iChill, uChill, weallChill, 4 iChill

The life of the lone blogger is not as lucrative as you may think. True, in the beginning I harbored some intentions of serving the community, but in reality, it would've been nice if the community had served me a few bags full of money in return....sort of a give and take process. There are various names for such a process, commerce; capitalism; business; all come to mind. I write, you pay. That would have been a beautiful thing, but alas, it's the paying part that has been lacking. So what is lone blogger to do? I dunno. But what I do is dream about free stuff. So, imagine my delight when I was contacted by a company offering to send me a case of free stuff, and only asking that if I liked the free stuff that I write a post saying so. See? That's give and take...plus if I don't like the free stuff, I don't even have to give...just take! Which I was fully prepared to do. However, a funny thing happened, I actually liked the free stuff...a lot!
The product for which I am willingly whoring myself out for is iChill. They bill it as a "relaxation shot". And I am here to tell you, it works. It looks like those little bottles they use for stuff like 5 hour energy, but it has the opposite effect. And another huge difference....it actually tastes good. It's also sugar free and carb free (if anyone is still watching their carbs) and calorie free. It has Melatonin, Valarian root, Rose Hips and B vitamins. I'm not a doctor, but I'm also not a drinker or a smoker, so those routes to relaxation are not available to me. So, iChill helped me achieve a little bit Nirvana with out turning me into a blithering idiot. I just felt chilled out and relaxed. The wife liked it too, it helped her go to sleep faster and didn't have any hangover effect the next morning.
So, to recap: iChill good! It does what it claims it can do. We like! More samples please! Check out their site www.iChill.com for more product info.

Outreach Center Looking for Sponsors

The Acadiana Outreach Center's primary fundraising event, Palates and Pate is right around the corner and they are looking for sponsors to help make it another success. The event will take place on Thursday, November 19th at the Cajundome Convention Center and in case you aren't familiar with P&P, we'll just say it's THE social event of the season. It is a feast for the senses, including amazing art, fantastic cuisine and incredible entertainment and what's really cool is the event pairs distinguished regional artists with premier area chefs to collaborate and create a unique piece of art and a signature dish inspired by the piece. The art, along with amazing exotic vacations, are then auctioned at the event and the food is enjoyed by all.

Right now, the Outreach Center is looking for major, ticket and table sponsors. Sponsorships include tickets and tables at the event along with lots of other perks. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, or to find out how you can get tickets to this premier event, email jmeauxaoc@gmail.com.

Guests truly enjoy an unforgettable experience at Palates & Pate and because of their generous support the Outreach Center can continue help to transform the lives of so many men, women and children with critical needs in Acadiana. Together they can restore many more shattered lives so please join them by becoming a Palates & Pate sponsor today!

Icegator Switcheroo

The Louisiana Icegators announced recently that GM Brent Sapergia will temporarily replace Ron Handy as head coach. According to the release, Handy will concentrate on community relations and off ice operations while Sapergia, previously the General Manager/President, will step behind the bench in an effort to spark the team to a victory. So far the team has struggled to get it's game going as they are 0-3 but their next chance to score a win will be this Friday against the Pensacola Ice Flyers. The game starts at 7:05 pm in Blackham Coliseum.

The Name Is Tancill....James Tancill

This is the jackpot of Louisiana music clips. What could be better than a remix of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band version of Saint James Infirmary? Well, how about an animated video to accompany it, made all the better because the animator, James Tancill, is based right here in Lafayette. Tancill did amazing work that evokes, for me at least, the kind of cartoons Polycarp Phillipe Pecot Number 2 used to play in the pre-GMA world of local morning television. King Britt from Philadelphia did the remix and he is featured in the second video discussing the process of gathering the source material as well as doing additional recording for the project. Of course, I didn't find this myself. It was submitted by Daily Meaux reader and semi-frequent commenter, the cryptically named CFSH. It's actually not that hard to de-code if you know her. Our thanks to her for the great find.

Hey Battah Battah!

While you're watching this year's World Series between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies, take special notice when Mark Teixeira, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jorge Posada, or Robinson Cano come up to the plate. They'll be swinging bats handmade by Jack Marucci in his warehouse in Baton Rouge. Oh yeah, he's also the head athletic trainer at LSU. Marucci's unlikely jump to the big leagues of bat making is chronicled by Manish Mehta in this article for the Star-Ledger. Read it here. And check out the Marucci Bats site too.

Scary Halloween Cities in Louisiana

Ever been to Frankenstein, Missouri? How about Pumpkintown, South Carolina? No, well, with All Hallows Eve right around the corner The National Realtor's Association came up with a list of the Top 50 Scary Halloween Cities and Louisiana made the list 4 times. So if trick or treating in Lafayette is so last year, take a road trip to Transylvania, Slaughter, False River, or Cut Off, Louisiana.

Photo by Rennett Stowe

Broussard Company Featured on Sundance Channel

The Sundance Channel must love South Louisiana....or we're just so green we keep making their show. Back in September they featured a Jennings company on their 'Big Ideas for a Small Planet" and now they've turned their attention to a Broussard company. FuzziBunz is a cloth diaper company started by Tereson Dupuy of Broussard in 1999 as an answer to her son's problem with diaper rash. Now FuzziBunz can be found in retailers across the world and has many celebrity fans including Matthew McConaughey and Tori Spelling. Big Ideas for a Small Planet is on the Sundance Channel tonight at 7pm.

Maybe Some Hope?

