Would you mind offering your advice on where to stash supernumerary relatives and friends? Regional hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, boarding houses; where have you had a good experience? The better writers can describe the positive stuff. But I will be happy with your simple listing of places you think are adequate.
Cautionary notes are welcome, too.
And if you send a photo I will be hunca-munca.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Rest in peace: O'Neil Broyard, proprietor of the Saturn Bar, Bywater neighborhood, New Orleans
People treasure the Crescent City partly for its characterful saloons and barkeeps. With the passing of the Saturn Bar's proprietor, O'Niel Broyard, our attention goes once more to the Choctaw-Creole city of New Orleans.
The Nola.com obit, in part: "According to a report from the Southern Foodways Alliance, O'Neil Broyard, the wonderfully eccentric owner of New Orleans' well-known Saturn Bar, passed away on Thursday, December 22nd."
You can enjoy a slice of the Big Easy's talk-and-food-centered life in this Bartenders of New Orleans interview.
Thanks to Shannon Glasheen Brock for the note.
The Nola.com obit, in part: "According to a report from the Southern Foodways Alliance, O'Neil Broyard, the wonderfully eccentric owner of New Orleans' well-known Saturn Bar, passed away on Thursday, December 22nd."
You can enjoy a slice of the Big Easy's talk-and-food-centered life in this Bartenders of New Orleans interview.
Thanks to Shannon Glasheen Brock for the note.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Artspace holiday party Fri, Dec 30, 5 to 9 pm / final glow of Deck the Halls art & artisans workshop
"The artists party on Fri, Dec 30, is a closing for the first Deck the Halls Xmas workshop," says Artspace co-manager Danielle Reans. "It is also an artists' appreciation party for all the talented people who have shown here since the opening."
The get together is from 5 to 9 pm.
Artspace will be closed for the New Year's weekend.
Deck the halls artists must pick up their work on Tues, Jan 3 or Wed, Jan 4, says Reans. SRAC's offices will re-open Jan 3.
Artists & artisans should grok the guidelines for submissions to Folk Art Is at Shrevearts.org.
Artspace: 673-6535.
The get together is from 5 to 9 pm.
Artspace will be closed for the New Year's weekend.
Deck the halls artists must pick up their work on Tues, Jan 3 or Wed, Jan 4, says Reans. SRAC's offices will re-open Jan 3.
Artists & artisans should grok the guidelines for submissions to Folk Art Is at Shrevearts.org.
Artspace: 673-6535.
Waterlines, Lakeview neighborhood, New Orleans / photo Kathie Cranford
Series of 4 New Orleans photos and commentary Dec 26, 05, by Slidell residents Kathie & Clay Cranford (my sister and her husband):
"Clay and I took Jane and Andy to the airport early the morning after Christmas and then decided to take our own city tour of the levee breaches and the results of flooding. Here are some of the grim and astounding sights we saw. The first shot is of two charming cottages in Lakeview that clearly tell the story of how much floodwater they steeped in. They are also stained with the orange, spray-painted X that is the mark of Cain on almost every single house in New Orleans; it tells of the house-to-house search for bodies. The minor litter in the front yards shows that the debris piles of soaked sheetrock, mattresses, and furniture have been removed already."
"Clay and I took Jane and Andy to the airport early the morning after Christmas and then decided to take our own city tour of the levee breaches and the results of flooding. Here are some of the grim and astounding sights we saw. The first shot is of two charming cottages in Lakeview that clearly tell the story of how much floodwater they steeped in. They are also stained with the orange, spray-painted X that is the mark of Cain on almost every single house in New Orleans; it tells of the house-to-house search for bodies. The minor litter in the front yards shows that the debris piles of soaked sheetrock, mattresses, and furniture have been removed already."
Levee breach, New Orleans / photo Kathie Cranford
New Orleans photos, Dec 26, 05, by Kathie & Clay Cranford.
