The Jambalaya News - Vol 1, No. 9

VOL. 1, NO. 9 / JULY 30, 2009

ALSO:

• Back to School!

• Free Alternatives to Software Packages • Scoot Over to Augie’s Scooters • New Cycling Law for Motorists

West Builders has been doing construction since 1994.

We are a locally owned company dedicated to the growth of Southwest Louisiana. Our customers are our top priority and can enjoy top quality construction in remarkable time frames. Call today and see how we can make your residential and commercial dreams come true.

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JULY 30, 2009

• • • •

New Residential Construction New Commercial Construction Outdoor Structures Restorations & Additions

Volume 1 • Issue 9

GENERAL 826 Ford St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262

contents COVER STORY

PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque

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publisher@thejambalayanews.com

REGULARS

NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque

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lauren@thejambalayanews.com

EDITOR Lisa Yates lisa@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Addison Kay Andrews Leslie Berman Sara Blackwell George Cline James Doyle Dan Ellender Mike McHugh Bryce Primeaux Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker J. Dennis Stutes ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Patricia Prudhomme SALES ASSOCIATE Sabrina Barker GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck darrell@thejambalayanews.com

BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews BUSINESS INTERN Bryce Primeaux The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 826 Ford Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2009 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

DISTRIBUTION: The Jambalaya News is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The Jambalaya News may be distributed only by The Jambalaya News authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Jambalaya News take more than one copy of each issue from its racks.

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Revving up for Business

Cover Photo by Lisa Yates On Cover: Custom motorcycle and chopper builders Joseph Johnson and Ryan Keenan

July 30, 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 9

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The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee Doyle’s Place Tips from Tip What’s Cookin’ A Greener World Sports Report

FEATURES 5 17 24 26 29

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Bayou Biz: Augie’s Scooters Drivers Move Over Public or Private School?

Free Alternatives to Software Packages

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ENTERTAINMENT 30 34 35 36 37 42 44 46

Red Hot Books Funbolaya Family Night at the Movies Killin’ Time Crossword Society Spice The Local Jam Jambalaya Jam Eclectic Company

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From the Managing Editor School Days, School Days Although it’s only the end of July, Southwest Louisiana is already in back–to-school mode. Which is kind of sad, I think. When I was growing up, we didn’t go back to school until after Labor Day. For students, summertime was really summertime back then. And living in the cold Northeast, we really needed our fix of summer to get us through those nasty winters.

I attended St. Lazarus Elementary School in East Boston, run by the Sisters of St. Joseph. It was a tiny school with approximately 35 students in each grade—one through eight. The school was adjacent to the church—a big marble and brick extravaganza typical of Italian churches built at the turn of the century. The immigrants back then could barely put pasta on the table, but they were able to scrape together enough of their hard-earned money to get their fancy church built.

There was no school bus and no car pools. Back then, there was just one car per family and it belonged to dad—period. A lot of women didn’t drive (my mother and some of my aunts never even got their driver’s licenses). So we all walked to school wearing our uniforms— the girls in blue plaid jumpers and white blouses, the boys wearing their class ties and blazers.

Since our classes were so small, we got a lot of one-on-one attention from our teacher. Yes, there was just one teacher for each grade. For

example, when I was in fourth grade, Sister Marie Frederick taught math and English and history and art— and, of course, religion. There was a lot of that. Those nuns had to know their stuff. On special occasions, the priests were called in, which means we had to sit up straighter and act like we were paying attention.

It was an insular little world we lived in—so different from today. We didn’t have to worry about guns and violence in the schools. We got a great education and had to behave while we were at it. Parents never threw a fit if their child was disciplined. No one thought about suing. That was the way it was.

I know things are different now. So, as this school year begins, I hope your children’s experiences are positive ones, and that with your encouragement, they become the best that they can be.

– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN

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Volume 1 • Issue 9

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Southwest Louisiana will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 in Sulphur.

Making Strides is a non-competitive, 5-mile walk/run that unites communities to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, remembers those who have lost their battle, to educate our community about prevention and early detection, and raises money to fund lifesaving research and support programs to help eliminate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.

Since 1993, 5 million walkers have raised more than $340 million through Making Strides to help fund lifesaving research, provide support, service and educational programs to our patients and caregivers. Individuals of all ages are welcome to participate.

This event does not require a registration fee. Participants are encouraged to collect donations that may be turned in on the day of the event or donated online. The Jambalaya News is proud to be one of the sponsors of this event.

Know the facts on breast cancer in the United States • In 2008, nearly 200,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 40,000 people will die from the disease each year.

• Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. And, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, about 1,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be Volume 1 • Issue 9

diagnosed among men in the United States.

• The five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes or other locations has increased from 80 percent in the 1950s to 98 percent today. Recent declines are attributed to a combination of early detection, including mammography, and improvements in treatment.

Making Strides participants and the American Cancer Society are leading the way in the fight against breast cancer. Some of their accomplishments include funding cutting-edge research leading to the discovery of lifesaving treatments like Tamoxifen and Herceptin, and promoting advocacy for all women to have access to mammograms and lifesaving treatments, regardless of income.

Thanks to local physicians and treatment facilities such as West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, Christus St. Patrick Hospital, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center; the Southwest Area American Cancer Society serves breast cancer patients each year.

Local programs include “Look Good, Feel Better” and “Reach to Recovery.” They offer transportation grants, free wigs, bras and prostheses and college scholarships.

In addition, participants receive free e-mail mammogram reminders at www.cancer.org/breastcancer.

Anytime, day or night, help is available for anyone who needs information, support, or resources at (800) ACS-2345 and www.cancer.org/breastcancer.

TJN

JULY 30, 2009

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The

Boiling

P l

Brian Schack

Coushatta Names New Food & Beverage Director Brian Schack has been named director of food and beverage at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder.

Schack comes to Coushatta with over 15 years of experience in casino food and beverage management, serving at Caesar’s in Indiana, Jack Binion’s Horseshoe and Sam’s Town in Tunica, Mississippi, and most recently as executive chef at French Lick Resort in Indiana. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Schack grew up in the Houston, Texas area and will use his broad range of culinary expertise to oversee the casino’s dining operations, servicing Coushatta’s culturally diverse clientele.

Membership of Veterans Memorial Park Commission Elects New Officers The Veterans Memorial Park Commission elected the following officers: Randy Goodloe, president; Wes Crain, vice president; and Shawn Broderick, secretary. Other members of the Veterans Memorial Park Commission are: Al Harris, George Heard, Jim Jackson, and Loyd Rion. The mission and purpose of the Commission is “to assist the City of Lake Charles in its efforts to maintain and improve Veterans Memorial Park, to assure visual integrity of the park such as will preserve a setting that clearly communicates dignity and respect for those being honored.”

M.D., Andy Quebedeaux, M.D., Leslie Powell, M.D., Jason Egloff, M.D., and Angel Ho, M.D. received diplomas for having completed the three-year residency program. Drs. Combetta and Egloff were the chief residents. The Family Medicine Residency Program began in January 1995, with a mission to promote and provide the highest quality physician education through patient care by utilizing the most up-to-date educational methods and information systems.

From left: Reanella Edwards, Catherine Hicks, Denna Baronet, Jack Groves (Recquell Hill not pictured) L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort Announces June Five Star Employees L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently announced its June Five Star Employees. Additionally, the property named its Leaders of the Quarter. The Five Stars are: Reanella Edwards, a Le Café food server; Recquell Hill, a porter; Denna Baronet, a security officer; Jack Groves, a massage therapist at Spa du Lac; and Catherine Hicks, a Le Beaucoup Buffet host/server. Denna Baronet is also designated as the Employee of the Month and is now eligible to receive the coveted Employee of the Year award. The Leaders of the Quarter are Marietta Villamil, a revenue audit supervisor; Laramie Anderson, a table games floor supervisor; Ranjan Rehman, a senior operations analyst; and Brigitte Johnson, a slot shift manager.

The graduates of the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program for 2009 are (left to right): Brian Harrell, M.D., Phillip Ehlers, M.D., Leslie Powell, M.D., Pearre Davenport, III, M.D., Angel Ho, M.D., Jeffrey Combetta, M.D., Andy Quebedeaux, M.D., and Jason Egloff, M.D. Memorial Family Medicine Residents Graduate U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., R-Southwest Louisiana, was the keynote speaker when eight physicians recently graduated from the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program. Jeffrey Combetta, M.D., Pearre Davenport, III, M.D., Phillip Ehlers, M.D., Brian Harrell, PAGE 6

JULY 30, 2009

From left: Marietta Villamil, Ranjan Rehman, Brigitte Johnson, Laramie Anderson Volume 1 • Issue 9

Northwestern Mutual Wins Honor in Training Magazine Training magazine has named Northwestern Mutual to its 2009 “Training Top 125” list, recognizing the financial security company’s excellence in training and leadership development. The company ranks 23rd overall and first in its industry. The annual survey of employer-sponsored training and leadership development programs is based on many factors including financial commitment, training programs offered, workplace surveys and retention. The Training honor is one of many the company has earned for its commitment to career development. Further information on Northwestern Mutual, its careers and affiliates can be found at: www.nmfn.com or by contacting Becky Girola at (337) 437-7826.

NAMI awards KPLC-TV Outstanding Media Award Robin Daugereau, programming and marketing director, for KPLC-TV, Channel 7, gratefully accepted the NAMI National Outstanding Media Award for Public Service, during the closing banquet of the 2009 NAMI National Convention, held recently in San Francisco. NAMI Southwest Louisiana nominated KPLC-TV for this national award for their media sponsorship of the annual NAMI Walk, mental health public service announcements, and their month-long series, “The Mental Connection.” KPLC-TV also holds the honor of being the first local television station to be presented with this national award. Previous honors were given only to national media, such as CBS, The Wall Street Journal, PBS, and CNN, to name a few.

Care/Help of Sulphur’s Annual Back to School Drive Care/Help of Sulphur, Inc. will take applications for their annual Back to School Drive on Wed., August 5 and Thurs., August 6 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sulphur residents only are eligible to apply for school supplies and uniforms.

Applications will be taken at 112 E. Thomas Street. Applicants must bring a picture ID, proof of residency, social security cards, monthly income and expenses for all members of the household, proof of legal guardianship where applicable, and children’s uniform sizes. For more information about the Care/Help of Sulphur Back to School Drive, call 528-2273.

Memorial Hospital Receives Gold Quality Award Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s Home Health department has received a Gold 2008 Louisiana Home Health Agency Quality Award presented by Louisiana Health Care Review, Inc. (LHCR), the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana.. With this award, Memorial’s Home Health is one of eight home health agencies in the state to receive a Gold 2008 Louisiana Home Health Agency Quality Award. The award is presented to home health agencies that have achieved defined levels of health care quality improvement by December 31, 2008. For more info. about Louisiana Home Health Quality Awards, please visit www.lhcr.org or contact Memorial’s Home Health at (337) 494-6444.

West Cal Association of Commerce Holds Crawfish Boil West Calcasieu Association of Commerce recently held its first raffle and crawfish boil fundraiser at the West Cal Arena in Sulphur. Entertainment was provided by Judd Bares, Singer and Recording Artist. Bares is also the owner of Sweet Spot Telemedia. Winner of the grand prize of $5,000 was David Misse with Misse’s Grocery. Four $500 cash prizes were won by Dr. George Vincent, Century Group; Gerrit Lawrence, Webtronics; Ralph Lewing, Lewing Construction; and Jeff Coates, Home Building Materials. The West Calcasieu Association is looking for new business, both large and small, to join. We meet on the second Thursday of each month and have dynamic speakers and networking opportunities. If you would like more information on joining, please call the WCAC office at (337) 533-1040.

Sports Warchest Grant USSSA World Series The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau provided financial assistance for programming through a Sports Warchest Grant in the amount of $10,000 for the USSSA World Series for athletes 10 and younger AA, 13 and younger AA and Global World Series for 12 and younger and 13 and younger. Mister Edwards, representing Louisiana USSSA received the grant on behalf of the event, which utilizes the Ward 3 Recreation Complexes on Lake Street and Power Centre Parkway as well as the OD Johnson Complex. The tournaments are expected to have an economic impact of more than $3.6 million. Grant funds will be used for marketing, publicity and supplies, as well as communication and administrative costs. For more information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or visit www.visitlakecharles.org.