Nancy Sutley, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality toured the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, as part of the Ocean Policy Task Force and was "humbled" by the experience. She saw with her own eyes the loss of coastal wetlands we here in Louisiana have been shouting about for quite some time. Here's what she posted on the White House Blog:

Standing on the viewing post of Bayou Bienvenue and seeing the extent to which the wetlands have disappeared was a humbling experience that reinforced my belief in the importance of this, and other coastal restoration projects. As the President said during the Town Hall, it is inspirational to spend time with the citizens there who have persevered in the face of the tragedy that was Katrina and are steadfast in their resolve to rebuild. The Obama Administration is committed to enhancing the environmental and economic sustainability of New Orleans and coastal Louisiana, and we recognize that coastal wetland restoration is a key path toward achieving this type of long-term resiliency.

And this:

Our trip allowed us to see both the bird’s eye view of the Gulf from the air, and actual restoration efforts on the ground. The Obama administration is working to strengthen the wetlands and barrier islands that are the first line of defense for the Gulf Coast – a priority that, while critical to this region’s physical protection, is also critical to our environment and to our economy.

Yes, it is overdue, yes it is mere words when action is needed. But at this point, I'll take it. It is a start, and Ms. Sutley is to be commended for her efforts. Now, Madame, if you could please get your boss on the horn. Read her post here.

More BBQ Coming Soon

Back in August we told you about The Shed BBQ that's coming soon to Scott.....well now a new BBQ joint is planning to open next month in Lafayette. Eddie's BBQ, currently with 2 locations in Alexandria, will open it's 3rd location on W. Pinhook in November. Owner Dan Ahrens says in his press release to The Advertiser that Eddie's BBQ specializes in St. Louis style pork ribs, Beef Brisket, Pork roast, Rotisserie Chicken, Spicy or Mild Sausage, Turkey Breast and Smoked Pit Ham as well as many homemade side orders and desserts.

Big Baby Has Bad Buddies

Former LSU Power Forward now Boston Celtic, Glen "Big Baby" Davis looks like he's not going to be playing for a while. According to espn.com Davis apparently got into an altercation with a former teammate from Louisiana that was in town visiting and injured his thumb. No formal statement has been issued yet other than he has been sent for further testing.

Photo by Daniel Torres Bonatto

The Reviews Are In

Lunopolis had its big premier at The Grand last week and according to the reviews the patrons were buzzing. FilmStew.com has this review, the Independent wrote a story here. Here's a video of comments from viewers that night:



According to film creator Matthew Avant, they are getting ready to screen the film in 2010 film festivals. Good luck guys!

Zydeco Disney Style

Remember that Disney cartoon film, The Princess and the Frog, that we told you is filming in Louisiana? Well, not only are they using our fair state as a backdrop, they are using our talent too. Grammy Award winning Zydeco artist Terrance Simien will not only play a character with a speaking line, but will also be collaborating with Randy Newman himself on the song "Goin' Down the Bayou". Pretty cool. Steven K. Landry with the Advocate has the whole story here.

Photo by Carl Lender

Mmm...Beaver Club BBQ

Daily Meaux reader Mike Guidroz sent us this information on the Beaver Club BBQ next weekend. Thanks Mike!

Sunday, November 1st is the date of this year’s FABULOUS BEAVER CLUB BARBEQUE. This legendary event is a Lafayette Institution and has long provided over $15,000 a year in contributions to various local children's charities that the Beaver Club has supported since 1959. For only $7 a plate, you and your family can enjoy a superbly cooked 1/2 chicken with Jack Miller's sauce, rice dressing, beans, and bread.

Imagine this scene in your mind’s eye, if you can;
It’s a beautiful Sunday morning, family’s all gussied up for Church, you all drive thru the Barbeque line at Beaver Park and visit with old friends that have been awake all night cooking chicken just for you and your family, everyone enjoys 1st class barbeque in front of the TV, and afterwards, you drift into a nice little nap during the Saints game. It’s like a little slice of heaven here on Earth. All of that, AND you’re helping out the children of our community. If you’d like to purchase tickets, please email dailymeaux@gmail.com and let us know how many you’d like and we’ll arrange to get them to you. Thanks so much for your support of The Beaver Club of Lafayette and here’s to a perfect Sunday morning.

Cajuns for Bayou Teche

Cafe des Amis will host a fundraiser for Cajuns for Bayou Teche, a program of the Teche Ecology, Culture and History Education (TECHE) Project this coming Thursday, October 29th from 6pm - 9pm. Musicians Bon Soir Catin, Drew Landry and David Greely & Friends will be sharing their music in support of Cajuns for Bayou Teche. Tickets are a $25 recommended donation and Cafe des Amis will host a complimentary wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00-6:45.

Cajuns for Bayou Teche is a community organization that volunteers time to haul debris from Bayou Teche. Volunteers donate their time and boats to help clean up and currently, the organization would like to raise $3000 during event to get a motor and additional fabrication work to assist in removing large items like washers and hot water heaters. Blake Couvillion, director of Cajuns for Bayou Teche and President of the TECHE Project said, "Last Spring, we hauled over 6 tons of metal, tires, bicycles and refrigerators from the Bayou. It's ridiculous what people throw in there. The Teche is a part of our lives and our heritage and that's how we treat it? We have water quality problems to address on the Teche and we also have to get some of this junk out of here." He explained, "Right now I have my eye on a stove that's been sitting there for years. Once the winch is ready to go and I have a reliable motor, my guys and I will get out there to pick it up and start hauling debris. We'll work from Port Barre all the way down to St. Martinville!"

