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March 21, 2013

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LAGNIAPPE MAGAZINE • MARCH 21, 2013 • VOLUME 31 NUMBER 6

Emily Fuselier Photography

contents

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26 17 JINDAL AS POINT MAN • As Gov. Bobby Jindal assumes his leadership post with the Republican Governors Assoc., it makes sense he would be the point man against President Obama. But will he get help from an unlikely ally — Sen. Mary Landrieu?

26 BEAUTY AND FASHION • Lagniappe goes to the runways and reports on the Spring’s looks in short haircuts, dresses and accessories. Also, Lagniappe’s Karla Wall profiles Krystal Kershaw, a local make-up artist who handled the make-up for the Twilight movies and other Hollywood productions.

40 REAL ESTATE • What are the top dollar houses in the Lake Area? Find out here. Also, the “Lake Charles style” of architecture was created in this very city. We’ll look at its impact on coastal architecture and its enduring beauty.

70 SHIFTING GEARS • In Louisiana, football news is always a

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topic of discussion, even when the game isn’t being played. Rick Sarro reports.

Lagniappe Magazine Serving SWLA Since 1983 Publishers Bob Hartnett Greg Pavlovich Editor Brad Goins Associate Editor Karla Wall Assistant Laura Landry Layout & Design Mike Manis Advertising Sales Tanya Alsobrook Patty Hebert Chester Rogers Classified Manager Kenny Pierce Distribution Manager Edward Frazer Contributing Writers Jeremy Alford Dr. Dale Archer Duane Bergeron Angie Dilmore Todd Elliott Rocke Fournet Arthur Hebert John Maginnis Nola Mae Ross Rick Sarro Chuck Shepherd Vic Wukovits Office Phone (337) 433-8502 Office Fax (337) 433-8964 Mailing Address PO Box 3292 Lake Charles, LA 70602 Shipping Address 2906 Deaton Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 Editorial e-mail edit@thelanyap.com Advertising e-mail ads@thelanyap.com Classified e-mail class@thelanyap.com Lagniappe Magazine is published the first and third Thursday of each month.

Manuscripts, photographs, comments and queries are invited. Return postage must accompany all materials submitted if return is requested. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Opinions presented by the columnists in this publication do not necessarily express the views ofLagniappe Magazine.

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departments 6 9 10 12 14 16

Up Front Box 3292 Pierre Sez Out & About File 13 Tech Bytes

17 19 22 24 62 63

LA Politics News Roundup Weird News Taking Charge Lake Area People Political Briefs

64 65 68 69 70 72

Band Schedule What's Happening Reel Talk Mounted Memories Sarro On Sports Classified

COVER PHOTO OF LAUREN MILLER BY EMILY FUSELIER PHOTOGRAPHY. FASHIONS PROVIDED BY FRANKIE & CO. March 21, 2013

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up

front Dalai Lama To Speak Some readers probably already know that the Dalai Lama will speak at a conference in New Orleans on Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17. The conference, titled “Resilience,” will be held at the Morial Convention Center at 900 Convention Center Blvd.

The Dalai Lama’s Saturday talk will take place at UNO’s Lakefront Arena.

Also speaking will be psychology professor Richard J. Davidson, author Margaret Wheatley and MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry.

The Dalai Lama’s talk will be on the topic of “Resilience: Strength Through Compassion and Connection.” Davidson will speak on a topic that sounds interesting: “Change Your Brain by Transforming Your Mind.” There will also be a sand mandala and chanting by the Drepung Loseling monks.

Tickets for the Dalai Lama’s first talk are already sold out. Tickets for the second talk are available for $25 or $15 for students. You can go to the entire conference for $450 (or $150 for students).

If you need tickets or other info, visit www.dalailamanola.com.

The conference is sponsored by Tulane’s School of Social Work. Social workers and professional counselors throughout Louisiana can get 8.25 continuing education credits when they attend the conference. That number may go up; for updates, check info@dalailamanola.com.

South Eliminates Bigotry Speaking of community, some Supreme Court justices who are debating the Voting Rights Act are arguing that the South is no more bigoted than the North at this point. I’m not sure how much time these justices have spent in the South.

But they must be right. Why? Well, just look at the way a community in Lafayette handled a potential multicultural problem with tolerance and acceptance.

You don’t know the story? Let me fill you in. Residents were commenting to the CityParish Council about a private park being built by the long-standing Lafayette group the Muslim Education Center of Acadiana. What was the complaint? There was none. As I said, the park was embraced with abundant understanding, tolerance and acceptance.

Bask for a moment in the tolerance of this Lafayetter’s remark to the council: “I think it’s a cover-up of what they plan on doing in the future. That’s my opinion, personally. I have grandkids, and you have all these strange people in the neighborhood that you don’t know who they are. And the people that have been there previously, they’re all foreigners.”

“They’re all foreigners.” It’s tolerance writ large. Bigotry has just plain died out up in here.

The council did approve the park, but lifted the requirement that the park be surrounded by a wooden fence and instead required that it be surrounded by a chain link fence. The reason, reported Lafayette’s The Independent, was so that “the neighbors … can see ‘what’s going on’ in that Muslim park.” So, you see, the tolerance spread up from the community to the highest level of government. It is tolerance heaped on tolerance. A tolerance layer cake.

As you probably know, up north, there are a bunch of hicks who think every Muslim in the U.S. — all 2.6 million of them — is a terrorist. These clodhoppers would fly into a rage if they knew that in the last decade, Islam has been the fastest growing religion in the U.S.

It’s obvious that people in Lafayette don’t share these provincial beliefs. But, of course, Lafayette is the hip part of the state. Would the people be quite as tolerant and accepting in places like, say, Lake Charles, or in even smaller places, like Wagon Rut? Food for thought.

You’ve Only Got 1.2 Billion To Go I guess a person who wanted to justify all the budget cuts handed down by Gov. Jindal and the Legislature might make the argument that everybody has to take a hit.

But is that really true? Does everybody in Louisiana take a hit?

I think I know of a guy who hasn’t taken a hit. That guy is Tom Benson. In the midst of all the Louisiana austerity, the state has continued to truck in loads of money for Benson’s teams.

Why is that of interest? Well, I don’t know. I guess I though it might be of interest because Forbes Magazine just announced that Benson is a billionaire.

That’s right. As it does every year, Forbes has published its list of the 400 richest people in the world. And Benson has made the list. He now sits at No. 377.

He’s become one of the 400 richest people in the world at the very same time he was collecting millions in state money.

Forbes sets Benson’s net worth at $1.2 billion.

So, the next time you hear of Benson getting money from the state, take some comfort in the fact that not everybody is taking a hit. You can get a pass as well if you can just manage to add $1.2 billion to whatever net worth you have now.

Here’s something else you can feel good about. There’s at least one other guy in Louisiana who isn’t taking a hit. His name is Bobby Jindal. Remember how he worked it out so that his state pension would be exempt from the economic strictures he’d had placed on other state employees’ pensions? He was eventually forced to take the same pension hits he made everyone else take.

There really is no sense of fairness operating in the universe. How gladly I would sacrifice every penny I earn if the balance could be applied to Gov. Jindal’s Louisiana pension payments.

‘Has It Killed A Guy In His Sleep?’

With Ron Paul’s filibuster, President Obama’s “tumbling” (according to the Power Line blog) numbers and the Republicans’ apparent wins on federal budget policy, you’d think that these days, D.C. politics would be more interesting than Louisiana politics.

But they never are.

One thing that’s kept Louisiana interesting is all the wondering politicians and political junkies have been doing about why Gov. Bobby Jindal didn’t get his tax revision plan out sooner. Since, we are told, the governor wants to get rid of the state’s income tax, political types think it’s a pretty big deal. Thus it makes sense for the governor to get his position in front of the public (and the legislators) ASAP. The delay became so worrisome that Speaker of the House and Lake Charles resident Chuck Kleckley sent a letter to Jindal asking him to give details of his plan to the Legislature. Jindal promised to respond by March 15. Apparently he’s the only one who’s not in a hurry.

Some of the worry about the plan concerns the fear that the state’s astronomically high sales tax will become even higher. Dept. of Revenue Secretary Tim Barfield, whom

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KPEL-FM’s Brandon Carmeaux called the “point man for Jindal’s tax plan,” told WRKF listeners that Jindal was considering raising the sales tax by as much as 2 percent.

In some municipalities in the state, the total sales tax is as high as 11 percent. In Lake Charles, it’s 9 percent. Jindal’s hike would raise the tax here to 11 percent. If it really doesn’t matter to you how this would affect poor people, then look at it in a different way.

Imagine that the four wheeler and riding mower you want to buy just went up 11 percent in price. Ever seen a retailer promote a product with the tagline For A Limited Time: 11 Percent Price Increase?

While the tax controversy is interesting, it’s certainly not the funniest controversy going. That would be the governor’s extreme reluctance to visit the notorious sinkhole that’s been growing for seven months now in Bayou Corne.

The people in Bayou Corne say they just want Jindal to visit the site and talk with them a couple of hours. At a recent press conference, when Jindal was asked for the third time why he hadn’t visited the sinkhole site, he got testy. He hissed, “Look, again, I will continue to work with those agencies to hold Texas Brine [which is considered responsible for the hole] accountable.”

We get our funnies when we read about what Bayou Corne residents had to say about the governor’s comments. The Up Fronter learned he wasn’t the only one in the state who uses irony when he read the comments of Mike Schaff, who said, “What it’s telling me is that he is busy campaigning. We understand that. We understand that he’s out doing more important things than taking care of state matters, you know.”

And I learned I wasn’t the only one who used satire when I read this headline in the humorous Louisiana news site The Red Shtick: “Jindal on Visiting Assumption Sinkhole: ‘Call Me When It Swallows Someone or Wants to Donate Money.’”

The Red Shtick is very much like a Louisiana version of The Onion. Enjoy some more of its made-up comments by Jindal: “Has it killed a guy in his sleep like that sinkhole in Florida? No? Didn’t think so.

Stop being a bunch of pussies …

“What exactly is the big freaking deal? … It’s a microcosm of this godforsaken state that I just looooove governing …

“Now, if you will excuse me, I have fundraisers to attend in Wisconsin, Kansas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Colorado …

“And for the love of God, stay the hell away from that fetid morass down there while I’m gone. I don’t need one of you clods falling in it and dying on my watch.”

Those funnies were written by Tony Swartz, who proudly proclaims he has never darkened the halls of journalism school.

Funny headlines I noticed in the current edition of The Red Shtick included: “Obama, Boehner Agree On Name Of Next Crisis” and “Boehner Injured In Smile Attempt.”

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It’s Not A Hypothetical Question It doesn’t take any fortune-telling skill to predict that what legislators have been hearing from their constituents since the last legislative session will make the current session even more interesting than usual. And just what have legislators heard? They’ve heard that their constituents have finally realized that the health care and education cuts are hurting them and taking money out of their pockets. They don’t want any more of these cuts.

But if the legislators pass on these cuts, and they refuse to raise taxes, how will they deal with this year’s budget gap? The attempt to answer that question is what will make this session so interesting. continued

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UP FRONT continued

I Want My Drill Time

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You may have heard something or other about a bill regarding school safety (House Bill 97) that was put forward by state Rep. Bob Hensgens, R-Gueydan. The bill is supposed to do something to the Louisiana school system that would prevent the sort of shooting that recently took place in Connecticut.

I read a feature-length Times-Picayune story about the bill and didn’t understand a thing. I noticed the Times-Picayune and some Louisiana politicians were asking for public feedback. I’m going to guess that if I can’t understand the thing, the public isn’t going to understand it either.

I can tell you this much: the bill requires that students undergo some sort of drills and prevents school boards from making decisions about those drills. As long as there are new drills, students will be very happy as they will be able to spend less time on schooling. And if school boards are prevented from making decisions about something, that is at least not a bad thing.

Can we get a state law that requires journalists to have drills? After all, the public is usually mad at the media about something or other. I’m always a little afraid some angry reader is going to muscle his way into the office and try to force me to eat a beet. I still have panic attacks from the time the guy put me in a half-nelson and made me say, “that’ll work.”

Tin Hat Is Real The notion of people wearing tin foil hats isn’t just a cliché. There are folks who really wear them. If you don’t believe me, ask the men and women of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

It was parish deputies who arrested a man in a house in Gretna after they traced a phone that had been used to call in arson threats against four schools in the Westbank area of New Orleans on March 6.

In the Gretna house, deputies found 35-year-old Shane Kersey, who told them right away he was the one who’d threatened to burn down the schools. Kersey was wearing a baseball cap. Nothing unusual about that. What was unusual was the tremendous amount of tin foil that stuck out from under the cap.

Kersey told deputies the tin foil was there to “prevent microwave signals from entering his head.”

This wasn’t a particularly good time for Kersey to place the calls, given that there was an outstanding warrant on Kersey on a burglary charge.

Kersey was booked on charges of terrorizing. This added to his lengthy record, which includes such charges as hit and run, aggravated battery and theft. Obviously, the microwave attacks on Kersey have not prevented him from building a solid career.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR P.O. Box 3292 • Lake Charles, LA 70602 • edit@thelanyap.com Include full name and contact phone number.

kets; and we, the final consumer, pay over $.22 per dollar in hidden taxes.

We have regressive taxes on jobs, payroll taxes, paid by both the employer and the employee. Want less of something, tax it; and we have a 15.3 percent tax on jobs.

Tax lobbyists outnumber elected officials by a ratio of 32 to 1 in Washington, D.C. The tax code is used by politicians, lobbyists and special interest groups to their advantage to gain tax breaks and funding, and to pick winners and losers.

As a nation, we spend $450 billion per year to comply and file taxes. The IRS budget is $13 billion and 110,000 employees. Tax code complexities alone

lead to 16 percent noncompliance.

The solution is to move the tax base from income, savings and investments to a tax base on consumption with a progressive national consumption and sales tax system. The solution is the FairTax bill, HR25/S122. Learn more at www.fairtax.org.

Please contact your U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany at 33-1747 or e-mail him at http://boustany.house.gov/ index.html. Ask him to co-sponsor the FairTax bill HR25/S122 and move it to the House floor for tax reform debate and vote.

Paul Livingston

FAIRTAX COULD BOOST U.S. ECONOMY We are still in the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. It didn’t have to happen.

In July 2011, Dr. David G. Tuerck, executive director of The Beacon Hill Institute in Boston, Mass., released research findings with the following results: If the FairTax had been the “law of the land” in 2009, the federal government would have collected $171 billion more in taxes than was collected with the income tax. In 2010, that number would have been $267 billion.

Economists had earlier estimated that “in the first year after the FairTax Act becomes law, the economy will grow by 10.5 percent. Exports will grow by 26 percent. And capital spending will increase by more than 70 percent.”

If the FairTax had been implemented in 2009, the U.S. would now be the economic engine of the world. It could still happen.

Your congressman, Charles Boustany, Jr., is on the House Ways and Means Committee, where all tax measures must begin. Call his Washington office at 202-225-2031; tell him you want him to support the FairTax. Attend his town hall meetings in your district.

Ask if he supports the FairTax. And, if he doesn’t, ask him why he favors the income tax over the FairTax. Glen E Terrell 1410 West Lavender Lane Arlington, TX ggeett37@gmail.com home: 817-460-4140 cell: 817-939-4140

WHY IS REAL, TRUE TAX REFORM NEEDED? What does reform mean? It means removing abuses, eliminating bad practices and making changes for the better.

Our Constitution was written to prevent the tax system of tyrants, the direct taxation of income. The wisdom of our Founding Fathers was neglected with the passage of the 16th Amendment on Feb. 3, 1913. Just surpassing its 100th birthday, the tax code is beyond 74,000 pages.

The Federal tax code drives jobs, companies and capital out of our country. High business taxes drive up prices so U.S. goods and services cost more and are less competitive in the World marMarch 21, 2013

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An’ In Dis Corner If you’ve been follerin’ de goins on in de Westlake City Council lately, it kinda reminds me uf one uf dem big time rasslin’ matches day usta have at de Civic Center, whar dar wuz always de good guys an’ de bad guys, who would get de crowd real mad.

Well, de Westlake City Council members have been fightin’ each udder now for quite a while, an’ de line iz clearly drawn in de sand. On one side, you have council members Bob Hardey, Wally Anderson and John Credeur. On de udder side, you have council members Lori Peterson, Dan Racca an’ Mayor Dan Cupit.

How long dis feud haz been goin’ on izn’t exactly clear, an’ what caused it ain’t needer. One ting dat’s for shore: If you stand by Cupit’s flag in dis one, you’re gonna be a target uf Hardey, Anderson and Credeur. If you saw dar recent reaction to a legislative audit in which day suggested some tings be done different by Cupit, you woulda thought Cupit had committed de biggest fraud since Bernie Madoff.

Now all uf dem council members are politicians an’ knew what kinda fight day wuz likely to get into when day ran for office. But what gets us iz dat day drag a good, hard-workin’ man like Lonnie Smart into dar little battle. Me, I’ve known Lonnie for mo dan 30 years, an’ I can tell you he’ll always do what’s right. Shore, he may make some mistakes, but he iz honest az de day iz long.

Az for de council members and Cupit, me, I would suggest day have a sitdown an’ work dis out. All dis bickerin’ an’ runnin’ to de media for every little issue ain’t doin’ anybody any good.

We can point to udder cities an’ towns in our state dat have had some fightin’ between council members an’ mayors an’ de usual result izn’t what you want to see in Westlake or any udder city in Southwest Louisiana.

Big Votes On April 6 In addition to de City Council seats in Lake Charles, dar’s a coupla udder important issues folks are gonna be votin’ on on April 6. De City uf Lake Charles iz axin’ voters to OK a taxin’ district dat would make it possible to build a 150-room hotel on Civic Center grounds.

Now, let’s be clear here. Dis izn’t a renewal or a new tax. Dis would simply allow taxes collected by de hotel when it’s built to go to payin’ for de city’s share ($3.4 million) uf de $19 million dat a company sez it needs to build de hotel.

Dis hotel would make havin’ conventions in our area a whole lot easier.

De udder vote iz a bond issue for fixin’ up de Sulphur High Football stadium an’ updatin’ an’ acquirin’ classroom stuff. Lord knows de Sulphur High Stadium needs work. So we’ll see how folks in West Cal feel about dis on April 6.

McNeese Proud An’ Shows It A few weeks ago, local stock broker Reed Mendelson wuz guest commentator on KPLC’s “A Better SWLA.” He urged folks to make Fridays “Support McNeese Day” by wearin’ shirts wit’ de school colors.

Me, I tink it’s a good idea. First uf all, it would remind udders jus’ how much McNeese means to our area, not only from an education standpoint, but also from a bidness point uf view. If you jus’ look at de amount uf money McNeese salaries put into our local economy, an’ on top uf dat de millions in goods an’ services purchased

by McNeese from local bidnesses, you pretty much get de idea dat wearin’ a blue ‘n gold shirt on Friday iz jus’ a small sometin’ dat can lead to bigger tings.

Bidnesses could buy dem for employees. Stores could offer discounts on dem.

Me, I ran de idea by Snooky, who was enjoyin’ dat fine brew made wit’ Louisiana rice, an’ he sed it would be like havin’ a Blue By You. I trew a tire tool at him but missed.

Seriously folks, tink about it. Make dis sometin’ big. Have de advertisin’ folks in town or at MSU come up wit’ a special design for de shirt, an’ let’s let everyone know jus’ how proud we are uf McNeese State University.

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Jindal May Face Big Oppozition If you listen to Bobby Jindal, you would tink everyting iz gonna be great wit’ de budget an’ revenue for dis session uf de Legislature, an’ for many years to come.

Like we told you last issue, de inflated years uf Katrina an’ Rita are gone. We won’t have a $30-plus billion dollar budget any more … or at least for a while. But dem legislators who are graded on how much bacon day bring home are continuin’ to fight for dollars for dar districts.

Now, Jindal haz some snake oil uf hiz own stored somewhere in his capitol office. If he tinks hiz droppin’ de State Income Tax an’ replacin’ it wit’ higher cigarette taxes iz gonna be revenue neutral, I got news for him. De tobacco lobby iz almos’ az strong az de NRA, an’ you can bet day are gonna gang up on dem legislators, az iz every udder group dat would be affected by increases in taxes to offset money lost from droppin’ de income tax.

Folks in our state are quick to point out dat Texas and Florida don’t have income tax. Dat’s true. But I can tell you I got a buddy who has a camp on de Texas side uf Toledo Bend, an’ every year when he gets hiz tax bill, I feel like I’m gonna have to call Dr. King White.

So between dis eliminatin’ uf de income tax, de shortfalls dat are gonna happen again in education an’ medical care, an’ a whole buncha udder stuff, we should be in for a real hootin’ tootin’ session uf de Legislature dis year.

High Tech Senator Just a sign uf times a changin’ … remember when your congressmen an’ senators toured dar district when day wuz away from Washington? Well, now some uf dem are startin’ to have virtual town hall meetins. David Vitter had one recently. An’ folks just emailed him questions an’ he emailed dem answers.

Well, we tink it wuz him answerin’. An’ if it wuz one uf de members uf hiz staff answerin’ de questions, who would know de difference?

Mary Landrieu hazn’t gone to de virtual town hall meetings yet, but I’m shore it’s just a matter uf time. She haz a bigtime election comin’ up next year, an’ will use everyting she can to come out on top.

How Much Did You Say? Sawed an article recently dat sez candidates for president and Congress spent a total uf $6.3 billion on campaign ads an’ related politicin’ in 2012. Dat’s a billion (with a B) more dan day did jus’ four years before.

It’s well documented dat de Boustany-Landry race for Congress wuz one uf dem real high-dollar races. An’ we know in some states you couldn’t turn on your TV without seein’ Obama or Romney.

Louisiana wuz given up by de Obama folks early, so day didn’t drop much money in our state. But Ohio and Florida and Pennsylvania, which wuz called battleground states, got a hunka cash.

