The Jambalaya News - Vol. 2 No.9

VOL. 2, NO. 9 /JULY 29, 2010

PLUS: World Cup Fever in St. Maarten • Big Daddy’s Sports Bar and Grill • Black Dog Syndrome

JULY 29, 2010 Volume 2 • Issue 9

JULY 29, 2010 PAGE 3Volume 2 • Issue 9

GENERAL715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601Phone: 337-436-7800Fax: 337-990-0262www.thejambalayanews.com

PUBLISHERPhil de [email protected]

NEWSMANAGING EDITORLauren de [email protected]

EDITORLisa [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSLeslie BermanGeorge ClineJames DoyleDan EllenderSheila GilleyMike McHughSherry PerkinsMary Louise RuehrBrandon ShoumakerKarla Tullos

ADVERTISINGSALES CONSULTANTPatricia Prudhomme

SALES ASSOCIATESJody BarrilleauxKaty CorbelloFaye DrakeKarla Tullos

GRAPHICSART/PRODUCTION DIRECTORDarrell Buck

ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTMichelle LaVoie

BUSINESSOFFICE MANAGERKay Andrews

MARKETING INTERNMorgan Murray

Legal DisclaimerThe views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnistsare their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofThe Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by TheJambalaya News, LLC, 826 Ford Street, Lake CharlesLouisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst everyeffort was made to ensure the information in this maga-zine was correct at the time of going to press, the publish-ers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors oromissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the stand-ing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. TheJambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the returnof unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations,even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessar-ily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2010 The Jambalaya News all rightsreserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without priorwritten permission is prohibited.

July 29, 2010 • Volume 2 • Issue 9

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46

30

14

512

COVER STORY16 Shop Sulphur

REGULARS7 The Boiling Pot

10 The Dang Yankee

11 Tip’s Tips

13 Doyle’s Place

14 What’s Cookin’

31 House Call

34 Sports Report

FEATURES5 Black Dog Syndrome

30 Custodial Moments

46 World Cup Fever in St. Maarten

ENTERTAINMENT32 Red Hot Books

37 Funbolaya

38 Killin’ Time Crossword

39 Family Night at the Movies

40 Society Spice

47 Jambalaya Jam

51 Local Jam

53 Eclectic Company

contents

We are now accepting credit cards!


A Note From LaurenF

Remembering a LifeMy Aunt Jeannette passed away recently. My mother’s older sister, she was 98

years old, and as you can imagine, had been in failing health for a very long time.She spent her final years at an assisted living facility near Boston, but prior to that,she had lived on the same street in East Boston for most of her entire life.

I have a lot of mixed emotions. Let’s just say she was not my favorite relativewhen I was growing up, and we clashed often. She was set in her ways, and expectedeveryone to do what she wanted them to do. She was not easy to live with. But shedid mellow with age, so my relationship with her vastly improved over the years.

At almost 100 years old, she came from a very different world. She was the oldestgirl in a family of five and she was the one “in charge.” She never married, and was aspinster in every sense of the word. I don’t like to use that term, because there are somany women who don’t marry and have children by choice, and I respect thatchoice. But in her case, I don’t think she had one. Or perhaps she made herselfbelieve that she didn’t.

My aunt never dated, never had anything to do with men, even though she was avery pretty woman. Her entire life was devoted to the family. From an early age, shetook care of the younger children and helped my grandmother in the kitchen. As shegrew older and assumed even more household responsibilities, my grandparentstreated her as an equal. My aunt Gloria remembers that only Jeannette was allowedto speak at the dinner table, while the other children were told to remain quiet—even my Uncle Frank, who was older than she was.

On Saturday nights, while Gloria and my mother were out dancing at nightclubswith their dates and Frank was at Suffolk Downs Race Track and Uncle Albert wasplaying poker with his buddies, Jeannette was at home with my grandparents, afterspending the day cleaning the house from top to bottom.

Eventually, all of her siblings married. She remained at home with her parentsuntil they died, which, as you can imagine, was a devastating blow for her—as shehad lived her life so closely entwined with theirs. Unable to live by herself, she askedmy Uncle Frank and his wife to move in with her. They all lived together for the restof their lives.

This was the situation that I was born into: Jeannette and Frank and Frances onthe second floor of the three-decker house that was left to her when my grandfatherdied, my parents and I on the top floor, and my aunt Gloria and her husband andtwo children on the first floor. Kind of a recipe for disaster, in my opinion.

The house was hers, and we paid rent to her, so Jeannette remained in charge. Shecomplained about me and my cousins running up and down the stairs, scratchingthe woodwork with our shoes, smudging the wallpaper. My bedroom, unfortunately,was directly above hers, and there were constant complaints about how much noise Imade while she was trying to rest with a terrible headache, and how could I do thisto her? Hmmm…does the fact that I was only seven years old have something to dowith it?

I loved animals but was never allowed to have a pet because Jeannette claimed tobe allergic. I finally got a parakeet, and she complained about his chirping and saidshe was allergic to him, too. When he died, she told me how much she had sufferedbecause of him, and didn’t I feel bad about that? I told her that I didn’t, and that setoff some fireworks. My mother was the youngest in the family and always putJeannette on a pedestal, and it drove her crazy when I would be disrespectful. (Myfather, fed up with Jeannette himself, would actually stick up for me occasionally.)

Meanwhile, my aunt Gloria was down on the first floor, still suffering from “mid-dle-child complex” and nursing her own grudges against Jeannette, which increasedas time went by. So there was all this resentment in this Italian household, simmer-ing just below the surface like a marinara sauce about to boil over.

But my aunt had her good points. She was very generous to all of us. If you askedher for any kind of help, she’d be there for you in a second, because you were family.I remember one night I got very ill when my parents were out (I was probablyaround 12) and I called Jeannette. She was there immediately and stayed with meuntil my parents came home.

She liked the finer things in life, and she would take us kids into Boston for lunchat a fine restaurant, or to a play or movie. She would give us money for a goodreport card, and little gifts for no reason at all. I remember one year, she made Maybaskets for me to give all of my friends, and we had a Maypole in the backyard. It’sthe good things that I want to remember now, because the past is the past.

My cousin Sandy, who along with her husband Al, had been Jeannette’s caretakerin her final years, said that one day, Jeannette asked her if she had had a happy life.“Yes, of course I have,” Sandy answered. “What about you?”

She said Jeannette sighed and closed her eyes. “I don’t know,” she said softly. “Idon’t know if I was ever happy.”

Hers was a half-lived life. A sense of duty and a lot of inner fears and anxiety pre-vented her from truly experiencing joy. I hope that, at last, she’s found it. TJN

Volume 2 • Issue 9 JULY 29, 2010 PAGE 5

“Black Dog Syndrome” is a phe-nomenon that is well known toshelter workers and rescue organi-zations across the nation. Can youbelieve that black dogs are oftenthe last chosen for adoption, andsadly, among the first to be put tosleep in shelters?

4 Paws Society, a local dog res-cue, currently has over 20 black orprimarily black dogs, many of whoare black lab mixes. Black Labs areespecially vulnerable to Black DogSyndrome, and Calcasieu Parishand its animal shelter are chroni-cally over-populated with them.Isn’t it ironic that Labs are the topbreed in the country, but in thesouth, our shelters are overrunwith unwanted Labs and their lit-ters. So sad…but so very preventa-ble with spay/neuter.

To those outside the animalrescue world, the idea seems so

strange — doggie discrimination?Many people don’t believe orunderstand why black dogs are somuch harder to place than dogs ofother colors.

Is it because black is the geneti-cally dominant color for manybreeds? That only explains whythere are more black dogs in shel-ters, but doesn’t explain why peo-ple often choose lighter coloreddogs to adopt.

All of our local rescue volun-teers and shelter workers can tellyou a million stories about the fab-ulous black dogs we have rescued,fostered, etc., who are just as won-derful as their lighter counterparts.

The “Black Dog Rescue Project”suggests reasons why black dogsare overlooked by adopters:

The features of black dogs donot show as well in photographs,so it is much more difficult to get a

good photo of a black dog than adog of lighter color.

In Hollywood, white hasalways depicted the hero in thestory, and black denotes the vil-lain. Black dogs that appear inthe media are portrayed asaggressive and dangerous.

Because they are more difficultto photograph, they are not usedin commercials and advertisingcampaigns. These factors all com-bine to leave the public with thefalse stereotype that black dogsare more intimidating than dogs ofother colors.

Human Perception: When youplace a black dog next to alighter colored dog, your eyeimmediately focuses on thelighter dog first. When people arelooking for a dog to adopt, it isoften a very emotional decision,and they are looking for a face to

fall in love with. So they choosethe lighter dog or the one withunusual markings without notic-ing the black dog next to it.

Shelters often have poor artifi-cial lighting. The kennels are darkwith lots of shadows. If a blackdog is standing in the back of akennel, potential adopters maynot even realize he is there.

The common superstitionabout black cats has a hugeimpact on the ability of a blackcat to get adopted. We are notcertain how much of this super-stition impacts black dogs.

If you want to help, considerthis: Right now, there is a blackdog sitting in a cage or kennel,hoping for a second chance andsomeone to love. Maybe you canopen your heart and your hometo one of these dogs. Help usfight the enormous dog overpop-

By Sheila Gilley


ulation problem right here in Calcasieu Parish. Consider adoption when looking for a new pet. And

especially look at the black dogs available at local sheltersand rescue groups like 4 Paws Society. Black dogs are justas playful and loving and fun as dogs of other colors. Whenadopting your next best friend, please be aware that BlackDog Syndrome is real. See adoptable dogs at 4 PawsSociety by visiting our Web site atwww.4PawsSocietyInc.com, and please look at the blackdogs first. All dogs shown in photos available for adoptionat www.4PawsSocietyInc.com.

Tell your friends about the millions of dogs waiting forhomes. And please… spay and neuter your pets! There areseveral low-cost spay/neuter options in the area. CallCalcasieu Animal Services if you are on any type of publicassistance at (337) 721-3730. If not, call Animal Angel’sSpay/Neuter Alliance Project at (337) 477-7290.

Sheila Gilley is a dedicated volunteerat 4 Paws Society. Because of her efforts,hundreds of canine lives have beensaved. The Jambalaya News commendsand supports the great work she and herfellow volunteers at 4 Paws Society havedone, and applaud the efforts of all theanimal rescue groups in SWLA. All of youhave made a difference. TJN

Sounder, Angus and Quincy

Gus, For Adoption

Morgan, For Adoption

Howdy! My name is Braxtonand I am a “country boy” at heart. Ilove to run and play and enjoy life. Ihave a bushel of energy, so I needmy own human family toplay with. I love to ride inthe car and would jog withyou if you want, and I willmake you laugh. One morething, which is pretty important—Ireally like treats! I just thought Iwould throw that in—tee hee! Ihave been waiting too long forsomeone to love me. Could that beyou? I sure hope so. I don’t want tobe the “Last Doggie” standing. Idon’t have my own phone, but youcan call (337) 477-0741 and askabout me. I live at 4 Paws on theBayou Pet Hotel. You can also

e-mail [email protected] torequest an adoption application.Hurry up, ‘cause I’m waiting for you!

Love, Braxton

Meet Braxton

TJN

FOX29 and The LakeCharles CW are hosting theTOP DOG contest. Viewers logon to www.watchfox29.comand upload a photo of theirdog for a chance to make theirpet a TV Star! Candidates arechosen, and then contacted tobring their dog to the FOX29studio to audition for a chanceto be TOP DOG. During thecommercial taping, the dogsare encouraged to do tricks,bark and play on camera. Thedog is selected as TOP DOGwill be paired with a show onFOX29 or The Lake CharlesCW that best matches the dog’spersonality as the TOP DOG’sfavorite show.

In an effort to help save localabandoned or stray pets fromshelters, FOX29 and The LakeCharles CW are partnering

with 4 Paws Society and HoboHotel to make the communityaware of their need for goodhomes.

4 Paws Society is a shelterlocated in Carlyss that housesabandoned or stray dogs andcats awaiting adoption or fosterhomes. The motto at 4 PawsSociety is, “When you adopt ashelter pet, you help to savetwo lives: the one you bringhome, and the one who takesits place.”

Hobo Hotel is a no-kill shel-ter for cats only that focuses onthe cats’ needs. Rather thankeeping the cats in cages, theyare housed in rooms withcouches and tables for the catsto lounge on. This may seemout of the ordinary, but isextraordinary for the cats!

FOX29 Hosts TOP DOG Contest,Partners With Local Shelters

TJN


The

BoilingP l

L’AUBERGE DU LAC NAMES JUNE FIVE STAR EMPLOYEES L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently announced its June Five Star

Employees. Additionally, the property named its Leaders of the Quarter. TheFive Stars are: Joyce Hayes, a security officer; Michael Richard, a lead cook; JoshLeJeune, a valet attendant; Danny Lemons, an engineer; and Benny LeJeune, anengineer. Michael Richard is also designated as the Employee of the Month andis now eligible to receive the coveted Employee of the Year award. The Leaders ofthe Quarter are Tyler Shannon, a restaurant supervisor; Carlauna Tolbert, ahotel front office supervisor; Todd Bronander, a table games floor supervisor;and Vynessie Wilburn, an accounting manager.

THREE WCCH EMPLOYEES RECEIVE MASTER’S DEGREESThree West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital employees recently received mas-

ter’s degrees from McNeese State University. Robert Kingham, wellness directorat Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers, obtained a master’s degree in healthpromotion. An employee of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital for five years,Kingham served as a wellness coordinator at McNeese State University prior tojoining the hospital. Karen Lambert, marketing manager, is the recent recipientof a master’s of business administration degree. Lambert has been with the hos-pital for two years. Prior to that, Lambert served as director of marketing forAllen Parish Hospital in Kinder. Becky Stein, director of the hospital’s intensivecare unit, recently received a master’s of nursing degree. With this degree, Stein isnow an adult nurse practitioner. Originally from Illinois, she has been with WestCalcasieu Cameron Hospital for three years.

CHRISTUS ADDS NEW PHYSICIAN FOR DAVINCI ASSISTED HYSTERECTOMY

James M. Brown III, M.D. is now performing the daVinci robotic assistedhysterectomy procedure at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. This is a minimal-ly invasive procedure that offers many potential benefits over a traditionalabdominal hysterectomy. Dr. Brown joins Johnny Biddle, M.D., Lee J.Monlezun, M.D. and Donald Parker, M.D. in performing the daVinci assistedhysterectomy at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. Visit www.christusstpatrick.orgfor more information on daVinci assisted procedures at St. Patrick Hospital, orcall (337) 430-3400 to schedule a consultation.