The community is invited to come out to meet with Blake and learn more about Bayou Teche and enjoy the company and music of some of the areas finest musicians. Tickets are available by calling Blake at 337-230-8596

Photo by Natalie Maynor

Ding Dang Bridge Blow Up

Everybody likes to watch things blow up. OK, maybe it's just me. But here's video of the bridge connecting Livingston and East Baton Rouge parish being demolished on Wednesday. The video shows the blow up from several different angles. Spoiler alert: they all end the same way. Further down is video from when they demolished McCullough and Voorhies dorms on the UL campus back in 2003.

A House Divided

Name your product "Slap Ya Mama" and you might expect some negative repercussions. What you don't expect is someone naming a similar product "Punch Ya Daddy". Richard Burgess is all over the brouhaha with this report for the Advocate about a law suit filed by Walker & Sons of Ville Platte, makers of "Slap Ya Mama" Cajun seasoning, against Kirby Falcon of Houma, maker of "Punch Ya Daddy" Creole seasoning. See how that's kinda similar? From the article:

Walker & Sons registered the “Slap Ya Mama” trade name in February 2008 but had been using it for about 10 years before that, with the current logo making its first appearance at the Ville Platte Smoked Meat Festival in 1998, according to the lawsuit.

I mean, are the "Punch Ya Daddy" folks turning a deaf ear to the raw marketing power that is the '98 Smoked Meat Fest? Tony Chachere, thus far, remains above the fray. Class.
More here.

Get Your Chomp On

The Louisiana Icegators professional hockey team starts its season tonight facing the Mississippi Surge in new home Blackham Coliseum. This marks the return of the Icegators after the franchise folded in 2005. Puck drops at 7:05 pm.
Michael Krieg wrote this article for the Daily Advertiser including interviews with Icegator coach Ron Handy, and team owner Danny Smith. Check it out here.

It's No Chicken Plant

Richard Burgess reporting for the Advocate wrote this article about ATC Associates, a national engineering and environmental consulting firm relocating it's main office from Boston to right here in Lafayette. Am I dreaming? Apparently not. From the article:

ATC Associates, which has 65 branches in 36 states, announced the move at a news conference Wednesday at Lafayette City Hall. The company has a branch office in Lafayette with about 25 employees but plans to add 20 corporate positions before the end of the year with more professional jobs to follow after the transition is complete, ATC Associates CEO Bobby Toups said. ATC Associates Chief Financial Officer Paul Grillo said it speaks well for the area that many of the résumés the company has received are from Acadiana expatriates looking to return. Gothreaux said a key to attracting more firms such as ATC Associates is Louisiana’s “Quality Jobs” incentive program, which provides a cash rebate to companies that create well-paying jobs. The program offers up to a 6 percent rebate on payroll for new jobs and other rebates for capital expenditures.

More here.

Hey There Sugar Dumplin

Ooh whee, this one brings backs some memories. Back in the day, my best friend Bobby's dad managed the local Leisure Landing record store and would bring home stacks of the latest hit singles every week. Me and Bobby and my sister Monica each had our own collections of 45's which we carried in our own carrying cases. It was a big deal to have something of your own at that age. Many summer afternoons (when it was too hot to play outside) were spent with the three of us hovering over a record player watching the 45's spin around, jamming out, memorizing all the lyrics, and record labels and artists. Stevie Wonder, The Grass Roots, The Beatles (don't think that Revolution the "b" side of Hey Jude didn't blow my 8 year old mind....it did!).
Now, this King Floyd classic Groove Me Baby, was so funky and so sexy (even though I didn't know what funky or sexy was back then) I thought for sure we'd get in trouble just for listening to it. It was the same feeling I got when I heard a Richard Pryor record for the first time years later. Turns out nothing bad happened. I was just finding out what FUN was. It's rainy today but the weekend does not stop for inclement weather. Rock on with the King. King Floyd!

Bedell & Bourque Book Signing

The Acadiana Center for the Arts, in partnership with The Friends of Humanities, is hosting the Lafayette release of Call and Response: Conversations In Verse, a book of poems by Jack B. Bedell and Darrell Bourque.

The release will take place in the AcA’s Main Gallery this Saturday, October 24 from 6 – 8 PM. The event will be kicked off with a social gathering from 6 – 6:30 PM where attendees will have the opportunity to view John Geldersma’s Presence of Spirit exhibit. Following the social hour, both authors Jack B. Bedell and Darrell Bourque, Poet Laureate of Louisiana, will be reading selected poems from the book. Those in attendance will be able to engage Bedell & Bourque in a question and answer session as well as purchase a copy of Call and Response: Conversations In Verse. They will also have the chance for both authors sign the book following the reading.

Part of the proceeds from the books sales will be donated to the AcA to help employ musicians and artists, introduce arts into the local schools and support a first class visual arts exhibition series.

For more information call 233.7060 or visit AcadianaCenterForTheArts.org.

Biltmore Follow Up

Boy, you learn something new every day. A Daily Meaux reader contacted us in response to the Biltmore story to let us know that Acadiana's own Hoyt Harris was in a movie that filmed at the Biltmore.

He writes:
"Todays article on the Biltmore reminded me of a bit of trivia. In 1979, the Peter Sellers film "Being There" was shot largely at the Biltmore. A young actor playing the role of Riff, a Secret Service agent, was none other than KATC's Hoyt Harris. A small but brilliantly acted part, rivaling Sellers himself! Well, small, anyway. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078841/

Thanks for the heads up Alan

Spend Christmas at the Biltmore!

