The Cool Cat in the Hat by Lagniappe Magazine

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September 19, 2013

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DAY & NIGHT SWAMP TOURS AVAILABLE! RV PARK

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contents

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LAGNIAPPE MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 • VOLUME 31 NUMBER 18

24 24 THE COOL CAT IN THE HAT Brad Goins talks with the Lake Area’s premier outdoor advertising man, Rock Hardy, about the early days of his career, why he made the move to Lake Charles in the early 1970s, and his group of close friends, all up-and-coming young businessmen whom Hardy calls “young turks,” who would meet in the iconic Black Angus restaurant. 32 SENIOR HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE Lake Charles’ John Poche talks about winning three golds, a silver and a fifth place in the National Senior Games over the summer; planning and saving for retirement 36 FALL BRIDAL A complete wedding prep checklist; why many brides are choosing their shoes for the big day first, then selecting the dress that shows them off to best advantage; making the often difficult transition from single to couple; the importance of engagement photos 45 PARTNERS IN EDUCATION An overview of the Partners In Education program and its impact on SWLA schools. 54 DISC GOLF A look at Sam Houston Jones’ new disc golf course and the lowdown on the new sport. 58 SMALL BUSINESS REPORT Profiles of some of the area’s top small businesses and a special report on the SEED Center.

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 Rose Sauls Distribution Manager Edward Frazer Contributing Writers Jeremy Alford Dr. Dale Archer Duane Bergeron Angie Kay Dilmore Todd Elliott Pierre Fontenot Rocke Fournet Arthur Hebert John Maginnis Rick Sarro Chuck Shepherd Vic Wukovits

66 HUNTING SEASON PREVIEW That all-important “funny feeling” — paying attention to your sixth sense; the tale of the “unicorn deer;” handling and preventing misfires; a flashback 1987 column from Terry Shaughnessy about the life of a “stunt duck.”

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.

63 MOSS BLUFF ALL-STARS Though they didn’t get hardly any media attention, the Moss Bluff All-Stars won the Dixie Youth World Series this summer in dominating fashion.

departments 6 10 12 14

Up Front Pierre Sez Taking Charge Political Notebook

16 18 20 22

LA Politics News Roundup Weird News File 13

77 What's Happening 81 Reel Talk 82 Sarro On Sports 91 Uncle P's September 19, 2013 LAGNIAPPE

front Ready To Fire Not long ago, the Up Fronter reviewed the first CD by local band The Loaded 44RZ. The band has stayed in business and just dropped a new, full-length, high-octane CD titled Ready To Fire. It’s not going to be possible to pigeonhole this one into a single musical genre. Ready To Fire is about equal parts rockabilly, Southern rock and old school electric guitar country. Those are the three big sounds on this disc. But there are plenty of nods to shockabilly, punk, thrash and electric blues. Loren Cooper’s vocals have a nice strong shockabilly twang. They veer between the humorous and the slightly unsettling. Just like the instrumental music on the CD, the vocals are tight and often have a slightly raunchy edge. Cooper starts the shockabilly humor off early in the second cut, “Just Can’t Settle Down.” It’s an upbeat and exuberant slice, with the musicians having fun while keeping their precision. Things stay highadrenaline with the next cut, “Tumbleweed,” a speedy rockabilly guitar workout that’s like a Southern rock version of the old bluegrass and guitar duels on Hee Haw. For more of this type of speedy rockabilly, try cut 5, “Mustard Gas.” Cooper hits the creepy, funny shockabilly vocal note again in “The Ballad of Booger Ross,” in which he sounds like a mutant mix of Tony Joe South and Rob Zombie. Booger is a larger-than-life figure who eats buckets of grits and a buttered bear claw and drinks gallons of coffee every morning for breakfast. There’s a real ballad in cut 11, “Saying Goodbye.” Here, the disc’s strongest melodies are given a country blues delivery with some effective lounge touches that are easy on the ears. Enjoy the powerful make-it-sing blues guitar solo in this cut. In the seventh cut, “You’re Sinking,” band members show their hands and make it clear they’ve listened to a few punk records in their day. Those punk influences make themselves felt again in “Just A Little Thought” and, especially, in “Creamed Corn,” which I would say almost creates a new genre: something like mathematical metal thrash bluegrass. It may be hard to imagine, but like everything else on this record, it sounds good and tight and accessible. These musicians came to the studio ready to play (or as they would have it, I guess, ready to fire). Ready To Fire is an unusual but effective mix that will please fans of everyone from

