My name is Zelda, an African Blackfooted Penguin—one of the many animals you can adopt from Audubon Nature Institute! Over the past year, my animal friends at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species have been doing well because of the kindness of supporters like you.

Your gift of $35 to adopt me will help feed and care for me—and for the many animals within Audubon’s care.

When you adopt me or any other animal at Audubon Nature Institute, you will receive a “parent package,” which includes a personalized adoption certificate, a photo and fun facts about your new wild child and an invitation to a special event only for adoptive animal parents. Animal adoptions are terrific holiday and birthday presents, too!

Thank you for being a part of our Audubon family! Please come visit us; we love to see the people who make our excellent care possible.

Love,
Zelda
African Blackfooted Penguin at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

zoo, audubon, aquarium, penguin, adopt, new orleans

Along those lines, I found an article in The Hindu. The Hindu bills itself as Online edition of India’s National Newspaper. This particular article, After the floods, is written by Anjali Kamat and was posted on September 23, 2007.

I don’t want top say that the author got it wrong as much as I want to say he is misinformed. For one thing, he starts off with a picture labeled, “Now a Wasteland.” Excuse me, New Orleans is not a wasteland. True, there are plenty of areas that need work. Some areas haven’t even started work. Calling it a wasteland damages your credibility though.

With all of the half-truths and misinformation in this article, there is one comment that really stands out as being just plain ignorant.

Visiting the post-Katrina landscape of New Orleans is a bit like time travel. It’s a crash course in the long and shameful history of American poverty, injustice, slavery, and racial segregation. But it’s also a window into the future of what other cities in the United States and perhaps across the world could soon look like. That privatised, gentrified, and militarised future is unmistakeably bleak and terrifying.

After a statement like that, you would think the author would provide some information to back up the statement but not in this case. It’s a drive-by insulting aimed at New Orleans and all of the US.

But, as I said above, there are some very true statements in the article:

Two years after the flood, little has changed at the Lower Ninth Ward. The scene is eerily reminiscent of images from days after the hurricane.

Or this:

After two years of wrangling with the bureaucracy, owners who had finally received federal money to rebuild their homes returned only to find their houses demolished and their property seized by the city. Meanwhile rent prices had skyrocketed by almost 200 per cent.

The insane cost of living that is currently biting New Orleans is particularly vexing. Until there is additional housing, rent will remain high. With insurance and taxes out of control, I don’t see it getting better any time soon.

This following paragraph is a prime example of, almost paranoid, misinformation.

The city’s elite called Katrina a godsend that “cleaned up” the crime-ridden projects. But all Stephanie could talk about was how much she misses the sense of community at the projects. She now lives in Survivors Village, a rat-infested “tent city,” erected in protest by former public housing residents like herself, right across the street from her old home.

Who, in New Orleans, called Katrina a “godsend”? I think they got that from the K-Ville pilot episode.

Even though this article is mostly wrong or warped, I still like reading what people in other places are thinking. The downside to reading this is that I have to ask myself, “Is this the image New Orleans is broadcasting to the world?”

new orleans, katrina, news, india, hindu, image

In 1801, France resumed control of Louisiana and America’s views on that changed. President Jefferson was concerned that France would try to block American use of the river stangling American growth. France at that time was the traditional American enemy. To make matters worse, Napoleon made public his intentions to occupy Louisiana and make that land the bread basket of France in America.

Many in the US wanted to declare war on France. Not just for this but it added fire to the flame. The Federalists had wanted war for a long time and this gave them added impetus. Jefferson did not want war and struggled for a way out. He wrote to the US ambassador to France and said (I paraphrase), “The day that France takes possession of New Orleans is the day we must marry ourselves to the British fleet and nation.” Meaning that he was willing to go to war over New Orleans. He also instructed the ambassador to make sure that the French, in particular, Napoleon, understood that.

France was facing a slave revolt in the Caribbean. Between fighting and yellow fever, Napoleon lost over 40,000 soldiers. He could not afford a war with the US and Britain. The US wanted to purchase New Orleans for $10 Million. Napoleon sold all of Louisiana for $15 Million, only 3/4 of which they were required to pay (the rest went to reparations to the US government).

