board member Mike Hefner, who announced his intentions to run for the seat last month. Without going into specifics, Barras says that he and Hefner have different ideas for the city-parish council. "I realized he might have been elected unopposed and I wasn't going to let that happen," Barras says. "I'm going to let him bring out his platform."For his part, Barras says he wants to help the city-parish council work toward some of the smart growth principles he has helped spearhead on the planning commission. As chair of the commission over the past two years, Barras led a group of city officials to Lincoln, Neb. to learn about proactive ways in which the Midwestern city was using to carefully manage its growth. The 60-year-old Barras, who owns Cajun Wood Products on Industrial Parkway, pledges that if he is elected, he will only serve one term on the council. "I think that I can achieve what I want to do in four years," he says. "And after all, I'd be 65, it's time to go fishing after that." Old Martin Mills plant goes green Louisiana System Built Homes opened in January and in March began manufacturing homes that meet three critical standards — affordability, energy efficiency and quality construction. The company is owned by Aubrey Shoemake, who leased the facility for a few months before buying it recently from Lafayette businessman Larry Leger. Shoemake says his homes will help offset the toll rising energy costs are taking on residents' utility bills. Called The International Trade Center, the facility will house additional tenants that are focused on products and services supportive of "green" building practices. The center is in a Free Trade Zone area, which provides potential tenants with tax credits and other benefits. The St. Martin Parish Economic Development Authority is assisting companies with those incentives. For more information about available positions, call 326-5200; applications can be picked up at the St. Martinville office, 6261 Hwy. 31. Moss state's first woman Dealer of the Year Moss is the first woman in Louisiana to receive this prestigious award and will represent the state in San Francisco at the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting in February. She moves on to compete for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year, a national honor. Moss, who took over the dealership after the death of her husband, sells Mercedes, BMW and Honda lines. Brew crew to gather Saturday  When it comes to covering our attitude about beer, no one has sung it better than Tom T. Hall. "I like beer. It makes me a jolly good fellow." So it was high time for someone to come up with a celebration of all things brewed. The Acadiana Arts Council tapped into the idea, and Lafayette's first beer festival, Gulf Brew should be hopping Saturday afternoon in conjunction with the July ArtWalk. A $15 ticket gets you 15 beer samples from breweries from across the Gulf South and local homebrewers.Breweries include Abita Spring's Abita Brewing; Houston's Saint Arnold Brewing Company; Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company based in Kiln, Miss.; Zea Brewery from Metairie; and Covington's Heiner Brau Brewery. Lafayette's very own homebrew club, the Dead Yeast Society, will also be on hand to pass out samples of four different styles of its beverages. Don't forget to raise a glass to nos amis across the Atlantic while you're at it. Saturday is Bastille Day, France's equivalent of Independence Day, and contrary to all the hype about wine, the French ferment a frothy Alsatian masterpiece, Kronenbourg, as well. Donc, allez au fest (or in English,) "I like beer. It helps me unwind and sometimes it makes me feel mellow."
Albarado, Borel competing at EVD Friday night Twelve jockeys will compete Friday, and the winner will be determined by a point system based on the order of their finishes in each race. The Cajun Jockey Challenge aims to celebrate both the area's horse racing past and its place on the national racing scene, as jockeys who began their careers at EVD have gone on to succeed at the highest levels in the sport of thoroughbred racing. "Participation in the challenge has been overwhelming," says Jason Boulet, racing secretary at EVD. Boulet says Mark Guidry, who recently recorded his 5000th career victory, Corey Lanerie and former Eclipse Award winning apprentice Brian Hernandez Jr. will also compete, along with Larry Melancon, Kerwin Clark, Steve Bourque, E.J. Perrodin, Gerard Melancon, Curt Bourque and Tracy Hebert. Retired Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day and other notable riders like Randy Romero, Ronald Ardoin, Shane Sellers and Ray Sibille will join the 12 competitors for an autograph session from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the races at 7:12, 8:04, 8:56 and 9:48. Tisserand to read from Sugarcane Academy  When Hurricane Katrina