Now dis U.S. Senate race between Landrieu an’ a yet-to-be-named Republican could by far become de mos’ expensive in our state.

Different League, Same Results Soon de 2013 season for de Houston Astros will start, an’ judgin’ from what we read an’ hear in de Houston an’ national media, enthusiasm iz at an all-time low.

When de new owners came in last year, day promised to bring new players and a more excitin’ brand uf baseball. How can you do that when your payroll uf $20 million is what some PLAYERS make. How can you compete like that?

But do day lower ticket prices to see what iz basically an AAA farm team?

Nooooo. An’ when day get a player dat starts playin’ really well, day trade dem to anudder team.

But still, me, I have tickets to see de Yankees in Houston on my birthday in late September. Shore ain’t goin’ to see de Astros. Imagine … Alex Rodriguez makin’ more dan all de Astros combined.

Deep Taughts While Watchin’ De Big Dance 10) What kinda voter turnout will we have for de April 6 elections?

9) Will de McNeese baseball and softball teams win conference?

8) Can anybody even come close to LSU’s baseball team?

7) Who’s gonna run for what for state rep and state senate from our area?

6) Was Jindal serious when he told CPAC he wuzn’t runnin’ for president?

5) Who stole my crawfish etoufee outta my refrigerator?

4) What are udder media gonna do for news now dat de Advocate haz been sold?

3) Jindal’s tobacco tax: how much uf a tax will it mean on my ceegars?

2) When will Danica win a race?

1) Will de Saints get any good players day need from off-season deals?

Final Shot My dog an’ my neighbor’s dog got into a fight de udder night. Lefty sed day should settle dar differences in “Puppy’s Court.” Me, I tink Lefty haz been watchin’ too much daytime TV. ‘Til next time, lache pas la patate.

March 21, 2013

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OUT & ABOUT

Asia

arthur hebert

L’Auberge Casino Resort, 395-1430, ldllakecharles.com/dining/asia Open Monday-Friday, 4 pm-2 am, Saturday-Sunday, 11 am-4 am • Price range: $7 to $25

When this venue first opened, I went and tried it. The menu was very expensive, and most of the dishes I didn’t recognize.

Also, the execution seemed sloppy. I put the place out of my mind.

Recently, however, I was scanning local restaurants on the Internet. Just to see what the casino restaurants have been doing, I went to their websites. To my delight, the menu at Asia had had a complete makeover. It now offers a few dim sum choices, Chinese dishes and recognizable Vietnamese dishes, along with a small sushi selection. Some of the dishes are still pricey, but not like on the first menu.

On my first visit I had the dim sum selections. There are only five items offered, and they are only available on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

Two of the dim sum items on the menu are relatively familiar to Western palates: shumai is a steamed open-faced dumpling. The wrapper on this version was made of flour dough, and the filling, in this case, was ground pork, minced shrimp and shitake mushrooms. It had a nice flavor, but it was a bit dense. Next was banh bao, which is a steamed flour bun stuffed with barbecue pork. While the bun here was light and fluffy, the stuffing seemed more like chopped ham in barbecue sauce. It wasn’t at all like the char siu Chinese pork

found in most buns.

Less familiar to me was the ha cao: a whole shrimp steamed in a tapioca starch shell. It had a nice shrimp flavor, and the tapioca shell was only slightly chewy. It was very good, and I would get it again.

The last two dim sum items on the menu are some of my favorites; in fact, I always get them when I do dim sum. The first item, and the one you will most likely try, is the turnip cake. It is a mixture of Chinese turnip (not bitter at all), minced Chinese sausage and onions. This is all mixed in a rice flour batter, cut into squares and pan fried. The exterior is crisp, and the interior is like a custard. I loved the flavor and texture. You should try it.

The last item is one I expect few people will try: chicken feet. Here they are fried, then marinated in black bean sauce and raw jalapeno. Then, it is steamed.

Chicken feet is usually a texture dish (It’s gelatinous, which I love.) But this treatment instills great flavor.

On my next visit, I ate a type of soup I’ve recently discovered in some Houston Vietnamese places — a Vietnamese hot and sour soup. I got the shrimp version here. The sourness is due to the tamarindflavored broth. Tamarind is the fruit of a tree found in southern Asia and the Caribbean. It has a slightly astringent taste that’s a base for many dishes, and it’s also

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March 21, 2013

2917 Ryan St. • Lake Charles (337) 433-8504 • Fax (337) 433-3196

in Worchester sauce. Also in the broth were pineapple chunks, tomato chunks, whole okra pods, shredded banana blossoms and chili flakes. The dish looks as weird as it sounds, but it tastes oh so delicious. Each spoonful had a different texture and taste, which I found heavenly. I found mine to be a bit mild, so I added garlic in chili sauce and some fish sauce. If you’re wondering what the banana blossom is like, just think of bean sprouts, and you have the texture and flavor.

The remaining two items I ate were things my half-Vietnamese niece-in-law fed me and my sister years ago. That was the beginning of my love for the cuisine. I got the shrimp rice paper spring rolls, which were filled with vermicelli rice noodles, bean sprouts and lettuce with peanut sauce. They were as good as any I’ve eaten. They were light and refreshing, with just the right kick.

The dish looks as weird as it sounds, but it tastes oh so delicious. Each spoonful had a different texture and taste, which I found heavenly.

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The last item is bun, or, as they call it here, noodle bowl. I got the grilled marinated pork version. Into the bowl goes the vermicelli rice noodle. It’s topped with julienned cucumbers and carrots, bean sprouts and lettuce. On the side of the vegetables are the strips of grilled pork topped with crushed peanuts and scallions. A small bowl of fish sauce is used for the dressing. If the fish sauce is too strong for you, ask for a different dressing. My niece offered both fish sauce and sweet and sour.

I, of course, always chose the fish sauce.

Actually, it was nuoc cham, a dipping sauce made of equal parts fish sauce, water, sugar, and lime juice with garlic chili sauce to taste. I always keep some in my fridge. In this case, I mixed the whole dish up and added the sauce to taste. While it was good, my niece’s was better.

The menu here is several pages long, and not all the dishes are as strange as the ones I’ve described. This is a place where you can try out three different cuisines.

Try it at least once.

Arthur Hebert’s food and restaurant blog is www.swlaeats.blogspot.com

March 21, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

13

FILE 13

brad goins

On Television In general, I’ve always agreed with former FFC Chairman Newton Minow’s 1961 pronouncement that television programing is “a vast wasteland.” And in general, I still do.

Minow described the situation more than adequately: “You will see a procession of game shows, violence, audience participation shows, formula comedies about totally unbelievable families, blood and thunder, mayhem, violence, sadism,

Hugh Laurie of House

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LAGNIAPPE

March 21, 2013

murder, western bad men, western good men, private eyes, gangsters, more violence and cartoons. And, endlessly, commercials — many screaming, cajoling and offending. And most of all, boredom.’’

In addition to its lack of substance, television has the great fault of being a devourer of time. An Atlantic columnist once jokingly wondered whether he’d lie on his deathbed wishing that he’d watched more episodes of Matlock.

The joke is real enough. On every early morning walk I’ve ever taken, I’ve looked in the windows of the retired and seen the big blue eye of the television glowing. The life of hard work is over. What remains is the television.

The only time I see television as it is broadcast is the rare occasion when I stay in a motel or B&B. When I watch it live, television seems overwhelmingly tedious.

It takes my interesting life and makes it boring.

But my wife sometimes checks out DVDs of recent television shows. And I can see that in some of these there’s a significant improvement in quality over anything that was broadcast in my youth (which was as dominated by television as any American child’s is).

Part of the improvement in quality is due, I think, to the inevitable improvement in the production of electronic entertainment as time passes. Feature-length movies have only been around for roughly a century. Television programming wasn’t broadcast until 1939, when it debuted at the New York World’s Fair. These are still young creatures.

I can see the overall improvement in electronic entertainment in many of the relatively low-budget horror movies made in the new millennium. Consider the evolution of just one important aspect of horror films: gore effects. Gore wasn’t shown in movies at all until 1963. It took makeup artist Tom Savini more than 20 years to develop the techniques that enabled him to create gore effects that looked like the things paramedics and detectives routinely see.

So it was already way up to 1985 and realistic gore was just getting started. In stark contrast, today’s horror make-up artists grow up learning every detail of the effects Savini worked so long and hard to perfect. For today’s film crews, Savini’s methods are part of the basic knowledge they start their careers with. Those who are talented — and given the competition, those are the ones who usually get the jobs — add some effects innovation with each film they work on. It’s easy to see how marked and rapid improvement occurs.

I noticed one such improvement in my youth in the program Dallas, which debuted at the end of the 1970s. Dallas was produced by the company Lorimar.

Even more than Lorimar’s first big hit, the program The Waltons, Dallas had the characteristic of carrying plot motifs over from program to program.

This characteristic inevitably caused Dallas to be compared to soap operas. I always felt that soap operas were the most

underrated of television programs. Soap operas required the creation of five scripts a week each week of the year. And the shows were almost entirely about dialogue. A soap opera is a short play.

Imagine the challenge of trying to think of creative dialogue about a banal plot element that’s already well-known to viewers — and doing that almost every day. It must be a huge creative challenge. My dream job has always been soap opera script writer. I’m beginning to think I’ll never live my dream. Soap operas will have disappeared from the air entirely by the time I’m old enough to get the job.

Soap operas are all about talking about problems rather than tackling, or doing something about, problems. Some of the recent programs that are a cut above what I once watched work primarily by using the soap opera approach on very traditional stories. The Tudors makes a soap opera of the story of Henry VIII and The Walking Dead makes a soap opera of the George Romero zombie story.

In both shows, the long, long conversations about what could be done, should be done and might be done build anticipation for the inevitable payoff — the violence of Henry VIII executing someone or the violence of a zombie attack. You can see the soap opera aspect of the exposition by comparing an episode of The Walking Dead to a Romero zombie film. With Romero, the zombie attacks are relentless.

That’s one of the things that makes the movies so disturbing.

full of truisms about obligation and responsibility and a grab bag of clichés enable shows such as The Tudors and The Walking Dead to accomplish much with limited budgets. We know the budget of The Walking Dead must be fairly tight because the gore effects are so old school — about at the technical level of Night of the Living Dead. Like many of the horror films of the last decade, the show makes its impact in spite of its limitations.

Other recent shows of exceptional quality have set their high water marks by relying on big name talent and, more important, paying for scripts that contain eloquent and substantial dialogue.

When the high-profile actor Hugh Laurie says, “everybody lies” on the program House, he makes use of the eloquence of simple and direct language. The

provocative nature of the sentiment and its brevity of expression are also part of the eloquence. The statement may or may not be correct. But it posits something fundamental about the human condition. Thus it should arouse the interest of any viewer who isn’t utterly jaded or unimaginative.

The pattern operates throughout the show. House says the things about human behavior that others think but are afraid to say and that others are afraid to think. He thrives by presenting skepticism or cynicism that shocks even a few deep thinkers.

That the scriptwriters can enable such a character to say things that make the audience more thoughtful than angry is strong evidence that top-of-the-line writers have been employed and are well paid.

The program Weeds relies on the same sort of meaty scripts and high-quality act-

ing as House. And unlike House, it arouses viewer interest by wedding two incompatible worlds: those of the intelligent, caring single mother and of the drug dealer.

The unlikely combination of those two vastly different realms of experience is as creative as the idea of combining the soap opera with the zombie film. The ability to come up with the big creative idea has remained constant (in these cases at least) as the technical options available to filmmakers have steadily improved. The fact that operations such as Showtime, HBO and AMC are willing to put large sums of money behind the big idea or the brainy scriptwriters is a heartening indication that even in mainstream entertainment, creativity is sometimes rewarded.

The Walking Dead

In the third episode of The Walking Dead, there isn’t a single zombie attack in the show. There is a payoff shot of a zombie eating a bloody deer. But that shot doesn’t occur until a solid 22 minutes of monologue and dialogue have elapsed.

The show is half over before the first money shot. In a latter episode, set in the Centers for Disease Control, there is never a zombie attack. The characters spend 45 minutes whining to their gracious and long-suffering CDC host. Somehow it works — if only to make the viewer feel disgust for the characters (which is a typical response to soap operas).

Dialogue is tricky for any director. If it’s too banal or too long, it can bore the viewer. But dialogue saves money. It requires no special effects or stunt men; often requires no new sets or costumes or extras. As long as actors aren’t flubbing lines, dialogue won’t run up filming expenses.

Dialogue, the avoidance of expensive stars and the use of cheap practical scripts March 21, 2013

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TECH BYTES

vic wukovits

Plug It In And Back It Up Being the owner of an Apple device comes with the reality that updates can be stressful. I’ve spoken to many a person who had issues with updating their device with the latest iOS release and had disastrous consequences. I, too, have experienced less than stellar results when I updated my devices. Luckily, I was able to salvage or reconstruct all these devices using the backups I keep religiously. Backing up frequently saves my sanity when something goes

awry.

I use my iPad on a daily basis. I use a 10W wall plug to charge it, and as such, it isn’t connected to my computer. When I get notifications from Settings that I have an update available, I wait to update. I hear too many horror stories of people losing their data after a botched update over the air.

When I updated to iOS 6.0, I had a few hiccups when an installation didn’t take

well on my iPad. I was saved by following this rule: always backup first. I plugged my iPad into my computer, and backed up in iTunes. Make sure you transfer your purchases first. Thus you will have everything on your computer ready to recover if something goes wrong — and it does.

My wife has an iPad mini. I don’t see it every day. She uses it and charges it from a wall socket on her own. I’ve always instructed her not to update anything with-

out asking first, so I wait until my devices are done before I help her.

When I decided to update her iPad mini to the latest update, iOS 6.1.2, it put it into Recovery Mode, where you have to plug in to iTunes to restore the device.

Fortunately, I did a complete backup of the device before updating, and was able to restore from this backup. It’s a time-intensive process, but it beats starting from scratch — or scratches from an irate spouse.

My iPhone 5 plays an important part of my day. I connect it to my computer every day. Each time I plug my iPhone into my computer, it automatically backs it up.

After the update to iOS 6.0.1, my phone wasn’t running well. I decided to restore from one of my backups. Luckily, the process went smoothly and I was able to get my device back to life, albeit with other symptoms.

The latest updates to iOS 6 have really been doing poorly for my battery life, and I’ve been seeking any relief there is.

Happily, iOS 6.1.2 helped me with my battery life considerably, and that update went more smoothly. You can be sure I backed up first.

I tether all my devices to back up to my computer. Call me old-fashioned, but I always feel like a cable is more reliable.

You can also backup over Wi-Fi to your computer, an option you can configure in iTunes after connecting your iOS device to the computer the first time. Another option is to backup to iCloud when you have Internet over a Wi-Fi connection. It’ll backup all the stuff you’ve purchased from Apple. But if you’ve added your own content through iTunes, that won’t make it. iCloud storage gives you 5GB free, but costs thereafter, so plan accordingly.

Whichever way, just plug in, back up, and check it out. You can set it up and feel safer.

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LAGNIAPPE

March 21, 2013

LA POLITICS

john maginnis

Trying To Be Obama’s Top Critic If Sen. Mary Landrieu would just get out of his way, Gov. Bobby Jindal could fully focus on his quest to be the leading critic of President Barack Obama this side of the Beltway. Outside of Washington, D.C., where congressional Republicans are being blamed as much as or more than the president for the fiscal crisis of the month, there is a competition to be the leading voice of dissent from the GOP heartland — and Jindal is right in there.

As chairman of the Republican Governors Association, he used a recent meeting of governors at the White House to call for the president to avoid the across-the-board budget cuts of sequestration by delaying implementation of the Affordable Care Act, particularly the expansion of Medicaid. The White House, of course, ignored him, but Jindal did succeed in combining the two prime GOP beefs against Obama.

Back home, though, Landrieu again tore into the governor for putting his national ambitions ahead of what’s good for the state by his refusal to accept the Medicaid expansion. It would cover adults with incomes of up to 138 percent of the poverty level, which would cost the state nothing for three years and 10 percent in 10 years.

Leaving it to his press office to dis-

miss Landrieu as an Obama stooge, the next day Jindal was back on message to a national audience, penning an editorial for National Review Online entitled “The Era of Government Greed.”

We can expect this trend to continue because, in raw political terms, the senator’s and the governor’s respective positions on the Medicaid issue are working quite well for both.

If Sen. Mary Landrieu would just get out of his way, Gov. Bobby Jindal could fully focus on his quest to be the leading critic of President Barack Obama this side of the Beltway.

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Landrieu’s support of the expansion, which a recent State Medical Society poll showed Louisianians favor 51-43 percent, helps her with her base and the middle-of-the-road voters she needs for her 2014 re-election.

Jindal seems just as comfortable with his opposition stance, even as more Republican governors abandon it, as did New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Florida Gov. Rick Scott recently. Their difference from Jindal is that Christie is

running for re-election this year and Scott next year, both in states Obama carried last year. The more that GOP governors take the expedient course, the more Jindal stands out for upholding Republican principles, now and leading up to the 2016 presidential primaries.

While his defiant position serves his politics, can he continue to sustain it in the face of mounting public and editorial opinion at home, where his approval rating has slipped into negative territory in two recent polls? The answer is yes, for now, with help from an unlikely source.

In a situation that only Washington could create, the governor can afford not to accept hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal Medicaid program because he is taking hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal Disproportionate Share Hospital program. The latter sends federal funds to hospitals which treat mostly poor, uninsured people, of which Louisiana has plenty of both. LSU’s unique network of safety-net hospitals in every major metropolitan area is tailor-made for DSH. Even though the Affordable Care Act cuts back future DSH funding, state health officials say Louisiana uses only a fraction of the available aid, enough to continue treating the uninsured.

It’s not free, costing the state $134 million in matching funds, a large chunk of which the state would save if it took

the Medicaid expansion. Yet the position of the Jindal administration is that the cost is worth it for the sake of the state’s entire health care system, public and private.

Currently, the only treatment option for most uninsured patients is at public clinics and hospitals. With a Medicaid card, up to 400,000 more people could go to any doctor or hospital that participates in the program. If fewer of these new Medicaid patients continued going to public hospitals, that would reduce the cash flow just as the administration is trying to privatize the management of those facilities. Also, many people with private insurance would be displeased with a big increase in Medicaid patients at the hospitals and doctor’s offices they go to now.

Medicaid expansion could deal a final blow to the historic class segregation of the state health care system, and many private-pay patients might blame the governor who let it happen.

The Obama administration could change things quickly by tightening DSH rules and thus turning the screws on recalcitrant states like Louisiana. But so long as the feds enable him, Jindal will keep standing up to them.

Jindal Wants To Fix What’s Working As the state awaits the release of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s grand tax swap plan, his press office is in campaign mode, responding rapidly to any discouraging words, particularly those spread in the media. Deputy communications director Michael Reed, in fact, was hard at work ferreting out perceived skepticism and innuendo in the daily print regarding the tax plan and the state’s economic performance.

Recently, in my email inbox, there were two back-to-back messages with the subject line “Setting the Record Straight.” These emails were not duplicates, but involved separate records in need of straightening.

The first email detected “a skeptical view” in a Baton Rouge Advocate story about the Tax Foundation’s state business climate rankings, which the governor seeks for Louisiana to boost by eliminating its personal and corporate income taxes. The governor’s press officer cited an array of other statistics from other sources to underscore how Louisiana would benefit from repealing its income taxes.

The second email found fault with a Gannett News column which stated that while Louisiana has “supposedly” created thousands of jobs, some “wonder where they are.” To set that record straight, Deputy Reed listed a half-dozen facts attesting to Louisiana having the lowest unemployment rate in the South, as well as above-average growth in jobs, population, net in-migration and personal income.

Those two “straightened” records, set side by side, though impressive, do raise the question: If the Louisiana economy is doing so swimmingly under Gov. Jindal, why, instead of tweaking what is already working, are we contemplating radical surgery on state tax policy? Can the tax system be so bad for an economy that the facts show is humming?

There is always room for improvement, of course. Yet the governor may need a stronger rationale when he presents his plan to legislators, who are taking their own skeptical view of what increases in sales and other taxes would be required to fill the $3 billion revenue hole left by the income tax repeal.

For the record, then, the press office refers to a report in Forbes Magazine that the nine states without an income tax had 50 percent greater economic

growth between 1998 and 2008 than the nine states with the highest income tax rates. It also cited a recent Wall Street Journal story that said states without an income tax experienced significantly more growth in jobs than the rest of the country over the last 10 years. The same story pointed to a 58 percent higher population growth in states without the income tax compared to the national average in the last decade.

Those are interesting comparisons, but some will want to know how the Louisiana economy stacks up against the rest of the country and those states without income taxes. Well, according to the governor’s press office’s email, Louisiana’s unemployment rate “has remained below that of the South and the U.S. every month since the beginning of the national recession.”

The press office is too modest. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana’s 5.6 percent jobless rate in December 2012 was tied for 12th lowest nationally, lower than seven of nine states without income taxes, including Texas (16th), Tennessee (32nd) and Florida (33rd).

On per capita personal income, the press office points to Louisiana’s leap from 45th in 2000 to 28th in 2011, its highest ranking “in more than 80 years.”

Left unsaid is that we are hard on the heels of Florida (27th) and Texas (26th).

Job growth? Says the press office: “Louisiana is one of only six states that have seen employment gains since January 2008.” More recently, however, the rest of the country has caught up some. From 2011 to 2012, the BLS ranks Louisiana 26th in job growth, but ahead of Florida (28th) and just behind Tennessee (23rd). Curiously, of the top 10 job growth states in that period, only one, mighty Texas (4th), has no income tax.

One can throw statistics and rankings back and forth all day, and Gov. Jindal, no doubt, has a few more up his sleeve. But clearly, it is a combination of factors that determine a state’s economic well-being, and tax policy, while important, is not always the prime driver.

So when the governor goes before the Legislature this spring, it will be hard for him to argue that the state’s economy can only thrive by the massive overhaul of its tax system. He had better be careful, lest his press office sets the record straight on him.