LC TOASTMASTER CLUB HOLDS ANNUAL ELECTIONLake Charles Toastmasters Club 1225 held its election of officers for 2010-

2011 year recently. Steve Maurer, Competent Communicator and AdvanceCommunicator Bronze was elected president. Others officers elected wereCristina Broussard, vice president, education; Ankita Choudhary, vice president,membership; Alfred Doucette, Jr., Competent Communicator and CompetentLeader, vice president, public relations; David Simmons, secretary; SusanAssunto, assistant secretary and Martha Whelan, Competent Communicator andCompetent Leader, treasurer. The Lake Charles Toastmasters club provides its

Please submit press releases to [email protected]

L’Auberge du Lac Leaders of the Quarter (from left to right): Todd Bronander,Vynessie Wilburn, Tyler Shannon and Carlauna Tolbert

L’Auberge du Lac Five Star Employees (from left to right): Benny LeJeune, Josh LeJeune, Joyce Hayes, Michael Richard and Danny Lemons

Robert Kingham Karen Lambert Becky Stein


members a communication and leadership development program and is one ofmore than 11,700 Toastmasters clubs around the world. The club meets eachMonday at 6 p.m. at Capital One Tower in Lake Charles and is open to the public.

MOSS REGIONAL ANNOUNCES SERVICE AUXILIARY OFFICERS FOR 2010-2011

W. O. Moss Regional Medical Center’s Service Auxiliary recently installedtheir newly elected officers for the 2010-2011 term. The Service Auxiliaryoperates the gift shop, answers telephones, and calls patients with appointmentreminders. It also offers financial support to many special projects of the facili-ty and assists with patient needs. The newly elected officers are: President –Wilma Miles, Vice President – Melba Duhon, Treasurer – Darsie Derouen,Secretary – Betty Duhon, Correspondence Secretary – Beckie Scott-Fuzee,Social Services – Denise Newman, Gift Shop – Pat Johnson, and Recorder forRSVP – Della Williams.

LT. ANDERS RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARDLt. David Anders of the Lake Charles Police Department received the CIT

International Award for International CIT Coordinator of the Year. Anders, a 26-year veteran of the police department and graduate of the FBI NationalAcademy, is currently assigned as the Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator forthe Lake Charles Police Department and the Hostage/Crisis Negotiation TeamCommander. He was assigned by Chief Don Dixon to develop the CrisisIntervention Team in February 2005. Lt. Anders and Sgt. Ardoin of theCalcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office partnered in coordinating the implementationof Southwest Louisiana’s CIT Program with NAMI-Southwest Louisiana, the LARegion V Office of Mental Health, and McNeese State University’s (MSU)Psychology Department to establish the 40-hour training curriculum and theCIT program.

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION DONATES TO CARE HELPWestlake Chemical Corporation, represented by Joe Andrepont, made a

contribution of $1,500 to Sue Broussard for Care Help of Sulphur’s Back toSchool program. This annual assistance program provides school supplies toSulphur students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Care Help is seeking

Retired Major Sam Cochran with the CIT International executive board, left, presents the Coordinator of the Year Award to Lt. David Anders of the Lake Charles Police Department.

Joe Andrepont presenting a donation to Sue Broussard for Care Help of Sulphur’s Back to School program.


www.alamoinsectcontrol.com

support from the local community in the form of monetary donations, schoolsupplies, and used school uniforms. For more information, contact SandyFriesner at 528-2273 or e-mail her at [email protected].

MEMORIAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENTS GRADUATE State Senator Willie Landry Mount was the keynote speaker when nine

physicians graduated from the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine ResidencyProgram recently. Members of the 10th graduating class, Jason Baesler, M.D.,Megha Chandoke, M.D., Andres Guillermo, M.D., Ameer Khan, M.D., AaronMarquardt, M.D., Johnny Segura, M.D., Slade Smith, M.D., Danielle Walz,M.D., and Benjamin Williams, M.D., received diplomas for having completedthe three-year residency program. Drs. Segura and Williams were ChiefResidents. The Family Medicine Residency Program began in January 1995.

KAY ANDREWS ATTENDS LWVUS NATIONAL CONVENTIONKay Andrews, president of the Lake Charles League of Women Voters,

recently attended the League of Women Voters of the United States 49thNational Convention in Atlanta. Andrews was a delegate representing LakeCharles LWV and the state of Louisiana. She attended workshops, caucuses andother sponsored meetings, and took part in elections for 2010-2012 officers,directors and nominating committee.

FIRST FEDERAL BANK BOARD OF DIRECTOR RECEIVES AWARDBob Jones, a director with First Federal Bank, recently received a Service

Award from the Louisiana Banking Association.

CAMERON COMMUNICATIONS DONATES TO MARSHLAND FESTIVALThis year’s Marshland Festival is sponsored in part by Cameron

Communications. Trina Johnson, public relations coordinator for CameronCommunications recently presented a check for $6,500 to Kevin Moreau,Meagan Johnson and Madison Shore of the Marshland Festival. For a completelist of entertainers or more information, visit the Web site at www.marshlandfes-tival.com or call (337) 658-8139.

From left to right: Mary Wilson, outgoing president LWVUS, Elisabeth MacNamara, incoming president LWVUS,

Kay Andrews, president, Lake Charles LWV.

LBA Chief Operating Officer Ginger Laurent (second from right) presents Bob Jones (second from left), director with First Federal Bank

of Louisiana, with a LBA Service Award. Also pictured are (far left) Charles Timpa, president and chief executive officer of First Federal Bank,

and Andy Pierson, chairman of First Federal Bank.

HAROLD ROWLAND PROMOTED TO VP OF RESORT OPERATIONS AT L’AUBERGE

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recentlyannounced the promotion of Harold Rowland to vicepresident of resort operations. Rowland will oversee allnon-gaming operations for the property. Rowlandjoined L’Auberge in May 2006 as senior director of hoteloperations. In 2008, he oversaw a major propertyexpansion at the property. The $67 million projectincluded a 9-story hotel tower with 250 rooms, suitesand luxury garden suites in addition to The Shops atL’Auberge. The expansion also increased luxury ameni-ties available to guests including a new VIP lounge andprivate pool area with upscale cabanas. Rowland livesin Lake Charles with his wife and two children.

Harold Rowland

TJN


609 Ryan Street • Lake Charles, LA • 494-7227Mon - Thurs: 10:30am - 9pm • Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 10pm

So Easy To Get To! From I-10 West: Take Ryan St. Exit Go South 3 BlocksFrom I-10 East: Take Downtown Exit Turn Left By Best Suites, Right On Ryan

YankeeDangThe

By Mike McHugh

I’d like to announce that, if youare planning a wedding anywhere inLouisiana, I’m available for a spot onyour guest list.

Yes, I love Louisiana weddings.I’ve been to several here, and I mustsay they are very different thanYankee weddings. A prime exampleof this is the attire of the guests. Outof habit, I wear a necktie to everywedding I go to. It’s the only chanceI have anymore to make use of allthose ties I brought down from

Yankee Land. I do this despite thefact that, more often than not, I’d fitin better had I worn an LSU jersey.

On a recent occasion, the daugh-ter of a couple we know got married.At first, we were not planning toattend the wedding. This is becausewe had not received a formal invita-tion in the mail as per traditionalYankee custom. Normally, thesecome out well in advance of theevent, often while the bride is still ingrade school.

Nuptials Louisiana-Style

Our plans changed when my wifegot to chatting online just a fewnights prior with the bride’s step-mother, who casually inquiredwhether we were coming to the wed-ding. It turned out that they did not,in fact, send out formal invitations,probably so that there would be morein the budget for alcohol.

This marked the first time for usto get a wedding invitation viaFacebook. It was lucky. Our friendnarrowly avoided having to bear thelifelong guilt of blood on her handsas a result of the suicide my wife wascontemplating for apparently havingbeen left off the guest list.

Both of our friends had beenmarried once or twice before, and Iwasn’t ready for the ramifications ofthis at the wedding. The names of allof the birth parents and stepparentsand related grandparents in the pro-gram read like the New OrleansSaints’ roster. If only they’d all wornnumbers on their backs, I’d have beenable to figure out who was who.

At the reception, I noticed someaspects that reminded me of what Iwas used to in Yankee Land. Not onlywere there other guests besides mewearing a necktie, but, what’s more,

the DJ actually played a few tunesthat didn’t feature an accordion in thearrangement. And that was not all. Isaw the wedding party arrive at thehall in, of all things, a limo! I’ve got-ten used to seeing them all ride overin the bed of a pickup truck.

During one of the non-accordionsongs, my wife dragged me onto thefloor for my one obligatory dance. Idare not do any more, as I have allthe moves of a banana slug. (So whydid that photographer have to takemy picture while I was out there?Surely it’ll be showing up on a Website near you.)

Don’t get me wrong, though.There was still plenty about the affairto remind me that this was a goodold Louisiana wedding. One whereyou’re more apt to see Jell-O shotsthan champagne. Take, for instance,the tray of boudin balls at the buffet.That would never fly at a Yankeewedding. That’s because, up there,food at such affairs is all aboutappearance. You could easily getaway with serving meadow muffins,as long as they were neatly displayedon a lettuce leaf.

I’ve found the true sign of aLouisiana wedding is the length ofthe line at the bar—and this one wastrue to form. The wait for a drinkwas longer than it was for one ofthose new i-Phones. There wereactually two lines on this occasion,and, as usual, I always seemed to endup in the slowest one. You know, theone where everyone is orderingdrinks that are so complicated ittakes a Ph.D. chemist to mix them.Meanwhile, in the other line, every-body is just getting draft beer. Iknew it was bad when I saw oneguest who’d just been served cycleright back into the end of the line,knowing full well that he’d be emptyby the time he got back up front.

Eventually, the night reaches apoint when my wife tells me that she’sokay to go whenever I’m ready. All ofyou married men understand thesecret wife code-speak here. I’lltranslate for the single readers. Whatshe really means is that she wants toleave, but to avoid an argument, shewon’t just come out and say it.Instead, she’s hoping you will figurethis out on your own and agree thatit’s time.

In my case, the statement some-times has a slightly different mean-ing, something to the effect of,“Another drink will probably put youover the legal limit, so we better gonow, because I’m certainly in noshape to drive.” TJN


Louisiana has now passed a lawthat prohibits texting while driving—asuper-hazardous practice. But I firmlybelieve that using a handheld phonewhile going down the road is prettyhazardous in itself. So, I picked up a$20 Blue Tooth device at Wal-Martthat clips to my sun visor and serves asa hands-free speakerphone. Now, we’renot talking about a high end Boseaudio item—just one that lets me con-verse without holding the thing to myear. And, it conveniently uses the samecharge as my cell phone. It serves thesame function as my On Star, whichcame with my vehicle, but costs afterthe initial free period.

COMMON SENSE DOWN THE DRAIN

Our friends in Washington havenow decided to regulate showerheads.Yes, the showerhead that you use everyday. They’re upset about the luxuryfixtures that use more water than whatthey think we should use. Really. Isn’tit nice that the Department of Energyhas decided to regulate the bathinghabits of America? It isn’t bad enoughthat our old toilets that worked justfine are being replaced with newwater-saving toilets that need to beflushed multiple times to do the job ofthe old ones? Now they’re coming intoour shower stalls. The only thing Ihaven’t heard is that they’re doing thisin the interest of public safety, which istheir usual excuse for meddling in ourprivate lives. Next, they’ll probably fig-ure out some regulation to limit howlong we should shower. I can’t wait tosee the next bit of guidance the gov-ernment has in store for us.

GROW YOUR OWN MANGOOne of our faithful readers con-

tacted us regarding the recent columnon pineapple and avocado plants with

a tip of her own. She takes mangoseeds and starts her own plants fromthem. After enjoying the meat of thefruit, she splits the pit to remove theseed inside. (There is a seam on theside of the pit where you can pry itopen to get the seed.) Clean hands area must, as bacterial contaminationcan occur from dirt touching theseed, which will result in plant failure.Rinse the seed and place it on a mois-tened, folded-up piece of paper towel.Insert it into a Ziploc bag and leave iton the windowsill.

She reports that the seed sprouts inabout a week or so, with the root com-ing out one side and the sprout com-ing out the other. The seedling can beplaced in good potting soil andallowed to grow. Keep it moist, but notover-watered. I haven’t had the oppor-tunity to try this out, but I plan to giveit a shot the next time I have mangos.

ROUGE ET BLANC TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Rouge et Blanc tickets are now onsale for this fall event sponsored bythe McNeese Banners Series. Thetickets are $75 per person and aremuch in demand, as they have soldout every year with many disappoint-ed folks left without a ducat. Thisevent has always been a huge hit inthe community with a nice selectionof excellent wines and top-flight foodofferings included in the deal.

Many of our upscale restaurantsprovide a chance to sample theirwares in a single setting along withsome other merchants with a gastro-nomic emphasis. The wine offeringsexpose the attendees to sample andpurchase many selections that are noteasily available locally—and at areduced price (you know how I likebargains!). This is a chance to supportthe arts here in Southwest Louisiana

while experiencing a more thanworthwhile event.

The Banners Committee is madeup of many of the movers and shakersof our area and offers a huge varietyof culturally enriching and entertain-ing events. From the illusionist JasonWhite to musical performances, lec-ture presentations, dance and more,the Banners Series adds so much toour area. I highly recommend youattend Rouge et Blanc—it is the realdeal and worth your time and sup-port. But hurry, tickets are going fast!

GOOD DEAL AT RITE-AIDA friend told me that Rite-Aid

Pharmacy’s reward card, with a couponfrom their flyer, allows 50 4 X 6 digitalprints for $4.99. That’s quite a nice sav-ings. We discussed these programreward cards in an earlier column andthis is a one example of getting a gooddeal. Of course, they expect that youwill pick up other items in the storewhen you’re there, but a wary shoppercan come out ahead sometimes. Don’tmind giving a plug to a place that hassomething good happening for theircustomers. TJN

By George “Tip” Cline

Blue Tooth Devicesa Good Idea


When medicationand non-invasive procedures

are unable to relieve symptoms,hysterectomy surgery remains theaccepted and most effective treat-ment for a range of gynecologicconditions such as cervical anduterine cancer, uterine fibroids,endometriosis, uterine prolapse,menorrhagia (excessive menstrualflow), dysfunctional uterine bleed-ing, and metrorrhagia (abnormalbleeding between cycles).

If you are considering or yourdoctor has recommended a hys-terectomy, you are not alone - onein three women in the U.S. willhave a hysterectomy before turning60, according to www.women-shealth.gov.

Traditional open gynecologicsurgery, using a large incision foraccess to the uterus and surround-ing anatomy, has for many yearsbeen the standard approach tomany gynecologic procedures. Yet,with open surgery can come signif-

icant pain, trauma, a longrecovery process and threat to sur-rounding organs and nerves.

For women facing gynecologicsurgery, the period of pain, dis-comfort and extended time awayfrom normal daily activities thatusually follows traditional surgerycan understandably cause signifi-cant anxiety.