Winter is a wonderful time to be in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and the Biltmore is such an impressive estate....in the former family home of the Vanderbilts, you're bound to be impressed with the gardens, the shopping, the dining, the 250 rooms, indoor bowling alley and more! You can even see where they filmed many major motion pictures like Forest Gump, National Treasure, Last of the Mohicans and so many others. Here's a couple of Biltmore holiday specials going on right now:


Candlelight Christmas Package
Package Includes:
* Guest room accommodations
* Chef's breakfast buffet daily in The Dining Room
* Estate daytime admission valid for the length of stay
* Daytime Audio Guide to Biltmore House
* Admission to Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore House. Guests booking online will enjoy a 7:30 p.m. reservation.
* Biltmore souvenir guidebook
* Valet parking at the inn
* Complimentary estate shuttle service

Not available on November 24, 25, 26 and December 24, 25, 30, 31.

Dinner is not included with this package. Guests are strongly encouraged to make a dinner reservation prior to arrival.

Two-night packages start at $1,368 in a deluxe room, based on double occupancy
Three-night packages start at $1,817 in a deluxe room, based on double occupancy



Enchanted Christmas Package
(December 24-26, 2009)

Package Includes:
* Guest room accommodations
* Chef's breakfast buffet daily in The Dining Room
* Christmas Eve dinner in The Dining Room or at the Bistro
* Christmas dinner in The Dining Room or Vanderbilt Room
* Estate daytime admission valid for the length of stay
* Daytime Audio Guide to Biltmore House
* Gratuities for valet, bellmen, housekeeping, and packaged meals
* Valet parking at the inn
* Complimentary estate shuttle service

Two-night package starts at $1,498 in a deluxe room, based on double occupancy.

Dinner is not included with this package. Guests are strongly encouraged to make a dinner reservation prior to arrival.

Suzanne Brevelle is from Lafayette and works at Avenues To Travel. You can contact her via email Suzanne@avenues2travel.com or telephone 337-231-5656. She is a Certified Specialist for Sandal’s and Beaches Resorts as well as Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Hawaii. Her specialty is couples and family vacations, groups, honeymoons and corporate travel.

Why Must We Choose?

Much like the counter programming the major television networks engage in i.e. Top Chef airing at the same time as Chopped, or the baseball playoffs at the same time Project Runway plays (lawd, I love my stories!), today, we have two great sources of Acadiana pride (this season at least) going tete a tete in the same block of afternoon hours.

I don't think it's much of a secret that our New Orleans' football Saints are taking on the New York Giants today in the Superdome. Kickoff at 12 noon cst, game expected to end anywhere from 3-5 p.m. Both teams are undefeated and each represent the others toughest opponent to date. Should be a great game. No way am I missing it save for natural disaster or some type of catastrophic accident befalling a family member (just dial 911, they're better at handling that type of thing then I'll ever be. I'll check the late game then get to the hospital as soon as I can, unless there's sudden death.....the game or yours).

However, Cajunfun.com has alerted me that renowned author Ernest Gaines will appear at a book signing today at Dupre' Library on the UL campus from 2-4 p.m. for his new coffee-table book: "This Louisiana Thing That Drives Me". Check that out here. Let your conscious be your guide, remembering that Mr Gaines would probably prefer his book signing not be overrun with drunken, yet literate Saints fans.

Foodspirations!

If you're not following our Special Contributor, Yvette Quantz, on twitter check her out....every once in a while she tweets special "Foodspirations." Here's a collection of some of her more recent entries:By Yvette Quantz

Hi Everyone! I hope you had a great week. I know I enjoyed my time off, I completed my first marathon and crossing the finish line was an incredible feeling. Then I celebrated my 30th birthday! I think the best part of it all was knowing how if you set your mind to a goal, write it down, and just go for it you can do it. Today I would like for you to think about a goal you want to set. Write it down. Now go for it! Have a great week!

* Increase your nutrient profile by eating a different colored fruit or vegetable at each meal and snack.

* Looking to socialize this weekend with friends and family? Try getting together for a walk, run, or bike ride - instead of traditional feasting!

* Tailgaiting this weekend? Switch from Regular Beer to Beck's Light = save 100 calories per beer! Remember simply cutting 100 calories a day = 10 pounds over the course of a year!

* Today challenge yourself to park in the furthest parking spot from your destination. Running late for a meeting? Well this will just make you move a little faster to get there :)

* To increase vegetable intake, try pre-cutting your favorites and storing in some water in a container in the fridge. The water will help hold in their crispness and having them prepared and chopped in advance will make it much easier to munch on when you get hungry for a snack.

* Did you know being sleep deprived can actually hinder your weight loss efforts? This weekend try and catch up on some zzz's!

* Challenge yourself with a personal push - up challenge. Get into the push up position (either on your toes, knees, or supported against the wall) and see how many push ups you can do. Write the number down and in 4 - 6 weeks I will suggest another push up challenge. If you work at it the change in what you can do will be amazing!

* Did you know that your body is made of about 70% water? Have you hydrated yourself today? If not it's not too late - go now and drink up!

* Increasing your daily fiber intake to the recommended 20 - 35 grams per day not only helps control hunger levels but also helps regulate your blood sugar, decrease total cholesterol and decrease risk for corectol cancer.

* Try incorporating some interval training into your workout routine. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, interval training is the perfect mix to push you to the next level.