Marshal Joey Alcede

Alcede Sworn in for La. Sheriff’s Pension Fund Lake Charles City Marshal Joey Alcede was sworn in as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Pension and Relief Fund at their July meeting in Baton Rouge. Alcede was elected to serve as one of three retired deputies that serve on the board. Alcede retired from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2002 with 33 years of service. The LSPRF has over 14,000 active members and more than 3,400 retired members. Alcede told the board that this was a special honor in that he is filling the position previously held by his loyal friend Ray Gillard, who served on the board until his death in 2006. TJN

Krewe de la Boucaniers Holds Cook-off Above: The Krewe de la Boucaniers recently held its first BBQ Cook-off at the Calcasieu Boat Club. Krewe members and their families enjoyed a day of good food and good fun as the competition heated up. From left to right: 1st place - Donnie Istre, 2nd place - Sherman Corbello, 3rd place - Jerry Ousley, 4th place - Eddie Langley Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

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Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

Beat The Heat

You don’t have to be Rob Robin to know that this summer’s heat has been even hotter than the normally hot summers here in Louisiana. As a Dang Yankee, I’ve had to learn how to cope with the gumbo-like atmosphere around here. So, as I hear even long-time residents grumble, I find myself in a unique position to provide a valuable community service and share some the things I have learned.

Not to steal any thunder from Tip over there on page 11, here are some of my own tips on how you can beat the heat as well as some things you should definitely avoid.

Do’s • Mow your lawn at 3 a.m. After all, it’s the coolest part of the 24-hour cycle. And who needs light? Your mower probably knows its own way around the yard, considering the workout it gets year round. If your neighbors complain, encourage them to get up and mow with you. This could be the start of real community togetherness.

• Build a fire in the hearth.

Forget air conditioning. Get some of those big oak logs you still have courtesy of Hurricane Rita and stoke up a big old blaze. Get the temperature in your den up to about 105. Then,

when you go outside, it will feel nice and brisk by comparison.

• Get a cup of coffee at McDonald’s. The way they make it nowadays, it’s very refreshing. Ignore that labeling all over the cup that says, “HOT!” in big bold letters. It’s guaranteed not to scald any body parts.

• Serve cold foods. Try gazpacho soup. If you’re not familiar with this gastronomic monstrosity, gazpacho (which is Spanish for “Does anyone really eat this stuff?”) is a cold soup made out of tomatoes and other raw vegetables. Nobody around here eats soup cold, so when you try to serve it, your guests will think you are out of your mind, and you will probably end up wearing it. Believe me, the experience will be as refreshing as the Gatorade shower Les Miles had after the Tigers beat Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. It’ll be less sticky to boot.

Don’ts • Take a dip in the pool. Don’t even think about it. If your pool is anything like mine, the water is warmer than a cup of McDonald’s coffee. Now, I know that ain’t saying much, but it just doesn’t cool you off.

The only way to make this work is to

order an ice truck to your house and dump the contents into your pool. Do that, and you can count on as much as ten minutes of relief.

• Use a misting fan. Don’t try it in this humidity. Misting fans work by evaporating water to reduce the temperature. Problem is the air around here won’t hold any more water.

Believe me, I tried this on my patio at a recent party. All we got for our trouble was that it made the club sandwiches soggy, my eyeglasses fogged up, and it put out my buddy’s cigar.

• Drink bottled water. Bottled water is as big a rip-off as if you had invested your money with Bernie Madoff. Do you know what you really get for your $1.50? They take water out of Lake Erie up in Cleveland, dribble it through some sand or cat litter or something, then they put it in a bottle. The real value added in the product is the label. They put a picture of a pretty waterfall on it; then they give it a name, which usually consists of the name of some mountain range followed by “Springs.”

Don’t believe me? Just ask Tip; he’ll tell you. You’re better off sticking with the McDonald’s coffee.

• Take a vacation to Yankee Land. As hot and dry as it is here, it’s just the opposite up there. You’ll freeze your buns off. There seems to be some magical force field that runs along a line right up the Potomac River. (For the geographically challenged, this river separates Virginia from the Underworld; the ancient Greeks called it the “Styx.”) I talked to my sister up there not too long ago, and she said her pool water is too cold for her to swim in. So, she and I have a plan. We are going to apply for some of that federal stimulus money and construct a long pipeline so we can equalize the temperature between our respective swimming pools. If we’re lucky, they’ll have it fully completed before the onset of the next Ice Age. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you to make it through the rest of this summer. Keep cool!

Mike McHugh is an engineer at Sasol North America, Inc. He and his wife Susan hail from the border state of Maryland and thoroughly love living in Southwest Louisiana. He is also the author of "Road Kill Gumbo," a newly created blog containing satire about news and life in Louisiana. You can find it on the Internet at www.roadkillgumbo.com. TJN

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JULY 30, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Doyle

By Jim

New York, New York Is it just me, or is there a rash of famous people dying?

July was a big month for those of us who belong to the Boomer generation. We lost Karl Malden, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson; remembered landing on the Moon; said goodbye to Walter Cronkite, and along the way listened to music and watched television scenes indelibly printed into our brains as teenagers.

I count Farrah and MJ only provisionally as Boomer icons, since Farrah was actually the poster girl for our oldest sons (literally), and the Michael whose sweet voice sang lead for the Jackson Five in the 60s morphed into something altogether different along the way.

Still, it seems too early to say goodbye to sex symbols and rock musicians of our generation, notwithstanding the odd untimely death here and there. It seems way too early to be an old-timer. Damn. Next thing you know, Clint Eastwood will be playing an irascible old cuss in a hit movie. Oh, wait. That already happened, didn’t it?

Growing up in a small town whose chief industry was a state mental institution led to lots of laughs and a prominent inferiority complex. But as in so many other things in life, I was lucky; I got to take two big trips in 1966 that ignited my still unquenched desire for faraway places with strange-sounding names.

In January of that year, we found out our little high school band would be one of two representing the State of Tennessee in the annual Lions’ Parade down Fifth Avenue in New York City in July. The only person I knew who had been to New York was my oldest brother Winston, who had trained there for two months while working in the insurance business and bought Volume 1 • Issue 9

me a small copper replica of the Empire State Building as a souvenir. I still have it. Somewhere along the way, perhaps due to an encounter with a miniature King Kong, somebody knocked off the radio tower. That broken trinket became a totem for me, representing the tantalizing taste of somewhere I’d dreamed about going for as long as I could remember.

The trip was heavily chaperoned and the parade seemed a lot like work. What I remember the most today was the blistering heat. We wore wool uniforms, the only ones we had. At the end of the parade, the chaperones met us at our bus with orange slices. A couple of kids passed out. We did see the top of the Empire State Building and the usual tourist scenes in a mad dash of cattle calls through the city, but it didn’t really feel like we’d been anywhere. The summer trip was just enough to whet my appetite for more.

And then it happened. A group of us formed a Tijuana Brass-style ensemble and finished second, behind The Gentrys, a Memphis group that had an actual record (“Keep On Dancin’”) in the Mid South Fair Talent Contest. That was good enough to get us an audition for the “Ted Mack Amateur Hour,” the “American Idol” of its day, and we wound up going back to New York just after Thanksgiving.

This was a whole different kind of trip. For one thing, there were just 12 of us. For another, our chaperones were our high school band director, Joe Sills, and his new wife. To give you an idea of his relative age, he had just married a girl who had been a senior in his first year as band director. Even in Tennessee, that raised a couple of eyebrows. Joe was about 25, his wife about 20, and they had gotten married

the Sunday before we left for New York. Needless to say, they had better things to do than watch out for us.

So, at the ripe old age of 15, 12 redneck teenagers from a town deep in the piney woods were cast loose on the Big Apple. Hilarity ensued. My friend Fulton Robertson and I thought it was cool to go shopping for electronics (he bought a transistor radio) at 3 a.m. We fell in love with Horn and Hardart, an “automat” chain where you could serve yourself a piece of pie anytime of the day or night. Several of our group broke away and took a taxi to the Empire State Building and its environs, and were picked up by a truant officer in Macy’s and dropped off back at our hotel after confirming they were, indeed, from Tennessee.

We filmed the show in the Ed Sullivan Theater on the same stage used by another famous rock and roll band a couple of years before. Part of our costume required us to go barefoot, our homage to the campesinos that inspired our music, and at the end of the day our feet were coated black with the grime of the city. I have the whole thing on video, if you’d ever like to see it, complete with Geritol commercials.

It is a jarring thought that all this happened more than 40 years ago, when the black and white pictures of Walter Cronkite announcing the death of a president were still new and men hadn’t yet landed on the moon. My memories of this trip are roughly equivalent to my parents’ recollections of the Roaring Twenties.

Everything’s relative.

New York has a special place in my memory, not only from visiting it so memorably in such rapid succession, but from many movies filmed among its tall buildings and sitcoms like “I Love Lucy” and “Amos & Andy,” which revolved around its rhythms.

I am, as I write this, on my way to New York for a very special honor. A documentary film company is making a short subject about a case I argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, and I’m to be interviewed for the project.

Maybe I’ll go to the top of the Empire State Building while I’m there.

Maybe that’s where I left my youth.

I’ll let you know.

See y’all on the flip. TJN

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 9

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JULY 30, 2009

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Volume 1 • Issue 9

By George “Tip” Cline

I guess I’m in traffic mode today, so I’ll continue in that vein. Isn’t it a pain when traffic signal lights remain at intersections where they are no longer needed? Enterprise and Mill happened in the reverse mode, but I’ll bet just about any of us can name corners where it doesn’t make sense.

Common St. and 7th St. come to my mind, for one.

Then, there are the corners that desperately need lights—like Prien Lake and Holly Hill. And you have the strange corners like Kirby St. and Ryan where you can languish inter-

minably for the light to change. The best bet is to allow ample time to travel if you know you’re going to put up with these frustrating impediments to your route. Wouldn’t it be pleasant if more of the world used common sense?

If you find this column of interest, let The Jambalaya News know.

Comments, suggestions, ideas, info, etc. are welcome. Send to lauren@thejambalayanews.com. TJN

Good Food, Bad Traffic The other day I had to have some routine medical stuff done, including blood work. You have to fast the night before and that makes you pretty hungry by the time you’re through. I was at Memorial Hospital, it was approaching noon, and I was famished.

Leaving the hospital, I remembered Cotton’s Hamburgers was just down the street. I had almost forgotten about their bacon cheeseburger special. You get a fresh ground burger, loaded with all the trimmings, homemade onion rings and a drink (I have the fresh squeezed lemonade). This comes to $4.68, with the tax. You talk about a bargain! I like to take some of those rings and put them right on top of the burger.

Chef Mazen has opened AMazen’s Seafood at the old Ruby Tuesdays location to complement his Mediterranean restaurant with some different selections. It’s a more casual place with TVs in the open bar area.

He’s still working on tweaking the menu and all. I do understand that an oyster bar is in the plans. He makes fresh homemade stuffed crabs, served in real crab shells with his own twist on onion rings and French fries. You get a serving of three of the tasty crab-loaded delights with a nice crisp salad for $15.95. Well worth every penny. His wine list is decent and the prices are in line. Mazen is making sure the service will be up to his high standards. I don’t think you’ll disappointed spending your money and your evening there.

Those of you who travel in the Lake Street and Sale Road area already know about southbound Lake Street. I have no expertise in traffic management, but I’m not too Volume 1 • Issue 9

sure that the designer of that intersection used all the available expertise, either.

What in the world would be the purpose of jamming two lanes into one way before the light? When Lake St. is four lanes from Sale St. on south, it will make sense, but for now, the dedicated left turn lane surely makes for problems. At high travel times, the southbound traffic backs up to beyond Terry Lane.

There are separate lanes for left and right turns, but if you’re going straight, pack a lunch. Northbound has no problem. Sale Road works well both ways with some delay westbound when school lets out. I avoid that southbound route with a passion.

Another traffic problem relates to the Wal-Mart, Nelson Road and Prien Lake intersection. Yeah, I know that area has been legendary for trouble. Traffic coming south from I-210 on Nelson has a dedicated right turn lane onto westbound Prien Lake. For the life of me, I cannot understand why cars going to the convenience store on the southwest corner turn right on Prien Lake and then want to turn left into their parking lot. When they do so, traffic backs up to no end while they try to transverse two lanes of opposing traffic, which in turn plays havoc with the already challenging I-210 intersection exits. All they have to do is go straight past the intersection and make an easy right turn into the store.

Again, I’m no traffic engineer, but it shouldn’t be rocket science to figure some different way to make that particular location flow a whole lot smoother. Driving today is maddening enough without unnecessary obstacles.

Masquerade Ball Friday, July 31st, 8 p.m. - Til Mystery Gift for most “Original Costume” Crowning King & Queen Also Dinner & Live Music

2200C Ryan Street (337) 433-6666 (Former LaNormandy’s)

THE YAMAHA SHOP Motorcycles • Boats • Waverunners • ATVs

5433 Hwy. 14, Lake Charles, LA (337) 436-8449 • Fax: (337) 436-8496 Locally owned by Thelice Bell and Gus Bell

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 11

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Hot Weather, Cold Drinks David with Mojito

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JULY 30, 2009

It’s been a long, hot summer. As humid days melt into sultry nights, it’s nice to chill out with some refreshing adult beverages.