uprooted Michael Tisserand and his family from their New Orleans home, they made their way to Acadiana, where they lived with Independent Weekly Editor Scott Jordan. The two had had worked with one another when Tisserand was the editor of New Orleans' alternative weekly newspaper Gambit Weekly. Tisserand's two children began attending a school set up by New Orleans teacher Paul Reynaud who had found his way to New Iberia, where he lived with Independent Staff Writer Mary Tutwiler and her family for two months. Tisserand recounts the experience in his latest book, Sugarcane Academy: How a New Orleans Teacher and his Storm-Struck Students Created a School to Remember. He reads from it and signs copies tonight at Barnes & Noble in Lafayette, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
No direction home for many Katrina evacuees
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Will Vitter resign? On the heels of his announcement that his phone number was on the infamous D.C. Madam's list and that he'd committed "a serious sin in his past," yesterday was a non-stop barrage of one embarrassing revelation after another. The news that Larry Flynt and Hustler magazine prompted Vitter's admission. The notorious New Orleans Canal Street madam surfacing and telling The Times-Picayune that Vitter also frequented her brothel. And in her unsubstantiated account, she specifically mentions that Vitter favored a prostitute named Wendy Cortez — whom Vitter has repeatedly, heatedly denied being with over the years. This is music to the ears of Vitter's old nemesis Vincent Bruno, who's now calling for Vitter's resignation. And Bruno might be onto something. Vitter's problem is that he's painted himself so far into a corner over the years with his denials and hard-line social conservative stances that his credibility is toast. Even high-level state Republicans seem to be acknowledging that fact; consider what Boysie Bollinger told reporter John Hill: Vitter's relationship with prostitutes was known to insiders when he ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004, said New Orleanian Boysie Bollinger, a major GOP fundraiser who has chaired President Bush's state finance organization. "It seems to me from what I read is that it is old news. He pre-empted somebody's investigating it by confessing. We had discussed the exact fact that this bomb could go off any time in the campaign and it did not." That's hardly a vigorous defense or the way a friend tries to help someone get the wind back in their sails — leaving them twisting in the wind is more like it. Because what can Vitter possibly say at this point? That he only had dalliances with Washington prostitutes, not New Orleans prostitutes? The once-powerful Louisiana senator is now political kryptonite for fellow Republicans; don't expect gubernatorial candidate Bobby Jindal to come within 500 feet of Vitter anytime before the November election. Vitter has only one question to answer: if the Republican Party even wants him to stay, is he going to put party loyalty over family loyalty? Does he really want to put his wife and four school-age children through three more years of uncomfortable questions and newspaper headlines? The only alternative is to become a quiet, meek man with no legislative pull, dutifully serving out a painful and dull political exile — and that doesn't sound like David Vitter. Sen. Landrieu advocates troop reprieve Proposed studio complex in Port Allen Developers Ed Elbert and Jonathan Sanger, principals in Los Angeles-based Grand Illusions Entertainment, said the state incentives were crucial to getting their project done. ... "There's nothing magical about Hollywood," Elbert said. "If you have money, a labor pool, subsidy money and studio space, you can make movies anywhere. When that missing component — studio space — is addressed, there's no reason why West Baton Rouge shouldn't become the Hollywood of the Southeast." Art classes for kids at ACA  Next week, the Acadiana Arts Council blasts into summer with a mixed bag of arts workshops for kids. Starting July 16, morning and afternoon workshops in lapidary and low-fire enameling and textile design and weaving commence for children ages 6-12. Two days later, back by popular demand, the Young Masters series offers young artists an introduction to some of the creative geniuses of the 19th and 20th centuries: Picasso, Calder and Warhol to name a few. Each workshop will focus on a single artist, exploring innovations and technique, followed by a hands-on project in the style of the artist. There are eight classes in the Young Masters series. July rounds out with two more workshops, exploring polymer clay and making mixed media clocks. Workshops are $75, Young Masters classes are $18 per class, or $120 for the entire series. For more information check out the website, or call 233-7060 to register.
