The Monkey Speaks His Mind

Springtime in New Orleans

2009-04-13T04:18:00.001-07:00

With Easter, "Spring" has officially begun in New Orleans. We were home this weekend, since I had a conference presentation to make at the American Cultural Association meetings. It was a wonderful conference, and my presentation on the "new" culture emerging in post-Katrina New Orleans was extremely well received. Gwinnett College would like me to come up there to make the presentation. The Conference also is interested in having me do a showcase presentation on my research next year. I am working to finish the paper and submit it for publication.

More than the conference, though, it was nice to be back home and feel like we were back home. I hate being a tourist in my own city, so we did more of the "normal" things this time--had a cookout with Maggie and JC and the gang in Broadmoor, visited with friends in the Quarter, took Devin back to the Aquarium (ok, so that is touristy), watched the Crescent City Classic on our front porch, went to Antoinette's Wake Party at the Mother-In-Law, and had some good food. What I need now is to stay at a place with a kitchen so I can cook my own meals.

What I realize is that as I grow professionally, I must be able to get back home as often as I want--perhaps once a month, perhaps in time with a job back in New Orleans. The city, the culture, and my friends are too embedded in my soul. I appreciate my place in New Orleans. I find my soul in the city.

I have the patience to see how time and opportunities take us back to New Orleans. Baby-steps back home. If it becomes the once-a-month journeys back home, I'm ok with this right now. This is a good starting point.

Antoinette K-Doe's Passing

2009-02-26T05:45:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Ms. Antoninette K-Doe passed away in her sleep. We have lost another New Orleans cultural icon and community rebuilder. I will miss seeing her in New Orleans, and I will try to be there for her second line. She needs to be honored for all her work in the city. She was recently awarded the "Heartbeat Award" by Offbeat Magazine. Here is the article.

I will miss you very much. You have done so much for New Orleans.

An Incredible Political Loss for New Orleans

2009-01-30T05:28:00.000-08:00

New Orleans Inspector General Robert Cerasoli quits post, citing health issues

Change We Can Believe In

2009-01-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

It didn't take Ms. Napolitano as Director of Homeland Security long to begin reviewing the mess left behind by Bush, Chertoff and Brownie.

Here is the link.

Is It Time to Leave New Orleans?

2009-01-25T23:47:00.000-08:00

I have been troubled at the volume of murders happening in New Orleans at the beginning of 2009. There seems to be more of it taking place now than even before the Federal Flood. Keith Spera writes in today's Times Picayune an excellent reflective piece.

I think it is important to read

Spera writes:
"Until now, my wife and I have chosen to remain in the neighborhood and accept whatever risk that entails. But what of our responsibility to our child?

Does it make sense to raise her in a neighborhood, or a city, where killing is routine?

If not, when do we leave? And how far do we go?

How many other New Orleanians -- natives, like myself, and relative newcomers, like my wife -- ask themselves this same question?

Or do we all live in a state of denial?"

Something has to be done to make New Orleans safer. It will take more than good schools and an economic development program that truly distributes more jobs to residents beyond the tourist sector. Multiple systems have fallen apart and need to be repaired or replaced. Indeed, a whole culture may have to change on multiple fronts--political, social, community.

How we got here--historically there are numerous points we can find. How we go forward--if the will exists, it will still take time and more importantly for the disenfranchised there will need to be "proof" that viable alternatives to hopeless life exists.

I hate to see my city decay in this way, but it may be time for those who do have families to reconsider if it is worth it to LIVE in the city.

Hallelujah!!!

2009-01-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

The 44th President of the United States....

I have not been so hopeful about the direction of America since 1968. In that year, two of my heroes were murdered--Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. It would shape my critical attitude towards the United States and its politics up to this point in my life.

These last eight years have been nothing but a nightmare for me. Year after year, things only got worse. How Shrub got "elected" in 2004 was incomprehensible to me--a real low-point in politics in this country. How could so many people be so wrong?

Barack Obama will take the oath of office at Noon. It is an incredible event on so many fronts. I am filled with lots of emotions right now.

I am happy to say that I will support my President with all my heart.

My President

President Barack Obama
The 44th President of the United States
Thank God

Lift Every Voice And Sing

2009-01-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

Remember....

And let us MOVE to Change.

One more day....

George Bush can Kiss My Ass

2009-01-13T08:18:00.001-08:00

I have now lived in Harker Heights, TX for 3 years. We have landed on our feet and we have, with hesitancy, moved on. It took me a while to do that, and I honestly know that there is no other place for me to live in the world than New Orleans. Someday, I know we will find our way back. But for the long-term, we will be here in Central Texas. Good job, a “peaceful” life, beginning to collect good friends, and throwing some good parties. Susan and I are enjoying our Blue Room nights more and more—it’s like relaxing at Zots on Royal St. back in the day.