"The second photo is of the largest, most devastating breach along the Industrial Canal which obliterated much of the ninth ward. (It was up this levee that Prince Charles and Camilla climbed when they visited last month.) The break must have come with great force and violence because everything is smashed to smithereens for blocks around. Several blocks away, whole houses were moved off their foundations and were washed into the streets where they sit today, blocking the way."
"The second photo is of the largest, most devastating breach along the Industrial Canal which obliterated much of the ninth ward. (It was up this levee that Prince Charles and Camilla climbed when they visited last month.) The break must have come with great force and violence because everything is smashed to smithereens for blocks around. Several blocks away, whole houses were moved off their foundations and were washed into the streets where they sit today, blocking the way."
Ninth ward debris, New Orleans / photo Kathie Cranford
New Orleans photos Dec 26, 05, by Slidell resident Kathie Cranford with husband Clay Cranford.
The third view shows that little has been touched
because there was nothing to save, sort, or gut. Amazingly, it is all still there four months after the storm. Through the breach sailed this enormous barge which now lies on the land side of the canal, having come to rest on the school bus and in someone's front yard. The floodwall can be seen in the background to the right of the bus; it's intact here; the breach is a way down. We have dozens more pictures of tsunami-like
destruction. I never thought I'd see such sights in my life. We have been told and have found for ourselves that scores of photos just cannot tell the story. Being there in person and surveying the scene in 360 degrees really brings it home to you. We took Alexandra and Sumanth and Shamin, in Slidell for their Christmas visits, to see the scenes the next day, and they too were in awe of the sights. The worst part of the city is no more than a five-minute ride from the untouched Quarter, where we ended our tour on a high note.
The third view shows that little has been touched
because there was nothing to save, sort, or gut. Amazingly, it is all still there four months after the storm. Through the breach sailed this enormous barge which now lies on the land side of the canal, having come to rest on the school bus and in someone's front yard. The floodwall can be seen in the background to the right of the bus; it's intact here; the breach is a way down. We have dozens more pictures of tsunami-like
destruction. I never thought I'd see such sights in my life. We have been told and have found for ourselves that scores of photos just cannot tell the story. Being there in person and surveying the scene in 360 degrees really brings it home to you. We took Alexandra and Sumanth and Shamin, in Slidell for their Christmas visits, to see the scenes the next day, and they too were in awe of the sights. The worst part of the city is no more than a five-minute ride from the untouched Quarter, where we ended our tour on a high note.
Barge-on-bus, New Orleans, Industrial Canal / photo Kathie Cranford
New Orleans photos and commentary by Slidell resident Kathie Cranford - with husband Clay Cranford - on Dec. 26, 05.
"Through the breach sailed this enormous barge which now lies on the land side of the canal, having come to rest on the school bus and in someone's front yard. The floodwall can be seen in the background to the right of the bus; it's intact here; the breach is a way down."
"Through the breach sailed this enormous barge which now lies on the land side of the canal, having come to rest on the school bus and in someone's front yard. The floodwall can be seen in the background to the right of the bus; it's intact here; the breach is a way down."
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Dirtfoot totes in the New Year at Columbia Cafe about 10 pm the 31st / photo david Nelson
Dirtfoot, the curlicued circle that will energize your enzymes, plays at Columbia Cafe on the hallowed 31st of December, says p & p percussionist Aaron Butler. The sextet should begin the beguine about 10 pm.
From the western side of the mandala, northward: Scott Gerardy, Matt Hazelton, Eric Gardner, Lane Bayliss, Aaron Butler and Jay Bratlie.
Enjoy Matt's growl and the band's ruckus at myspace.com/mydirtfoot.
Matthew Linn's plan in regards fitting a swingin' sextet and the Dirtfoot gypsy audience into his intimate restaurant? According to Butler, "We're playing from 10pm-1am outside. That's as long as the weather stays the way it is. There will be $1 Abita and champagne specials. And there's no cover."
More on where to ramble for diversions on New Year's eve at ShreveportRocks.com. Check in with the entertainers themselves at the Rock talk on the SRForum.
From the western side of the mandala, northward: Scott Gerardy, Matt Hazelton, Eric Gardner, Lane Bayliss, Aaron Butler and Jay Bratlie.