Fortunately, less invasive optionsare available, according to Lee J.Monlezun M.D., GynecologicalSurgeon at CHRISTUS St. PatrickHospital. “Some gynecologic proce-dures enable surgeons to access thetarget anatomy using a vaginalapproach, which may not require anexternal incision,” Dr. Monlezunsaid. “But for complex hysterec-tomies and other gynecologic proce-dures, robot-assisted surgery withthe da Vinci Surgical System may bethe most effective, least invasivetreatment option.”

The da Vinci Surgical Systemprovides surgeons with enhanced

visualization – including high-defi-nition 3D vision and a magnifiedview of the surgical site – increasedprecision, and better control.

“While sitting at the console,the surgeon controls the system,which translates his or her handmovements into smaller, more pre-cise movements of tiny instru-ments inside the patient’s body,”Dr. Monlezun said. CHRISTUS St.Patrick is currently the only facilityto perform the da Vinci robot-assisted hysterectomy.

With this robotic technology,surgeons can perform complexoperations through small incisionsno larger than a dime, usinginstruments that have sevendegrees of movement, mimickingthe dexterity of the human wrist.

For qualified candidates, thisrobot-assisted procedure offersnumerous potential benefits overthe traditional open hysterectomy,including:

• Significantly less pain • Shorter hospital stay• Faster recovery time • Less blood loss• Fewer complications• Less scarring

“The robotic assisted proceduremeans less time recovering for thepatient, getting her back to her nor-mal routine much quicker thanwith a traditional hysterectomymethod,” Dr. Monlezun says.

For more information on daVinci robot-assisted procedures atCHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital,visit www.christusstpatrick.org orcall (337) 430-3400 to schedule aconsultation. Other participatingphysicians for da Vinci hysterecto-my are: Johnny Biddle, M.D., JamesBrown, M.D., and Donald Parker,M.D.

You can also visit Dr. Monlezun’sWeb site at www.monlezun.com formore information on gynecology.

TJN


By Jim Doyle

I just got back from my highschool class’ collective 60th birthdayparty in Tennessee, attended Musicon the Square on a great night withkatydids and lightning bugs in myhometown, and enjoyed a leisurelydrive on the Natchez Trace Parkway.But those are subjects for anotherday. Right now, I want to tell youabout my friend Ron Carl, alsoknown as “Chance.”

We met in Singapore in 1985 athis deposition when, at 32, he wasthe youngest captain inMcDermott’s fleet of derrick bargesat a time when that company wasthe world’s largest offshore contrac-tor. He came across as Americanthrough and through, although hehad lived most of his life in Asia,including time spent in Vietnamduring the war as a teenage civiliancontractor working for his dad. Hisconnection with me (and with LakeCharles) was two local residentswho had been injured while work-ing on board one of his ships, bothof whom filed suit in U.S. DistrictJudge Earl Veron’s court. By happen-stance, both came up for trial duringthe same summer, and Chance spentabout two months here, most nightseating dinner at my house.

While working, he presided overa colorful international cast of char-acters, including Australians, Brits,Filipinos, assorted citizens of coun-tries as diverse as Poles and Czechs,and the occasional Cajun orMississippi redneck. In those daysof the worldwide boom in oil pro-duction, practically the only qualifi-cation needed to earn upwards of$100,000 annually, free of Americanincome tax, was the ability to speakEnglish. Most of the supervisorsand a good number of the field

engineers, in the Middle East inparticular, were British, so commu-nication was a plus. One of the LakeCharles guys had been just such afield supervisor whose main jobwas to be the English voice on theradio at the other end of thepipeline being built.

He was injured, very seriously,when he climbed to the top level ofa tripod platform (not somethingyou want to do if you’re afraid ofheights) to check a leaking bolt dur-ing a hydrostatic test, when 6,000pounds of pressure was beingpushed through the pipeline fromthe other end. Seems he told one ofhis crewmembers, an Indian (fromnear Calcutta) to get “a hammer anda spanner” and try to tighten it up.When he touched it, it blew. Sent athree-eighths inch bolt through thecenter of his baseball cap. While hewas unconscious, they calledChance over from the mother shipand, with one other worker, he car-ried him down on a stretcher.

When the case came up for trial,I needed the Indian witness andpaid a considerable sum from theMcDermott treasury for a lawyer inBombay to find him and get him toNew York. Chance played the role oftranslator. They both spoke English,but the worker was hesitant to talkto me.

Chance had time on his handsbecause he was injured, too. Whileon his off time at the McDermottcompound in Dubai, he had steppedin a hole during a little horseplayaround the swimming pool and bro-ken his leg below the knee. It didn’theal right, and by the time theseevents took place he had been offwork nearly three years. While hewas here in town, he took advantage

Another Unforgettable Character

of our medical facilities, consultingwith world-renowned orthopedicsurgeon David Drez. Chance neverreally healed, but by and by he gotwell enough to think about goingback to work. This presented aproblem, because he had an unre-solved claim against the companyand they wouldn’t hire him untilsome plan was made to settle it.

I was the only lawyer he knew,so it was natural he’d call me, but ofcourse I couldn’t help him. I did callthe company and got permission tofind him a lawyer, eventuallyreferred him to now-Judge EldonFallon of New Orleans. Eldon calledme after he met with Chance andsaid he still wanted to talk to me.Through the two trials and lots ofnights in deep conversation abouthis very adventurous life, we hadbecome close friends, so that wasnatural.

Chance once was riding hismotorcycle in Saigon in the midst ofthe war and wound up behind thelines in a scrape with some VietCong partisans. He knew Bangkoklike the back of his hand. His wifeNoid was Thai. The only Americanplace he lived growing up wasHawaii, and during the time of thetwo Lake Charles trials, his homebase was Las Vegas, which is sur-prisingly easy to reach from any-where in the world. He worked aschedule which brought him home30 days every three months or so.When he was working, he flew firstclass all over the world. He loved toeat, and drink, and was the best guyI ever knew in a big group. In everysense of the word, a man’s man.

One night, over multiple beers,he said to me: “Jim, you really wantto do what I’m doing, don’t you?” Itwas the ultimate expression of self-

satisfaction. And it was true.So it was an honor for him to ask

my advice about what to do. He hada firm offer of a job as a supervisoron an Indonesian job and had todecide. “Chance,” I told him, “Youlove your life. You’ve worked over-seas since you were 17. Because ofyour injury, this is the only companythat will ever hire you. Your choiceis work or retirement.” He pickedwork. He left the next week.

About a month later I was inLondon visiting clients at Lloyd’sand having an afternoon beer in theThree Tuns, my favorite pub (“tuns”are barrels). I was on their payphone to the office and was told Ihad an emergency call from one ofmy McDermott contacts.

Chance was dead. Not used tobeing back on his boat, he walkedthe wrong way behind a crane andwas crushed by the counterweight. Istill can’t believe it.

As you might expect, his familycalled me to help them put togethera settlement of his estate’s claim aris-ing from his death, and as you canprobably guess, I found a way to dothat. Didn’t charge anybody a fee.One of the hardest things I ever did,but at least Chance’s wife and twokids were well provided for when itwas over.

As I get older, it seems my mostunforgettable characters have passedthrough this veil of tears, but as Ilook around my life, I know thatisn’t true. Lake Charles is full of ‘em.I hope all of you will rememberknowing Chance through this exer-cise, and have a beer with your mostunforgettable character.

I’ll see you guys on the flip.TJN


What’sCookin’

Hang With the Locals atBig Daddy’s Sports Grill

Want to get a bite to eat at a place whereeveryone knows your name and everyone’sglad you came? No, you don’t have to go allthe way to Boston to visit the “Cheers” bar.Big Daddy’s Sports Grill in Lake Charles isthe place to go for good food, beverages, anda warm family atmosphere.

Although there are sports memorabiliaand photos plastered all over the walls andwide-screen TVs in the back room, this isnot your average sports grill. Big Daddy’soffers one of the best overall “neighborhoodrestaurant” experiences in town. The place isfull of locals who all know one another—well. The staff is friendly and eager to please,and you’re more than likely to run intosomeone you know enjoying a meal or kick-ing back around the TVs, drinking a fewcold ones and getting ready for a little sportsaction.

The man behind the grill is Jerry LeBlanc.Born and raised in Lake Charles, he attendedSt. Louis High School and is a McNeesegraduate with over 27 years of experience inthe food industry. He’s a member of theCowboy Club and the Lake Charles TouristBureau, and has been giving back to his com-munity for years. LeBlanc and his wifeTammy have been the proud owners of BigDaddy’s for seven years.

Big Daddy’s specializes in what LeBlanccalls “Cajun Comfort Food.” From a heartybreakfast to dinner, there’s something on themenu for everyone: Juicy steaks and burgers,Pawpaw’s Gumbo, catfish and shrimp plattersand even freshly battered fried pickles.Weekly 2 for 1 catfish dinners, plate lunchand hamburger specials are a big hit. Forthose keeping it light, there are fruit smooth-ies and specialty salads.

Family is very important to the LeBlancs,and they say they’re blessed to have the loveand support from their wonderful daughtersLyndsey and Erin, their parents, and Jerry’ssister Judy—all loyal regulars.

“I’m a humble man,” Leblanc said. “Butsince my customers, friends and family sayso, I gotta say so myself: a Big Daddy’s ham-burger is slap your momma, daddy, sister,cousin—second to none. You gotta try it!”

Big Daddy’s Sports Grill is located at 1737W. Sale Rd. Lake Charles, LA 70605. (337)477-9033. Open Mon –Thurs. 6 a.m.-8:30p.m., Fr. 6 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sat 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Closed Sundays. “If we can’t makeit in six days, seven won’t save us,” saidLeBlanc. “Sunday I set aside for church,family and rest. I encourage my employeesto do the same.”


My father is scheduled for a total knee replace-ment surgery next month. He is supposed to bein the hospital overnight and get discharged onthe next day. His orthopedic surgeon says thatafter the surgery, he will need a physical thera-pist to go out to his home and provide in-homephysical therapy for him. Can Home Health Care2000 provide physical therapy in the patient’shome?

Yes. Usually after a total knee replacement, a homehealth care physical therapist provides in-hometherapy for about 12 weeks. The sooner the therapystarts, the better the patient’s outcome and prog-nosis. The treatment regimen usually includesrange-of-motion exercises, strengthening andgait training, assessment for swelling and signsof infection at the surgical wound site, alongwith an extensive home exercise program. Toarrange for an in-home comprehensive clini-cal consultation and evaluation by a licensedhome health care professional, please call1-800-HOME-CARE (1-800-466-3227).

The following recipe is a favoriteof the regulars, and is so easy tomake!

Big Daddy’sChicken FajitaSaladINGREDIENTS• taco salad shell • lettuce (your choice) • 1-8 oz. chicken breast,

cut in strips • 1-Tbls. olive oil • ¼ Bell pepper • ¼ white onion • 1-small diced tomato • ½ oz. shredded cheese• sour cream • ½ cup -picante sauce • fajita seasoning • Bayou Dust (sold at Big

Daddy’s) or a spiced seasoning of your choice

• Skillet or indoor grill

PREPARATIONLine salad shell with bed of

lettuce. Heat olive oil in skilletor grill on medium heat. Addstrips of chicken, and seasonwith fajita and spicy seasoningwhile cooking. Add onions, bellpepper and tomato. Sauté withchicken until chicken is cookedwell. Drain away grease. Placechicken mixture on top of let-tuce, sprinkle with shreddedcheese, add a dollop of sourcream and top with picantesauce. Dig in, it’s delicious!

Enjoy! TJN


When you ask visitors what they loveabout Sulphur, one thing inevitably comesup: “the people.” The friendly, laid-backdemeanor of the people put you at easeright away. Friendly people, great serviceand unique products combined makeSulphur a great place to shop.

Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan invites youto cross the bridge, visit local businessesand see for yourself.

“Our businesses provide personalizedservice to their customers…a benefit of liv-ing in a close-knit community,” he said. “Wehave a wide variety from large chain storesto family owned and operated. Each of

them works diligently to ensure their cus-tomers are satisfied.”

The mayor said by shopping locally, yousimultaneously create jobs, fund more cityservices through sales tax, invest in neigh-borhood improvement and promote com-munity development.

“We encourage our citizens to ‘shopSulphur first,’” he said. “This not only sup-ports our local business owners, but alsosupports the city in regard to sales tax.Without the revenue generated from salestax, the city would not be able to improvethe services it provides to its citizens.”

To promote entrepreneurship, the City

of Sulphur presents a “Business of theMonth” plaque, which is given to local busi-ness owners recognizing their contributionto the community.

This issue of The Jambalaya Newscalled “Shop Sulphur” is all about promot-ing and supporting locally-owned, inde-pendent businesses.

It’s about making your hard-earnedmoney go further, fueling the local econo-my and helping to preserve the uniquecharacter of Southwest Louisiana.

Shop local. Make a difference.Here are 10 reasons to cross the bridge

into Sulphur:

By Lisa Yates

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Turn to Mead Automotive for your Car CareServices, Undercar Services, Heating and CoolingServices, Electrical Services, TransmissionServices, Internal Engine Services, Heavy-DutyServices, Towing, and Miscellaneous Services.

Mon-Fri7:30am - 5pm

B & O Kitchen & Grocery isthe go-to place for cracklins andboudin, which are made freshdaily.

Owners Jeff and BeckyBenoit say they use nothing butthe best quality meats availableand their recipes are alwaysconsistent.

“We make our own boudin,cracklins, beef jerky, Cajun SlimJims, boudin balls, Cajun eggrolls, pistolettes, smokedsausage, pork tasso, hog headcheese, specialty meats, stuffedchickens, turduckens, friedturkeys and deer processing,”Jeff said. “We also have our ownlunch menu with such items asour Famous Cajun Burger. Weoffer several sandwiches andPo-boys, as well.”

He said bring in this articleanytime between July 29 andAug. 12, and receive a FREEsample of boudin!

The business, located at3011 E. Burton St. in Sulphur, isfeatured on the cover of thecurrent edition of the SWLABoudin Trail pamphlet.

Jeff said you can find thepamphlets at all tourist infor-mation bureaus, hotel/motel

lobbies in the area, and even atsome local businesses.

“Inside the brochure, thereis a map of our location,” hesaid. “We are No. 4 on the map.I was honored to have beenchosen to be on the front cover.”

B & O is a family-ownedand operated business, estab-lished in 1983 by Jeff ’s grand-parents.

“Many of the Benoit familymembers have been involved inthis business from one time oranother,” he said. “It all startedwith my grandparents, Josephand Corita Benoit, then my par-ents, Dale and Peaches Benoit. Ihave also had many aunts,uncles, and cousins work herethrough the years. I currentlyrun the business with my wife,Becky, and my two kids,Courtney and Michael. I mayown the business now, but myGrandmother Corita, the origi-nal owner who still works heretoday, is still ‘the boss.’”

Jeff said good customerservice, consistent products anda family-friendly atmosphere isthe reason for the success of thebusiness.

“Sulphur is a small town,” hesaid. “When you do business ina small town like ours, yourcustomers aren’t just your cus-tomers, they’re your friends. Ienjoy getting to know my cus-tomers on a first name basis.”

