here we go with another disaster, which is being underplayed by the press, and the big oil companies.. there goes my oyster season, shrimp and crawfish season. there goes the gulf!
in the words of bill maher, every asshole who yelled drill baby drill, should have to report to the gulf this morning, and begin cleaning it up. Shame on Obama for layin in bed with these creeps.. Offshore drilling needs to stop. We need to be proactive, and start taking the bus, or riding a bike to work. Its truly shameful that mother nature is ruined by big oil... and our entire gulf network, bayou's, and more... all for the mighty OILY dollar.
miguel and big queen
anba dlo parade
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
hurricane part three... leaving the city...
We settled in and cooked up what was left of our friends filet mignons and pork chops in their fridge. Kim started red beans as well. might as well cook up everything ya can...
Their house was across the street from Schiro’s, and it was raised very high. A second story with a porch, and we figured that we would stay there in case the water came up even more.. (according to the radio, the water hadn't come yet, but according to us? it was already here...) There were people walking by, some were looking for help, some offering help, and others just checking out the neighborhood looking for opportunities, places to loot.
There was a guy looking for money to feed his baby… Where was he buying baby food? Money meant nothing at this point. I think we gave him some money, and later he would come back with ice for us. Where he got the ice? I dunno, another guy came by as well with ice... We iced down what food we had left. Then there was the emergency vehicles heading into the ninth, pulling boats, trying to help people out of the flood waters. All walks of life, going about scrounging for whatever they could find. The city was pitch black.
I tried to take a nap. It was too hot, and the mosquitos were ravenous. I had bug spray, and the water and gas were still working at Kevin and Joe’s house. Kim kept cookin his red beans and rice. We barbequed on the porch and watched the sun go down. Opal was in full patrol mode. She was Barking at every gang or group that passed. We watched some people put their hands on the windows at Schiro’s, testing to see how thick the glass was, so they could make a decision whether to throw a brick… Then I heard the sound of a shotgun being cocked, and someone said, I don’t think your going in there….
The neighbors were watching out for the place. They had decided if anyone was going in, it would be those who patronized it, and lived in this hood. I could hear neighbors fighting over whether to stay or go, and threats of “we could die here”. I tried to sleep, and it was too hot. We bathed throughout the night, trying to cool off, but we were miserable. I worried that someone would break in, and realized Opal was wide awake. Candles burned, and the city was all blacked out. The only lights were emergency vehicles, and cars and flashlights….
The next day our friends loaded up their car, and their cats and decided not to stay. Kim asked if they would take me, they said they didn’t have room. Kim kept pressing the issue, that they had two cars. Terry and Andy worked with Kim, and the brother had arrived just days before the hurricane, from Phoenix. Kim kept pressing the issue, until he gave us the keys... Kim convinced him that the looters were coming, and his truck most likely wouldn't be there when we all returned... They talked, and then made a pact, and suddenly we had keys to a pick up truck with no gas in it. They exchanged numbers, and they took off, agreeing to meet up in Baton Rouge in a few days. Now we had hope. Steve and Kim went about looking for gas.
I packed up our stuff, and prepared to leave. We traded 20 gallons of water and a weeks supply of food for two gallons of gas from a neighbor. We gave them milk, and the red beans, and the toilet paper. They were staying, as they were home owners. We loaded up the truck, and even though we didn’t have enough gas to get too far, we had gas. We went out Chartres street, to Decatur to the crescent city connection. There were people making a mass exodus, asking for rides, and I still had the feeling we could be carjacked, with the exception of Kim in the back with the two dogs… opal was still in patrol mode.
Going across the bridge I remember looking up at the state flag of Louisiana, with the pelican on it. I was thinking this was our salvation, we were on our way out. I saw all these people walking, with all they had left. Just trying to get out. It was probably high noon or so…. Sometime after we made our exit over the Mississippi, the police from Gretna got on the bridge and wouldn’t let anyone leave. They made you turn around and go back to New Orleans. The cops were afraid that the west bank was about to be looted by all the people in new orleans. They had guns, and they meant business. Later they would say it never happened… but it did. Ed Bradley interviewed people on 60 minutes, and they told their story. They even had video footage to prove it. Like a lot of things that they said never happened. When it comes to the truth, believe me, it happened.
I was thinking of the CBD and our friends we left behind. All I could think of was all that gasoline and oil coming up with the sewer water, and combining with the flood waters. One match and the entire business district would be up in flames.
I thought of our conversation leaving Lauries that Tuesday morning. Joking about bass fishing on canal street, or catching crawfish right there in front of where I work. I was wearing a dress with a skeleton on it, and I remember this woman saying how appropro the dress was for the impending apocalypse. Climbing over trees on esplanade avenue to get to the other side. Wading through water to get back home, and going by Iggys, and seeing them serving drinks with the looters only a half a block away. Thinking “whats wrong with you people, don’t you know that your putting your lives and your employees lives in danger?
On Canal street back at the footlocker, they couldn’t find the other shoe in the back, so some bright individual lit a match and the place was on fire. Steve told me he was at Dominics, and they were trying to get the water out, and he was helping them move stuff to safer spots, and then after helping them out, they wanted six bucks for his drink. Obviously even they were guilty of price gouging. The night of the hurricane, I gave drinks away, if you helped me. Some people just have so much greed in their hearts, and they only think of themselves. I remember my girlfriend riding her bicycle by, and proudly carrying her weapon, with intent to use it if you fucked with her… I was wondering about Jeff and Rachel, and how they were gonna get out. Later I would find out they broke into the cabby wherehouse, siphoned gas and got out. They were charged up to ten dollars a gallon in Mississippi, as they fled the city. More price gouging.
We got to Raceland, and we were about to run out of gas. Looting was everywhere, all the way to raceland. A police officer said there was gas there. We found two stations, and got in line. I got out of the car, and got the gas can filled in case they ran out before we got to the front. They sold us 30 dollars of gas. I remember them being Mexicans, and I remember they had a generator. There wasn’t the same sense of urgency here, we were in the country, but at the same time, no electricity, and gas was scarce. We pressed onward into Lafayette. I had friends in Baton rouge, and I called them. The phones were still going in and out. My friends were under siege, as the thugs from new orleans had taken over baton rouge. We kept going, trying to find a room, but no one would take dogs. It wasn’t for lack of cash, it was just people were picking and choosing. We kept going all the way to Alexandria, where we met up with friends.
They had friends in Monroe who agreed to let us crash. Gabriel Landry put us up. He was very kind, and had food prepared, and offered us everything he could. He put up about ten people, some he knew, some he didn’t. Once inside, I started to relax, until I saw the TV. Then the horror settled in. They were showing all kinds of looting, and talking about murders and rapes, and showing people on rooftops begging to be rescued. Now I’m thinking what the FUCK? Why isn’t anyone helping? Why? You mean to tell me I just left that?
Reality set in, and we opened up some wine, and started drinking. I charged my phone, and called friends and family members assuring them I’m wasn’t in the middle of that anymore. We proceeded to get drunk, and I watched as Kim decompressed. One of the girls there, thought that Kim was a racist. He was talking about the racism he felt, and how the thugs were just out of control. She had no clue, she wasn't there, she wasn't a new orleanian, she wasn't paying attention to the fact that Kim was Puerto Rican, and I was white, all she heard was the "N" word, and that convinced her that we were klan members... She was an idiot, she had no business making any commentary, we were going through PTSS... We finally crashed on an air mattress, and Opal layed down with me under the covers.
The next day we packed up to leave. Steve had his laptop, and Kim found us a hotel just a few hours NW of Monroe, up in El Dorado Arkansas. They took dogs, so we packed up again, what little we had left. I did a mass email, letting everyone know I was alive, and Kim listed us on a survivor list. He also enrolled us in FEMA, and then we all looked at each other and split apart. I gave Steve $100 as they needed to get to Florida. We said our goodbyes.
We got to El dorado Arkansas, and checked in. A guy at the counter asked us if we were from New Orleans, and what had happened. He insisited on paying for our room. I told him I had money, but the lady at the counter said, no, he’s paying. He was paying for everyone who evacuated. I asked him why, and he explained that he was from Florida, and had had the kindness of others. It was his turn to pay it forward. I remember him driving away, his truck said “Jesus saves, and so do I”. Later in November of that year I would see him in New Orleans helping people gut their houses.
I bumped into my friend Tracy in the lobby. We hardly recognized each other, we were so tired and stressed. I laughed that I had managed to bring our swim suits... of all things...
We crashed. Opal crashed. It was now Thursday, and nothing had happened yet in New Orleans. Nobody had arrived to help anyone yet. NOBODY. The news said President Bush would be in Nola by Friday. What the fuck? Five days later? someone decides that maybe they should send a rescue squad? Now I’m cursing Nagin, who is having a temper tantrum in front of the entire country, I’m cursing governor Blank one, for not being able to make the decision to send in the guard… Oh Yeah, the Louisiana Guard is in IRAQ! Now I’m cursing out that pathetic shit who calls him self W… he’s coming back early from his vacation…. And that shit from FEMA… oh yeah BROWNIE… nice job brownie, nice clothes ya got there…. All these motherfuckers just letting new orleans drown. All GUILTY!
You think the government cares? THINK AGAIN!
We make a bet that W shows his face on Friday at five pm, during dinner hour, and the first thing he’s going to do it hug a black person….
We go back to bed. Opal sleeps for two days solid. I go downstairs, and now the churches have arrived, with food and clothing. Lots of really wonderful people arrive to help. It was incredible, and restored my faith. One lady insisted on giving me $20. Another brought me clothes, as I was her size. The red cross was there, giving cards away so you could purchase what you needed...
We went to the local salvation army for more clothes. We really didn’t have much. I found Alltel and paid my phone bill. I had a fear that they would turn it off. I was afraid of the cost of roaming fees and text messages. They told me all charges dropped, and I paid anyway.
On Friday night at five pm, we watched as W, hugged a black person in Mississippi. He never stepped foot in New Orleans, he just viewed it from above. Asshole.
We’re hearing there is no gas between Little Rock and Nashville. We calculate the amount needed to get there, and buy gas cans and fill them. This is the largest mass exodus in the United States. Rumours of gas prices soaring up into ten dollars a gallon. We load up and move out on Saturday morning.
