On Cover: Boudin Wars! Photo and grillin’ by Burn Rourk
September 5, 2013 • Volume 1 • Issue 6 COVER STORY 11 Boudin Wars! A Battle for the Best Boudin 715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262
www.louisianajam.com PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque phil@louisianajam.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@louisianajam.com
GENERAL MANAGER Monica Hebert monica@louisianajam.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Nicole Shuff Arabie George Cline Angie Kay Dilmore Dan Ellender Jordan Gribble
Jen Kober Mike McHugh Roger Miller Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos
ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER Senaida Ortiz SALES ASSOCIATES Michele Clack sales@louisianajam.com
GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Burn Rourk
REGULARS 6 The Sports Report 6 Adoption Corner 7 Fish Tales 8 The Dang Yankee 9 Tips from Tip 10 Soul Matters 12 Jen Kober’s Big Fat Food Column THE SPICE OF SWLA 5 MSU Marching Band 14 Restaurant Guide 16 Events Guide 17 Family Fun Night at the Movies 18 Art & Culture Events Guide 18 Red Hot Books 20 Music Guide 21 Jordan Gribble Interviews The Cult 22 Society Spice 23 Funbolaya
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ART ASSISTANT Sarah Bercier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Danley Romero BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Jeanie Taggart Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by Louisiana Jamcolumnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Louisiana Jam, its editors or staff. Louisiana Jam is solely owned, published by Jambalaya Media, LLC, 715 Kirby 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. Louisiana Jam cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Copyright 2013 Louisiana Jam all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. PAGE 2
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A Note From Phil Have a Seat On Labor Day, I awoke to see that it was already light. I didn’t want to be late for Dana. I quickly threw on my clothes, filled the food container, patted the heads of my little felines who were in the house, and rushed to feed the ones outside. “I can’t play right now, ” I said as I bid each cat a good morning. “I’m going to feed some homeless pets. But I’ll be back later.” I grabbed the newspaper, brought it in the house, and set it on the counter for Lauren to read when she woke up. Next, I grabbed a quick bowl of Raisin Bran while fending off my feline friends who wanted to share it with me. Then I shaved and jumped in the shower. I put on my “Animal Angels” T-shirt and whispered to Lauren, “Remember, I’m feeding with Dana today!” And off I ran. I called Dana to let her know I would be a few
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minutes late as I approached the Interstate. “No problem” she said. “They aren’t going anywhere. We are the only ones bringing them breakfast. They’ll wait.” Weeks earlier, Dana Frye had told me about the people on Evergreen Road in Westlake whose homes had been purchased by Sasol. They all moved out—and many couldn’t take their pets with them, for whatever reason. So they just left them behind to fend for themselves. I was heartbroken. What kind of people do that? How do they sleep at night? WWJD? I agreed to help Dana feed these poor souls who found themselves without a home, without food, without a loving human to cuddle with. Pets whose lives ended up in the hands of people who ultimately didn’t care. We pulled up to an empty lot. Thank God Lauren and I had gone to Rouse’s in Lafayette the
day before and found dog food at half price. We bought 60 pounds. Several skittish dogs observed us from a distance as we filled the dishes with food and water. “I want you to meet some friends I’ve met since I’ve been doing this for the past nine months,” Dana said. “They are the nicest people.” I looked at my watch, wondering how long this would take since I still had work to do back home. We pulled up to a shack with barely four walls and a roof. An elderly man waved from his chair on the porch. “That’s Grandpa!” she said. I looked around at the broken-down tractors, the wood falling off the siding, the doors clinging to the last screw in the hinge. “Have a seat,” he said to me with a big smile and pointed to the portable toilet seat next to him. I had never sat on a portable toilet seat before. And never had a conver-
sation on one either. But it was meant to be. Grandpa didn’t appear to have any teeth, but he had the biggest smile. With a gleam in his eye, he told me about days gone by, and about his home remedies for any ailment you could possibly have. He pointed out a flock of buzzards in a nearby tree. He introduced me to his wife, his grandson, and his cat and dog, rescued from Evergreen. He showed me his wonderful oil paintings of landscapes, coyotes, and deer. He proceeded to tell me how Sasol was going to buy their house. They’d been there for 65 years. I expressed my concern, but he insisted they would be fine. “We found some land just outside of town!” his wife yelled from the doorway. “We’ll build out there! What was your name, young man?” We talked for what seemed like hours. My life was on hold –- or at least on “slow.” I filled their
rescue cat’s dish with food as she looked at me with big eyes, and played with their dog. Dana told me they saved his life—he was starving when they found him, turned out of a home on Evergreen. We finally said our goodbyes and I went home. I pulled in my driveway and sat there for a minute, then greeted my feline friends once again. I opened the door and walked in the kitchen. Lauren appeared around the corner. “How was your morning? Oh, and the stove is still out and I think we have a problem with the air conditioning at the office." “I’ll tell you all about it, Honey” I replied. “It was wonderful. It was slow. Learned a lot.” I pointed to a kitchen chair. “Have a seat.”
Phil de Albuquerque
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
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McNeese Hosts Family Weekend Sept. 20-21 McNeese State University will host its annual Parents and Family Weekend Friday-Saturday, Sept. 2021. This weekend provides a chance for families to connect with one another, become more familiar with McNeese and spend time with their students for a fun-filled weekend on campus. A family game show night kicks off events Friday from 7-9 p.m. in Holbrook Student Union (Old Ranch). Students and families will compete for prizes in “Deal or No Deal” and “Minute to Win It” game shows. Saturday’s schedule includes breakfast with McNeese President Philip Williams and deans at 9 a.m. in the La Jeunesse Room of the Student Union; a student tailgate with families from 2-6:30 p.m. in Lot E at Cowboy Stadium; and the McNeese vs. Weber State University football game at 7 p.m. in Cowboy Stadium. In addition, the McNeese Bookstore is open for parents and students to shop for McNeese gear from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration for the weekend is $15 for McNeese students and $35 per family member and includes the Friday night
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show, a T-shirt, two meals (breakfast and tailgate) and a football game ticket. For more information or to register, call the Student
Union and Activities office at 337-475-5609 or go to www.mcneese.edu/campuslife and click on Parents and Family Weekend.
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By Jordan Gribble Fall means two things to the people of Southwest Louisiana: the end of hurricane season, and the start of football season. Many of us wait all year for the chance to support the McNeese Cowboys. But while the Cowboys have a lot of support in the stands, no group supports them more than the members of the McNeese State University Marching Band. While we are all aware of the dedication and practice it takes to make a winning college football team, few of us think of the months of rehearsals the marching band must go through in order to earn their place alongside the Cowboys on the field. Dr. Jay Jacobs, Conductor of University Bands at McNeese State University, said that this year’s band, filled with both seasoned veterans and new recruits, is among the school’s most talented and dedicated yet. “Our new students always seem to fall right into place, but we really extend our efforts to make sure they feel comfortable and enjoy their experience while playing with us,” he said. The week before classes start, the school holds Round-Up, a week-long band camp from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. “Our students meet with their section leaders and drum majors to learn our marching and playing styles,” Jacobs continued. “Sometimes, you have students who have played for four years in high schools and have picked up playing habits that we have to break them of, but it’s a learning process that continues for their four years here. We just want all of our musicians to be as comfortable as possible and become Volume 1 • Issue 6
part of our family.” This year, preparations were easier due to the completion of renovations to the band hall, which began in March of 2012. The rehearsal hall and percussion studio were expanded, two instrument storage rooms, higher ceilings and other acoustic treatments were added, and the band library was reconfigured. “We were out of our usual building for almost two years, and during that time we were spread out in various rooms,” Jacobs said. “This accommodated us just fine, but being back in our building and having everything in one place just makes things much easier for us. The logistics to put the band program together and make everything topnotch for our students is a crazy undertaking, but with the upgrades and more classroom space, the building was well worth the wait.” With their new home and new members in place, Jacobs said the band is ready to completely overhaul their repertoire to better entertain football fans. “Last year, our band did music from the rock band Muse, which members of the band loved because they grew up with their music,” he said. “But my generation and older didn’t know the songs at all. This year, we’ve decided to do more of a tra-
ditional college band show. We’ll be doing a show that focuses on the band Earth Wind and Fire, some jazz, rock music and for the first time in the six years that I’ve been with the program, we’ll do some classical music. All of our shows are crowdfriendly, but this year, we’ve really expanded creatively to give audiences something more recognizable; a really traditional show.” In addition to performing at all of the team’s home games, the band usually makes two trips a year, one for the McNeese game against Lamar University in Beaumont and one other. This year, the band will forego that second game to go on a recruiting trip through North and Central Louisiana to play for high school students in hopes of enticing them to join the program. Jacobs said that although the school’s band program has fewer students than many other universities, both students and audiences benefit from the smaller band, as they are able to do more with less. “Every conductor would love to have a 300-piece marching band, but ours is usually about half that size,” he said. “Because of that, we
are able to do more than a larger band. If you have a horn section with 80 people in it, and one player is a meter behind everyone else, you don’t really notice it, meaning that players can kind of hide behind the other players in their sections. With our band, you can’t do that.” And, a smaller band can put on a more impressive show. “The space on the football field is limited, but with fewer band members,
we can be more ambitious because we have the space,” Jacobs explained. “Larger bands aren’t able to do the shows we are able to do.” The band will put on its first performance of the season at McNeese’s first home game against University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday, Sept. 7.