Jeff, Grandmother Corita and Courtney Benoit.

• At-home SPA: Relaxation for you and your friends.

• Work SPA: Let me pamper your employees during their lunch break.

• Need an extra $200? or $1000? per week or month? Like to be your own boss? Get paid for having fun girl-time!!


4710 Common St., Suite A • (337) 564-5769www.theporchcoffeehouse.com

Call 337-478-3232Monday - Fridayfor your appointment.

New Patients WelcomeACCEPTING MOST INSURANCES

www.oakparkdental.com1616 West McNeese

Cosmetic Denistry • Dentures • PartialsFillings • Extractions • Orthodontics

Everyone is raving about thefire and ice fireplace at Below theMantle.

“Come in and see Fire onIce®,” said Katy Peveto, who co-owns the store with her husbandRandy.

“Instead of having the tradi-tional gas logs, you can now havecolored crystals with the firecoming up through the center ofthe crystals.”

It’s a big trend now. You see itin celebrity homes. The contrastof fire and ice is what makes thelook so stunning.

The glow of the fire comingfrom the shiny pieces of crystal isstrikingly different from the lookof real wood logs or even gas logs.

The advantage is you get tocreate the look you want. If youhave a room with a blue décor,you can use blue crystals, or what-ever color you want. The “ice”comes in a variety of colorsincluding, clear, gray, bronze,green, blue and black, to name afew.

Of course it isn’t ice, but Fireon Ice ® - a trademark accessoryproduct that uses tempered glassin place of logs.

It’s safe because there’s nomore popping cinders, no soot

and it burns cleaner. Also, it’s sur-prisingly affordable and lasts alifetime.

See Fire on Ice ® and more atBelow the Mantle, located at 1375N. Beglis Parkway in Sulphur.

During the month of August,the store is having a 25 percentoff sale on fireplace accessories.Tell them you heard about it inThe Jambalaya News!

When you visit, Katy said tobe sure and check out a new pel-let stove called the Mount VernonAE.

“It is a beautiful stove thatburns small wood pellets,” shesaid. “It comes in a free-standing,or an insert, and is very efficient.”

She said the new stove is tech-nically advanced to operate auto-matically, and has comfort-quietblowers so you won’t even knowit is providing some of the mostefficient heat available.

Since opening its doors in1991, Below the Mantle has beenan industry leader carrying a fullline of wood burning and gasfireplaces, inserts, pellet stoves,gas logs, mantles and accessories.

Katy added, “We are the onlyfull line fireplace shop in Sulphurwith working display models.”

Katy Peveto, owner ofBelow the Mantle


• FALL CLASSESRegistration for fall classes going on now at both locations. Sign up now!

• COMING SOON! Adult GYMFIT Cross-training Classes: A unique workout incorporating gymnastics and fitness.

Call for more information.

• BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

605 Petro Point Dr.Lake Charles, LA(337) 494-3547

3615 Maplewood Dr.Sulphur, LA

(337) 625-FLIP (3547)

Island SunsationsTanning Salon

UV Free Custom Spray TansStudent Discounts

5 Beds & 1 Stand Up

914 Beglis Parkway, Sulphur

(337) [email protected]

www.IslandSunsations.com

Owners Buckie and EliseLeBoeuf opened Buckie’s MiniTrucks four years ago, at 2613Maplewood Dr. in Sulphur.

This is Elise telling their story,in her own words:

“We sell mini trucks,” shesaid. “These vehicles are calledmini trucks because that’s just whatthey are – mini. They are small,light weight and easy to handle.

“Mini trucks come fullyequipped with air conditioning,heat, stereo, 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

“Fuel consumption, rental andretail costs are considerably lessthan that of standard pickups. They are the most affordablesub-compact vehicle on the mar-ket.

“They are the future for indus-trial, commercial and privatetransportation.

“In 2006, we came across aproduct called an off road minitruck. After researching them atlength, we knew we had a mar-ketable product.

“After much prayer and consid-eration, we decided to go into busi-ness for ourselves. We openedBuckie’s Mini Trucks.

“In the beginning, we weremainly selling to hunters, crawfishfarmers and ranchers. With the ris-ing cost of fuel, there came ademand for these vehicles in the

industrial market place. More andmore industries are findingthese vehicles to be very durableand cost effective.

“We are very pleased toannounce that the mini trucks willsoon be available for street use.

“We consider doing business inSulphur to be very special. Sulphuris full of honest, hard-workingpeople.

“In looking at the over all pic-ture of our business, we have to saythat our business has been success-ful. Success hasn’t come over night;and, it still has a long way to go.

“We believe there are severalreasons for our business’success. One reason is that we tryto put God first. Another is that itis a family-operated business.

“Our son Clint works with usfull-time and our other five chil-dren, Chuck, Corey, Charlie,Maegen and Madeline, help out asneeded.

“We work hard and longhours. We get there at 8 in themorning and it’s not uncommonfor us to be there till 7:30 – 8 atnight.

“Our business philosophyis simple and straight forward: Wetreat our customers with fairnessand honesty. We want repeat cus-tomers. We’re here to stay.

“We invite everyone to comeout and see this new product.”

Clint, Elise andBuckie LeBoeuf.


Insurance isn’t something youusually think about, until youneed it. When you need it, CarlVincent – State Farm Insurance isthere.

In fact, there has been aVincent State farm office inSulphur for 53 years!

“My parents opened the firstState Farm agency in WestCalcasieu on April 1, 1957,” Carlsaid. “I relocated my office fromVinton and combined offices inSulphur, April 1, 1991.”

In 1993, the business moved toits current location, 815 S.Huntington St., Sulphur.

Carl Vincent – State FarmInsurance has been serving theneeds of the community for 25years.

Carl said State Farm’s missionis to help people manage the risksof everyday life.

“We are here to serve people,whether they are our actual cus-tomers or not; we are here tohelp,” he said.

He said products include com-mercial, home, auto, life andhealth insurance. Expanded serv-ices include financial services suchas banking and mutual funds.

While State Farm offers com-

petitive rates on your insurance,Carl said his company offers morethan just saving you money.

“We have never sold our officeon price, but service,” he said.“People want to be able to sitdown with us and not just another800 number. We proved back in2005 with Hurricane Rita why weare the No. 1 company; and, westrive to be the No. 1 agency.”

Carl’s business philosophy isstraightforward.

“We try our very best to treatpeople the way they want to betreated,” he said. “We do notalways tell them what they want tohear, but they know we are here totry to help.”

Carl and his wife Carla, theoffice manager, are activelyinvolved in the community.

“We pride ourselves in ourcommunity involvement, especial-ly through the Partners inEducation program,” he said. “Wehave been partners since 1993,making us one of the oldest part-ners in the parish. Carla and Ihave always lived by the quote:‘Man can make no greater invest-ment than the education and theencouragement of our youth.’”

Carl Vincent, owner of CarlVincent State Farm Insurance


For 17 years, Gisela Rylandand her son, Todd St. Amant,have been providing the LakeArea with stylish flooring as co-owners of Flooring and Design,Inc.

“We are a flooring and designcompany, selling flooring fromwood, laminate, vinyl tile, vinylplank, carpet, ceramic, porcelain,natural stone and solid surfacecountertops in granite,” she said.“We also custom-design showersand kitchen backsplashes. Withthe purchase of your flooring, wewill do all the color-coordinatingfor free. This entails everythingfrom the flooring color to paintand/or stain colors.”

To see some of the most up-to-date designs in the flooringindustry, visit Flooring andDesign, Inc.’s beautiful show-room, located at 1401 CypressSt. in Sulphur.

Save money July 29 throughAug. 12, during the store’s hugerug sale.

Gisela said you’ll find the salesstaff courteous and knowledge-able. She said some have been inthis line of work for 35 years.

“In comparison to the ‘big box’stores, we are most definitelymore knowledgeable, personableand courteous,” she said. “Asidefrom that, we know our product,we can provide you with customdesigns, with products that are

applicable to your situation andwe are flexible on pricing!”

Gisela started the business tobe closer to her grandchildrenin Sulphur. Prior to openingFlooring and Design, Inc., sheowned and operated a designcompany in Alexandria.

Currently, Gisela is in theprocess of retiring and turningthe company over to her sonTodd, the store’s co-owner, andhis wife Stacey. Todd hasworked on the installation endof the business for the past 15years, while his wife Stacey hasworked in sales.

Gisela’s grandchildren,Ashley St. Amant and WadeMulkey, also work at the store.Ashley manages day-to-daybusiness answering the phones,doing secretarial work and help-ing out in the warehouse, whileWade installs flooring.

This is truly a family-ownedand operated business!

Gisela said Becky Boggan hasrecently joined the company asthe flooring/sales coordinator.

“Becky has been in the floor-ing industry for 30 years - in theselling end - and we are so verylucky and proud that she is part ofour organization. Being a familyowned business, we decided toadopt her!” she laughed.

They welcome your business.

Stacey St. Amant, Becky Boggan and Gisela Ryland.

This is a great idea!At Double G Beverage Barn

Convenience Store, you neverhave to leave your car to getwhat you need.

The owners, Greg Jordan andGarland White, said they decid-ed to open the Double G Barnbecause there was no other busi-ness like it in the area; and, theyknew people would love theconvenience.

“Our business is unique inthat we are completely drive-thru – the only drive-thru con-venience store in the area,”Garland said. “Our wait staff willtake your order while you sit inyour vehicle; and, hand you themerchandise without you evergetting out. We even put your icein your ice chest for you.”

Garland said they stock allconvenience store items, plus alittle more.

“We have the typical fountaindrinks: Icees, coffee, breakfastitems and much more – forexample: milk, bread, eggs, riceand many other items whichpeople need but hate to go to alarge grocery store late at nightto pick up,” he said. “We evenhave New Orleans’ SnoBallSnowcones!”

What’s not to love?Visit the store July 29

through Aug. 12, and receiveone free bag of ice with a 12-pack purchase of any kind. Tellthem The Jambalaya News sentyou!

Located at 3920 Highway 27South in Sulphur, the store alsofeatures a walk-up window forordering.

Garland said the owners lovedoing business in Sulphur.

“Doing business in Sulphur isa pleasure,” he said. “People areso very nice and supportive. Thesense of community in Sulphuris overwhelming.”

Since opening on Oct. 13,2007, he said the business hasbeen a big success – even in therecent economic downturn.

“Our business philosophy isto provide friendly, convenientservice and to make our cus-tomers feel welcome and want tocome back,” he said. “We appre-ciate our customers and believethe customer is always right!”

As a family-owned and oper-ated business, you’ll not only seeGreg and Garland in the storeoften, but also their wives, PaulaJordan and Jennifer White.

Garland said even the chil-dren help out occasionally.

“They especially like to makethe snow cones,” he said.

Greg Jordan and Garland White,owners of Double G Barn.


Fox’s Pizza Den features a new30-inch pizza called “The BigOne,” which is cut into 52 slices.

“The Big One” is great forparties, ball teams, or any largegathering. Because it’s special,orders must be placed in advanceand prepaid.

To place your order, call (337)533-1181, or visit the restaurantat 2590 Maplewood Dr. inSulphur.

You may dine in, carry out, orcall ahead to pick-up your orderat the pick-up window.

Menu items consist of gour-met pizzas, wedgies, hoagies,stromboli, spaghetti, wings, saladsand desserts.

Fox’s Pizza Den is franchisebased in Pennsylvania, but pri-vately owned and operated bySulphur residents Dewey andKelly Freeman.

“Some people think that weare Mr. and Mrs. Fox until theylearn the business is a franchise,”Kelly said.

She said area residents havebeen very receptive to the new

business, which opened two yearsago in May.

Kelly said what’s behind therestaurant’s success is simple.

“We have good food, afford-able prices and we try our best tohave good service,” she said.

The owners believe in ahands-on approach to runningtheir business, according to Kelly.

“As owners, we feel the needto be hands-on in running thebusiness on a daily basis,” shesaid.

In addition, their daughterKatie works as head cashier/pointof sales person at Fox’s Pizza Denwhile she attends an area college.

Why choose to eat at Fox’sPizza Den verses a competitor?

“The customer had a choice ofwhere to eat,” Kelly said. “Wehope that we have something thatmakes them want to choose ussuch as the quality of the food,menu choices, prices, a clean andpeaceful environment, and goodservice.”

Get your pizza fix at the Fox!

Dewey, Kelly and Katie Freeman, owners of Fox’s Pizza Den.


If you’re ready for a little pam-pering, visit Michelle’s Hair Salon,located at 208 Pine St. in Sulphur.

As an Aveda Concept Salon,Michelle’s Hair Salon carries a fullline of Aveda products and serv-ices, including make-up, haircolor and there’s even massagetherapy!

The staff includes MichelleStrahan, owner/stylist; DarlaFontenot, stylist; Kerri Kelly, styl-ist; Jenny Gayles, stylist; AndiHunter LaVergne, stylist; and,DeeDee Daigle Thibodeaux,massage therapist.

On July 11, Michelle’s HairSalon celebrated its 15th year inbusiness.

To show customer apprecia-tion, Michelle is holding a draw-ing for an Aveda basket and salonservices. She said the drawingwill be extended for three monthsto give everyone a chance to winprizes.

“I feel the reason for my suc-cess is a genuine love for mycareer,” she said. “Word-of-mouthhas also been a huge part of mysuccess as well.”

Michelle defines success dif-ferently than most.

“I don’t define my success inan overwhelming amount of rev-

enue,” she said. “I define it onproviding great jobs for workingmothers and a great atmosphereto be enjoyed by all of our cus-tomers.”

She said her business philoso-phy is the same as she has for life:“Treat others how you wouldhave them treat you.”

“All of our customers areextremely important to us all;and, we want them looking andfeeling their best when they walkout of our shop,” she added.

Michelle started the businessat its former location, 99 Vine St.in Sulphur.

“After working in LakeCharles for about five months, Ireally wanted to come back to myhometown of Sulphur,” she said.“In trying to make a decision asto what to do, I ran into Mrs.Sally Schrumpf, who then offeredme her building for rent and therest is history. I owe a ton ofthanks to her for that wonderfulopportunity.”

She said doing business in herhometown has made all the dif-ference.

“I have a ton of family andfriends that have carried methrough the past 15 years withtheir love and support,” sheadded. “I really don’t think Iwould have been as successful oras comfortable anywhere else.”

Michelle Strahan, owner/stylistat Michelle’s Salon.


Nancy’s Gift and Children’sWear is a boutique, at 2237Maplewood Dr. in Sulphur, spe-cializing in children’s clothing,accessories and gifts.

Owners Nancy and DonnieMiller have been in business for24 years.

Nancy said they also own twoother businesses in Sulphur: TheLaundromat, and Second ChanceConsignment Store.

“I opened this store because Ilove children’s clothing and it’s afun business,” she said.

She said the store carries giftsfor everyone from baby to youngadult.