March 21, 2013

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Superintendent Wayne Savoy said one of the adjustments made was that Head Start buses are now parked at each Head Start site. This came after a Head Start student at J.D. Clifton was left on a school bus for several hours earlier this year.

Judge Denies Ga. Gulf Air Permit

building will be home to science, English and other general education courses.

A Baton Rouge state judge decided that an air permit for Georgia Gulf’s Westlake plant should not be renewed.

This decision is part of a legal suit filed by Mossville Environmental Action Now, which contends the company’s emissions exceed healthy limits set by the state Department of Environmental Quality. Activists have argued since last summer that Georgia Gulf has been releasing pollutants over safe air standards for more than five years.

Ryan St. Exit Const.

To Begin Late This Year

Millennium Park Rebuild Complete

Officials with the state Department of Transportation and Development anticipate the Ryan Street exit ramp off Interstate 10 will start to be reconfigured by the end of the year.The project will cost $5 million to $7.5 million.

“It will provide a modified westbound exit ramp at Ryan Street, connect the westbound ramp to the north frontage road, and extend the south frontage road from Lakeshore Drive to Ryan Street,” said Steve Jiles, DOTD’s regional administrator.

Bids for the project will be accepted in the summer, and the job is expected to be finished sometime between 2014 and 2015.

The project to rebuild Millennium Park is now complete.

Millennium Park consists of the community-rebuilt playground area, as well as new components such as a splash park, shade pavilion, fossil dig, walking paths and other amenities.

LOCAL NEWS STORIES OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS United Way Surpasses Campaign Goal

LC Regional Airport Begins Runway Improvements

United Way of Southwest Louisiana surpassed its 2012 campaign goal by more than $250,000.

The agency raised $4.27 million, exceeding last year’s total by $125,000.The money raised will help fund more than 35 local agencies.

The main runway at Lake Charles Regional Airport will be shut down for the next three months due to $2.2 million worth of maintenance.

The project will involve the removal and replacement of 6 percent of the concrete pavement.

Other projects at the airport include fuel farm relocation, Runway Protection Zone land acquisition, phase one of the perimeter fencing project, phase two of the airfield drainage rehabilitation and the passenger lounge expansion.

Collectively, these projects represent more than $12 million in improvements to the airport’s facility.

Port Approves Lease Agreement With Magnolia LNG Port of Lake Charles Board of Commissioners recently approved an option for a long-term lease agreement on 90 acres with Magnolia LNG, an Australia-based company that plans to invest in a $2.2 billion export facility on port property.

The midscale LNG project will reportedly create 35-50 permanent jobs and 600 construction jobs.

The liquefied natural gas facility will be on acreage at the port’s Industrial Canal, which is off the Calcasieu Ship Channel.

Sowela Opens Arts Center Sowela Technical Community College recently opened its new Arts & Humanities Center.

The 45,000-square-foot building includes a multipurpose center for conferences and special events, a library and classrooms on both floors, and office space for the Chancellor’s Office. The

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CPSB Rejects Cove Lane Project The state Department of Transportation and Development will redetermine funding after the Calcasieu Parish School Board decided not to allot about $2 million over five years toward the Interstate 210-Cove Lane project.

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March 21, 2013

First Presbyterian Celebrates 125 Years

BY ANGIE DILMORE This year, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Charles marks 125 years of “growing in the Spirit” and serving the Lake Area.

The anniversary festivities officially take place April 20-21. But the celebration begins on April 3, 7 pm, at the church (located at 1801 Second Ave.) with a presentation by Tommy Newberry, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-seller and author of the popular book, The 4:8 Principle.

Newberry’s talk will conclude a sixweek study of his book that several area churches have been doing simultaneously. All are welcome to attend.

The congregation of “First Pres” wishes to invite the public to join them for several events scheduled over April 20-21.

Saturday events: • 8 am: Men’s breakfast, featuring a keynote address by Ronald L. McGinley, managing director of The Angels of Southwest Louisiana.

• 2-4 pm: “Sip and See.” This event will include refreshments and the opportunity to reminisce over photos and scrapbooks of the church’s history.

Sunday events: • 10:30 am: Special worship service in the historic sanctuary. The Fay family

donated the rose-motif stained glass window to First Presbyterian Church in 1952. The 23-bell carillon weighs 10,551 pounds, and was imported from the Netherlands in the early 1950s. It is one of only two sets of carillon bells in the state of Louisiana.

The church added an Austin pipe organ in 1963. Choir director Chris Miller (well-known local musician and leader

of the Cajun band Bayou Roots) and the church choir and praise team will present a musical extravaganza.

Following the worship service, there will be a luncheon in the fellowship hall, featuring bacon-wrapped pork loin stuffed with jalapenos and pepper jack cheese, created by the church’s resident chef Joe Duffel.

While celebrating its past, First Presbyterian Church looks forward to many more years of service to southwest Louisiana. Currently, the church has a mission partnership with Oak Park Elementary School.

Members of the congregation tutor second-graders in reading and participate in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Lunch Buddy Program. Additionally, First Pres recently joined New Life Church International for an outreach ministry called Project Love, which provides family services to the Oak Park community.

For more information about the church or the anniversary events, call the church office at 433-4667.

March 21, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

21

WEIRD NEWS

chuck shepherd • illustrations by felix falgoust

Guilt That Lingers An Arizona appeals court ruled that a person can be guilty of driving under the influence of marijuana even though its psychoactive ingredient has left his system. Since tests of marijuana measure active and inactive ingredients, and since the active substance vanishes quickly but the inactive one remains in the body for weeks, a marijuana consumer may test “positive” even though he’s not the least bit impaired. In fact, since neighboring Colorado recently legalized some marijua-

na possession, a Colorado driver motoring through Arizona weeks later could be guilty of DUI for a completely legal, harmless act, as could the 35,000 Arizona medical-marijuana users. The appeals court majority reasoned that since the legislature didn’t distinguish the inactive ingredient from the active, neither would the court.

Sweden beat a DUI charge even though his blood alcohol was five times over the legal limit. The man told the judge he is a hearty drinker and normally starts in even before work every day with “no effect” on his performance. According to the Skanskan newspaper, that must have impressed the judge, who was so awed he tossed out the charge.

Awesome Drinking

Compelling Explanations

A 61-year-old man in southern

Richard Blake took the witness stand

in Ottawa, Ontario, to deny it was he who had invaded a home and stabbed two people many times. He had an answer for all the incriminating evidence. He had the perp’s car because “a stranger” had handed him the keys; he didn’t recall what the stranger looked like; he donned the stranger’s bloody knit cap (abandoning his own cap); he handled the stranger’s knife and bloody glove, and that’s why his DNA was on them; he fled at the first sight of police, ramming a cruiser to escape (even though he’d “done nothing wrong”); he fled on foot after the collision and hid in a tree (but only to get away from a swarm of black flies). After deliberating politely for a day, the jury found him guilty.

Ironies — A longtime high school teacher of French and Spanish is suing the Mariemont, Ohio, school district for pressuring her to resign due to her phobia of children. She says the phobia should be protected by disability-discrimination law.

Maria Waltherr-Willard, 61, had been reassigned to teach some junior high students. Doctors said she suffered hypertension, nightmares, chest pains and vomiting when she was around the young students.

— Lisa Biron’s recent biography said she was a licensed lawyer in two states, practiced in Manchester, N.H., and was affiliated with a group of volunteer lawyers that advocates “religious liberty, the sanctity of life, and marriage and family.” She also had issued warnings about the “homosexual agenda.” Biron recently represented a church in Concord, N.H., and served on the board of directors of a Christian school in Manchester. In January, Biron was convicted in federal court in Concord on nine counts of creating child pornography.

The Litigious Society — In September 2010, a speeding, intoxicated driver ran a stop sign near Dade City, Fla., careened off a highway, and rammed two trees along a private road, instantly killing himself and his passenger. In January, the estate of the passenger filed a lawsuit for wrongful death, charging the residents along the private road with letting the trees grow in a dangerous location where they could be easily hit. The estate also alleged the residents had failed to light the area adequately.

“How it’s our fault, I have no idea,” said one surprised resident, who noted that the entire neighborhood had mourned the strangers at the time of the traumatic collision.

— Keith Brown and four other inmates at Idaho’s Kuna prison filed a lawsuit against eight major beer and liquor manufacturers for having sold them alcohol at an early age without warning them that it’s addictive. The plaintiffs argued that the companies are responsible for the men’s lives of crime. Brown, 52, said he’s been locked up a total of 30 years and is now serving time for manslaughter. The Oglala Sioux tribe has sued beer distributors and the state of Nebraska for enabling 22

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easy access to nearby beer even though it’s banned on the reservation. The lawsuit was dismissed on jurisdictional issues, but the tribe may refile soon.

— Jason Starn, formerly a law student at the Laurence Drivon School of Law in Stockton, Calif., filed a lawsuit recently against three Stockton-Modestoarea head shops that had sold him Whip-It nitrous oxide, which, he says, led him to overindulge and suffer spinal-cord degeneration. Starn’s attorney told the Sacramento Bee, “At first, he felt a little embarrassed about” filing the lawsuit. But he managed to overcome the shame in order to warn other nitrous-oxide abusers.

Suspicions Confirmed — A 53-year-old Rosenheim, Germany, postal worker was relieved of criminal charges in January when a judge ruled him innocent of discarding mail. The judge concluded that the carrier finished routes early simply because he worked faster. Although the charge was dropped, Rosenheim was reprimanded for taking unauthorized (i.e., simpler) routes.

— After a 400-pound woman broke both arms when she fell through a sidewalk in New York City in January, doctors told her that a thinner woman might have died from the same fall. “Thank God. They said my size was the only thing that saved me.”

— Faith healer Ariel Ben Sherman, 78, died in November in a South Carolina hospital after suffering respiratory arrest while he was being treated for small-cell cancer. He had been found guilty in May, 2012, of neglect in the cancer death of a

15-year-old girl for whom he was the “spiritual father.” He insisted the girl’s mother reject medical care and treat the girl only with prayer.

Perspective From a tag on an item of clothing offered recently at the new-item price by the retailer Urban Outfitters: “This unique found item was hand-selected for you from a yard sale or flea market. Any tears, holes, paint stains or other ‘defects’ we consider a virtue and not a flaw. Wear it well.” In other words, an item that might have been donated overseas or to a Goodwill or Salvation Army store is sold to “urban” clothes hounds at new prices.

Urban Outfitters defended the practice, saying such items were “curated” by their expert store buyers, “hand-picked” for their “uniqueness,” and sometimes “truly one-of-a-kind, which means that once they’re gone, they’re gone.”

Readers’ Choice In December, a 38-year-old male worker at the Social Security office in Baltimore was issued a formal reprimand after coworkers complained that he prodigiously passed gas at his desk. He had been counseled informally in the summer of 2012. To satisfy due process, a log was made; it listed 60 emissions on 17 separate dates. Seven days after the letter of reprimand was issued, senior management at the agency learned of it and withdrew it without comment, according to a Washington Post report.

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TAKING CHARGE

dale archer, MD

Pothead Dad? Dear Dr. Archer, My husband and I are going through a very nasty divorce, which involves our 5-year-old daughter. My husband has always smoked marijuana, both synthetic and real. Unbeknownst to him, I found and photographed his stash and paraphernalia and gave it to my attorney. I’ve seen him use shampoos and orange drinks of some kind to pass multiple urine and hair follicle screens for employment.

I’ve been away from him for 33 days, and my voluntary, doctor-administered urine tests are positive for marijuana, but I don’t smoke it! However, even though we were in separate rooms for years, I caught him blowing marijuana into my face while he thought I was asleep several times.

I also have a witness who located marijuana for him, smoked with him and was around him while he smoked. I would like to have his fingernails tested, because he would never think of that. I have no idea how many times he has blown smoke into my face while I slept, with the intention of causing me to fail a hair follicle test, not to mention the times he smoked around me in an enclosed space like the car.

Please help. I’m not sure what I should do.

HS Dear HS, The hair follicle test analyzes for drugs deep within the hair shaft. No amount of shampooing, use of dyes or even bleach will alter the results of this test. In fact, extensive studies have shown no adulterants will alter the results.

If your husband smokes marijuana, it will show up in the hair within 90 days.

For the nails, any drug ingested in the body will show up four to six months after use. There’s simply no reported way to cheat either test.

So, if your husband smokes as much as you say, and doesn’t have a positive test, this can only be explained by cheating. Either he’s having someone take the tests for him or he’s bribed someone in the lab to falsify the results. Of course, maybe he doesn’t smoke weed like you think.

As for you, if you don’t smoke pot and have a positive urine test 30 days after contact with your husband, then perhaps he put pot into something you eat on a regular basis and it’s still in your system.

If you’re presently taking any type of herbal supplements or any weight loss or stamina preparations, then stop until this is over.

You can see that Malcolm Gladwell’s statement is true: “An aggressive drug testing program would cut down on certain abuses, but it’s never going to catch everyone — or even close to everyone.”

You don’t smoke and yet you’re coming up positive. He smokes, yet is registering negative. Sometimes the test is only as good as the dedication and honesty of the person conducting the test.

For your part, do your homework.

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Check anything you put into your mouth.

Request that a different lab performs the test and push for the nail test. Think smart and follow the advice of your attorney.

Something is going on here, I’m just not sure what. Good luck.

Dr. Archer Dear Dr. Archer, My husband and I met 10 years ago. We’ve been together seven years and married five. Everything seemed to be going great until we had our first child.

I’d become obsessed with wanting to have a baby. When I became pregnant, I almost died during childbirth.

Months later, I found out my husband was keeping a secret: he was emailing and texting women he met online. I was terribly upset. Here I was, holding our infant son, recovering from almost dying and he was texting women while sitting just a few feet away from me.

He told me he did it because he was afraid of becoming a father after years of trying to start our family. I believed him because he sounded so sincere.

We moved on, and I thought all was fine until I caught him texting another female. By this time, however, I was texting another man. I was honest with him, and told him what I was doing, while he kept his texting a secret. We sat and talked about everything that was bothering us, how parenthood was different than what we expected and its toll on both of us.

There was never any physical cheating for either of us, and we both admit we were doing wrong. Neither of us ever met the other person. It was strictly texting or emailing.

We felt like we laid it all out in the open and we were going to start fresh. I stopped contact with the man and he stopped contact with the woman.

Things were going fine until last week, when I found out he was texting a new woman.

He says it’s just fantasy, and that he’s never met her. He claims he just wants to know if other women are attracted to him.

Our son is a very high-needs child and has been sleeping with us from the time he was 9 months to his current age of 19 months; so you can imagine how it has affected our sex life. We just don’t have time for us anymore.

I truly want to believe my husband; that he was just looking for an outlet for his frustration. But he’s done this so many times before! I don’t want to be a fool about this. I’ve told him as long as he’s honest with me, I’m understanding. However, he tells me he lies to protect me, although he knows I can’t stand lying.

I’m not sure what to think at this point. I know we really do love each other, but I don’t want to wake up 10 years from now and find out I’m married to not only a liar but also a cheater.

HeartBroken

Dear HeartBroken, You are completely right to be concerned. Trust is paramount within any relationship, but doubly so in a marriage.

Without trust, a marriage is unsustainable.

Look at it this way. Both you and your husband have engaged in texting others. That’s a fact and it’s been discussed. At this point, he’s not lying to protect you. He’s lying to protect himself.

Trust can be rebuilt when both parties admit fault and work together. The problem is that your husband seems either unable or unwilling to do this.

Therein lies the problem, because it takes two to restore trust, not one.

I don’t know if your husband is lying as to his reason for texting. But if he’s concerned with being desirable to other women while he’s lying to his wife, then that’s a real problem. He should want to remain desirable to you.

Some men simply like to sneak around and keep secrets. Sneaking is exciting and a turn on. Only your husband, if he’s truthful to even himself, can answer why he continues to destroy the marriage.

Bottom line: if this continues, the marriage is doomed. You can’t have one spouse trying desperately to save a marriage while the other continuously tears it down. It just won’t work. It’s time to tell your husband if he sincerely wants to keep his family intact, he must get therapy and find out why he’s destroying the very thing he says he wants to protect.

Now let’s talk about your highneeds child. Your son should not be sleeping with you. You are the parent, and you’re the one who forms who this child will become. Parenting is difficult!

It’s very, very difficult, but it’s also the most rewarding job when it’s done well.

For some reason, at 9 months you started allowing your son to sleep between you and your husband. While it’s comforting to him, it’s destructive for you, which means it must stop.

Martin Mull was on target when he said, “Having children is like having a bowling alley installed in your brain.”

He’s used to sleeping with you, so start making some changes. Develop a good bedtime routine at a consistent time. Try reading a favorite book as the last bedtime ritual while he’s in his own bed. Lying down with him until he goes to sleep will comfort him and make the process much easier. As this continues, any middle-of-the-night awakenings will become less and less significant until he’s sleeping throughout the night.

It’s time these changes are made for the good of all in the family. If your husband wants to save his marriage, he must put his money where his mouth is. He must stop all texting to other women, whether you know about it or not. He’s got to prove himself or you’re well within your rights to call it quits. I sincerely wish you a happy future.

Dr. Archer Dear Dr. Archer, I’m approaching 50. I’m considered talented and smart. I feel I need to start over and find myself in terms of a career.

I started a somewhat successful career in the IT field in the ‘80s through 2004. I left the computer

industry to follow my heart in photography. I was determined, but I barely made a living. I supplemented my income with a few IT part-time jobs, but it’s been a struggle.

With the problems that have arisen in the economy since 2008, I can barely make it. I feel the time I took away from IT has dated me because new technologies have created holes in my résumé. Now it seems impossible to find full-time work.

The art of photography is a business. I’m not a businessperson and find it a struggle to sell. I’ve hit a wall and doubt myself in anything I do. I feel I can’t focus or complete anything. I’m stuck within myself and find it difficult to plan and accomplish any approach.

I find myself thinking through the worst scenarios about not providing for my family. I’m behind on everything, from filing taxes to doing what I should be doing to make things work.

I feel I’m running out of time and I’m making it worse by not productively finding a way out.

Fear sets in. My disorganization can be crippling. Yet I know I’m capable of good work, either technical or creative.

Is there anything else wrong with me that I’m not aware of? I’m in desperate need to take charge of my life and get out of this quicksand.

Brian Dear Brian, The IT industry is going through dramatic changes: the recession, technological innovations and social media are driving these changes. Many in the field complain it’s demanding and stressful.

On the flip side, there are those who enjoy the career despite the challenges, and swear that IT is wide open and filled with potential.

My advice: Return to the IT world, take refresher classes and take the initiative to catch up. Maintain photography as a hobby. After your kids are grown and your financial responsibilities lessen, you can consider returning to it full-time.

It’s great to find a fulfilling job, but if it’s not paying the bills, an adjustment is in order.

To get started, reconnect with some of your IT colleagues and let them know of your plans. Above all, change your attitude. Attitude is everything. Repeat the words of Anthony Robbins: “Our beliefs about what we are and what we can be precisely determine what we can be.”

Don’t despair. Countless others have been where you are and have bounced back on their feet. Sometimes it’s when we’re at our most vulnerable that we find a strength we didn’t know we had. The key is to focus on your objective, and do whatever it takes to get there. Best of luck, Dr. Archer

Dr. Dale Archer is a board certified psychiatrist who founded the Institute for Neuropsychiatry in Southwest Louisiana.

He is a frequent guest on Fox News, CNN Headline News and other national TV programs and the author of the New York Times’ bestselling book Better than Normal. Visit him at DrDaleArcher.com.

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THE HOTTEST SHORT-HAIR TRENDS FOR 2013

T

he five hottest trends for short hair this year are the pixie, the pompadour, the bob, super-short and edgy cuts, and the demi-bob. Which of these popular cuts best suit your face shape and hair texture? Here’s some information about all of them.

THE PIXIE Audrey Hepburn was the original celebrity with pixie hair, and Mia Farrow popularized the look in the 60s. In the past years, pixie hair has “cropped up” on a host of stylish singers and actresses, including Michelle Williams, Ginnifer Goodwin, Emma Watson, Carey Mulligan, Halle Berry and, most recently, Anne Hathaway.

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THE PIXIE

THE POMPADOUR

The pixie works best on women with thick, naturally wavy hair, but also looks good on women with fine, straight hair. Avoid the pixie if you have a long face — the pixie could make your face appear longer. The pixie works best on women with heart-shaped, square and oval faces. It’s a good cut for women with round faces, too, just be sure to add some volume to the top of your head.

THE POMPADOUR

THE BOB

A hot new hairstyle trend for 2013 is the pompadour, also known as the quiff or the “fauxhawk.” This hairstyle — which usually features shaved sides and a puffy teased top that reminds one of a rooster’s comb — has become the cool hairstyle of choice for singers Miley Cyrus and Pink, as well as a host of other celebrities.

Who can wear this look? Anyone with guts, really. And it depends on the cut. continued

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SUPER-SHORT, EDGY CUTS It takes guts to get a super-short, edgy haircut (think of Miley Cyrus), but the results can be very, very cool — and even sophisticated.

Whether you’re seeking a cut that’s sexy or funky or sweet, there are many, many cuts available to you.

THE DEMI-BOB

THE DEMI-BOB

SHORT-HAIR TRENDS CONTINUED A good stylist is adept at funky hairstyles and knows to follow the shape of your head rather than just your face shape when cutting a short, edgy style.

THE BOB The bob is a classic hairstyle that never goes out of style.

This season’s bob has a bit of edge to it. The hot bobs this year are messy and a bit tousled, but they all end at the chin or just below it. Add in blunt bangs or fringe for a really edgy look.

So who can wear the bob? Anyone with a nice jawline and neck will look good in a bob. If you have a round face, a longer bob is a better option for you. As for hair texture, bobs work best on thin to medium hair. Stay away from short hair if you have coarse or curly hair — a bob will only puff out on you.