This is all good and fine, but it doesn’t mean I don’t get mad as hell when Katrina is brought up, especially by the Village Idiot from Crawford, Texas.

George, not only was the Federal response “slow” during Hurricane Katrina—it was non-existent. Yes, the Coast Guard worked vigilantly to rescue people from their homes. But we needed more help, even while the Coast Guard was doing its job! How many people died in the hospitals? How many people died in the nursing homes? How many people died while waiting to be evacuated from the highways and airport? How many days did it take for ANY concerted Federal response to hit the city? How many days before Michael fucking Brown admitted that there was even a goddamn problem in New Orleans?

I could go on, and ask any of us who experienced Katrina firsthand what we think about Bush and Katrina—we can go down our own personal checklists of unmet federal promises to make our lives whole again. I just traveled through the Lakeview and Lower Ninth Ward neighborhoods and am now numb at the lack of visible signs of rebuilding in those areas. Drive through many of our neighborhoods, and you still see one occupied house among 10 in a block, the occasional FEMA trailer, and houses destroyed by the storm still lying vacant and unrepaired. To date, the Federal Response has been “at best” SLOW—AT A SNAIL’S PACE, and truly INADEQUATE. Both of those truths indicate how serious you never were in helping rebuild our city. Look at Galveston today and you see a continuation of this total neglect for the safety and rebuilding of communities destroyed by disasters in our own country by your fuckingly inept administration.

I will be happy to see you go in 6 days. The clock cannot tick fast enough. And I hope I can say hello to you in Crawford, TX, just a few miles north of me where I now live because of your lack of help to New Orleans. I want to give you my own personal one-finger salute. You are a sorry excuse for human life.

Nice to be home

2009-01-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

It is difficult updating anything on the road when all you have is a minicomputer and a phone pc!!! But that's what I brought with me, and it will have to do.

I was surprised with the quality of the food at Fiorella's last night. They finally got it right (or back to the way it was before the storm). Chicken was excellent, and so were the fried pickles. I would highly recommend it, especially to those who have been there after it was bought two years ago by the folks at Whirling Dirvish.

Cece and I walked through the Quarter last night after dinner, and I felt like I was home. Window browsing on Royal St. is a joy, though I continue to see shops closing every time I come back. The Quarter was alive, though, and that is what I needed.

We actually packed lots in for the evening. The Quarter, Frenchman St., Rock & Bowl to see Kermit, and then a drive down Magazine St. It was again as if I had never left.

Cece appreciates this visit very much. She especially appreciates the diversity here among the young men she sees. She is having fun, and that's really what this trip is all about.

Heading to New Orleans

2009-01-02T05:31:00.001-08:00

Should be there by tonight. Dinner at Mandina's with Cece, then off to Brocata's. Yum :)

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Here's to all of you, wishing you the best for 2009. Here's to Hope, and Change, and New Beginnings that will make a better life for working people in America.

Snow in New Orleans?

2008-12-11T19:51:00.001-08:00

Hey, folks. I want to see pix ;)

Why I Voted For Senator Barack Obama

2008-11-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

These are the issues that are most important to me as I made my decision to vote for Barack Obama. Though all four issues are important, I have placed them in my order of importance.

1. The Supreme Court
I believe that an Obama administration AND a Democratically held Senate will be able to keep the Supreme Court moderate at best. The Obama Court will not overturn Roe v. Wade, and this is important to me.

2. Fairness Doctrine
I believe an Obama administration will reinstate the Fairness Doctrine in communications. I believe it should be the first Executive Order he signs once he is inaugurated. I believe that the airwaves are dominated by Right-Wing hate mongers and that there is a need today for a balanced and educated voice for the listening public. We need to get rid of the hate on the air and use the media to educate citizenship.

3. National Health Care
I believe an Obama administration will move quickly to create a National Health Care system. We need this to become more competitive in the Global labor market so that we can better keep jobs in the US.

4. Ending the Iraq War
I believe the Obama administration will move quickly to get our troops out of Iraq. It is about time to get out of this conflict so symbolic of the Bush debacle.

These issues are paramount in my decision. They completely separate the two candidates in this race.

Hurricane Ike--Part 1

2008-09-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Alrighty then....

I've had it already with Hurricane season....

I want all my friends to know that we have a place for you all to stay that won't cost you a dime. I'll cook some of the best food you will every have. Real home cookin'.

Don't waste more money than gas money to get up here.

It's boring, but it's safe.

If you need a plan, come on up to Harker Heights.

Banzai

Conservative Republican Double-speak

2008-09-05T04:52:00.000-07:00

And which is it? Experienced, inexperience? Private issue, or issue for public scorn? Sexist, or female candidates open for criticism?

You gotta see this.

And then, make your contribution to Obama. We gotta win this one.