Currently, Nancy’s is having asale. You can save 30 to 50 per-cent on apparel.

Nancy said what makes herstore unique is its merchandise.

“We always try and find thenew and upcoming merchandiseand gifts,” she said. “Right now wecarry the silly bands – shaped rub-ber bands, a new style of the bottlecap necklaces, and the new rubberboots for children and adults.”

She said one of her best-sellingitems is Pillow Pets.

Pillow Pets are cute, huggablepets that pop open into full size pil-lows. These adorable pillows aresoft and cuddly, which kids love.

They are perfect for birthdays,holidays, and any other specialoccasion. It’s a pet and also a pillow.

You simply undo the Velcrostrap and the Pillow Pet pops openinto a full size pillow. Just fold itup, reattach the Velcro, and it is acuddly animal again.

Pillow Pets are great for playtime, sleep time, any time! Kids ofall ages love their Pillow Pets.There are over 28 different animalsto choose from.

There’s a panda bear, a ladybug,a frog, a dog, a unicorn, a dolphin,a bumble bee, a turtle, and muchmore.

Nancy said she gets a lot ofpositive feedback from customers.

“Our customers always say ourmerchandise is unique and differ-ent from what everyone else has,”she said. “We are definitely worththe drive over the bridge.”

According to Nancy, anotherpopular item is hair bows.

“We have a large selection ofhair bows that are handmade bymy daughter Lori,” she said. “If wedon’t have what you want, she willgladly make it for you.”

As a successful business owner,Nancy said she tries to makeeveryone feel special.

“I believe we should alwaystreat our customers the way wewould like to be treated,” she said.“I guess the best reason to shopwith us is our prices are good; weare friendly; and, we provide thatextra touch – free gift-wrapping.”

Nancy Miller, owner of Nancy’sGifts and Children’s Wear.


Who doesn’t love ice cream? Ifyou want to experience an old-fashioned malt shop, visitWinkydoo’s Malt Shop, located at2701 S. Ruth St. in Sulphur.

Winkydoo’s features Bluebellice cream, malts, shakes, sundaes,and a lot more.

“We sell Bluebell,” he said. “It’shard to improve on perfection –Bluebell - that is.”

Owner Cecil Spicer saidWinkydoo’s is the area’s premierdestination to have a banana split,old-fashioned shake or malt.

“We make REAL malts andthe biggest banana splits,” he said.

He said the reason for his suc-cess is products, service and anice atmosphere.

Cecil said his business philos-ophy is “customers are to betreated as the reason we havebusiness.”

You see it in action when youvisit the store. Cecil and his staffat Winkydoo’s are among the bestand friendliest in town.

“I’m a people-person,” he said.“I love to make people smile and

pleased with what we do. I wantthem to tell others that they had agood experience at Winkydoo’s.

The owner genuinely loves hisbusiness.

“I was working for the previ-ous owners and loved it so much,I bought it,” he said.

That was 13 years ago, and thebusiness is still going strong.

Cecil said people of all agegroups love the nostalgia of anold-fashioned ice cream parlor.

“We look forward to thetourists and ball teams every sum-mer,” he said. “I’m trying to comeup with something to make us aspopular in the fall and winter.

Cecil said he loves doing busi-ness in Sulphur.

“The people of Sulphur are asdevoted to its home-owned busi-nesses as they are to SulphurHigh football!”

Winkydoo’s is the perfect placeto bring the whole family for aspecial treat. And even better,they’re open seven days a week!

TJN

Cecil Spicer, owner ofWinkydoo’s Malt Shop.


Please contact the special services and equality office atleast 72 hours before any home event to request accommo-dations for individuals with disabilities. This includes the needfor materials in an alternative format such as large print orBraille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, andaccessible parking information. Ph: (337) 475-5428.

SEASON TICKETS:• $90.00 per ticket• $180.00 for a family plan of four

(2 adult, 2 child).

SEASON TICKET HOLDER BENEFITS INCLUDE:• Same great seat for each game• First opportunity to reserve

playoff tickets and special events• Great opportunity to entertain

clients, family and friends.

B & O KITCHEN & GROCERYLocation: 3011 E Burton St., SulphurHours: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.Contact: (337) 625-4637“We encourage our customers to join ourFacebook Page.”

BELOW THE MANTLELocation: 1375 N. Beglis Parkway, SulphurHours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.Contact: (337) 527-3555, fax (337) 527-3556, e-mail: [email protected], online:www.belowthemantle.com

BUCKIE’S MINI TRUCKSLocation: 2613 Maplewood Dr., SulphurHours: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-2p.m., Sat.Contact: (337) 533-9797, fax (337) 533-9796,e-mail: [email protected], online:www.Buckiesautoplaza.com

CARL VINCENT - STATE FARM INSURANCELocation: 815 S. Huntington St., SulphurHours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Fri.; after-hours: 24-hour serviceContact: (337) 527-5211, e-mail:[email protected]

DOUBLE G BEVERAGE BARN CONVENIENCE STORELocation: 3920 Highway 27 South, SulphurHours: 5 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun.-Wed.; 5 a.m.-11p.m., Thurs.-Sat.Contact: 3920 Highway 27 South“We can also be found on Facebook as theDouble G Barn.”

FLOORING AND DESIGN, INC.Location: 1401 Cypress St., SulphurHours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; after-hours,weekends by appointmentContact: (337) 528-1077, e-mail: [email protected]

FOX’S PIZZA DENLocation: 2590 Maplewood Dr., SulphurHours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., and Sat.; 11a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.Contact: (337) 533-1181, online: www.foxspiz-zadensulphur.com

MICHELLE’S HAIR SALONLocation: 208 Pine St. in SulphurHours: 10 a.m.-till, Tues.-Fri.; appointmentonly, Sat.Contact: (337) 528-1484

NANCY’S GIFT & CHILDREN’S WEARLocation: 2237 Maplewood Dr., SulphurHours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-3p.m., Sat.Contact: (337) 625-4760, e-mail:[email protected]

WINKYDOOS’S MALT SHOPLocation: 2701 S. Ruth St., SulphurHours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-11p.m., Fri.; noon-11 p.m., Sat.Contact: (337) 527-9189, or (337) 794-7310 e-mail: [email protected] TJN


Dickies School Uniforms Sizes: Toddlers - 4 XLarge & Jrs.

Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes

Come by and see our collectionof Pandora Jewelry!

Braclets • Necklaces • Glass BeadsWood Beads • Sterling Silver BeadsGold Beads • Birthstone Beads

Jody Barrilleaux & Sarah Hodnett

DATE OPPONENT SITE

08-20 Washington-Marion -Scrimmage Home08-27 Sam Houston -Jamboree McNeese09-03 St. Thomas Moore Home09-10 Evangel Home09-17 Leesville Away09-24 Ruston Away10-01 Abbeville- Homecoming Home10-08 Scotlandville Home10-15 *Lagrange Away10-21 *Acadiana (Thursday) Home10-29 *Lafayette (Senior Night) Home11-05 *Barbe Away

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…women entrepreneurs w

Our mis to bring you unique, quality-driven products and

you’ve given us. So…THANK YOU! Please conowned businesses. We love what we do… an


ith a passion for business.

missiond services, and we greatly appreciate the support tinue to shop locally and to support our women nd we love serving our wonderful community!


When most people think ofbeing a janitor, lots of undesirableduties come to mind: cleaningtoilets, taking out the trash, oreven cleaning up after a child’saccident. What you may not real-ize is that there are joyous occa-

sions that present themselveson a daily basis, which gounnoticed by most. When Iworked as an elementaryschool custodian, I was con-stantly amazed at the inno-cence, creativity, andthoughtfulness of the stu-dents. We all know that chil-dren say and do just aboutanything to embarrass us inthe most awkward situations.

Yet, they also have an innocentcompassion mixed with a way of

looking at the world that far sur-passes adults at times. Beingaround those children every dayhelped form a bond betweenthem and me.

The elementary school consistedof Pre-K through fifth grade. The cus-todians’ areas of responsibility weredivided throughout the school. Themajority of my duties involved thePre-K and first-grade areas.

When the first-graders left theirrooms for about an hour each day,that was my cue to clean. I removedthe trash, and swept and moppedbefore each of the four classesreturned. Some rooms took longerthan others, while it seemed thatother rooms didn’t even require myservices.

If any of the students came back infor something they’d forgotten, I’dmake a game of it. I’d say, “You’recoming to help? All right! I could usesome help!” These comments gottheir attention and produced grins.Eventually, I began leaving notes onthe classroom boards, such as, “Thebest first-grade class ever,” “Super-Duper Helpers,” “Way to go!” or evenshort poems to show my gratitude if

their rooms were “straightened up”before I started cleaning.

Eventually, some students actuallywanted to miss recess, library, orcomputer time, to “be helpers.” Theteachers and I joked numerous timesabout so-and-so wanting to sweep,mop, or get the trash for me. Just goesto show how the slightest encourage-ment goes a long way with children.

One very windy day, I had justcome in from taking the trash to thedumpster. A few children walked pastme. But one stopped, and with anearnest look asked, “You feel okay?”This surprised me. “Well, sure I feelokay. Why?” With a child’s wonder-ing, she said, “You look like you feelbad, ‘cause your hair’s all messed up!”“No, it’s just windy outside,” I said.But the biggest smile came across myface because something as little asdisheveled hair caught her attention.When she was satisfied that I was“fine,” she continued down the hallwith a purpose.

Support Appreciation Week isheld at the school in September. Thefirst-graders decorated my closet withhearts and a doll, which resembledme—glasses and all. For Halloween, atub of candy suddenly appeared inmy closet from an “unknown” source.

When the students found out thatI was pregnant, they bombarded mewith questions. “Can you bring yourbaby to school?” “Is it a boy or girl?”On Valentine’s Day, I received threehomemade cards, which I proudlytaped to the outside of my janitor’scloset.

Yes, being a janitor was somethingthat not a lot of people respected. ButI received so much love, affection,and attention from the little students.To this day, whenever I see any ofthem in town, they always run up tome with hugs and smiles. The chil-dren always made it special for me.And that’s worth more than all themoney in the world.

By Sherry Perkins

TJN


By Steve Springer M.D.

UV and MeIt’s that time of year again…summer! And yes… it’s time for the

fair-skinned, redheaded doctor to take his place high atop the med-ical soapbox and join the chorus of medical professionals preachingUV protection.

There are really three things to worry about in terms of UV rays andsun damage: premature aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. I have listedsome tips in this article to help prevent the damage, but I want to exploresome other interesting questions first.

For example:

What is the UV index exactly?• The UV Index is a forecast of the amount of ultraviolet expected to

reach the Earth’s surface when the sun is highest in the sky. • The higher the index, the faster UV radiation causes damage to the

skin and eyes. • The index depends on the elevation of the sun in the sky, the cloud

cover, and amount of ozone. • The index predicts UV levels on a 0-10+ scale and is usually pub

lished in daily newspapers with the weather, or is a part of television weather reports.

UV INDEX EXPOSURE

1. What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?• Ultraviolet light consists of UVA and UVB rays. • UVA rays are considered the “tanning” rays or even better correlated

“UVA=Aging” rays. • UVA can penetrate deeply into the skin resulting in damage.• While UVB is considered the “burn” index and is most associated

with sunburns, both UVA and UVB cause suntan, sunburn, and sun damage.

• There is no “safe” UV light, and no such thing as a safe tan. Newer broad-spectrum sunscreens contain products to block both UVA and UVB.

2. What about UV eye damage? • Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation may contribute to the

development of various eye disorders, such as: age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans) and cataracts (a major cause of visual impairment and blindness).

• It’s important to protect your eyes from acute damage caused by even

a single outing on a very bright day. Golf? Fishing? Tennis? Baseball? Soccer? Football? Running? Anyone?

• Intense, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand, snow or pavement could damage the eye’s surface. Eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life.

3. How much UV exposure did I get on the 4th of July this year?

So, what do we do to protect against the rays?• To ensure your eyes are protected, wear UV-blocking sunglasses

and a broad-rimmed hat. Children who will not wear sunglasses should wear a hat with a wide brim.

• When selecting sunglasses, make sure they block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.

• Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag.

• Pay attention to the UV Index reports. • Minimize sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and tanning parlors. • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of

15 or higher and a UVA Blocker. Reapply every 1-2 hours. • Wear protective, tightly woven clothing. • Protect your children by keeping them indoors between 10 a.m.

and 4 p.m. and by applying sunscreen to children older than 6 months. Children under the age of 6 months should be kept out of the sun.

I hope the info above will you keep covered…literally. Knowledgegoes a long way in the fight against preventable diseases and conditions.

Number Level

0 - 2 Minimal

3 - 4 Low

5 - 6 Moderate

7 -9 High

10+ Very High

TJN


A pair of recent novels focuses onthe imagined lives of well-knownauthors. But sometimes, the truthmakes just as good a story.

The Lost Summer of Louisa MayAlcott by Kelly O’Connor McNees isa novel about the author of LittleWomen set in 1855 in Walpole, N.H.The out-of-money Alcotts areoffered a place to stay for the sum-mer, so they take it. When familyfriend Ralph Waldo Emerson bringsLouisa’s father a copy of WaltWhitman’s new book of poetry,

Leaves of Grass, Louisa reads itfurtively, finding it fascinating andcompelling. So does Joseph Singer, ayoung store clerk, who takes a shineto 22-year-old Louisa. But she has nowish to settle down.

Her desire is to be independent or,as she puts it, “to secure for myself inthe city of Boston a place apart and aroom in which I might write my sto-ries and sell them to the highest bid-der.” Her conviction is that, “Seen witha cold, practical eye, the state of mar-riage was nothing more than inden-

By Mary Louise Ruehr

The Lives of Authors, Real and Imagined

tured servitude, legal dependence,a claiming of property.” And sheadds, “Why would God give awoman talent if he meant her tobe confined to the kitchen andwashtub?” She loves him, but canshe have love as well as the free-dom her soul demands?

The book has a good sense ofplace and natural dialogue. Andthe writing makes this just a love-ly read: “Anna practiced compas-sion like an art form. She knewhow to apply it with a delicatehand.” It’s very nicely done onseveral levels, as McNees bringsto life a young woman trying to punchout a place for herself in the world.She expresses Louisa’s sense ofurgency to be at the task of writing, toget on with it. McNees captures theflavor of the era in quiet moments,and it seems to me that fans of JaneAusten will like this book for the sub-ject matter and pacing. And, ofcourse, if you loved Little Women,

you will feel right at home withthe four sisters and “Marmee” andtheir warm love.

Pearl of China by Anchee Minis a novel about Pearl S. Buck, whogrew up in China. Min has invent-ed a lifelong best friend for her,through whose eyes the story istold. Willow is a young Chinesegirl born in 1890 who grows upwith Pearl, who is the daughter ofAmerican Christian missionaryAbsalom Sydenstricker, whommany of the Chinese people thinkof as “a harmless fool.”

