My Office Hours

Playing catch! She's pretty good.

2009-06-13T19:11:00.001-07:00

Sent from my Nokia.

2009-06-13T18:17:00.001-07:00

Trying to send a MMS message. Not working.

Rest in Peace Uncle!

2009-06-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

It's a shame and a blessing. Death brings friends and families together more quickly than promotions, baby showers or even weddings. The blessings lies ultimately in being able to come together "in spite of" and cheer each other. Death lowers the guard, softens the shock of seeing one another after years, sometimes decades of absence. Even decades later, in only a few minutes it seems like only yesterday we were chasing each other around the yard. We'll miss you Uncle Robert! Let's try harder not to miss one another for very long! MC

One more time...Congratulations!!

2009-05-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Another beaming class of Xavier graduates fill the Lakefront arena in New Orleans May 9th. The address delivered by Donna Brazil to the graduates was meant to inspire with words and compelled by examples of her experience and history as a activist, organizer and motivator to city officials, CEOs and presidents. I as well as the wide eyed graduates were encouraged to do the best as what they love doing and never turn away a challenge.

My hope is that all the graduates can steal smiles like these throughout their life's journey!

My Coach...Chess Champion

2009-03-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

To pay tribute to a new acquaintance of mine I've posted the announcement below. Mr. Rene Phillips has demonstrated to me strength not only in his game play but in his character and view on life in general. I am honored to have him training and preparing my daughter to become one of the few Black female chess champions in this region and I dare say in this country. His dedication and discipline is priceless.

Click the title and listen in on some compelling blow by blow chess play. Start with "Old School vs Neo". You'll be hooked!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

The 2009 Louisiana G/30 Championship was held on Saturday, March 14 at the Baton Rouge Bridge Center. 34 players attended to make this the largest G/30 event in recent history.

Rene Phillips sweeped with a perfect 5/5 score and an incredible 2518 performance rating to become the new Louisiana G/30 Champion. In the final round, Phillips unsheathed his feared London Attack with the white pieces and defeated Adam Caveney to clinch the victory. Phillips is a noted player and chess coach in the New Orleans area; his website, The Chess Gym, provides training and lessons for players of all strengths.

Tied for 2nd place were Alex Steger, Keenan Olson, and newcomer Derek Planchet. Planchet, previously rated 1059, showed an astounding performance rating of 1992.

Other prize recipients:

2nd Place: Alex Steger (tied for 2nd overall)
U2000: Keenan Olson (tied for 2nd overall)
U1800: Derek Planchet (tied for 2nd overall)
U1600: Joshua Larcena
U1400: Jordan Pujol
U1200: Matthew Ussery

Hijab, a tenet of personal modesty for us all.

2009-03-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Having the privilege to talk to people of diverse cultures is not something I can manage on a regularly basis. Although blogs and podcasts are a well establish medium for the exchange of ideas and opinions, it is still somewhat intimidating for candidates to interview spontaneously and openly. Today, however, I was graced with the privileged of a conversation with several young women of Arab descent who agreed to talk with me about their experience at Xavier, their culture and that all too familiar head-wrap called a hijab seen among some Muslim women on campus. It was an informative and inspiring conversation so start the player below and give a listen. Thank you ladies for your trust!

Its Girl Scout Cookie Time!!!!

2009-03-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, its Girl Scout cookie time!! If you've placed your order you can come by my office and pick them up...cash and carry! If you missed placing your order there is still hope for you. You can call the cookie hotline and order them directly at 504-733-8220.

How many chimps do you know are associated with a stimulus bill?

2009-02-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here we go!! Crap like depicting President Obama as a chimp is gonna start and racists are gonna fain ignorance of its reference and call all so called liberals and Black activists "thin skinned".

"...but we compared Bush to a chimp...what's the difference?"

Fools! check your history, then sit back and watch it repeated. Detroit and LA will burn again!

Congratulation New York Post for being one of the first to cast the racist stone at the first Black head of the free world! Now that the gloves are off and everyone's attention has been captured here comes the greedy hoard like myself running to capture some of the spotlight.

President Obama is a man who has experienced his share of disrespect and intimidation so it is not him that we should worry about. It is the out of work single moms, laid off auto and baggage workers and those bankrupted small business owners who we should fear. These have rallied behind President Obama's election and may take "personally" the unwarranted attacks on the only man in Washington who appears to understand their plight and is willing to stick his neck out to help.

The New York Post and Wall Street eat at the same diners and drink at the same pubs. Let's remember when you stop feeding the big dogs they will get angry and try to bite you before becoming weak and submissive to their owners...that would be you, me and President Barack "chimp" Obama!

Picture of the Year 2008, President Obama and Francis

2008-12-31T13:25:00.000-08:00

Two Icons in an Iconic place! Need I say more.

Her first elegant evening of dinning and dancing.

2008-12-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, slightly off topic but I couldn't resist documenting what is often a life changing event in a young lady's life. With two of the finest esorts she will ever have we head off to the Black and Gold Ball at the Marriott Convention Center on December 7th, 2008. Couldn't get her to dance!