In one fell swoop, the US doubled its land by acquiring Louisiana. The purchase was ratified in 1803 and Louisiana was admitted to the Union in 1812.

new orleans, louisiana, louisiana purchase, france, america, jefferson, history

This open letter is to the people in New Orleans and the surrounding area who are offended by bad accents, car chases, gumbo, voodoo shops, etc.

Thanks,

LewisC

letter, kville, k-ville, tv

Lakeview Dino’s Pizza, New Orleans, LA - Christmas Day 2005
Photographer: Gina Cunningham

To submit a photo, send me an e-mail at lewis.cunningham@451press.net with the subject line of New Orleans Photo. In the e-mail attach your photo. Include your name, date of the photo (just month and year is necessary), website you want me to link to, and a description of the photo.

By emailing me the photo, you are explicitly declaring that you are the copyright holder of the photo and that you are giving me permission to post the photo.

I can hot link to your site, or upload the image and link from this site. Tell me your preference.

Thanks,

LewisC

new orleans, photo, katrina, lakeview

With sound bits like, “I’ve been living here for 45 years and I’m only 35 years old. What does that tell you?” The scene with the tasty bits in the fridge is guaranteed to amuse and disgust.

This is the height of bad taste and sick humor. Excuse, I’m going to go now and watch some more goatworthy videos.

Click on the video images at the bottom right to see more New Orleans videos. I’ll be changing them on a semi-regular basis. If you know of some good ones that you would like me to link to, leave me a note and I will.

Take care,

LewisC

new orleans, humor, video

For those collectors passing through New Orleans, the restored Mint Museum is well worth a visit. The former exhibit on the history of the New Orleans Mint has been totally revamped and expanded. It also now includes a section on the archeology of the Mint. The building served as both a U.S. and Confederate mint, but lack of bullion shut it down quickly under Confederate administration. Minting operations ceased once and for all in 1909 and in 1966 the landmark was transferred to the state. It opened to the public in 1981 as a state museum.

According to web sources, the old mint was built in 1835 and is the only mint in the US to server as both a US and Confederate mint.

View Larger Map

new orleans, us mint, o mint, tourism, history, museum, history, historical, numismatic

I love this stuff. If you like this kind of thing, drop me a note and I’ll do some more. If you include a topic list (like Mardi Gras, Shrimp, Flood, etc), I will do a list of old headlines with about that topic.

October 7, 1851, Wednesday

LATEST INTELLIGENCE; Arrival of the Georgia at New-Orleans from Havana–Release of Capt. Ellis, one of the American Prisoners.

The steamship Georgia has arrived at this port in forty-seven hours from Havana. Her news is of no importance, further than the fact that Captain Ellis, one of the recent invaders, has been released from prison. The U. S. steamer Saranan, and ships Albany and Decatur, were at Havana. She brings a large number of passengers and the California mails of September 6th.

October 10, 1851, Wednesday

FATAL AFFRAY IN NEW ORLEANS.–Quite an excitement has been produced in New Orleans, by the death of Alderman William Laughlin, on Sunday evening last, In a rencontre with Ex-Alderman William Silk. Both of the gentlemen were highly respectable. It appears that they met at. Kathman’s Coffee-House, at the corner of Bienville and Marais-streets, and got into an altercation, when harsh words were exchanged.

July 4, 1853, Wednesday

The Wreck of the Ship William and Mary–A Passenger’s Statement.; From the New-Orleans Picayune

May 15, 1927, Sunday

THE LONG BATTLE TO SAVE NEW ORLEANS; Herculean Labors and Costly Strategy Used to Check the Mississippi

LAST to receive the impact of the crest of the heaviest flood that ever swept down the Mississippi will be the levees that half encircle New Orleans. Will they hold? The eyes of a nation are focused on these man-made embankments that hold the fate of the gay and lovely metropolis of the South, our chief foreign trade port after New York.