Pearl’s mother wants desperatelyto go back to America. She “liveswith a broken heart. As far as she isconcerned, her life is as an exile.”When the adult Pearl is caught in anunhappy marriage, says Willow, “As away to escape her troubles, Pearlbegan to write. She found comfort inwriting. She told me that her imagi-


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nation was the only place where shecould be herself and be free.” ThenMin imagines a love affair betweenPearl and a famous poet. (In reality,Buck knew the young man, but it isquestionable that this actually hap-pened.)

The book reflects Buck’s desire toexpress her love for China throughher writing. But during the CulturalRevolution, Madame Mao “saw PearlBuck as a personal threat and wasdetermined to punish anyone with aconnection to her.” Willow’s husbandwarns her: “Your friendship with PearlBuck is seen as a threat to nationalsecurity. Pearl’s status in America andher public criticism of Mao and theCommunist Party have categorizedher as an enemy of China.” Willow isarrested, and Madame Mao wants herto denounce Pearl and her writings.

(As a girl in Maoist China, Minwas ordered to denounce Pearl Buck.When she read Buck’s work as anadult, she was moved by Buck’s truelove for the people of China and wasled to write this book.) I enjoyed itand recommend it.

If you want to read about Buck,you may as well go for her real lifestory, which is filled with its owndrama. Pearl Buck in China: Journeyto ‘The Good Earth’ by Hilary

Spurling is a biography that is just asexciting as a fictional tale. Spurlingbreathes life into the images of Pearl’smother — caught in an unhappy mar-riage, having lost three children to dis-ease, having to live“in a country shealready feared andwas beginning tohate” — and Pearl’sfather, driven byGod but emotion-ally absent.

Spurlingwrites, “The land-scape of her child-hood shone in hermemory. … Sheloved even the hotrainy season …and the rice har-vest in Septemberwhen low autumnlight made every-thing hazy andsoft.” Althoughher parents werebrought up tobelieve non-white people were notquite human, Pearl thought of herselfas one with the people of China. Shehad a Chinese tutor who “gave her asolid grounding in Confucian ethicsand their contemporary implications,

pausing often to fill in the historicalcontext of whatever book they werereading and to explain … the rela-tionship of China’s past to its presentand its future.”

People inAmerica hadaccepted ademeaning stereo-type of theChinese people,but Buck’s TheGood Earth was agame-changer:“Pearl’s bookeroded the foun-dations of thatwall of ignoranceand prejudice,”writes Spurling. In1932, The GoodEarth won Buckthe Pulitzer Prize,and in 1938 Buckbecame the firstAmerican womanto win the NobelPrize for litera-

ture. But she made enemies ofchurch missions in America by ques-tioning the role of missionaries anddecrying the treatment of non-whitepeople in the United States.

I really like how the author wove

in references and quotes from Buck’sbooks to show how a plot point orcharacter was based on something inher real life. Writes the author: “Buckis virtually forgotten today. She hasno place in feminist mythology, andher novels have been effectively elim-inated from the American literarymap.” But this author is no syco-phant; at times, she is bluntly criticalof Buck’s work.

You may know by now that Buckis one of my favorite authors. Ialways recommend The Good Earth,my favorite novel of all time, butanother on the top of my list isBuck’s The Exile, which is about hermother. Another that has stayed onmy list is Imperial Woman. Buckoffers unique insight into the worldof pre-Communist China, the rolesof women, racism and much more.She was an intellectual, but her stylein The Good Earth is the simple,unembellished prose of the peasants.It’s utter genius, and I’m disappoint-ed that the modern world seems tohave left her behind. I’m hoping thatthese two recent books about her willentice readers — and book clubs —to give her work a closer look.

Copyright © 2010 by Mary LouiseRuehr. TJN


Sports Report

By Brandon Shoumaker

I’ve been to New Jersey. Well, Iguess the Newark airport halfwaycounts; though I’ve never been toPaterson or Cherry Hill or any realtown in Jersey, so I don’t know if I canreally say I’ve been there.

But the airport was very nice, Isuppose, and I couldn’t even really

smell all the garbage and chemicalplants, so that’s something.

I have, however, seen a lot ofJersey on television. Or, should I say,heard a lot of Jersey while doingother things.

Because there apparently existsthis TV show called “The RealHousewives of New Jersey.” Basically,this show is the epitome of Italianstereotyping with a little rich entitle-ment added for good measure.There’s a lot of talk about “bubbies,”surgically enhanced or otherwise, alot of veiled references to the Mafia(one character is related to somemobsters), and a lot of drama. It’s an

hour-long train wreck.A train wreck that just about

every female I know loves. I hearabout these people like I’m related tothem. I sit by and listen, not reallypaying much attention or maybeplaying trivia while having a beer.

One side effect, of course, is Ihave learned quite a lot about thisshow simply by osmosis.

And, it’s through this osmosis thatmade me think of the SoutheasternConference, particularly football.

How in the heck does “The RealHousewives of New Jersey” make youthink of SEC football, you might ask?

Here are a few comparisons I

threw together to help illustrate thepoint.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS/DANIELLE STAUB:

Danielle is the definition of trainwreck. She’s been arrested by the FBIfor kidnapping and a few otherfelonies, she’s been a cocaine-addict-ed stripper who may or may not haveworked as a “paid escort.” She’s amess. Just like Tennessee’s footballprogram.

The Volunteers fired longtimecoach Phillip Fullmer and brought inNCAA infraction-collector LaneKiffin, who began his SEC career byaccusing Florida of cheating and

The Real Teamsof the SEC

Volume 2 • Issue 9 JULY 29, 2010 PAGE 35 Sports Report

poaching recruits from just aboutevery league team while literallyinsulting other recruits. Two fresh-man stars were kicked off the teamfor “jokingly” trying to rob someonewith a pellet gun, and then Kiffinjumps ship for a job at USC.

FLORIDA GATORS/THERESA GIUDICE:

Theresa loves the finer things.She’s got all the flash, all the cosmeticprocedures, the big house, fancy car.She’s got it all and she knows it. Butshe’s also got a raging temper that canresult in expletive-laced, table-flip-ping tirades, especially whereDanielle is involved.

The Florida Gators have all of thefiner things, too. Fancy stadium, five-star recruits, heck, even Tim Tebow,the second coming of Jesus Christhimself, played quarterback for them.They also have a long-standing tradi-tion of going table-flipping crazywhen it comes to Tennessee.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE/CAROLINE MANZO:

Caroline is the mama bear. She’s ano-nonsense gal who doesn’t take anyguff from anyone. She’s also fiercelyloyal to her family (that’s pronouncedfam-uh-lee, be sure to hit on all threesyllables, please) and will defendthem to the death. Much likeAlabama head coach Nick Saban, ano-nonsense guy who doesn’t takeany guff from anyone, and who spentthe bulk of SEC Media Days talkingabout the terrible scourge of sportsagents and marketers threatening thefabric of the SEC family rather thanhis heavily favored Crimson Tidefootball team.

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS/JACQUELINE LAURITA:

Jacqueline is the new girl in town,so to speak. She married into theManzo family, so she’s still gettingused to all of the political maneuver-ing. In other words, she’s still learningwhat it means to be a Real Housewifeof New Jersey. South Carolina is rela-tively new to the SEC, joining in1991, and is still learning what itmeans to be an SEC power. Theyhired head coach Steve Spurrier, aveteran of SEC politics, to help guidethem along, but it’s still been toughgoing for the Gamecocks.

GEORGIA BULLDOGS/ KIM “KIM G.” GRANATELL:

Kim G. is the ultimategameswoman. She’s currently playingboth sides of the Danielle/Jacqueline


respectable citizen, owning an eventand catering facility while helpingraise three kids with his wife,Caroline. Ole Miss is sort of thepatriarch of the SEC. They are allabout tradition. But, like some old-timers, they have a problem forget-ting the past, which, in Ole Miss’case, means the school is still dealingwith lingering symbols of theConfederacy that paint the school asbackward and racist.

KENTUCKY WILDCATS/DINA MANZO:

Dina used to be on the show, hav-ing a rivalry with Danielle beforequitting because of all the drama.Kentucky used to be in the SEC, hav-ing a rivalry with Tennesseebefore…what’s that you say?Kentucky’s still in the SEC? Couldhave fooled me.

Oh!And finally, we come to LSU.

LSU TIGERS/ALBERT “ALBIE” MANZO, JR.:

Don’t pity poor Albie. Caroline’sson may have been given the bootfrom law school, but that doesn’tmean he’s going to give up hisdreams. Like LSU head coach LesMiles, whose rambling, incoherentresponse to a question from radiohost Clay Travis about the BP oilspill (“It affects the ocean,” Milessaid insightfully) makes me wonderwhether he suffered a closed-headinjury recently, Albie may or maynot be learning disabled. But that’snot going to stop him from becom-ing a lawyer. He’s going to workhard, like the LSU Tigers, and isdetermined to come out on top. Justdon’t ask him about the oil spill.

What about some the rest of theSEC? What about Mississippi Stateand Vanderbilt?

Hey, fuggetaboutit!

BrandonShoumaker is agraduate ofMcNeese StateUniversity andhas coveredsports for morethan sevenyears for vari-ous publica-tions. Coaches or parents with story tipsmay contact Brandon [email protected] or send him amessage on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

feud, cutting down Danielle toJacqueline’s face while telling Danielleto have Jacqueline’s daughter, Ashley,arrested for assault and harassment.

Georgia celebrated a 2007 touch-down against Florida by sending thewhole team into the end zone to cele-brate. Gamesmanship. Meanwhile,Georgia’s rivalry with Tennessee is aborder battle (literally) that is heatingup a little more since Lane Kiffinscooped up a couple UGA commit-ments. Plus, the two states themselvesare fighting over where the Tennesseeborder starts and the Georgia border

ends. Georgia wants to move the bor-der northward by more than a mile.Gamesmanship.

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS/JOE GUIDICE:

Joe is a big-spender, lavishing hiswife Teresa with the good life.Unfortunately, all that spending camewith a price: bankruptcy. Arkansasspent big, bringing in superstar quar-terback Mitch Mustain and his highschool coach, Gus Malzahn. TheRazorbacks transformed their entireoffense to please Mustain and

Malzahn, only for Mustain to transferafter one season and Malzahn tomove on to rival Auburn. Head coachHouston Nutt paid the price, resign-ing his position before ending upwith the…

OLE MISS REBELS/ALBERT MANZO, SR.:

Albert is the patriarch of theManzo clan. He is the son of “Tiny”Manzo, a low-level mobster who wasfound dead in the trunk of a car in1983, apparently executed for skim-ming from the mob. Albert is a Sports Report

TJN

Brandon Shoumaker

Sports Report


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The Dot GamePlayers take turns connecting two dots. When you make a square, put your initials in the

box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.

S U N S C R E E N H B T P R G

H D H H N W C B T T P L B A E

P L I T A A L A U A L S A P C

G N T P B T B I O T P A T H I

B S S A A E L R F O R V H S P

N C N S V R O I L E E E I A R

A A T E L S O F O I V S N S N

O H H S A L P S R R I E G N O

P B O O G I E B O A R D S F I

R A A T L D V T P F Y A U T T

B R S F T E A E D T Z T I F A

N I V R I U W D E R A R T I C

I O L I S N B I S I L S S A A

A I L R A I U I L D O I B D V

D S R B U E E D R E E S U S T

Start Finish

Bathing Suits

Boogie Boards

Cabana

Flip Flops

Hot Tub

Inner Tube

Lazy River

Life Vest

Raft Ride

Rapids

Splash

Sunscreen

Vacation

Water Slide

Wave Pool

SLIP N’ SLIDE - WORD SEARCH


Killin’ Time Crossword

Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission.


If you’re an elementary student, sendThe Jambalaya News a copy of yourlast report card and contact information. Winners will be chosen each issue for perfectattendance, outstandinggrades, and in a drawing for all submissions!

715 Kirby St.Lake Charles, LA 70601Office 337-436-7800

Fax 337-990-0262

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice(Disney, 2010)

Disney has a long pedigree of sor-cery movies. From Snow White toSword in the Stone to Narnia, Waltand company have pretty much mas-tered the genre. So, when I heard thatJerry Bruckheimer was teaming upwith Director Jon Turteltaub andNicolas Cage, I thought, yes! Wewould get the ultimate sorcery film.Move over, Harry Potter.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice beginswith a detailed history of Merlin andhis three students, way back in

medieval times. One of them(Horvath) turns rogue and threatensto take over the world. The other two(Balthazar and Veronica) fight to saveit, but total victory will only comewhen Merlin’s worthy replacement isfound.

Fast forward a thousand years orso to modern Manhattan. Balthazar(Nicolas Cage) the good sorcerer isstill around, and thinks he has found“the one,” a nerd-in-the makingnamed Dave (Jay Baruchel). Problemis, Dave doesn’t want to have any-thing to do with sorcery. He’s tooabsorbed in other things, like creatinga giant Tesla coil in an abandonedunderground subway terminal.

Yes, a Tesla coil, and yes, in a sub-way terminal. I guess those CityCollege teachers have lots of pull with

By Dan Ellender

Director of the Children's Museum

Mayor Bloomberg. Anyway, bad sor-cerer Horvath is on his way to destroyDave and take over the world.Balthazar wants Dave to become hisapprentice. Dave mainly wants to geta girlfriend.

Now, you would think that mostnormal guys would see that learningsorcery would be a great way to get agirlfriend. You’d also think thatBalthazar would clue Dave in on thisperk. Think again. Hey, this is a seri-ous movie.

Actually a lot of Dave’s time isspent trying to meet up with hischildhood sweetheart, Becky (playedby Kristen Stewart look-a-like, TeresaPalmer). Mostly Balthazar and all hissorcery training just get in the way, orworse. (Dave: “Can’t I just use a spellto clean up the lab and order pizza?”Balthazar, waving away the mops andbrooms: “No way!”)

With all the nerd angst, you mightthink this a slow movie. Think again.We’ve got half a dozen sorcerers andapprentices slinging plasma balls andwaving magic rings. We’ve got realChinese dragons in Chinatown, andeveryone riding around in vintageautomobiles that can morph intosports cars. The chief bad guy,Horvath, is played by Alfred Molina,who I’m convinced now can act anypart, sort of like a male Meryl Streep.

He’s baaaaad (he has a magic cane,everyone else just has a magic ring.)Dave the hero is sort of a whiningteenage Woody Allen. These twocharacters are mainly what hold themovie together.

Nicolas Cage as Balthazar waswhat made me want to see the movie.Unfortunately, his acting seemedwooden, a complaint others have hadabout him before. Maybe he didn’t getpaid enough. At any rate, he neverseems to take Balthazar’s role as hisown, which is a shame. To some, thiswon’t matter, as there are enough spe-cial effects and extra characters tokeep the action fast paced.

But to me, the movie just went onand on, with more and more effects,more and more wizards, until I wasready for it to end. Pacing could havebeen better, too. There are scenechanges so abrupt and awkward youwould swear you heard someone say“action” and then saw the charactersstart moving. Again, this may notmatter.