We drove and drove, and when we reached Nashville, family was there to THEIR relief. They had been so worried, but we were fine. However, more shit was looming in front of us. The guy who had given us the car, had reported it stolen, and was now calling us on the phone and threatening us. He had a relative call and threaten. Fuck him, I took the car, and siphoned out all the gas, and copied off the emails sent between us, confirming that we knew him and had permission to have the car, and went to the police station and surrendered the keys to them. I explained our story, and the officer had no problem with it. I had the guys two emails, saying thank god we were safe, and yes we can meet in Baton Rouge as planned. I explained that he told us he wanted the car tuned up, and delivered with a full tank of gas, in CALIFORNIA… which wasn’t going to happen. The cop told me the guy told him he gave us the keys, and that we refused to return it. HA HA HA…. I returned it all right…. I pointed out that the insurance was expired, the tags were from Arizona, proving he wasn’t a resident of Louisiana.
I then called FEMA and reported his name in case he tried to collect money from them. He had been in nola for one week. He had no proof that he lived there, and I made sure the red cross knew as well. Then I received a package from his insurance company. He was using our address in Nashville to buy insurance. I called them, and explained to them that he did not live here, and that there were no tools stolen, or stereo, or cell phone. I gave them the entire story, and gave them the officers name that I reported the car to. Fuck Ken…. He had some good Karma coming, but then got greedy, so fuck him.
Its amazing what people will do to try and put one over on ya…..
Everyone I knew was saying to leave nola for good. We were going through withdrawal. I was mortified that the entire country sat there in front of their tv's, and watched all of this unfold, and couldn't/wouldn't do anything about it. I was discusted that the news showed only bad things, and no good things. I was sickened when they labeled black folks as looters, and white folks as foraging. I was getting more and more angry at George W Bush, as NOW the entire country can see what a LAME DUCK he is... has a meeting to discuss the largest hurricane ever to hit the country, and then go on vacation and ignore it.
I was even more upset when I saw all the folks lined up to help. AND our own military was being used to keep them from helping. I would see the lines going through each state, and I would just cry, thinking YES, here comes the calvary, and then realize, they weren't being allowed in. I spoke with the vet down the street, who wanted to rescue animals, and they wouldn't let him in. The drinking water on its way to nola, made to turn around because George W Bush was flying over.? WTF?
It was a barrage of information on each station, repeating over and over, and brainwashing all the couch potatoes of america to believe that everyone in new orleans was black, on welfare, looting, and not worth saving. The great Louisiana purchase was now on.
Lies, Lies, and more Lies. My friends called and wanted me to come to Seattle. Since I wouldn't be returning to work anytime soon. They were trying to come up with ways on the tv to vaccuum the water out of the city. They were dumping sandbags on the levee breaks, they were trying the best they could, and still, under water... Fingers pointing, more lies, and more BS from the feds... It was all very frustrating. VERY.
Their house was across the street from Schiro’s, and it was raised very high. A second story with a porch, and we figured that we would stay there in case the water came up even more.. (according to the radio, the water hadn't come yet, but according to us? it was already here...) There were people walking by, some were looking for help, some offering help, and others just checking out the neighborhood looking for opportunities, places to loot.
There was a guy looking for money to feed his baby… Where was he buying baby food? Money meant nothing at this point. I think we gave him some money, and later he would come back with ice for us. Where he got the ice? I dunno, another guy came by as well with ice... We iced down what food we had left. Then there was the emergency vehicles heading into the ninth, pulling boats, trying to help people out of the flood waters. All walks of life, going about scrounging for whatever they could find. The city was pitch black.
I tried to take a nap. It was too hot, and the mosquitos were ravenous. I had bug spray, and the water and gas were still working at Kevin and Joe’s house. Kim kept cookin his red beans and rice. We barbequed on the porch and watched the sun go down. Opal was in full patrol mode. She was Barking at every gang or group that passed. We watched some people put their hands on the windows at Schiro’s, testing to see how thick the glass was, so they could make a decision whether to throw a brick… Then I heard the sound of a shotgun being cocked, and someone said, I don’t think your going in there….
The neighbors were watching out for the place. They had decided if anyone was going in, it would be those who patronized it, and lived in this hood. I could hear neighbors fighting over whether to stay or go, and threats of “we could die here”. I tried to sleep, and it was too hot. We bathed throughout the night, trying to cool off, but we were miserable. I worried that someone would break in, and realized Opal was wide awake. Candles burned, and the city was all blacked out. The only lights were emergency vehicles, and cars and flashlights….
The next day our friends loaded up their car, and their cats and decided not to stay. Kim asked if they would take me, they said they didn’t have room. Kim kept pressing the issue, that they had two cars. Terry and Andy worked with Kim, and the brother had arrived just days before the hurricane, from Phoenix. Kim kept pressing the issue, until he gave us the keys... Kim convinced him that the looters were coming, and his truck most likely wouldn't be there when we all returned... They talked, and then made a pact, and suddenly we had keys to a pick up truck with no gas in it. They exchanged numbers, and they took off, agreeing to meet up in Baton Rouge in a few days. Now we had hope. Steve and Kim went about looking for gas.
I packed up our stuff, and prepared to leave. We traded 20 gallons of water and a weeks supply of food for two gallons of gas from a neighbor. We gave them milk, and the red beans, and the toilet paper. They were staying, as they were home owners. We loaded up the truck, and even though we didn’t have enough gas to get too far, we had gas. We went out Chartres street, to Decatur to the crescent city connection. There were people making a mass exodus, asking for rides, and I still had the feeling we could be carjacked, with the exception of Kim in the back with the two dogs… opal was still in patrol mode.
Going across the bridge I remember looking up at the state flag of Louisiana, with the pelican on it. I was thinking this was our salvation, we were on our way out. I saw all these people walking, with all they had left. Just trying to get out. It was probably high noon or so…. Sometime after we made our exit over the Mississippi, the police from Gretna got on the bridge and wouldn’t let anyone leave. They made you turn around and go back to New Orleans. The cops were afraid that the west bank was about to be looted by all the people in new orleans. They had guns, and they meant business. Later they would say it never happened… but it did. Ed Bradley interviewed people on 60 minutes, and they told their story. They even had video footage to prove it. Like a lot of things that they said never happened. When it comes to the truth, believe me, it happened.
I was thinking of the CBD and our friends we left behind. All I could think of was all that gasoline and oil coming up with the sewer water, and combining with the flood waters. One match and the entire business district would be up in flames.
I thought of our conversation leaving Lauries that Tuesday morning. Joking about bass fishing on canal street, or catching crawfish right there in front of where I work. I was wearing a dress with a skeleton on it, and I remember this woman saying how appropro the dress was for the impending apocalypse. Climbing over trees on esplanade avenue to get to the other side. Wading through water to get back home, and going by Iggys, and seeing them serving drinks with the looters only a half a block away. Thinking “whats wrong with you people, don’t you know that your putting your lives and your employees lives in danger?
On Canal street back at the footlocker, they couldn’t find the other shoe in the back, so some bright individual lit a match and the place was on fire. Steve told me he was at Dominics, and they were trying to get the water out, and he was helping them move stuff to safer spots, and then after helping them out, they wanted six bucks for his drink. Obviously even they were guilty of price gouging. The night of the hurricane, I gave drinks away, if you helped me. Some people just have so much greed in their hearts, and they only think of themselves. I remember my girlfriend riding her bicycle by, and proudly carrying her weapon, with intent to use it if you fucked with her… I was wondering about Jeff and Rachel, and how they were gonna get out. Later I would find out they broke into the cabby wherehouse, siphoned gas and got out. They were charged up to ten dollars a gallon in Mississippi, as they fled the city. More price gouging.
We got to Raceland, and we were about to run out of gas. Looting was everywhere, all the way to raceland. A police officer said there was gas there. We found two stations, and got in line. I got out of the car, and got the gas can filled in case they ran out before we got to the front. They sold us 30 dollars of gas. I remember them being Mexicans, and I remember they had a generator. There wasn’t the same sense of urgency here, we were in the country, but at the same time, no electricity, and gas was scarce. We pressed onward into Lafayette. I had friends in Baton rouge, and I called them. The phones were still going in and out. My friends were under siege, as the thugs from new orleans had taken over baton rouge. We kept going, trying to find a room, but no one would take dogs. It wasn’t for lack of cash, it was just people were picking and choosing. We kept going all the way to Alexandria, where we met up with friends.
They had friends in Monroe who agreed to let us crash. Gabriel Landry put us up. He was very kind, and had food prepared, and offered us everything he could. He put up about ten people, some he knew, some he didn’t. Once inside, I started to relax, until I saw the TV. Then the horror settled in. They were showing all kinds of looting, and talking about murders and rapes, and showing people on rooftops begging to be rescued. Now I’m thinking what the FUCK? Why isn’t anyone helping? Why? You mean to tell me I just left that?
Reality set in, and we opened up some wine, and started drinking. I charged my phone, and called friends and family members assuring them I’m wasn’t in the middle of that anymore. We proceeded to get drunk, and I watched as Kim decompressed. One of the girls there, thought that Kim was a racist. He was talking about the racism he felt, and how the thugs were just out of control. She had no clue, she wasn't there, she wasn't a new orleanian, she wasn't paying attention to the fact that Kim was Puerto Rican, and I was white, all she heard was the "N" word, and that convinced her that we were klan members... She was an idiot, she had no business making any commentary, we were going through PTSS... We finally crashed on an air mattress, and Opal layed down with me under the covers.
The next day we packed up to leave. Steve had his laptop, and Kim found us a hotel just a few hours NW of Monroe, up in El Dorado Arkansas. They took dogs, so we packed up again, what little we had left. I did a mass email, letting everyone know I was alive, and Kim listed us on a survivor list. He also enrolled us in FEMA, and then we all looked at each other and split apart. I gave Steve $100 as they needed to get to Florida. We said our goodbyes.
We got to El dorado Arkansas, and checked in. A guy at the counter asked us if we were from New Orleans, and what had happened. He insisited on paying for our room. I told him I had money, but the lady at the counter said, no, he’s paying. He was paying for everyone who evacuated. I asked him why, and he explained that he was from Florida, and had had the kindness of others. It was his turn to pay it forward. I remember him driving away, his truck said “Jesus saves, and so do I”. Later in November of that year I would see him in New Orleans helping people gut their houses.