Airport director's contract on today's agenda At last month's meeting, where Roberts faced possible termination, Commissioner Don Higginbotham proposed the contract (Roberts is currently an at-will employee) and a second resolution that would allow for the position to be advertised nationally three months before its December expiration. Both resolutions passed. Robichaux and Commissioner Brenda Burley, Roberts' strongest critics, believed the vote they cast that night on Higginbotham's second resolution approved advertising the position (see today's story). But this morning Robichaux wasn't so sure. "I think they pulled a 'slick Willie' on us," he says, noting that he will seek clarification on the matter at today's meeting and, if necessary, ask that commissioners support a national search to ensure the best director is in place. "[Roberts] can apply for the job," he says. Robichaux and Burley maintain that Higginbotham also was opposed to Roberts staying on but surprised them at the June 7 meeting by proposing the contract. Higginbotham has since resigned, saying recent controversies are beginning to affect his insurance business, and has been unavailable for comment.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Chickens come home to roost for Vitter  The chickens have come home to roost for U.S. Sen. David Vitter, and somewhere today, Dave Treen is smiling.After years of sidestepping rumors of a marital affair, the family values politician and social conservative Vitter's hand was forced when his telephone number showed up on the client list of the prostitution ring run by Washington, D.C. madam Deborah Jeane Palfrey. Vitter released the following statement: This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible. Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there -- with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way. Vitter's admission of using the D.C. madam's services also serves to reignite allegations that he repeatedly used a prostitute in New Orleans as well, a charge Vitter has vehemently denied despite multiple allegations – by fellow Republicans. Politically, the timing is especially damaging for Vitter. While he isn't up for Senate re-election until 2010, his star had been rising in the Republican Party of late thanks to his leadership role in the Republican revolt to defeat President Bush's immigration bill, and Vitter was widely speculated to be angling for the VP slot should former New York mayor Rudy Guiliani win the Republican Party's presidential nomination. Vitter's already angered social conservatives in Louisiana by endorsing the pro-gay rights and pro-choice Giuliani, so his affair revelations are sure to cut into the 42 percent of the Acadiana vote he received in his 2004 win over U.S. Rep. Chris John. For the immediate future, Vitter better hope that his wife Wendy has changed her stance on infidelity: Asked by an interviewer in 2000 whether she could forgive her husband if she learned he'd had an extramarital affair, as Hillary Clinton and Bob Livingston's wife had done, Wendy Vitter told The Times-Picayune: "I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary. If he does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony, trust me. Gov. Blanco ‘ready to rock' Jimmie Davis Music Honorees David St. Romain and members of the Benjy Davis Project are part of a live performance sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and supported by the state's music commission and LPB. The event is being held in conjunction with the governor's Mansion Cultural Series, created to promote and share the state's rich culture. St. Romain, one of three finalists from more than 20,000 contestants in the most recent series of USA Network's Nashville Star, will perform "Climbing Up That Mountain," an unreleased song just written with country legend Randy Owen of the award-winning country music band Alabama. The rock group Benjy Davis Project will perform "Louisiana Saturday Night" and "Cajun Crawfish Boil." The band's latest single, "Sweet Southern Moon," is featured in the first national TV ad for Louisiana-made Abita Beer. The invitation only performances begin at 7 p.m. Atchafalaya Basin Program director plans brief retirement National Hurricane Center director ousted On Monday, Proenza was replaced by Deputy Director Ed Rappaport as director. Hugh E. Willoughby, a research professor at Florida International University, told the New York Times that Rappaport " … comes from the N.H.C. culture … and he'll be good at soothing the inflamed passions." The crawfish toothbrush holder you always wanted  Here's a good reason to learn how to read Japanese. It comes from the Plywood store on Japan's Rakuten online mega-mall. According to technobob:While hanging onto your ceramic tile with a sucker fit for an octopod, the aptly named CRAWFISH holds onto your toothbrushes with a grip that only a deep-sea creature could have. There are only two problems. One, although the toothbrush holder only costs ¥714 each (appx.$6), it will cost a lot more to ship it from Japan. Two, the Plywood website is Greek, er Japanese to me.