The movie is fine for elementarykids through adults, althoughHorvath can be really cruel some-times. It’s just a shame that Disneywasted their chance to use some“magic” on yet another formulamovie. Don’t move over yet, HarryPotter. TJN


Jacques and Billy Hollier

Sandy and De Morrissey with Gary and Susan Shannon

Byron Woods, Jr. and Sidney Woods

Caroline Martel, Ella Diedrich, Isabelle Martel and Cora Diedrich Chris and Kendra Diedrich

Sara Judson, Anna Catherine Viator and Leslie O’Byrne Mark Judson, Dennis Verrette and Al O’Byrne Leslie Musso and Eric Eskew

Meredith Morgan and Melissa Bachmeyer

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIEWhat an amazing magical evening as the artists of Cirque de la

Symphonie performed live in front of the Lake Charles SymphonyOrchestra in the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. What an incredi-ble fusion of these two great art forms! The audience was astonishedby the beauty and grace of some of the most accomplished veteranaerial flyers, contortionists, jugglers, balancers, and dancers perform-

ing with the choreographed music arrangement provided by themaestro. This exciting new production designed to bring the magic of

cirque to the music hall exceeded all expectations. Unbelievable!

‘MY VIEW IN PARIS’The city of romance, fine wine, art and

“Bonjour!” This evening, we took a trip to Parisas the Art Associates and Arts and HumanitiesCouncil presented the opening reception to

“My View in Paris,” a photographic exhibition bythe local photographer Jacques Fontenot-

Hollier. On exhibit are photos she had taken ona trip to Paris last year. These stunning black

and white images are of the lesser known Paris,each capturing the simplicity of the lifestyle,

along with the bold and beautiful architecture.These pictures are worth a thousand words!!!


Sophia, Britney and Jim Sonnier

Cynthia and Alyssa Burris Brandon, Chloe and Briana Duplichan

Krista Santilli and Eric Genius Whitney Chaumont and Noel Grove

Cathy Brimmage and Sally Foret Denise and Emme Manuel

ERIC GENIUS: THE TIME IS NOWEric Genius composes music with deep,

meaningful, intelligent purpose. The audi-ence at the Immaculate Conception

Cathedral was enthralled by the perform-ances of the virtuoso violinists and cellists,who performed with great zeal and agility,

exciting us in one piece; moving us totears with a haunting melody in the next.The vocalist’s range and versatility inter-

twined with Genius’ passionate pianomusic. His musical masterpieces pleasedthe minds, hearts and senses of all. Music

can bring hope to a wounded world!

Barbara and Matt Duplechain with Erica Mears

Kaitlyn Manuel, Marina Grove, and Tyler Fontenot

Brandon and Anna Lirette

Eva and Frank Thompson


15% Senior DiscountAll Doctors’ Prescriptions Accepted

Experienced Professional Staff • Most Insurance Accepted

SAVE THE DATE!

August 26, 2010 • 6:30 PMImperial Calcasieu Museum, PO Box 180www.lwv-lc.org • [email protected] • 337-474-1864

League of Women Voters presentsKatja von Garnier's "Iron Jawed Angels"

Daulton Huber and Tyler Hebert

McKenzie Bond with Ally and Austin Trahan Barbara Gunter and Shirley Jackson

CAJUN FRENCH MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL

Crowds of people had a two-steppinggood time as they shuffled their feet to the

sounds of accordions, guitars and CajunFrench lyrics during the 23rd annual Cajun

French Music and Food Festival at theBurton Coliseum. There was no chance togo hungry as the aroma of spicy jamba-

laya, gumbo, etouffee and other Cajun spe-cialties filled the air luring us in, bite after

bite. No excuses not to have burned offthose calories with a quick jitterbug or bystrolling around to enjoy all the arts andcrafts booths. Fun for all! “Them Cajuns”

sure know how to let the good times roll!

Kelsie Stark and Courtney Priola

Max, Jamison and Rhondalon Smith


Hurricane Season is in full swing and we are dedicated to keeping you informed and up to date on any weather threatening

Southwest Louisiana. Our KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chartsponsored by Cameron State Bank and Dale Bernard State Farm Insurance is now available at our sponsor

locations or at the KYKZ studios, 425 Broad St.More information at www.kykz.com.

Kathy Kite, Regan Metoyer and Anna Gonzalez Meredith and Melanie Mansour TJN intern Morgan Murray, Katelyn Watson and Joe Raymond

Tiffany Ashley and Fallon Bourque Elizabeth Daley amd Mark Reed

L’AUBERGE PARTY BY THE POOL ANDBIKINI BOMBSHELL CONTEST

Well, things got heated up at the ThirdAnnual “Bikini Bombshell” contest held at

L’Auberge du Lac. The sun set over the poolarea crowded with folks out to enjoy the fun,

drinks, live music….and a view of the well-toned beauties strutting their stuff in front of

a select panel of judges. It’s a dirty job, butsomeone’s got to do it--and who better toMC this event than our very own Phil de

Albuquerque! It’s all been happening at Partyby the Pool since July 15, and will culminatewith the finals on Aug. 5. One lucky lady will

win $10,000. Some like it hot! TJN


What are the chances of us beingin a Dutch country the day of the World Cup finalsbetween the Netherlands and Spain? When weplanned our trip to St. Maarten this summer, wenever expected we’d get the bonus of cheering onthe team with crowds of locals in a bar inPhilipsburg on July 18.

Just about everyone was decked out in vibrantorange, the official team color. Coincidentally, I hadpacked an orange T-shirt for Phil, so he blendedright in. Of course, many of the colorful islanders

kicked it up a notch with orange feathers, boas,crazy hats, leis, and face painting (the red, whiteand blue Dutch flag was popular). One youngman sauntered around in an orange prison jump-suit with the name of the prison stenciled on theback. Hey, it was orange!

The Holland House is a lovely hotel right onthe beach. The lobby and indoor and outdoorbars were set up with wide-screen TVs anddozens of chairs to accommodate the crowds.Large amounts of Heineken were consumed,along with delicious local island delicacies.Right before the game, four womenbedecked in dazzling tangerine feathers per-

formed a good luck dance and tossed smallsoccer balls into the revved-up crowd. Let thegame begin!

I’m not much of a sports fan, but I’ve alwaysenjoyed soccer—it’s fast and exciting and notinterrupted by referees and whistles nearlyas much as football. So I actually had fundrinking my Heineken and cheering theteam on. It was an awesome game—too badNetherlands ultimately lost.

No matter. It was a once-in-a-lifetimeexperience, and added a little extra spice toan already sizzling vacation!

Story and photos by Lauren de Albuquerque

TJN


MARSHLANDFESTIVAL JULY 30-31Once a year, Hackberry comes to the Lake

Charles Civic Center and puts on the MarshlandFestival, which supports the community, especially chil-

dren, through non-profit organizations. There will be livebands, including Geno Delafose, Chubby Carrier, Barry Badon

and Travis Matte, a business expo, arts and crafts for sale, activi-ties for the kids and much more, including great food! The event

begins on Fri. evening, July 30 and continues all day on Sat. Formore information, visit www.marshlandfestival.com.

‘VIETNAM FORTY YEARS LATER’ AUG. 6The Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA is proud to announce the

upcoming photography exhibit “Vietnam Forty Years Later” by Louisiananative Reggie Keogh. The opening reception will be held at the ArtAssociates Gallery in Central School, Arts and Humanities, located at 809Kirby Street, on Fri., August 6. The show will bring together a selection ofKeogh’s photographs on the Vietnam culture and people which have beenpreviously published in Vietnam Revisited: Then and Now, 1970/1 and2009. “Vietnam Forty Years Later” is an exuberant and celebratory exhibitof Keogh’s photographs and serves as a stark contrast with Keogh’s memo-ries of a ravaged country in the middle of what the modern Vietnamesenow call “the American War.” In 1971 the country was, as Keogh writes in hisbook, “like an armed camp.” But the Vietnam of the early 21st century,through Keogh’s photographs, flourishes in its rich cul-tural history, For more information, contact the Arts

and Humanities Council at (337) 439-2787 orvisit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org.

ARTS & CRABS EXPERIENCE AUG. 7Southwest Louisiana is getting crabby!

The first Arts & Crabs Experience willbe held Sat., Aug. 7 from 3–8 p.m.

Lake Charles’ Prien Lake Park willbe the hot and spicy spot for all

things crab. Kids of all ages willenjoy the many free activities

including “Arts & Crabs,” crab der-bies, and pirogue carving demon-

strations, to name a few. The Gold Key Questdrawings will be held at 4:30 p.m. for all individuals whopre-purchased tickets. Fabulous prizes such as $10,000,roundtrip airfare and LSU Skybox tickets are just a few of the

wonderful prizes up for grabs. From 5–7 p.m., locals can enjoydelicious crab delicacies such as crab po-boys and crab cakes, all

for $15. Pizza, ice cream and funnel cakes will also be on hand aswell. As the sun begins to set, get down to the groovin’ beats of

Zydecane and City Heat and enjoy the original works of local artists inan Art Walk along the lakefront. $15 Pre-sale tickets for the crab tastingand $50 Gold Key Quest Drawing tickets are available at the Arts &Humanities Council located in Old Central School, Ste. 202 in LakeCharles.

WHISTLE STOP’S MAD HOT BALLROOM GALA AUG. 7Come to Whistle Stop’s Mad Hot Ballroom Gala at L’Auberge du Lac on

Sat., Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. for a thrilling evening of music, dancing, costumesand great dining; all for a great cause: the funding of Dancing Classroomsin our area schools. Local celebrities will be paired with a dance instructoror performing dancer to compete for the Mad Hot Ballroom ChallengeTrophy. Come cheer and vote for your favorite dance couple while enjoyingfirst class food and beverages. And before the evening is over, show usyour own moves on the dance floor or let one of our experts show youhow. This is a black tie event, and includes a sit-down dinner. Tickets are$125 per person. For more information, go to celebritydancingswla.com.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE AUG. 13All Over But The Shooting will be on stage Fri., Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in

Parra Ballroom, McNeese Campus. This is a hilarious audience participationshow about a group of actors at an audition for The Death of a DiscoDancer—-an audition to die for! Suddenly, one of the actors disappearsand is found dead outside the theatre. WHODUNNIT? Come to the showand help solve the murder! Tickets include catered dinner and show.Prepaid tickets are: $30-individual; $50-couple; $150-table of 6. For reserva-tions, send a check made payable to Alpha Psi Omega to Alpha Psi Omega,McNeese Theatre, Box 90420 MSU, Lake Charles, LA 70609. The reservation

deadline is Mon., Aug. 9—prepaid only. Your check is yourreservation confirmation. For information, call 475-

5043. The production is a fundraiser to under-write travel expenses for students to attend

the Louisiana and Regional Festivals spon-sored by the Kennedy Center AmericanCollege Theatre Festival.

MATTHEW WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT THROUGH AUG. 13

Matthew White’s traveling photography exhibi-tion featuring 22 images from his Cameron Parish col-


The Young at Heart

Expo is an annual

event focusing on

healthcare, education,

leisure and useful

information for seniors

and caregivers. There will also be guest speakers, activities,

entertainment and food presentations all geared toward

changing lifestyles. Take advantage of the free medical

screenings and also enjoy our free lunch.

Contact KPLC at (337) 437-7551

to reserve a booth.

Sponsored by

lection is showing at the SulphurRegional Library at 1160 Cypress Street in Sulphur

now through Aug. 13. At 2 p.m. on Aug. 13, White will give alecture and slide presentation at the Sulphur Regional Library.

Since 2005, White has documented this unique coastal region inSouthwest Louisiana that very few “outsiders” have seen. His imagesare a moving testimony to the beauty and resilience of a locale that (inspite of being twice storm ravaged in the past five years) remains stilluntouched by the 21st century. For more information about the exhib-it, see Matthew White’s Web site at www.matthewwhitestudio.com.

ROD MCDONALD HOUSE CONCERT AUG. 13AlterEgo Productions presents Rod MacDonald live in concert at

Big Lake, Aug.13, at 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Rod MacDonald, stal-wart of the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1970s, author of “ASailors Prayer” and other beloved songs, will give an intimate concertat Woosleys’ Big Lake Camp in the Old Settlement. Refreshments willbe served. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Call LeslieBerman at (337) 515-6479 for reservations and ticket info.

POKER RUN FOR WCCH GENESIS THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER AUG. 14

Get ready for the second annual Krewe de Karoline Poker Run bene-fitting WCCH Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center. The ride begins at 10a.m. from Bab’s Pub on Maplewood Drive in Sulphur and ends atHandlebars Lounge on Hwy 90. There will be live music, an auction,BBQ and more. For more information, call Pappy at (337) 842-0010.

ANNUAL LAKE CHARLES MESSABOUT AUG. 14The 9th Annual Lake Charles Messabout and Small Boat Gathering

will be held at theLake Charles Yacht Club, 1305N Lakeshore Dr. in Lake Charles onSat. Aug. 14, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For infor-mation on how to get to the club, go towww.lakecharlesyachtclub.com. The club welcomesall boats including sail, row, paddle and small power-boats. Activities will include informal social boating duringthe day and hot dogs and drinks for lunch. If you are comingby boat, there are several slips available; there is also a launchramp and beach area for small boats. There is no schedule or sched-uled activities—just come and enjoy the day on Lake Charles! Formore information, contact Ship to Shore at 474-0730.

HALLELUJAH HAYRIDE AUG. 14The Historic Strand Theater in Jennings is the place to be on Sat.,

Aug. 14 for a night of good gospel music and fun with the Arenosand Tommy Moseley. Reserved seats are $15; general admission is$10. For tickets, call 515-8966 or go to www. Hleworldwide.com. Formore information, call 246-3224.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE GALA AUG. 14The American Cancer Society announces the Inaugural Celebration

of Life Gala on Sat., August 14 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseumbeginning at 7 p.m. The theme is “Celebrating Life,” which encompassesthe American Cancer Society’s campaign as the Official Sponsor ofBirthdays, celebrating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.Three cancer survivors will be highlighted and share their stories duringthis Celebration of Life event. Guests will be entertained by ImprovComedy Club Comedian, James Stephans III courtesy of Presenting


Business isBusiness isBooming!

Business isBooming!

And we needto increaseour sales staff!

E-mail resume [email protected]

or call (337) 436-7800 ext. 106

mi

Do you have prior sales experience?Are you looking for full-time work with people who love what they do?

Sponsor, CoushattaTribe of Louisiana. The eventwill also include a magnificent dinnerwith live and silent auctions. Tickets are$100 per person. Reserved tables of 8 can bepurchased for $1,000, which includes sponsorshiprecognition. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket infor-mation are available by calling (337) 433-5817. The dress forthe evening is cocktail attire.