I bumped into my friend Tracy in the lobby. We hardly recognized each other, we were so tired and stressed. I laughed that I had managed to bring our swim suits... of all things...
We crashed. Opal crashed. It was now Thursday, and nothing had happened yet in New Orleans. Nobody had arrived to help anyone yet. NOBODY. The news said President Bush would be in Nola by Friday. What the fuck? Five days later? someone decides that maybe they should send a rescue squad? Now I’m cursing Nagin, who is having a temper tantrum in front of the entire country, I’m cursing governor Blank one, for not being able to make the decision to send in the guard… Oh Yeah, the Louisiana Guard is in IRAQ! Now I’m cursing out that pathetic shit who calls him self W… he’s coming back early from his vacation…. And that shit from FEMA… oh yeah BROWNIE… nice job brownie, nice clothes ya got there…. All these motherfuckers just letting new orleans drown. All GUILTY!
You think the government cares? THINK AGAIN!
We make a bet that W shows his face on Friday at five pm, during dinner hour, and the first thing he’s going to do it hug a black person….
We go back to bed. Opal sleeps for two days solid. I go downstairs, and now the churches have arrived, with food and clothing. Lots of really wonderful people arrive to help. It was incredible, and restored my faith. One lady insisted on giving me $20. Another brought me clothes, as I was her size. The red cross was there, giving cards away so you could purchase what you needed...
We went to the local salvation army for more clothes. We really didn’t have much. I found Alltel and paid my phone bill. I had a fear that they would turn it off. I was afraid of the cost of roaming fees and text messages. They told me all charges dropped, and I paid anyway.
On Friday night at five pm, we watched as W, hugged a black person in Mississippi. He never stepped foot in New Orleans, he just viewed it from above. Asshole.
We’re hearing there is no gas between Little Rock and Nashville. We calculate the amount needed to get there, and buy gas cans and fill them. This is the largest mass exodus in the United States. Rumours of gas prices soaring up into ten dollars a gallon. We load up and move out on Saturday morning.
We drove and drove, and when we reached Nashville, family was there to THEIR relief. They had been so worried, but we were fine. However, more shit was looming in front of us. The guy who had given us the car, had reported it stolen, and was now calling us on the phone and threatening us. He had a relative call and threaten. Fuck him, I took the car, and siphoned out all the gas, and copied off the emails sent between us, confirming that we knew him and had permission to have the car, and went to the police station and surrendered the keys to them. I explained our story, and the officer had no problem with it. I had the guys two emails, saying thank god we were safe, and yes we can meet in Baton Rouge as planned. I explained that he told us he wanted the car tuned up, and delivered with a full tank of gas, in CALIFORNIA… which wasn’t going to happen. The cop told me the guy told him he gave us the keys, and that we refused to return it. HA HA HA…. I returned it all right…. I pointed out that the insurance was expired, the tags were from Arizona, proving he wasn’t a resident of Louisiana.
I then called FEMA and reported his name in case he tried to collect money from them. He had been in nola for one week. He had no proof that he lived there, and I made sure the red cross knew as well. Then I received a package from his insurance company. He was using our address in Nashville to buy insurance. I called them, and explained to them that he did not live here, and that there were no tools stolen, or stereo, or cell phone. I gave them the entire story, and gave them the officers name that I reported the car to. Fuck Ken…. He had some good Karma coming, but then got greedy, so fuck him.
Its amazing what people will do to try and put one over on ya…..
Everyone I knew was saying to leave nola for good. We were going through withdrawal. I was mortified that the entire country sat there in front of their tv's, and watched all of this unfold, and couldn't/wouldn't do anything about it. I was discusted that the news showed only bad things, and no good things. I was sickened when they labeled black folks as looters, and white folks as foraging. I was getting more and more angry at George W Bush, as NOW the entire country can see what a LAME DUCK he is... has a meeting to discuss the largest hurricane ever to hit the country, and then go on vacation and ignore it.
I was even more upset when I saw all the folks lined up to help. AND our own military was being used to keep them from helping. I would see the lines going through each state, and I would just cry, thinking YES, here comes the calvary, and then realize, they weren't being allowed in. I spoke with the vet down the street, who wanted to rescue animals, and they wouldn't let him in. The drinking water on its way to nola, made to turn around because George W Bush was flying over.? WTF?
It was a barrage of information on each station, repeating over and over, and brainwashing all the couch potatoes of america to believe that everyone in new orleans was black, on welfare, looting, and not worth saving. The great Louisiana purchase was now on.
Lies, Lies, and more Lies. My friends called and wanted me to come to Seattle. Since I wouldn't be returning to work anytime soon. They were trying to come up with ways on the tv to vaccuum the water out of the city. They were dumping sandbags on the levee breaks, they were trying the best they could, and still, under water... Fingers pointing, more lies, and more BS from the feds... It was all very frustrating. VERY.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
hurricane part two
Lauries building could withstand 200 mile an hour winds. We were on the ninth floor on the inside of the building. So we felt fairly safe from any breaking glass.... We still taped the windows with X's.
We went back down to Dominic's to drink ourselves to a spot where we could just float up to the room and pass out. You could hear Glass breaking, car alarms, wind howling, and the rain was coming in sideways. We shared some of the food from hobnobbers, with the patrons of Dominics. I got pretty dang drunk, and I just passed out once in the apartment. I knew the power would go out, and I knew the heat would set in, and I knew it was going to get really difficult to sleep, once we got to that point.
Woke up the next day with a sense of relief. Electricity had ended at 6:30 am according to the clocks. The building had a generator, so you could charge your phone downstairs. Not that it mattered, the phone towers were down. Somehow, my phone rang, first my mom, then Debbie, then Faye, then Fitz. I realized later I could catch a signal outside and around the corner, but at the same time didn't want to waste the charge.
We made breakfast on the hurricane stove I had bought a few years back at a garage sale in Arabi. The lady laughed as she sold it to me, telling me that they had never had to use it, and gave me a deal with extra cans of propane. Months later when I returned to Arabi and saw her house, I cried... thinking I hoped she wasn't home when the twelve feet of water rushed through her neighborhood and destroyed it.
Kim went back to our house to check it out, and I took Opal for a walk in the French quarter. The quarter was dry, but signs broken, glass everywhere, and the smell of rotting food was already in the air. Trees ripped out of the ground, the roof on the Old US Mint was peeled back like a sardine can and crumpled on the ground like a piece of paper. Back at our house, water everywhere, but not in the house. It was up to the top step, but our home was intact. People had a real sense of relief at this point, and were actually celebrating. Some of the bars were back open and serving beer.
I realized it was turning dusk, and headed back towards Canal Street, and that’s when I realized that things weren't right. The footlocker windows were broken and looters were inside. I went back to Laurie’s apartment and waited. A few friends came by, checking on us, and asking if we had a game plan. Jeff and Rachel were going to try and get to their car, and find gas. We were all still unaware of what was about to happen. For now though... things seemed okay. It was hot, humid, and hard to sleep, but we managed.
Tuesday am, we got up, went downstairs, and the lobby was full of water. It was now impossible to get a phone call out. Our friend Steve came by. He had concerns about our animals, and getting out. They were sandbagging the lobby to keep out the water, but it was there. I went outside around the corner and got a phone signal. I almost got run over by an emergency vehicle, and got drenched as the wave of water hit me. The water was up to my knees. My Shrimp boots were swamped, and I could feel the sense of urgency... things were about to really go wrong. I was standing at this point on baronne and gravier streets.
I called my mom to let her know I was Okay, and then Kim’s sister, who wanted to come get us, but that was impossible. Now people were frantic and trying to get out. SUV's treading through the water, and people offering money and anything they had for a ride. The guy across the street at the grocery store was charging $20 for a loaf of bread. Later they would throw a brick through the window and loot him of everything. I can't say that he didn't ask for it. He would return later, and burn his business down, to try and recoup something... he reopened on carondelet, on the corner on commons... I can't say that I'm willing to buy anything from him to this day, since he was such a greedy bastard on that day.
The water was rising, and Steve wanted us to join him, and help him with his 16 year old dog mojo. As we walked back through the quarter, we had an amusing conversation. Joked about bass fishing, and catching crawfish on Canal Street. We got to esplanade and trees were ripped out by the roots. You couldn't drive a vehicle through there if you tried. Old oak trees just ripped out. Water still rising and you knew the sewers were too. Some people were laughing it up, and others panicking.
We got to Elysian Fields, and a girlfriend of mine pulled up on her bicycle to tell us they were looting the Roberts on the corner. The pockets of water were back and forth depending on the street. We decided to check out the market, and realized that NOPD had actually come by and opened it up. They even had baskets to help you carry stuff with. But you had to wade through the parking lot to get in. We had lots of supplies, but went in anyway. It was pitch black, but we had flashlights, and it was my neighborhood grocery store, so I knew where I was. Four half gallons of Gatorade, candles, baby wipes, canned food, hydrogen peroxide, dog food, toilet paper, Steve even grabbed some expensive bottles of wine. Within minutes people were trying to break into the cash registers, the ATM, the safe, and grabbing carts full of beer, liquor, candy bars, and shit that just didn't make sense to me. There was a sense of urgency in the air, and it was starting to make me nervous. We stayed maybe ten minutes, and then there was the stench of rotting food in the air, and people shoving and screaming. It was truly frightening. They even left out the salad bar when they closed, and it reeked. We saw several friends inside coming out as we were, and they were doing the same thing as us. We realized at that point that it was about to become a very dangerous place, and I thanked god that we got there in the first few minutes. We got the hell outta there, and plodded on.
We got to steves and relaxed. We had to lug all this stuff through the water, and take breaks carrying it. We actually had more than I thought. Charcoal brickets, lighter fluid, toilet paper, the candles were religious ones, and they said the hand of god on them, to guide you through times of trouble. I thought that was ironic.
Then Kim and I went to our house. The water was now thigh high. My neighbors were sitting on my porch. Their house flooded. I live in a raised house. Judy and her brother were both mentally handicapped, and stayed because their family wouldn't let Judy take her dog with her. They were stuck. I was sickened by that, an animal should be respected. Another neighbor left his dog locked in the house, and he was howling. Perry broke a window to feed the poor thing, but in the end the dog died. All these animals stranded. It was horrifying.