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It’s All About the Money Good for you, Johnny Football. I'm 100 percent behind you. The NCAA decided, since it couldn't actually prove Johnny Manziel took money to put his autograph on pieces of paper and memorabilia, that it would suspend him for a whole half because he should have known that those autograph seekers were going to turn around and sell his signature to the highest bidder. His school, Texas A&M, went along with it because, well, it didn't want to risk the NCAA dropping the hammer on him any harder. He may not like all of the attention you get in College Station, but he can't argue that his school doesn't have his back. This whole alleged scan-
dal was a big joke. The NCAA ought to have known better, given the massive lawsuit it is fighting against thousands of former athletes whose images and likenesses were used, without their permission, in video games and other marketing and were not at all compensated. It ought to have known that cracking down on Manziel signing autographs for cash while, at the same time, selling "Johnny Football" jerseys on the NCAA Store website must have looked extraordinarily hypocritical. Yet it persisted in persecuting arguably the best player in college football over a pittance. And so Johnny spent the first half of the Aggies' season opener against Rice riding the pine.
On the scoreboard, it didn't matter. Rice was overmatched from the start, though the Owls did take a small lead into the second quarter. After the half, though, the Johnny Football Show was on, and, boy, was it a show. Manziel completed just six passes in his time on the field, but three were for touchdowns. It wasn't the stats, though, that were the important takeaways. On the field, for the first time since this NCAA mess started, Manziel looked like a free man. He swaggered, he jawed, he taunted. It was brilliant. Every time Manziel looked up at the sky and gestured for the gods to show him the money, I cheered inside. Every time he taunted his opponents, signaling to them that, no, he would not give them an autograph, I laughed and hoped he would keep going, keep pushing the line. Every time he jawed back at a Rice player trying to get under his skin, Manziel telling the guy to
Featured by LaPAW Rescue
Welcome back Carter! This sweet boy was adopted from us as a puppy but came back to us after five years when his owner passed away and there was no one in the family to care for him. A friend who knew Carter noted that he is a great PAGE 6
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
dog--he is very protective of his home and family. (She also noted that he is not fond of cats.) We are hoping that he gets a second chance to have someone who will love and care for him. He is an energetic, 38pound shepherd/hound mix that must have a fenced yard with room to run. He loves to be outside and would be happy in a large, fenced yard with a dog house and shade along with someone to exercise with him on a regular basis. He loves long walks and rides in the car and is
sure to be a quick study when it comes to tricks for treats. Heartworm treatment is finished and he is ready for his forever family to come for him. If you can find room in your heart and home for this deserving four-legged friend there is no doubt he will reward you with years of love and loyalty. Should you care to meet him, he will begin going to PetSmart on Saturdays this week. Home visit and vet check required prior to all adoptions. For more information, contact lapawbellsouth.net or call (337) 478-7294.
look at the scoreboard, I gained a little more respect for Manziel. Why? Because football is a business and Manziel, with very few folks looking out for his best interests, has made it his job to sell the Manziel brand regardless of what the NCAA, fans, or anyone else says. I used to feel, like a lot of folks, that the commoditization of college football was perverting the spirit of the game, trading glory and honor for a bucketful of dollar bills. That was stupid. It is obvious that, at the level of big-time college athletics, no one cares for these players besides themselves and their families. The NCAA and the universities use their so-called "studentathletes" to sell season-ticket passages and merchandise to generate revenue to pay for bloated athletic department salaries and eternally expanding infrastructure projects. To get the players to compete at the highest level, universities steer these students into degree programs where they will either get preferential treatment from faculty or will take classes so watered down players can't help but pass, meeting the NCAA's already absurdly low academic standards. The truth is, college players are not "student-athletes.� They are commodities to be exploited. That's why what Manziel is doing is so cool. He knows the score; he's experienced the hypocrisy first-hand and he has decided he is going to look out for Numero Uno. Manziel probably won't be a successful starting quarterback at the professional level; he's a small guy who gets into trouble against athletic defenses that can match his speed and
athleticism. I think he knows this. So he's going the modified Tebow route. He is going to build his name, his brand, at the collegiate level until it is going to be practically impossible for professional teams to ignore him. He knows that, by his name alone, he can catch on with a pro team, much like Tebow did, and get the opportunity to work his way into a professional contract. Manziel knows that it will be his novelty and personality, not his skills as a passer, that will generate the biggest bucks, earn him the better endorsements. And, hey, he can make a little scratch on the side by signing some autographs. I know there are lots of fans out there who think that Manziel is too cocky and should shut up and just play football. I guess I get that. He's abrasive, especially when it's your team he's playing. But I think he reserves the right to be cocky. He's the first freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy. He put his own interests above those of the NCAA and his university, entities that are making millions off of his name, and they tried to slap him down for writing that name on a piece of paper. So I say kudos to you, Johnny Football. Get out there and make that paper. You above most know that it's all about the money. Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than a decade for various publications. Coaches or parents with story tips or comments may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker). Volume 1 • Issue 6
Sportsmen Those of us who had busy fathers, non-sportsman dads, or even absent ones can truly relate to this “Fish Tale.” Some fisherman had to teach us the “how to,” but we had the “want to.” If we were truly lucky, we might have had sportsmen mentors like mine. Dad did teach me the boring stuff: fishing licenses, permits, boat cushions, paddling, boat operation, trailer and boat safety lights, putting the bait on the hook, washing and cleaning the boat, trailer hook up, trailer safety chains, tire pressure, pulling a trailer technique, the art of backing a boat trailer in, fish cleaning, fixing reel backlashes, oil to gasoline mix ratios, fuel line hook up, ad nauseam. And you thought it was just about fun, huh? So did I.