Stand Up America...a New Era in American Life is born!

2008-11-08T18:11:00.000-08:00

Good to see you again Dr. Oppenheim!

2008-11-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

Dr. Joel Oppenheim pays another visit to Xavier's Department of Biology and stop by to talk with me in Chemistry about his MD/Ph.D. program at NYU Medical School. Give a listen to Dr. Oppenheim and think about going to New York for a summer research program. Come by my office and get some information.

Surviving my iPhone "jones"!

2008-07-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I made it through the iPhone 3G launch of a couple of days ago. The sexy device I have been coveting all year has lower the front end price and introduced the "App store" in iTunes while raising the back end price with the required $30 unlimited network plan. My Nokia N76 is fitting the bill for now. I've upgraded its OS, downloaded new apps and got the unlimited network plan from AT&T for $20 more a month. Here's a little video that eases my pain:

How to Get Broke by Buying an iPhone

BTW, I did buy an iPhone silicone case...just in case!

Fairwell to the Boss

2008-06-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have had the honor of working with two pillars of the Xavier community, Dr. Deidre Labat and Dr. Elizabeth Barron. Dr. Barron is retiring after 25 years at Xavier and having taken the reins as VP of Academic Affairs from Dr. Labat after the storm. I am personally grateful to both for working with me and establishing my presence at Xavier and particularly for Dr. Barron's opportunity to begin a research program from day one. Happy retirement...but don't throw out your XU ID too quickly! Your expertise will no doubt be call upon.

Marching Forward to Lead and Serve!

2008-05-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Dr. Tavis Smiley was the honored speaker at the 2008 Xavier Commencement, and what a honored speaker he was. With inspiring words by Dr. Benjamin Mays, Dr. Martin Luther King, William Cowper and Isaac Watts and with a tribute to our President, Dr. Norman C. Francis, the longest sitting president of any college or university in this country at 40 years, Dr. Smiley "went to church" and raised us to our feet more than once as he encourage the graduates and all present to move forward in hope to save one another by service to one another. A fitting end for many who were still feeling the ravages of the storm of 2005. It was an honor and privilege as well for me to serve and experience the Xavier University Class of 2008.

McGill-Toolen High School Reunion!!...oh the memories...huh?

2008-04-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

So its that time. After the semester wraps up, grades delivered and caps and gowns put away and after a little respite and lab prep, I'm off to my 30th high school reunion. Yes 30 years! Some of those faces I haven't seen in 28 years and well, more than a few I probably won't recognize.

Why do we subject ourselves to this? Few were real friends then so are now even more distant. Much of the hatred and love has been forgotten...what am I saying...I'm a dude...the love rarely is forgotten.

They say some memories are best to remain memories (remember Walken's line in "Click"). Never-the-less, presumably we've aged and have learned to be civil either voluntarily or as a consequence of living over the last 30 years. Two days sober or drunk among strangers who are all linked to the past. This was Mobile Al in the 70's. I am now in the middle of a desegregation order in Jefferson Parish and its 2008! Imagine the climate in Mobile before 1978. We survived...to become what? We shall see.

Oh, me...I haven't changed much. A little less hair, a little less trusting but looking forward to reminiscing. I know the music will be great!

Join me in donations...then come walk with me!

2008-04-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 4/26/08, 9:00 AM, LaSalle Park, Airline Dr. at Zephyr Field, New Orleans

The March of Dimes has changed the name of its biggest event to March for Babies. It's a great change because it makes it very clear exactly who I am walking for -- all babies. I am very excited to be a part of the “first” March for Babies; please support my participation.

We Need Your Data!!

2008-03-31T07:48:00.001-07:00

Are you a graduating senior or a alumni from Chemistry at Xavier? Please fill in the online survey. (click the title to be redirected)

I think Hell just froze over...what do you think?

2008-03-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

I applaud the effort, the courage and the shear nerve of these ladies. Multiculturalism will require steppin' out (pardon the pun) like this...but give us a little warning first. Come on by my office and let's talk.

Victory...but at what price in Jefferson Parish!

2008-03-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

It was sad. Although we managed to bring to light the imperfections and inequities in the Consent Order submitted by the Jefferson Parish School System (JPSS)...what we are left with is a system still locked in the 1960's, with administrators still paying for the sins of the past and far worst, 44,000 students whose parents, according to their representative at the Fairness hearing, believe that leaving the responsibility of educating their children in the hands of JPSS is their only option. This is a call out! The parents of Magnet Schools have made their positions known. Now that you see that it is possible...PLEASE step in and take part in your children's education. If you don't the Greater New Orleans Public School System will continue to be substandard, ineffective and segregated not by races or rivers but by the caring and the uncaring for the education of our children.

Thank you Judge Engelhardt.

Having our say, too!

2008-03-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Channel 8 News are planning to be at Metairie Academy tomorrow morning Thursday to interview parents @ 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 am, before the press conference. They would like to give us a chance to be heard and show our support.

Please contact Nancy Decorte @ 483-1540 or email her @ ndecorte@wvue.emmis.com , if you are interested in being heard.