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Emily Fuselier Photography

SUPER SHORT

The long bob has been around for a few seasons, and it’s still just as hot this year, although it has a new name: the demi-bob. According to Vogue Magazine, which named the demi-bob a hot trend, it’s a bob that falls anywhere between the mid-neck and the shoulders. It’s also been seen on many actresses and models this season, as everyone seems to have gotten sick of their long, tousled waves at the same time.

Everyone looks good in a long bob, so have at it, but be sure to abide by the rules of this haircut: Longer bobs can be bland if too blunt. Stacked layers in the back with a bit of backcombing while styling add dimension. Add fringe or thick bangs for a real retro-70s look.

A bob can’t be too layered, or it’s not a bob.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s demibob, for instance, was more edgy because the stylist thinned out the ends with scissors or a razor. But this year’s bob isn’t too blunt, either.

Leave it wavy and mussed, blown dried under or flipped out 60s style.

The long bob works best on straight hair, but it looks good on all hair textures (even curly). It’s a versatile cut, because you can wear it air-dried or flat-ironed.

RETRO TIPS

By Aysha Schurman

M

ixing some retro fashion apparel into your wardrobe is a quick way to add some personality and fun to your style.

Retro fashion means wearing authentic items from a past decade, not decade-inspired reproductions. A dress inspired by the 1950s is not a piece of retro fashion; it’s a piece of retro-inspired fashion.

True retro fashion requires an authentic garment from the past decade, or a reproduced garment using authentic techniques, materials and patterns from the past decade. Not only are such items stylish, they are also considered environmentally friendly. You’re basically taking unused clothes and recycling them into useful garments, saving resources and preventing waste.

Mix and match your garments.

Though some outfits may look good with head-to-toe retro pieces, most end up looking like a costume. Your best bet is to mix the retro pieces with some modern fashions to create a unique and balanced style. For example, you can use all the pieces of a retro suit set, just refrain from adding matching retro jewelry, hat, coat, belt and shoes.

Hand wash only. The older the garment is, the more fragile it is. Some older garments were not made to withstand modern washing machines and dryers. The harsh machines can rip retro garments to shreds. If the garment can’t be hand-washed, speak with a dry cleaner about special techniques he can use to gently clean the piece.

Start small. Build your retro fashion selection the same way you would

other fashions, starting with a few versatile and primary pieces. Look for basic pants, skirts, dresses or shirts to lay the foundation of your collection. Add fun belts, scarves and jewelry to help accent the primary pieces. When you learn enough about retro fashion to know what kind of clothing you want, you can start investing in expensive items, such as shoes, coats, gowns and suit sets.

Ignore sizes. Not only do sizes change according to manufacturer, they change according to the decade in which they were made. Generally, sizes have become larger than they used to be. So, if you’re a size six and find a size seven dress from the 1960s, there’s a good chance it will fit. Of course, this also means that if you’re a size 9 and find a size 9 dress, there’s a chance it will not fit.

Inspect garments well. Almost all retro garments are going to have some wear and tear. But make sure the item isn’t about to fall apart. Scan the material for any stains or rips, and make sure the seams are solid and sturdy. Remember to check the garment when you try it on, too. Wearing the piece around a human frame stretches the fabric and can reveal damage.

Check out thrift stores. Thrift stores offer low prices and often have a wide selection of retro clothing available. Going to an actual retro clothing store is going to cost you much more.

However, retro clothing stores are the best places to look for a specific garment — if, for instance, you’re looking specifically for a pair of size 6 authentic 1970s hot pants, don’t shop at the thrift store.

SEMINAR ON AGING BEAUTIFULLY The ENT & Aesthetic Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will host a free seminar, “The Secret to Aging Beautifully,” Tuesday, March 26, 6 pm, at Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur.

Featured speaker will be Harold Bienvenu, MD, board certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon. Bienvenu will discuss new surgical and nonsurgical treatments and techniques for reversing the signs of aging. Light refreshments will be served. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of two free makeup consultations. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call 337-527-5459.

SPRING FASHION SHOW The 4-Them Community Organization will host its first annual Spring fashion show Saturday, March 9, at The Governor’s Mansion, located at 1025 Broad St. Doors open at 6 pm with a social, and the runway-style show kicks off at 7 pm. The event will feature locally owned businesses showcasing their spring apparel. Featured merchants will include Catina Couture, Frankie and Company, Jer Rees, A Little Bit Gaudy, Quad Clothing Company and more.

Door prizes will be given away. Mistress of ceremonies will be Kimmie Rogers from “The Around Town TV Show” in Baton Rouge.

Tickets are $20. For more information, contact Veronica Allison at 337274-0905, or Fedra Williams at 337-527-7045.

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BRINGING OUT INNER BEAUTY CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST HELPS LOCAL WOMEN LOOK, FEEL LIKE CELEBRITIES • By Karla Wall

W

hen Lake Charles native and makeup artist Krystal Kershaw named her Lake Charles studio Celebrity Makeup Studio and Lash Bar, it was for good reason.

Kershaw’s career in makeup and hair styling has led her to L.A., where she’s worked with celebrities such as Nicholas Cage and on movies such as Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2, and back to Lake Charles, where she now uses her experience to help local women look and feel like celebrities.

A LIFELONG PASSION Though Kershaw grew up in a family in which makeup wasn’t always looked favorably upon (her grandmother, in particular, she says, frowned upon the use of makeup), she says she’s always had a love of it.

“I’ve always loved everything about it,” she says. “I love the smell of it, the feel of it. I love what it can do for your appear-

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KERSHAW AT WORK

ance and the way you feel about yourself.”

Kershaw’s interest in makeup and her expertise in its use grew as she participated in pageants, and by the time she graduated high school, Kershaw knew she wanted to make it her career. She relocated to L.A. in 2003, and graduated from the famed Joe Blasco Makeup Center. She came back to Lake Charles in 2004, and worked on her first film: Little Chenier, shot, at least in part, here in Lake Charles.

“And from word of mouth, it just took off from there,” she says.

KEEPING THE STARS LOOKING GOOD Kershaw’s career now includes work on over 50 films. And it’s enabled her to do some serious name dropping when the occasion demands. In addition to her work with Cage in his film Season of the Witch, Kershaw’s worked with actor Matthew McConaughey in Killer Joe, and with actors Kevin Conelly (of Entourage fame) and Dylan Walsh (best known for his work in Nip and Tuck). She’s worked on the sets of TV shows such as Memphis Beat and Treme.

She’s also done makeup for comedian and actress, and Lake Charles native, Jenn Kober when she’s performed local shows.

Aside from Season of the Witch and Twilight Breaking Dawn, Kershaw’s film work also includes Broken City, Contraband, Green Lantern, Secretariat, The Last Exorcism, Battle Los Angeles and The Mist.

You might imagine that being a key makeup artist on a movie set would be a laid-back, show-up-at-noon-and-workuntil 3 kind of job. You’d be wrong.

KERSHAW WITH KEVIN COSTNER

Kershaw says movie sets are anything but laid back, for the most part, and the hours aren’t short.

Makeup artists are on the set all day, she says. The makeup artist not only applies the initial makeup, she explains, but keeps the look fresh all day.

“We have to touch up the makeup after every single take,” she says. “With heat and humidity — especially working here in Louisiana — the makeup constantly needs to be touched up.”

You might also imagine that being a makeup artist to mega-stars such as McConaughey and Cage might mean catering to huge egos, dealing with short and violent tempers, or walking on eggshells to avoid displeasing your client.

You’d be wrong there, too, Kershaw says. “(Celebrities) are just people,” she says. “They’re normal, friendly, easy to work with. They’re used to movie sets, to the stress, to having people cater to them.”

But the stress is real, Kershaw says.

And it’s one reason she prefers low-budget films to top-dollar projects.

“I love working on low-budget films,” she says. “The environment is lower-stress; the cast and crew are so appreciative.”

NOT JUST HOLLYWOOD CELEBS

KERSHAW WITH KYLE CHANDLER

Kershaw’s work isn’t confined to movie and television stars. She serves as makeup artist to Gov. Bobby Jindal for television appearances. And Kershaw says the governor is probably her favorite client.

“He’s very easy to work with; he’s appreciative, and he understands the

importance of what a makeup artist does,” she says.

BRINGING THE BEAUTY INSIDE TO THE SURFACE Kershaw opened her studio in November of last year, and she says she loves using her skills to help women feel better about themselves.

“It’s about bringing the beauty that’s inside outside,” she says. “I love being able to make someone feel good about herself. I love that a client leaves here a totally different person than when she came in.”

Kershaw says she does lots of wedding makeup for brides and bridesmaids, but most of her clients are simply women who have never learned the art of applying makeup and, as they age, want to learn how to conceal or minimize the effects of aging.

“So many things happen to your face as you age,” Kershaw says. “Makeup helps highlight certain things, conceal others, and create optical illusions. But you have to learn how to apply it.”

Kershaw offers one-hour lessons where she covers makeup basics, including color choice and application techniques.

Celebrity Makeup and Lash Bar also offers girls’ birthday parties, makeup parties for all ages, airbrush tanning, eyelash extensions, lash tint and lift, and brow shaping.

“We’re here to help women feel good about themselves,” Kershaw says.

For more info, visit celebritymakeupstudio.com or call 477-5004.

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SPRING FASHION TRENDS

STRIPES We’ve been seeing stripes for a while now on designer runways and in stores, and they’re back for spring and summer 2013. Designers have used stripes in many different ways for the season, including fat horizontal rugby-inspired stripes, vertical stripes and chevron stripes.

Pictured above at left is a navy and white striped swimsuit by American designer Tommy Hilfiger, who traditionally favors the red, white and blue color palette. Here, the stripes are set at different angles, making for an interesting one-piece swimsuit.

At center, Oscar de la Renta presents a black and white striped runway gown with horizontal stripes on the bodice and chevron stripes on the floor-length skirt. At left Michael Kors plays with another trend for spring — the bare midriff — in a matching red and black two-piece top and skirt ensemble, featuring horizontal stripes, which are wider on top than on the skirt.

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Since vertical stripes enhance the appearance of height, they’re the type of stripes petite women should wear. Chevron stripes or other asymmetrical stripes can also be flattering to petites. It’s usually a good idea to skip horizontal stripes, especially if they’re wide.

RUFFLES Ruffles, a girly detail gone glam for spring and summer 2013, are a favorite of designers for spring. They’re on tops, skirts, dresses and sleeves. Although ruffles can certainly be a pretty detail, ruffles on spring fashion runways seem oversized in some cases.

Pictured above at left is an ensemble for spring 2013 by Ralph Lauren featuring a turquoise ruffled blouse. At center, Oscar de la Renta presents a shirtwaist dress featuring a ruffled skirt. At right a Gucci model wears a pink print dress featuring over-

sized ruffles on the sleeves.

Petites can best wear ruffles that are in proportion with their size. Oversized ruffles can present a problem for short women because they can look too overwhelming.

FLORAL FASHION Would it be spring without some floral fashion in the mix? This spring’s florals have been designed in fresh new ways, and they always seem appropriate to the spring season.

Pictured above at left is a Ralph Lauren creation featuring a floral top that seems to have a Renaissance vibe. In the center, designer Naeem Khan presents a runway gown with a black sequined bodice and high-contrast black and white chiffon skirt, featuring black roses. At right, a Lela Rose model wears a light neutral-colored dress featuring a full skirt with a lush floral design.

As long as the floral motifs on clothing aren’t so huge that they are out of proportion for petites, floral fashion should be fine for short women to wear, although prints don’t create as sleek an appearance as dark solid colors do. Petites who are concerned about looking bigger may want to wear floral tops or blouses and skip other types of floral garments.

BRIGHT COLORS Bright colors, sometimes worn head to toe, appear for spring 2013. This trend seems to channel happy feelings, and wearing bright colors can certainly be an anticontinued March 21, 2013

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SPRING FASHION TRENDS CONTINUED dote for the “blahs” after a cold, gray winter. Many designers have embraced this trend for spring, and Michael Kors, one of the few designers who also sells a line of petite clothing, is one of them.

Pictured at left, Michael Kors presents a suit in bright, primary yellow; at center, a summer dress in bright, primary red; at right, a blue coat for spring.

Petites don’t always have to wear black or other dark colors, so they can wear bright hues for spring and summer. For those petites who want to embrace this trend, it’s a good idea to select a strong color that’s flattering to their individual complexion and hair color.

LEATHER Leather was a trend for fall 2012. Designers aren’t willing to leave the leather fashion behind, however, and leather is appearing again for spring.

Pictured at left is a “bondage” dress from BCBG featuring leather straps. At center, designer Oscar de la Renta presents an ensemble featuring a black blouse and a fire-engine-red leather pencil skirt. At right, a Marni model wears a burgundy leather dress.

Petites should probably skip leather for spring and summer wear. It just seems too heavy, and much more suited to wearing in the fall and winter seasons, despite designers’ ideas to the contrary.

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HOTTEST HAIR COLORS

By Julyne Derrick

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rum roll please! The hottest hair color trends include the following: — Ombre hair color has been popping up on red carpets for more than a year, and it’s a great color option for brunettes — Dip-dye hair color has seen no signs of flagging in popularity in 2013. Not just a trend for teens, dip-dye color — in which the ends are dipped in color, while the rest of the hair is left natural — is popping up on women (and men!) of all ages.

— “Bronde,” or brown-blonde, is that perfect shade between blonde and brunette that was first made popular back in 2007 by supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and it remains popular into 2013.

— Balayage is taking the country’s salons by storm. It works on all hair colors, but is especially great on blondes with a beautiful base. I’ve been getting balayage for many years now.

— Platinum blonde hair remains popular going into summer. Keeping hair this blonde requires high maintenance, however, and it won’t suit all skin tones.

Now, onto my favorite hairstyles for brown, blonde, black and red hair.

options when it comes to coloring hair.

You can tint your hair, add highlights of color, or try wigs and weaves to change it up without having to opt for permanentnever-washes-out color.

GRAY Many women with gray hair choose to dye their hair. If you are all gray, you may choose to go blonde, because blonde is easier to achieve (and maintain) than going dark. More and more women with gray

hair are actually learning to embrace the grays, and it’s no wonder. Grays and silvers are gorgeous colors, so much so that a couple years ago, young models were dyeing their hair gray, and it was a trend of the moment.

PLATINUM BLONDE HAIR REMAINS POPULAR GOING INTO SUMMER BROWN If you have super pale skin and brown hair, consider going lighter, or at least having some highlights painted or foiled in.

Super dark shades can wash you out and even make you appear older. I love the uber-trendy “bronde” and “ombre” styles for brunettes for the perfect sun-kissed look.

BLONDE Some women look good in any color (Remember Linda Evangelista?), but most women don’t. If you had blonde hair as a kid, you’ll likely look good as a blonde adult.

RED Almost everyone can go red; what’s most important is finding the right shade of red. If you want to go red, I suggest not trying it on your own. Get a professional consultation. You won’t believe the number of emails I get from women whose hair turned out orange when they went the box route.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HAIR African-American women have many

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Emily Fuselier Photography

JEWELRY DESIGNS THE CHARM OF PERSONALIZED JEWELRY

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o longer do you need to peruse a jeweler’s glass case to find exactly what you’re looking for. If you don’t see the perfect piece, now you can design it yourself.

The design-your-own-jewelry trend is not new, but it’s enjoying a resurgence thanks to several lines of jewelry offering an extensive selection of beads and charms, along with the essential bracelet, necklace and even belt buckles to act as the anchors.

“You can build a piece of jewelry that celebrates you,” says Annette St. Romain, owner of Bijoux Fine Jewelry in Sulphur and Bijoux Jewelry Design Center in Lake Charles. “Build-yourown-bracelets have been strong for several years now, and we’re seeing more and more jewelry lines come out with more and more options. These pieces have tremendous sentimental value, because you create a piece to reflect your

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own style, memories and accomplishments.”

Completing a bracelet with charms can be done over time, selecting just the right charm to commemorate an occasion. Or, if you simply like to create, you can build a necklace, ring or pin to go with any outfit, just by choosing the charms and beads you like. The components come in a wide variety of styles, colors, textures, metals and shapes.

“The Chamilia and the Kameleon lines are here at Bijoux,” says St. Romain. “They are a fresh, updated take on designing your own jewelry.

Chamilia has a So-Ho collection that’s contemporary and urban; they also have a Swarovski collection that has a lot of sparkle. Kameleon has all the traditional jewelry pieces plus sunglasses, belt buckles and watches. You can pop in different charms or stones in their pieces to customize it with your mood or your

outfit. All of these various lines are perfect for the woman who likes options — who doesn’t want to wear the same thing day after day. This type of jewelry keeps up with her ever-changing look.”

COMPLETING A BRACELET WITH CHARMS CAN BE DONE OVER TIME, SELECTING JUST THE RIGHT CHARM TO COMMEMORATE AN OCCASION.

• Check your wardrobe. What colors do you wear often? What outfits make you feel confident and happy? Take your color and style cues from them. If a ruffled blouse and belted cardigan are your thing, you might enjoy a more romantic and feminine style with sparkly beads and sentimental charms. If jeans and a tshirt is your go-to uniform, a sleek approach with clean lines might be just what you’re looking for.

• Choose what you like. Chances are, if you like it, it’ll go with everything else you’ve chosen.

“The point of designing your own pieces is that you can build a jewelry wardrobe that you love. Mix and match them for a lot of different looks,” says St. Romain.

THESE ARE PERFECT FOR THE WOMAN WHO LIKES OPTIONS, WHO DOESN’T WANT TO WEAR THE SAME THING DAY AFTER DAY The do-it-yourself idea appeals to the masses, but what about those who aren’t as designer-savvy as they’d like to be? St. Romain has a few tips on choosing pieces to create a cohesive look: • Choose a color scheme. Select three colors that go well together, such as blue, green and white or red, yellow and brown. Use these as the pops of color, with silver or gold metal beads and charms filling in. That way, it doesn’t look too busy with too many different things going on.

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COSMETIC SURGERY PROPER PREPPING IS NECESSARY

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very surgery requires proper planning, and this is true for cosmetic surgery, too. Not only do you need to prepare your body and mind to go under the knife, you also need to plan your recovery period. Here are some tips.

— Gather information about the surgery you plan to go through. Know

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about the types of surgery, difference in results, possible complications and the normal recovery period. Talk to people who have taken up the surgery to learn their experiences. You can visit their blogs or personal Web sites. You may even ask your doctor to refer some of his earlier patients.

— Talk to your doctor and ask for a list of OTC medications you must avoid.

Ideally, you should not take aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medicines. Also ask your doctor how long before the surgery should you begin avoiding these medicines.

— Quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery. Smoking increases the risk

of complications and also slows recovery.

— Ensure that you have someone to drive you home after the surgery, and also arrange for someone to take care of you after the surgery. Remember, if you plan to undergo major surgeries like a tummy tuck, you will need bed rest for at least two weeks.

— Get a prescription for painkillers and necessary post-surgery medicines from your surgeon. Also discuss if you can take any homeopathic or herbal medicines that help control swelling or bruising. Buy the necessary medicines beforehand and keep them at a place easily accessible to you.

— Make a list of items that can aid healing after surgery. You may need items like ice packs to reduce swelling, moisturizers, scar reducing creams for bruises, laxatives to fight the binding effect of pain killers, thermometer, anti-bacterial soap, dressings etc. Consult your doctor while making a list of these things and gather these things before you go in for surgery.

— Prepare a place where you can rest after the surgery. Prepare that place according to your comfort and as per your doctor’s advice. Make sure you have things like intercom, whistle or bell for calling for help, your favorite videos, journals, books, etc. to make your recovery time enjoyable.

— Carefully select the clothes you will wear on the day of surgery and while recovering. Make sure you wear loose clothes on the day of surgery, and after surgery, do not wear anything that presses against the surgery area.

UNSIGHTLY VEINS CAN THEY BE PREVENTED?

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he summer season is right around the corner. For some, having to expose unsightly varicose and spider veins while wearing a pair of shorts, a skirt or a swimsuit tends to be a little uncomfortable. And in some cases, actual physical pain is also involved.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh-colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. Symptoms can include mild swelling in the ankle area, as well as fullness, heaviness, aching and sometimes pain in the legs.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and are usually not painful. They are often red or blue, and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short, jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover a very small or very large area of skin.

The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body.

Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart. According to local Dr. Carl Fastabend, medical director of the Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana, the squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body.

Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs.

“If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency,” says Fastabend.

“Pooled blood enlarges the vein, and it becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood.

Hormone changes, inherited factors and exposure to the sun can also cause spider veins.”

Unfortunately, not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. Fastabend offers the following tips to help ease discomfort from the varicose and spider veins you already have.

• Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face.

• Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.

• Control your weight to avoid plac-

ing too much pressure on your legs.

• Do not cross your legs when sitting.

• Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.

• Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. If you must stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to

the other every few minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.

• Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin or legs.

• Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-

fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation, which can contribute to varicose veins. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains such as bran. Eating too much salt can cause you to retain water or swell.

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The Lake Area’s Lumbermen Created A Style Of Architecture That Only Existed Here

LAKE CHARLES STYLE

BY BRAD GOINS

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he lumber boom hit Lake Charles in the 1800s. It was driven by an influx of carpenters and architectures from the north who came to be called the “Michigan Men” locally.

Because there were too few architects to handle the housing demands that grew out of the lumber boom, many of the homes near the Lake were built by carpenters. Thus the area where most of the housing was centered came to be called Charpentier — French for carpenter.

The largest and most ornate of these “carpenter” homes looked to many like rougher, tougher versions of the famous Louisiana plantation houses. This look was, in fact, the carpenters’ variation on the Colonial Revival style. This variation came to be known as the Lake Charles Style of architecture.

The carpenters and architects who’d come from the north favored the Victorian styles in fashion there. In very general terms, these Victorian houses tended to be somewhat tall and narrow and to rely on long, straight lines, or shorter straight lines that made up sharp angles. As such, they presented a strong contrast to the detailed cottages that were dominant in other parts of coastal Louisiana.