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Simien & Miniex new legal counsel for airport It's unlikely the airport commission's work will be handled by a single attorney at Simien & Miniex, Ottinger says. "Several lawyers may do work, including particularly Clyde Simien and Rickey Miniex and Todd Swartzendruber, depending on the subject matter or nature of the task at hand." Miniex could not be reached for comment this morning. USA Today profiles "patron Saint" Drew Brees "We've got a lot of competition, and I've never been part of a team where we've had so many guys willing to help with another guy's charity event. When you care about a guy beyond just the field, that's when the chemistry becomes really special. The Super Bowl is as realistic a goal as we have right now because of the type of guys we have and the experience we've gained." Writers on the Teche in New Iberia Sealy plans to talk about messing around in boats on the Bayou Teche when he was a child. Smitty Landry, one of the town's most eloquent speakers, will address some of the town characters and their nicknames. O'Neill attended Mt. Carmel and will talk about her time with the Carmelite nuns. Al Landry, who grew up in New Orleans, spent his summer visiting relatives (the Landrys are one of the largest clans in New Iberia). He'll recall the joys of a city boy exploring the country. Last time around, Writers on the Teche was a sellout program at the Iberia Parish Library. The Sliman Theatre seats 200. First come first served. For more info, call Cathy Indest at 364-1603. Louisiana's sales tax holiday Boasso speaking in Lafayette today  Louisianagubernatorial candidate Walter Boasso makes a stop in Lafayette today for a speech presented by the Lafayette Optimist Club. State Sen. Boasso of Arabi is the first gubernatorial candidate to speak for LOC in the organization's 50-year-plus history, according to LOC's Herman Venable. Boasso immediately accepted the club's invitation to speak, says Venable, and LOC is hopeful that U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal will also confirm a speech for the club in coming months.The speech and meeting is at noon today at Don's Seafood and Steakhouse downtown at 301 E. Vermilion St. Admission cost is $12, which includes lunch. For more info or to reserve a seat, call Venable at 288-1523. Then later today, Boasso will be at a meet-the-candidate event at 6 p.m. at the Anthony Fazzio Law Office at 4906 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy. The meet-and-greet is free and open to the public.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Democratic presidential hopefuls in New Orleans  The reply was predictable: A Republican Party spokesperson told The Times-Picayune that U.S. Sen. Barrack Obama is using Hurricane Katrina for his own political gain and the Republican Party considers hurricane recovery "an important domestic priority," as the federal government has authorized more than $110 billion in aid under President George Bush's watch.That was in response to Obama's speech in New Orleans last night at the Essence Festival. While the continued partisan fingerpointing over Katrina and hurricane recovery isn't surprising, what really bears watching is how prominently the field of Democratic Presidential candidates will feature Gulf Coast hurricane recovery in their campaign platforms. If Obama's speech is any indication, Democrats aren't going to miss any chances to remind voters of one of the Bush administration's biggest albatrosses. Said Obama: "It was here in New Orleans that we realized we can't have a government that decides cronyism is more important than confidence, or rhetoric is more important than results. We were reminded of something America should not have to be reminded of: that the legacy of race and poverty in this country continues to shape our lives each and every day. That is what we understood here in New Orleans." U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton gets her opportunity to address Essence attendees this afternoon. Travelocity hightlights local faves No locals apply for UL's top job — yet So far seven candidates (six from out-of-state and the seventh from Hong Kong), all from academic circles with doctorate degrees, have submitted applications for the job. A month ago, Landry told The Independent Weekly he is strongly considering applying for the job, but Savoie has been non-committal. Those in the running, according to the UL System, are Butler University in Indianapolis' provost/senior vice president for academic affairs, the chief academic officer at New Mexico State University at Carlsbad, the provost/v.p. for academic affairs at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, dean/chair professor of the School of Creative Media at City University of Hong Kong, dean of the health college at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, dean of the humanities and social sciences college at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, and a professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The applications are available for public review in the UL library and online. The search committee's first meeting and public hearing, held June 14 on UL's campus, is available on YouTube. The next such meeting is slated for Sept. 12, also in Lafayette. UL President Ray Authement announced his retirement April 27. He has served for more than 33 years. Melancon weighs in on rural health care  Teaming up with Republicans for a bipartisan effort, Congressman Charlie Melancon is pushing legislation that would make several changes to the way rural health care providers address the challenges associated with delivering care in small communities. Melancon, a Democrat from Napoleonville, says growing up among the sugar cane and farming operations of Assumption Parish gave him invaluable personal experience to attach himself to the Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act of 2007. "Hospitals are few and far between, and people who are disabled, or are extremely sick, or lack reliable transportation have trouble getting to see a doctor," Melancon says of his own community back home. "Underfunded hospitals struggle to afford new, up-to-date equipment and technology. Independent pharmacies suffer because Medicare takes too long to reimburse them. Clinics and hospitals face a severe shortage of healthcare providers because they often can't afford to pay doctors and nurses competitive wages."