Yvette Quantz is a well respected Lifestyle and Sports Nutritionist based in Lafayette, Louisiana. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, Louisiana Dietetic Association, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionist, Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Nutrition and Complimentary Care, and a Certified Eating Coach. You can visit her website at: http://www.foodtherapyonline.com/

Every Friday for 5 Years

If you happen to drive down S. Washington Street on any given Friday afternoon, you're likely to bump into these guys standing across from the Federal Courthouse building, silently protesting war. Clarence Craddock, a Pearl Harbor World War II Veteran, Vic Hummert, a former chaplain at LPCC, and Haywood Martin, a Vietnam Veteran, have been standing with their banner to promote their group Pax Christi USA (Peace of Christ) every single Friday for the past 5 years....now that's commitment. If you're interested in learning more about their cause, stop by and visit, they're real friendly, or you can check out a couple of websites they promote:
www.antiwar.com
www.vichummert.org
www.flouridealert.org

Beausoleil Home Final Update

Well, the Solar Decathlon finished judging Friday and if it wasn't for that darned water heater our team would have really come out strong. As it is, they finished 19th place, and really, just placing is an incredible accomplishment considering many of the teams had been there before and knew how to design to the criteria and this was the first time ever that a team from Louisiana even participated. Team Beausoleil had very solid scores in all other categories except the Water Heater challenge (the judges would draw 15 gallons of hot water from the home every 10 minutes). Unfortunately they had some issues, replaced the heater and was unable to regain enough power in time to heat up for the subsequent draws. The two weeks ended last night with a good ole fashioned fais do do as BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet played at the final celebration. I bet one thing: I'm sure Team Beausoleil had the rockin-est house on the Solar Decathlon block. Great job team! Marsha Sills with the Advocate has a complete story here, and here are the Team Beausoleil standings by contest:

Architecture: 11
Market Viability: 1
Engineering: 15
Lighting Design: 13
Communications: 16
Comfort Zone: 7
Hot Water: 20
Appliances: 6
Home Entertainment: 7
Net Metering: 17

Great...Just What We Didn't Need

So, President Obama comes down for the first time since he's been in office to visit New Orleans. Should be a good day for Louisiana right? National cameras all pointing our way, it'd be a nice time to show how far we've come since Katrina and Rita, and focus the attention on the work that needs to be done for our coastal wetlands, and the New Orleans levee system. Granted, some of that took place today. But now, here's a headline out of Hammond that appeared on the Huffington Post: Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License By Louisiana Judge. Here's the story. That hurts.

Memphis Minnie

Well, I have re-joined the work force...complete with a uniform "shirt of shame" (with no natural fibers!) and what they call a "flex schedule". That's 21 century for 7 days a week. Of course, not 40 hours a week because that would qualify me for benefits, and corporate America hates employee benefits. So, basically, I'll be working a little bit (or a lot) everyday. Love it. But what about The Daily Meaux's practice of starting the weekend on Thursday with a Louisiana musical artist? That will continue. I may be working (a little or a lot) from Sun. to Sun. but my heart will be singing starting every Thursday.
Which brings us to this week's musical selection: Remember Me Blues, by the unparalleled, Memphis Minnie. There is an abundance of her songs available on You Tube, and they're all worth a look/listen. But you know, I'm a sucker for a weird video accompaniment to a great song, and dang, they don't come much weirder than this one. Also, check out this wonderful post by Joyful Gypsy on ireport.com for a short bio on Memphis Minnie, and a photo of her headstone which was paid for by Bonnie Raitt. Pretty cool. And, if you catch the Memphis Minnie fever (like I did) you'll want to check out her version of Me And My Chauffeur Blues, a song I first became aware of through Clifton Chenier's version. See? I made a little circle there. Now, I gotta go rest up for my weekend shift. Happy Thursday everybody!

Another Human Interest Story About Cajun Country

The Voice of America Broadcasting Network did a very nice piece on Breaux Bridge and life in "Cajun Country". I guess good, human interest, publicity is good, but it's the same story....Cajun Country has alligators, Cajun Country folk love to eat, dance, and go to Mulates.... Is that all there is? This story almost didn't make it to The Meaux, because there's nothing new, or particularly unique to Breaux Bridge in it, but like we said, good publicity can't be a bad thing so here's the light hearted story from VOA.com.

Photo by johnwk

Strange Timing

Governor Bobby Jindal has come under scrutiny lately due to the firing of Melody Teague of the Department of Social Services after she publicly criticized state government. The administration says it was because she mishandled the disaster food stamp program during Hurricane Katrina. Now, we don't have a stake in this....don't know Teague or Jindal, but simply find it ironic that she was fired for mistakes she may have made four years ago, during the biggest natural disaster our country has ever seen, just one day after she spoke out publicly against Jindal. Now state lawmakers are questioning the firing as well. The Advocate has the original story here and the Huffington Post sees a pattern of firings and has their take here.

Lafayette: 2nd Best Place To Launch A Business

CNNMoney.com ranked the top places to start a business and Lafayette, LA came in 2nd in the Mid-Sized Market category. They said:

...In recent years, Hurricane Katrina evacuees have expanded the local population -- and that population has grown steadily wealthier. Lafayette's average per-capita income rose more than 40% over the course of this decade. Since the 1940s, the area has been dominated by the oil and gas industry, but the population boom has led to more demand in service industries, diversifying the area’s economy and creating something new in town: traffic. Compared to other Southern metro areas, the cost of labor is cheap in Lafayette. The city is served by a regional airport, and Louisiana’s second largest university, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, brings to town a student population of more than 17,000.