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The best known feature of Lake Charles architecture is the Lake Charles column. The Preservation Society describes the Lake Charles column as a “very distinctive paneled, slightly tapered square column.”

Freedom To Pick And Choose The Lake Charles carpenters were in the habit of using pattern books of Colonial Revival style houses. But the Lake Charles carpenters felt free to add Victorian and other features, such as towers, turrets, domes, arched windows and wrap-around porches.

These resulted in some homes that had a distinctly Gothic look. The addition of elaborate curlicues and gingerbread detail caused some to describe Charpentier District homes as “gingerbread houses.” Adding to the overall quirkiness of design were nautical motifs used by carpenters who’d previously worked on boats in Germany and had migrated to Lake Charles via Michigan or other northern states to be part of the

lumber boom.

This freedom to freely pick and choose from vastly different style elements is a key feature of the Lake Charles Style. According to the J&R Carriage site, there was actually a sort of competition among the lumber barons of the time to come up with the most unusual house design.

Lake Charles Columns The best known feature of Lake Charles architecture is the Lake Charles column. The Preservation Society describes the Lake Charles column as a “very distinctive paneled, slightly tapered square column.”

Another feature of Lake Charles columns is that they were often concontinued

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LC STYLE continued structed in groups made up of odd numbers: for example, five columns rather than four. Again, this choice was a clear deviation from what was going on in the rest of the country, where even numbers were thought to be more symmetrical than odd.

All these innovations — which have earned Lake Charles a permanent chapter in the history of architecture — were considered a workman’s (that is, a carpenter’s or master carpenter’s) variation on the traditional Greek column. Local renovator Randy LeJeune of Rhino Rhenovators has heard that when some of the carpenters who’d designed these columns from scratch traveled to jobs in other

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locations, colleagues said to them, “I sure liked those columns you built.”

When the L.C. carpenters asked, “What columns?” the response was “The ones you built in Lake Charles.” This is one explanation of how the phrase “Lake Charles columns” first came into common usage.

The house at 624 Ford St., which once belonged to Walter Goos, offers a fine continued

LC STYLE continued example of the Lake Charles column.

The house was constructed in the early 20th century.

A few years after its construction, in 1910, a major renovation at the Ramsey house at 626 Broad St. included the addition of Lake Charles columns designed to resemble, as closely as possible, the columns at 624 Ford.

The Colonial Revival style of architecture the Lake Charles carpenters were riffing on was a wave of architecture designed to recapture the look of Colonial homes in the Americas and British homes during the reign of King George III. Columns were an integral part of the look.

The houses were often simple, but could include elaborate design, usually over doorways; sometimes over windows. There was almost always a simple design in the pediment of these often large homes. But over and above all these details, there was always one overriding aim in the Colonial Revival home: symmetry. That’s why the idea of odd numbers of columns was so bold for designers of the day.

To see what the Colonial Revival homes looked like, check out the architectural photography of William Nutting on Google Images.

While the Lake Charles column is very closely associated with the Charpentier District, it can be found in other places in the city: for instance, in houses in the Queen Anne or Eastlake Districts that were rebuilt after the 1910

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fire or 1918 hurricane.

The columns are still being used in houses today. Part of the reason is stipulations of the Preservation Society concerning new housing construction in the historic district. But it also appears that Lake Charles residents remember and appreciate the columns and continue to want to see them. LeJeune just finished building a brand new house at the corner of Common and Clarence Street that has Lake Charles columns. He says he’s

“had lots of compliments on them.”

Deviations From The Norm All the obvious architectural deviations from the norm were already making the Charpentier District a destination for regional tourists and travelers early in the 20th century.

The Charpentier Historic District would wind up containing nearly 400 buildings, many of which were home to

both early leaders and laborers of Lake Charles. Only a fourth of the houses in the district were built with two stories.

This is one indicator that the area housed a definite mix of classes.

At the time the majority of the houses were built, the lumber industry was far and away the area’s dominant business concern. The houses in the Charpentier District were made from the lumber from the nearly 30 lumber mills that were ranged along the coast of Lake Charles:

A stroll around the Charpentier District reveals the unique architectural deviations from the norm. lumber that at that time was still in abundance.

With the cornucopia of architectural riches that exist in the Charpentier District, it’s only natural that people would pick out show houses over the years. In the view of the Calcasieu Parish historical district, the three-story “mansion” at 705 Broad St. — the mansion that was once the domicile of R.H. Nason — is “the most impressive house in the district.” Many love the houses that are loaded with intricate, curving detail, some of which are complimented by daring color choices, such as maroons and burgundies in combination with pastels.

This variety, along with the clout of the Lake Charles Style of architecture, and, of course, the obvious historical significance of the area, led to the Charpentier District being named to the National Historic Register in 1990.

Sights, Sites And Sources If you’re not in a position to stroll around the Charpentier District or take a tour of it, there’s a great deal of photographic representation of the area on the Internet.

The Lake Charles Historical Neighborhoods site on Facebook con-

tains many hundreds of photos of historical houses, churches and commercial buildings by Alan Walker. For just two streets — Ryan and Broad — Walker provides 368 photos.

The short essay on the Lake Charles Style of architecture on the City of Lake Charles Web site must have something going for it given that it’s been ripped off by dozens of Internet sites. Other sources I used for this story were the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society, the Creole Nature Trail AllAmerican Road District, the Louisiana Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Randy LeJeune of Rhino Rhenovators, J&R Carriage, and the book Louisiana Homes: If Walls Could Talk! by Nola Mae Ross.

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CURB APPEAL

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The view from the street can net you more traffic

n the home-selling market, curb appeal is better than cash.

If you can get buyers through the front door, you’ve passed the first hurdle in selling your home.

If they don’t like what they see outside, they’ll never walk inside.

Curb appeal can often mean the difference between a house sitting for months or selling in a few weeks.

Our region is still trying to get out of the economic doldrums — we have many homes on the market. Curb appeal

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is going to be a big issue. With more homes competing for your eye, the home with curb appeal has the advantage.

And the view from the street can net you more traffic than you might think.

The first impression is key. People shopping on the Internet give it one look. If they don’t like what they see, that’s it.

Want to improve the view from the other side of the curb? Here are a few tips: • Look at the big picture. Some things should go without saying. But the

than you might think. The first impression is key.

People shopping on the Internet give it one look.

If they don’t like what they see, that’s it. truth is that after you’ve lived with fading trim — or that shutter that hangs at a jaunty angle — for a year or two, you probably don’t even see it anymore.

People aren’t going to look at it the same way you will.

Ask your real estate agent or a trusted friend to look at the front of your home with a new set of eyes. Would they be interested in the home if they didn’t know you? If not, what are the turn-offs?

And always do the obvious: keep the

lawn mowed and the gutters clear. Trim the bushes, get rid of any dead branches and fix anything that’s hanging or broken. And keep outdoor lights on in the evening and in good working order; the better to show off your house 24-7.

• Shine. Got a brass doorknob?

Make it shine. If you have wrought iron, clean it or paint it. Wash the windows so that they gleam. It looks cared for.

Plus, if a house really sparkles, real estate agents will like to show it.

• Fit into the community. If there are tons of kids in the neighborhood, it’s OK to have a bike in the yard. Not so if your neighborhood is mostly retirees. Keep your audience in mind as you show your house.

• Use flowers. If you have room, go for the traditional two large planters — one on either side of the door or walkway. Fill them to overflowing with flowers if it’s spring or summer or evergreens in the cooler months.

This will create a focal point, forcing home buyers to focus on one area rather than the whole home at once.

Consider hanging a colorful flag out front. Or put a seasonal wreath on the door. You want it to say, “Yes, you’re welcome, come on in.”

• Apply pressure. If the exter-ior needs a fresh look, consider getting it pressure washed. (This is a great way to clean trim or walkways and give them a clean, white look.)

• Get an edge. Want the look of a manicured yard? Put some fresh mulch or bedding material around the plants in the yard and use a hoe to make the edges of the bedding sharp.

If you have a small yard, plant it with flowers and greenery. Or, if you don’t have a lot of time or a green thumb, create one or two informal garden areas in the front yard, perhaps with a birdbath.

• Paint. Want to make the house look great without painting the whole thing? Just paint the trim and the front door. Or paint the shutters a color. It really catches the eye.

And since the porch frames the front door and is the first part of the house buyers will actually visit, make sure it looks freshly painted. If you have a porch that doesn’t look fresh, you’ll notice that more than the siding.

But if it needs it, don’t be stingy.

Paint the whole house. The outlay will

be well worth the money if you get a clean looking home that moves fast.

• Invest in landscaping. If you have just a little money to spend, consider landscaping. A landscaped front yard is a good jump on selling your home.

If you have a small yard, plant it with flowers and greenery. Or, if you don’t have a lot of time or a green thumb, create one or two informal garden areas in the front yard, perhaps with a birdbath. It looks warm.

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ADDING LIGHT

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Window Can Create Space And Add Light To Your Home

ight into your home can make a room inviting, make it seem bigger and can save on energy. A combination of natural and artificial light, as well as color schemes and design, can update and transform your home into a warm and comfortable haven. Visual stimulation and exposure to light are critical to wellbeing. And they can add value to a home. Light can affect productivity, ability to learn, circadian rhythms and

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health.

There are dozens of ways to increase the amount of light and visibility in your house. Skylights, windows, doors, window treatments, room color or paneling, artificial lighting, and even the type of light bulb used can make a huge difference in how bright your life can be.

With added natural light and ventilation from skylights, homeowners have attractive and effective tools to balance the light and improve ventilation in their homes. Skylights can make a small

or dark room feel large and open.

Tubular skylights can be installed around attic obstructions, reflect light where it is needed, and fit into tight spaces.

Easily installed accessories to adjust and control light will contribute to energy efficiency. Venetian blinds are available to adjust light, as are blinds to diffuse light and blinds to block light. The accessories, as well as the units themselves, can be operated by remote control. Solar blinds may qualify for a 30percent federal tax credit.

Consider installing more large windows in your home. Picture windows and bay windows provide for wide viewing areas, and can add attractive features to your home’s exterior. An awning window installed above doors or other windows will add light. It often opens with a crank handle for improved ventilation.

Doors with glass insets or glass-side panels will allow more light into the entrance of your home. Sliding patio doors or French doors from your deck or patio are great sources of natural light.

Think about both privacy and energy efficiency in your window treatments. Select sheer curtains with cornices or scarf valances, light-filtering roller shades or solar shades to allow maximum light through the windows while maintaining privacy. Wide blinds will allow more light through when they’re opened. Blinds with the topdown-bottom-up feature will allow more light from the top of the window while affording privacy.

A light color on the walls will brighten up a room and make the space feel larger. Keep all the walls in the room the same shade for continuity and to create an open space. Be sure to freshen up the ceiling with a light coordinating color.

Pay special attention to kitchen lighting. The kitchen is often the central work area of the home and the place where families gather for evening meals and discussions. Track lighting and wellplaced hanging fixtures can add light, focus, beauty, depth and functionality to the room. Under-counter lighting can make chores less tiring. Consider “tap lights” for kitchen cabinets and pantries.

These will make finding things easier.

Lights behind glass cabinet doors add a soft glow and show off items such as prized teapots or china.

Strategically placed table, floor and wall lamps near outlets can be tailored for specific needs and uses. Use soft white light bulbs for a warm, soft tint. A bright white light bulb is excellent for indoor task lighting and will do well next to your favorite reading chair. Dimmers can change the mood in a room and reduce harsh overhead lighting.

Bathroom lights, whether over the sink or on the side, should be used to add warmth, convenience and safety; soft white bulbs around the vanity mirror are good for makeup application. “Flameless candles” add a warm glow with a battery-operated “flame.”

Daylight bulbs in table lamps and sconces simulate natural sunlight. They can help minimize the physiological and psychological effects of seasonal affective disorder.

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Data obtained via MLS/public records

$2,100,000 4274 Bayou Bay Drive Location...................................................................Lake Charles Bedrooms ........................................................................................4 Full Baths.........................................................................................4 Half Baths ........................................................................................2 Total Area (sf).......................................................................13,300 Stories..............................................................................................3 Age...................................................................................................7 Lot Size ...........................................................................2.5 acres

1

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$1,755,000 1401 Shell Beach Drive

2

Location...................................................................Lake Charles Bedrooms ........................................................................................5 Full Baths.........................................................................................3 Half Baths ........................................................................................1 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................8,750 Stories..............................................................................................3 Age ................................................................................................90 Lot Size ...............................................................................6 acres

BUYING & SELLING:

THE BASICS • BUYING A HOUSE is a big step, and often a smart move.

Home ownership enables you to build equity: the increased value of your investment in the house — that is, the difference between what you could sell it for and the debts against it (for example, the mortgage). Also, home ownership allows you to access two important tax deductions: mortgage interest and property tax.

• “HOW MUCH HOUSE can I afford?” is probably the first question you’ll think about when you decide to buy a house — especially if you’re a first-time buyer.

Like most people who purchase a home, you’ll probably need to borrow money to finance the purchase. Here, then, are the two most important considerations: How much down payment can you come up with? How much will a lender (for example, a bank) be willing to lend you?

• DOWN PAYMENTS generally range from 5 to 25 percent of the purchase price of a house. The amount you’ll need to put down can depend on several factors, including the selling price, age and condition of the house, your credit rating score, the requirements of specific lenders and whether you are purchasing your first home.

• IF YOU’RE SELLING a house, the money you realize from the sale may provide the down payment for the purchase of the new one. If your down payment won’t come from the sale of another house, you will need to take the money from savings. Investments, such as stocks and bonds or stock options from an employer are a potential source of funds for a down payment. Bear in mind that the larger the down payment, the lower the monthly mortgage payment and closing costs will be.

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$1,720,000 207 Oliver Street Location............................................................................Big Lake Bedrooms ........................................................................................3 Full Baths.........................................................................................3 Half Baths ........................................................................................2 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................6,615 Stories..............................................................................................2 Age...................................................................................................8 Lot Size ...........................................................................1.1 acres

3

BUYING & SELLING:

THE BASICS • IN SOME CASES, it may be possible to borrow money from certain types of retirement accounts (for example, IRAs) to help fund a down payment. It’s a good idea to ask the advice of a tax professional or financial advisor before borrowing from retirement accounts or liquidating longterm investments.

• FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS and veterans may be eligible for special financing terms. Contact your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office, as well as local city, county and state housing bureaus for information about programs in your area.

• WHEN IT COMES to borrowing, the important question isn’t “How much can I borrow?”

Rather, it is, “How much can I afford to borrow?” Although many people who purchase a new home feel a financial pinch until they adjust to the new obligation, it’s not a good idea to borrow so much that you feel a tight squeeze. Fortunately, lenders’ primary lending criteria will be how you look financially. The amount you’ll be allowed to borrow will, consequently, depend on the numbers—particularly your net worth and your current gross income.

• NET WORTH IS calculated by totaling the value of all of your assets (that is, the things you own: savings accounts, IRAs, stocks, cars, etc.) minus your total liabilities (that is, everything you owe: credit card balances, car payments, other long-term loans).

• CURRENT GROSS INCOME is the total of your salary plus any income you receive from other sources (for example, dividends, interest, disability benefits)

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$1,390,000 3314 Portrush Drive

4

Location...................................................................Lake Charles Bedrooms ........................................................................................4 Full Baths.........................................................................................4 Half Baths ........................................................................................2 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................9,083 Stories..............................................................................................2 Age...................................................................................................5 Lot Size ...............................................................................1.5 lots

BUYING & SELLING:

THE BASICS • IN GENERAL, 28 percent is the maximum percentage of monthly gross income that a lender allows for housing expenses. Housing expenses are usually defined as principal and interest on the loan, property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeowner’s association fees and private mortgage insurance. Note that the 28 percent maximum may vary depending on several factors, including gross income and net worth.

• LENDERS USE A second number, 36 percent, as the maximum percentage of your monthly gross income allowed for total debt.

Total debt includes housing expenses plus recurring debt: car loans, credit card payments, child support and all other debts that will not be paid off in a relatively short time ( 6 to 10 months).

• IF YOU’RE WILLING to do the calculations, first determine the maximum housing expenses likely to be allowed by a lender based on your monthly gross income. Second, determine the maximum total debt a lender is likely to allow. After you know your total monthly debt figure, you can estimate how much you have available for monthly housing expenses by figuring out your recurring monthly debt and subtracting it from the maximum total debt number you calculated.

• IF YOU WANT A MORE complete picture of the costs of owning a home, you need to know or be able to estimate additional costs, including property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeowner fees, and an estimate of maintenance and repair expenses.

Many banks, mortgage companies and other lending institutions provide cost calculators on the Internet. Also, a real estate agent can help you make these cost calculations.

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$970,000 3206 Henderson Bayou Road Location...................................................................Lake Charles Bedrooms ........................................................................................4 Full Baths.........................................................................................2 Half Baths ........................................................................................1 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................5,587 Stories ..........................................................................................1.5 Age...................................................................................................8 Lot Size ...............................................................................55x500

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$870,000 19 River Lane Location...................................................................Lake Charles Bedrooms ........................................................................................4 Full Baths.........................................................................................3 Half Baths ........................................................................................4 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................6,000 Stories..............................................................................................2 Age ................................................................................................18 Lot Size.........................................................................1.17 acres 54

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Budget Blinds Shop Where Your Windows Are, We Come To You!

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$795,000 311 Shell Beach Drive Location...................................................................Lake Charles Bedrooms ........................................................................................3 Full Baths.........................................................................................4 Half Baths ........................................................................................1 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................5,851 Stories..............................................................................................2 Age ................................................................................................75 Lot Size.............................................................................100x250

Budget Blinds of Lake Charles is proud to be your "go to" source for all your window coverings. Phyllis White, Shop where your windows are! We come to you.

Owner/Consultant brings to your Call 436-2323 today for your complimentary home a wide selection of prodconsultation! ucts, brands, and style options at prices that reflect our tremendous buying power. She will show you how window coverings can compliment your existing furnishings, or how you can change the mood and lighting of a room. We measure and install for that perfect fit and view!

Don't let the name fool you, in addition to every type of blind you can imagine, we offer beautiful plantation shutters, custom draperies and hardware, roman and solar shades, along with energy efficient solutions to help control temperature, glare, and fading in your home. The majority of these products can be motorized. Our in home consultation and installation is free.

Call us to see our newest products! Tandem shades give you light and view by day with privacy and blackout by night. Glass Essence Blinds that look like embossed or stained glass. And composite shutters that now come in COLOR! Budget Blinds' products come with the standard factory limited warranty but we take it a step farther with our "No Questions Asked" replacement warranty on the majority of our products.

This means you get a new replacement treatment, once per window, regardless of the reason (even if Fido eats it!). Depending on the company this is a five-year or lifetime warranty.

Knowing how to translate your style into the window coverings in your home is our specialty. There's an art to what we do. And that's what makes us different.

1811 Ryan Street • Lake Charles • (337) 436-2323 www.budget blinds.com

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

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WE'RE CELEBRATING WITH THE BIGGEST SALE IN OUR HISTORY! TONS OF GREAT NEW ARRIVALS! COME BY AND SEE US SOON! WE'RE HERE TO SERVE YOU!

$780,000 206 Oliver Street Location............................................................................Big Lake Bedrooms ........................................................................................3 Full Baths.........................................................................................2 Half Baths ........................................................................................1 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................4,185 Stories..............................................................................................2 Age...................................................................................................8 Lot Size.........................................................................1.64 acres

SUNSHINE ACRES N U R S E R Y 5826 LAKE STREET • 474-0971 March 21, 2013

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$735,000 3354 Portrush Drive Location...................................................................Lake Charles Bedrooms ........................................................................................3 Full Baths.........................................................................................3 Half Baths ........................................................................................1 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................8,075 Stories ..........................................................................................1.5 Age ................................................................................................12 Lot Size...........................................................82x150x267x238

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$635,000 1110 Bayou Oaks Lane Location...................................................................Lake Charles Bedrooms ........................................................................................5 Full Baths.........................................................................................4 Half Baths ........................................................................................1 Total Area (sf) .........................................................................5,412 Stories..............................................................................................1 Age ................................................................................................50 Lot Size ...........................................................................1.5 acres

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HYDROSEEDING

HYDROMULCHING EROSION CONTROL MATTING COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION

FREE ESTIMATES

337-540-0278 337-802-9147 Locally Owned by Tommy & Liz Todd 56

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AVOIDING OPEN HOUSE NO-NOS When prospective buyers tour your home at an open house, they’re not just looking at the beauty of your layout and decor, but also experiencing your home inside and out. They’re assessing how your space feels, how it smells and whether they can envision raising children there, hosting holiday dinners in the dining room and entertaining in the backyard. With so many thoughts racing through potential buyers’ minds, it’s important learn how to avoid unexpected things that can turn them off.

strong-scented candles turn off buyers.

They suspect them as a “masking trick,” covering up an odor issue in your home.

Sloppy paint edges. Buyers who want a move-in-ready home may notice where your wall paint meets your molding or your white ceiling. If they see uneven paint lines, drips, paint on the molding, or the telltale dark spots of touchups you’ve done yourself, red flags might go off in their minds. They think, “This owner cut corners on the paint job, so where else did they ‘cheap out’ and perform sloppy fixes?”

Eliminate the turnoff: Inspect every inch of your paint lines with careful attention to both ceiling and floor moldings.

Touch up the whites of your moldings ultra-carefully, and consider repainting a room that has sloppy edges.

Too much stuff. Especially in an age of HGTV and home design shows, homebuyers expect a tidy, organized and pleasing home. If your shelving units contain hundreds of books in all different sizes and colors, and collections of keepsakes and family photos, buyers may see this as your space, not one that could be theirs.

Cluttered shelves and kids’ rooms also look smaller, which buyers dislike.