Oh, my Dad tried to do more, but a country doctor back in the day was a 24/7 profession. You’ve read in previous columns how Dad took me with him on white perch jerkin’ trips. He also brought me to Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin to brim and sacalait fish, Lake Chico for the bull brim there, and Miller’s Lake near Eunice for some fine bass fishing. Yet, there just wasn’t enough free time in his life for his fishing fanatic son. So, he did the next best thing and turned me over to his sportsmen friends. Lucky me! Malcolm Connolly, United Gas Supervisor, was one of the first to take me in hand on our trips down Bayou Nezpique out of Housierre Park in Jennings. I learned the cuts, half hidden brush piles, and other spots where
bass were likely to be. He also taught me what fun a wry sense of humor was. It would have been lost on me had we not spent time together fishing. Martin Durio, restaurant manager, was known locally for his bass fishing skills. He introduced me to small mouth bass fishing in the cold spring feed waters of Ouiska Chitto Creek. Not only did he introduce me to the fierce fighting small mouth bass, he taught me how to cast side arm under the creek overhanging tree limbs. I also learned to retrieve my miscasts out of trees rather than just franticly jerking on the snagged lure. Holding Henry Conner’s treble-hook-impaled eyelid open as my dad used his steer cutting knife to slice the treble hooks out was a lesson teacher. I’ve never ever forgotten about the dire consequences of jerking on limb-imbedded baits. Henry Conner, my dad‘s banker buddy, brought this overly exuberant and talkative youth to the joys of fishing the
Superior Ditch south of the Lacassine Reserve. We’d search for the fresh clear water flowing out from a cut in the marsh into the murkier ditch. Once found and fished, it often evoked yelps of bass-hooking joy. Henry also introduced me to the yellow and black Heddon’s Devil Horse which, to this day, is still my favorite top water bait. Terry Shaughnessy, of “You Should Have Been Here Yesterday” fame and KPLC TV’s outdoors show, taught me a lot, too. As did his stepsons the Stansel brothers, Kirk, Guy, and Bobby of the Hackberry Rod & Gun Club. The Stansel brothers are the grandsons and grandnephews of Charles and Ellis Stansel, good friends of my dad’s from the Gueydan area. In the salt Terry and his sons taught me much about how, where, and when to fish reds or specs. When
we get to the “Hunting Tales” season, I’ll share much more. What all these people taught me, above all, was to be a sportsman. I carry a valid salt and freshwater fishing license. When fishing, I throttle back while passing near others so my wake does not disturb them. When I come upon people catching fish I slow, then move on. They were there first. If someone is broken down, my fishing trip stops and I try to help. When I return home I clean and wash down the fish and my rods and reels. I also thoroughly clean up my fish-cleaning area. And above all, these special people taught me that fishing is not just about catching an ice chest full of fish. I learned that just being out in nature brings a lifetime of epiphanies, and that fishing is often about who you fish with. Good people make all the difference.
Lake Charles Community Band Resumes Rehearsals The Lake Charles Community Band will resume rehearsals on Monday, September 9. Rehearsals will be held at the auditorium of Lake Charles Boston Academy, Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles from 6:30- 8 pm. Anyone Volume 1 • Issue 6
who can play an instrument is invited to join the Community Band. No auditions required. If you need assistance obtaining an instrument, come to rehearsal and arrangements will be made to accommodate your needs. Musi-
cians are volunteers from throughout SWLA and Texas. Rod Lauderdale is the director, and Leo Murray is assistant director. For more information, contact Emma Vincent at (337) 528-2215 or (337) 4789442. SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
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The Danna Dilemma
“Poor Danna,” my wife said to me one morning over breakfast. “She said that she found out her husband is cheating on her.” “Really? Is she sure?” I asked. The news stung me as if I’d fallen over drunk into a mound of fire ants. We were good friends with Danna and Roy, and they seemed like the perfect couple. Roy was ever the considerate husband. Rumor had it that he never complained about Danna’s cooking, even those times when she used the smoke alarm in place of a kitchen timer. We theorized that he bought ketchup by the 55-gallon drum. For Danna’s part, she was absolutely stoic the time that Roy used the newspaper that she’d kept with their wedding announcement to wrap the catch from his fishing trip. When we ran into them at a party a few days later, I wasn’t sure how to act. Danna, as usual, gave me a big hug when she saw me. Without even thinking, I re-
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marked at how sorry I was to hear about Roy’s infidelity. Her eyes grew to the size of cue balls, and her jaw dropped into her margarita. She turned and stormed off in Roy’s direction. “Uh-oh,” I muttered, suddenly feeling small enough to drive home in a Hot Wheels car. “What did you say to her?” my wife asked. I told her. “No!” she replied. “Not her! I said it was Danna whose husband cheated on her.” “That was Danna,” I replied. “No, no; that’s not who I meant. You know; I was talking about Frank who cheated.” “Frank is Dina’s husband,” I corrected, “although maybe not for much longer. And the same may be true for Roy vis-a-vis Danna, thanks to me.” Honestly, I didn’t consider the mix-up to be my fault, nor my wife’s, for that matter. I’m actually sur-
prised that something like this hadn’t happened sooner among our circle of friends. Off the top of my head, I can tell you that, in addition to Danna and a Dina, we are also friends with a Deanna, a Dianna, a Deanne, a Deannie, and a Dani. Why do all these girls’ names have to sound so alike? Guys’ names aren’t like that. Guys have simple names like “Bob,” “Jim,” and “Mark. ”There’s no confusing them. When a guy introduces himself as “Mark”, you don’t think to ask, “Is that with a ‘k’ or a ‘q-u-e?’” There’s no need to know, unless he’s showing up for a date with your daughter and you want to do a background check. In that case, if he answers, “q-u-e,” that would be enough for me. Of course, the lack of variation does mean that a lot of guys end up having the same first name. For instance, where I worked, it seemed that every guy in a management position was named “Mike.” We all believed that the name was a requirement for promotion. To my knowledge, I was the only “Mike” in my company who wasn’t a manager. I attributed it to the fact that it’s actually my middle name. Others pointed to comments I once made likening a certain Mike’s management style to Tony Soprano’s. To which I would answer, “No, the personnel department misspelled my name as “Mique.” Volume 1 • Issue 6
HONORING A VOLUNTEER At their annual Imagination Celebration fundraiser on August 24, the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles honored longtime volunteer Helen Thomas with the Dorothy Plauche’ award for volunteer service. Her nearly two decades of dedication to the children of Lake Charles is more than inspirational. She is most likely to be the one that answers your phone call or the smiling face that greets you as you enter the building. Old-timers (I use that phrase gingerly) may remember Ms. Helen as the elevator lady at Muller’s Department Store. She was employed there for many years and you were always made to feel welcome in her eleva-
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tor as she transported you to your desired floor. After her retirement, Ms. Helen felt the need to give back to the community. We are thrilled this award went to this kind and gentle lady and wish her well. Who knows, you may want to enhance your own life and that of others by giving back. Volunteers are needed in various and sundry situations all over Southwest Louisiana. There’s no greater feeling than volunteering for something you believe in. NOT ON SALE A questionable practice, utilized by various merchants, is to post a very obvious sign that indicates a bargain price, then placing similar products very close to or behind the sign that are actually not on sale. This is an old tactic that waxes and wanes over time but seems to be coming more common lately. It is most frustrating to make your selections, proceed to check-out and then find that you didn’t pick up the
bargain item, but something similar that is not on sale. Management knows exactly what it’s doing, since many shoppers in this situation will just go ahead and purchase the full-price product they selected anyway. Make sure that you are getting what you want, not what you have been manipulated into purchasing.
sons, $2.88; Market Basket, $3.59; Kroger, $2.99; Walmart, $3.58. Kraft Barbecue Sauce, Original, 17.5-ounce bottle: Albertsons, $1.39; Market Basket, $.99; Kroger, $1; Walmart, $1.26. Budweiser Beer, 12pack, 12-ounce cans:
Albertsons, $10.99; Market Basket; $9.09; Kroger, $10.99; Walmart, $9.99. Coca Cola Classic, 12pack, 12-ounce cans: Albertsons, $2.96 (3 for $8.88); Market Basket $4 (3 for $12); Kroger, $3 (4 for $12), Walmart, $4.28.