The full story and complete rankings can be found here at money.cnn.com

Centennial, AT&T Deal Should Be Complete By December

The announced merger between Centennial Wireless, one of our areas largest cellular providers, and AT&T looks like it'll probably be complete by December, according to the Associated Press. The Justice Department and the Louisiana Attorney General have approved a measure in which Centennial Wireless would sell off a few markets to Verizon and the rest to AT&T and now the FCC is reviewing the plan. According to the deal, Centennial shareholders will receive $8.50 per share. Click here for more details.

Plaquemine Parish Is Protecting Itself

Plaquemine Parish has taken it upon themselves to come up with a solution to help protect them from future hurricanes. After being battled by recent storms, they regrouped and came up with multi line of defense solution that they plan on instituting as soon as they get the permits to do so. First, they intend to barricade themselves by using sediment to rebuild marshes and barrier islands, then they will build up a ridge of cypress trees in front of their levees....a plan inspired actually by a herd of cattle. During Hurricane Katrina, cattle farmer Earl Armstrong lost 1700 of his 1800 cattle but the other 100 managed to save themselves by moving to higher ground a top of a natural ridge. Rick Jervis of the USA Today has the whole interesting story here.

Photo by Ken Roberts Photography

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

What would you do with almost 1/2 million dollars? That's what Lafayette resident Rita Thibodeaux might be asking herself right now because she was the sole winner of this weeks $694,398 Louisiana Lotto jackpot. After taxes Thibodeaux ended up taking home $486,079.....not too shabby. KATC has more.

Louisiana Book Festival This Saturday

The 7th Annual Louisiana Book Festival will take place this Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 10 AM - 5:30 PM at the State Library, the Louisiana State Capitol, the Louisiana State Museum and other nearby locations. This free event offers unique opportunities for book lovers of all ages to interact with more than 190 exceptional writers, poets and storytellers and to enjoy an inspiring variety of book-related activities, exhibitions and demonstrations. Food, music, exhibitors, crafts, workshops and more. For more information, visit their website at www.louisianabookfestival.org

Click here to visit the Times-Picayune's Susan Larson's full story and her don't miss picks for the day.

Beausoleil Home Takes First in Market Viability Contest

Marsha Sills with The Advocate has a nice piece in today's paper on the Beausoleil House and it's win yesterday in the Market Viability Contest of the Solar Decathlon. That article can be seen here. It's not too late to vote in the people's choice award so let's show 'em our support and get texting!

Blink And You'll Miss It

Harry Shearer wrote in today's Huffington Post decrying the brevity and usefulness of President Obama's visit to New Orleans on Thursday. Shearer points out that Obama will hold a town hall meeting and visit a charter school. Then he's outta here. From the article:

What he won't be doing: a survey, by air or other means, of the daily erosion of the invaluable coastal wetlands under the inexorable pressure of pipeline and canal building, which has allowed the intrusion of salt water from the Gulf; a frank and detailed discussion with the local leaders of the Army Corps of Engineers about their decision to adopt a "technically not superior" solution to the permanent pumps in the outfall canals, and about their installation of non-functioning hydraulic pumps in those canals as a "temporary" solution. In other words, the President will not be addressing either of the crucial issues in assuring that the disaster of 2005 is not repeated.

More here. Be sure to read the comments following the post to see Shearer deftly swat away arguments that imply that New Orleans and Louisiana should stop complaining and accept the wrath of Mother Nature.....or something like that. Those arguments are shown to be ill-informed at best and lazy or malevolent at worst. That's why I love Harry Shearer.

Bring It On Curt!

Here is another recipe from The Daily Meaux's new favorite chef Curt Guillory. Examiner.com has Guillory's article on another Cajun favorite winter comfort food, shrimp stew. You think a giant plate of shrimp stew wouldn't have been the perfect antidote to this past rainy, Saints-less, weekend? Guillory knows to put the egg in there and for the roux to be dark! I'm gaining weight just thinking about this dish, but that is my birthright as a Cajun! Read the article here.

Louisiana Musicians on NPR

Two Louisiana musicians were featured on NPR recently. David Dye welcomed Buckwheat Zydeco to the nationally syndicated NPR radio show "World Cafe" last week. The segment can be found here.

And Marcia Ball was a featured performer on Mountain Stage. This is her 8th appearance on that show and she plays 5 songs from her new record Peace, Love & BBQ. You can hear her set here.

Photo by Janet Dancer

Beausoleil Home and Solar Decathalon Featured on CNN

Remember to text your vote to 99503 with HOUSE76 in the message to help them win the People's Choice Award!

And LPB:

The End of Gnatcatcher Days

By Paul Conover

On the eve of the last day in September, there's a hint of seasonal change in the air. The air's relatively cool, a steady breeze is sneaking around, and a few migrants are feeding up in the backyard. I'm not ready to claim that the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness has arrived; a quick look at the 10 day forecast puts that dream back to sleep. Still, with October barely 24 hours away, there's no denying that we're coming to the end of the Gnatcatcher Days.

I happen to like August and September birding. I've been down to the coast probably every weekend in the past two months and I can only think of two or three birdwatchers I've even crossed paths with. During the same span I have crossed paths with some pretty good birding days. In the woods I've seen a handful of Olive-sided Flycatchers, Mourning Warblers, and Bell's Vireos, and a couple dozen Yellow-bellied Flycatchers and Traill's Flycatchers. The beach has produced a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a couple of California Gulls, and some nice shorebirds. Inland, there's been good kingbird and scissor-tail action and good looks at every swallow on the state list. But the bird that's really emblematic of the dog days this year and every year is the tiny Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. These winged mice have been constant companions no matter what habitat I've birded in, and they haven't been shy about letting their presence be known. In August and September in Southwestern Louisiana, you're never far from a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. These are the Gnatcatcher Days.