Enjoy Matt's growl and the band's ruckus at myspace.com/mydirtfoot.
Matthew Linn's plan in regards fitting a swingin' sextet and the Dirtfoot gypsy audience into his intimate restaurant? According to Butler, "We're playing from 10pm-1am outside. That's as long as the weather stays the way it is. There will be $1 Abita and champagne specials. And there's no cover."
More on where to ramble for diversions on New Year's eve at ShreveportRocks.com. Check in with the entertainers themselves at the Rock talk on the SRForum.
Thomas Little at Prima Tazza: working with the illusion of depth from Jan 5
Thomas Little's show at Prima Tazza, an exceptionally clean coffee shop at Ashley Ridge ( (318) 550-0174), will offer 10 drawings and acrylic paintings and a single stone carving. Little says, " I used several different styles including abstract, surrealism, naturalism, and expressive."
The young artist continues, "I've always been fascinated with the concept of creating a 3-dimensional image on a flat surface. Though the white shapes are flat, they suggest a depth greater and more real than the colors and textures that surround them. We tend to perceive these objects as simple 3-dimensional shapes rather than flat designs. I cut holes in my canvases to emphasize their flatness and unmask a true third dimension."
There's a reception to celebrate the unmasking; it's January 6 from 5 to 7pm. The show will be up thru Feb 5.
The young artist continues, "I've always been fascinated with the concept of creating a 3-dimensional image on a flat surface. Though the white shapes are flat, they suggest a depth greater and more real than the colors and textures that surround them. We tend to perceive these objects as simple 3-dimensional shapes rather than flat designs. I cut holes in my canvases to emphasize their flatness and unmask a true third dimension."
There's a reception to celebrate the unmasking; it's January 6 from 5 to 7pm. The show will be up thru Feb 5.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Shreveport belledi: Port Belly Project to entertain at Utsav Restaurant on New Year's eve, 6 & 8 pm
Gourmands, interested fans of the dance and uncomplicated partiers alike might enjoy Utsav Restaurant on New Year's eve. Port Belly Project will be performing 4 short sets between 6:00 and 8:00 at Utsav on New Year's eve, says dancer Kahina. She continues, smiling broadly, "So get a gang, come enjoy some great Indian cuisine and let the party begin! And happy New Year!"
Reeta Karmarkar is the proprietor of Utsav. Of the cuisine she says, "The recipes represent a fusion of the cooking of Northern India with other international influences."
Hours at Utsav are 11 am to 2:00 pm for lunch and 5:30 to 9:30 (10:30 weekends) pm for supper. Utsav is located at the corner of Fern and Bert Kouns.
New Year's eve the restaurant will serve families from 5 to 7 pm and from 8 pm to 2 am take care of the likes of you.
More info: 629-0726.
Reeta Karmarkar is the proprietor of Utsav. Of the cuisine she says, "The recipes represent a fusion of the cooking of Northern India with other international influences."
Hours at Utsav are 11 am to 2:00 pm for lunch and 5:30 to 9:30 (10:30 weekends) pm for supper. Utsav is located at the corner of Fern and Bert Kouns.
New Year's eve the restaurant will serve families from 5 to 7 pm and from 8 pm to 2 am take care of the likes of you.
More info: 629-0726.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Norton Art Foundation exhibit: painters who limned the coral islands called Bermuda
The Masterworks Bermuda Collection is the special exhibit at the RW Norton Art Foundation, 4747 Creswell, Shreveport. The show runs from Nov 29 to Feb 5, according to the Norton web site.
Included are 50-60 oils, watercolors and drawings by artists of the 18th to 20th centuries who made their way to Bermuda and islands to the south from their native United States, Canada, Great Britain, France and elsewhere.
Enjoy reading about the Bermuda Collection at BermudaOnline.org.
Info: 865-4201.
Included are 50-60 oils, watercolors and drawings by artists of the 18th to 20th centuries who made their way to Bermuda and islands to the south from their native United States, Canada, Great Britain, France and elsewhere.