Eliminate the turnoff: An experienced real estate agent can review your space with a careful eye for shelving units, mantels and other areas that look fine to you but would appear to buyers as holding too much stuff. Go through each display space and move the majority of your personal items into matching, lidded storage bins that can be moved and arranged in your attic or basement. Be sure to de-clutter your kitchen counter and island, removing decor items, to present a more spacious and visually pleasing area.

Dead or suffering plants. Buyers who plan to have plants in their home immediately assume the fault lies in a lack of natural sunlight, dry air or hard water in your home.

Eliminate the turnoff: Remove dead or suffering plants, and replace them with fresh, new, healthy ones. Or simply remove your battling plants from your home altogether, perhaps bringing them to your office or to a relative’s home.

Bad scents. Buyers will do an immediate about-face if they smell cigarette or cigar smoke, pet odors, or a musty smell.

Overpowering air-scenting sprays or March 21, 2013

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RABIDEAUX'S Deer Processing

South of I-10 to Rabideaux's Sausage Kitchen ... the Original Location at

105 HWY 165, IOWA, LA 337-582-3184 Open 5:30am-7:00pm • 7 Days a Week!

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DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS, SEAFOOD SPECIALS, FRIED CRAWFISH BASKETS & MORE!

FOR A TASTE OF THE FRENCH QUARTER M-F 7am-8pm • Sat 7am-6pm

1708 HWY 14 494-0618

$

99 SEAFOOD COMBO!

9

See You Soon!

LEONARD'S LENTEN SPECIAL BUTTERFLY SHRIMP, CATFISH FILET, SHRIMP ETOUFFEE, GREEN SALAD AND GARLIC BREAD

$2.99 Shrimp On A Bun • $5.99 Catfish Basket • $7.99 Shrimp Salad $5.99 Butterfly Shrimp Basket • $7.50 Shrimp Baked Potato

March 21, 2013

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MARY'S LOUNGE

NO COVER! LIVE MUSIC EVERY SUNDAY 5PM-9PM NOW! CRAWFISH ON WEDNESDAYS @ LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE ON 171 N. • 436-8987

AND MAC'S 4017 BROAD STREET 1/2 MILE EAST OF I-210

MARY'S 433-2952

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NOW SERVING BOILED CRAWFISH AND SHRIMP WED-SUN 5-9PM

BILLEDEAUX'S CAJUN KITCHEN

SPECIAL SHRIMP & CRAB GUMBO ALL THRU LENT ALL WEEK LONG! WE ALSO HAVE FRIED FISH & SHRIMP WITH FRIES, POTATO SALAD OR COLE SLAW ON FRIDAYS!

SHRIMP POBOYS DAILY THRU LENT! TRY OUR FAMOUS BOUDIN • CRACKLINS • SAUSAGE • POBOYS • SMOKED MEATS

2633 FRUGE ST / HWY 90 LAKE CHARLES • 433-2488 DWIGHT BILLEDEAUX, OWNER

ROY'S MEAT MARKET

SPECIAL #1 • $74.95 5 lbs Shoulder Steak • 5 lbs Pork Chops • 5 lbs Hamburger (Chuck) • 4 Whole Fryers (or) 20 lbs Leg Quarters SPECIAL #2 • $82.95 5 lbs Shoulder Steak • 5 lbs Sausage • 5 lbs Round Steak • 5 lbs Hamburger (Chuck) SPECIAL #3 • $95.95 5 lbs T-Bone Steak • 5 lbs Round Steak • 5 lbs Shoulder Steak • 5 lbs Hamburger (Chuck)

401 S. Thompson, Iowa Boudin • Sausage • Cracklins • Deli Meats Shish-k-Bobs • Stuffed Quail • Cornish Hen Deer Processing • More!

WE ACCEPT FOOD STAMPS Special Orders Accepted OPEN M-F-8am-5:30pm • Sat 8am-Noon

337-582-2220

SPECIAL #4 • $65.95 5 lbs Pork Ribs • 5 lbs Pork Steak • 5 lbs Pork Chops • 5 lbs Pork Sausage SPECIAL #5 • $51.95 4 lbs Shoulder Steak • 4 lbs Pork Chop • 4 lbs Hamburger (Chuck) • 2 Whole Fryers (or) 10 lbs Leg Quarters SPECIAL #6 • $134.95 5 lbs Sausage • 5 lbs Sirloin Steak • 5 lbs Shoulder Steak • 5 lbs Hamburger (Chuck) 5 lbs Pork Ribs • 5 lbs Pork Steak • 4 Whole Fryers (or) 20 lbs Leg Quarters SPECIAL #7 • $97.95 5 lbs Calf Rounds • 5 lbs Calf Shoulder Rounds • 5 lbs Calf Rib Chops • 5 lbs Calf Bone In Brisket • 5 lbs Hamburger SPECIAL #8 • $95.95 5 lbs Calf T-Bones • 5 lbs Calf Sirloin • 5 lbs Calf 7 Steaks • 5 Calf Hamburger • 5 lbs Pork Neck Bones

Mon.-Wed. 2pm-8pm Thur.-Sat. Noon-9pm Sunday Noon-6pm

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lake area

people

Hennigan Joins Bray Staff Dr. Jeffery A. Hennigan recently joined the staff of Natha Bray, DDS, at 709 W. McNeese St. A Lake Charles native, Bray graduated from McNeese State University and the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans.

He has served as a general dentist at the SWLA Center of Health Services.

Hennigan is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Calcasieu Parish Dental Society.

SWLA Charter Academy Hires Co-Principals Lorette Marie Bass and Jacqueline A. Smith have recently been hired as coprincipals of the Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy.

Bass is currently the lead assistant principal at SWLCA. She has been involved in education in Lake Charles since 1996, working at Lake Charles Boston High School, Calcasieu Parish School Board, Combre-Fondel Elementary School and Fairview Elementary School.

Smith began her educational career with the Calcasieu Parish School Board, working as a teacher from 1977-1998, as a curriculum coordinator from 98-99, as assistant principal of A. A. Nelson Elementary from 1999-2005, and principal of A. A. Nelson from 2005 to present. She was named Louisiana State Principal of the Year last year, as well as LACUE Region V Educator of the Year.

She was also recognized as a National Distinguished Principal.

Mancuso Appointed To Commission Sheriff Tony Mancuso has recently been appointed to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice.

The commission serves to oversee and encourage the adoption of methods by which law enforcement can be made more effective and justice administered more efficiently and fairly. It also helps to coordinate programs throughout the state in areas relating to the police, the courts and corrections.

Doland Joins Jeff Davis Bank Mike Doland recently joined Jeff Davis Bank and Trust Co. as commercial lender and branch manager of its Kirby Street location.

Doland brings 34 years of banking experience. He previously worked for First Federal Bank.

Eckard Announces City Council Re-Election Bid Mark Eckard has recently announced his candidacy for re-election for the Lake Charles City Council, District G seat.

Eckard, a Republican, was first 62

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elected in 2009, and was named City Council President in July 2012.

During his term, Eckard has worked to implement over $9.3 million in capital projects for his district, including Weaver Road upgrades and sidewalks, University sidewalks and the four-laning of Lake Street to McNeese Street. He also worked closely with the Chamber SWLA on construction of the new SEED (Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development) Center on Ryan Street and has welcomed many new businesses and residents to District G. “This is a time of great economic growth and opportunity for our region.

We’ve worked hard to foster this growth for Lake Charles, and I would like to continue working with other officials to ensure that government works efficiently to deliver services to the citizens we serve and to successfully meet the infrastructure and resource demands that accompany positive growth,” said Eckard.

Eckard is a financial advisor with Rau Financial Group. He earned a bachelor’s in economics and finance from McNeese State University, where he was a cum laude member of Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma honor Societies.

He served in the Army for three years as a military policeman, earning the rank of sergeant.

Previously, Eckard served as chairman of the Workforce Investment Board.

He was also a member of the Vision Calcasieu Task Force and the Allocation and Review Committee of the United Way.

Goss Named Asst.

Manager at FNB DeRidder New Moss Bluff Location First National Bank DeRidder recently opened a new full-service branch in Moss Bluff at 1838 N. Hwy. 171, near Clyde Dulaney Road.

Tonya Goss, a resident of Moss Bluff, has been named assistant branch manager and new accounts representative at that location. She was previously with City Savings Bank and Cameron State Bank in Moss Bluff. The branch will have an official grand opening in May. First National Bank DeRidder also has four locations in DeRidder and a mortgage loan office in Lake Charles.

Hennigan

Mancuso

title in 1997 — the first regular season championship for a McNeese team since the 1978 season. Ellis led McNeese in scoring with an 18.5 average in 1997, and was the team’s rebounding leader during both of his playing seasons — 6.2 rpg in 1996 and 7.6 rpg in 1997.

Mallet played for the Cowboys from 1997 to 2001. He guided the Cowboys to their first 20-win season in 14 years, with a 22-9 record and a Southland Conference regular season championship. During his career at McNeese, he was the school’s and the conference’s all-time career three-point shooter, with 331 goals made — a record that still stands. He currently ranks third on McNeese’s all-time scoring list, with 1,941 points, and is 11th in career scoring average, with 16.6 per game.

Okoye, Baggetts Receive SLC Honors McNeese junior forward Cecilia Okoye has recently received the Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year award.

Okoye, from Mansfield, Texas, led the Cowgirls this season, and was seventh in the Southland Conference in rebounding, pulling down 7.1 boards per game. She led the Cowgirls with a 49.8 field goal percent, and was third on the team in scoring 8.7 ppg. Okoye also led the team in blocks, and turned in one of the top-block performances this season in the Southland when she recorded four

Doland

Eckard

in a win against Ole Miss.

Ashlyn and Caitlyn Baggett both earned second team honors. The twins are two of the few players who have been named to the All-SLC team three times.

Ashlyn, a senior guard from Iota, La., earned second team honors after being named to the first team the past two years. She led the team in scoring all season, and is second in scoring in league games only with 19.6 ppg. She led the league in three-pointers with 64, and is second in the SLC with a 44.8 three-point field goal percent.

This is the third second-team selection for Caitlyn. She led McNeese and the league with an 86.5 free throw percent, and is fourth in the league with 4.8.

She is second on the team, and ninth in the league, in scoring with 13.7 ppg.

Avery, Stoddard Named To Seafood Board Larry Avery of Sulphur and Tommy Stoddard of Hackberry were recently appointed to the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board.

The board’s purpose is to help strengthen and revitalize the Louisiana seafood industry, to identify threats, and execute strategic plans to overcome them.

Avery is the co-owner of Gulf Island Shrimp Seafood. Stoddard is the owner of Louisiana Alligator Wholesaler.

Family Foundation of SWLA Philanthropists Of The Year Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, the endowment arm of Family and Youth, recently named its 2013 Philanthropists of the Year.

The 2013 honorees are Mike and Martha Holleman, owners of The Wine Store; the Mallard Cove Men’s Golf Association; and John and Ginny Henning.

Mallet, Ellis Named To SLC All Decade Team Former McNeese State basketball standouts Demond Mallet and Rosell Ellis have recently been named to the Southland Conference’s 1990s AllDecade Team.

Both Mallet and Ellis were named the conference’s Player of the Year in their senior seasons at McNeese.

Ellis played for the Cowboys for two seasons (1996 and 1997), helping the team win the league regular season

Bill LeBlanc, secretary of Mallard Cove MGA; Troy Higginbotham, treasurer of Mallard Cove MGA; Pap Williams, vice president of Mallard Cove MGA; Derek Smith, golf professional at Mallard Cove; Sheila Pounders, director of customer service at Entergy; John and Ginny Henning; Mike and Martha Holleman; and Julio Galan, president and CEO of Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana.

POLITICAL BRIEFS

jeremy alford

Budget Reform Proposals Coming A group of fiscal conservatives in the state House have proposed a package of constitutional amendments that would significantly alter the way taxpayer money is spent and budgeted.

The band of mostly Republican lawmakers first came to prominence as the socalled “Fiscal Hawks” by taking a stand against the administration’s use of one-time monies for recurring expenses.

But now they are organized and incorporated, and are raising money for their mission under the name of the Budget Reform Coalition.

Rep. Brett Geymann, R-Lake Charles, the coalition chairman, said he is looking for support in all corners of Louisiana, including civic, business and political leaders.

The coalition recently made a presentation to the Legislative Black Caucus, and once took an invite from a small group of citizens in Acadiana to present its vision.

With the state facing a $1.2 billion deficit in the next fiscal year — the latest in a long line of shortfalls and midyear alterations over the past three years — Geymann said several changes must be made.

“We are committed to fixing the broken budget process that results in devastating mid-year and year-end budget cuts,” he said. “We are committed to protecting core priorities like health care and higher education that are so important to our people and our state.”

One of the proposed constitutional amendments, which will ultimately require the approval of the Legislature and Louisiana’s voters, would ban the use of one-time monies for recurring expenses.

It would also prohibit the appropriations of funds that are not identified by the Revenue Estimating Conference, which is charged with approving the amount of money the state has to spend.

Geymann and others argue that using money that will never come again, like funds from a legal settlement as opposed to a tax that is collected annually, for a cost that is incurred regularly is irresponsible.

The coalition is also tackling transparency issues with a proposed constitutional amendment that would give the

House and Senate more time to review the budget after the opposite chamber makes changes during a session.

Another planned bill would require final passage of the budget roughly two weeks earlier in the session, “to ensure a more broad-based and transparent budget process,” Geymann said.

Also on the agenda is a constitutional amendment that would help protect funding for higher education and health care by ensuring that core priorities are funded first.

If a budget contains money for higher education and health care at a level lower than the previous year, the amendment would require that the budget be split into non-discretionary and discretionary appropriation bills that would be voted on separately.

The non-discretionary bill would include spending connected to constitutional or other mandates, while the discretionary bill would include obligations that do not necessarily have to be funded.

Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, a charter member of the coalition and chair of the Republican Caucus, said all of the proposals are a necessary precursor to any significant changes in the way Louisiana takes in revenue.

“We keep pouring water into our bucket year after year, but it’s clear now that there is a hole in our bucket,” Harris said. “Before we make changes in where we get the water, it would make a whole lot of sense to fix the bucket first.”

For more information on the proposals, visit LaBudgetReform.com.

Bills Target Governor's Office A state lawmaker has introduced a set of bills that would prohibit certain post-service options for retiring legislators and open up more public record in the Governor’s Office.

Rep. Dee Richard, an independent from Thibodaux, said the bills are not targeting Gov. Bobby Jindal.

“These problems existed long before he was elected,” Richard said.

Sean Lansing, Jindal’s press secretary, said the administration is currently considering the merits of proposals being filed for

the regular session that convenes April 8.

“We will continue to review bills as they are introduced,” Lansing said.

Richard’s House Bill 14 would prohibit former lawmakers from being appointed to or employed in any unclassified state position for a period of two years following their final day in office.

Jindal, during his first term and more than a year into his second, has appointed former lawmakers to jobs with the Insurance Department; Revenue Department; Alcohol and Tobacco Control; Office of Motor Vehicles; Tax Commission and Pardon Board, among others.

Richard said he is concerned that sitting lawmakers could be influenced with promises of jobs after their elected service has come to an end.

“It’s time we change what’s going on in government,” Richard said. “It’s the good old boy network. That’s what worries me.”

Current law already includes such a ban for other elected officials, and for certain positions in state government, and Richard argued that it should be applied to the legislative branch as well.

Former legislators are already prohibited from entering into contracts with the state for one year following the termination of their elected office.

“This is pointed at me, too. I would have to follow this,” he added. “If you’re such a good fit for a job, then wait two years and come back and get it.”

Richard has also introduced House Bill 19, which would eliminate a commonlyused exemption that shields records in the Governor’s Office from public view.

If the records are part of the office’s “deliberative process,” meaning they were used to make decisions, Jindal and his staff are allowed to keep them secret.

“This is about transparency,” Richard said. “We’re among the few states that allow this. The present law is blocking public records.”

The legislation, however, would protect interoffice communications between the governor and his “internal staff” for up to 10 years.

“Records would also have to be maintained and archived,” Richard said.

“Nothing can be shredded.”

Lawmakers have been proposing similar bills for more than a decade, always with opposition from sitting administrations.

Four years ago, Jindal’s administration played a key role in rewriting public records law, leading to the creation of the “deliberative process” exemption.

Sen. Rick Gallot, D-Ruston, has signed on as the co-sponsor of House Bill 19, and will be handling the legislation in the upper chamber.

Administration Plucks Hires From National Politics The days of the governor’s administration hiring communications pros from within the ranks of the Baton Rouge press corps seem to be fading.

The trend away from local press pros was started by Gov. Bobby Jindal during his first term, and he has carried it over into his second with gusto.

For example, Jindal has hired as his new deputy communications director Michael Reed, formerly head researcher for the National Republican Senatorial Committee in Washington, D.C. Also, the Education Department’s new communications director is Anna Gatlin, former domestic policy advisor to Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign.

If Jindal were building a team for the national stage, Reed and Gatlin would unarguably have the creds to play — and some of Jindal’s critics allege that he is doing just that in preparation for life outside the Mansion.

But the governor may also be beefing up communications in the departments that need it most, like education, which is battling historic lawsuits and implementing Jindal’s recently-passed vouchers and tenure restrictions.

In the Revenue Department, which will be central to Jindal’s just-as-controversial tax swap proposal, the new communications director is Douglas Baker, who was special assistant to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Likewise joining the ranks of late is Sean Lansing, who handled communications for Wisconsin’s John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 21 Coushatta Richard LaBoeuf Dharma Open mic Isle of Capri eith McCoy & CEO; Otis & Henry’s Tom Brandow L’Auberge Jack After Dark DJ Eric Scott Luna Live TBA Pujo Street Café ARTiculating Art? (6 pm)

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 Coushatta Spring Carnival in Pavilion Parking Lot; Mikko Live TJ Gautreaux Dharma Open mic (starting 8 pm) Isle of Capri Otis & Henry’s Mike Dolan & Stratton Doyle L’Auberge Throw Back with Jack: Chee Weez; Jack After Dark DJ Ariana Luna Live Thysfunctional Family & Minority Stone

karaoke Annie's 9pm Friday; Saturday Bourbonz 8pm Tuesdays Chicageaux Bar 8pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday Club 90 8pm Saturday Coolers Thursday Crickets 8:30pm Friday DeQuincy VFW 7-11pm Friday; 6-10pm Sunday

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22 Cigar Club Alien Tramp Coushatta No Idea Delta Downs Big Al Carson & The Blues Masters Dharma Oddfellows w Elephunk & Wooden Wings Isle of Capri Bernie Alan Band; Otis & Henry’s Wayne Dylan L’Auberge Event Center Matchbox Twenty; Jack After Dark DJ Eric Scott Luna Live Rosco Bandana & The Kid Carsons

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Cigar Club Ryan Bourque, Kevin Johnson & Wes Spears Coushatta Steel Shot, MuZic Unlimited, Mojeaux Delta Downs BB & Company Dharma DJ Show w DJ Jet Isle of Capri Prophets & Outlaws; Otis & Henry’s Alex Rosell L’Auberge Bag of Donuts; DJ Ariana Luna Live Brother Dege & Santaria Yesterdays LA Express w Johnny Alan

Dirty Rice Saloon 7pm Thursday Frosty Factory 9pm Thurs thru Sat Handlebars Club Tuesdays & Thursdays Huddle Up Thursdays Isle Of Capri 8pm-Midnight Wednesday Kaw-Ligas Tuesday thru Saturday Mike's Place 8pm-until M,W,F Linda's Lounge 8:30-11:30 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; 9-1 Saturday Neighborhood Bar 7pm Thursday No Name Lounge 8-Mid Friday, 7-11pm Sunday Old Town Tavern Fri/Sat Nights

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Cigar Club Brian Moore Coushatta No Idea Delta Downs Big Al Carson & The Blues Masters Dharma England in 1843 & When The Word Was Sound Isle of Capri JD Newbury & Southwind L'AubergeDJ Eric Scott Luna Live Angel Siren, Gabriels’ Last Breath and Down the Phoenix Yesterdays Damon Troy & Final Five

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 Cigar Club Ryan Bunch Coushatta Cajun Heat; Zydecane; Ambush; Mojeaux Delta Downs BB & Company Isle of Capri City Heat L’Auberge Molly Ringwalds; DJ Ariana Luna Live Stiff Necked Fools; Bujie & The Highrise Micci’s Sinners On the Rocks Angel Siren w Gabriel’s Last Breath

R-Bar 8pm Friday Sam's Cove 9pm Thursday Shorty's Ice House 9pm Friday Slim's Yesteryears 9pm Thursday Spot Bar & Grill Fridays Sports Pitt 8pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday Sulphur VFW 9pm-Mid Saturday Tiki Bar 8pm Friday Texas Longhorn Club 9pm Thursdays, 1am Fridays Fax listings to 433-8964 or edit@thelanyap.com

MILLENNIUM PARK REOPENING The City of Lake Charles will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Millennium Park, located at the south end of Bord Du Lac Drive, on Saturday, March 23, 10 am, at the main entrance shade pavilion.

There will be face painting, a children’s train ride and character balloons.

Millennium Park consists of the community-rebuilt playground area, as well as new components such as a splash park, shade pavilion, fossil dig, walking paths and other amenities.

Park hours during Summer (April-October) will be 9 am-8 pm; Winter hours (November-March) will be 9 am-5 pm.

Hopi Canteen

Lin He

LC SYMPHONY’S 55TH SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE ON APRIL 6 Conductor Bohuslav Rattay ends his third season with the symphony with a concert on Saturday, April 6, called “A Journey of Life.” The final concert of the 20122013 season will be held in the Rosa Hart Theatre at 7:30 pm. The program will include the Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor and the Symphony No. 6 in B Minor (Pathetique) by Tchaikovsky.

Lin He, the symphony’s concert master, will be soloist. Born in Shanghai, China, He began his musical training at the age of five. He received his doctorate from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied under Zvi Zeitlin.

As a soloist and chamber musician, violinist He has performed concertos with the Louisiana Sinfonietta and the Wooster Symphony. As an orchestral player, he has performed with the Shanghai Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, and New World Symphony, and has worked under the direction of Andre Previn, Leonard Slatkin, Edo de Waart, and David Zinman.