Story continues here...

Paul Conover has pursued the hobby of bird watching for many years and is well versed on the various types of birds seen here in Southwest Louisiana.

Plant a Tree..... For Your Tomorrow....

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture is taking pre-orders now for pine and hardwood tree seedlings. The seedlings are sold in packets and will be available for pick up at state nurseries in Deridder, Monroe or Columbia. You can also request on your order form that they deliver them to a regional office in Lafayette. For more information, visit their website here and click here for the order form and more details.

Photo by USFS Region 5

A Whole Lotta Art This Weekend

In case you need a break from all the 'festival-ing' at Girard Park, tonight is also 2nd Saturday ArtWalk and the Acadiana Center for the Arts will feature lots of art, music, drinks & fun. Tonight from 6pm - 8pm they'll offer multiple mediums of art including the musical stylings of DJ Hawk whose progressive sound will create a lounge environment to compliment the following exhibits:

John Geldersma: Presence of Spirit

in the Main Gallery now through December 19, 2009.


Bryan Lafaye: Around Corners



in the Side Gallery Series now through November 6, 2009


and Terry Palmer: Clayvoyance


in the Vault now through December 19, 2009

For more information, visit the ACA website at www.acadianacenterforthearts.org

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles '09

Here's the schedule of music for this year's fest. Plan ahead, and don't forget your "Air Boudreauxs". Visit the Festival website here.
2009 Schedule

Downtown Alive! Parc International
Friday, October 9
5:30 p.m. Feufollet & Special Guests web site
7:00 p.m. A Cajun Country Homecoming featuring
Doug Kershaw, Jo-El Sonnier, Jimmy C. Newman

Scène Ma Louisiane
Saturday, October 10
10:30 - 11:30 Hubert Matre & Triangle Playboys
11:30 - 1:30 Berard-Huval Family Affair
1:30 - 2:30 Ed Poullard & Amis Creoles web site
2:30 - 3:30 Jimmy Breaux et Amis
3:30 - 4:30 Nathan Williams & Zydeco Cha Cha’s web site
4:30 - 6:00 Balfa Toujours web site
6:00 - 7:30 Feu Follet web site

Sunday, October 11
10:30 - 11:30 Fricasse web site
11:30 - 1:30 Frey-Daigle Family Affair
1:30 - 2:30 Bonsoir Catin web site
2:30 - 3:30 Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole web site
3:30 - 5:00 Steve Riley & Mamou Playboys web site
5:00 - 6:30 Wayne Toups ZydeCajun web site

Heritage Stage
Saturday October 10
10:45 - 11:45 Robert Jardel & Pure Cajun
12:00 - 12:45 Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie web site
1:00 - 2:00 Lafayette Rhythm Devils web site
2:15 - 3:15 Joe Hall & the Louisiana Cane Cutters web site
3:30 - 5:00 Doug Kershaw, Jimmie C Newman & Joel Sonnier & Special Guest
5:15 - 6:15 Jambalaya + D.L. Menard
6:30 - 7:30 Pine Leaf Boys web site

Sunday October 11
10:30 - 11:15 Briggs Brown and the Bayou Cajuns web site
11:30 - 12:30 T-Salé web site
12:45 - 1:45 Savoy Family Band web site
2:00 - 3:00 High Performance
3:15 - 4:15 Dexter Ardoin & Creole Ramblers web site
4:30 - 5:30 Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-Stars web site
5:45 - 6:45 Lost Bayou Ramblers web site

Salle de danse
Saturday October 10
11:30-1:00 Howard Noel Jr. & Cajun Boogie web site
1:30-3:00 Lil Nathan and Zydeco Big Timers web site
3:30-5:00 Jesse Lége and the Southern Ramblers

Sunday October 11
11:30-1:00 Gerard Delafose & the Zydeco Gators web site
1:30-3:00 Kevin Naquin & Ossun Playboys web site
3:30-5:00 Horace Trahan & New Ossun Express

Photo by Isgcp

Louisiana Job Forecast Seems Bright

The New York Times picked up this AP story on a study conducted by LSU Economics Professor, Dr. Loren Scott looking at the job forecast for Louisiana over the next year or two. The good news is that the state is expected to add almost 36,000 new jobs over the next two years and they are expecting Monroe to really grow (because of a couple of new food processing plants they are opening there). Around the state things look good too, Baton Rouge is expected to continue to grow and Lafayette, while considered more of a drag on the job rate, is still expected to add a couple of hundred construction jobs. The full story can be found here on nytimes.com.

Photo by gregor_y

Follow-Ups

A few follow-ups to stories we've done lately:

First up: the naked burglar in Slidell has been caught (phew). The Times-Picayune has a complete report but apparently the guy was from Luling and wasn't completely sure how he ended up in Slidell but thinks he may had driven his girlfriends car, which has yet to be found. He admitted to having had several beers and pills that night before the break-in.

A little more information on the BeauSoleil House Text contest: it's for a "People's Choice" Award so text in. Last we checked, Team BeauSoleil was in 5th place (out of 20). Go Team!

And finally, Secretariat has wrapped filming at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky so they are on their way. Remember, they were scoping out the Delta Grand and Palace Cafe in Opelousas and will, of course, be at the old Evangeline Downs. Prejeans Restaurant always attracts celebrities that may be passing through so there's a couple of places to keep an eye on if you're looking to see some stars. WAFB has that story.

Text 99503 with the message HOUSE76....no spaces.