But I had Opal, and thank god we did, cuz she is not the friendliest of dogs, but she sensed what was going on and was in patrol mode. At this point at the house, I wasn't really thinking. I should've grabbed more things, but we figured we wouldn't be gone more than a week. We still didn't know how we were getting out, but we locked down the house from looters. They weren't too far down the road. We took all the doors off the closets and nailed them over the windows. BTW we have bars on all the windows, and doors. We gave Judy and her brother all the canned goods I had. Gave her all the frozen food from the fridge, and cleaned it out of everything but ketchup and mustard. I gave Judy everything I could. I was worried for her, but I had to think of us, and move forward.
(Note… if you ever are coming into a hurricane, always clean out everything in your fridge… including the ketchup, mayo and mustard. When I came home, there were roaches and all kinds of funky things inside. Unplug your fridge and leave the doors open, or you’ll end up cleaning up a very nasty smelling rotting thing. Kim actually ended up cleaning Steve’s fridge later, I did ours. I did it by dumping bleach in it and letting it sit for two days, then wiping it out, then putting fresh coffee grounds in it and charcoal bricketts to kill the smell….)
We packed what we thought would be enough, as most of us here in nola thought we weren’t going to be gone for more than a week. I could hear my cat trapped under the house. I couldn’t get to him. I tried to find him prior to the storm, but he was hiding. Now he was trapped, and I couldn’t get to him. I threw anything I could food wise outside, hoping he would find it when the water receded. He was a smart cat, and I told Judy to leave any food she had out for him as well.
We left the house and waded out to st. claude avenue. There we saw what was the beginning of utter chaos. Looters were dragging furniture out of the store on the corner. They had pried open the hurricane shutters. They had mirrors, couches, tvs, and anything they could take. They had them perched on bicycles and were heading back into the ninth ward through the flood water, and taking this shit home. I wondered what they were going to plug this stuff into? Let alone keep it dry wading through the water. I knew the water heading downriver, would be MUCH deeper than where I stood. Later you would hear stories of how they would chain pit bulls to the stuff they looted, to try to keep from being looted themselves….
Back towards Steve’s we bumped into friends hanging out on their porch. They seemed to be comfy, and not worried too much. They had a gun, and plenty of food, and water, and were drinking. We told them the pay phone worked on St. Claude at the fish market, and we walked them up to it. Now the looters were running outta stuff to steal and were eyeballing the bank. Soaking wet people coming outa of the ninth with all they could carry, and these greedy fuckers carrying all they could steal…. Going back in.
The water was just up over our ankles, but the phone still worked. They called their families, and let them know they were okay. I’m sure their families let them know what they were watching on tv, cuz afterwards they had a sense of fear in their eyes they didn’t have before. We wrapped it up and headed back to the house.
We talked Andy into driving us back to Lauries to get our stuff. Once again we weren’t thinking. We grabbed stuff, and didn’t really realize that we weren’t coming back. I grabbed the money from the bar… I hadn’t counted it yet, but I figured at least a thou… I looked at our two friends who were staying behind, and said very seriously… “you have bicycles, and I know your dream of riding up to Chicago was in the future. I suggest you do it now, cause whats happening is very frightening. Get on your bikes and get outta here… “ I pointed my finger into John’s chest like a mother telling a child what to do. Later, he would tell me, that they got on their bikes, and rode to Baton Rouge, where Brians parents would come get them and take them to Chicago… They had to leave the two cats and the snake. They put out all the cat food, and water they could, and moved. When they left, things had really escalated…
That day at Lauries, no more elevators, as the generators were in the basement, and now filled with water, and the kids staying there were stealing from more businesses. People were trying frantically to find a way out, offering money, and anything they had. There were a group of Russian kids that were drunk and thinking it was all fun and games. We had to climb up nine flights in the dark. The emergency lights were on, but not real bright. When we got upstairs, the emergency flashing lights were on. Strobe lights going off, and a sense of emergency that would haunt me when we returned in October…. It was very surreal and the place reeked of vomit and beer. It was almost too much to take. I just wanted to get back to the Marigny where I knew it was safer. Andy just wanted to get back to his car, as we were afraid of being carjacked. We raced back to the Marigny. Now we knew what streets weren’t flooded, and now we knew what route to take to get out.
Now the radio is saying that the levees are going to break and more water was coming. You need to go to the convention center…. Yeah rite…. We figured we could ride bikes out if we had to. Steve had a grocery cart for Mojo, as he wouldn’t be able to make it walking or running out. we discussed our options, while cooking dinner.
We went back down to Dominic's to drink ourselves to a spot where we could just float up to the room and pass out. You could hear Glass breaking, car alarms, wind howling, and the rain was coming in sideways. We shared some of the food from hobnobbers, with the patrons of Dominics. I got pretty dang drunk, and I just passed out once in the apartment. I knew the power would go out, and I knew the heat would set in, and I knew it was going to get really difficult to sleep, once we got to that point.
Woke up the next day with a sense of relief. Electricity had ended at 6:30 am according to the clocks. The building had a generator, so you could charge your phone downstairs. Not that it mattered, the phone towers were down. Somehow, my phone rang, first my mom, then Debbie, then Faye, then Fitz. I realized later I could catch a signal outside and around the corner, but at the same time didn't want to waste the charge.
We made breakfast on the hurricane stove I had bought a few years back at a garage sale in Arabi. The lady laughed as she sold it to me, telling me that they had never had to use it, and gave me a deal with extra cans of propane. Months later when I returned to Arabi and saw her house, I cried... thinking I hoped she wasn't home when the twelve feet of water rushed through her neighborhood and destroyed it.
Kim went back to our house to check it out, and I took Opal for a walk in the French quarter. The quarter was dry, but signs broken, glass everywhere, and the smell of rotting food was already in the air. Trees ripped out of the ground, the roof on the Old US Mint was peeled back like a sardine can and crumpled on the ground like a piece of paper. Back at our house, water everywhere, but not in the house. It was up to the top step, but our home was intact. People had a real sense of relief at this point, and were actually celebrating. Some of the bars were back open and serving beer.
I realized it was turning dusk, and headed back towards Canal Street, and that’s when I realized that things weren't right. The footlocker windows were broken and looters were inside. I went back to Laurie’s apartment and waited. A few friends came by, checking on us, and asking if we had a game plan. Jeff and Rachel were going to try and get to their car, and find gas. We were all still unaware of what was about to happen. For now though... things seemed okay. It was hot, humid, and hard to sleep, but we managed.
Tuesday am, we got up, went downstairs, and the lobby was full of water. It was now impossible to get a phone call out. Our friend Steve came by. He had concerns about our animals, and getting out. They were sandbagging the lobby to keep out the water, but it was there. I went outside around the corner and got a phone signal. I almost got run over by an emergency vehicle, and got drenched as the wave of water hit me. The water was up to my knees. My Shrimp boots were swamped, and I could feel the sense of urgency... things were about to really go wrong. I was standing at this point on baronne and gravier streets.
I called my mom to let her know I was Okay, and then Kim’s sister, who wanted to come get us, but that was impossible. Now people were frantic and trying to get out. SUV's treading through the water, and people offering money and anything they had for a ride. The guy across the street at the grocery store was charging $20 for a loaf of bread. Later they would throw a brick through the window and loot him of everything. I can't say that he didn't ask for it. He would return later, and burn his business down, to try and recoup something... he reopened on carondelet, on the corner on commons... I can't say that I'm willing to buy anything from him to this day, since he was such a greedy bastard on that day.
The water was rising, and Steve wanted us to join him, and help him with his 16 year old dog mojo. As we walked back through the quarter, we had an amusing conversation. Joked about bass fishing, and catching crawfish on Canal Street. We got to esplanade and trees were ripped out by the roots. You couldn't drive a vehicle through there if you tried. Old oak trees just ripped out. Water still rising and you knew the sewers were too. Some people were laughing it up, and others panicking.
We got to Elysian Fields, and a girlfriend of mine pulled up on her bicycle to tell us they were looting the Roberts on the corner. The pockets of water were back and forth depending on the street. We decided to check out the market, and realized that NOPD had actually come by and opened it up. They even had baskets to help you carry stuff with. But you had to wade through the parking lot to get in. We had lots of supplies, but went in anyway. It was pitch black, but we had flashlights, and it was my neighborhood grocery store, so I knew where I was. Four half gallons of Gatorade, candles, baby wipes, canned food, hydrogen peroxide, dog food, toilet paper, Steve even grabbed some expensive bottles of wine. Within minutes people were trying to break into the cash registers, the ATM, the safe, and grabbing carts full of beer, liquor, candy bars, and shit that just didn't make sense to me. There was a sense of urgency in the air, and it was starting to make me nervous. We stayed maybe ten minutes, and then there was the stench of rotting food in the air, and people shoving and screaming. It was truly frightening. They even left out the salad bar when they closed, and it reeked. We saw several friends inside coming out as we were, and they were doing the same thing as us. We realized at that point that it was about to become a very dangerous place, and I thanked god that we got there in the first few minutes. We got the hell outta there, and plodded on.
We got to steves and relaxed. We had to lug all this stuff through the water, and take breaks carrying it. We actually had more than I thought. Charcoal brickets, lighter fluid, toilet paper, the candles were religious ones, and they said the hand of god on them, to guide you through times of trouble. I thought that was ironic.
Then Kim and I went to our house. The water was now thigh high. My neighbors were sitting on my porch. Their house flooded. I live in a raised house. Judy and her brother were both mentally handicapped, and stayed because their family wouldn't let Judy take her dog with her. They were stuck. I was sickened by that, an animal should be respected. Another neighbor left his dog locked in the house, and he was howling. Perry broke a window to feed the poor thing, but in the end the dog died. All these animals stranded. It was horrifying.
But I had Opal, and thank god we did, cuz she is not the friendliest of dogs, but she sensed what was going on and was in patrol mode. At this point at the house, I wasn't really thinking. I should've grabbed more things, but we figured we wouldn't be gone more than a week. We still didn't know how we were getting out, but we locked down the house from looters. They weren't too far down the road. We took all the doors off the closets and nailed them over the windows. BTW we have bars on all the windows, and doors. We gave Judy and her brother all the canned goods I had. Gave her all the frozen food from the fridge, and cleaned it out of everything but ketchup and mustard. I gave Judy everything I could. I was worried for her, but I had to think of us, and move forward.
