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For those that read my blather, posting will resume shortly. Between the viral bug that has been plaguing so many people this winter-spring and a delirious manic desire to paint walls and polyurethane doors, I feel that I've almost been engulfed by a black hole. I almost forgot to mention March Madness. More music soon too. Stay tuned.
Between 1850-1870, New Orleans had the largest Italian-born population in the USA. As late as 1910, the French Quarter was a Sicilian enclave. The Sicilians brought their food culture with them and it survives in the restaurants and homes of the descendents. One of the traditions that remains is the Saint Joseph altar. The Feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the home, is March 19. Chris DeBarr, chef at The Delachaise in New Orleans posted this heartfelt piece about his Saint Joseph's Day Feast experience.
The Weekly Standard is not a publication that I read. However, a good friend recommended this article by Matt Labash. Worth the somewhat long read.
My friend, Louis, has had two heart transplants. While waiting a long time for the second one he almost died. He is now dealing with contained bladder cancer. He is a pretty extraordinary guy with a robust intellect and debating ability.
Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews can blow. Take a look at this video. Listen to the drumming. Listen to the brass. Listen to the people talk. However, the historic Treme is only one neighborhood in danger of disappearing. New Orleans is a good place. There's no place like it, baby.
This is one of the main reasons why people are fighting to save the culture of New Orleans. Super Sunday is usually the Sunday before the Feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the home, on March 19. The Indians come out big time. Thanks, Professor Morris for the pics.
Dan at Home of the Groove points out this article about the culture of the Crescent City.
The Stafford Act. It is this kind of bureaucratic bull shit that is holding up the recovery of New Orleans. Re-member New Orleans, North Amerika?
Boy Ge Mendes, an extraordinarily talented musician and producer from Cape Verde. This track is from his album "Noite de Morabeza". The change-up is supercharged.
"Funana Di Nha Bonga"
When Ry Cooder called to wish Pete Seeger a happy birthday last May when he turned 87, Seeger said: "Music is the only thing left that can bring people together."
Samuel Charters has written a new book called "New Orleans: Playing a Jazz Chorus". In it, he states that the jazz and blues heritage of the city has to be preserved, like all true cultural treasures.
Overheardinnewyork.com has some gems. Of course, there's only a few million on the streets.Over heard at Katz's Deli, where they bend over backward to please.
And this, overheard at Trader Joe's of all places. I wonder if he bought the walnuts there?
I've been reading Mr.Clio's World Class New Orleans since the failed federally-built levees flooded 80% of the city. He makes a strong statement on what it's like to be in exile in central Florida. This post gives you a feeling for what it's like for someone who lost his home and is trying to exist in a world when one is emotionally spent. He is a true New Orleanian if there ever was one.
The housing stock in New Orleans is a sham and a shame 18 months after the levees failed. Please read this article by Bill Quigley, a law Professor at Loyola University in New Orleans.
What Allstate and other insurance companies have gotten away with after hurricane Katrina and the failure of the Federal levees in New Orleans is plain rape. Michael Holman is professor of theology at Xavier University in New Orleans. This is his testimony that he'll be giving in Washington on the anti-trust hearings concerning the compassionate insurance companies.
"It took the Mississippi River 6,000 years to build the Louisiana coast. It took man (and natural disasters) 75 years to destroy it. Experts agree we have 10 years to act before the problem is too big to solve." This three part article at NOLA.com is an important one. It's one that should be on every politician's desk. One that should be on every person's breakfast table in this land of the free. Cat 5 levees are needed, but without wetlands they would be as useful as a finger in a dike. Land loss: 25 square miles per year.
Another track from the same Tshala Muana album, "Ntambue".