He had a solo performance at the Tanglewood Music Center in 2001. On his recent CD from Centaur Records, he performed French sonatas for violin and piano with Gregory Sioles.

Tickets to the concert are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. They can be purchased at the Symphony Office, 809 Kirby St. in room 210, the Civic Center Box Office, or at www.lcsymphony.org.

The Symphony will present its popular Discovery Series on Thursday, April 4, 5:30-7 pm. The program will include concert highlights by Rattay and musical selections by He. Light refreshments will be served. The Discovery Series costs $10 per person. For more information, call 433-1611.

'FILL THE TRUCK' FOOD DRIVE Chick-fil-A of Lake Charles, The Louisiana Bar Assoc., The Southwest Louisiana Bar Assoc. and U Haul are sponsoring the annual “Fill the Truck” food drive, to be held March 25-30. Food can be donated from 6 am to 10 pm inside Chick-fil-A, located at 3435 Nelson Road. Each person who donates three cans of food will receive one free entree. Those who donate a flat (or case) of cans will receive a free value meal.

MCNEESE, SEED CENTER COMPETITION The first McNeese SEED Center Business Pitch competition is currently underway. There will be a $1,000 prize for each winner of the following four divisions: High School, College, Technical Sector and Open. Winners will be eligible for space in the new SEED Center. Entries are due by March 31.

For complete rules and entry form, email businesspitch@mcneese.edu or visit http://app.pitchburner.com/site/mcneeseseed. Also contact Dr. Keith Credo at his College of Business office in room 130 of the Burton Business Center or by email at kcredo@mcneese.edu for more information.

BARK FOR LIFE EVENT The American Cancer Society will hold its first “Bark For Life” event Saturday, March 23, 9 am-1 pm, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Registration will begin at 8 am.

The event will celebrate the companionship dogs provide to cancer patients and survivors. Activities will include a pet and owner look-alike contest, a pet talent show, a pet costume contest and a pet fashion show.

Businesses and organizations can set up a tent or booth for food, products or games and activities that promote a carnival-like atmosphere. Additional sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. Entry fee is $20 per dog. Tent space is $50.

2013 SWLA GARDEN FESTIVAL The 2013 Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival will take place March 22 and 23, 9 am-5 pm, at the Burton Coliseum at 7001 Gulf Hwy. and Gauthier Road. The event will be an educational experience for the home gardener and the professional. It will feature plant and garden products on exhibit and for sale, a District Garden Club flower show, a plant health clinic, and talks on gardening with select speakers.

Admission is $3 and children 12 and younger attend free. Proceeds will benefit the Calcasieu Parish 4-H Youth Program. For more information, call the LSU AgCenter at 475-8812.

CHURCH BOOK SALE Church of the Good Shepherd will hold its annual book sale Friday, March 22, 8 am-6 pm; Saturday, March 23, 9 am-3 pm; and Sunday, March 24, noon3 pm. The sale will be held in the EDS gym at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 715 Kirkman St. in Lake Charles. Over 15,000 books, new and used, as well as audio books, CDs, and DVDs will be for sale. Sunday, March 24, there will be a Fill-a-Bag sale for $5. All proceeds are given to local charities.

VIETNAM VETERANS HONOR DAY EVENT The City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission will host a Vietnam Veterans Honor Day event on Saturday, March 30, 10 am, at Veterans Memorial Park on Lakeshore Drive. The event is being held to honor United States Armed Forces Vietnam War Veterans.

Guest speaker will be Calcasieu Parish District Attorney John DeRosier.

Master of ceremonies will be Britney Glaser.

Immediately following the program, there will be a picnic adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park. There will be kite flying, with kites provided for children. At 11 am, the Lake Charles Community Band will perform. For more information, call the Mayor’s Office at 491-1201.

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BANNERS PRESENTS SPENCERS: THEATRE OF ILLUSION The McNeese Banners Cultural Series will present Spencers: Theatre Of Illusion Friday, March 22, 7:30 pm, in the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Rosa Hart Theatre.

Kevin and Cindy Spencer’s Theatre of Illusion combines drama, suspense, illusions, scenery and stage magic.

Theatre of Illusion has won more than 20 national awards. The Spencers have been named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year six times, and were honored by their peers with the International Magicians of the Year award, joining the ranks of Doug Henning, Penn and Teller, and David Copperfield.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children and free to McNeese and Sowela students with a valid ID. Banners season memberships are still available, and all membership levels include reserved seating areas. People can join by calling the Banners office at 475-5123 or visiting the Banners website at www.banners.org.

SHANGRI LA ADVENTURE SERIES Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange will host several new programs as part of its Spring Saturday Adventure Series.

The hands-on programs give visitors an opportunity to explore the natural world through informative lessons and activities presented by Shangri La educators. Programs begin at 9:30 am and last about an hour.

Programs throughout March include: • March 23: Build a Birdfeeder. Create your own bird feeder to welcome back the birds of Spring. During this family-friendly program, participants will create traditional feeders and hummingbird feeders using recycled and natural materials. These take-home feeders will invite birds to your backyard.

• March 30: Morning Bird Stroll. Explore the “road less taken” at Shangri La during a morning bird sighting excursion. For first time bird spotters, this program will focus on using binoculars and field guides, while avid birders share their knowledge and expertise. Adult participants and children 10 years of age and older are welcome to attend.

Programs are free with paid admission to Shangri La. Participants are asked to meet at the Admissions Window at the scheduled event time.

An RSVP is required, as space is limited. For more information or to reserve a space, call 409-670-9799.

LUTCHER TO PRESENT ELVIS TRIBUTE The Lutcher Theater in Orange will present “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event — Elvis Lives” April 22 at 7:30 pm.

Featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, the show is a multi-media and live musical journey through Elvis’ life, depicting different stages in his career.

Tickets are $35-$65, and are available at www.lutcher.org.

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LIVE @ THE LAKEFRONT CONCLUDES

Ashes of Babylon Photo by Episode Phive

The Live @ the Lakefront series will conclude on Friday, March 22 from 6-10 pm. Ashes of Babylon and the Lochness Mobsters will close out the concert series.

Ashes of Babylon is a roots reggae group originally hailing from Lake Charles and now based out of Austin.

Ashes brings an original style of music that blends jazz, R&B, and funk. Horns are a feature of what the band describes as its “Louisiana Reggae.”

Local rock trio Lochness Mobsters play a mix of surf and upbeat garage rock. Consisting of Taylor Lumpkin, Brooks Lumpkin and Michael Chavez, the Mobsters got their start in Lake Charles, but are soon to be residents of Austin. The trio, which has been playing since 2008, has tightened into a punky party band.

Live @ the Lakefront will offer an extensive market of local artists and artisanal vendors with local art and handcrafted items for sale. Several locally owned restaurants and food trucks will be on site.

The public is encouraged to bring chairs and a blanket to put down on the promenade’s communal green space.

The Arts Council will sell Coke, wine, bottled water, and Budweiser and Miller products. All beverage sales benefit the arts in Southwest Louisiana. No pets or outside food or ice chests are allowed. In case of inclement weather, Live @ the Lakefront will take place inside the Civic Center. Live @ the Lakefront is presented by the Arts Council of SWLA, the City of Lake Charles, and Deep South Productions.

CAJUN MUSTANGERS CAR SHOW The Cajun Mustangers will host an open car show April 6 at Tarver Ford, 930 S. Beglis Parkway in Sulphur. Registration is from 8 amnoon, and is open to all types of cars.

Awards will be presented for each designated class, beginning at 3 pm.

Each participant will receive a free T-shirt, goodie bag, dash plaque and lunch ticket.

The registration fee is $20 before April 1, and $25 the day of the show.

Proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. For more info, contact Ralph Unglaube at 912-0978 or Larry Roach at 433-8504.

TIPITINA’S MUSIC CO-OP OPENS IN LC Tipitina’s Music Office Co-Op Lake Charles, 2128 Hodges Street, will hold its grand opening Tuesday, March 26, at noon.

The event will include a ceremony honoring musicians featured on the Lake Charles Music Legends display, a presentation of the Music Office Co-Op’s purpose and amenities, and an introduction to other Tipitina’s Foundation programming.

In conjunction with the grand opening, the Co-Op will present its first series of free legal aid seminars for musicians and artists. Award-winning entertainment attorney Ashlye Keaton, who leads the Tipitina’s Foundation’s ELLA Program, will be speaking and answering questions on intellectual property, copyright, trademark, sampling, touring, and other legal issues for creative professionals.

Seminars will be held at 6 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 25, 26 and 27, at Tipitina’s Music Office Co-Op. The Lake Charles Music Office Co-Op offers its members training and access to Mac and Windows computer workstations, specialized digital audio and video recording and editing equipment, a green screen “Chroma-Key” stage, conference room and classroom space, along with access to workshops and seminars. A 37-room band rehearsal facility on site, managed by Studio Network, provides instrument storage and practice space to working Lake Charles musicians.

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REEL TALK

duane bergeron

Oz: The Great And Powerful Walt Disney Pictures, Rated PG Only a handful of films have earned the title of “timeless classic.” One of those is The Wizard of Oz (1939).

Despite modern filmmaking tools and technological advances, creating a sequel or prequel to a film like The Wizard of Oz is problematic, to say the least. How could a filmmaker be true to the original concept and still add something worthy to the story? How could a producer, screenwriter or director craft anything that doesn’t cheapen or diminish the storyline?

It’s a high-stakes gamble. If the film fails, the criticism and backlash could be brutal. If it succeeds, the rewards could continue to come in long after the original theatrical run is over.

In the case of Oz: The Great and Powerful, it looks like Disney may have made such a gamble and won. It actually looks as if they’ve hit a cinematic home run. And the studio needed it, after taking a huge loss last year on the big budget John Carter fiasco.

In Kansas, in 1905, Oscar Diggs (James Franco) is a magician of dubious talent and personality in a traveling carnival. When another member of the carnival tries to attack Diggs, he manages to escape in a hot air balloon. A tornado catches his balloon in its vortex and

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sends him to a realm called Oz. After the balloon crashes, Diggs encounters a talking winged monkey, who becomes his friend and ally. Diggs comes to realize he’s “not in Kansas anymore,” and he finds it hard to accept his surroundings.

While exploring Oz, Diggs encounters a yellow brick road that leads him to a shining community called the Emerald City. While he’s there, he meets two witches — Theodora (Mila Kunis) and Evanora (Rachel Weisz). The witches, who are sisters, believe Diggs is a powerful wizard who was prophesied to come to Oz. Diggs doesn’t reveal the truth to the witches, but carries on with the charade in the hopes of getting access to Oz’s vast gold treasure.

Diggs is informed that there is a third sister — a wicked witch named Glinda (Michelle Williams.). Diggs is told that to become the king of Oz he must destroy the wicked witch. With a great deal of reluctance, he sets out to defeat the witch. But he winds up getting more than he bargained for when some of Oz’s secrets come to the surface — secrets that threaten Diggs’ life, and the entire realm, for that matter.

Oz: The Great and Powerful is a worthy prequel to the legendary movie, and its storyline dovetails nicely into the classic film. I must give credit to the screenwriters for respecting the work of Oz author L. Frank Baum without adding any material that could have damaged the concept.

This production did an outstanding job of merging art and technology. In

most effects-driven pictures, the opticals are used to impress the audience instead of contributing to the plot. The computer-generated visuals here create breathtaking scenery with a very impressive amount of realism. The effects here serve as an intricate part of the film, and heavily contribute to the storytelling. Viewing this movie in 3D is highly recommended, though admission prices for 3D showings are slightly higher.

Credit for making this prequel work also goes to the director and lead actor.

Franco is used to working on effects features, having been in the first three Spider Man films. He has worked before with director Sam Raimi, who directed the aforementioned Spider Man projects.

Their chemistry contributed substantially to making the personality of Franco’s character sympathetic yet slimy at the same time. Raimi knows his way around big budget filmmaking, and has an impressive track record.

With special effects and a script that pays homage to the time-honored masterpiece, Oz: The Great and Powerful will eventually earn its way to the title classic. But it will never overshadow the beloved film of 1939.

MOUNTED MEMORIES

rocke "soybean" fournet

Getting Into Fishing Mode Need some motivation to get you into Spring fishing mode? If the following story doesn’t nudge you off the couch, you might need to check your blood pressure.

With improved weather conditions and more normal rainfall levels, Spring fishing is off and running.

There have already been some major league hawgs caught. Toledo Bend has been off the charts, with fantastic numbers and awesome size, too.

If you’ve got the fishing itch, relief is just a Toledo Bend trip away.

Mike McDonald headed north for a little rest and recuperation to recharge his batteries. He knew exactly how to get some relief.

A cold front had just blown through, but a warming trend was in the forecast.

Mike was on the water after the warming trend started and was just glad to be there.

By the time the day ended, he had a smile etched on his face that lasted for days. Life is good.

The fish were stacked in 25 ft. of water, and a Carolina-rigged fluke was the ticket. Mike was in the zone. This is the place fishermen dream of, where you can do no wrong and all your choices are right.

Mike had already logged in a super trip, catching and releasing beaucoup solid bass. When he set the hook on this one,

It's Time For The

Mike McDonald

Alana Fournet

though, he knew it was something special.

He hung on for dear life, slow-playing a giant bass that stripped drag and pretty much went where it wanted to go.

Eventually the fish tired, and Mike boated the biggest bass he has ever caught.

This fish was big dog, topping a heavy list of lunker bass Mike has outsmarted over a long and illustrious fishing career.

He released the fish, a 12-lb. bass of a lifetime, after a quick picture. It is a special feeling to catch a double-digit fish, and equally as rewarding to watch it swim away.

Banded birds provide a wealth of

Alyssa Foreman

information to experts tracking their behavior and travel routes.

Migratory waterfowl travel incredible distances and cover many miles as they migrate south to their wintering grounds. It is a thrill to take a bird that is banded, and c’est bon lagniappe to receive information on the history of your special bird.

Thomas Leonards harvested a prized specklebelly this year, and, lo and behold, it was banded. Thomas did the right thing in reporting the band number as requested. It turns out this particular bird had quite an extensive history.

Thomas’ specklebelly had logged many miles on an amazing journey. At two years of age, this goose was banded in Alaska in 2008. He had successfully trav-

Jacqueline Landry

eled to Louisiana for seven seasons. It was an incredible accomplishment, and a testament to the survival skills of these magnificent birds.

Check out the students of the year.

These outstanding students serve as positive role models for today’s youth at every level. The elementary winner is Alana Fournet, who attends LeBleu Settlement.

Alyssa Foreman represents the Middle School division. She attends Moss Bluff Middle. Jacqueline Landry was tops in high school, and is a leader at Barbe High. Alana and Alyssa are first cousins. It must run in the family!

Congratulations to these bright, upand-coming students. They deserve recognition for making the right choices. They are our future, and it is all good.

LUNKERS If you catch and release come by and see our life-like creative poses on reproductive mounts.

433-7981 • 2719 KIRKMAN STREET March 21, 2013

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SARRO ON SPORTS

rick sarro

Shifting Gears No this isn’t a column on NASCAR or any other form of auto racing. I just needed to borrow the phrase to describe how I must now switch my attention from basketball back to the football — even though around here we are never that far from thinking, arguing, pondering, rumoring, tweeting or facebooking about football.

I know it’s March Madness, and I am prepping for an interesting tournament that could be loaded with upsets. This time around, I won’t have a blue and gold angle for the NCAA Women’s dance, much less an NIT or a dot.com post-season event for the McNeese men.

For the first time in two years, the McNeese Cowgirls are not the Southland Conference Tournament Champions. They will not be flying off to a faraway NCAA regional. You can thank simple odds and Oral Roberts for that.

The Cowgirls slipped by ORU in close, hard-fought nail biters in the regular season, but succumbed to the dreaded “can you beat the same team three times in one season” dilemma by falling to the tournament’s top-seeded Golden Eagles in the SLC semi finals 79-66 in Katy, Texas.

The ORU ladies were lounging around Katy for two days with early tournament byes, while the Cowgirls were forced to play from day one. The Cowgirls had two games in two days weighing on their legs before round three with Oral Roberts.

McNeese coach Brooks Donald Williams wasn’t whining or complaining about the brackets or having to climb the four-gamesin-four-days mountain for a return the NCAA Tournament. The Cowgirls simply did not win the games they had to win in the regular season to improve their lot in post-season life.

Two seasons ago,,,,, we were writing headlines and chasing down interviews as the Cowgirls won their first SLC Tournament title and a first NCAA berth.

They were off to face no. 1 seeded — and eventual national champion — Texas A & M Lady Aggies.

In 2011/12 came a repeat as SLC champs and a 14th seed in the NCAA. The Cowgirls dropped a close first-round matchup to Kentucky in Ames, Iowa.

While the McNeese ladies were

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The biggest pickup for the Saints so far this offseason is former Pittsburgh Steeler cornerback and New Orleans native Keenan Lewis, who led the league with 23 passes broken up and is considered a top tier cover corner.

exploring NCAA frontiers into which no Cowgirl had ever ventured before, the Cowboys had gained passage to the post season via the NIT (hosting Boston College in 2011) and then the little-known CollegeInside.com tournament in 2012.

Both ended in first-round losses, but the Cowboys were still playing hoops deep into March.

The Cowgirls, with a decent 18-14 overall record this season, are hoping to hear from the WNIT or WBI tournaments offering a chance to stay in uniform. It’s not the NCAA, but it’s post-season basketball.

How quickly we get spoiled. And spoiled this region has been with the immense talents and basketball moxie provided by Ashlyn and Caitlyn Baggett for the past four years. The Iota twins broke individual records, as well as team career marks, and helped hang two impressive championship banners from the rafters at Burton Coliseum. They pumped life into Cowgirls basketball and boosted attendance records. The Baggetts are unequivocally the

two best women’s basketball players ever to play for McNeese, and it will be hard to imagine this program without those two amazing, pony-tailed backcourt mates running the show.

When the gym keys are locked away, then it’s back to football for the rest of March, at least before baseball garners some divided attention.

Fans from here to Lafayette to Baton Rouge and New Orleans are never far from football, despite what the calendar says.

March means madness 100 yards long in the form of spring practice in the college ranks and the free agent season in the NFL. McNeese and LSU have been in helmets and shorts for some time now, with many story lines playing out.

Cowboy head coach Matt Viator’s top priority is rebuilding an offensive line that lost four senior starters last season (the lone returnee is senior guard Arinze Agada).

Viator will be depending on defensive coordinator Mike Collins to find three new starters in a depleted secondary, as well.

Gone are one cornerback (Seth Thomas) and three safeties (Malcolm Bronson, Ford Smesny and Chris Raggett).

A solid secondary core will be built around team MVP Terence Cahee and Ryan Bronson at safety, along with Guy Morgan, Gabe Hammer and Aaron Sam at the corners. Expect to see some redshirt or maybe even freshmen talent in the mix.

The Cowboys leader in all purpose yards is gone, as well. Receiver/punt returner Darius Carey and all his production must be replaced, along with receivers DeVionte Edmonson and Damion Dixon.

McNeese has hands to throw to, with the return of three veteran senior receivers Wes Briscoe, Ernest Celestie and Diontae Spencer. Attention and reps this spring will go to redshirt freshman Damon Gladney, a highly touted former all state signee out of Haughton.

This will be another spring that includes four FBS transfers.

Topping that list is former LSU tight end Nic Jacobs, who is slotted to replace the departed Josh Jordan. The 6 ft., 5 in., 260 pound Jacobs won’t be the vertical threat Jordan was, but he has proven that his hands are more than capable, and his blocking is a major strength.

Viator is breaking in three transfers from across the Texas border: running back Jontrey Tillman from the University of Houston, UT-San Antonio cornerback Ja’Len James and ex-TCU receiver David Bush. All three players will add muchneeded ball skills and depth to the positions.

This will be an unusual spring for the Cowboys, as it’s all quiet on the quarterback front. Senior Cody Stroud is firmly entrenched as the starter, coming off a season in which he improved in all major statistical categories.

Stats tell only half the story. Stroud solidified his leadership role of the offense and quieted critics over issues such as too many sacks, poor reads and poor throws.

He has also won over his head coach, which, from the quarterback position, is not easy to do.

In Baton Rouge, the veil of spring practice secrecy has meant that only morsels and nuggets of information have gotten out from behind Les Miles’ media

ban and press barriers.

First, it’s a no brainer that realigning a defense that lost eight starters to the NFL is job one.

Second, new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will bring his NFL resume and playbook to bear on an offense that is in dire need of creativity, urgency and a new identity. I know that’s some pretty broad language, but I trust Cameron will fill in the blanks with a short passing game that utilizes the running backs and tight ends. No one has TV video or even YouTube fare, but word is up tempo, and the no-huddle is part of Cameron’s plan.

This offense must finally deliver on the promise of balance between the run and pass.

And third, there is no quarterback controversy. Zach Mettenberger will be the senior starter. Period.

The “official” start of the new NFL season was ushered in with the opening of free agency. Front offices around the league have been buzzing with big name deals and a slew of star veterans with name appeal still looking for new homes.

The New Orleans Saints have been somewhat quiet on the free agency, but it’s hard for a team to make buying spree noise when it’s $4.25 million over the NFL salary cap of $123 million, as the Saints were when the market opened up last week.

The Saints’ top free agent signings won’t be hitting or tackling anyone.

Owner Tom Benson finally got commissioner Roger Goodell out of his hair and out of the way so he could re-sign head coach Sean Payton to a new multi, multimillion-dollar long-term contract.

Payton, free from the shackles of Goodell and the NFL, made his most important free agent acquisition in securing the ego, bravado, girth and silver locks of one Rob Ryan as his new defensive coordinator.

On the player front, the Saints surely wanted all pro left tackle Jermon Bushrod back under contract, but they did not want to “over extend” (their words, not mine).