Roy Clark to Johnny Cash to Bad Brains to The Reverend Horton Heat. It’s ideal music for driving or working out or just sitting back and sipping single malt. This is a very string-heavy record with quite a few instrumentals. Cooper plays guitar in addition to laying down the vocals. Troy Dering plays nylon and electric guitars and the all-important banjo. There are also stand-up basses here; those are plucked by Steve Dufrene and Mike Chavez. Chavez also plays electric bass. Well-known local musician Kory Fontenot does a lot of stuff here, including performing on a lap steel. As you can see, the instrumentation is just right for old school country and rockabilly. You can get more info at loaded44rz.com, where you can also buy the record. The music is for sale on iTunes too.

About Town The Calcasieu Parish Public Library is now offering the Library To-Go program for those who can’t visit the library due to illness or physical limitations, including temporary illnesses. Patrons can register with Library To-Go to get free delivery of library materials to their front door. Deliveries will be made to personal residences, nursing homes, day care centers and other facilities. Library staff will work with each person or facility that uses the program to make sure all needs are met. An outreach librarian will meet with everyone who’s interested. Library To-Go users can check out such library materials as books, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks and magazines. Equipment such as CD players, page magnifiers and Kindle Fires can also be checked out. To use the service, apply at calcasieulibrary. org or send in an application. Applications can be sent to users through U.S. mail. If you need more info, call 721-7148 or email Jayme Champagne, at jchampagne@calcasieu.lib.la.us.

Smothered By Humor So many movies are being made in Louisiana these days that even Louisiana journalists don’t take much notice of them anymore. What made me take notice of the new Louisiana-shot horror flick Smothered wasn’t its publicist’s promise that the movie was “set to shake up the horror film genre.” What got my attention was the cast photo (which I hope you’ll see here). Occasionally you just need a look at the cast to know that the movie is certain to be

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worth at least a few minutes of your time. The last time this happened to me was when I saw the cast shot of Dark Shadows, a film I thought was hilarious. Look at the crazy cast of Smothered, and you won’t have any trouble believing this Louisiana movie will be a “horroromedy.” If you’ve seen the vastly underrated 2010 movie Tucker And Dale Versus Evil, you know these hillbilly horror comedies can really pack a punch. The subgenre’s been around at least since 1964, when Herschell Gordon Lewis made his kitsch masterpiece 2,000 Maniacs, which is still funny as hell. Anyhoo, I found out after the fact that this film was made by John Schneider. Yes, that’s the guy who was in Dukes of Hazzard. He used to have a reputation as a lightweight. But if he can assemble a cast like this, he’s got something going. The movie Smothered should be out by the end of the year. You can follow it on Facebook; search for Smothered The Movie. If I learn more about it, you will too. The photo credit for this delightful ensemble shot goes to Amy Brassette, who operates out of Baton Rouge.

Swamp Creatures And Space Cowboys I don’t watch the reality TV shows about Louisiana (or any reality TV shows, for that matter), but I know what a big effect these reality TV shows have had on popular culture. In fact, it’s had such a profound effect that some people in New York City recently staged a “glittery glam rock opera” titled Smile Swamp Princess. No lie. The operatic world portrayed in Smile Swamp Princess was said to be populated by “swamp creatures and space cowboys.” The songwriters — or composers, if you prefer — said the space cowboy was their homage to David Bowie, who was seen as setting a good precedent for “a theatrical rock show.” The show’s creators say the show is supposed to provide “insight into the post-adolescent struggle to adulthood.” You may never see or hear it. But if you want to, the best place to start may be smileswampprincess.com.

Giving Back To My Column Some of you may have had the misfortune of reading my File 13 on clichés a few weeks back. In it, I noted how much hot air is generated with the atrocious cliché “giving back to the community.” I think I recently saw the most atrocious use yet of this abominable phrase. In a run-of-the-mill press release, the world was told that a fellow who’d gotten a new position in his field was giving back to the community. It was the way in which the thing was said that was, of course, the problem. Giving back to the community was included as one of a variety of activities this individual performed on a regular basis. This curious sentence structure allotted “giving back to the community” the exact same status as taking out the garbage or driving to work. But read the sentence for yourself and see what you think: “He is excited to be back in his hometown and is looking forward to giving back to the community as well as getting out on area waterways to fish and water ski.” Imagine what that must be like. Instead of waking up and thinking something like, “Man, I have to walk the dog,” or “Man, how am I going to make it downstairs in the dark?” you get to wake up thinking, “Man, how am I going to give back to the community?” I thought perhaps I should prepare a sentence of just this sort in case I ever send out a press release about myself. If I prepare it in advance, I’ll have it ready to go. These are the sentences I’ve come up with so far: “Goins is looking forward to bringing about universal peace as well as adding to his Addams Families plush toys collection and training Central Asian rodents to do the Miley Cyrus twerk.” continued