SUPERMARKET ROUNDUP Since it’s the start of our much-anticipated football season, we will check out a favorite menu for tailgating. Heavy-duty tailgaters make some off-the-chart items for their group and this one is always a winner. Our menu includes spare ribs, Kraft Barbecue Sauce, Budweiser Beer and Coca Cola for the younger set. The prices reported were gathered on Wednesday, August 28 and reflect the prices posted on the shelf were the product was made available for sale. The stores we surveyed were: Albertsons, Country Club Road; Market Basket, Nelson Road; Kroger, McNeese Street and Walmart, Nelson Road. Baby Back Pork Ribs, per pound: Albert-
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groups encourage people to share their feelings. Both types of support groups play a role in the recovery process following diagnosis and treatment. by Nicole Shuff Arabie I appreciate their stories, their strength, and their courage. I know how imI’m not alone in stand- breast cancer survivors. portant support and conThey are designed to ining up for what I believe nections are for healing. crease the support netin and charting a differAnd I know there is only ent path. Along this path, work of the people in the so much friends and famI meet many people that I group, and vary in their ily can truly understand focus. Some groups would define as Surabout what you have and mainly provide informavivors. A few weeks ago, are still going through. tion and education (for my friend Miranda and I That is why the need to taught a yoga and medita- example, what to expect connect, encourage, share, with chemotherapy and tion class for a local support, and love is so imtips on how to cope with breast cancer survivor portant. treatment). Other groups support group meeting. Our bodies definitely focus on providing emoSupport groups are an tell us to slow down and tional support. These important resource for take better care of ourselves. Our back aches, our head hurts, we have no energy, and can become an emotional wreck. Cancer loves broken down, stressed-out bodies. We don’t eat healthy. We don’t exercise. No time for meditation. We forget to take supplements. And a whole lot of stress! Not good at all. I’ve found myself asking “When life gets stressful, what will I do differently?” Because it’s not a matter of if life gets stressful, it’s when life gets stressful. When that stress arrives in our lives, we usually resort back to many of our old unhealthy patterns. Okay, life is stressful again and I’m starting to feel horrible. So, what am I going to do differently? I can’t go down this road again. I need to stay strong and healthy. Stop drinking the morning caffeine again. Find some
Graceful Warriors
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time to just relax and enjoy nature, be with family, de-stress and celebrate life. Let’s talk about meditation. Before you stop reading, give me 30 seconds of your time. Before learning more about meditation, I would have been skeptical, too. Why don’t you try a little meditation to deal with the stress of cancer, or just simply the everyday stress in your life? Stay with me here. Close your eyes and focus on your breath for 30 seconds, observing its rhythm. If you find yourself losing focus on your breath and following your thoughts, observe where your mind went, without judging, and simply return to your breathing. Remember not to be hard on yourself if this happens. Just. Focus. On. Your. Breath. Feel a sense of calm? It can really work. Why? For that I leave you to an expert on meditation, Jon Kabat-Zinn. He wrote one of “the” books on the power of meditation, Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness. Kabat-Zinn has been a driving force in bringing meditation from the realm of “hippies and gurus” into mainstream medicine. His work is based on bringing calmness to the mind and body and paying attention on purpose in the present moment in a nonjudgmental way. The practice of mindfulness meditation can create an inner peace and acceptance that benefit both your physical and emotional well-being. KabatZinn combines both formal mindfulness med-
itation and bringing mindfulness to your everyday activities. And you can be creative in how you practice. Yoga is meditation, as are prayer and mindful walking, which is particularly wonderful in a park, wooded area, or near water. There is no right way or wrong way to meditate. What I found is that mindfulness meditation cleans up some of my mental clutter, makes me feel more positive and calm, and provides me with an energy boost. Mindfulness meditation teaches us to connect to our bodies and our minds and treat ourselves with acceptance, compassion, and kindness. Mindfulness meditation centers us, and the more centered we are, the easier we can connect with other people. That connectedness, and seeing the basic goodness within, are meaningful tools in confronting cancer. When the first step is to simply breathe (what could be easier?), you can begin as you finish this sentence. Give yourself a gift, and enjoy the soothing silence. What I have learned to do each day is wake up and smile and follow the smile with, “Thank you, God, for another beautiful day.” And that gives the day a far better chance at beauty. Now, I have added, “Help me use it well.” Hugs to all of you that are battling this not-sonice thing called cancer. To book a Soul Matters session with Nicole Shuff Arabie, call (337) 540-6573. You can also go to her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DeclutteringYourSoul Volume 1 • Issue 6
By Angie Kay Dilmore People here in Southwest Louisiana pride themselves on our unique culinary culture. Boudin could easily be the poster child for authentic Cajun cuisine. Interestingly, most people who are unfamiliar with the ways of Louisiane have never heard of boudin. For those not in the know, boudin (pronounced booDAN) is a highly seasoned pork and rice sausage. There are many different varieties and it’s safe to say no two boudin recipes are exactly alike . . . which makes Boudin Wars all the more exciting! This boudin cook-off takes place September 7 at Heritage Square in Sulphur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For the price of a $5 ticket, boudin lovers will sample links and specialty boudin items from various vendors. “We wanted to do a food-related event here at the Henning Center,” said Thom Trahan, event coordinator and executive director of Henning Cultural Center. “This appeals to us from the arts and culture side of it – we want to see mastery in the art of cooking. It’s a great opportunity for the public to come and sample good boudin from around the region.” A ticket entitles the bearer to one vote in the People’s Choice award. Volume 1 • Issue 6
Judges will pick winners in two categories – regular and specialty. Specialty boudin items could include concoctions such as alligator boudin, smoked varieties, bacon-wrapped boudin and boudin balls. According to Trahan, Boudin Wars first came on the scene in 2011 in conjunction with the Great Acadian Awakening Festival. In order to celebrate our Acadian heritage, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) organized a boudin competition at the Civic Center. Six hundred people attended the free event. “People love food here
and they adore boudin,” said Angie Manning, communications director at the CVB. “We decided one way we could get people excited about coming out and celebrating our Acadian culture
would be to have a boudin contest.” Another impetus for Boudin Wars was the development of the Boudin Trail in 2009. This list of boudin makers and sellers is geared towards tourists but can be useful to locals, as well. Initially, 17 stops dotted the Boudin Trail. Today, there are over 30 vendors. “It’s something people are really passionate about,” added Manning.