David Herpin, the bartender at Sylvia’s Bistro, serves up a diverse array of summer drinks to cool down the hottest night. The Jambalaya News paid him a recent visit and was wowed by his skills—not to mention the final results.

Originally from Houston, Herpin has plied his trade at Pat’s of Henderson and the VIP Lounge at L’Auberge du Lac before coming to Sylvia’s. Not only is he talented, he’s a truly nice guy—and he’s fast!

Here are some of his favorite summer drinks:

Mint Juleps and Mojitos belong to a family of cocktails commonly known as “smashes.” A muddler, similar to a long pestle, is used to smash the fresh mint in each glass to release the mint flavor.

MINT JULEP The mint julep has been the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Each year, almost 120,000 juleps are served at Churchill Downs over a two-day period!

Ingredients 2-½ ounces Bourbon whiskey 6 to 8 sprigs mint leaves Granulated sugar, to taste Crushed ice

Chilled silver julep cup (it’s so much nicer when you use the right cup!)

Preparation Muddle the mint and sugar, then let stand for a bit to allow the broken leaves to release their flavor.

Add bourbon whiskey, top off with crushed or shaved ice, shake (not for long) and chill the mixture.

No stirring!

Add a small straw and mint garnish. The result is positively sublime.

MOJITO La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, Cuba is reportedly the birthplace of the Mojito—and is where

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Ernest Hemingway first took a sip of what would become his favorite drink. It’s definitely one of mine!

Ingredients Fresh mint Simple syrup 2 ounces white rum 1/3-cup club soda Crushed ice Fresh lime juice Preparation Add mint to simple syrup and stir gently Pour through julep strainer over a little crushed ice at the bottom of the glass Muddle Add more crushed ice and lime juice Add rum, but don’t fill to top Add club soda Stir and garnish with mint

Mai Tai MAI TAI There are many versions of the Mai Tai out there, and even controversy as to who originated the drink.

It was supposedly invented at Trader Vic’s “Polynesian-style” restaurant in Oakland, California in 1944. But, Trader Vic’s restaurant rival, Don the Beachcomber, claimed to have created it first in 1933 at his little bar (later a famous restaurant) in Hollywood.

However you make it, it’s a fun (potent!) tropical drink.

Ingredients Orgeat Cordial Syrup Crème de Noyaux Orange Curacao Myers Dark Rum Pineapple Juice Crushed ice Preparation Shake all ingredients; pour over crushed ice and add Myers Dark Rum. Do not mix. Add orange slice and cherry for garnish. Enjoy! TJN Volume 1 • Issue 9

There’s a new flavor in Southwest Louisiana!

It’s spicy and distinctive, and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll come back for more. It’s The Jambalaya News— a brand-new publication that celebrates life in this unique part of the country. It’s all about you!

The Jambalaya News is distributed throughout SWLA and

NOW THE WORLD - THANKS TO THE WORLD WIDE WEB. Contact our Sales Department today, and let us help you grow your business! Call (337) 436-7800 or e-mail us at sales@thejambalayanews.com.

Us Out Our issues are now online. www.thejambalayanews.com JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 13

If you have a recipe and story you would like to share, e-mail us at lauren@thejambalayanews.com

What’s Cookin’

Spice Up Your Summer Grilling!

Local hair salon owner and photographer Blane Bourgeois is an avid fisherman and hunter—and a great cook. Phil and I have had the privilege of sampling many of his delectable dishes. Here’s one that sure to please everyone at your summer cookout!

The “half shell” refers to the fish skin, which gets crispy when grilled. The sauce recipe was taught to Blane by his old friend Mickey Findley.

TJN

Barbecued Redfish on the Half Shell INGREDIENTS • 3 pounds of redfish (approx. two dozen fillets) • Seasoning SAUCE • 1 stick of butter • 1 bottle of pickapepper sauce • 2-3 tsp. of chopped garlic • 1 tsp. of Tabasco sauce • Squeeze of fresh lemon

PAGE 14

JULY 30, 2009

Blane Bourgeois

DIRECTIONS Simmer sauce ingredients in a saucepan.

Season fillets (use whatever you’d like—Blane prefers a red pepper seasoning like Slap Ya Mama) and put on the grill, skin side down. When fish are about half done, brush sauce on fish, and again just before you take fish off the grill.

The sauce is also great on chicken, pork, and shrimp—so if you have leftover sauce, put some chicken breasts on the grill for lunch the next day.

Enjoy!

Volume 1 • Issue 9

A Greener

W

RLD

The Car Allowance Rebate System: Get Rid of Your Gas Guzzler

By Bryce Primeaux

If you live in Southwest Louisiana, then the high temperatures here should come as no surprise to you. For years, it seems, this area’s climatic temperature has been on the rise. But, a number of scientists and climatologists believe changes can be made to curb this incremental transition. This belief has been a motivating factor in Congress’ recent passage of a bill that will enable auto dealers to provide substantial rebates to vehicle buyers.

The new legislation, signed into law June 24 as the “Car Allowance Rebate System” (C.A.R.S.), delivers a promise to commuters nationwide of rebates for trade-ins towards new vehicles.

Stipulations concerning the program governing several aspects of the new, purchased vehicle, including its fuel efficiency, ensure that the environment will receive a purge of automobile-related emissions.

By removing gas-guzzling vehicles from our streets and replacing them with cleaner, more fuelefficient models, the government seeks to deter any further damage to our natural surroundings.

The system targets vehicles manufactured in the past 25 years, with a focus on the oldest cars fitting

Volume 1 • Issue 9

into that category. To pinpoint the elder of the fuel burning fugitives, the system offers incentives for purchases that qualify and those that exceed the qualifying fuel efficiency difference in automobiles with rebates of $3,500 and $4,500, respectively.

Financial encouragement promotes the system itself, but it is only a minor component driving the environmental benefits that will accompany the program that honors both foreign and domestic automobiles for trade-in and purchase.

Of course, the removal of the emission-spewing offenders is critical, so vehicles to be traded in for the purchase or lease of the new automobile are destroyed—that is, they are sold for scrap parts. That means your ’06 coupe may not be the most suitable candidate for the

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 15

program. In this regard though, the program is able to promote a healthier atmosphere in a twofold process by eliminating the guzzling culprits themselves while also recycling their parts for other automobiles.

Philip Tarver, managing owner of Lake Charles Toyota, feels that the system, also known as the “Cash for Clunkers” program, can provide some relief to our environment. “Not only will it cut down on car emissions, but the system will also help to cut down on production emissions when commuters switch to newer cars,” he said.

Our area in particular is responsible for a significant quantity of plant activity, so the system will help in the South. “There are higher concerns here because it’s such an industrialized area, so any reduction of emissions is welcome,” he said. “Older cars need to be taken off highways and replaced with newer, safer, more environmentally friendly models.”

Others feel that the program should be taken on globally to yield the desired results.

“The system may not immediately affect the country, but every bit

counts,” said King Bolton of Bolton Ford. “The program is unique. It has stricter rules and a limited amount of time and money associated with it.

It’s not quite like anything we’ve seen before,” he stated. “It’s a great start to a brighter future, to something bigger, to a step in the right direction.”

However the program pans out, it seems that a minor change in our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on oil as a resource such as this will aid in our push to a greener, healthier environment.

To see if your trade-in and purchase are eligible for the C.A.R.S. program or to view the specifications of the system itself, visit www.cars.gov on the Web or call (866) 227-7891.

Bryce Primeaux is The Jambalaya News’ business intern and is the assistant to the publisher. He will be starting LSU in the fall, unless we tie him to his chair. TJN

Grand Opening of La Familia Resource Center August 11 The grand opening of the La Familia Resource Center will be held on Tues., Aug. 11. The public is welcome to attend. The center is a bilingual, multi-service, non-profit 501c(3) organization developed to meet the needs of Latino and other multicultural families and

individuals by providing information, referrals, and access to services and programs within the Lake Charles community. It is located at 1600 Siebarth Drive. For more information, contact Sylvia Stelly at 312-2906. TJN

Free Community Seminar on Heartburn at St. Patrick Hospital CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital will be holding a free community seminar on heartburn and Barrett’s Esophagus on Thurs., Aug. 13. The seminar will begin at 6 p.m. in Garber Auditorium at 430 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. One in 10 people suffering from chronic heartburn will develop Barrett’s Esophagus, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

Gastroenterologist Ricardo McCall,

M.D. will discuss the causes and symptoms, and will also share the latest information on available treatments and options for staying active and pain-free. Dr. McCall is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology and has been practicing medicine in Lake Charles since 1999. Seating for the seminar is limited. To register, call 491-7577. TJN

Telephone System Maintenance • Computer Maintenance Business Services Telephone Systems Computer Repair Wireless Networking Wired Networking

Wireless Network Setup Phone Label Templates Home Service

Jambalaya!

Food and Fun Under the Sallier Oak Mark your calendars for Sat., Aug. 29, at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum for the first Jambalaya Cook-off, sponsored by The Jambalaya News. Area cooks are invited to prepare their special recipes and submit for judging by a panel of “experts.” On-lookers are encouraged to come and sample the fare. Music, beverages, and lots more. Admission is $10 to sample all the entries; and, there will be a cash beverage bar. For more information on entering your special recipe, please contact Kay Andrews at The Jambalaya News at 436-7800, or the Imperial Calcasieu Museum at 439-3793.

PAGE 16

JULY 30, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 9

By Lisa Yates

Cadenza Flyscooter

Scoot Over to Augie’s Scooters Linda Dessommes’ first experience with scooters came about 12 years ago when she bought one for her husband, Charles.

“I bought it for my husband to play with the grandkids,” she said. “Our grandkids live all over the state, so we’d take it with us on visits and he’d give them rides.”

Last summer, she bought her first scooter – a 49 cc Honda Metropolitan

– and started riding with her husband.

“People would always stop us and ask the same three questions,” she said.

“One, what are you riding? Two, how much gas does it use? And, three where can I get one?”

Linda called the “big four” motorcycle dealerships that sell scooters and found out their scooters were on back order.

“That’s when I said this town seriously needs a scooter store,” she said.

The demand led to the opening of

Augie’s Scooters, located at 301 W. Prien Lake Road, in Lake Charles.

“We are the only all-scooter dealership in Lake Charles and in the surrounding area,” Linda said.

She said the name “Augie’s” came from Charles’ middle name – Auguste.

Since opening in October, business has been good.

“We are real pleased with the response,” Linda said.

Prior to opening Augie’s, Linda operated a legal nurse consulting service. Charles still owns and operates another successful area business, Port City Hardware.

Linda said the couple spent time researching the scooter business before opening.

“We spent four to five months researching various scooter lines,” she said. “In the process, we discovered there were multiple quality levels.

In the process, we also discovered what lines we did not want to be associated with.”

Products Linda said they wanted to be selective and provide the best products for the lake area.

“The goal is to provide a quality of scooter that was dependable, fun to ride and, price-wise, within

the reach of most people,” she said. “I didn’t want to sell throw-away scooters.”

All the scooters in the showroom are gas-powered and street legal, according to Linda.

“We are authorized dealers of Flyscooters, Lance PowerSports, and Global Motor Imports,” she said. “Also, we are real excited about a new product coming in August – the AutoMoto.”

The AutoMoto is a new three wheel enclosed scooter that bridges the gap between an automobile and a motorcycle. Linda said it can reach speeds of between 55 to 65 mph, while achieving an estimated 83 mpg.

“It has a full windshield and wiper, a protective roof, comfortable seating and four speakers with MP3 connection,” she said. “There’s also a lockable trunk for storage.”

Why a three-wheeled scooter?

“In one week I had three different people come up and ask me about three-wheeled scooters,” Linda said. “I thought there might be a market for it, so I researched it. I looked at several different ones; and, I found this one is probably better than what’s currently available on the market.”

Linda is also in the process of building the store’s accessory lines.

She said Augie’s carries helmets, which the state requires, and other safety gear like armored riding jackets and gloves. They have their own line of t-shirts; and, they sell the local scooter club’s official t-shirts.

Linda said the local scooter club is Scooters of Imperial Calcasieu – SIC. “We belong to it and we try to

Mechanic Chris Comeaux with Linda and Charles Dessommes, owners.

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 17

support it,” she said. “It’s a brand new club. There are no dues and no meetings, just come out and ride.”

