"They tell us it's none of our business"
~Library Chronicles

Paging Apollo Creed ~moosedenied

Grassroots Campaigning - How to Conduct a Successful Grassroots Effort
~Loyola Institute of Politics

These people still have to pay taxes and insurance on this land!
They will need help taking on the Corps deep pockets, sooo stay tuned.
When they need it, I'll be there and so will my friends.


Log Cabin Republicans to convene in New Orleans
~Editilla jus'gotta axe~ Who's got the ax?

Oil panel members defend proposals

National Oil Spill Commission urges research on toxicity of dispersants
~Plaquemines coastal program manager at home in the marsh

Public can weigh in MRGO until 2/14

Look out, bad guys -- New Orleans has a new superhero

Nola Is You

Judge allows 17th Street Canal homeowners to seek relief in federal court ~Levees.org
~Press release~Homeowners on the 17th Street Canal who sued the South East Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East were pleased with the court’s ruling today. While Judge Kern Reese denied the plaintiff’s request for an injunction, he also voided his original judgment, thus opening the path for the property owners to amend their lawsuit to include the Army Corps of Engineers and to continue their case in federal court.
At the end of the hearing, Judge Reese had some positive words for the homeowners. He said he felt they had been wronged, and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was using the levee board to avoid compensating for private property loss and damage.
Judge Reese said he was encouraged by people who are willing to stand up and not allow their rights to be violated.
“We all are in favor of hurricane protection,” said Randy Smith, the attorney representing the homeowners “We should all also be in favor of maintaining the constitutional guarantee of just compensation for the taking of private property.” Smith said he will amend the lawsuit to include the Corps of Engineers.
The case will then move to federal court.

Good Luck Oliver~Cliff's Crib

Ed Blakely, failed New Orleans recovery chief, offers Australians advice on rebuilding Brisbane

Could the Chehardy PR blitz be a prelude to a run for Parish Prez ~slabbed

On Louisiana Coast, Damage From Oil Goes Much Deeper Than Spill
~Chris Kirkham

Boustany announces $350,000 for marsh restoration in Horseshoe Lake

New supply boat launches amid uncertain market~Katherine Schmidt

First commercially-owned windmill unveiled in Mandeville
~Defend New Orleans

And now, a word from our sponsors… Five Days Version
~Disenfranchised Citizen

~First painting of 2011! "Elms at Altura Park"
acrylic on canvas, 22 x 33", $800 ~Polly Jackson

Cafeteria/Concessionaire Services for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District

Levee safety standards in the U.S.
~Dry Feet

California's "Big One" might be a flood
~California has more risk of catastrophic storms than any other region in the country – even the Southern hurricane states, according to a new study released Thursday by the USGS.

“When White People Are Here, We Can Get Milk”~Mac McClelland

Making Connections in New Orleans

Tremé Under the Bridge Market

Drink Cult -- Meet Jeremy Shockey

The Beer Buddha's Beer Geeks Guide To Mardi Gras

French Quarter Festival 2011 expands to include Thursday

Mannie Fresh Seasoning Mystikal LP With New Orleans Flavor

~wwoz_neworleans~ RT @Tipitinas Big show: Tipitina's #33Anniversary & WWOZ present @funkymeters + @djsoulsister http://bit.ly/hCM21i

Editilla welcomes everyone to the New Zodiac,
the 13th House of Arachnid, Sign of the Black Widow!

*

Bad Corps data blamed for failure to predict Nashville flood
~Also by the way~Healtheon, Inc., New Orleans, La., was awarded on Jan. 10 a $6,994,305 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for a pumping station, temporary retaining structures, levee embankment, discharge piping, back fill and access roads. Work will be performed in Waggaman, La., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 21, 2011. Eleven bids were solicited with four bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0043).
~Editilla jus'axin~ Who is Jasmeet S Walia?
Please read~ "West Bank facing pumping shortfalls in 2011" at Fix the Pumps

Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival January 26-30

Q and A on Gulf Narratives ...the skeptic’s lament.
~Disenfranchised Citizen

The Search for BP's Oil~Naomi Klein


GNO Inc. study says economic impact of drilling moratorium was not as dreadful as had been feared