(Note… if you ever are coming into a hurricane, always clean out everything in your fridge… including the ketchup, mayo and mustard. When I came home, there were roaches and all kinds of funky things inside. Unplug your fridge and leave the doors open, or you’ll end up cleaning up a very nasty smelling rotting thing. Kim actually ended up cleaning Steve’s fridge later, I did ours. I did it by dumping bleach in it and letting it sit for two days, then wiping it out, then putting fresh coffee grounds in it and charcoal bricketts to kill the smell….)
We packed what we thought would be enough, as most of us here in nola thought we weren’t going to be gone for more than a week. I could hear my cat trapped under the house. I couldn’t get to him. I tried to find him prior to the storm, but he was hiding. Now he was trapped, and I couldn’t get to him. I threw anything I could food wise outside, hoping he would find it when the water receded. He was a smart cat, and I told Judy to leave any food she had out for him as well.
We left the house and waded out to st. claude avenue. There we saw what was the beginning of utter chaos. Looters were dragging furniture out of the store on the corner. They had pried open the hurricane shutters. They had mirrors, couches, tvs, and anything they could take. They had them perched on bicycles and were heading back into the ninth ward through the flood water, and taking this shit home. I wondered what they were going to plug this stuff into? Let alone keep it dry wading through the water. I knew the water heading downriver, would be MUCH deeper than where I stood. Later you would hear stories of how they would chain pit bulls to the stuff they looted, to try to keep from being looted themselves….
Back towards Steve’s we bumped into friends hanging out on their porch. They seemed to be comfy, and not worried too much. They had a gun, and plenty of food, and water, and were drinking. We told them the pay phone worked on St. Claude at the fish market, and we walked them up to it. Now the looters were running outta stuff to steal and were eyeballing the bank. Soaking wet people coming outa of the ninth with all they could carry, and these greedy fuckers carrying all they could steal…. Going back in.
The water was just up over our ankles, but the phone still worked. They called their families, and let them know they were okay. I’m sure their families let them know what they were watching on tv, cuz afterwards they had a sense of fear in their eyes they didn’t have before. We wrapped it up and headed back to the house.
We talked Andy into driving us back to Lauries to get our stuff. Once again we weren’t thinking. We grabbed stuff, and didn’t really realize that we weren’t coming back. I grabbed the money from the bar… I hadn’t counted it yet, but I figured at least a thou… I looked at our two friends who were staying behind, and said very seriously… “you have bicycles, and I know your dream of riding up to Chicago was in the future. I suggest you do it now, cause whats happening is very frightening. Get on your bikes and get outta here… “ I pointed my finger into John’s chest like a mother telling a child what to do. Later, he would tell me, that they got on their bikes, and rode to Baton Rouge, where Brians parents would come get them and take them to Chicago… They had to leave the two cats and the snake. They put out all the cat food, and water they could, and moved. When they left, things had really escalated…
That day at Lauries, no more elevators, as the generators were in the basement, and now filled with water, and the kids staying there were stealing from more businesses. People were trying frantically to find a way out, offering money, and anything they had. There were a group of Russian kids that were drunk and thinking it was all fun and games. We had to climb up nine flights in the dark. The emergency lights were on, but not real bright. When we got upstairs, the emergency flashing lights were on. Strobe lights going off, and a sense of emergency that would haunt me when we returned in October…. It was very surreal and the place reeked of vomit and beer. It was almost too much to take. I just wanted to get back to the Marigny where I knew it was safer. Andy just wanted to get back to his car, as we were afraid of being carjacked. We raced back to the Marigny. Now we knew what streets weren’t flooded, and now we knew what route to take to get out.
Now the radio is saying that the levees are going to break and more water was coming. You need to go to the convention center…. Yeah rite…. We figured we could ride bikes out if we had to. Steve had a grocery cart for Mojo, as he wouldn’t be able to make it walking or running out. we discussed our options, while cooking dinner.
an excerpt from my hurricane diary part one.
I had just had my birthday, and Kim’s was in front of us. It was Saturday and a hurricane was turning towards New Orleans. I can remember looking up at the TV set at work, thinking it was all okay, and realizing that we weren't. I thought it was odd that the year before when Ivan was coming they had evacuation plans, and curfews announced. This time not a thing was going on.... They even had national guardsmen here BEFORE the hurricane the year before....
I'm looking at the TV, and the mayor is now calling for a mandatory evacuation. The storm was moving fast, and had taken a turn towards us, and now is heading straight to New Orleans. I didn't have a car, so I called for a rental, and there was no problem at THAT end, until I got to the airport, and saw the line of stranded tourists.
The rain had started, and the winds were picking up. These people had been standing in line for hours, and only one car rental agency was open. In typical New Orleans style, only one person behind the counter, and she wasn't in any kind of hurry. I'm thinking of how I'm going to be there all night, waiting for a car, and then getting into it, driving with no sleep, and possibly drowning in it. So I changed my mind, and caught a cab back home, as we had a place that was hurricane safe to stay in. I didn't want to separate from Kim, and especially not from my dog Opal.
So home I went for a good nights sleep and to greet whatever was about to happen. I was scheduled to work the next day, and my employer had already evacuated, and I just decided to do whatever it took to be safe. To make as much money as possible, and to be as responsible as I could be for him.
The situation at the airport was messed up. They should've just Xeroxed ID’s and gave out the keys! Let us have the cars so we can get out! I mean really, there's several car rental agencies in new orleans, and lots of cars... and only one remained open. Only one was making cars available... If you could GET one! I counted at least 22 employee's moving cars around in the lot. just movin cars from spot to spot.
Got up the next day and went to work. There were no cabs, so a friend came by to check on us, since he was staying behind. He drove us in, and found out where we were staying. That day we were going to have a huge birthday party for several of us, but most had already evacuated. My boss had made red beans and rice and potato salad, so we just decided to cook it up and give it away.
Spent the day trying to put stuff up high, as I knew the water was coming in. On a good rainy day, water rises on that street... Kim emptied all the grease from the fryers, so that if the water was really high, we wouldn't be looking at a grease stain for the next century, of where the water came to. I had as many people as I knew help us in every way. Gave 65 pounds of ground beef to the NOPD, with bread, cheese and anything else they could carry. They were staying in the hotel up the street.
I remember several different friends who stopped in. Jeff and Rachel, who checked in with us, and I told them I was at Lauries... Then there was Addie and some guy, who came in and got shots. I remember screwing up her shot, and she got kinda mad, but I gave them new ones for free. Lisa came in with Chicago Joe, they were stayin at the Hilton, another friend came in trying to sell a brand new bike, to get money to buy gas... the kid down the street was in a big hurry to split, and get to meridian Mississippi, he took off shortly before things started to get kinda scary. Folks comin in to buy bottles of booze, others to get food. I had the shutters shut, with a sign saying something bout red beans and rice, food, drink a hurricane, and somethin else... people were frantic, they were partying, and "She" was coming, and we all were going to roll with it.
Kim went through the kitchen, moving as much as he could out of "floods" way. He had been through the eye of Hugo, and Andrew, so he already had a good idea of what was to come. My sister had called a month out and told us that something bad was going to happen at the end of August. She's a psychic, and wasn't so sure WHAT was going to happen, but the message from the other side was to watch our backs, not separate, and keep opal close. Stick together... I had thought about that all month long prior to "K", but now I knew what she was talking about.
Boiled 54 dozen eggs and gave them away. We figured they would last longer cooked. Selling drinks, feeding people, in the midst of frenzy. For the most part people were pretty calm. Some were really drunk, and just wanting to drink the evening away. My boss called, he wanted to know if folks were playing the poker machines... "Not so much" was my answer. most folks just wanted food, and drink. Eric from across the street came by to see if I had any bread left. Charles came by and got some various sandwich makins too. I gave as much as I could away. Afterall, once the power went out? and the doors shut? It was just gonna rot. Who knew what was to come.
Worked until midnight, when I could see the winds really picking up. Grabbed the money, the bar cat, and Ice, liquor, juices and anything I thought we could use. Closed the hurricane shutters on the front door, and went to my friend Laurie's apartment. She had already left to go to New York. She offered her place also to two other friends. they hung out at the bar with us. We were gettin pretty drunk... the rain was comin in sideways, and you had to hug the buildings to keep from getting pelted with the rain. It was very intense, and the rain was very cold. I have to admit, it was quite a rush.
I'm looking at the TV, and the mayor is now calling for a mandatory evacuation. The storm was moving fast, and had taken a turn towards us, and now is heading straight to New Orleans. I didn't have a car, so I called for a rental, and there was no problem at THAT end, until I got to the airport, and saw the line of stranded tourists.
The rain had started, and the winds were picking up. These people had been standing in line for hours, and only one car rental agency was open. In typical New Orleans style, only one person behind the counter, and she wasn't in any kind of hurry. I'm thinking of how I'm going to be there all night, waiting for a car, and then getting into it, driving with no sleep, and possibly drowning in it. So I changed my mind, and caught a cab back home, as we had a place that was hurricane safe to stay in. I didn't want to separate from Kim, and especially not from my dog Opal.
So home I went for a good nights sleep and to greet whatever was about to happen. I was scheduled to work the next day, and my employer had already evacuated, and I just decided to do whatever it took to be safe. To make as much money as possible, and to be as responsible as I could be for him.
The situation at the airport was messed up. They should've just Xeroxed ID’s and gave out the keys! Let us have the cars so we can get out! I mean really, there's several car rental agencies in new orleans, and lots of cars... and only one remained open. Only one was making cars available... If you could GET one! I counted at least 22 employee's moving cars around in the lot. just movin cars from spot to spot.
Got up the next day and went to work. There were no cabs, so a friend came by to check on us, since he was staying behind. He drove us in, and found out where we were staying. That day we were going to have a huge birthday party for several of us, but most had already evacuated. My boss had made red beans and rice and potato salad, so we just decided to cook it up and give it away.
Spent the day trying to put stuff up high, as I knew the water was coming in. On a good rainy day, water rises on that street... Kim emptied all the grease from the fryers, so that if the water was really high, we wouldn't be looking at a grease stain for the next century, of where the water came to. I had as many people as I knew help us in every way. Gave 65 pounds of ground beef to the NOPD, with bread, cheese and anything else they could carry. They were staying in the hotel up the street.