that, you need a good seasoning. We make our own seasoning mix, with fresh ingredients.” So, who makes the best boudin in town? Buy your tickets and judge for yourself! The Holy Mountain Bluegrass Band will entertain samplers from the front porch of the Henning House. Manning hopes the Boudin Wars What Makes a will become an Good Boudin annual event. There are as many “Anything that different kinds of The winners of the 2011 Boudin Wars highlights our boudin as there are culture – food, boudin makers. And everymusic, art – is great for the boudin after working for one has their own favorite. area because it’s authentic, Market Basket for 23 years. Some like smoked boudin. “It’s all in Lane’s recipe,” said it’s who we are as a people, Others enjoy their boudin and that’s what we’re all Laurie. And that, of course, extra spicy. Still others preabout here in Southwest is a secret! fer boudin balls, which is Louisiana.” Darby Guillory of Faboudin mixture formed into mous Foods won the 2011 Boudin Wars takes place a ball and then breaded and on September 7, 11 a.m. – 1 event. “We know boudin,” fried. p.m. at Heritage Square by said this veteran boudin Hollier’s Restaurant in the Henning Cultural Cenchef. “Boudin is something Sulphur is well-known for we’ve been doing since I was ter, 923 S. Ruth Street, Sultheir boudin. “Ours is origi- a child.” With Guillory’s life- phur. Tickets ($5) are nal,” said owner Michael limited and selling fast. Call time of experience, he has Hollier. They have a home(337) 527-0357 or email much to say about what made recipe which uses Thom Trahan, makes an excellent boudin. fresh ingredients like green trahan@brimstonemu“One of the things is rice to onions and liver. “That’s the meat ratio. You want to have seum.org to reserve your real way they do it!” admission. Note to purveya boudin that has the right Kathleen (Kat) and Cruz amount of meat to rice. A ors of fine boudin: It’s not Jackson of Kat’s Kracklins in boudin that is too rice-y just too late to join in on the Lake Charles participated in won’t have the same punch fun! Call Thom Trahan for the 2011 Boudin Wars. “I details at the number above. and flavor as a good meaty had fun,” she recalls. “It gave boudin. Boudin shouldn’t be Stars and Stripes in us a chance to be around rice dressing. You need the other people and let people balance. You also need a the Park Car Show know what else we do. We perfected rice. You don’t After the boudin event, handed out our menu at the want a gummy rice or a don’t miss the Stars and event.” hard rice. And you want a Stripes in the Park Car Sonnier’s Sausage and good pinch of liver in it; not Show. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over Boudin came in second overpowering, but a good 500 classic cars will be on place in the 2011 Boudin pinch of liver. In addition to display! Wars. Laurie Sonnier said it’s her husband Lane’s recipe and it’s the seasoning that makes it special. Lane started making his own
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
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Peachy Eats
Exploring new parts of blank canvases and rows of the South is one of my new paints. It makes everything favorite pastimes. With re- feel so possible. I notice cent trips to Jacksonville, the neat little rows of FL, Knoxville, TN and brushes lining the back Asheville, NC. I am learnwall. I smell garlic coming ing to appreciate all the from the vegetarian grill different forms of lustrous on the next block and I am beauty these beginning to Fried Pickles different think about parts of old where we are Dixie have to headed: Flip offer. Burger. An Last week, upscale burger I was booked boutique run to headline a by Top Chef weekend of All Star Winshows at The ner Richard Laughing Blais. Blais is Skull Lounge best known for in Atlanta his molecular and truly gastronomyfound a home based cooking, away from home in this and his wild pairing of flafantastic, flourishing, pure, vor profiles that surprise peach-loving place. and astound even the most Luckily for us, our hotel particular palates. is located in Midtown, just We grab a cab and head a short jump over to great up to Howell Mill Rd. to shopping, loads of musecheck out his version of the ums, and some of the old-fashioned American finest eats around. Susan burger joint. The menu is grabbed simple her camand clean, era, I put a each pack of burger degum, a tailed in notepad its enand my tirety in pen in my just a few pocket, words. and we We headed out order the to unearth Warm Asparagus bread and the hidden treasures of At- butter fried pickles with lanta. homemade buttermilk We shuffle past the ranch and some cocktails comedy club so I can see while we peruse the menu. my face on the giant screen Susan went the way of the advertising the shows. A Watermelon Mojito while I little early morning status ventured down Red Raspconferral as we window berry Punch lane. Susan shop at the giant art supply picked better. I'm not usustore on the corner. Giant ally a lover of watermelon PAGE 12
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
or mint, but this was one refreshing drink - so light and lovely. Mine needed more raspberry; all I could taste was vodka. The pickles were a complete victory! Fried to perfection, the sweet bread and butter crunch was Lobster Burger not lost, and the cold buttermilk meal, odd as it may sound, ranch cooled it all to one was my side dish of warm perfect crunchy bite. asparagus in a citrus vinaiSusan ordered the Oaxaca grette with pink grapefruit. Burger with fresh avocado Whatever they seasoned and Southwest flavors. I this asparagus with, it was went with the Lobster the most enticing tasty Burger - Kobe beef topped treat of the afternoon. I with marinated lobster could have eaten three claw meat and mustard more plates of it right there caviar. I cannot stress how on the spot, but I was savmuch deliciousness one ing room for the liquid nican find in putting lobster trogen milkshakes I had on top of a burger. It was a heard so much about. I mouth-watering heaven. wanted to be adventurous But the real star of this and try the foie gras milk-
shake, but I was in a chocolate place and needed to try the Nutella with burnt marshmallows on top. Susan and I agreed it was by far the best milkshake we had ever tasted. Total yumminess! While we were at lunch, I tweeted to @RichardBlais how wonderful his fried pickles were, and not only did he tweet me back, he followed me! Said he had caught my act on Showtime late one night and thought I was hilarious. After a few e-mails, I got him to agree to let me interview him for an upcoming article in The Louisiana Jam! So be sure and check back here for our exclusive chat with one of America's most talented chefs.
Volume 1 • Issue 6
2013 CONTESTANT Kat's Kracklins/Cruz Café 529 W. 18th St. 337-494-7460 Peggy's Superette 2231 Moeling St. 337-433-1286 Sonnier's Sausage and Boudin 1224 N. Simmons St. 337-564-4137
DeQuincy Comeaux's Cajun Gold 802 E. Fourth St. 337-786-3097
Comeaux's Cajun Gold 2213 Old Hwy. 90 337-589-7177
FIRST PLACE, 2011 Famous Foods 5614 Gerstner Memorial Dr. 337-439-7000
Sulphur
Market Basket #26 1717 Hwy. 90 W. 337-589-6025
Justin's Supermarket 2119 Moeling St. 337-721-8003
Moss Bluff
SECOND PLACE, 2011 2013 CONTESTANT Sonnier's Sausage and Boudin 1217 Mill St. 337-656-2876
Richard's Boudin and Seafood Mart 2250 E. Napoleon 337-625-2030 THIRD PLACE, 2011 The Sausage Link 2400 E. Napoleon St. 337-625-2030 2013 CONTESTANT LeBleu's Landing and Sausage Link Specialty Meats 202 Henning Dr. 337-528-6900 2013 CONTESTANT B&O Kitchen & Grocery 3011 E. Burton St. 337-625-4637 Boiling Point 1730 S. Beglis Pkwy. 337-625-9282 2013 CONTESTANT Hollier's Cajun Kitchen 1709 Ruth St. 337-527-0061 2013 CONTESTANT Market Basket #41 2227 Maplewood Dr. 337-625-7578
Westlake Bar-B-Que Pit Stop 2400 A. Westwood Rd. 337-433-7818
Vinton Cajun Cowboy's Restaurant & Glenn's Mart 1312-A Gum Cove Rd. 337-589-3520 PAGE 14
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Peto's Deli 104 Bruce Cir. 337-855-0034 Market Basket #27 362 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy. 337-855-7739
Lake Charles Billedeaux's Cajun Kitchen 2633 Fruge St. 337-439-9944 Abe's Grocery 5614 Gerstner Memorial Dr. 337-436-0045 Hackett's Cajun Kitchen 5614 Gerstner Memorial Dr. 337-474-3731 Market Basket #18 4431 Nelson Rd. 337-477-4868 Homsi's Tobacco and Beer 2612 Kirkman St. 337-439-2323 Homsi's Deli 2124 Broad St. 337-439-8789 Gillis Grocery & Cafe /Gillis Meat Market 4199 Hwy. 171 337-855-4805 or 337-855-4806
Iowa Rabideaux's Sausage Kitchen 105 Hwy. 165 337-582-3184 Roy's Meat Market 401 S. Thompson St., Suite B 337-582-2220
Cameron Parish Brown's Food Center 620 Main St., Hackberry 337-762-4632 Brown's Neighborhood Market 10051 Gulf Hwy. Grand Lake 337-905-3013
American/Family Cracker Barrel 249 S. Cities Service Hwy. Sulphur 337-626-9500 O’Charley’s 1780 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles 337-478-9927 Ryan’s Family Restaurant 4501 Ryan St. Volume 1 • Issue 6
Lake Charles 337-477-2707
Asian Asia at L’Auberge 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles 337-395-7777 Osaka Japanese Steakhouse 3035 Gertsner Memorial Drive, Lake Charles 337-990-5478 Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse 2610 Dillard Loop Lake Charles 337-478-2888 Fuji Japanese Steakhouse 3241 E. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles 337-480-3788 Miyako Japanese Restaurant 915 E. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles 337-478-1600 Peking Garden 2433 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-436-3597 Pho Tien 4415 Nelson Road Lake Charles 337-477-8557 China Taste 1415 Beglis Pkwy. Sulphur 337-527-5985
Five Guys Burgers & Fries 2950 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-721-1903
El Tapatio 2624 Gerstner Memorial Dr. Lake Charles 337-475-9022
BBQ West 2618 Derek Dr. Lake Charles 337-564-5000
Novrozsky’s Hamburgers 2706 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-527-0041
Rosita’s 2401 Napoleon St. Sulphur 337-533-9077
Dan’s BBQ Express 2635 Country Club Rd. Lake Charles 337-478-5858
Italian
Casa Manana 2510 Ryan St.