Enjoy reading about the Bermuda Collection at BermudaOnline.org.
Info: 865-4201.
New Orleans below Sea level: keeping alive the study and debate over the future of the Crescent City
My blue-roofed sister in Slidell says the Times-Picayune has done a surprisingly good job of writing about cities across the globe that have been devastated by floods and similarly-annihilating events.
SptBlog has been remiss in not using Nola.com as a source and way to provoke discussions on the fate of the city. On the other hand, none of the Shreveport media have done a great job covering the Katrina aftermath. As far as I know this blog was the only Shreveport spot that trumpeted the NY Times editorial Death of an American City (see SptBlog archives, Dec 11).
Is there a web site wherein the state or the nation gets an overview of the city's plight (here's a link to Nova's The Storm that Drowned a City) and the proposals to be considered?
SptBlog has been remiss in not using Nola.com as a source and way to provoke discussions on the fate of the city. On the other hand, none of the Shreveport media have done a great job covering the Katrina aftermath. As far as I know this blog was the only Shreveport spot that trumpeted the NY Times editorial Death of an American City (see SptBlog archives, Dec 11).
Is there a web site wherein the state or the nation gets an overview of the city's plight (here's a link to Nova's The Storm that Drowned a City) and the proposals to be considered?
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Will factory that builds 16-cylinder Bugatti Veyron 16.4, world's fastest vehicle, be located outside the largest city on the Red River waterway?
Rumors are inconclusive on whether this vehicle, the Bugatti Veyron, might be manufactured in Shreveport. Here's some background from the NY Times (which does Not mention Spt-Bossier or Alexandria-Pineville as possible factory locations) article "Bugatti Veyron 16.4: To Drive the Impossible Dream."
MOLSHEIM, France -- Many people thought that Volkswagen lost touch with its customer base in 2003 when it introduced the Phaeton, a luxury sedan perfectly wonderful in almost every way save for a price tag that veered uncomfortably close to six figures.
What, then, will the skeptics make of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, the fastest, most powerful and - no surprise - most expensive production car in the world? Bugatti is owned by VW, and the Veyron's engine is related, if distantly, to the W-8 power plant available in the last-generation Passat.
Not to worry; the Veyron's credentials speak for themselves. A 1,001-horsepower two-seater that blasts to 60 miles an hour in 2.5 seconds - and continues pulling all the way to 253 m.p.h. - the car is a sheer technological wonder.
Still, nothing prepares the newcomer for the reality behind the bald performance statistics. The Veyron is blisteringly, and effortlessly, fast. Other vehicles on the road appear to stop as the Veyron whooshes past with the ease of a Formula One car. It is a sobering realization that the grand prix racer is not as fast as a Veyron.
More sensational driver's impressions here.
MOLSHEIM, France -- Many people thought that Volkswagen lost touch with its customer base in 2003 when it introduced the Phaeton, a luxury sedan perfectly wonderful in almost every way save for a price tag that veered uncomfortably close to six figures.
What, then, will the skeptics make of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, the fastest, most powerful and - no surprise - most expensive production car in the world? Bugatti is owned by VW, and the Veyron's engine is related, if distantly, to the W-8 power plant available in the last-generation Passat.
Not to worry; the Veyron's credentials speak for themselves. A 1,001-horsepower two-seater that blasts to 60 miles an hour in 2.5 seconds - and continues pulling all the way to 253 m.p.h. - the car is a sheer technological wonder.
Still, nothing prepares the newcomer for the reality behind the bald performance statistics. The Veyron is blisteringly, and effortlessly, fast. Other vehicles on the road appear to stop as the Veyron whooshes past with the ease of a Formula One car. It is a sobering realization that the grand prix racer is not as fast as a Veyron.
More sensational driver's impressions here.
Shreveport sounds / Matt Hazelton, Jay Bratlie: the eclectic Dirtfoot
How to find your olde friends and the music scene in Shreveport when you're home for the holidays? One source will be the Shreveport Rocks Forum (please see the sidebar on this blog for links).