Check the group’s blog site scootswla.wordpress.com - for information about upcoming ride dates.

Linda said the club’s first ride took place in February.

“There were 10 of us on the inaugural ride, including two members of Scooter Club Golden Triangle, the scooter club in Beaumont, Texas,” she said. “They came out to show their support. It was a neat thing.”

Linda said there are scooter clubs nationwide, with a list of scheduled scooter activities published in Scoot!

Magazine.

“Our group went to New Orleans in the spring for the Big Easy Scooter Rally,” she said. “Scooting is all about having FUN! Fun in capital letters.”

The vehicles have an appeal because they are simpler to operate than a motorcycle, but they still offer the perks of an outdoor riding experience at an affordable price.

Price The scooters at Augie’s range in price from $1,299 to $4,000.

• 49 cc engine ranges from $1,299 to $1,350 • 150 cc engine ranges from $1,795 to $2,295 • 250 cc engine starts at $3,000 • The AutoMoto is priced below $4,000

Lance Intercept

PAGE 18

JULY 30, 2009

“We didn’t want to price people out of riding scooters,” Linda said.

She added the cost of insurance is surprisingly affordable.

“It’s different from that of a motorcycle,” she said. “To give you an idea, my husband and I pay $35 each for liability insurance.”

Gas mileage People are also turning to scooters to save money on gas. Motor scooters can get roughly 80 miles per gallon of gas, compared to 22 to 25 miles per gallon for the average passenger car.

Linda said a scooter’s gas mileage varies depending on the size of the engine.

“For short commutes to work or school, a 150 cc engine gets between 70 and 75 mpg; whereas a smaller 49 cc engine gets between 90 and 100 mpg,” she said.

Linda has brochures in the store, each with a chart you can use to help you calculate how much you can save by driving a scooter part-time.

“My husband and I ride our scooters to work and save our cars for when we have to use them,” she said.

These economical vehicles can be of benefit to college students, particularly at places like McNeese State University, where they can be parked like bikes close to the buildings.

Linda said security isn’t a problem.

“All of our scooters have locking mechanisms built into the steering columns,” she said. “If someone were to take one, it would just go in circles.

We also sell chain locks for added security.”

For an economical vehicle, scooters have a surprising amount of cargo capacity. Linda said she can fit three bags of groceries on her scooter.

“I can put two bags on the cargo hook and one bag in the trunk box,” she said.

Empty nesters are also feeling the need for speed.

Linda said many older Volume 1 • Issue 9

people are incorporating scooters into their lifestyle.

“A lot of retired people use them to run errands,” she said. “Campers and RVers also take them along as second vehicles. Our oldest customer is a 97 year-old gentleman, who said he had always wanted one.”

Scooters have a lot to offer as fleet vehicles, Linda added. She said scooters can help plants and courier delivery service companies save on energy costs and minimize maintenance expenses.

“Scooters are economical both in acquisition and use,” she said.

Service Linda said you will receive knowledgeable, attentive service from the friendly staff in their service department. The staff includes Chris Comeaux, an experienced mechanic, and Charles Dessommes, the store’s co-owner.

“We service all the scooter brands we sell as well as other brands,” Charles said. “We have parts that are normally replaced: fuel filters, spark plugs and gasketing. If we need to order a part, we usually get it within two days.”

Linda said scooter maintenance is simple. She said scooters need regular intervals of oil changes. She said you also need to check tire pressure, turn signals and brake lights.

“If you adhere to a regular maintenance schedule, the vehicles have an indefinite service life,” she said.

Linda added every scooter Augie’s sells comes with a warranty.

“The warranty varies according to each manufacturer, but they all have at least a 1 year warranty,” she said.

Not since Audrey Hepburn rode a scooter across the big screen in Roman Holiday has the motor scooter enjoyed such a spotlight.

With a variety of stylish, economical models to choose from, what does Linda drive?

“I don’t sell any scooters I haven’t personally ridden before,” she said.

“I’ve ridden each of the models we sell in the store, so I can personally experience the pros and cons of each model.

Presently, I have my dealer plate on a Flyscooter Cadenza 150 cc scooter with 16-inch wheels. It’s a nice ride.”

For more information, call (337) 477-7977, e-mail augiesscooters@att.net, or visit Augie’s Scooters at 301 W. Prien Lake Rd., in Lake Charles. Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 19

Story and pictures

by Lisa Yates

In his chopper shop behind his house in south Lake Charles, Joseph “Jo Jo” Johnson cranks out custom bikes and modified motorcycles.

Unlike “catalogue builders” who buy commercially available parts from catalogues, Johnson handbuilds bikes from scratch.

“Or, I can take an old bike, chop it up and customize it,” he said.

Johnson, 26, who works as a machinist at Precision Tools & Machining in Lake Charles, said he doesn’t know many people who can drop $50,000 to $100,000 on a custom motorcycle.

That’s why he wants to start a business – to give customers the opportunity to own oneof-a-kind custom motorcycles like the

ones they see on TV and at bike rallies, but at a price they can actually afford.

Dirty Jap Cycles Johnson said Dirty Jap Cycles is just in the hobby stage right now, but he plans to open for business when all of the necessary paperwork is completed.

“I have to get licensed and bonded first,” he said.

Johnson insists the name Dirty Jap Cycles isn’t derogatory. Instead, he said the name pays homage to Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki - bikes that are fast, fun, affordable and ultra-popular.

“Me, Dusty and Ryan were brainstorming and came up with the name Dirty Jap Cycles,” he said.

“That’s because we only build Japanese bikes, no Harleys.”

Ryan Keenan, 28, is Johnson’s mechanic and business partner in the shop. He currently works for Journeyman Electrician Dusty Bordelon as an electrician’s apprentice at Wills Electric in Lake Charles.

“Our other friends ride Harleys,” he said. “We’re just different. We don’t have anything against Harleys. Anybody who rides a bike is a friend of mine.”

Whenever Johnson, Keenan and Bordelon rev up their custom motorcycles and head down to the grocery store or gas station, they draw a crowd.

Dirty Jap Cycles are known for their own look.

They are long and lower than many custom cycles seen on the street. They have an edgy or “dirty” look that have some taking photos with their cameras or even cell phones.

Johnson achieves this distinct style by fabricating the metal using his own lathe and milling machine. He refuses to use shiny chrome bolted-on parts.

“That’s not the Dirty Jap way,” he said.

Keenan said their bikes are built on a budget and that helps to keep costs down.

“We’ll make a part instead of ordering it – there’s no overhead that way,” he said. “Jo Jo can take a piece of scrap metal and make a part like an axle. Sometimes we order parts, but if we do they are all second-hand parts. We don’t buy anything flashy. Chrome won’t get you home.”

Custom motorcycle and chopper builders Joseph Johnson and Ryan Keenan PAGE 20

JULY 30, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Joseph Johnson purchased a 1975 Honda CB 400 for $400.

It’s no surprise Johnson’s bike, nicknamed The Dirty Jap, turns heads. The motorcycle won first place in its division at the Lakefront Tour Car/Truck/Bike Show, which was held April 18, 2009, in Lake Charles.

Johnson said that was the first show he entered.

“There’s one coming up August 29,” he said, noting he will participate in it, also.

Cost Not all custom jobs are created equal. Customization can be a matter of replacing a few parts or replacing nearly all of them. Or a bike can be, like Johnson’s, built basically from the ground up.

A custom bike built by Dirty Jap runs between $4,000 and $5,000.

He rebuilt the frame, changed the handlebars, fenders and gas tank.

The frame is painted.

Johnson said it takes at least a month to build a bike.

“We can build straight up from the frame, or you can bring in a motor and we can build around it,” he said.

As a professional machinist, Johnson can even take a picture of a frame from a motorcycle magazine and recreate it in his shop.

Currently, Johnson is working on a friend’s 1972 Honda CB 750.

“We’re doing a full chop, paint, customize and rebuild on it,” he said.

He has another project lined up after that one.

“Dusty’s bike is next,” Johnson said, pointing to an Army-themed bike in his shop. “It’s a 1986 Honda Rebel 450.”

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Custom bikes and choppers There’s a difference between custom motorcycles and choppers. The term chopper comes from “chopping” up a motorcycle and manufacturing a new look from the old pieces.

Custom motorcycles are built from new pieces modeled after the modifications and trends set by the original choppers like those in the 1969 film Easy Rider.

Many custom motorcycles are sometimes mistakenly called choppers, but a truly custom-built motorcycle has additional accessories and parts added to the bike for aesthetic value.

Johnson’s Dirty Jap bike started as a 1975 Honda CB 400 he purchased for $400. He began building it as a hobby about two years ago.

“It was actually built in stages,” he said. “During the first stage, I built the handlebars and took the seat off, putting in a metal seat pan. I put in struts and painted it. I drove it around for five or six months until I got tired of riding it. It started hurting my back, so I put it on the table and cut it.”

That was the end of the first stage.

Johnson said during the second stage, he fully re-built the motorcycle.

“I cut the frame in half,” he said. “I made a back hard tail; I made handlebars; I made the exhaust pipe. I took the front fender and switched it to the rear fender. I made the front wheel and changed it from 18-inches to 21inches. Then, I put a peanut gas tank on it.”

The second bike he built with Keenan was Keenan’s bike, “Honda Chop.” Since completing it, the two local guys have been working on their friends’ motorcycles.

Johnson said most of his work has come from word of mouth from just going places on his motorcycle.

“We go to local shows, bike nights and poker runs,” he said. “Other people ask us about our motorcycles.”

PAGE 22

JULY 30, 2009

‘American Chopper’ Johnson said the interest in a custom motorcycle has been aided by the help of television shows like “American Chopper,” which depicts the life of a family making custom motorcycles for a living.

“I get a lot of ideas off there and I get encouragement from the show,” he said. “He (Paul Teutul, Sr.) started off with a small shop and got big. Also, Jesse James – I like him better. He started off small, too. That’s what we’re doing. We’re starting small and we want to grow.”

Johnson said his biggest inspiration has been his dad – Joseph “Joe” Johnson, Sr. “He started out working for other people, and then he bought Gayle’s Hardware,” he said.

Johnson said his father eventually sold that business; and, because he enjoyed cooking, started his own catering business called Poppy Joe’s Cajun Express.

“He ran that until he moved to Colorado and bought a restaurant,” Johnson said.

His father now owns On the Bayou, a successful restaurant in Cortez, Colorado. Johnson said his father’s series of successful businesses has inspired him to open a business in Lake Charles.

“I’ve seen him and my mom advance and enjoy a better quality of life through the years,” he said. “I see how you can better yourself and that’s inspired me.”

Johnson’s goal is to grow Dirty Jap Cycles into a full-time business, where he can build custom bikes while making a good living for himself and his wife, Tiffany.

For more information on Dirty Jap Cycles, contact Joseph Johnson at (337) 274-9493. TJN Volume 1 • Issue 9

Dago’s Custom Cycles, together with the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA, present Art on Wheels, the Ultimate Bike Show. Enjoy bike, art, hot rod and custom golf cart shows, as well as a tattoo show and contest, along with vendors, food, live music a poker run and even an old-fashioned pin-up girl contest! Have your kids enter their bikes or four-wheelers in the children’s show. The event will be

Volume 1 • Issue 9

held Oct. 23-25 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The hours are Sat. from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5; children 12 and under get in free. Proceeds will go to The Whistle Stop—a safe meeting place for families that have been separated by the court system or other circumstances. For more information, contact Dago’s Custom Cycles at 4804180. Stay tuned to The Jambalaya News for updates! TJN

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 23

By Lisa Addison

An avid local cyclist, Bob Drott of Lake Charles is accustomed to motorists “squeezing him out” (driving so close that the cyclist is nearly forced off the road) when he’s riding his bicycle. Also referred to as “buzzing,” it’s a dangerous practice, but it may not occur quite so often now that Louisiana has a new law on the books to protect cyclists.

House Bill 725 was signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal on June 25. Known as the Colin Goodier Protection Act, the new law states: “The operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.”

Goodier, a third-year medical student who was serving as a resident surgeon, was killed last June when he

PAGE 24

JULY 30, 2009

was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bicycle on River Road in Baton Rouge near St. Gabriel.

Goodier’s mother Nicette Goodier of New Orleans, who testified for the bill, said, “Losing a child brings a sorrow and pain so visceral that I did not think I could exist.”

Saving lives The new law was sponsored by State Rep. Michael Jackson of Baton Rouge, who said about 2 percent of traffic fatalities annually involve bicycles. “Previously, state and local laws didn’t spell out safe passing distances for motorists that go by bicycle riders,” Jackson said. “This bill will save lives.”

Drott, 56, a member of the Jolly Roger Cycling Club agrees with that assessment and said he and his fellow cyclists are happy about the new law.