I remember several different friends who stopped in. Jeff and Rachel, who checked in with us, and I told them I was at Lauries... Then there was Addie and some guy, who came in and got shots. I remember screwing up her shot, and she got kinda mad, but I gave them new ones for free. Lisa came in with Chicago Joe, they were stayin at the Hilton, another friend came in trying to sell a brand new bike, to get money to buy gas... the kid down the street was in a big hurry to split, and get to meridian Mississippi, he took off shortly before things started to get kinda scary. Folks comin in to buy bottles of booze, others to get food. I had the shutters shut, with a sign saying something bout red beans and rice, food, drink a hurricane, and somethin else... people were frantic, they were partying, and "She" was coming, and we all were going to roll with it.
Kim went through the kitchen, moving as much as he could out of "floods" way. He had been through the eye of Hugo, and Andrew, so he already had a good idea of what was to come. My sister had called a month out and told us that something bad was going to happen at the end of August. She's a psychic, and wasn't so sure WHAT was going to happen, but the message from the other side was to watch our backs, not separate, and keep opal close. Stick together... I had thought about that all month long prior to "K", but now I knew what she was talking about.
Boiled 54 dozen eggs and gave them away. We figured they would last longer cooked. Selling drinks, feeding people, in the midst of frenzy. For the most part people were pretty calm. Some were really drunk, and just wanting to drink the evening away. My boss called, he wanted to know if folks were playing the poker machines... "Not so much" was my answer. most folks just wanted food, and drink. Eric from across the street came by to see if I had any bread left. Charles came by and got some various sandwich makins too. I gave as much as I could away. Afterall, once the power went out? and the doors shut? It was just gonna rot. Who knew what was to come.
Worked until midnight, when I could see the winds really picking up. Grabbed the money, the bar cat, and Ice, liquor, juices and anything I thought we could use. Closed the hurricane shutters on the front door, and went to my friend Laurie's apartment. She had already left to go to New York. She offered her place also to two other friends. they hung out at the bar with us. We were gettin pretty drunk... the rain was comin in sideways, and you had to hug the buildings to keep from getting pelted with the rain. It was very intense, and the rain was very cold. I have to admit, it was quite a rush.
Monday, April 19, 2010
meet de boys on da battlefront
I sure love the TREME. this weeks episode with Coco Robicheaux? hilarious opener... gotta love that chicken! I totally loved the church kids and the "off the beaten path" direction that Davis sent them... He soooooo did the right thing.
I decided on Sunday nights, that I would do a raffle to win a piece of original art for my customers... for every drink you purchase, you get a raffle ticket. at the end of the show, I pull a winner.
I felt compelled to be a shameless self promoter of my art, and the show, and my shift. I will continue to do so, as it was a success... I was worried for a minute when all that rain came down, and the lightnin took out the satellite, but the loa's came forward, and we all got to watch our show.
discussions at the bar, came from many who got cameo's. One, my friend Kerry, will be in next weeks episode as unknown stripper number two... LOL :) you go girl!
then more came forward, as our friends all started telling stories about the scenes they're in too. All of this just makes this even more interesting than Kermit Ruffins BBQ.....
I decided on Sunday nights, that I would do a raffle to win a piece of original art for my customers... for every drink you purchase, you get a raffle ticket. at the end of the show, I pull a winner.
I felt compelled to be a shameless self promoter of my art, and the show, and my shift. I will continue to do so, as it was a success... I was worried for a minute when all that rain came down, and the lightnin took out the satellite, but the loa's came forward, and we all got to watch our show.
discussions at the bar, came from many who got cameo's. One, my friend Kerry, will be in next weeks episode as unknown stripper number two... LOL :) you go girl!
then more came forward, as our friends all started telling stories about the scenes they're in too. All of this just makes this even more interesting than Kermit Ruffins BBQ.....
cordelia WAS the fool
a new production at the allways lounge... MAKE sure that you step across the street and visit me at the hi ho lounge if your planning on seeing this... The lovely poster is YOURS truly.... and thank you michael martin for playing with a whimsical typeface, adding to the picture! I wish you success!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Treme "won't bow, don't know how"
besides being my favorite line from last weeks episode, and my favorite scene of last weeks episode, this one line has brought forward a bunch of memories for me. My landlady (85 yrs old) and her sister, turned OFF, the series last week, when John Goodman went on his rant. They're catholic, and the reference about the priest made them blush. I on the other hand, felt kinship, as he blasted away at the media, and almost "stroked out".... senitiments that were shared throughout the city by all, indeed!
but that Indian Chief, had enough flavor to him, to give me the chills. Makes me want to paint more Indians, and catch more secondlines with Indians... I can remember one morning waking up after the storm, to see them coming down St Roch... muttering Obama under their breath, chanting, dancing, a conjour for NEW things to come... they had been up at the park up the street, to show support for the rebuilding of the st roch neighborhood.
then there was Anba Dlo, and Wild Man John dancing away the night, and enjoying his opportunity to shake, rattle and roll us all into a frenzy while the wild magnolia's played.
the ninth ward hunters at st roch tavern, every sunday before mardi gras, practicing... threatening other tribes as they stepped onto their turf. The tension so thick in the air, I walked out with the hairs on my neck standing up.
The Empath was with me that night, and he walked out rejuvenated... exhilirated... and ready to take on anyone who came near.
The bone gang on mardigras night, last moments of alcohol infusion, last moments of costume, last moments of spyboys in the room... tourists looking upon them, wondering "what is up with all that blood on that mans apron?" then seeing the giant paper mache skeleton mask go back on, and a giant bone gang looming over them, on their way out the door. They didn't get it at all, but they could feel the hairs on the nape of their neck too.
much to be said about our Indian culture, our music, our dance, our secondline, our will... and that determined line... "won't bow, don't know how"'
did america really think we would just walk away?
but that Indian Chief, had enough flavor to him, to give me the chills. Makes me want to paint more Indians, and catch more secondlines with Indians... I can remember one morning waking up after the storm, to see them coming down St Roch... muttering Obama under their breath, chanting, dancing, a conjour for NEW things to come... they had been up at the park up the street, to show support for the rebuilding of the st roch neighborhood.
then there was Anba Dlo, and Wild Man John dancing away the night, and enjoying his opportunity to shake, rattle and roll us all into a frenzy while the wild magnolia's played.
the ninth ward hunters at st roch tavern, every sunday before mardi gras, practicing... threatening other tribes as they stepped onto their turf. The tension so thick in the air, I walked out with the hairs on my neck standing up.
The Empath was with me that night, and he walked out rejuvenated... exhilirated... and ready to take on anyone who came near.
The bone gang on mardigras night, last moments of alcohol infusion, last moments of costume, last moments of spyboys in the room... tourists looking upon them, wondering "what is up with all that blood on that mans apron?" then seeing the giant paper mache skeleton mask go back on, and a giant bone gang looming over them, on their way out the door. They didn't get it at all, but they could feel the hairs on the nape of their neck too.
much to be said about our Indian culture, our music, our dance, our secondline, our will... and that determined line... "won't bow, don't know how"'
did america really think we would just walk away?
Saturday, April 17, 2010
surrey's 1418 magazine street
besides being on diners, drive ins, and dives, surrey's is by far one of the best places in this city to dine, and BUY ART. This Jazz fest season will be like last year, featuring new works by yours truly. Last years successful showing sold about 35 works to the public, and thank you WILL SMITH JR, curator, and friend, for allowing me the opportunity to sell my sometimes twisted, yet whimsical view of nola...
I'd also like to thank Will, because on a recent spending spree, for the HBO series "the treme", Will sold a beautiful oil giclee of a mardi gras float to the series art curator. In turn, he turned to Tim Cohn, and told him about me.
About a month later, Tim purchased four pieces from me, to be featured in the background scenes for one of the episodes... THANK YOU WILL and THANK YOU TIM and THANK YOU TREME!
So in honor of this fabulous purchase, and in honor of my new diggs to watch the Treme, I'll be hosting the show at the hi ho lounge on sundays. There will be a grand prize at the end of each show, for the person who can name / write down the most local references in that episode. from artists, musicians, chefs, local stars, etc...
AND if you want to stay ahead of the entire thing, get over to surrey's, because THATS the one hot spot that the Treme has purchased the art in the background. Be a New Orleanian, and come for the food, come for the music, and come for the art.
Surrey's / 1418 magazine street / 8am to 3pm daily
go to diners drive ins and dives for the recipe for banana's foster stuffed french toast.... salute!
I'd also like to thank Will, because on a recent spending spree, for the HBO series "the treme", Will sold a beautiful oil giclee of a mardi gras float to the series art curator. In turn, he turned to Tim Cohn, and told him about me.
About a month later, Tim purchased four pieces from me, to be featured in the background scenes for one of the episodes... THANK YOU WILL and THANK YOU TIM and THANK YOU TREME!
So in honor of this fabulous purchase, and in honor of my new diggs to watch the Treme, I'll be hosting the show at the hi ho lounge on sundays. There will be a grand prize at the end of each show, for the person who can name / write down the most local references in that episode. from artists, musicians, chefs, local stars, etc...
AND if you want to stay ahead of the entire thing, get over to surrey's, because THATS the one hot spot that the Treme has purchased the art in the background. Be a New Orleanian, and come for the food, come for the music, and come for the art.
Surrey's / 1418 magazine street / 8am to 3pm daily
go to diners drive ins and dives for the recipe for banana's foster stuffed french toast.... salute!
negative energy? or stupidity?
there's been lots of BS floatin out there this week. I haven't paid much attention to it, simply because it isn't worth paying attention to. What I've noticed this week, is malicious words floating in space from folks who I quit hearing some time ago. The part that got my attention? Was when those words could possibly hurt someone, WHOSE intentions are for the greater good of the community.
I never thought much of a man whose sole intentions are to upstage everyone around him. Act like ya mama raised you babe!
I never thought much of a man who lives and breathes something he can't create. Taking credit for someone elses work? AGAIN, act like ya mama raised ya!
AND I never thought much of MEN, who think women are less than equal. Usually those men have some issue with their mother, and then take that out on their wives, daughters, friends, etc. I've watched my two brothers display that attitude my whole lives, and yet HAVE they learned anything from it? NO.
I'd rather smile at the man who thinks he's better than the rest. Partly because I know that they're still in the "gradeschool" or "cradle" of life, while the rest of the world has gone on to college, grad school, and beyond.
grow up.