This is another reminder to text your vote for the Beausoleil Solar Home. Text 99503 with the message HOUSE76....no spaces. Especially on Festival Acadiens week, step up and text in your vote. If you've ever voted for an American Idol, then you really need to do this to balance out your Karma. Text 99503 with the message HOUSE76....no spaces!

Now Put Some Grits Wit Dat And You Got Something

John Desantis of the Daily Comet reports that all 14 Outback Steakhouses in Louisiana will sell only Louisiana shrimp. Think shrimp is big business in Louisiana? How 'bout $1.3 billion, 14,384 jobs and generated $91.1 million and $83.4 million to state and federal revenues, respectively. That's a lot of tail my friends. Here's what Gov. Jindal had to say:

This news is an important victory in our fight to help Louisiana shrimpers. Outback Steakhouse is officially a partner today with our Louisiana shrimp industry," Jindal said. "Their commitment to buy only Louisiana seafood for all 14 of their stores in the state will help us promote the purchase and consumption of Louisiana shrimp here in the state and also send a signal to companies all across the nation."

More here.

It's Festival Weekend!

Here's a strange little video featuring the music of Cajun great Iry Lejeune. What a voice! What amazing accordion playing, especially considering the sub-par quality of the instruments back then. Get down to the park this weekend and enjoy yourself. The Saints have a bye this weekend, so there's no reason to stay home.

Vote For The Beausoleil House!

The Facebook page of the Beausoleil Louisiana Solar Home posted a message stating it's now time to vote. Text 99503 with the message HOUSE76....no spaces. Do it! And check out the rest of their Facebook page here.

I'm Glad You Said That

The Times-Picayune ran this editorial today calling for the federal government to share in the burden of restoring the state's coastal wetlands. The piece points to a federal Minerals Management Service study that says oil and gas production has taken a significant toll on Gulf Coast wetlands. Gee, really? Ya think? From the article:

These findings, which went unpublished for two years, lend strong support to Louisiana's argument that the federal government should bear a greater share of coastal restoration costs. Oil and gas networks serve the energy needs of the entire nation, and it's only fair that the environmental cost be shared, too.

Thank goodness the Times-Picayune is making the case for Louisiana. Our own state government seems preoccupied with acorns at the moment.

More here.

Keep Blanking That Chicken

I love the Daily Show. And if you've been watching lately, Jon Stewart has adopted this new tag line, which I stole for the title of this post. The Associated Press ran this story of a Louisiana man, Alexander Legault, who pleaded guilty to defrauding the Egyptian government out of $7 million for a shipment of frozen chicken he never delivered. That's a lot of chicken not to show up. According to the article, Legault's chicken adventure included an 1986 indictment and a move to and subsequent deportation from Canada in 2002. Now, he'll be in one place for the next 7 years...federal prison. More here.

Photo by Michele Eve

Louisiana Crossroads Kicks Off Tomorrow Night

Louisiana Crossroads Director Todd Mouton sent us this reminder that the fall season of Louisiana Crossroads starts this Thursday, he writes:

We’ve got an incredible lineup for our 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 “Gateway to the Grammys” season-opening show in the Vermilionville Performance Center.

This one-night-only event will feature an amazing lineup of entrants in the 52nd Grammy Awards’ “Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album” category along with a very special appearance by Grammy entrant and Louisiana blues piano legend Henry Gray.

The two sets of music, conversation (and even a little dancing!) will also feature a number of outstanding female artists and help to kick off Festivals Acadiens et Créoles weekend on the right note!

Tickets to this early, smoke-free, all-ages celebration are only $10.00 in advance online at www.LouisianaCrossroads.org or in person at the Acadiana Center for the Arts box office. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and you can also charge tickets by phone at the advance price by calling (337) 233-7060.

Here’s the lineup!

7 p.m. Bonsoir, Catin (entered for “Vive L’Amour”) featuring band member Christine Balfa Powell (entered for “Plays The Triangle”); special guest Jimmy Breaux (entered for “Live At Festivals Acadiens”); and special guests Ray Landry and Sheryl Cormier (entered on Ray’s Mes Racines Cadien Sont Creux”).

8:30 p.m. Special guests Henry Gray & The Cats Trio (entered for “Times Are Gettin’ Hard”) for a couple of tunes followed by a full set from Donna Angelle & The Zydeco Posse (entered for “Guaranteed Lover”) and special guest Curley Taylor (entered for “Zydeco Heart and Soul”).

Louisiana Crossroads’ Lafayette season opener is produced in partnership with MusicMatters, Inc., Pal Productions and Lisa Stafford. We hope to see you there! Merci pour tout and good luck to all Grammy Awards entrants!

Councilman Patin: The New Magnum P.I.

So the City Council and the Mayor's Office have been going round and round on the budget lately. They added in some items he didn't like (like paving parking lots in Carencro and Judice), voted out things he wanted (like GPS tracking on public vehicles) and so Joey Durel vetoed some things that the Council wanted (like pay raises for firemen). Walter Pierce of the Independent has all the details of each vetoed item here, and Joey Durel issued a veto statement here, but today, this really takes the cake. In an effort to support Durel's want for GPS tracking devices, Councilman Keith Patin has turned himself into Magnum P.I....literally. Lately Patin has been riding around snapping photos of city workers doing things that he doesn't believe are appropriate and then emailing them to fellow council members to help prove the case for the GPS. Patin admits though that he never asked if the workers were on their lunch breaks or official parish business nor has he reported them to their supervisors. Richard Burgess has all the detais on this new wrinkle in the budget debate here in today's Advocate.