BEAUREGARD ARC’S LABOR OF LOVE BENEFIT CONCERT AUG. 20

Beauregard Arc, Beauregard Parish’s local organization serving develop-mentally disabled adults, is sponsoring its third annual Labor of LoveBenefit Concert. The featured performers are Johnny Lee and His UrbanCowboy Band. It will be held on Fri., Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Exhibit Hallat the Beauregard Parish Fairground. Tickets are $30 per person and includea meal. The local group, Grabow Riot, will also perform, and there will bedancing and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Beauregard ArcBuilding Renovation Fund. Call (337) 462-2513 for more information.

‘I WANT CANDY’ AND ‘DETOUR ART’ AT 1911 CITY HALL THROUGH AUG. 21

The City of Lake Charles will open two new exhibitions entitled “IWant Candy-The Sweet Stuff in America,” and “Detour Art—Outsider,Folk Art, and Visionary Environments Coast to Coast.” The first exhibitgathers 50-55 works from 40 contemporary artists that explore ournation’s love affair with sweets and reflect some of the most importantartistic trajectories of recent American art. The second exhibit highlightsart and images by visionaries, untrained artists, and folk creators foundalong the back roads of America. The exhibit will hang through Aug. 21.Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open Mon. through Fri., 10a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, butdonations are gladly accepted. For more information, please call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR JENNIE FINCH’S FINAL GAMES AUG. 25-29Tickets are now on sale for the much-anticipated National Pro

Fastpitch Championship Series that will take place at Sulphur’s McMurryPark, Aug. 25-29. The series will kick off with a freeFan Fest on Wed., Aug. 25, at McMurry Park. At 6p.m., a Friends of Pro’s Game will be held, andthe professional athletes will play a specialmatch against autistic children. At 7:15 p.m., aBattle of the Bats Homerun Derby contest willtake place. The semifinals round, which is abest of three series, will kick off with gameone at 6 p.m. and game two at 8:30 p.m. onThurs., Aug. 26. On Fri., Aug. 27, round twoof the semi-finals will begin at 6 p.m.with game one, followed by gametwo at 8:30 p.m. If necessary, roundthree of the semifinals will takeplace on Sat., Aug. 28, withgame one at 11 a.m. andgame two at 1:30 p.m. Thefirst game of theChampionship Series is at 7p.m. on Sat. evening. Thisbest of three series will con-tinue on through Sunday,Aug. 29 with games beingplayed at 2 p.m. and 4:30p.m. if necessary. For tick-ets, log on to www.profast-pitch.ticketleap.com. TJN

Jennie Finch

The Whistle Stop’s Mad HotBallroom Gala will take place Sat.,Aug. 7 starting at 6:30 p.m. atL’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. Theevent benefits the DancingClassrooms program in area 5thgrade classes. The evening will befilled with music, dancing, costumesand first class dining all wrapped upin a mad hot competition! Before theevening concludes, a general dance

will be held for the audience mem-bers with experts available for com-plimentary lessons. Reservations arebeing made now for table sponsorsand individual tickets, which are bothon sale to the public.

Celebrity Performers and Dance Professionals• Monsignor Harry Greig with

dancer Colleen Benoit – Jitterbug

• CITGO’s Dana Keel with dancer Daniel Gonzalez – Salsa

• Attorney Mike Dees with dancer Angie Peck – Rumba

• Dr. Harold Bienvenu with dancer Denise Nix – Cha Cha

• Jambalaya News’ Phil de Albuquerque with dancer Amy Grimes – Disco

• YMCA Youth Director and Musician Chris Shearman with

dancer DaLanne Babineaux – Swing

• Gene Thibodeaux with dancer April Lafargue – Hip Hop

• Realtor Wendi Hebert with dancer Rody Broussard – Variation

• LA Weight Loss’ Karla Whiteman with dancer Robert Miller – Tango“The dancers have been work-

ing on their routines for monthsnow, all in an effort to continuethe Dancing Classrooms pro-gram in Southwest Louisiana,”said Nancy Vallee, The WhistleStop’s executive director. “Weare grateful for the talenteddance instructors, the effort andtime from the celebrities, oursponsors and the volunteers whohave committed to making thisevent become a reality. Withyour support, we will fund manymore classrooms and providechildren with the opportunity tonot just learn ballroom dancing,but more importantly, improvetheir self esteem, learn respectand develop physical and mentalendurance.”

Hosted by Bruce Hamiltonand Katsie Fanelli, the celebritydancers will perform choreo-graphed routines judged by aseven-panel mix of official dancejudges and personalities from thepolitical, business and artworld. Backstage interviews willbe conducted by MeganMonsour Hartman for the audi-ence.

The celebrities and their pro-fessional dance partners havechosen their costumes, choice ofsong and choreography to com-pete for the coveted first placeMad Hot Ballroom Trophy.Awards will also be given for sec-ond place, third place and bestcostume. A People’s ChoiceTrophy will be awarded to thecouple with the most cash/checkvotes from the audience.

The gala is a formal event withblack tie attire preferred. Tablesof eight are being reserved nowfor $1,200. Individual tickets forgeneral seating are also on salefor $125. Call The Whistle Stopat (337) 562-2344 to purchasetickets or log on to www.celebri-tydancingswla.com for moreinformation.TJN

Whistle Stop’s Mad Hot Ballroom Gala

PAGE 50 JULY 29, 2010 Volume 2 • Issue 9


The

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28• John Guidroz/Mike Zito @ The Porch, 6:30 p.m.• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.• Legends in Concert @ Mikko,

Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.• Jacob Ecker @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.• DJ Dispo @ My Place Bar, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 29• Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Mojeaux @ Party by the Pool,

L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 7 p.m.• Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 7:30 p.m.• Paul Gonsoulin @ The Porch, 8 p.m.• Brian Bounds @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8 p.m.• Centerfire @ Caribbean Cove,

Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.• Brother Dege @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,

L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 30• Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Chee-Weez @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m.• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• Lakeside Gamblers @ The Porch, 8 p.m.

• Brian Bounds @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• Judd Bares & The Six-String Rodeo/Mike Dean @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• City Heat @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.• Soul Vacation @ Caribbean Cove,

Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.• Gabby Johnson @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,

L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. • Furr @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 10:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 31• Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• In Business @ The Porch, 7 p.m.• The Foret Tradition @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m.• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 7:30 p.m.• Brian Bounds @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Motherlode @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.• Michelle Marshall Band @ Caribbean Cove,

Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.• Gabby Johnson @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,


SUNDAY, AUGUST 1• T.K. Hulin & Smoke @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5• Pete Bergeron & The Bayou Boys @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• HipBootJoe @ Party by the Pool,

L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 7 p.m.• Da Classics @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 7:30 p.m.• Musician’s Night @ The Porch, 8 p.m.• Password @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8 p.m.• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,


FRIDAY, AUGUST 6• Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.• Odyssey @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 7:30 p.m.• Seven Hours to Southland @ Luna Bar &

Grill, 8 p.m.• Password @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Brett Randell @ The Porch, 9 p.m.• Don Fontenot et Les Amis de la

Louisiane @ Club 1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

• Wayne Mouile @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m.

To list your event e-mail: [email protected]


MONDAY NIGHTS:Abita Beer Night

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS:Mondo Martini Night

THURSDAY NIGHTS:Be Well Night

Thurs. July 29 @ 9pmBrother Dege (Acoustic)

Fri. July 30 @ 9pmJudd Bares & 6 String Rodeo w/ special guest Mike Dean (Country)

Sat. July 31, TBA

Wed. Aug. 4 @ 9pmBrice Perrin (acoustic)

Fri. Aug. 6 @ 9pmThe 94’s w/ Seven Hours toSouthland (Alternative Country)

Sat. Aug. 7 @ 9pmPearl Street Riot w/ Adam Dale(Americana Indie, Rock)

Wed. Aug. 11 @ 9pmKory Fontenot (acoustic)

Fri. Aug. 13 @ 9pmWe Were Wolves w/ Mobley (Rock, Indie)

Sat. Aug. 14 @ 9pmStage Coach Bandits w/ FreshNectar (Jam, Rock, Groove)

Wed. Aug. 18 @ 9pmBrice Perrin (acoustic)

• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7• Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns

@ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• Odyssey @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• Password @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• Don Fontenot et Les Amis de la Louisiane @ Club 1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

• Do Not Destroy @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar &

Grill, 7 p.m.• Kenny Spears @ The Porch, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12• Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la

Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• J-Town Jam @ Frey’s Crawfish House, Jennings, 6:30 p.m.

• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Sister Hazel @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 7 p.m.

• Shimmur @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• Boomerang @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• HipBootJoe @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13• Travis Benoit & Allons Dancer @

DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.


• Shimmur @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• We Were Wolves @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Boomerang @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 14• Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @

DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Paul Gonsoulin/Andrew Sloman @ The Porch, 7 p.m.


• .38 Special @ Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 7 p.m.

• Travis Tritt @ L’Auberge du Lac Event Center, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 8:30 p.m.

• Boomerang @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.


TJN


Have you noticed that some music goes

well with food, and some doesn’t? And that

even when it’s the right music, it can be the

wrong moment? If you’ve ever had a rela-

tionship argument with your significant

other, all eyes flashing daggers and both of

you frowning, when the Mariachi band like

a heat-seeking missile strolls purposefully

up to your table, and winking broadly,

leans in close and

launches into a

heavily-

accented,

five-part

harmony

rendition

of “Besame

Mucho,” you

know exactly

what I mean.

About a million years

ago, I was a lunchtime

strolling guitarist/wait-

ress in a Middle

Eastern cafe on Long Island, and my old

college pal Christine Lavin (who can forget

her knitting circle before her Banners con-

cert?) was a dinnertime strolling guitarist

in a West Side Manhattan Mexican restau-

rant where I occasionally strolled in at her

invitation. I shudder to think what would

have become of either of us if we’d contin-

ued strolling among foreign-language

speaking diners for a living.

But happily, each of us moved on to dif-

ferent musical careers and fancier eateries,

where we were serenaded by tuxedoed

mini-orchestras, whose flutists and cellists

mostly stayed put in their chairs on the

bandstand. Think cocktail hour at the

famed Rainbow Room high up in

Rockefeller Center’s GE Building, or sunset

at the Café Florian on Piazza San Marco in

Venice, and not your friend’s polka-themed

wedding at the college rathskeller or her

kid’s space-themed bar mitzvah in the

Temple’s social hall.

Over the years since then, I’ve occasion-

ally been driven from a restaurant when a

loud band took the stage before dessert

arrived, but I’ve more often been attracted

to a restaurant on the basis of its meal-

plus-music format. Gospel and bluegrass

brunches are favorites of mine (House of

Blues, New Orleans; Blue Dog Café,

Lafayette), and at our local twist – the

Zydeco brunch (listen to Diva D on KZWA

for details) – you can always pass a good

time. I’m also partial to the blues fish fry,

the old-timey fried chicken picnic,

folksingers in bars and coffeehouses, and

even lone sitarists perched cross-legged in

the front windows of the dozen or more

Indian restaurants rubbing shoulders on

East 6th Street between First and Second

Avenues in Manhattan.

I will not even speak ill of canned music,

which every restaurant in America offers

through the consent-decreed auspices of

the authors’ and publishers’ watchdogs, fol-

lowing payment of a questionably calculat-

ed annual fee. Not even though the pairing

of Muzak worthy Asian pop music with

Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and

Vietnamese food dumbs

down both the

food and the music,

doing a signal disservice

to diner and musician alike.

Many years ago in another country

5,000 miles from here across an ocean, I

heard incredible music in a jewel of a

restaurant owned by English traditional

singer June Tabor and her then-husband

chef David Taylor. Taylor cooked magical

dishes, and Tabor selected recorded music

that viscerally enhanced the food and wine.

Theirs was an amazing collaboration that I

wish I’d savored more often over the hand-

ful of years Passepartout was open, because

from the first bite, sip and sound, their per-

fection has been the standard against which

I’ve judged all other pairings of food and

music for nearly 30 years.

So I was in New Orleans on a recent

Monday night, looking for some smoky

jazz combo and a dinner of red beans and

rice to accompany. Carolyn Woosley and I

had just been to Playlab, a monthly work-

shop organized by Southern Rep’s Literary

Manager Brian Sands, where playwrights

get to hear actors reading a short section of

their works in progress, and come away

with constructive critiques from their peers

and random playgoers.

What with schmoozing with the writers

and players afterwards, and the walk from

Canal Place, stopping briefly outside a few

of the Bourbon Street clubs with their

French windows flung open to lure in lis-

teners like us with live roots rock and

jazz bands, we were running late for

most restaurants’ kitchens.

We finally sat down in the cool, dark

interior of Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz

Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel,

and perused the bar menu.

Appetizers only. Crowded not with

locals, but with peppy touristas,

which did not suit our mood.

Although veteran drummer and

vigorously opinionated WWOZ

DJ Bob French led the Original

Tuxedo Jazz Band so rightly,

invoking spirits of the band’s

near-100 years of tasty players,

Leslie Berman’s career in music spansfour decades, and includes stints as afolksinger, music teacher, coffeehousebooker, concert promoter, publicist, fes-tival director, music journalist, albumnotes writer, artist manager, tradeorganization president, entertain-ment attorney, and president of theMusic Museum of SouthwestLouisiana. She prefers all thingsmusically eclectic, and votes on the

GRAMMYs as a member of theRecording Academy. She can be

reached at [email protected].

Food Music


that night the music was notmagic. After a song or two,before the wait staff noticedus, we were antsy and up onour feet, stepping smartlydown Bourbon Street in searchof a real meal.

We almost passed upArnaud’s, which has an oldNew Orleans ambiance that inan earlier decade would havemeant formal attire required,but their kitchen was open foranother 20 minutes, theyaccepted our casual wear, andwe were soon seated in analmost empty dining roombuzzing with waiters, waitingfor our drinks, appetizers andsalads, and Cornish game hensglazed with something fruityand served over wild rice.

Suddenly, and entirely unex-pectedly, a trio of trad jazzmusicians opened fire in theopposite corner of the room.They played “When You’reSmiling,” singing the chorusbut not the verse, and totallycharmed us with alternatingbanjo, clarinet and bass solos.Their vocals were pleasant andnot much to write home about,but their instrumental passes,including some “stolen meas-ures” (and what a nice term formusical quotes), elicited ourapplause over and over again.

Our meals were served to adining-tempo backdrop as TheGumbo Trio paced through aperfect set of well-worn andbeloved New Orleans stan-dards, including “St. JamesInfirmary,” “Basin StreetBlues,” and “Do You KnowWhat It Means To Miss NewOrleans,” which often bringstears to my eyes, especiallysince Hurricane Katrina, andeven more so when I hear itplayed outside of Louisiana.You can grab versions of theNew Orleans musical canonperformed by the famous andinfamous from many differentsources, but there’s nothinglike listening to it while diningon turtle soup, succulent duck-ling and bread pudding. Whywould you settle for anythingless? TJN


photo by www.monsoursphotography.com

The Jambalaya News - Vol. 2 No.9

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