“As cyclists, we are just asking that motorists share the road with us,” Drott said. “We’re out there for the

fun in riding. It’s also exercise, as well as a great stress reliever, but we want to feel like we can ride safely. I’ve had some really close calls, including one where a car came so close to me that people behind me said they just knew that I was going to get hit.”

Promoting organized cycling Along with being concerned about safety, the cycling club, which has been in existence for about 10 years, has a goal of promoting organized cycling, according to Drott. “Our members just like getting together and going for rides,” he said. “I’ve been riding a bike for pretty much all of my life and I really do think that once motorists become aware of this new law, it will make a difference when it comes to safety for all cyclists.”

Robert Brasher, 54, another local cyclist, agrees for the most part. “Well, I think the new law will help, but what will really help is if law enforcement

gets behind this and really enforces it,” Brasher said.

“We do have the right to be on the road, and the biggest thing we need is for law enforcement to not only recognize that but to totally back this law.

Actually, about 98 percent of motorists are great. They’ll move over and give you plenty of space and sometimes even give a friendly honk or wave. I really appreciate those kinds of people. But then you have the few out there who want to cause trouble and try to force us off the road.”

Brasher only started cycling about seven years ago, but he found that riding his bike has some perks since he met his wife, Mitzi Hodge, while enjoying the sport. The couple like going for rides with friends as well as with members of the Jolly Roger Cycling Club. “Almost every Saturday, we ride 50-60 miles,” Brasher said.

“And I do one or two hundred-mile rides a year. It can be a competitive

Volume 1 • Issue 9

sport, but it’s good exercise and it’s great fun as well.”

Sharing the road Brasher said he has acquaintances that have expressed an interest in cycling but are nervous about sharing the road with motorists. “But maybe the new law will help change their minds, especially once more people hear about it,” he added.

While this new law aims to keep cyclists safer, it’s also contingent on motorists abiding by it. A public awareness campaign will be launched soon that will notify motorists and

cyclists of the provisions of the law.

Any person who violates it could be fined up to $250. Incidentally, about a dozen other states have similar “threefoot” laws in place.

For more information on the local cycling club, visit www.jollyrogercycling.com.

(Lisa Addison has been a journalist for more than 25 years. She writes for local, regional, and national publications. Write to her at itsnews2me@aol.com.) TJN

Every Monday night, feast on juicy mouth watering Prime Rib. Rubbed with our own mix of seasonings and roasted to perfection.

Enjoy a 8, 12, or 16 oz. Prime Rib with aujus and horseradish cream sauces, a loaded baked potato and mixed vegetables.

Come early, supplies are limited.

901 Ryan St., Lake Charles • 439-2054 • pujostreet.com

Prescriptions for the Soul...

Louisiana born painter and musician, Tony DuPuis, is a very unique artist. As a drummer, pianist, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer, Tony has emerged as a very “different” artist with his unorthodox methods of painting.

Utilizing acrylics on canvas with his unusual “no-brush” techniques, Tony is wowing art lovers everywhere with his very original style and subject matters.

From spiritual to whimsical, modern to eclectic, each creation brings you directly into the essence of the paintings as they relate to Art and Life.

429 Ryan Street, Lake Charles • (337) 721-3447 Volume 1 • Issue 9

www.tonydupuis.com JULY 30, 2009

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By Sara

With school about to begin, the debate over private versus public school always comes up. Public schools in the Southwest Louisiana area are quite safe, and the educational ratings and testing scores are competitive.

And with the economy as it is, the fact that public school is free of charge makes it very appealing and necessary to many families.

But there are times when private school may be the right choice. It’s usually considered when there is a strong desire for religious teaching on a daily basis. Many local churches and religions offer school curriculums that include religious teachings and church attendance requirements.

Another reason for choosing private school is the better teacher-to-student relationship. Private schools typically offer a smaller classroom setting, which permits more attention to a child who may need more one-on-one interaction with the instructor.

However, this is not always the case, so you need to find out the studentteacher ratio.

Safety may be another reason.

However, if there are no real safety issues at the particular public school in your district, then it may not be worth the additional funds.

Another motive for choosing private is if your child wants to participate in a particular sport, and he or she wouldn’t be allotted much playtime in the public school.

Many people believe that private school offers a better education in general. To assure the veracity of this idea, compare test scores and graduation ratio with that of the particular public school in your district. Assumptions should not be made as to the level of education when your child’s future is at stake. Research the schools and ask questions.

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JULY 30, 2009

The private school experience Connie Rose is a teacher at First Baptist Christian Academy located in Moss Bluff, and is the mother of two young boys who attend the school.

She teaches second grade, and has approximately 12 students in her class each year.

Her class begins each morning with a Bible lesson and prayer. Spelling includes Christian words, reading includes biblical stories and writing includes prayer journals. The school uses a BEKA curriculum, and the students usually excel in all areas of testing. Rose is particularly excited about her second-grade son’s tenth grade reading level, which she attributes to his education. The classroom areas are clean and well kept, and are used by the church for Bible studies on weekends.

Rose is very enthusiastic about the opportunity to teach in such a loving and Christian atmosphere. “I adore teaching those young children about God’s Word. I love their inquisitiveness! My favorite class to teach, hand’s down, is Bible! It almost always runs long each day because of all the discussion that is opened up by the student’s thought-provoking questions!”

Rose said she loves that she doesn’t have to tiptoe around certain moral issues. “I love that we can openly discuss things that are going on around us and how God would want us to react to that situation. I love that when those kids leave my classroom, I know that I have done something to prepare them for what lies ahead in their world.”

She said that the hardest part is letting them move on to the next grade.

“They feel like my own children after having them under my wing for an entire school year!”

Other popular private schools in the Southwest Louisiana area include Faith Christian Academy, Hamilton Christian Academy, Saint Louis Catholic High School and Immaculate Conception Cathedral School.

Blackwe

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Final thoughts Most Lake Area parents are happy with their child’s public education. But if you have the financial means, private education is something to consider due to the smaller classrooms, high educational levels, safer environments and religious curriculum.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 9

It’s estimated that 24 million students nationwide start their school day with a trip on the school bus. Whether they walk, ride the bus or travel by car, USA.gov recommends these few tips to ensure they get to and from school safely.

Tips for school bus riders • Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus.

• Carry all loose belongings in a bag or backpack, and never reach under the school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen beneath it.

• Line up facing the bus, not alongside it.

• Move immediately onto the sidewalk and out of traffic after getting off the bus.

• Wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing the street, and walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you.

Tips for pedestrians or bike riders • Never walk alone – always travel with a buddy.

Try and find a friend, or make a new friend in the neighborhood to walk to school or ride the bus with.

• Wear reflective or bright color clothing to increase visibility.

• Respect traffic lights and street signs.

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

• Avoid loose-fitting clothing that could get caught in spokes or pedals.

Tips for car drivers and passengers • Make sure young children are in safety seats at all times, and that the seats have been properly installed.

• All children under 13 years should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.

• Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school.

You may want to limit the number of teen passengers to prevent driver distraction. Do not allow your teen to drive while eating, drinking, or talking on a cell phone.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 27

Chances are, your children are on a different sleeping schedule during summer break. Vacations, day trips, and general summer fun can be disruptive to their sleeping patterns.

Your children’s health and behavior take a nosedive when their sleep habits are out of whack. It’s not so bad in the summer, when they can sleep late. But now that they’re headed back to school, you need to remember that adequate sleep not only boosts their energy and enthusiasm, it also helps them learn more easily and reduces many behavioral problems.

Advertising with The Jambalaya News gave us the exposure across Calcasieu Parish we needed. We never could have expected the additional business we have now. Keep up the good work! We’re a customer for life!

— Justin Gill, J&R Carriage Call for Booking: (337) 570-9909 PAGE 28

JULY 30, 2009

How much is enough?

Generally, children between the ages of 6 and 9 need about 10 hours of sleep a night, while preteens need a little over 9 hours.

Teens are not getting the sleep they once did, and many have difficulty falling asleep and frequently wake up at night. This is not normal, and all this is taking a toll. Sleep deprivation is associated with mood changes and behavioral problems, including conduct disorders and inattention.

One study of U.S. high school students found that 13 percent were chronically sleep-deprived. Not getting enough sleep and not sleeping well is not OK.

Your child may require more sleep if he or she: • Has a short attention span, or is irritable or restless; • Has unusually low energy and activity levels; and • Is more tearful, anxious, defensive or impatient than usual.

Sleep tips for your children • Set a regular time for bed each night and stick to it.

• Avoid feeding your children large meals close to bedtime.

• Avoid giving anything with caffeine less than six hours before bedtime.

• Make after-dinner playtime a relaxing time.

• Establish a calming bedtime routine.

Note: Each child is different and has his or her own way of approaching sleep. Some take extra time to fall asleep, while others wake more often during the night. You know your child’s personal habits best, so with a little trial and error, you should succeed in finding a routine that best suits your family.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 9

By J. Dennis Stutes

With the current state of the economy, more and more computer users—both at work and at home— are finding they don’t have the extra funds to spend on software. Wouldn’t it be great if someone just gave away alternatives to those pricy software packages at no cost? Believe it or not, it’s out there. It’s called open source software, and has become the software of choice for millions of individuals and companies around the globe.

In the late 1980s, the General Public License was born. The GPL allows programmers to license their software and ensures their product will always be freely available to all.

Software released under GPL coined the name “open source” software since the source code of a program is kept open and available to the public.

Since then, many programs have been released under the GPL as well as other free distribution license agreements that serve the programming community.

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Actually, just about any proprietary program you can think of has an open source alternative. Web sites like http://osalt.org devote their entire existence to listing open source-based replacements to proprietary software.

The important thing to remember here is that the license agreement says you own the software, and the software can be freely distributed or altered as you wish.

Our children will inherit a very different global computer world than the one we live in today. The open source software model appears to be quite attractive in many countries. India, Cuba, the former Soviet Union, Indonesia, Germany, and many African nations have a very strong Linux community. Australia, South America, and parts of North America are only slightly trailing these countries in popularity.

In order to be competitive in the coming global market, computer users and developers should become familiar with all aspects of the diverse open source collection of software.

The flagships of open source software appear to be the operating systems, or OS for short.

First, there’s the Linux OS (pronounced “lee nucks”).

Originated by Linus Torvalds and derived from the minux teaching tool OS, Linux has grown to be a diverse giant in the computer world. It’s estimated that 45 percent of

all servers on the planet are running the Linux-based operating system because of its stable nature, available software, and lack of security holes.

Linux is available pre-installed from many computer manufacturers for desktop/laptop computers. It’s also available free by downloading an OS flavor from the Internet; popular distros include openSuse, Fedora, Knoppix, and Ubuntu.

Another OS, the Berkeley Software BSD, was derived from the original AT&T UNIX operating system at UC Berkeley. The Macintosh OS version 10, or OSX, finds its roots in certain parts of BSD. Freely distributed BSD descendants like FreeBSD, NetBSD and OpenBSD are also available for download on the Internet.

Office productivity software allows users to write letters, populate spreadsheets, create presentations, and manage email, databases, etc. The open source office productivity suite contributed by Sun Microsystems is OpenOffice.org (Oo.o or Ooo).

OpenOffice finds its roots from the old StarOffice suite and includes several office programs with one install.

Writer, the OpenOffice word processor, is compatible with Microsoft and WordPerfect file formats and can export in the .pdf format without the need for additional software.

Calc, the Ooo spreadsheet, also boasts advanced features not available in other spreadsheet programs.

Impress, the presentation software, can export in the .swf Adobe Flash format and works with the .ppt Microsoft PowerPoint files.

Draw, Ooo’s vector graphics editor and diagramming tool, is like having Microsoft’s Visio and Publisher in one program.

Base is Ooo’s database program that is similar to Micrsosft Access.

Another open source replacement for Microsoft Access, Kexi, is part of an office productivity suite called KOffice. Kexi is a very powerful program that fills the gap between spreadsheets and databases.

Mozilla Thunderbird is an open source e-mail management program that is capable of sporting the hundreds of separate plug-ins that Mozilla products are famous for. Mozilla is constantly developing its products, and Thunderbird is no exception—a new version with increased functionality is always on the horizon.

Another Mozilla product you may have heard of is the Internet Explorer replacement called Firefox. Firefox is a full-featured Internet browser that is also capable of taking advantage of Mozilla plug-ins and add-ons.

Other office products include PostBooks to replace Quickbooks, JasperReports to replace Crystal Reports, ClamWin to replace your antivirus software and WIPFW to replace your firewall.