It’s Official, Anderson Cooper joins Bobby Bermdoggle Jindal as an oil spill idiot. Snookered again: How the National Media let us down after the Oil Spill ~slabbed

Berms and boom were largely ineffective responses to oil spill

Fishermen Say BP Owes Them Money

The “devastation” continues says Oil ‘Spill’ Commissioner
~Florida Oil Spill Law

Gulf Residents to Oil Industry and Government: Our Health is Not a Tradeoff --BWAHAHAHA

EPL gains Gulf of Mexico assets

New oil industry rules face obstacles
~Gerard Shields

Breaking news: EPA vetoes Spruce Mine permit~Ken Ward Jr.
~Word is just coming down that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has vetoed the largest single mountaintop removal permit in West Virginia history.

Comparing Detroit to NOLA after Katrina not so far off
~Mark Moseley, The Lens

Pilates studio on Magazine Street seems to be stretching the rules
~James Gill

$100 million in bonds to fund MO levee improvements

Ice Ice Baby~Traveling Mermaid

Turkey Meatloaf~Blackened Out

Mini King Cake Wars, Part Deux...
--A Butcher AND a Baker?~Nola Notes

~Editilla~I'm Loving this @TheAbitaBeer Mardi Gras Bock. Yes, smooth to da'Fine. #Abita #Beer #Nola #MardiGras #getdowngetbackupagain #funkyisfunkydoo

Etta James gravely ill, Husband seeks control of her money

Creating Our Own Climate For Violence
~Cliff's Crib

Truce~Alex Woodward, Gambit

Washington Monthly magazine evaluates Mayor Mitchmo's first months in office~Frank Donze

Judges, clerk apologize for computer system crash~Matt Davis, The Lens

Can two conflicting emotions exist in the human mind at the same time?
~American Zombie

B.A.S.S. Backs Wildlife Federations’ Coastal Restoration

Coastal Wetlands Planning Protection and Restoration Act - A Federal Assistance Program

Oil spill's health effects raise concern, but are unproven, commissioner says?

As problems persist in the Gulf, listening ain’t hearing…
~Disenfranchised Citizen

Man on knees begs Ken Feinberg for help - It was standing room only in Lafitte~Defend New Orleans

BP Says Suttles, Former Leader of Oil-Spill Response, to Retire

~In this image, acquired by the Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite on January 9, 2011, isolated islands of cityscape poke through murky brown flood waters. The Fitzroy River cuts through the upper right quadrant of the image, and just west of the river, relatively high land remains above the flood. All around that area, flood water predominates, including areas east of the river. ~Hat Tweet~SkyTruth

How about a Wednesday Slabb-a-leak..
~Aaand~Boss Hogg finally wants to build a civil rights museum

Who's Illegitimate? The Presidents. Who Says?~Harry Shearer

Oops. She did it again.
~Dakinikat, Sky Dancing

Italian Barrel~Blackened Out

From New Orleans to New England by Emily LaFond of Bunt Youth Radio

4th KREWE OF CHEWBACCHUS SOCIAL and MEMBERSHIP SIGN UP

Historic Mardi Gras costumes

Cornmeal at Tipitina's and more music in New Orleans for Wed.~Keith Spera

17th Street Canal homeowners sue to stop floodwall project
~Meanwhile, in December, the corps awarded a $10.2 million contract to New Orleans-based Bailey-CKY JV to strengthen the 17th Street Canal floodwalls, which were rebuilt after Katrina.
~Editilla Rotellas~ Pulitzer Prize Winner Mark Schleifstein reports here that the 17th St Canal Floodwalls were rebuilt after Katrina! Really? When?
Ah Say, Ah Say, BOY! a little due diligence heah? Ya'Tink??? Could we get him to at least walk the wall from the 'repaired' breach?

Hardship and Hope

WGNO / GOD BLESS LOUISIANA "HARDSHIP" & "HOPE"
from TTNO Creative Services on Vimeo.
~Levees.org's La. State Historical Marker shows up at :35 seconds!