September 20, 1947, Saturday

NEW ORLEANS HIT, HURRICANE HOWLS ON TO ARKANSAS; 90-Mile Winds Batter the City as Tidal Waves Flood Bayou Area — Fury Is Dropping SIX DEAD AND 400 HURT Gulf port Destruction Is Heavy — Thousands Are Homeless Along Stricken Coast HURRICANE HOWLS ON TO ARKANSAS DESTRUCTION LEFT IN WAKE OF HURRICANE AT NEW ORLEANS

A devastating hurricane was centered in mid-Louisiana early today moving in a northwesterly direction toward Arkansas. Six persons were reported dead along the Gulf Coast and some 400 injured in its wake

April 10, 1955, Sunday

NEW ORLEANS RELIVES ITS CREOLE DAYS; Author of “Bayous of Louisiana,” “Queen of New Orleans” and “Plantation Parade.”

Today, Easter Sunday, marks the traditional opening of New Orleans’ “rival to the Mardi Gras” in its appeal to thousands of travelers–the annual Spring Fiesta. For ten days, through April 20, Orleanians and visitors will join in commemorating the Creole-American civilization which saw its golden days in and about the river city a hundred years or so ago.

September 11, 1965, Saturday

New Orleans Loss In Storm Heavy; 23 Dead in 3 States; STORM LOSS HIGH IN NEW ORLEANS Floodwaters Swirl in Southern Cities After Pounding by Hurricane

Hurricane Betsy dashed itself against lower Louisiana and Mississippi early today and ended a destructive journey that began 15 days ago in the Atlantic Ocean.

November 14, 1960, Monday

U. S. COURT BARS LOUISIANA’S MOVE TO SEIZE SCHOOLS; Enjoins Legislature After It Votes to Call Troopers to Prevent Integration SHOWDOWN DUE TODAY New Orleans Board Plans to Defy State and Admit 5 Negroes to White Classes — U.S. COURT BARS LOUISIANA MOVE

A special legislative session approved steps tonight to forcibly prevent desegregation of the New Orleans public schools.

April 9, 1971, Friday

Plan for Domed Stadium Stirs New Orleans Resistance

Louisiana officials are going ahead with plans to build a $150 - million air - conditioned sports arena in downtown New Orleans amid allegations of “boondoggle,” “swindle” and “kickbacks.”

August 9, 1957, Friday

New Orleans Laymen Asks Pope Bar Integration in Archdiocese; POPE GETS APPEAL FOR SEGREGATION

The Association of Catholic Laymen of New Orleans, bypassing its Archbishop, today asked Pope Pius XII to stop racial integration in the church.

new orleans, history, new york times, archive, headline, headlines, news, newspaper, story

In honor of his memory, and to celebrate his writing, I thought I would share a short excerpt from Queen New Orleans. I have to say that I am quite proud to own a first edition; printed by Morrow in 1949. If you can get a copy, I recommend it. You can find them on ebay at times.

I enjoy this book from two perspectives. As a native New Orleanian, I can see Kane’s love for New Orleans. It’s in every word. As a writer I can see his love for words. When you read this excerpt, I don’t think you’ll be able to do anything but agree.

From Queen New Orleans, Introduction - New Orleans is a Lady.

New Orleans is a lady - part American, part Spanish, more French than either in her essential viewpoint. She is intriguing in her swift changes of mood, grande dame one moment, gamine the next. She enjoys laughter, appreciates a show, relishes a quiet hour of happiness. By the unco guid she is considered a little shady, if not worse she would be the first to admit she is no anemic Puritan. For she has seen a good deal in her day, and she doesn’t shock easily.

It is generally admitted, however, that she has taste and judgment and poise is unmistakable. To her have come glory and heartbreak, triumph and defeat, and she has profited from them all. She can look fate in the face and make the best of whatever befalls her. And above everything else she has her Gallic joie de vivre, her Latin appreciation of the generous intention, the gallant gesture.