Sweets and Treats 411 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-437-3913
Barbecue
Famous Foods 1475 Gerstner Memorial Dr., Lake Charles 337-439-7000
Breakfast Le Peep Café 3800 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-240-8497 Pitt Grill 606 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles 337-564-6724 Pitt Grill 2600 Ruth St. Sulphur 337-527-0648 Waffle House 2488 S. Cities Service Hwy., Sulphur 337-626-8111
121 Artisan Bistro 121 DeBakey Dr. Lake Charles 337-310-7499
Lake Charles 337-433-4112 Cancun Mexican Restaurant 4001 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-477-6802 La Rumba Mexican Grill & Cantina 1804 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-287-4846
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta 1601 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-528-2560 Romano’s 731 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-491-1847
Mediterranean Zeus Greek & Lebanese Café 409 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles 337-439-7099 Mazen’s 217 W. College St. Lake Charles 337-477-8207
Mexican
Burgers
Agave Tamale 521 Alamo St. Lake Charles 337-433-4192
Cotton’s Famous Hamburgers 2001 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles 337-477-9759
Agave Tamale 1614 Sampson St. Westlake 337-429-2987
Yank Sing 4626 Nelson Rd. Lake Charles 337-477-9004
Bakery & Desserts Cypi’s Cake Box 520 McNeese St., Lake Charles 337-478-0269 Pronia’s 3101 Kirkman St. Lake Charles 337-478-0785 Volume 1 • Issue 6
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
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Sept 14 – Lake Charles Black Rodeo Sept 21 – Midnight Fantasy Car Show Sept 26 – Home Health Harvest Fest Sept 27 - 29 – LC Symphony Oct 1 – New Life Counsel Banquet Oct 5-6 - Shrine Circus Oct 17 - Women’s Commission Conference Oct 18-19 - LC Symphony Oct 25 - Unitech Graduation Oct 26 – Cultural Festival Oct 26 – Arts Festival Oct 31 – Harvest Festival (Recreation & Parks Dept) Oct 29-31 – Chamber Theatre (tentative) Nov 1 – Chamber Theatre (tentative) Nov 8, 9 - Jesus Christ Superstar (Theatre Prod.) Nov 9 – Patriot’s Ball Nov 11-12 – Sesame Street Nov 13 – Melody House Nov 14-17 – Film Festival Nov 16-17 – Don Rich Gun Show
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SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Healthy Woman Anniversary Sept. 5 Women & Children's Hospital will host their Healthy Woman Anniversary event “What Defines You?” on Thurs. Sept. 5 from 4-8 p.m. at the L'Auberge Casino Resort. Women's health expo from 4-6 p.m. will be followed by a dinner program featuring Abby Rike, former “Biggest Loser” contestant, author and motivational speaker. Tickets are $25 per person and table sponsorships are available for $225. For more information, go to www.womenchildrens.com/healthywoman. In Search of Dialogue Sept. 5 The Calcasieu Parish Democrats invite citizens of all parties and persuasions to a free monthly series, In Search of Dialogue. The September 5 topic is “Shopping for Health Coverage in 2014, Part 1.” Carol Giles, Director of Client Services at the SWLA AIDS/HIV Council, will present information about the Affordable Care Act model which will be rolled out October 1. Event will be held 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Stellar Beans Coffeehouse & Edibles, 319 Broad Street, Lake Charles. Free and open to the public. For more information, call (337) 436-6275. McNeese Faculty/Guest Artist Recital Sept. 5 Patrick Sheng, saxophone, will be performing in the Ralph Squires Recital Hall on the McNeese Campus on Thurs., Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (337) 475-5123.
Faculty Potpourri-Celebrate the Arts, Sept. 6 Faculty Potpourri--Celebrate the Arts, Sept. 6 An evening dedicated to art and music takes center stage at McNeese State University as the Departments of Performing Arts presents the Faculty Potpourri, a faculty program of musical performances free to the public. The event will be held at the Shearman Fine Arts Center, McNeese State University at 7:30 p.m. Call (337) 475-5000 for more information. Concert in the Park Sept. 6 Sulphur native Martin Duplechin will be performing oldies and country music at the Heritage Square Pavilion on Sept. 6, from 6-9 p.m. Families are encouraged to come out with the children and enjoy a free night of entertainment. He will perform again Saturday Sept 7, 6-9 p.m. for Stars and Stripes Car Show after party. ‘Gallagher's Last Smash’ Farewell Tour Sept. 7 After 35 years of non-stop touring, America’s favorite touring comedian is hanging up his Sledge-O-Matic…but not after one last tour. “Gallagher’s Last Smash” will be his way of thanking his fans that have supported him throughout his career. He will be performing at 9 p.m. at the Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake. Call (800) 843-4753 for ticket info. Must be 21 years of age. LC Little Theater’s On With the Show September 7-22 Over 65 musicals have played upon the many stages that the Lake Charles Little Theater has called home. The season opens this year with a musical revue of some of their favorite songs
and dances from the past. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sundays). Lake Charles Little Theatre, 813 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles. Call (337) 433-7988 for tickets. Allen Parish Multicultural Festival Sept. 7 The Second Annual Allen Parish Multicultural Festival will be held on Sat., Sept. 7 from 10 a.m.- 3 pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Oberlin. Admission is free and visitors should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Music and dancers will perform in front of Tourist Commission Office; storytelling will be at the gazebo; food booths sponsored by local non-profit organizations, arts and crafts by local artists, face-painting, an inflatable jump house and other games will be on the grounds of the park. For more information, call (318) 491-4543. Stars and Stripes in the Park Sept. 7 4th Annual Stars and Stripes in the Park Classic Car Show and Cruise Night, Sat., Sept. 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Ruth Street Pavilion, Sulphur. There will be hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, trucks, and motorcycles. Entry for show vehicles and spectators is FREE. Door prizes will be awarded, with food booths, music, and entertainment for the children. There will be an awards presentation following the show, featuring Stars and Stripes Beauty Pageant winners. The classic cars and hot rods will be cruising on Ruth Street after the show. Call 527-4500 for more info. Boudin Wars Sept. 7 Sample great boudin from local eateries during Stars and
Volume 1 • Issue 6
Stripes in the Park at Heritage Square, Sulphur. Starts at 11 a.m. Call (337) 527-0357 for details. Peter, Paul & Mary Tribute Sept. 7 If I Had A Hammer, Puff The Magic Dragon and Leaving On A Jet Plane are some of the songs Lutcher Theater patrons can look forward to hearing as they take a walk down memory lane with “A Band Called Honalee – A Tribute to the Music of Peter, Paul & Mary and Friends.” Celebrating the folk movement of the 1960s, A Band Called Honalee is scheduled to perform on the Lutcher stage in Orange, Texas on Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and are available at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Box Office at (409) 886-5535. ‘Art--Something to Wine About’ Sept. 7 The SWLA Center for Health Services will host "Art - Something to Wine About" on Sat., Sept. 7 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Governor's Mansion at 1025 Broad Street, Lake Charles. This year's event will celebrate the scholarships provided by the center to high school students who are pursuing college degrees in a healthcare-related field. Enjoy classical and jazz music, dance performances and visual art. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, call 312-2010. Itinerant Theatre Presents Elizebeth at Stellar Beans Sept. 7 Itinerant Theatre introduces its free, first-Saturday-of-the-month series “Coffee House Theatre” with a premier reading of the one-woman play, Elizebeth on Sat., Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. Directed and produced by Joy Pace, the role of Elizebeth will be read by Carolyn Woosley. Elizebeth is one of the composite of onewoman plays collectively titled Louisiana Women written by Woosley. Performance begins 7 p.m. at Stellar Beans, 319 Broad St., Lake Charles. For more information, call (337) 436-6275. Volume 1 • Issue 6
The Butler
(The Weinstein Company, 2013) I don’t think you’ll find a better movie this year than Lee Daniels’ The Butler, inspired by a true story about a long-time White House worker. Eugene Allen (in this movie, Cecil Gaines, played by Forest Whitaker) served in the White House under eight Presidents. The Butler gives us an American and Civil Rights history from a unique point of view, that of a mild-mannered black man who loves his country and its Presidents. Early in life, Cecil’s mother is raped and his father killed while he watches. The elderly matron of the cotton farm where he works assigns him to be a server in the “big house.” Here Cecil learns to be seen and not heard. Correction: he learns to be invisible when he’s in the room serving white folks. (“When you’re in a room, it should be emptier than when you’re not.”) Eventually, Cecil moves to D.C. , marries, and becomes a butler in the Eisenhower administration. To balance the quiet voice of Cecil, there is his wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey) and his two sons, Louis and Charlie. Louis is presented as a rebellious, soul-searching, well-to-do firebrand. Gloria is presented as Oprah Winfrey. (Seriously, her acting is wonderful, especially as elderly Gloria at the end of
the movie.) Alternating through the eyes of Cecil and his son Louis, we see the ‘50s and ‘60s unfold in all their Civil Rights history. The presidents that Cecil works for are presented as complicated and conflicted men, and Cecil wins more than a few of them over with his soft-spoken ways. This part of the movie reminded me a little of Forrest Gump, because Cecil seems to be there for all the critical political discussions. (Interestingly, on his first day, he’s told that “We do not discuss politics in the White House.”) But Cecil’s mild tone vanishes in the conflicts with his son Louis, who joins the Freedom Riders and then briefly, the Black Panthers. This tears their family apart. The Butler is a pretty harsh movie, and offers an uneasy contrast between the finery of the White House social world and the brutal treatment of Civil Rights activists in the South. This uneasiness is masterfully choreographed by director Lee Daniels, who builds the conflict into what seems like destiny, as the Civil Rights Movement marches on into the administration of Ronald Reagan. I saw The Butler mainly because, of all the trailers for movies out now, it was the only one that seemed to rise above superheroes, guns, witchcraft, and ani-
mated comedy. I was not disappointed. Some of the casting decisions were very interesting, beginning with Robin Williams as Dwight D. Eisenhower, all the way through Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan. But the meat of the story takes place within Cecil’s family, their internal conflicts and personal choices that shape their lives. This movie could easily have
been just another rehash of the Civil Rights Movement, but manages to ring with the real emotion felt by all of us who lived through this time. With its tremendous scope, The Butler has so many great performances that it could easily sweep the Oscars this year. Don’t miss this one. Rated PG-13 for brutality, violence, and Oprah Winfrey’s dancing.