Cinema on the Bayou Festival comes to ACA~The festival closes that Sunday afternoon with a special screening of New Orleans based actor Harry Shearer's "The Big Uneasy" with Mr. Shearer appearing as the festival's special guest at the closing reception. All events on Sunday at AcA are free. ~Hat Tip~Sandy Rosenthal

Officials move forward on south Lafourche levee safety~Nikki Buskey

Saints Pride~WDSU

Nice Meeting, Feinberg…now what? How about a petition?
~Disenfranchised Citizen

'The Biggest Cover-Up In The History Of America' ~Humid Beings

Rebuilding Haiti for the Rich
~Mac McClelland

Oliver Thomas stars in play about his political downfall at Anthony Bean Theater

Twitter is full of regional 'accents,' study finds ~John Kelly

Abita, treasure from the Southland
~The Rootbeer Brothers

Mardi Gras King Cakes

The Paris Dispatches: Chocolate Roses ~Blackened Out

Mardi Gras Around the World ~WWOZ

The Gulf Coast Claims Facility: Sowing the Seeds of Discord
~Disenfranchised Citizen
~Feinberg to hold afternoon meeting in Grand Isle

"Oil Spill Commission report could shape industry's future," some still foolishly believe
~Editilla @ NOLAnews~ Sorry, this #oilspill commission will have NO RELEVANCY with what is left of Obama's lame-duck presidency.

Mollusk Team’s Mission: Protecting the Future of the Oyster and Its Habitat

A Son of the Bayou, Torn Over the Shrimping Life~Amy Harmon
~Hat Tweet~charlotteAsh

Gusman relied on experience (instead of hard data) in pushing case for bigger jail~Matt Davis, The Lens
~“It’s arrogant for the sheriff to suggest that he knows better than a nationally recognized expert, when his response shows he has no basis for the continued insistence on more beds,” Esman said. “His suggestion that it’s based on institutional knowledge is the same thing as him saying, essentially, that he’s making it up.”

Why So Many Crazy People Are Among Us~Harry Shearer
~The News Doesn't Sleep -- Except on Weekends

In Search of Progress in Haiti
~Mac McClelland

Louisianians observe 1811 slave revolt
~Edmund W. Lewis, Louisiana Weekly

Louis Wall builds~Defend New Orleans

BassMaster Classic in New Orleans

A Fleur de lis with a twist

We're Talking Salt and Pepper
~Blackened Out

Carnival Kickoff 2011
~Home of the Groove

THANK YOU NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FOR A GREAT SEASON!
~Editilla Who'tellas~Putting our last game into perspective from Canal Street Chronicles. Personally, I'm completely happy with our team all things considered. Getting to see them play in the Sacredome, with two of my best friends --and dem 1000s of other dressed whodats-- Jan 2nd, ranks for me as the best start to a New Year that I've had in a long time. They lost that game too, but went to the Playoffs with a record of 11-High-5! Whodat?
When I missed Lombardi Gras, just could not get to New Orleans from my hole on the long road home, my heart kicked a few beats... it was a close call, really. But this past season healed all dat pain and longing ---I don't know how exactly... could be due to the feeling every game day of sitting together with friends no matter where... because I haven't seen a Saints game in Nola since the flood... perchance it is the way Our New Orleans Saints stick with it always whateva...
Whodat? We'dat... and we coming home!

HANO subsidies may be driving up rental rates in New Orleans
~Katy Reckdahl

N.O. library accountant says she was fired after pointing out financial irregularities ~WWLTV

Sunday slabbed

Jindal's actions speak louder than words~Stephanie Grace

Feds push back in flap over blowout preventer test

Illnesses linked to BP Oil Disaster: Widespread Sickness due to Toxic Chemicals ~Dahr Jamail

Images of New Orleans Musicians
~African Diaspora in SL

And now, a word from our sponsors… ...Playoffs Version
~Disenfranchised Citizen

We're all in so fall in
~Library Chronicles

10~Your Right Hand Thief

Dish It, Take It~NOLA Notes

Gulf of Mexico oil spill cleanup efforts inadequate, Plaquemines President Billy Nungesser says~Paul Rioux

Oil still tainting shores~Amy Wold

Where there’s smoke…there’s Feinberg ~Disenfranchised Citizen
~And now a word from American Zombie