I am thrilled the press is giving us this opportunity to speak out.

Geographic Segregation and Jim Crow Returns to Louisiana

2008-03-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

In the early 70's there was a serious problem particularly in the Southern states of the USA in getting our children a standard public education due to the egregious practices known as the "Jim Crow" laws. Have they returned...you decide. (I know this is long but worth reading) Adapted from Vernellia R. Randall, Professor of Law The University of Dayton

Jim Crow?...Again!!?

Education: Separate free schools shall be established for the education of children of WESTBANK descent; and it shall be unlawful for any WESTBANK child to attend any EASTBANK school, or any EASTBANK child to attend a WESTBANK school.

Education: The schools for WESTBANK children and the schools for EASTBANK children shall be conducted separately.

Education: [The County Board of Education] shall provide schools of two kinds; those for EASTBANK children and those for WESTBANK children.

and the logical progression…

Teaching: Any instructor who shall teach in any school, college or institution where members of the EASTBANK and WESTBANK are received and enrolled as pupils for instruction shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in any sum not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense. (Do my bosses know this?)

Libraries: The state librarian is directed to fit up and maintain a separate place for the use of the WESTBANK people who may come to the library for the purpose of reading books or periodicals. (yes we do read!)

Nurses: No person or corporation shall require any WESTBANK nurse to nurse in wards or rooms in hospitals, either public or private, in which EASTBANK men are placed. (I think they might agree to this one.)

Buses: All passenger stations in this state operated by any motor transportation company shall have separate waiting rooms or space and separate ticket windows for the WESTBANK and EASTBANK.

Railroads: The conductor of each passenger train is authorized and required to assign each passenger to the car or the division of the car, when it is divided by a partition, designated for the WESTBANK and the EASTBANK.

Lunch Counters: No persons, firms, or corporations, who or which furnish meals to passengers at station restaurants or station eating houses, in times limited by common carriers of said passengers, shall furnish said meals to WESTBANK and EASTBANK passengers in the same room, or at the same table, or at the same counter. (my own pile of crawfish...yeah!)

Restaurants: It shall be unlawful to conduct a restaurant or other place for the serving of food on the EASTBANK, at which the WESTBANK people are served in the same room, unless such WESTBANK and EASTBANK are effectually separated by a solid partition extending from the floor upward to a distance of seven feet or higher (or the Mississippi River), and unless a separate entrance from the street is provided for each compartment.

Fishing, Boating, and Bathing: The [Conservation] Commission shall have the right to make segregation of the WESTBANK and EASTBANK persons as to the exercise of rights of fishing, boating and bathing (particularly bathing).

Pool and Billiard Rooms: It shall be unlawful for a WESTBANK and EASTBANK person to play together or in company with each other at any game of pool or billiards...(this by extension shall apply to LSU and Saints games)

Toilet Facilities (Male): Every employer of WESTBANK or EASTBANK males shall provide for such WESTBANK or EASTBANK males reasonably accessible and separate toilet facilities.

Intermarriage: The marriage of a person of, Mongolian, Malay, Hindu, (Chinese, Vietnamese, Muslim, Hispanic, Mexican) or WESTBANK blood with an EASTBANK person shall be null and void.

Intermarriage: All marriages between a WESTBANK person and an EASTBANK person, or between a WESTBANK person and a person of EASTBANK descent to the fourth generation inclusive, are hereby forever prohibited.

Intermarriage: The marriage of a WESTBANK person with a EASTBANK or WEST/EASTBANK person who shall have one-eighth or more of WESTBANK blood, shall be unlawful and void.

Promotion of Equality: Any person...who shall be guilty of printing, publishing or circulating printed, typewritten or written matter urging or presenting for public acceptance or general information, arguments or suggestions in favor of social equality or of intermarriage between WESTBANK and EASTBANK persons, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding five hundred (500.00) dollars or imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months or both. (guess I should pack!)

Housing: Any person...who shall rent any part of any such building to a WESTBANK person or a WESTBANK family when such building is already in whole or in part in occupancy by a EASTBANK person or EASTBANK family, or vice versa when the building is in occupancy by a WESTBANK person or EASTBANK family, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five ($25.00) nor more than one hundred ($100.00) dollars or be imprisoned not less than 10, or more than 60 days, or both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court. Louisiana

(In addition to the CAPITALS the italic is my editorial.)

Thriller dance on the tube - Michael Jackson thriller

2008-02-10T10:58:00.001-08:00

Been on the train in Washington, DC. Would loved to have seen this. Yeah I like Michael...not ashamed. Talented man.

Schedule a meeting on Doodle

2008-01-31T01:30:00.000-08:00

Want to be immortalized? Come to my office and record your feelings, anxieties, fears or dreams, preserving your anonymity except for a few close friends. Click this title and "participate". I'll make sure I'm in.

Washington Trip...nahnah nah nah naaah naah!!

2008-01-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed my short trip to Washington. Love their public transportation...very efficient! Grand Hyatt was just that...Grand...and expensive. $8 for a cup of coffee, $15 for toast and eggs. Needless to say I walked to the nearest Subway.