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Abraham Lincoln: The Image Historic City Hall 1001 Ryan St. Lake Charles Mon- Fri 10 am- 5 pm Sat 10 am- 2 pm 8/2/2013-10/12/2013 337-491-9147 Art duLac @ Pujo St. Café 901 Ryan St. Lake Charles Mon-Fri 11am-9:30 pm Sat noon-9:30 PM Year Around 337-439-2054 Black Heritage Gallery Central School 809 Kirby St. Lake Charles Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm Year Around 337-488-8567 DeQuincy Railroad Museum 400 Lake Charles Ave. DeQuincy Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm Year Around 337-786-2823 DeQuincy Town Hall Museum 218 E. Fourth St. DeQuincy Mon-Thurs 9am-noon and 1 pm-4pm Year Around 337-786-8241 Elvis: Grit & Grace Exhibit Historic City Hall 1001 Ryan St. Lake Charles Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm Sat 10 am-2 pm 6/20/2013-9/7/2013 337-491-9159 Imperial Calcasieu Museum 204 W. Sallier St. Lake Charles Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm Year Around 337-439-3797 PAGE 18
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Jack&John: Jack Amuny & Mark John Henning Cultural Center 923 Ruth St., Sulphur Mon-Fri 10 am-noon and 1 pm-5 pm Sat 10 am-2 pm 8/15/2013-9/19/2013 337-527-0357 Linda Gleason Ritchie Exhibit Gallery by the Lake 106 W. Pryce Lake Charles August, 2013 (337) 436-1008 Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu 809 Kirby St. Lake Charles Tues-Fri, 1 pm- 5pm Year Around 337-430-0043 USS Orleck Naval Museum 604 N. Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles Mon-Fri 10 am-3pm Sat 10 am -4 pm Year Around 337-214-7447 Vintage Arts By Jeanne Owens Central School 809 Kirby St. Suite 212 Lake Charles Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm Year Around 337-304-1165 W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum 311 N. Main St., Jennings Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm Year Around 337-821-5532 “Tales and Travels” Through Jan. 12 Painting the Pages Through Oct. 12 Stark Museum of Art Tues.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm Orange, TX (409) 886-2787
‘Diet’ is a Four-Letter Word
Trying to lose weight? You're not alone. Tory Johnson had been plagued with weight problems her whole life. As an adult, she became a popular contributor on ABC’s “Good Morning America” — on television, where being slim was pretty much Rule No. 1. One day, her boss took her aside to have “the talk” with her — about getting herself in shape. It was the impetus she needed to start taking control of her life and losing the weight, and she has written about her journey in The Shift: How I Finally Lost Weight and Discovered a Happier Life. “I’m so tired of this, of never really being happy with the way I look, no matter where I shop or how much I spend on clothing,” she thought at the beginning of her path toward a healthier body. The shift is how she refers to the change in how she looked at food and how she became committed to weight loss. “There’s so much we don’t control in life: being hired or fired, slumping economies, and unexpected setbacks. I spent decades under the misperception that my weight was just another thing beyond my control. My weight, and my life, didn’t change until the moment I realized that what I put in my head is far more important than what I put in my mouth,” she
writes. The book is somewhat autobiographical, as she recounts moments from her childhood and her teen years, having to deal with bullies or “mean girls.” Her anecdotes about friends, family and co-workers are sometimes funny. She describes the ordeal of giving up all the foods she loved and shares each step along the way, giving us a whole host of inspirational quotes: “With every pound lost comes a corresponding increase in confidence.” “There is no such thing as catching lightning in a bottle when it comes to weight loss. It takes work.” “My cravings aren’t my crime; it’s the nonstop giving in to them that has taken such a toll.” “Most diets work, but it’s the diet mentality (lose the weight easily and quickly!) that fails us time and again.” By the end of the book, she’s lost 62 pounds, about a pound a week. And she has no intention of going back to where she was before. “Food, for me now, is fuel,” she writes. “It does not have to be amazing, entertaining, or exciting.” Here’s an interesting idea that I first heard about on a
PBS science show: According to 2 Day Diabetes Diet by Erin Palinski-Wade (with the editors of Reader’s Digest and Alisa Bowman), “You can melt twice as much fat by dieting a third of the time.” Yes, indeedy. “Various studies show that fasting -eating every other day, for instance -- is good for us.” The author writes that women on a calorie-restricted diet for two days a week lost almost twice as much body fat as 24/7 dieters. “They also reduced their insulin resistance by 22 percent.” Lose weight AND cut your risk for diabetes. “You can achieve a healthier blood sugar reading within six weeks,” she insists. “You don’t have to count carbs, calories, fat grams, or anything else,” write the authors. All you have to do is fast two days a week -- eat 600-650 low-carb calories (pre-measured in their Volume 1 • Issue 6
menu plan) -- and “nourish” the other five days, eating about 1,500 calories on a Mediterranean-type diet. The two days “can be spaced out during the week or scheduled backto-back.” Oh, and “Exercise is optional (though recommended).” Wait a minute. This is too good to be true, right? The book goes into the science of food and fat, of diabetes and fasting, and the hormones involved: insulin, cortisol, leptin, ghrelin -just like a “Dr. Oz” show. It indicates what foods you should eat and why. It even recommends frozen meal options such as Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice. It also includes exercise suggestions, “Tension Tamers,” and ways to overcome problems you may encounter. “Every living being that researchers have studied lives longer when it consumes one-third to one-half fewer calories,” the authors tell us. The piece de resistance is that the authors provide almost 100 pages of recipes, with very colorful photos. How about some SpinachStuffed Meat Loaf? HoneyLime Pork Chops? Portabella Mushroom Pizza? or some good old (low-fat) Pumpkin Pie? Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich takes the whole dieting issue to the realm of fiction. This is the author’s debut novel. Holly, 32, is a widow. When her husband died, she used food as a comfort drug and put on more pounds than she cares to count. On a plane trip, she meets the over-the-top handsome Logan, a personal trainer with a perfect body. Normally, he wouldn’t even talk to a woman like Holly, because he’s used to being around “perfect” looking women. But he finds her interesting and funny and ofVolume 1 • Issue 6
fers to train her and get her back in shape. During the training, the two become friends. She respects his workout advice and does all the routines he asks of her. Over time, he finds that Holly is “an excellent companion.” She, of course, is attracted to him immediately. But he has always had a “type” -- and she certainly doesn’t fit it. However, as she loses weight, Logan finds himself more and more attracted to her but refuses to admit it, even to himself -until, that is, other men start showing interest in her, and he gets jealous.
Much of the book is like an episode of The Biggest Loser: the chubby widow motivated by the handsome fitness trainer. There are even lectures on eating and exercise. There were some pretty unbelievable plot points. I thought it would be funny, but no. I was offended by the way she was treated — even after she loses weight, people still refer to her as “fat” and “chubby.” And Logan says he is not used to touching someone “with extra flesh.” Sheesh. Oh, and here’s the thing: the author throws in EXPLICIT erotic sex scenes — not what I was expecting, and they don’t really fit with the rest of the book. Adult situations and language. Copyright © 2013 by Mary Louise Ruehr.