Otherwise, cruise by Lil Joes (also linked here, but maybe they've lost their web person), next to George's Grill, and 516 Soundstage, Texas St. The photo of Dirtfoot above was shot at the perennially popular Noble Savage, also on Texas St.
If you're holding out for Dirtfoot, check their myspace.com web site. The site has music and says they're making mayhem at Columbia Cafe Dec. 31. Hmm.
And to whom should I give credit for this excellent photo?
Otherwise, cruise by Lil Joes (also linked here, but maybe they've lost their web person), next to George's Grill, and 516 Soundstage, Texas St. The photo of Dirtfoot above was shot at the perennially popular Noble Savage, also on Texas St.
If you're holding out for Dirtfoot, check their myspace.com web site. The site has music and says they're making mayhem at Columbia Cafe Dec. 31. Hmm.
And to whom should I give credit for this excellent photo?
Something unusual and stimulating for the family during the holidays: art from the Deck the Halls exhibit from Artspace, 710 Texas
If you know the work of powerful painter Bill Gingles, you will be happy to see some of his work in a smaller-than-usual scale. Enjoy his latest output on the walls at Artspace. It's part of the Deck the Halls artisan and artist's market.
Artspace is open til 2 pm on Xmas eve, says Danielle Reans. "But please don't knock after 2:01," she says, jokingly. Hm. That Was jokingly, wasn't it?
Artspace is open til 2 pm on Xmas eve, says Danielle Reans. "But please don't knock after 2:01," she says, jokingly. Hm. That Was jokingly, wasn't it?
Laptops under 1K: a David Pogue review of the latest units
At the Cocktail Parties that I somehow find myself attending, the conversation often drifts into the arena we call Headwhipping Changes in the Digital Marketplace. How do you do this? How do I make my frammis do that?
One article that neatly smacks that penguin is a notebook computer (smaller laptops, 12" screens) review in the NY Times by the down-to-earth but fluent tech columnist David Pogue. The evaluation is called "Notebooks come in at under a thousand with speed and style."
Pogue's got stats, comparisons, street prices, a point of view; what's not to enjoy?
One article that neatly smacks that penguin is a notebook computer (smaller laptops, 12" screens) review in the NY Times by the down-to-earth but fluent tech columnist David Pogue. The evaluation is called "Notebooks come in at under a thousand with speed and style."
Pogue's got stats, comparisons, street prices, a point of view; what's not to enjoy?
Friday, December 23, 2005
Quick & surprising & suitable for all ages: collage figures assembled limb-by-limb on black background
Old Architectural Digests are cloying things; they're full of ridiculous ads - self-parodies - and over-wrought housing that guides the bourgeois aspirations of the non-creative class. But these magazines have enormous value in the workshop: their stock is heavy and perfect for collage work (the covers are primo; I like them for CD case images).
As you see in the photo, you can piece together figures of fantastical hue and shape and glue them to a background for creating either grotesque or sleek figures. Each form takes a startling turn as they are assembled; each seems to offer a fresh story.
Send SptBlog a photo of your holiday art! That's trudeau@earthlink.net.
As you see in the photo, you can piece together figures of fantastical hue and shape and glue them to a background for creating either grotesque or sleek figures. Each form takes a startling turn as they are assembled; each seems to offer a fresh story.
Send SptBlog a photo of your holiday art! That's trudeau@earthlink.net.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Need images of work by Milton Fletcher for a video on folk art, NW Louisiana
Found this Milton Fletcher painting online and a couple of mentions of his name. But Fletcher exhibited his charming paintings in this area well before the digital age.
Please call me if you've got paintings by Fletcher and / or info on his life in Shreveport. Just pick up the phone and say hello if you have background to share on Fletcher or the area's folk art: 318-861-6809.
For the exhibit Folk Art Is ..., which opens in February, I'm documenting the folk art of the area in a brief video.
Merci!
Please call me if you've got paintings by Fletcher and / or info on his life in Shreveport. Just pick up the phone and say hello if you have background to share on Fletcher or the area's folk art: 318-861-6809.