Just because open source programs are free for the asking doesn’t mean they’re any less of a program than one you pay good money for. In most cases, the program is just as good, and often better. Someone else has already paid, with their time and money, to give these programs to the masses. Just remember, there’s one catch: There’s no one sitting on the other end of a phone line waiting to answer your questions. You’re on your own, unless you pay for the help.

J. Dennis Stutes is the director of University Computing Services at McNeese State University. TJN JULY 30, 2009

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By Mary Louise Ruehr

Three Fictional Visits to Africa There are about as many countries on the continent of Africa as there are states in the United States — separate nations with many languages, complicated politics, a mix of old and new cultures. Let’s take a fictional visit to three of them.

Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey is a mystery set in the Western African country of Ghana. Detective Inspector Darko Dawson works at Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters in Accra, Ghana’s modern capital, located on the Atlantic

coast. He’s called in on a murder case in a remote inland village, near the place where his mother had “disappeared into thin air” several years before. The case involves the death of a young woman whose body was found on the forest floor. She had been well liked, but controversial, as she tried to protect the rights of the local women and to convince the village men that safer behaviors would prevent the spread of AIDS. The crime-scene evidence points to several suspects, and the local

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JULY 30, 2009

police, who are unhappy to have an outsider intruding on their space, have selected their own designated perpetrator and, ignoring Darko Dawson, are taking matters definitively into their own hands.

The plot takes us into the heart of the old traditions of Ghana, involving witchcraft, magical healers, and the practice of trokosi, from which the book’s title comes. Simply put, young girls are sometimes “married” to the gods in order to make up for some misdeed done by another family member, and these girls are destined to bear the children of the high priest. So, in essence, he has multiple wives, but the women are considered to be wives of the gods.

Darko is a complex character — certainly not bad, but not all good, either. Many fictional detectives have some kind of specialty, and Darko’s is his hearing: “He had always had a peculiarly heightened sensitivity to speech. Not only did he hear it, but he often perceived it as if physically touching it. He had

on occasion told Cairo or Mama that he could feel ‘bumps’ in a person’s voice, or that it was prickly or wet.

They were mystified by this, but Darko could not explain it any better than he could describe the process of sight or smell.” The book immerses the reader in Ghana’s fascinating culture. It’s a good, solid mystery, and it promises to be the beginning of a series.

Now let’s move on, a little to the east, to Nigeria, where part of Little Bee by Chris Cleave is set. This is a truly powerful novel, and the publishers don’t want me to spoil it for you. The book jacket reads: “Once you have read it, you’ll want to tell your friends about it. When you do, please don’t tell them what happens.

The magic is in how the story unfolds.” What a quandary for a reviewer! Let’s just say it asks the question: Would you lift a finger to save someone you didn’t know? How far would you be willing to go?

This story of the encounter of a British husband and wife — Andrew and Sarah — with a young Nigerian

Volume 1 • Issue 9

woman — Little Bee, who has gone through some unspeakable something — is revealed in bits, not all at once.

Little Bee tells her tale in odd-numbered chapters, and Sarah narrates the even-numbered chapters.

This is a book not to be missed.

The first half is about as good as any book I’ve ever read — powerful, moving and thoroughly engaging. I felt that part of Sarah’s story dragged the book down a bit, but everything involving Little Bee packs a wallop.

The author’s words are sweet but brutal, simple but poetic. I even laughed out loud several times. Some of Little Bee’s musings still linger in my mind: “Our stories are the tellers of us,” she writes, and “A scar is never ugly … a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means I survived.”

Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith is the 10th in the series of No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels set in Botswana, which is located just above South Africa.

As the book opens, Mma Precious Ramotswe, proprietor of the detective agency, is very sad that her beloved “tiny white van” is dying. Her assistant, Grace Makutsi, is worried because her fiancé, Phuti Radiphuti, has hired her longtime nemesis — a devious woman with her eyes on Phuti — to work with him at his store. Mr. Molofololo, who runs the country’s best football (soccer) team, hires the lady detectives: “There is somebody in the team who wants us to lose and is making very sure that we do,” he tells the ladies, begging them to find the traitor.

As usual, the plot supports the character and cultural portraits of Mma Ramotswe, her acquaintances and her beloved Botswana. Whenever I read one of these books, I feel I’ve had a lovely, warm, fun visit with the

ladies in their peaceful environment.

Those who haven’t read the previous books will have no problem starting here. But I should explain the title: A “traditionally built woman,” as Mma Ramotswe describes herself, is one who is not exactly — err, ahem — thin.

Mma Ramotswe often muses about her country: “There was a boy who walked seven miles [to school] and seven miles back, even in the hottest of months, when the sun came down upon Botswana like a pounding fist, when the cattle huddled together under the umbrella shade of the acacia trees, not daring to wander off in

Copyright (c) 2009 Mary Louise Ruehr.

search of what scraps of grass remained. This boy thought nothing of his daily journey; this is what you did if you wanted to go to school … and you did not complain.”

Her love for her home is ever evident: “Poor Africa; it did not deserve the things that had been done to it.

Africa, which could stand for love and happiness and joy, could also be a place of suffering and shame. …

There was a story of courage and determination and goodness that could be told as well, and she was proud that her country, her Botswana, had been part of that.”

Save the Children’s Museum Fund

Mary Louise Ruehr is the Books Editor for the Record-Courier in Ravenna, Ohio. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Kent State University. Mary Louise is interested in all subjects and has many favorite authors, including Pearl S. Buck, James Michener, and P.G. Wodehouse, as well as mystery writers Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich. She blogs at http://blogs.dixcdn.com/shine_a_light/ and you can write to her at Books@recordpub.com. TJN

0 0 0 , 50

$4

Devastated by a recent fire, the Children’s Museum needs your help to reopen. The goal is $450,000.

So far, $154,518.08 has been raised! The museum would like to thank all of you who have contributed, including the following: Prien Lake Elementary St. John's Elementary A.A. Nelson Elementary Combre Fondel Elementary Westwood Elementary Vincent Settlement Elementary Dolby Elementary Henry Heights Elementary Lebleu Settlement Elementary South Beauregard Elementary Frasch Elementary Brentwood Elementary T.H. Watkins Elementary Barbe Elementary First Methodist Day School Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School St. Margaret's Catholic School McNeese State University Psi Chi Chapter SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau

Iggy the Iguana says: Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing all of you in my new home!

8 0 .

518

, 4 5 $1

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

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JULY 30, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Love of the Game I have a love-hate relationship with baseball.

I love the Game of baseball. The Game is perfect, with its exact measurements, its poetry of motion, its geometrical beauty — round ball, the infield diamond.

I hate the Institution of baseball.

The Institution protects steroid cheats behind a wall of willful ignorance, puts players on the disabled list with blistered fingers, hides its hands in its pockets as players’ salaries skyrocket well into nine figures.

But, inevitably, I see something so pure, so good that it reassures me that the Game is more important than the Institution, that the Game will always endure.

This weekend, I saw it in Gulf Shores, Ala. It wasn’t anything that would be recognized as an official game. There were no innings. There were only six players; three short of a regulation team, taking turns swinging a plastic bat at a plastic ball. First base was someone’s sneaker, stark white against the verdant green grass; third base, a baseball glove. Some rules were familiar with runs and foul balls and strikeouts. Some were pure streetball: Hit the runner with the ball before he reaches base, he’s out.

The game was played not on a diamond, but in a narrow courtyard six stories below the balcony of my family’s rented beach condo. The field, a hundred yards or less from the turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters, was narrow and flat with long sides, stairstepped at the corners and bordered by a tiled walkway.

But the grass was thick and the players, about 10 years old at the oldest, didn’t seem to mind the Volume 1 • Issue 9

makeshift field’s odd dimensions.

The game itself was epic.

Countless runs were scored and outs recorded as the boys played the late afternoon away, eventually playing down the sun until it colored the clouds over the Gulf shades of pink and orange and purple. They played through countless interruptions, including families crossing the field on their way to the swimming pools, and errant pitches disappearing into the thick foliage behind the shoe serving as home plate.

There were runners on second and third when the game was called abruptly. A rain delay on a perfectly fair night. The sprinklers let loose a shower of water sending the boys scurrying from the field.

It was a fine game. It reminded me just how much I love the Game of baseball, despite its Institution’s flaws.

With the Game of baseball in mind, I want to congratulate a couple of local youth baseball teams on their recent successes.

The South Lake Charles Little League 12-year-old all-star team last week won the state championship in dominating fashion, beating West Ouachita 15-3 in the title game. With the win, SLC advances to the Southwestern Regional Tournament to be held Aug. 7-13 in Waco, Texas.

The winner of the regional goes on to the nationally televised Little League World Series held in Williamsport, Pa. SLC reached the World Series last season and nearly made the world championship game. With this year’s team outscoring its state opponents 44-4, it looks like Lake Charles could be on its way to Williamsport again.

Not to be outdone, the SLC 8year-olds also won a state championship last week, beating Jackson Parish 10-1 in the finale. The title means the end of the season for the team, but, in four years, it looks like these guys could be the next SLC squad to make a run at Williamsport.

The 8-year-old all-stars were: Hunter

Brown, Benji Chatters, Brayden Corley, Ben David, Dillan David, Damon Fountain, Eric Gardiner, Andrew Guillory, David Nolan, Chase Rock, Jaylon Smith and Gabe Thompson.

Coaching Changes St. Louis Catholic High and Washington-Marion High School both filled openings for head basketball coach earlier this month. Both schools announced the hirings of Billy Dreher at St. Louis and Albert Hartwell at Washington-Marion on July 9.

While both new coaches will have some big shoes to fill, I think both programs are getting quality coaches.

In Dreher, St. Louis adds a coach who has proven himself to be a winner at all levels of the sport and, coming from another Catholic school, he should understand the job more than most candidates. Dreher was named the Class 3A coach of the year in 2008, leading Catholic-New Iberia to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

His Panthers also reached the playoffs this past season.

As a player, Dreher is the career 3point shooting percentage leader at the University of California-Berkeley and played professional basketball in Southeast Asia, South America and Europe.

Dreher takes over the program after former coach Butch Sigler’s oneyear contract was not renewed. Sigler had 805 career wins as a head coach and coached the Saints to three consecutive undefeated district championships. Sigler, in May, filed a lawsuit against St.

Louis High and the Diocese of Lake Charles charging that he was terminated for being a whistleblower. The case is still pending in state district court.

Washington-Marion made a solid choice with the hiring of Hartwell.

The former boys and girls basketball coach at Carroll High in Monroe has 521 career wins as a head coach.

His most recent coaching stint, at Oak Park Middle School, gives Hartwell a unique insight into his new team, as he has probably seen or coached some of his players already.

That knowledge should help Hartwell as he begins to put together his team for the upcoming season.

Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than seven years for various publicaBrandon Shoumaker tions. Coaches or parents with story tips may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

TJN

JULY 30, 2009

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U A B A F N OLY IN MOTION - WORD SEARCH

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Players take turns connecting two dots. When a player completes a box, they write their initial in the box. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.

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Volume 1 • Issue 9

der useum n e l l n E dren's M a D By e Chil mankind. People of th r o t c e were sent down to survive r i D

City of Ember Walden Media 2008 DVD This week, instead of reviewing Harry Potter (which you’d probably go see anyway), I took the road less traveled, and searched high and low for another movie you never even heard of. One that the whole family could watch. And I almost succeeded.

Ember is an underground city. The Builders engineered it just before the end of the world for the good of all

until the world got through its crisis.

(What crisis? One word: Sequel.) Over two hundred years have now passed, and the time has come to head for the exits, to go up top again. But the key to get out of Ember has been lost, and after 200 years, no one even knows the world above exists.

Doon Harrow and Lina Mayfleet are young friends who live in Ember.

They’ve just become old enough to be assigned to their jobs. How? By drawing them out of a bag in a ceremony, conducted by the Mayor of Ember.

Everyone gets a random job, and that’s what they do for the rest of their lives.

A lot of kids end up working on the infrastructure of the city. Food has to

be grown, supplies have to be rationed, and so on. Since there is no sunlight or moonlight, a huge electric generator provides light and power. But the generator was only built to last so long, and power outages are becoming very common, and scary. The people of Ember have never known darkness.

Until now.

This little plot was cooked up by Jeanne DuPrau, a children’s author from California. Yep, the City of Ember is a book. There are three more books in the series, so….

How is the movie?

As it turns out, several veteran actors turned out for some of the adult roles, and they provide good support for the kids that we stay focused on. Like many movies for young people, Ember is light on characterization, but the action and plot are anything but light.

Doon and Lina soon realize that the townsfolk have to leave Ember before it breaks down. But how? Through a series of clues, maps, and discoveries about who they are, our two friends come to understand what they must do. Along the way, they face down huge creatures, an underground river, and the inhabitants of Ember that live all around them who don’t really want to leave.