I never thought much of a man whose sole intentions are to upstage everyone around him. Act like ya mama raised you babe!
I never thought much of a man who lives and breathes something he can't create. Taking credit for someone elses work? AGAIN, act like ya mama raised ya!
AND I never thought much of MEN, who think women are less than equal. Usually those men have some issue with their mother, and then take that out on their wives, daughters, friends, etc. I've watched my two brothers display that attitude my whole lives, and yet HAVE they learned anything from it? NO.
I'd rather smile at the man who thinks he's better than the rest. Partly because I know that they're still in the "gradeschool" or "cradle" of life, while the rest of the world has gone on to college, grad school, and beyond.
grow up.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
the current state of murder
I was just asked why I thought there was a spike in murders round the city, and honestly? I don't know the answer. I just don't spend much time reading the papers, or watching the news, since we were misrepresented during that fateful summer of 2005. Between that, and 9-11? I just view the news as BS, and not news. Seeing murder after murder? Just doesn't get me going so much, why? maybe I've just gotten so jaded, I don't care, but either way? YES, I did see the headlines...
It wasn't so long ago that the headlines were hidden, when murders just one block up the street from me, were a weekly event. They seem to have disappeared, or more likely, everyone involved, died? Leaving no one to kill... These recent killing sprees seem to be in the public eye, several right there during french qtr fest, right in the middle of a busy intersection.
Maybe these kids just got out, maybe its a last moment of murder spree, making a reference to the end of Mayor Nagin, maybe its just random.... I dunno, but I have noticed that suddenly we're surrounded by murder again... Including the home invasions in my hood, that have been hidden from the public eye.
When will nola stop this outrageous cycle?
It wasn't so long ago that the headlines were hidden, when murders just one block up the street from me, were a weekly event. They seem to have disappeared, or more likely, everyone involved, died? Leaving no one to kill... These recent killing sprees seem to be in the public eye, several right there during french qtr fest, right in the middle of a busy intersection.
Maybe these kids just got out, maybe its a last moment of murder spree, making a reference to the end of Mayor Nagin, maybe its just random.... I dunno, but I have noticed that suddenly we're surrounded by murder again... Including the home invasions in my hood, that have been hidden from the public eye.
When will nola stop this outrageous cycle?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
now showing with amzie adams at the country clubb
I'd like to thank Amzie for asking me to participate in this wonderful show... Amzie has closed up shop for the summer, and is showing this month... He also chose other artists to do portraits of him, and thats how I got involved... please take the time to get over there, and enjoy....
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
the TREME
so much anticipation for this HBO show.
we went down to the country clubb and watched.. fun fun atmosphere, lots of locals, cheers, clapping and more... Of course, I'll have to watch it again, since watching it broadcast on the side of a building, didn't really show the fine details I wanted to see, but we really had a great time...
It was interesting to see how all was unfolding, and yes, some folks thought the first glimpse would unfold a plot, but HEY.... they have to introduce some characters first. One giant commercial was how it came across in some ways, but I'm okay with that. I also have to point out, most musicians weren't back here for long time, and many LOST instruments during the flooding, but I'm not goin to sweat the small stuff. It also read like a "here's who you need to know musically" in order to get jazz and more.
Friends commented on how great it was to sit outside, suck down a cold one, and hang with the locals, many who were here for katrina, including me, and for them, they came down in jan of that year, to spend money... a comrade indeed, and delighted to see the smiles on folks faces, when they actually did something very nola on the show... knowing that they too, were part of the nola family.... none of this tabasco on pancakes, or gumbo parties.... just pure nola, presented to the public.
I wonder how many people watched and didn't realize, that YES, we do things like that. YES thats a mardi gras indian... YES thats a secondline... but time will tell.
I'm still excited, and can't wait til next week. We will be showing it at the HI HO Lounge, and I'll be there to serve you...
until next week
same nola time
same nola station...
who dat.
we went down to the country clubb and watched.. fun fun atmosphere, lots of locals, cheers, clapping and more... Of course, I'll have to watch it again, since watching it broadcast on the side of a building, didn't really show the fine details I wanted to see, but we really had a great time...
It was interesting to see how all was unfolding, and yes, some folks thought the first glimpse would unfold a plot, but HEY.... they have to introduce some characters first. One giant commercial was how it came across in some ways, but I'm okay with that. I also have to point out, most musicians weren't back here for long time, and many LOST instruments during the flooding, but I'm not goin to sweat the small stuff. It also read like a "here's who you need to know musically" in order to get jazz and more.
Friends commented on how great it was to sit outside, suck down a cold one, and hang with the locals, many who were here for katrina, including me, and for them, they came down in jan of that year, to spend money... a comrade indeed, and delighted to see the smiles on folks faces, when they actually did something very nola on the show... knowing that they too, were part of the nola family.... none of this tabasco on pancakes, or gumbo parties.... just pure nola, presented to the public.
I wonder how many people watched and didn't realize, that YES, we do things like that. YES thats a mardi gras indian... YES thats a secondline... but time will tell.
I'm still excited, and can't wait til next week. We will be showing it at the HI HO Lounge, and I'll be there to serve you...
until next week
same nola time
same nola station...
who dat.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
new art... new direction
I'm in a strange mood these days... finding things I find entertaining, and then bringing them to life on canvas... some are twisted, some aren't, but interesting indeed... here's a new one... I can't decide what to name her, so maybe y'all can help me out...
Saturday, April 10, 2010
its six thiry am?
my first real busy night at the hi ho lounge, and debauche and the zydepunks... russians, free wodka, accordions, and fiddles, and stand up bass, and OH MY!
thanks to all who came out... loved it, and to John and Laurie! WOOT!
big fun in the HO tonite....
see ya monday for bluegrass!!!
thanks to all who came out... loved it, and to John and Laurie! WOOT!
big fun in the HO tonite....
see ya monday for bluegrass!!!
Friday, April 9, 2010
my birthday and midsummer mardi gras...
well well well
I can't believe it, but this summer? I'm turning 50! So in honor of reaching this age, I'm inviting friends from near and afar, to join me at the midsummer mardi gras with the krewe of oak. The theme hasn't been announced yet, but when it does? I'll let everyone know what our subkrewe will do with it. Last year it was on the anniversary of katrina... It always falls right round my birthday, and this year is no exception. the date is august 28th, rolling through uptown... One giant pub crawl dujour, with barely clad folks running amok, and more...
I invite all my friends to join me, maybe we even come up with our own sub krewe name and theme. I do roll with the hashers, and we do have two kegs of beer, so have no fear about standing in lines and such... just make sure and rsvp so we can do a head count, and decide how much for you to drink from the float... last year it was all of five dollars.... LOL! talk about a cheap date.
we also did a pyrate theme last year, since the float is a boat! so don't be surprized if we stick to that kind of idea. My thoughts on this would to be somali pyrates with machine guns and ammo... but then again, I guess when the motha krewe puts it together, we'll have a better idea.
so buy your airfare now, cause its cheap, and we'll see you in august...
for those of you in new orleans? mark it off on your calendar.
my actual birthday is the 25th, and I've been talking with Lord David about a chicks party at skull club to kick it off, then maybe a pub crawl through town... SO make that two parties!
we'll see you there!
I can't believe it, but this summer? I'm turning 50! So in honor of reaching this age, I'm inviting friends from near and afar, to join me at the midsummer mardi gras with the krewe of oak. The theme hasn't been announced yet, but when it does? I'll let everyone know what our subkrewe will do with it. Last year it was on the anniversary of katrina... It always falls right round my birthday, and this year is no exception. the date is august 28th, rolling through uptown... One giant pub crawl dujour, with barely clad folks running amok, and more...
I invite all my friends to join me, maybe we even come up with our own sub krewe name and theme. I do roll with the hashers, and we do have two kegs of beer, so have no fear about standing in lines and such... just make sure and rsvp so we can do a head count, and decide how much for you to drink from the float... last year it was all of five dollars.... LOL! talk about a cheap date.
we also did a pyrate theme last year, since the float is a boat! so don't be surprized if we stick to that kind of idea. My thoughts on this would to be somali pyrates with machine guns and ammo... but then again, I guess when the motha krewe puts it together, we'll have a better idea.
so buy your airfare now, cause its cheap, and we'll see you in august...
for those of you in new orleans? mark it off on your calendar.
my actual birthday is the 25th, and I've been talking with Lord David about a chicks party at skull club to kick it off, then maybe a pub crawl through town... SO make that two parties!
we'll see you there!
secondline today at lafayette square regarding healthcare... or the destruction of by BOBBY JINDAHL
The SRLC in New Orleans is the largest gathering of Republican leadership short of the presidential convention. As Bobby Jindal is groomed for higher office, the Second Line for Healthcare & Education is our opportunity to present a unified response to our governor's assault on Lousiana's state hospital system & public education.
Our message is clear: reopen Charity Hospital, stop destroying access to health care, stop gutting our schools and Universities!
- Meet at 5:30 pm
- Step-off at 6:00 pm
Route (0.4 miles):
- Start at Lafayette Square Park at St. Charles Ave. and Lafayette
- March down Camp St. to Poydras St.
- March down Poydras to the Hilton Riverside Hotel
So far the Stooges Brass band and the Free Agents are confirmed. Those two are hard to top, but we're working to get even more... stay tuned.
Open planning & strategy meetings at the Iron Rail, 511 Marigny St.
Monday April 5 @ 8 pm
Final Logistics Meeting/Spokescouncil
Wednesday, April 7 @ 7pm
Our message is clear: reopen Charity Hospital, stop destroying access to health care, stop gutting our schools and Universities!
- Meet at 5:30 pm
- Step-off at 6:00 pm
Route (0.4 miles):
- Start at Lafayette Square Park at St. Charles Ave. and Lafayette
- March down Camp St. to Poydras St.
- March down Poydras to the Hilton Riverside Hotel
So far the Stooges Brass band and the Free Agents are confirmed. Those two are hard to top, but we're working to get even more... stay tuned.
Open planning & strategy meetings at the Iron Rail, 511 Marigny St.