The Chicago Bears had the money and the holes on the line, so they lured Bushrod up north for $5 million a year.

That’s a big loss, and a big hole to fill on Drew Brees’ blind side. Remember, this free agency market thing lasts a good stretch, and repeats itself in another form once training camps open and more cuts, trades and player moves occur.

It’s like Ground Hog Day every March. Every year the Saints’ defense needs to be infused with bigger, faster and more talented players than what they have.

2013 is no different.

A suspended Payton saw from a distance how bad his defense got in 2012, giving up an NFL record 7,300 yards in offense. His to-do list began with switching defensive coordinators and finding some cornerbacks.

The first major player signing was Pittsburgh Steelers free agent cornerback Keenan Lewis, who agreed to a five-year, $26 million contract. It reportedly included a $6 million bonus and $10 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old New Orleans native was a third-round draft pick out of Oregon State. At 6 ft., 1 in., and 200 pounds, Lewis isn’t high on anyone’s interception list, but he led the league with 23 passes broken up, and is considered a top tier cover corner.

Reports out of New Orleans have the Saints actively pursuing free agent cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha, formerly of the Eagles, and ex-Vikings veteran Antoine Winfield. Both are on the market and have all pro resumes.

Locker room leadership was aided with the re-signing of veteran defenders defensive end Will Smith and linebacker Jonanthan Vilma. Both agreed to less pay in hopes of making the roster.

Tight end David Thomas and cornerback Johnny Patrick were released, while linebacker Junior Galette was resigned, along with linebacker Justin Drescher. Ryan is loading up on linebackers for the switch to the 3-4 defensive scheme.

Free agent backup quarterback Chase Daniel will take his clipboard skills to Kansas City, where he will cheer on new starter Alex Smith with the Chiefs.

This may finally prompt Payton and GM Mickey Loomis into seriously seeking a possible heir apparent to Drew Brees. Or a veteran quarterback who can take the offensive reins if, God forbid, Brees ever has to sit for any reason.

Decisions still have to be made on several players, including running back Chris Ivory (I say keep him), receiver Devery Henderson (trade him), linebacker Scott Shanle (trade him), defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (keep him for now) and receiver/returner Courtney Roby (undecided).

My hunch is that the Saints will sign either Asomugha or Winfield and pick up a veteran free agent quarterback willing to sit behind Brees.

So, as you can see, it’s March, and it’s still football season.

I did fill out my NCAA Tournament bracket, though.

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ELECTRICIAN

PIANO LESSONS

N O N - S T O P MUSIQUE- DJ for weddings, birthdays, clubs, reunions. New Year's and Mardi Gras parties, large or small venue.

Old/new school, R&B, rap, blues, zydeco, and karaoke, ADJA certified, competitive rates.

Call Ron at 337-3091412 k1004

SEAWARD ELECTRIC, LLC-Licensed, bonded, and insured.

"Our prices won't shock you, but our quality will" Call 337249-6443 k0906 _________________

PIANO LESSONS AGES 6 TO ADULT. CALL 625-5397 ph0401 _________________

pets DOG GROOMING NOW AVAILABLE AT BARK PARK Two professional groomers are here to serve you.

Boarding and day care are also available. Ask about our other wonderful services to pamper your pooch .

Located at 4121 Nelson Rd. or call 478-4300 k0816

services HOUSE LEVELING, HOUSE LIFTING. CALL ONE STOP CONSTRUCTION. Sill and truss replacement, foundation repair, general remodeling, etc.

References available, free estimates, licensed and insured. All work is warrantied. Call us at 337-309-7301. k0920

services UPHOLSTERY BOAT UPHOLSTERY and top repairs, motorcycles, convertible and more. AAA Glass & Upholstery, 1810 E. Prien Lake Road or CALL 337-564-4125

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SALES RED & BLEACH STAIN REMOVERS, CARPET DYES, CERAMIC TILE CLEANERS. Powerful truck mounts and portables. We manufacture all. NAMCO. Call Ron or Brian. 1800-634-5816 ph _________________

announcements

services LAWN SERVICE S & S Lawn Service ~ For mowing and trimming, and all your lawn and garden needs; both commercial and residential. We are licensed and insured, and welcome free estimates. For a yard your neighbors will envy, call David at 884.0342 or 588.4000 k1018 _________________

services CAR WASH

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announcements RV PARK/LAKE SPRING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, that means camping season in SWLA! 25 minutes north of Lake Charles, Longville Lake Park110 acre scenic stocked pond with boat launch. Full RV hookups available. Call or come by for your campground reservations! 337-725-3395 7115 Hwy 110 East, Longville, LA. _________________

HAIR SALON COUNTRY CLUB HAIR - Where a haircut still comes with a lollipop and a smile.

Over 25 years in business. Walk-ins welcome. Located on 1214 Country Club Rd. Open Tuesday-Friday 8:30-5:30, Saturdays 8am-2pm. Call 4744722 k0906 _________________

BOAT & RV STORAGE

Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Land Clearing, Demolition, Crane Work, Debris Hauling.

Bonded. Insured.

License AR 1604 337-884-6881

J O S E P H ’ S LIMESTONE Limestone or Calbase $160 for 2 tons; $250 for 4 tons; and $350 for 6 tons. Also 4 yards of sand or topsoil for only $125, or 14 tons of bottom ash for $300. Ponds dug and excavation work completed.

We do dozer, tractor, and concrete work as well as house pads, culvert installation and even demolition.

Best prices, hauling available every single day. Free estimates! Call 437.1143. n0816

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services LO-KEY HAND CAR WASH. COMPLETE DETAIL $50. All passenger vehicles, includes: wash, wax, shampoo carpets and seats, Armor All and much more. 3207 Broad Street, 337-3772850. k

CONTRACTORS

CONTRACTORS

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SHEAR PAWFECTION PET GROOMING 2924 Summer Place Drive, Sulphur, off Houston River Road, call 337-528-5910.

Appointment only.

"Where All The Pampered Pets Go!"

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BOAT & RV STORAGE - 6102 COMMON STREET. SECURED STORAGE! Call 337564-5377 cr _________________

services A/C & HEATING CONTACT ALL SEASONS AIR & HEAT in Lake Charles.

We offer sales and service for all makes and models of heaters and air conditioners. Our team of contractors provides residential and commercial heating and cooling services. Call today! 337855-1446 k1220

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PLACE YOUR AD CALL KENNY AT 433-8502 TODAY! class@thelanyap.com _________________

FALL LANDSCAPE PACKAGES for every budget! We use state of the art software to show you what your landscape can look like. $100 OFF any new landscape project when you mention Lagniappe! SWLA Lawn and Landscape Licensed, Bonded, Insured 337-625-5625 K1018

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services ELECTRONIC E X C A L I B U R INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS - "If it's electronic, I can fix it"Excellent service at an exceptional cost. Full on-site services for all your technology needs!

Excalibur ITS.com or call Ivan at 337-912-1490 k1220 _________________

stuff 4 sale TRAILERS

Trailers Aluminum, Steel, Horse, Stock Motorcycle, Cargo, Gooseneck, Bumper, Lowboy, Equipment

GARAGE SALE! Saturday, March 16th from 7am-2pm Appliances, Baby items, books, mens & womens clothing/accessories, scrapbook items, shoes, miscellaneous 2703 Bank St. Lake Charles

OVERKILL SALVAGE "If it's sunk, we can get it up!"

Call Today!

337-309-7301

services

services

SALES

ELECTRONIC

NEED PART-TIME, NEAT, AGGRESSIVE SALESPERSON. Draw plus commission, plus gas. Flexible working hours. Call today 1-800-6345816, ask for Ron Wiggins. ph _________________

E X C A L I B U R INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Systems-"If it's electronic, I can fix it"Excellent service at an exceptional cost. Full on-site services for all your technology needs!

Excalibur ITS.com or call Ivan at 337-912-1490 k1220

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services LAWN & GARDEN S&S LAWN CARE for your mowing and trimming needs call David at 337-884-0342 or 337-588-4000 k0517 _________________

services FENCING FENCEMAKERS We build chainlink, barbed, privacy, electric, net, wooden, and security fences, free estimates.

Call David today at 337-375-4747. k0920 _________________

services HOME REPAIR ALL TYPES OF ROOFING, siding, mobile home skirting, licensed and bonded.

Call Jimmy today at 337-499-7807. ph _________________

Mark Pedersen Equipment Co. 337-436-2497 an

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Southwest SW Manufactured HOMES & RV'S Housing, Inc. NEW • USED • REPOS • SALES & SERVICE

LAND/HOME PACKAGES

ZERO DOWN TO QUALIFIED BUYERS Corner of Hwy 90 and Hwy 171

www.swhomeslc.com 436-5593

services LAWN & GARDEN HINTON AND MOSS LAWN SERVICELicensed, bonded, and insured. Residential and commercial. Free estimates, call 337515-5255 k1004 _________________

Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Land Clearing, Demolition, Crane Work, Debris Hauling.

Bonded. Insured.

License AR 1604 337-884-6881 g0502-2012

PERSONAL TRAINING Erick FranklinHead Trainer at The Gym. Offering customized workout plans for Jr. High to College aged athletes looking to improve.

Strength & Conditioning, Wide Receiver Training, Agility & Conditioning classes available, including many more!

AFFORDABLE RATES. 337-660-5717

1998 Ford Transit Van 7.3 Diesel, Handicapped Lift

12007 900 Vulcan Saddlebags, Windshield, 10k Miles

$5995

$5995

2010 Chevy 4-Door 3500 Pickup, Welding Bed, 5 Speed

2012 Skeeter 15' Bass Boat, Trailer & 40hp Yahama Trolling Motor

$3995

$4995

stuff 4 sale

WOW! 2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FATBOY 9000 miles, garage kept, lots of custom and chrome, only $8500. CALL 337302-0016 _________________

Start an Exciting Career in Emergency Communications Entry Level $24,900 year w/benefits Apply at 911 Hodges Street, 2nd floor.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Buy Here - Pay Here The Little Dealer Where Everybody Rides 0% Financing WAC

217-3000 • 794-0765 March 21, 2013

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services

announcements

MISC. SERVICES

HAIR SALON

Sell that Junk Car for Cash! I will buy your junk car, truck, van, motor home, or trailer. I also buy ATV’s, motorcycles, and even farm equipment. Even if it’s not running, you can make from $400 to $600. Clean your yard up, and decide what you’ll spend your extra money on! HELP WANTED Experienced mechanic needed.

Call now at 526.9533. k1018

NEW! CUSTOM CABINET SHOP Custom Countertops Affordable Pricing Professional Custom Woodwork Entire Lake Charles Area

302-6903 PLACE YOUR AD CALL KENNY AT 433-8502 TODAY! class@thelanyap.com _________________

COUNTRY CLUB HAIR - Where a haircut still comes with a lollipop and a smile.

Over 25 years in business. Walk-ins welcome. Located on 1214 Country Club Rd. Open Tuesday-Friday 8:30-5:30, Saturdays 8am-2pm. Call 4744722 k0816 _________________

3 ACRES ELEVATED LAND GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD $37,500 PER ACRE OR MAKE OFFER

DOWN ON THE BAYOU

RARE COINS Gold & Silver Coins Currency Mint & Proof Sets All Coins Graded w/Photograde I BUY COLLECTIONS

KEMBLE GUILLORY CALL 802-5402

SOUTH LAKE CHARLES 478-2386 884-2386

PLACE YOUR AD CALL KENNY AT 433-8502 TODAY! class@thelanyap.com _________________

services FENCING FENCEMAKERS We build chainlink, barbed, privacy, electric, net, wooden, and security fences, free estimates.

Call David today at 337-375-4747. k0920 _________________

Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Land Clearing, Bonded. Insured.

License AR 1604 337-884-6881 g0502-2012

real estate MOBILE HOMES

services PLUMBING RAPHAEL BENOIT CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS - Home improvements, Remodeling & Additions. New Home Construction. Serving SWLA since 1993.

Call Raphael Benoit at 337-802-6522 k0816 _________________

MOBILE HOME TO BE MOVED. 3/2, BO over $8,000. Camper for rent. All bills paid. 2 acre lot south of Lake Charles. 477-6243 or 564-5859 gpnmr _________________ PLACE YOUR AD HERE AND START GETTING RESULTS! CALL KENNY AT 433-8502 TODAY class@thelanyap.com _________________

PAPER HEROES Buying U.S. Coins & Currency

Gold, Silver, Coins & Sets

MAGIC THE GATHERING TOURNAMENTS HELD WEEKLY

services CONSTRUCTION

BOUCHER & SON'S CONSTRUCTION ~ YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT COMPANY! Give us call for all your construction, carpentry, painting, and damage repairs. Licensed, Bonded, and Insured.

Member of the Better Business Bureau.

Give Tom a call at 337-474-2844 (office) or 337-842-1455 (cell) AND SEE HOW AFFORDABLE UPGRADING YOUR HOME CAN BE! 474.2844. k0313 _________________

services SALES NEED PART-TIME, NEAT, AGGRESSIVE SALESPERSON. Draw plus commission, plus gas. Flexible working hours. Call today 1-800-6345816, ask for Ron Wiggins. ph _________________

478-2143 3941 Ryan Street, Lake Charles

Larry A. Roach, Inc. A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION

Accidents • Wrongful Death Serious Personal Injury Criminal, Domestic Law Cases

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Laundry W rld Larry A. Roach (1932-2003) Barry A. Roach • Larry A. Roach, Jr. Fred C. "Bubba" LeBleu • David M. Hudson

2917 Ryan St. • Lake Charles (337) 433-8504 • Fax (337) 433-3196 74

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Do Your Laundry in 4 Minutes!

2 minutes to drop off 2 minutes to pick up 4319 Common St. • 474-8748 2501 Hwy 14 • 433-7503

Professional Wash, Dry, Fold/Hang Service Dry Cleaning Available PUT US TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY!

announcements WE WILL BUY! SELL THAT JUNK CAR FOR CASH! I will buy your junk car, truck, van, motor home, or trailer. I also buy ATV’s, motorcycles, and even farm equipment. Even if it’s not running, you can make from $400 to $600. Clean your yard up, and decide what you’ll spend your extra money on! HELP WANTED Experienced mechanic needed.Call now at 526.9533. k1018 _________________

services AUTO REPAIR

YOUR SOURCE LAWN & GARDEN TIRES 477-9850 478-6565 527-6355 "People you trust, products you depend on"

services KNOX FENCE

PERSONAL TRAINING Erick FranklinHead Trainer at The Gym. Offering customized workout plans for Jr. High to College aged athletes looking to improve.

Strength & Conditioning, Wide Receiver Training, Agility & Conditioning classes available, including many more!

AFFORDABLE RATES. 337-660-5717

FLIGHT TRAINING! VISION AVIATION, LLC; LICENSED INSTRUCTOR(S).

Fly to new heights with our one of a kind “Discovery Flight” to see the sights for only $65!

Makes a unique and adventurous gift. Gift Certificates available now. Call and reserve your fun at 478.7722. k2013apr

Don’t blend in, make your home stand out with a customized fence.

Choose your own design or one of ours. We also do chainlink, ornamental, aluminum and iron fencing. Can install electric or solar gate operators. Call for a free estimate. Licensed and insured, 20+ years of experience.

Ask for Steve at 337.540.6973 k0621

JUNK CARS SELL THAT JUNK CAR FOR CASH! I will buy your junk car, truck, van, motor home, or trailer. I also buy ATV’s, motorcycles, and even farm equipment. Even if it’s not running, you can make from $400 to $600. Clean your yard up, and decide what you’ll spend your extra money on! Call now at 526.9533. k1018 _________________ PLACE YOUR AD HERE! CALL KENNY AT 433-8502 TODAY! class@thelanyap.com _________________

classified FULL-TIME SATELLITE TECHNICIANS NEEDED for well-established company.

Paid training, $500 sign on bonus, paid weekly.

Call Josh @ 888-959-9675 or submit resume to careers@satcountry.com

services DOORS

FINANCING AVAILABLE!

WHY PAY MORE FOR DOORS 800 instock Doors Windows & More. 489-4313 csta15 _________________

Cash for Junk Cars Need Extra Cash?

WE ARE NOW BUYING CARS • TRUCKS VANS • ATV’S • MOTORCYCLES

services BOAT & RV STORAGE BOAT & RV STORAGE - 6102 COMMON STREET. SECURED STORAGE! Call 337564-5377 cr _________________

2000 LEXUS ES 300 JUST IN! 4-door, good one, come drive it!

2007 SUZUKI FORENZA Tan, 84k, good one!

2005 KIA OPTIMA Silver, gas saver, runs great, come drive it!

2004 BUICK LESABRE Beige, 94k!

2003 DODGE NEON Red, 100k miles, runs good, come drive it!

5 OTHER VEHICLES WITH 30+ MPG! These and more quality vehicles... call Luke Papania today at 302-2912!

803 E. McNeese • 337-562-9211

Also Motor Homes, Trailers and Farm Equipment. Not running? You can still make $400 and up! Get your yard cleaned up while deciding how you’ll spend your extra money!

CALL 526-9533

classified k0621

HWY 90 CONSIGNMENT STORAGE Cars • Trucks • Boats • RV's Mobile Homes • Vans Safe and Secure Storage forThose Big Items in Your Way! CONSIGNMENT: Your items can be put up for consignment to make that extra money when you decide you no longer need storage for you item. Good prices, and large customer base to purchase any items you store with us.

Call now and make some room OR some cash for your items: 337.526.2533

FULL TIME SATELLITE TECHNICIANS NEEDED for well-established company.

Paid Training, $500 sign on bonus, paid weekly.

Call Josh @ 888-959-9675 or submit resume to careers@satcountry.com March 21, 2013

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HOUSE LEVELING LIFTING AND MOVING GUARANTEED 2-YEAR WARRANTY FOR ALL LABOR AND MATERIALS! Foundation Repair • Concrete Slab Stabilization Licensed, Bonded and Insured • References

classified

CALL ONE STOP www.onestophouseleveling.com

337-309-7301

LEGEND LANDSCAPES Licensed & Insured For ALL your landscaping needs!

Call 337-499-4664 announcements DINING OUT

SHOP A-LOT DELI NOW SERVING OYSTERS! Drive-Thru Daiquiri Window Longer Dining Hours M-F 10AM-6PM SAT 10AM-4PM

2707 HAZEL 433-2135

real estate MOBILE HOMES MOBILE HOME TO BE MOVED. 3/2, BO over $8,000. Camper for rent. All bills paid. 2 acre lot south of Lake Charles. 477-6243 or 564-5859 gpnmr _________________

services SALES NEED PART-TIME, NEAT, AGGRESSIVE SALESPERSON. Draw plus commission, plus gas. Flexible working hours. Call today 1-800-6345816, ask for Ron Wiggins. ph _________________

Call Samantha @ Rhino Real Estate

337-304-6686 337-433-9434 Our Address: 1027 Enterprise Lake Charles, LA 70601 1010 Enterprise Blvd.-$179,000 3 bed/2 bath. Wood floors, fireplaces, sits on four lots. Great commercial potential with plenty of parking, updated electrical and plumbing.

2 New Lots For Sale-Drive by 709 16th Street for the low price of $9,000 or see the Dovick Rd. lot with more space, only $19,000.

Charming Home In Sulphur-$55,000. 3 bed/1 bath located on close to a full acre. Go by and have a look at this ideal family home at 1301 Sherwood, call for appointment viewing.

738 Kirkman St.-4 bed/3.5 bath around 3500 sq. feet, Bonus 1000 sq. feet on 3rd floor ready to finish out. Features FOUR fireplaces! Wood floors, updated kitchen and baths, pocket doors, walk-in closets, new paint, electrical and plumbing for $269,500.

759 Louisiana Ave-House with 4 apartments which bring in $1600 income sitting on an acre downtown. House has lots of potential, negotiable $249,900. OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE. 2203 Walker St. Westlake. 3/2 1650 living, 2 big living areas.

New paint throughout, new carpet in bedrooms and wood vinyl in living areas. $145,000 115 Orchard 2/2 1750 living, 1/2 acre in the middle of town.

2 car garage, crown molding, ceramic throughout.

Everything remodeled! This one will go FAST, A MUST SEE! $164,500

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donations

companies that care

UNITED WAY DONATIONS LCMH Employees Employees of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital recently donated $22,621 to United Way of Southwest Louisiana during the agency’s fundraising campaign.

Ginger Consigney, director of human resources, LCMH; Larry Graham, president and CEO, LCMH; Mary Matte, human resource manager, LCMH; and Kimberly Fry, resource development associate for United Way of SWLA.

Grace Employees Employees of Grace recently donated $126,842 to United Way of Southwest Louisiana during its fundraising campaign.

Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Louisiana; and Grace employees Todd Montie, operator; Julie Vincent, operator; Lisa Borel, executive assistant; and Tina Trahan, office manager.

Iberiabank Employees of Iberiabank recently presented United Way of Southwest Louisiana with a check for $34,333.

Pictured from left, Phil Earhart, market president; Angel Mefford, retail support specialist; Jason Martinez, vice president and business banking relationship manager, all from Iberiabank; and Kimberly Fry, resource development associate for United Way of SWLA.

First Federal Employees of First Federal Bank recently donated $25,755 to United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

Pictured are Vicki Sisson, First Federal assistant vice president; Jim White, First Federal executive vice president; and Kimberly Fry, resource development associate for United Way of SWLA.

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win up to $ 10,000 in CASH! Fridays and Saturdays in March Drawings will be held every hour from 9:00pm to 11:00pm.

Each winner could take home up to $10,000 in cold, hard cash!

connect with us

I-10, Exit 27 Lake Charles, LA • 1-800-THE-ISLE (843-4753) www.isleofcapricasinos.com © 2013 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Valid only at Isle of Capri® Casino Hotel Lake Charles. Must be 21 or older and a Fan Club ® member.

See the Fan Club for details. Subject to change without notice. Isle of Capri employees and their immediate family members are not eligible. Disregard if prohibited from visiting a Louisiana casino.