Trying to Help

2008-09-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

I've been on Twitter for the past two days trying to help friends keep up with the news coming out of New Orleans. Here is the link to the newsfeeds.

It has been an incredible resource. If you want to see what I'm up to, go to twitter and look for Banzaibill.

Someone should write an article about this.

The Sunday Morning Track

2008-08-31T09:38:00.001-07:00

24 hours to landfall

Still not looking good. New Orleans to the East of the storm--barely.

Thankfully, most of my friends are either out of town or heading out.

Lots are using Twitter to send messages about road conditions. A nice resource.

Why can't this storm go to Texas?

More later....

Gustav, Go Away

2008-08-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

11:00am. Gustav's forecast at 11am moves it back to the East closer to New Orleans.

I would now be planning on leaving by Sunday, if not sooner....

Don't take the chance. Head to Florida, or North and enjoy the Labor Day weekend.

My philosophy when I see these things enter the gulf is watch it closely because it can do anything once there. This is nothing to mess with--it's a Cat 3, and it's moving slowly. It is still very unpredictable.

30 x 90 folks--30 x 90. It's got to be deep in the gulf and steadily moving west before I decide to STAY.

The Tropical Storm force winds will extend all around New Orleans. That is going to cause some storm surge into Lake Pontchatrain and the Mississippi River (which is already high). This enough will test the levee system.

Look--schools are out until next week, I'm sure businesses have made plans to close.... What I'm saying is just be smart about this. Be wise and be careful.

My thoughts are with you all. More updates later.

OBAMA

2008-08-29T05:20:00.000-07:00

Take a good look at the next President of the United States.

I like the part in his speech when he said "Enough!" And we've had ENOUGH of Bush failures. On this third year anniversary of Katrina, I want to remind you of the MANY signifant failures of Bush and Republicans over the past 7 1/2 years. Using an old Reagan line, consider: "Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago?"

Barak Obama will lead us into the future. And he will change America--more than he even has so far.

Wake up to a new Morning. It's a new America today.

Hurricane Gustav

2008-08-26T08:07:00.001-07:00

Friday Update:
Gustav continues to track west this morning, but the models "split" between an eastern or western turn. By tomorrow, we should have a much better idea of where this nasty storm will hit.

And, as many of you know--keep an eye out for Hanna. She looks like she'll make a turn with no clear indication of which direction it might go.

Its the three year anniversary of Katrina--that and Gustav are heavy on my mind right now.

Keep wishing it towards Texas--we need the rain.

It' Getting "Stinky" in New Orleans....

2008-08-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

And it ain't because of overflowing garbage trucks running through da Quarter....

C-Ray is going to get an award for (I can hardly believe I'm writing this) "Distinction for Recovery, Courage and Leadership." What a crock of shit that is (pardon my language).

But Adastros has exposed the real moving force for the event. In essence, its a Fundraiser for C-Ray. And there are some folks who are not too happy to be associated with this event--bascially, they were sold a bill of goods for an event they knew nothing about.

Yeah, C-Ray--that's the way to do it. Keep foolin' folks for your own purposes. You are such a piece of low political life--I can't believe you are still in office. Get him out, folks--please, get him out!!!!

Happy Dirty Linen Night

2008-08-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

Wish we could be there....

But, I'm drinking lots tonight in hopes that I can recreate the thoughts :)

Banzai

Mayor Nagin IS a NO SHOW

2008-08-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

It's not surprising to me that Mayor Nagin not show up at the City Council chambers this morning. He's been a "no-show" throughout the rebuilding process.

He IS probably having breakfast at some fancy restaurant this morning.

Hey, don't we have access to his schedule? Oh, I forgot, that might be too personal of an issue with C-Ray (not lately)....

Ray Nagin, you sorry excuse for a Mayor….

Here is this morning's story in the TP. "Prior scheduling commitments" my ass....

Here is the feckless mayor hard at work:

Imagine--the next time you open your eyes, C-Ray, you'll be looking at a warrant for your arrest....

Tropical Storm Edouard

2008-08-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we could use the RAIN here in Central Texas....

I'm not so sure that Houston has to panic about this one. I'm more worried about the other storm that could be in the Gulf next week.... It's Hurricane Season....

Don't Underestimate Citizen Activist Blogs!!!

2008-08-02T07:17:00.001-07:00

Don’t ever underestimate the power of the citizen activists using Blogs. Today’s TP ran a story entitled New Orleans suspends home rehab operation and credited Karen Gadbois and her work at her blog Squandered Heritage with exposing the corruption at NOAH.

Great Job Karen—I know you work really hard on this project. And you do it for all the right reasons. And you don’t get enough credit. And you need all of our support.

If you want to know the value of Blogs and activism, read The Nation’s recent article on MOVEON.COM’s 10 year anniversary.

Blogs mobilize the new “silent majority” in ways never experienced before. We are all making a change happen.

How exciting is this!!!