And that’s the real star of this movie, the City of Ember itself, a mys-

terious world of its own, with secret tunnels, weird customs, and strange gadgets. And get ready, because you are going to see hints of Isaac Asimov’s “Nightfall” and “Foundation” stories, the iconic game Myst, National Treasure, the Village, Charles Dickens, and dare I say? Logan’s Run. Oh, and Wall-E, of course. (Yes, of course! Who said post-post-modernism is dead?)

Somehow, without car chases or guns, we are kept mostly on the edge of our seats as Doon and Lina hurriedly try to find the way out of the city before the generator breaks down altogether. The Mayor, played diplomatically by Bill Murray, gets the whole city together and announces his own brilliant solution for the city’s problems: He will create a task force to study the power failures! (Mayors of Louisiana take note.)

As movies go, you won’t find much humor in this one and small children under 10 will be confused, frightened, or both, by the scenes of mild peril.

(Wait, being eaten by a giant mole isn’t very mild, is it?) But your older kids and maybe even you will find the story intriguing. And with so many, many references to draw upon, this will be one you can discuss with them for a long time.

At least until the first sequel comes out. TJN

As we enter Hurricane Season, we are dedicated to informing you of any weather threatening Southwest Louisiana. Part of our dedication to keeping you informed and up to date is our KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart sponsored by Cameron State Bank and Aggreko.

The KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart will be available June 1 at our sponsor locations or at the KYKZ 96 station.

More information at www.kykz.com

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 35

CTC’s Kids In Showbiz Workshop Aug. 3-7

Killin’ Time Crossword

The Children’s Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Kerry A. Onxley announces the final workshop of the 2009 Summer Starz Series. Kidz in Showbiz, a workshop on musical theatre, will be held Aug. 3-7. The workshop is designed to introduce newcomers to the world of musical theatre. Students will learn musical theatre techniques by acting, singing and dancing to songs from Broadway shows. The final class features the students in a performance demonstration highlighting the musical theatre skills they have learned.

The cost of the workshop is $85 and includes a T-shirt. No experience is necessary. All workshops have limited enrollment and are held at Central School of the Arts & Humanities Center (809 Kirby Street).

For registration information, visit the Web site at www.childrenstheatre.cc and click on “Summer Starz Series” or contact the theatre at (337) 433-7323. TJN

Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (http://www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission.

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Volume 1 • Issue 9

Charleston Gallery Reception Jeanne Owens at Charleston Gallery and Antiques has a knack for providing a unique and entertaining social experience as was evident at the recent opening exhibit of paintings and pastels by Louisiana artists and a jewelry trunk show. Guests enjoyed a variety of pastels exhibited by Marilyn Cox and bold, textured acrylic paintings of koi by Danni Shobe, along with several lines of custom-designed jewelry by Soila Maldonado and daughters Bessie Martinez and Angelica Villa. Summertime drinks and abundant victuals added a touch of Southern hospitality to a pleasurable evening. Loved that Charleston Kickin’ Iced Tea!

Danni Shobe, Anne Dentler and Marilyn Cox

Taylor, Cate, Emily and Mary Anne Filo

Jessica Willis and Jennifer Pinder

Jeanne and Evelyn Owens and Dorothy Sahlmann

Alexandra Collins and Morgan Streete

Erin Casey and Sophia and RaeLee Baggett

Carol Anne Gayle, Oili and Len Barchak checking out The Jambalaya News.

Lake Charles High School Reunion The Lake Charles High Wildcats were out in full force on a Saturday morning to meet and greet and talk about the “good ole’ days.” Many LC High athletes came to the podium during the opening ceremony to give their names and make a comment or two. A common thread with the athletes, students, teachers and staff was the spirit and tradition that was LC High School so many years ago; that spirit remains alive and well in the hearts of the alumni to this day. Archival displays tell story after story of student and faculty life on the Wildcat campus preserving the best of memories. Go Wildcats!

E.J., ‘71 and Margaret, ‘74 Griffith Miller Volume 1 • Issue 9

Rayna Shawa and Pamela Patterson JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 37

Rosemary Mosca, ‘70 and Frank Terrell, ‘58

Patty Broussard Chambers and Mancy Jo Broussard Ferrell

Virginia Lui O’Meara, Pam McGough, Donna Huckeba Verret and Donn Verret

Mardi Gras Museum Jungle Bingo Jungle fever was on the rise as various Mardi Gras krewe members arrived for the Mardi Gras Museum Jungle Bingo bash on a recent Friday evening. Anne and Lee J. Monlezun set the tone with their jungle native costumes; it was the unusual teeth, not the bone through the nose that gave me such a hard time recognizing the person behind the costume. There was music, dancing, shrieks and yells as the bingo games commenced and prizes were won. The jungle can be a wild place, especially when you mix a bunch of jungle characters together at a watering hole. A good-time party for everyone!

Jackie Bastow and Ken Savant

Tip Cline and Ed Chavanne

Tammy Spell, Angie Styron, Cora Broussard, Amber Spell, Brandi Styron

Cindy, Miles and Jack Desselle

Angela Frederick, Angie Savant and Anthony Frederick

Anne Monlezun and Benton Scott

Russ and Eileen Grantham

Bernard and Dolores Beaco

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JULY 30, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Summer Pops 2009 Coming Home with Marcia Ball Summer Pops 2009 delivered the excitement and glamour Lake Charles has come to expect from The Lake Charles Symphony as Director Debbie Reed brought Marcia Ball and company to the stage. Gary and Heather of 92.9 the Lake welcomed the crowd and introduced Guest Conductor, William Grimes. “The Door to Freedom” composed by Mr. Grimes, was performed by the Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra as a prelude to Marcia Ball’s introduction. Performing a variety of her signature boogies, blues and ballads, Marcia gave the audience what they came for, a rousing evening of fun and entertainment and for some lucky ladies like Tiffany Wakefield, a new pair of red high heels!

Sue Choi, Ginger Tatum, Ann Lindsay, John Choi and Mason Lindsay

James, Katherine and Laura Winford with Gray Stream

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Lee and Tiffany Wakefield and Temeka Perrin

Lily, Sarah and Alexandra Zaunbrecher

Gloria and Brandt Smith

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 39

ICM Summer Film Series The Jambalaya News’ own Lauren and Phil de Albuquerque introduced the third of four movies in the 2009 ICM Summer Film Series.

In its third season, the series was a hit from the start and continues to draw more and more moviegoers at every showing. The Pledge, starring Jack Nicholson and other notable actors, was quite a thriller with a bit of a twist at the end. The intimate setting provides just the right atmosphere for discussions before and after the film. The Last of Sheila will be the final movie in the series, and will be introduced by Jim Serra. TJN John and Carolyn Best and Ogal Lee Hill

Ellie and Charles Lemoine

Pat and Elton Louviere

Fred and Debbie Rickman and Ed McCanless

Dee and Sandy Morrissey

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday Oct. 17, 2009 at the Lake Charles Civic Center

Bessette Realty, Inc.

The 6th Annual Ethel Precht

HOPE BREAST CANCER 3K

Phil and Lauren, you have given me the perfect tool for relocation.

I have wished for a way to express the personality of Southwest Louisiana for years. The warmth, charm, and caring of our people for one another is not easily conveyed in a few words. The beauty of our area, the cultural richness and the zest of our food and humor abound in the pages of your magazine. The Jambalaya News captures all of these features within its covers and serves it up as spicy as the dish for which it takes its name. Congratulations on a job superbly done. This will be an integral part of my relocation kits from now on.

— Derenda Grubb - CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty, Inc. (337) 842-2696 • www.derenda.com

Walk/Fun Run www.ethelbreastcancerwalk.org Sponsored in part by

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JULY 30, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 9

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 41

To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com

The

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Laurel @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m.

• Twangsters Union @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m.

• Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m.

• The Arlen Bitterbuck Trio @ Breezy’s, 8 p.m.

• Do Not Destroy/Matthew Moss @ Cajun’s Wharf, 8 p.m.

• The Jimmy Kaiser Band @ Caribbean Hut, 8 p.m.

• John Guidroz @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 30 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Dave Pellerin @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m.

• Cypress Creek Boys @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• CEO Band @ Isle of Capri Casino, 8 p.m.

• Echo Movement (New Jersey) @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• HipBootJoe @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du Lac, 9:30 p.m.

• Hillcrest @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 11 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 31 • Tom Brandow @ Outrigger’s Lounge, 5 p.m.

• Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Sonny Bourg & The Bayou Blues Band @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m.

• Marshland Festival @ Lake Charles Civic Center, 8 p.m.

• The Arlen Bitterbuck Trio @ VFW Post 4759, Starks, 8 p.m.

• Crooks Carnival @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Southbound @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 8 p.m.

• Vilkatas/Southern DeathToll @ The Hideaway, Sulphur, 8 p.m.

• Wilson Miller & Still Kickin @ Linda’s Lounge, 8:30 p.m.

• Hello Govenor/The Dead and the Postponed @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.

• The Von Dukes/The 94’s/Two Shots Fired @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Chris Shearman/The Devil and The Details/ Peter Simon @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 • Mack Manuel & The Lake Charles Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Cypress Creek Boys @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• Chris Miller & Bayou Roots @ VFW Post 2130, Lake Charles, 7:30 p.m.

• Marshland Festival @ Lake Charles Civic Center, 8 p.m.

• The Roaming Soldiers (Dallas) @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• The Near Death Experiment/Better Off Dead @ Toucan’s, 9 p.m.

• Pork Chop Express @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.

• Sugar House @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Wayne & Layne’s, Sulphur, 9 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 9 p.m.

• Paris Green/Falls Forever/She Craves @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 • The Lacassine Playboys @ Wayne & Layne’s, Sulphur, 4 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ Mary’s Lounge, 5 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3 • Singer/Songwriter Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 • Errol Jenkins & Louisiana Tradition @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Rookie of the Year (Fayetteville, N.C.) @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m.

• City Heat @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

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JULY 30, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 9

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 • Jamie Berzas & The Cajun Tradition Band @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Mojeaux @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, Lake Charles, 7 p.m.

• Otenki @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• The Von Dukes/The In & Out Laws @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• August Broussard & Friends @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• Blake Shelton @ Coushatta Casino, 8 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Magnolia Sons/Mechanical Boy/ The Last Chalaron @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m.

• Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.

• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

• Butt Roxx @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 • Steel Shot @ Cameron Fishing Rodeo, Cameron, 2 p.m.

• The Hotel Cazin Band @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Pam Tillis @ Isle of Capri Casino, 7 p.m.

• August Broussard & Friends @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• Etched In Stone @ Strand Theatre, Jennings, 7 p.m.

• Plump (Houston) @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Rock 4 A Cure @ Ripperz Skate Park, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

• Mother’s Anthem/2nd Party Program @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Choke/Broken by the Burden/Slow the Knife @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 10 • Singer/Songwriter Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dance @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m.

• City Heat @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music,

Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Blue October/Switchfoot/Ours @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Mike Dowers @ VFW Post 8107, Sulphur, 8 p.m.

• Research Turtles/The Gills @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.

• Crooks Carnival @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• In Liquid/Last November @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 • Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Chris Miller & The Bayou Roots Band @ VFW Post 2130, Lake Charles, 7 p.m.

• Crooks Carnival/DJ Gump @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Devil and the Details @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Live Oak Decline (Austin) @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. TJN

MONDAY NIGHTS: Abita Beer Night

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Mondo Martini Night

THURSDAY NIGHTS: Be Well Night

Thurs. July 30 @ 9:00 ECHO MOVEMENT (from Jersey Shore, Nj.) Fri. July 31 @ 9:00 DEVIL & THE DETAILS Sat. August 1 @ 9:00 THE ROAMING SOLDIERS Thurs. August 6 @ 9:00 THE IN AND OUTLAWS & THE VON DUKES Fri. August 7 @ 9:00 MAGNOLIA SONS & THE LAST CHALERON Sat. August 8 @ 9:00 PLUMP (from Houston, Tx.) Fri. August 14 @ 9:00 RESEARCH TURTLES & THE GILLS Sat. August 15 @ 9:00 LIVE OAK DECLINE (from Austin, Tx.) Fri. August 21 @ 9:00 6 PACK DEEP (from Baton Rouge, La.) & MORE! Sat. August 22 @ 9:00 MYNAMEISJOHNMICHAEL & GIVERS

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 43

MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS JULY 30 The Volunteer Center of SWLA, Inc., will have its annual fundraiser on Thurs. July 30, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the Evergreen Room at the Gray Plantation. The Jambalaya News’ Phil de Albuquerque will be the auctioneer for the live auction; there will also be a silent auction, and entertainment by Kay Miller. Tickets are $50 per person, and can be obtained by calling 513-4617.