Monday April 5 @ 8 pm
Final Logistics Meeting/Spokescouncil
Wednesday, April 7 @ 7pm
good morning french qtr fest!
this morning I'm off to head to lake ponchartrain, as my pooch has a date with rusty. We'll see if Miss Opal likes him... he's a sweet mixed pooch from washington state, and Opal is a catahoula cur, with an attitude. Typically she isn't interested in male dogs, but today in a beach environment? who knows...
My friends are here from Seattle, and working on their house. Brett and Otis are here for two months, Julie, here for french quarter fest. I'm not sure who they want to check out over the weekend, but we'll see. I also have two more good friends comin in on sunday, for the week. Hopefully they're going to make it in time for TREME, on HBO. I'm going to the country klubb to watch, UNLESS they have it in their hotel room. And intimate environment seems way more interesting to me. BUT, sharing the show with friends in a bar? IS very nola.
I see my friend Billy Iuso is playing...at 12:45 pm today at woldenberg park, and then there's a webcast on saturday for those of you who wont be in New Orleans go to tipitina's on the internet for more information...
get out there this weekend, walk your dog, walk yourself, get a snoball, and get some music.. then get out there tonite, and meet me at the hi ho lounge for the Zydepunks and DeBauche. gonna be a hot night at the HO for sho!
My friends are here from Seattle, and working on their house. Brett and Otis are here for two months, Julie, here for french quarter fest. I'm not sure who they want to check out over the weekend, but we'll see. I also have two more good friends comin in on sunday, for the week. Hopefully they're going to make it in time for TREME, on HBO. I'm going to the country klubb to watch, UNLESS they have it in their hotel room. And intimate environment seems way more interesting to me. BUT, sharing the show with friends in a bar? IS very nola.
I see my friend Billy Iuso is playing...at 12:45 pm today at woldenberg park, and then there's a webcast on saturday for those of you who wont be in New Orleans go to tipitina's on the internet for more information...
get out there this weekend, walk your dog, walk yourself, get a snoball, and get some music.. then get out there tonite, and meet me at the hi ho lounge for the Zydepunks and DeBauche. gonna be a hot night at the HO for sho!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
laugh in and my mom...
when I was in second grade, Laugh In came onto television. It was an instant hit, and was the first of its kind. The Sixties brought us Star Trek, Laugh In, Lost In Space, Gilligans Island, Green Acres, Tom Jones, Jackson Five cartoons, beatle cartoons, rocky and bullwinkle, and more.
But I wanted to see Laugh In. Both my parents were in agreement that we would NOT be watching. We were "too young" to be exposed to such naughty television tidbits... I would have to wait until I was at a friends house, or grow older, before I would get my wish.
I would just cry over it, my friends got to watch it..... and so one day at the grocery store, in the aisle, I broke down, threw a second grade fit, and got my Mom to shut me up by buying me a Laugh In lunch box.
What a Hit I expected to be, at school for the rest of the year! the lunchroom was the gym, but folded up into the walls during the day, until that moment when the giant picnic tables would unfold, and there the entire school was, eating lunch. some with paper bag lunches, and others with metal ones.. Those who were lucky, got HOT lunch, and it only cost a nickle. Good Lawd! I even remember when it went to a dime.... :)
There were those who got tunafish sammichs, those who got peanut butter and jelly, and those who just looked at the sandwich with utter disdain, and wished for that HOT lunch instead. NOT ME... I was so excited the entire year to FLAUNT that lunchbox... I could pretend I knew everything about the show, even though I wasn't allowed to watch it.
Then in the eighties, I Flaunted that Lunch Box to collectors, dealers etc. I found out back then that it was worth about $250. There was never a thermos in it, but the inside illustration is pretty funny, and my official sticker from olympia beer is still pasted inside...
So this weekend, while visiting my mom, I told her that Kate Hudson eats lunch where I work. "She's really nice, and super sweet!" My mom then asked me if I had showed her the Lunch Box.
SOOOOOOoooooo, I went to work with the Lunch Box upon returning to New Orleans... GOOD GOD the girls I work with didn't know what Laugh In was....! Suddenly I felt old, and at the same time smiled because tv in general, black and white, and color tv, changed so many things in the sixties.. I mean you watched the news, and actually got news... Bing Crosby and David Bowie, John Lennon, and more... each of those things were MAJOR! So I just kinda feel sad for everything that followed that, cause, HELL, it was Laugh In....
I just snicker thinking of the farkle family.... Jo Ann Worley singing a song with laughter only.... goldie Hawn in a bikini and all painted psychodelic.... Dan Rowen, Dick Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, the stars all came out for laugh in, and got their opportunity to throw a Zzzzzinger! The last american moment of true vaudeville, crashing into the psychedelic hippie culture! Verrrrrrrry Interesting isn't it? the guy on the trike in the rain, the old lady and man on the park bench, Alan Soos, and then seeing the 25 year anniversary video? All those famous people doing things that later in life told an even larger story....
One of my favorite all time moments? Was Cher, standing in Indian Garb, with Dick and Dan... and one sez to the other.... Pocohontis? and the other sez "No Thank You...."
Anyway that day at work I didn't see Kate, but her assistant Chris came in, told us they were wrapping up... at coliseum square. I showed her the lunch box... she asked me if kate had seen it... "No" I replied... She would get a kick.
Next thing I know she's calling me from the dog park, and off I go with my Lunch Box in hand AGAIN. And here's the end result... I'm going to print this and send it to my mom. Its a great memory.
But I wanted to see Laugh In. Both my parents were in agreement that we would NOT be watching. We were "too young" to be exposed to such naughty television tidbits... I would have to wait until I was at a friends house, or grow older, before I would get my wish.
I would just cry over it, my friends got to watch it..... and so one day at the grocery store, in the aisle, I broke down, threw a second grade fit, and got my Mom to shut me up by buying me a Laugh In lunch box.
What a Hit I expected to be, at school for the rest of the year! the lunchroom was the gym, but folded up into the walls during the day, until that moment when the giant picnic tables would unfold, and there the entire school was, eating lunch. some with paper bag lunches, and others with metal ones.. Those who were lucky, got HOT lunch, and it only cost a nickle. Good Lawd! I even remember when it went to a dime.... :)
There were those who got tunafish sammichs, those who got peanut butter and jelly, and those who just looked at the sandwich with utter disdain, and wished for that HOT lunch instead. NOT ME... I was so excited the entire year to FLAUNT that lunchbox... I could pretend I knew everything about the show, even though I wasn't allowed to watch it.
Then in the eighties, I Flaunted that Lunch Box to collectors, dealers etc. I found out back then that it was worth about $250. There was never a thermos in it, but the inside illustration is pretty funny, and my official sticker from olympia beer is still pasted inside...
So this weekend, while visiting my mom, I told her that Kate Hudson eats lunch where I work. "She's really nice, and super sweet!" My mom then asked me if I had showed her the Lunch Box.
SOOOOOOoooooo, I went to work with the Lunch Box upon returning to New Orleans... GOOD GOD the girls I work with didn't know what Laugh In was....! Suddenly I felt old, and at the same time smiled because tv in general, black and white, and color tv, changed so many things in the sixties.. I mean you watched the news, and actually got news... Bing Crosby and David Bowie, John Lennon, and more... each of those things were MAJOR! So I just kinda feel sad for everything that followed that, cause, HELL, it was Laugh In....
I just snicker thinking of the farkle family.... Jo Ann Worley singing a song with laughter only.... goldie Hawn in a bikini and all painted psychodelic.... Dan Rowen, Dick Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, the stars all came out for laugh in, and got their opportunity to throw a Zzzzzinger! The last american moment of true vaudeville, crashing into the psychedelic hippie culture! Verrrrrrrry Interesting isn't it? the guy on the trike in the rain, the old lady and man on the park bench, Alan Soos, and then seeing the 25 year anniversary video? All those famous people doing things that later in life told an even larger story....
One of my favorite all time moments? Was Cher, standing in Indian Garb, with Dick and Dan... and one sez to the other.... Pocohontis? and the other sez "No Thank You...."
Anyway that day at work I didn't see Kate, but her assistant Chris came in, told us they were wrapping up... at coliseum square. I showed her the lunch box... she asked me if kate had seen it... "No" I replied... She would get a kick.
Next thing I know she's calling me from the dog park, and off I go with my Lunch Box in hand AGAIN. And here's the end result... I'm going to print this and send it to my mom. Its a great memory.
gearing up for jazzfest and more....
I'll be showing again this year at surrey's so I've been very busy and painting as much as possible, so sorry if you haven't seen me out and about. I also have started a new job at the hi ho lounge, which ALSO is taking up some of my time. At least I feel like I'm getting out and about by workin in a bar...
so look for some previews here in the very near future...
mardi.
so look for some previews here in the very near future...
mardi.
once upon a mardiclaw.com
Its been a long pyrateweek, and its finally over, THANK GOD! and I can say this year brought some changes. I knew this going in, since last year I was the one who pretty much did all the local groundwork. This year I decided not to do so much work, but to do what I love most... which is put a parade together. Being the only person who actually lived here, I felt it necessary to see what the other two "event organizers" had to bring to the table. I'm glad I did.
So rather than go on about "pyrateweek", I choose to put something NEW on the table. The pyrateweek folks can go back to canada. I choose to find the support for a three day fun filled pyrate adventure, nola style, and festival style. Picking a different date, one that coincides with the krewes here, and not up against so many other great events...
this year was up against the freret street fair, the tennessee williams fest, louisiana food fest, and super sunday. So after jazzfest, I'll be calling together various folks to plan something much more fun for next year. I think everyone agrees with me, that a pyrate event in nola, should be done here locally, not done over the internet from miles away.
the bottom line? the locals showed support for local stuff... but have tired of the BS, that ONCE again, has been brought by someone who doesn't live here, yet knows more than all of us who do.
So rather than go on about "pyrateweek", I choose to put something NEW on the table. The pyrateweek folks can go back to canada. I choose to find the support for a three day fun filled pyrate adventure, nola style, and festival style. Picking a different date, one that coincides with the krewes here, and not up against so many other great events...
this year was up against the freret street fair, the tennessee williams fest, louisiana food fest, and super sunday. So after jazzfest, I'll be calling together various folks to plan something much more fun for next year. I think everyone agrees with me, that a pyrate event in nola, should be done here locally, not done over the internet from miles away.
the bottom line? the locals showed support for local stuff... but have tired of the BS, that ONCE again, has been brought by someone who doesn't live here, yet knows more than all of us who do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)