Gulf Oil Spill Still Fouling Louisiana Marshes~Harry Weber

Houma shrimper prevails in decontamination fight
~John DeSantis

Companies blame others for Gulf Spill
~Gerard Shields

Gulf Coast restoration panel leader gets details on Louisiana land loss
~Mark Schleifstein

Seafood at Stake as Mayors Wager Over NFL Playoff

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Public Comment Period for MRGO Draft Restoration Plan Is Underway
~Delta Dispatch

West Bank facing pumping shortfalls in 2011~Fix the Pumps

Gusman wants more jail beds; ACLU wants to know why
~Matt Davis, The Lens

How Repeal of the Affordable Care Act Will Hurt Louisiana Women ~NOLAFemmes

Splash Pad~Library Chronicles

Leave Books Alone~Cliff's Crib

~NOFS~ New Orleans Film Society is screening 5 1/2 hour French film Carlos at @PrytaniaTheatre Jan. 15 & 16 at 2:30! One of the best films of the year!

Sidney Bechet's home, jazz landmark, razed in rebuilding push

Hubig's Pies Original Mini-King Cakes

Wood Fired Wild Hog Loin
~Georgia Pellegrini

Shameless Shilling Alert
~Blackened Out

The Po'Boy Patent~Dirty Coast

17th Street Canal Homeowners File Court Petition
Since the inception of the South East Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East Board in 2007, the homeowners along the 17 Street Canal have attempted to work with the Board to address flood protection issues. The homeowners have maintained a strong presence at the Board meetings, speaking at every opportunity available. Thus far, the homeowners' efforts have been virtually ignored.
In 2008, the Board claimed a right of way on the homeowners' property to access and inspect the levee. The Board asserts that they have this right of way without the need to provide any compensation to the homeowner. The homeowners' trees and fences were removed, and they have been prevented from using thousands of square feet of their own property. Homeowners along the 17th Street Canal have been appealing to the Board for relief in having had their property rights taken away without any form of compensation. Unfortunately, the Board has demonstrated absolutely no interest in listening to or working with the homeowners. Now, the Board is attempting to exceed the scope of the right of way that it has claimed. The Board is planning to perform construction on the homeowners' property without any compensation. This far exceeds the simple right of way initially claimed by the Board.
From the inception of the Board's actions along the 17th Street Canal, the homeowners have maintained that the Board should expropriate the property needed for flood protection and provide them with fair market value pursuant to Louisiana and federal law. The Board has refused to proceed in this fashion. Yesterday, the homeowners were compelled to file a petition in district court to protect their property from additional intrusions and damages by the Board.
The homeowners are simply attempting to have the Board adhere to the law regarding the taking of private property. The homeowners are very disappointed that they have had to resort to this action in order to have their requests heard and to have their rights respected by the Board.

Additional questions can be answered by contacting the spokesperson for the group: Randy Smith (504) 525-2200.

Saint Misbehavin’ -or- It’s All Gravy From Here ~moosedenied

What Happened?~Library Chronicle

Judges, clerk apologize for computer system crash~Matt Davis, The Lens

Petition signatures will delivered to New York Times today ~Levees.org

Demographics Americana~slabbed

Feeling a bit overwhelmed today… ~Disenfranchised Citizen

Governorcist Declares Bath Salt Demon

New Orleans City Council to vote today on proposal for solar panels on French Quarter building

The Cold Hunger of the Flu
~Blackened Out

Rapscallions Ride~NOLA Defender

6th Annual Fire Cider Dig and Herbal Dinner Party~Uptown Messenger

~CanalStreetCarRT @Tipitinas: @Tipitinas #MardiGras lineup announced -> http://idek.net/1c1U #Carnivaltime

Still printing petition signatures ~Levees.org

Catch the Arrival of Carnival Season on Epiphany via the Phunny Phorty Phellows Streetcar

Tall bike jousting rolls in Bywater ~Gambit

A Better Man / A Better City
--A New Year’s Resolve~NOLAREX

This one goes out to @Adrastosno The next time someone yells "sooey pig" I plan to demand pork chop as tribute #nolatourists


Prediction for 2011~Library Chronicles

Just...slabbed, youz?

Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection Meeting January 6th, 2011 at UNO~Watershed NOLA

Editilla memorellas at the 17th Street Breach Marker
~I wish there were enough flowers on hand to honor all those souls lost to the Flood of 8/29... but perchance Gentle'rillas will take it to heart to bring flowers or whatever mementos to the base of these fine Historical Markers... much like a cross beside a lonely highway, or a telephone pole wrapped in teddy bears to mark the spot where people have died negligently.
During the short time cutting the flowers and such, 2 tour busses and 4 cars from as many states stopped to check out this Fine Marker and read about how the Corps of Engineers killed so many fellow citizens. They were all very cool and respectful. We should honor as well these folks who come to look, as they would bare witness to this crime. We should wave to them, thank them, welcome them to the horror of resurrection. It doesn't matter to me how they get here, what venue they choose. Nola will hold them as She has carried us all, care forgotten to the Fine yet with graceful bent towards the Line...
Levees.org is now working to secure a 2nd Louisiana State Historical Marker, this time at the London Ave Canal Breach --a particularly heinous engineering failure, spread out over the neighborhood like castles made of sand, tons of sand...
Sand Levees... Sand! It is important to remember what those bastard corps engineers did, as it is incumbent upon us all to dishonor such hubris with a permanent marker in honor of those thousands lost... in this case a grave marker,
...Speaker for the Dead.

I'm gonna sit, like an uncarved block of wood
waiting for Goddess to make me useful,
maybe a Statue... perchance a Cup
to hold The Peoples' Memory
or the Body of Chaos.

Queensland: NOLA Sisters of the Flood
~Comparison of river conditions in Queensland from today to December 30, 2010. While some rivers have fallen below major flood stage, the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton is rising, and may peak at levels not seen since 1918 on Wednesday.

A Step-By-Step Journey: How Gulf Seafood is Deemed “Safe”

~Kindra Arnesen: “There’s pods of dead dolphins everywhere” — Dead animal count is “another lie” ~Hat Tip~ Florida Oil Spill Law

NOLA’S Most Admired Woman Is... ~Charlotte, NOLAFemmes

“Lawn Mower Fumes” Phil Bryant on the coast to announce for Governor ~slabbed

A PSA from Harvey Kaye – Cultivate the Narrative~Disenfranchised Citizen

The 2010 Challenge~Blackened Out

Look for me on the Saints side, 50 yrd line, 14th row, #8 Manning

A Night at the Opera…
Disenfranchised Citizen

Peas in the pot – simmering with hope for the new year ~slabbed

No Resolutions
~Pistolette, NOLAFemmes

Christmas trees being reused in coastal restoration effort

Saturday Night Music: The Forecast (Calls For Pain)~Adrastos, First Draft

In Memoriam…eight kids
~Disenfranchised Citizen

Unvanished~Library Chronicles

White Trash -or- Dead Fly The Birds ~moosedenied

Gulf of Mexico oil spill continues to foul 168 miles of Louisiana coastline
~Mark Schleifstein

~Gulf of Mexico oil spill images collected, discussed by Times-Picayune photo staff

Musical options in New Orleans for New Year's Eve and the 1st wk of 2011

BP’s gonna be okay…coastal residents? Umm, not so much yet

Rig owner Transocean refuses to honor Gulf of Mexico oil spill subpoenas

Entergy criticized: PSC says La. customers overcharged

Tale of Two Hurricane Cities

In memoriam: Magnolia Shorty and Dinerral Shavers

New Orleans mourns rapper Magnolia Shorty~Uptown Messenger

Three Saints earn Pro Bowl berths

New Orleans Saints Make Statement “We Are The Super Bowl Champions”
~Editilla Crowtellas~ We be making a little statement of our own. Special thanks to Skip at Electric Ladyland Tattoos on Frenchman St for our permanent marker "statement".

Cheech and Chong go to New Orleans ~James Gill

Imperative~Fix the Pumps

Who do you trust?
~Disenfranchised Citizen

December Coastal Scuttlebutt (continued) ~LaCoastPost