Regional Arts Network Seminar Discusses Business Relationships On Tuesday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m., the Arts Council will host a free seminar in Room 108 of Central School Arts & Humanities Center as part of the quarterly Regional Arts Network luncheon series. The series offers seminars and workshops on topics affecting SWLA’s cultural economy, and the luncheons allow for networking opportunities for area creative workers, young professionals, and community leaders. The seminar will examine strategies to create conversations between the arts and business sectors in Southwest Louisiana. A panel of local business leaders will discuss the benefits of partnering with local arts initiatives and events, tips on approaching area businesses for support, and methods to partner and develop both creative and business skills to reach mutual goals. Arts Council staff will also present nationwide trends and reports on business support for the arts over the past few years and how this affects the region’s cultural economy. A presentation will also be given on the upcoming Gallery Promenade, an annual Arts Council event that showcases the art spaces and galleries of the Lake Area. An RSVP is required, and lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. for $5 per person. For more information or to RSVP, call the Arts Council office at (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org.
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Thursday, Sept. 5 Patrick Sheng (Saxophonist) 7:30 p.m. @ Ralph Squire Auditorium MSU 4205 Ryan St. Lake Charles Leroy Thomas & Zydeco Roadrunners 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Karaoke w/ En-Tune 7 p.m. @ Tropical Spirits E. Napoleon St., Sulphur
Kory Fontentot Live 9 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles
Large Marge with Black Feratu 10 p.m.@ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., Lake Charles
John Guidroz 10 p.m. @ Micci's Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles
DJ Eric Scott Jack After Dark Party 11 p.m. @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill 777 Avenue L’Auberge Lake Charles
Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., Lake Charles DJ Eric Scott 10 p.m. @ Jack Daniels Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge Lake Charles
Brad Brinkley 9 p.m. @ Micci's Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Saturday, Sept. 7
The Other Blues Brothers 11 p.m. @ Cajun’s Wharf 3500 Ryan St. Lake Charles DJ Eric Scott Jack After Dark Party 11 p.m. @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill @ L’Auberge, Lake Charles
JJ Callier @ Gator Lounge 3 p.m. @ Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton Street Side Jazz Band 6 p.m. @ Pujo St. Cafe 901 Ryan St., Lake Charles Zydefest X 6 p.m. @ Delta Event Center 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton
Sunday, Sept. 8 Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke w/ Rooster 7 - 11 p.m. @ No Name Lounge 6120 Common St., Lake Charles
Monday, Sept. 9 Karaoke w/ Shakey 8 p.m. @ Linda's Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles
Tuesday, Sept. 10 Songwriters' Nite 7 p.m. @ Lamplighter Lounge 1906 N. Martin Luther King Hwy. Lake Charles
Wednesday, Sept. 11 Karaoke w/ En-Tune 8 p.m. @ Tropical Spirits E. Napoleon St., Sulphur
Larry's DJ & Karaoke 7 - 10 p.m. @ Dar's Place 203 Post Oak Rd., Sulphur
Street Side Jazz Band 6 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Southern Whiskey Rebellion 8 p.m.@ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Ryan Bunch Live 8 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles
Danny O'Flaherty An Evening of Folk Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans 319 Broad St., Lake Charles
Confederate Railroad Concert 8 p.m. @ Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Avenue
Friday, Sept. 6
Katelyn Johnson 9 p.m. @ Linda's Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles Karaoke w/ Shakey 8 p.m. @ No Name Lounge 6120 Common St., Lake Charles Karaoke with David Verrett 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles No Idea @ Mikko Live 9 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Shake N Bake Karaoke 10 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake
Katelyn Johnson 7 p.m. @ OB's Bar & Grill 1301 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Shake N Bake Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake
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Same Ol 2 Step 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton
Karaoke with David Verrett 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Will Christian Live 9 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles No Idea @ Mikko Live 9 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Dog Hill Stompers Gator Lounge 9 p.m. @ Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton
Karaoke w/ Russ 8:30 p.m. @ Linda's Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles Shake N Bake Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake Karaoke 2013 @ Mikko Live 9 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Girls Night Out: The Other Blues Brothers 11 p.m. @ Cajun's Wharf 3500 Ryan St., Lake Charles DJ Wilson 5-9 p.m. @ Cuz’s 2116 E. Napoleon St., Sulphur Volume 1 • Issue 6
The Cult’s landmark album, Electric, released in 1987, saw the group rise from the ashes of the UK post-punk movement to become one of the most influential and controversial rock bands of the 20th century. Helmed by legendary rock producer Rick Rubin, Electric went on to be the band’s first platinum album, and the basis of their latest tour entitled Electric 13. They just performed at L’Auberge Casino Resort’s last Liquid Society Party by the Pool. Fans saw the group perform the album in its entirety, along with songs from their eight other albums which have sold a combined total of 15 million copies worldwide. After over 30 years of performing in venues worldwide, The Cult’s lead vocalist and lyricist, Ian Astbury said that the band is one that must be seen live to be appreciated, and one that he challenges all other rock bands to beat. “On any given night at one of our concerts, we are still the greatest rock and roll band playing right
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now. We’ll go up against anyone. This is a rock and roll band that is still in its prime. While many groups are falling apart or phoning it in, we’re getting the best reviews we’ve ever had,” he said. Astbury is correct in saying that unlike many of the group’s contemporaries that have broken up or lost
their inspiration and love for performing, The Cult’s passion for music is still very much alive. The band formed in Brixton, London in 1983 and transformed from punk rock to a blend of psychedelia, heavy dance and transcendental hard rock mixed with Astbury’s lyrics that conjure images of nature, Native American culture, themes of love, life and death and the survival of the species. The group is still productive, having released their latest album, Choice of Weapon in 2012, with its follow up expected next year.
“We’ve been around for a while, so we’re not trying to build a career anymore,” Astbury said. ”We’ve got real roots now and this is our way of life. We just keep making music, and we will always make music. It still blows our minds that we are still popular after this amount of time, but for us, it’s like everything is still fresh.” In the middle of their current tour, Astbury said the constant scenery changes can be challenging, but the group has found ways to adapt to life on the road.
“This has been my way of life since I was 19 years old. It’s just what we do,” he said. “We’ve been all over the world, in every place you can imagine, and we got there on every form of transportation you can imagine. It’s hard to explain to people what life on the road is really like, but you deal with it.” Astbury said that even the constant rigors of touring cannot strip away the band’s zeal for performing every night in front of a new live audience.
“We have a legacy of nine studio albums to pull songs from, so each night we change up our set based on how we feel and what we think the audience will appreciate,” he explained. “For us it’s not like we’re carrying around a bag of bricks--this is what we love to do. Every night with a new audience in a new venue is exciting. It’s like sex in that every time it’s completely different and every moment is fresh.”
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JERRY LEWIS @ L’AUBERGE A large crowd of fans came out to see legendary comedian and actor Jerry Lewis at the L’Auberge Event Center. It was an evening of laughs, entertainment and a trip down memory lane. Jerry is best remembered for his slapstick humor in film, television, stage and radio. He’s 87 and still going strong! David and Tammye Sandvig, Alex Marrero and Courtney and Kyle Bettis
Meosha Wilkus, Marilyn Dawdy and Terrance Prichard
Bob and Sonya Miller with Linda Kotzubue
Edgar, Jennifer and Albert Ahrlett
Amy Houser with Margaret, Victor, Flor and Vic Wukovits
McNEESE HOSTS HIGH SCHOOL JAMBOREE Are you ready for some football? Crowds of high-spirited fans came out to McNeese Stadium for another High School football season kick-off! The Sam Houston Broncos, Sulphur Tors, Westlake Rams and Barbe Bucs took to the field for some live play action. Let the games (and fun) begin!
Kourtney Istre, Ryan Preatto and Elizabeth Eustis
Kassidy Conrad and Alex Widcamp PAGE 22
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Meagan, Jennifer and Scott Greene
Hannah Forrester, Samantha Bergeron and Natalie Crochet
Markel Thomas, Troy and Bailey Guillory
Maci Duhon, Kenedee Morris, Desiree Guasp and Madeline LaCombe Volume 1 • Issue 6
word search
GO POKES! Blue and Gold Cheerleader Cowboys End Zone Field Goal
Football Fullback Halfback Punt Quarterback
Sack Scrimmage Tight End Touchdown Wide Receiver
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Players take turns connecting two dots. When you make a square, put your initials in the box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.
Volume 1 • Issue 6
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