For the exhibit Folk Art Is ..., which opens in February, I'm documenting the folk art of the area in a brief video.
Merci!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Jon Graubarth photography at Artspace, Shreveport: Crossroads
New Orleanian Jon Graubarth hangs with Fats and Aaron when he's designing and producing entertainment. Thus he's an Crescent City insider with a camera and a surrounding feast.
New Orleans producer Richard Lazes says “For over ten years Jon has worked with our company on a variety of projects. Jon’s creativity and
enthusiasm have nurtured projects such as Fats and Friends, Tell It Like It Is, and Sass and Brass for
Cinemax, plus designs for restaurants and nightclubs that we have built in Atlanta, GA and Ft. Lauderdale, FL as well as projects in North Carolina."
If you like New Orleans, you'll enjoy and appreciate the ramifications of his web site, jongraubarth.com.
See his digitally exploded photos in a display called Crossroads at Artspace. His technicolor creations are to found in the area adjacent to the upstairs cafe.
Info: 673-6535.
New Orleans producer Richard Lazes says “For over ten years Jon has worked with our company on a variety of projects. Jon’s creativity and
enthusiasm have nurtured projects such as Fats and Friends, Tell It Like It Is, and Sass and Brass for
Cinemax, plus designs for restaurants and nightclubs that we have built in Atlanta, GA and Ft. Lauderdale, FL as well as projects in North Carolina."
If you like New Orleans, you'll enjoy and appreciate the ramifications of his web site, jongraubarth.com.
See his digitally exploded photos in a display called Crossroads at Artspace. His technicolor creations are to found in the area adjacent to the upstairs cafe.
Info: 673-6535.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Crafty Xmas giving involves a sort of vinyl-polymer glitz, doesn't it? A reader trumpets a tubby idea
The only entitled friend we have, Sir Kevin Wolfe, writes,
"Hey there,
If you are having trouble picking out a present for a friend or a family member here is an idea that Janet and I like to use and it solves a lot of decision- making problems.
Americans are simply storage nuts. Look around you at all the storage buildings with space to rent. So here is the idea.
Go get one of those Rubbermaid storage tubs. (The size depends on what comes next.) That takes care of the storage gift.
Then get as many useful items that you need to fill the storage tub. Things like extension cords, flashlights, hot hands, gloves, sticky notes and push pins. Any useful item you can think of. Get one tub for each person and fill each tub with as many items as you think that one will use. Who out there hasn't needed a flashlight lately? Don't forget the batteries.
Pick up lots of wrapping paper and tape. Wrap each item separately, placing them in the storage tub. Then wrap the storage tub. Apply a name tag for the recipient. VOILA!!! Gift giving has never been so much fun.
Sir Kevin / SirKBWolfe@aol.com"
SptBlog woul'd like to extend thanks to both Sir Kevin the crafts maven and the crazed people in Melbourne - see photo - who reminded us that tubs & bins can be painted, too.
"Hey there,
If you are having trouble picking out a present for a friend or a family member here is an idea that Janet and I like to use and it solves a lot of decision- making problems.
Americans are simply storage nuts. Look around you at all the storage buildings with space to rent. So here is the idea.
Go get one of those Rubbermaid storage tubs. (The size depends on what comes next.) That takes care of the storage gift.
Then get as many useful items that you need to fill the storage tub. Things like extension cords, flashlights, hot hands, gloves, sticky notes and push pins. Any useful item you can think of. Get one tub for each person and fill each tub with as many items as you think that one will use. Who out there hasn't needed a flashlight lately? Don't forget the batteries.
Pick up lots of wrapping paper and tape. Wrap each item separately, placing them in the storage tub. Then wrap the storage tub. Apply a name tag for the recipient. VOILA!!! Gift giving has never been so much fun.
Sir Kevin / SirKBWolfe@aol.com"
SptBlog woul'd like to extend thanks to both Sir Kevin the crafts maven and the crazed people in Melbourne - see photo - who reminded us that tubs & bins can be painted, too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)