MARSHLAND FESTIVAL JULY 31- AUG. 1 Bring the whole family to the Lake Charles Civic Center for a weekend of music, food and fun! Bayou Katz, Barry Badon and the Bayou Boys, and Judd Bares and Six String Rodeo are just a sample of the bands you’ll be dancing to.

There will be arts and crafts, a business expo and food vendors. Admission is $8 on Friday and $10 for Sat., free admission for children 12 and under. For more info, visit www.marshlandfestival.com.

BLAKE SHELTON AT COUSHATTA AUGUST 7 See country music superstar Blake Shelton live in concert Fri., Aug. 7. Long known for the way he wraps his rich baritone around both emotion-laden ballads like “Austin” and “The Baby” and light-hearted party anthems like “Some Beach” and “The More I Drink,” he tackles songs about country life and attitudes with more joyful assurance than ever.

Tickets start at $25.50.

Advantage Club members receive a $10 discount.

Blake Shelton PAGE 44

JULY 30, 2009

JAM

COMEDIES KICK OFF MSU THEATRE’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY “Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star” will kick off McNeese Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Celebration.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat., Aug. 7 and 8 with a 2 p.m. matinee Sun., Aug. 9 at Lake Charles Little Theatre, 813 Enterprise Boulevard. The production is an Alpha Psi Omega National Honor Society Benefit and APO Alumnae Reunion event, co-sponsored by Lake Charles Little Theatre. Tickets are $15 with open seating. The box office opens for reservations July 27. For reservations, call 475-5043. This production is for mature audiences.

CAMERON SALTWATER FISHING FESTIVAL AUG. 7-8 The Cameron Jetty Pier Pavilion will be the scene of the 6th Annual Cameron Saltwater Fishing Festival. Gates open on Fri., Aug. 7 at noon and will stay open until midnight. Gates open at 9 a.m. on Sat. Gate fee is $5, with children under 10 allowed in free. Come and enjoy food, waterslide, rock wall climbing, Euro-jump, live music, fireworks, a Queen’s Pageant and so much more. The Redfish Challenge and Fishing Rodeo will take place both days of the festival, and over $5,000 in prizes and cash will be awarded. For more info, call (337) 794-9533.

CALCASIEU BOAT CLUB POKER RUN AUG. 8 The Calcasieu Boat will hold its annual Poker Run Sat. Aug. 8. The event includes fun water stops, games, door prizes, a meal and a poker hand. The best five-card hand will win $300; second place, $200 and third place $100. The winners of two free optional games will win $100 each. Early registration is $25. After July 24, it’s $30. Check-in is between 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Aug. 8 at the clubhouse, which is located north of the I-210 beach with access through LaFleur Park. Participants must be at least 21 years of age, and be present at time of check-in to receive wristband. For more information, call Joe or Vickie Vezina at 905-0140 or visit www.calcasieuboatclub.com for a registration form.

PAM TILLIS AT ISLE OF CAPRI AUG. 8 Country singer Pam Tillis will appear at the Isle of Capri Casino on Sat. Aug 8 at 7 p.m. A CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, she has written songs for some of the top singers in and beyond Nashville, including more than a few of her own hits. Enjoy such classics as “Shake the Sugar Tree” and “Let that Pony Run.” Tickets start at $15 and are on sale now at the Banana Cabana gift shop. Call 4753663 for more information.

Pam Tillis Volume 1 • Issue 9

LA FAMILIA EXTRAVAGANZA FASHION SHOW/DINNER AUG. 14 There will be a fashion show/dinner at the Lake Charles Country Club on Fri. Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. to benefit the La Familia Resource Center in Lake Charles, which provides information, services, and resources to the Hispanic community of Lake Charles. The fashion show will feature the designs of Lourdes Chavez, along with a performance of Latin dance by Maria and Jay Cotto. Dress is semi-formal.

Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple, and $15 for students with student ID. For more information, call Sylvia Stelly at the Resource Center at 312-2906.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 11TH ANNUAL JAMAICA ME CRAZY GALA AUG. 15 Tables are available for the American Cancer Society’s eleventh annual Jamaica Me Crazy Party for a Cure Gala to be held on Sat., Aug. 15, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. The doors will open at 7 p.m. with “Bayou Katz” providing live music from 8-11 p.m.

Admission is $50 per person and $90 per couple in advance and $50 per person at the door. Tables of eight (8) are available for $400. Food will be provided by O’Charley’s Restaurant. A Patron Party honoring Dr. Michael Bergeron will be held on Fri., Aug. 14 at the Gray Plantation Clubhouse from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Entertainment provided

by Alvin Touchet. Tickets for the Patron Party are $100 per person and are available by calling 433-5817. TJN

Add some spice to your life!

The Jambalaya News is looking for a Media Sales Representative.

Full-time position, prior sales experience required.

E-mail resume to publisher@thejambalayanews.com or call (337) 263-4736 for more information.

826 Ford Street, Lake Charles, 70601

SUSAN REDMOND BOOKKEEPER • NOTARY Phone: (337) 537-8615 Cell: (337) 208-4999 Fax.: (337) 537-3535 163 Redmond Rd. Leesville, LA 71446

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 45

Listening To Marcia Ball is a Religious Experience (So is Listening to Gospel and to Sean Ardoin & R.O.G.K.)

By Leslie Berman Sometimes, we say that listening to a particular musician or a specific concert has been a religious experience. When we say it, we mean not that the music itself is born from or a complement to other religious practices, but rather, that the music feels transformative, that it lifts us out of the humdrum of our daily lives to raise us up to a higher plane.

It’s a very special experience, and not even musicians who can take us higher can make us feel transported every time we hear them. But today, I have to testify that although I’ve heard her play wondrously, numerous times, in venues ranging from small, sweaty clubs in New Orleans, to big outdoor and indoor concert stages in Lake Charles and elsewhere, that’s the way I felt when Marcia Ball played the Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops Concert a few weeks ago. Lifted.

After visiting maestro William Grimes led the LCSO through his own “The Door to Freedom,” Ball’s quintet, backed by the Orchestra, paced through 13 songs they’d rehearsed together, opening with an energetic version of “Sing It (One More Time Like That),” the title track of Ball’s trio record with Irma Thomas and Tracy Nelson. I’ve heard and loved that song when sung frequently by Thomas at her

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JULY 30, 2009

now-defunct club, the Lion’s Den. And of course, the trio’s version is really the bomb. But as a crowdwarmer, “Sing It” definitely got the joint jumping, as table-holders all around me sang loudly, and bounced along in time with the band. And that was just the starting bell.

Ball dedicated “Foreclose on the House of Love” to the late Audrey Hruschka, dance teacher to several generations of Lake Charlesians, sang “Bucktown,” about Hurricane Katrina, and which pays homage to New Orleanians and jazz greats, and Bobby Charles’s “Party Town,” reminding the crowd that the Abbeville native and former Holly Beach resident gave us “Walkin’ To New Orleans” and many other Swamp Pop hits.

Watching Ball’s relaxed swingy playing with the LCSO, I was struck by the deceptive simplicity of her on-stage appearance. Ball is practically a flamingo, all elongated grace and vibrant color, her impossibly long legs crossed and beating time beneath the electric keyboard she plies as deftly, vigorously and effectively as Jerry Lee Lewis ever did, while nevertheless maintaining an elegant and ladylike demeanor in her long strappy dress.

Even her head-bopping along with solos by her tight band, including a spectacular pyrotechnical display by sax man Thad Scott, as well as Ball’s own keyboard runs and poundings, was contained, exquisite and refined.

“Her Tallness,” as her Web site gently mocks, had a little frog in her throat at Summer Pops, but nevertheless drove home all the highlights of “Peace, Love & BBQ,” the title track of her 2008 Alligator Records CD (check out all her CDs at www.marciaball.com, and “Where Do You Go,” which Ball co-wrote with Nelson, whose soulful R&B, Gospel, country and blues captured my heart 30 years ago, when she was touring the Greenwich Village coffeehouses with her band Mother Earth.

“Sing It!” (Rounder Records 1998) and “The Best of Tracy Nelson and Mother Earth” (Reprise/WEA) are both available from www.amazon.com.

Ball is a journeywoman musician in the best sense of that word – her clear, strong alto voice riding nicely above her striding, dancing piano keys, equally at home servicing R&B, blues, and soul sounds, mostly in perfectly chosen cover songs. She can be counted on to turn in a masterful performance every time, but some times, she vibrates up in intensity to something truly special.

And at the Civic Center, despite its lousy acoustics and her vocal challenges, she cranked it up just that extra notch. And when she sang about hurricanes and resilience, and at the close of Randy Newman’s “Louisiana 1927,” there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. A religious experience, indeed.

Now, I have been moved by purposely religious

music since my childhood. Spirituals were taught and sung in my junior high school choir (300 voices, including some basses who’d been left back until their voices changed!), and in the incredible Queens Borough-Wide Chorus that my best friend Barbara (soprano), and I (alto) took a two-hour public transportation ride to each way every Saturday for several years.

The Queens chorus sang “Oh Sinner Man,” “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” and “Mary Don’t You Weep,” indiscriminately and joyously, whether or not we loved Jesus.

Singing those songs left us over-stimulated and replete at the same time.

I love that feeling, and make sure I get a healthy helping each year at the gospel tent at Jazzfest. But we’ve got homegrown spirit-driven music right here in Lake Charles, too, and I’m especially partial to two local good news singer/writers.

My first favorite is Albert “Bobby” King, a former studio singer and vocal arranger who used to back up Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel and Ry Cooder.

King, who was one of the first musicians I ever wrote about (in 1981, for the New York Village Voice), sings praise songs at the Refuge Temple out by Chennault where he’s been since his return from L.A. 15 or so years ago.

He’s been writing new gospel music for most of that time, and has self-released a few tracks with a cooking band of local musicians. Any given Sunday you will be welcome to his church, where you can be uplifted by the power and the glory of his band and the church’s incredible choir.

And now there’s also Sean Ardoin, the scion of Zydeco royalty, who’s about to release his newly finished album, “How Great Is Your Love?” at Christian World (E. Gauthier Road) on August 7. I have to miss that gig, so Sean dropped by and played me 13 tracks of pure Christian Zydeco magic in person.

Ardoin’s always been a special musician, with ears far broader than the genres his Zydeco and pop music have been tied to. When I first heard him, I could tell he’d been listening to soulful gospel musicians like the a capella group Take Six, as well as to the R&B and soul classicists of my adolescence, as those references and influences peeked out of his Zydeco party sounds.

Well, this astoundingly spiritual album, recorded with an eclectic band of local and national studio musicians, and featuring his son, Little Sean, on a standout number, “Find Me,” shows that Ardoin knows how to praise in many musical tongues.

Ardoin’s new band, Reflections of God’s Kingdom, will be at hand on August 7 to take worship music to a place it’s never been before. And you should be there or be square. More info about Sean Ardoin & R.O.G.K. is available at www.seanardoin.com. TJN Volume 1 • Issue 9

BEST FIVE CARD HAND WINS 1st Place: $300 2nd Place: $200 3rd Place: $100

OPTIONAL GAMES TO BE PLAYED 1st Game: $100 2nd Game: $100

Registration is $30 per person.

Fun Stops, Poker Hand, Meal & Door Prizes.

Check-in from 9am to 11am at club house located just north of I-210 beach with access through Lafleur Park.

Participants must be present at check-in to have arm band put on. Participants must be 21 years or older.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Calcasieu Boat Club MAIL TO: Joe Vezina 9285 Lanier Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70607 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe or Vicki Vezina at (337) 905-0140 or go to www.calcasieuboatclub.com for registration form.

E-mail: vjvezina@camtel.net

The Inn on the Bayou has blocked rooms for out-of-town guests. Call 1-800-642-2968, M-F 8-5, ask for Barbara and mention Calcasieu Boat Club Poker Run. Sponsored by The Jambalaya News

Volume 1 • Issue 9

JULY 30, 2009

PAGE 47

*All vehicle prices/notes shown plus TT&L. All monthly payments shown 72 Mos@6.99% WAC $3000 cash down. Selling prices: 2008 Grand Caravan: $15995. 2007 Honda Fit: $10900.

2008 Cobalt: $15995. 2006 Corolla: $14,900. 2007 PT Cruiser: $10900.

2007 Mazda 6: $13900. 2007 Nissan Versa: $12900. 2008 G6: $15995.

2006 Pathfinder: $24987. 2006 Camry: $14995.2007 Nissan Sentra: $11900.