Throughout her story New Orleans has remained faithful to herself, and to the river with which destiny has joined her. In fat years and thin, she has stayed his Queen, now a consort in ornate halls, now a tiresome helpmate eating red beans and rice in her kitchen. With the Mississippi she will live to the end; and meanwhile she will go on as always, savoring, appreciating what the days bring.

A man once said that while in most of the United States business sometimes pauses for pleasure, in New Orleans pleasure sometimes pauses for business. Though, I hasten to add, not for long!

Over many generations America has looked on New Orleans as a place outside, hardly of its own kind. In a way, New Orleans is proud of that reputation, though she really doesn’t care a great deal. At an early date she acquired tolerance, and she has been growing more tolerant ever since. To her a shrug appears better than a frown, “taking things quietly” preferable to losing her temper. There aren’t many things, she says, that justify a fit of indigestion.

Located on America’s mightiest river, a hundred and ten winding miles above the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans is a dry spot (geographically speaking) in a wet terrain; it is also a people subtly different from others; and it is an attitude. It has been American for a century and a half. Before that, for another century Louisiana belonged to France and to Spain. In mood, in philosophy, that first century was the more important. Despite all inroads of standardized “Americanization,” much of the city’s life seems closer to France than to New England, less akin to Chicago than to the Southern Europe of tradition.

For many decades people have come here to laugh and sigh, to be scornful and/or envious. The Puritan has termed it a hell-spot, dripping with scarlet wickedness. To this the Orleanian would retort that life is meant to be lived and the he cannot find it in himself to blame human beings for being -well, human. Yet only the most furious of bluenoses would call it a city without conscience, for it is a place of countless churches and of faith continuously demonstrated. And none could term it placid, a scene to be painted in pastel shades. Past and present, it has seen an unending struggle between man and man, and between man and Nature.

On the eve of Mardi Gras in 1699, the brothers Le Moyne - Pierre and Jean Baptiste - entered the forked mouth of the Mississippi on their way to a first sight of the spot. Days later they were staring at a vista of flat land inside a deep curve of the river, an Indian passage toward a narrow lake that gave rear entry to the Gulf itself.

Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, the Sieur de Bienville who was to become governor, never forgot this stretch, almost the only more or less dry area conveniently near the blue-green waters. By court order the first settlements were established along the sandy immensity of the Gulf; but Bienville repeatedly urged the need for a location on the great river itself, to be held for France. At last in 1718 came authority to establish La Nouvelle Orleans, christened after the profligate Duc d’Orleans, regent for the young Louis XV.

new orleans, author, harnett kane, kane, queen new orleans, history, book, excerpt

Ok. I’m back.

I agree that the government should have done more than it did. I agree that it is a tragedy that after two years New Orleans is in the state that it is in.

But, oppressed? Come on. Exploited? Please. Let’s get the ACLU and the NAACP and the Rev Sharpton to cry me a river.

Later, after he got out of the situation, Dennis stood on the corner at a Home Depot looking for work. Managers from the store called the police on the workers and armed police arrived in five patrol cars. The workers were not only arrested, Dennis described, but police stole $200 from him. In jail, he said, the Latin@ workers were terrified.

This article boggles the mind. Some dipstick head’s to New Orleans from a foreign country expecting to gouge the locals as day laborers. And we should feel sorry for him because he did not get what he was promised?

The recruiter promised the workers a good home, with a swimming pool, a television and telephone service. “But when I arrived,” Daniel said, “the reality was totally different.”

Duh! Ya think? A large portion of the local population was living in freaking fema trailers and you expect to have a good home and a swimming pool? Who’s exploiting whom?

The ruling class has successfully managed to drive down living conditions for the most oppressed workers in a way that can make heads spin. In addition, in every single facet of life, the community of New Orleans and all the Gulf Coast is being brutally and inhumanely hit. The horror the world saw in August of 2005 continues today in the wake of “Hurricane U.S. government.”

OH MY GOD. My mom and the rest of my family must be part of the oppressed. The man is keeping them down.

Ack. I need to stay away from rags like this.

commies, socialists, stupid