The "H-CARE Act," as sponsors refer to the bill, would address some of these health care challenges that rural communities face every day, Melancon says. Among other things, the H-CARE Act would increase money for rural health care providers, improve lab services, create a new commission to oversee progress and establish grants for technology and other needs. The plan has already received endorsements by 12 national organizations, including the National Rural Health Association, American Hospital Association, American Counseling Association, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, American Ambulance Association and others. – Jeremy Alford Lafayette home prices rank lowest in state While affordable housing may still be an issue in Lafayette, local home prices are modest when compared with other cities throughout the state. According to Housing Predictor, an independent market forecast company, Lafayette has the lowest median home price in Louisiana at $128,000. The median home price in Baton Rouge is $151,000. New Orleans is at $152,000. Monroe tops the state with its median home cost of $164,000. Housing Predictor ranks Monroe 15th in the country in its list of top real estate markets, anticipating that home values there will continue to appreciate at 6.3 percent through the year. Bucking the national trend, all housing markets in Louisiana are experiencing appreciation, with Lafayette right at 4.2 percent.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Landrieu's fundraising boost
You would be pleased as well if you were U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, who raised $1.2 million for her re-election campaign during the second quarter of this year alone for her 2008 race. That outpaces the same quarter from last year and brings the campaign's estimated cash on hand to more than $2.7 million. "This total exceeds even the goals we had set internally," says Ron Faucheux, Landrieu's chief campaign strategist. "We will continue to accelerate the pace as the election draws near." Not surprisingly, Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger F. Villere isn't impressed. "Sen. Mary Landrieu has been busy soliciting money from far left interest groups while claiming that she is fighting for Louisiana," he says. "How can we expect her to do her job and represent our state when she spends so much time pandering to her out of state contributors?" He cites policy decisions Landrieu made on behalf of New York recently, including a $150,000 appropriation for the Robert H. Clampitt Foundation in the Big Apple. (Villere says Landrieu received $391,545 from residents of New York from 1995-2007.) In response, Landrieu says the national program will help Louisiana children learn critical skills. "(They) appear to have conducted little or no research into the actual program," Landrieu says. "They tried to make it look like I had secured funding for a program in New York when, in fact, it is for a program in Louisiana. Their partisan attack is both misleading and quite pathetic, really." – Jeremy Alford DOTD head: Jones wrong to intervene at Lafayette airport Pressure from Jones and other officials like Broussard Mayor Charles Langlinais, who placed phone calls to commissioners on Roberts' behalf, appears to have influenced the commission. Though a majority of commissioners wanted to see the director terminated in the days leading up to that June meeting, then-Commissioner Don Higginbotham — who had opposed Roberts — instead introduced a motion to keep him on for at least six months. Higginbotham announced his resignation from the embattled commission last week, citing the effect the recent controversy over questionable spending and Roberts' future at the airport has begun to have on his insurance business. Four days after the airport commission made an about-face in deciding Roberts could stay on till the end of the year, it was Bradberry's turn to intervene — firing off a letter to Durel, who has been supportive of Roberts. The Independent Weekly obtained a copy of the letter from Durel's office. It begins: It has come to my attention that Phil Jones, aviation director for DOTD, with the support of Tom Atkinson [DOTD deputy assistant secretary] acted inappropriately regarding public commentary involving your airport Director Greg Roberts. These actions, in my opinion, border on a violation of Civil Service rules and contradict the organizational culture being created in this department. ... This department respects the authority of local governments to make decisions to govern and administrate them as they deem appropriate. Understanding the outcome as reported in the media, I sincerely hope your decision and the decision of the committee were not overly influenced. In addition, I would like to explain that in no way would federal funds be withheld from your airport by DOTD because of leadership changes that may or may not occur. Airport Commissioner Brenda Burley, the only member to vote against keeping Roberts, says Jones, who oversees 70 public airports in the state, used language she and other commissioners considered threatening. Both in his letter and at the meeting, Jones implied that Roberts' termination could impede the progress of the airport, saying it would be difficult for the FAA to put money into an airport with such management problems. "It was like if we got rid of [Roberts] we weren't going to get any funding," Burley says. "I said, ‘now that was a threat.'" Athlon previews 2007 UL Football team With less than two months to go until the kickoff of the 2007 college football season, the preseason forecasting is well under way. Athlon has just released its annual team previews, noting that the upcoming season promises to be a challenging one for UL Coach Rickey Bustle and his staff. With four new assistant coaches on board, and several new starters filling key roles on both sides of the ball, the Cajuns will need to find their rhythm early in the season to avoid another disappointing finish. Athlon is predicting the Cajuns repeat their .500 performance from last year. Lafayette's Cupid shuffles into Essence Festival tonight
Lafayette recording artist Cupid, who signed a major-label deal with Atlantic Records after the success of his hit single "Cupid Shuffle," fulfills a dream tonight when he plays in New Orleans' Superdome as part of the Essence Festival. Twenty-four-year old Northside High alumni Bryson Bernard – aka Cupid – first went to the Essence Festival when he was 18 years old, and now he'll be on stage at the premier African-American music festival in the country. It's another milestone for Cupid, and Atlantic Records executive Aaron Bay-Schuck told The Times-Picayune he has high hopes for the Lafayette singer:
The label is packaging Cupid not as a super-sexed crooner in the R. Kelly mold, nor as a dancing phenom like Chris Brown. Bernard, whose distinctive musical style incorporates elements of soul, gospel, country, blues, Atlanta krunk and New Orleans bounce, defies categories and comparisons. "Cupid has a unique voice and a sound that is all his own," [Atlantic Records executive Aaron] Bay-Schuck said. "His music is all fun, all positive. There are no explicit lyrics. Nothing to bleep out."
For a taste of what the scene will be like at 8 p.m. tonight in the Superdome's Budweiser Superlounge at Essence Festival, check out the video for "Cupid's Shuffle," shot in downtown Lafayette at Parc Sans Souci:
Last week, the Louisiana Legislature endorsed a burgeoning campaign to establish a National Catastrophe Fund to assist insurers in the event of national disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Rita. State lawmakers unanimously passed two resolutions urging Congress to take up the issue and directing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon to promote the idea with other state insurance chiefs. The concept is to have all U.S. insurance policyholders paying into a national pool that would bear the brunt of claims for natural disasters including hurricanes, earthquakes and tornados. Supporters say a National Catastrophe Fund would help stabilize the volatile insurance industry. President Bush is among the opponents of the proposal who argue it will undermine the private market. The campaign for the fund is being spearheaded by protectingamerica.org, which has enlisted the support of hundreds of businesses and organizations including AT&T, AllState Insurcance, and the American Red Cross. The organization is co-chaired by James Lee Witt, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Clinton administration who also served as a post-Katrina advisor to Gov. Blanco. Protectingamerica also has a set up a state chapter, which is online at protectinglouisiana.org.
"When the arrest happened, I called some of my supervisors back in Louisiana," Batiste told The Herald upon leaving the courtroom. "As soon as I'd explain it, all of them said ‘D, something's not right about this.' We're all kind of under the impression I was arrested for driving while black."
Batiste is currently a reserve lineman with the Carolina Panthers. Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mike Neustrom says Batiste worked for his department from September 2004-August 2006, and was training to be a patrol deputy. While any disciplinary files would be confidential, Neustrom says he remembers Batiste being a good employee who did not have any disciplinary actions on his record. Batiste's law enforcement background gives his allegations additional weight, and now the question is whether Batiste will continue speaking out regarding the incident, or pursue legal action against the Charlotte Police Department -- especially since the national media is starting to pay attention.
When it comes to cracking down on sagging pants, Iberia Parish might have started something. Delcambre passed an ordinance last month making it criminal to wear pants that show off your skivvies. Now Lafourche Parish councilman Lindel Toups is introducing his own ordinance at a public meeting in Thibodaux on July 10, citing the "progress" in Iberia.
Only his proposal has a litmus test for low-riders – if your Dockers fall off after a policeman tells you to raise your hands, you're busted. Just like the penalties violators would face in Delcambre, Lafourche's violators would face fines up to $100, as well as 16 hours of community service.
While the Louisiana Legislature balked at a passing a similar law two years ago, Toups is hoping local governments around the state will be proactive on the saggy-pants front and follow the example of Delcambre – and possibly Lafourche. "Somebody had to take the reins and run with it," Toups told the Thibodaux Daily Comet. "I'm hoping it will run all over the state."-- Jeremy Alford, contributing writer
Lafayette oil and gas company Stone Energy is divesting itself of most of its Rocky Mountain properties, selling them to Newfield Exploration Company for $577.9 million. Stone intends to use the sale to pay down its $109 million bank debt and evaluate other investment opportunities. As part of the arrangement, Stone also retains a 35 percent interest in several undeveloped Rocky Mountain holdings.
The announcement comes as Stone rebounds after a tumultuous year; the company was recently cleared by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after an investigation into Stone's 2005 restated reserve estimates.
They also got to make a presentation about the lesson at a technology fair that took place in the Capitol. Andrea said they offered visitors a special treat: Kit Kat bars with a special Reed Springs wrapper that showed a picture of a crayfish.
I guess it worked in Missouri, but the notion of milk chocolate and crispy wafers mixed with crawfish fat doesn't sound particularly appetizing. |
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