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“Goins is looking forward to feeding the world’s hungry as well as to spotting chihuahuas and making sculptures out of dice.” “Goins is looking forward to enabling us all to just get along as well as running his H.P. Lovecraft book club and organizing Gummi bear bonfires.” “Goins is looking forward to curing cancer within a year as well as walking up to strangers and saying, ‘Do you feel me?’ and polishing the hills of Outer Mongolia.” Is one of these four sentences better than the others? Is there one I should go with? If you think so, let me know. Also, if you’d like to write a sentence for your own future press release, email it to me at edit@thelanyap.com. I’ll print all those that aren’t too obscene.

Guru: Gee, You Are You When I saw the movie The Love Guru, I didn’t know there was any such thing as a love guru. I thought the love guru was a concept Michael Myers had created so he could make a funny movie. But now I know there really is a love guru — at least one. I know this because his people have been bombarding my office with email. His name is Yogi Akal, and he’s been in some really important places, like Elle magazine. His “method” enables people to achieve “optimal wellness and success.” His “expertise” is “on alignment and relationships based on NUMBERS.” You know these numbers are important because they are ALL IN CAPITALS. What are these numbers that are so important? Apparently, they’re “only a birthdate.” With the numbers, Yogi “can chart individual maps of life.” You know how important those maps of life are. I’ve been pretty whacked out since I lost mine. If it’s happened to me once, it’s happened to me a hundred times; I’ll look all over the house, then I’ll say, “Honey, have you seen

my map of life?” Why don’t we put those things in safe places so we can find them? Here’s the payoff: with his numbers, Yogi can “assess compatibility with two people — more importantly, TWO CELEBRITIES!” We’re back to all capitals here, and I’m inclined to assume that means it’s important to know whether you’re compatible with two celebrities. The celebrities that are listed as examples are Rob Patt, KSTEW and Liam. Did the love guru just make those names up? Yogi, no disrespect, but I’ve got to know who the celebrities are before I care about whether I’m compatible with them. Yogi’s offering a “free reading.” He says if I get one, I can get “the spiritual rundown on [my?] relationship status.” The spiritual rundown? Is that anything like The Cannonball Run? I have to admit, that movie was about yogis. And it was spiritually transformative for just about everybody who saw it. The whole thing’s a big mystery. But I guess that’s kind of the way it’s supposed to be with Eastern religions. Yogi promises “The lowdown on celebrities loves and relationships such as Dr. Angelina.” I did a Googler search on this doctor who is a love and a relationship. Nothing. Just another layer of the onion of mystery. Yogi says this method is “the oldest secret system on the planet.” If I weren’t so excited about the damn thing I’d be really skeptical about it. This is one time I’m not providing the contact information. I figure if you want to find out whether you’re compatible with a guy who names himself after stew, you’re on your own. During the course of doing all my research on Yogi Akal and Dr. Angelina, I found out there is such a thing as The Love Editor. I’ll tell you all about it next issue.

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City Budget: Mo Money But Mo Expenses De Lake Charles City Council recently OKed its budget for de comin’ year. De $64 million budget calls for a four percent increase in revenue. But expenses are gonna go up about de same. In a letter to council members dat wuz attached to de budget, Mayor Randy pointed out dat future years will bring in mo revenue due to tings like Sasol, Golden Nugget, Mardi Gras Boardwalk. However, da mayor also pointed out dat dem monies ain’t here yet, so we got to live wit’ what we got. He noted de previous year’s budget wuz outta wack by a whole bunch, but due to good management an’ cuts, de budget ended bein’ less dan 50 grand short. For de comin’ year, city money folks are sayin’ a deficit uf $2.36 million would be a fair guess. But mayor Randy says if tings go right, it will be much less dan dat. Large portions uf de expense side go to police an’ fire protection an’ public works. As we’ve sed before, de same problem facin’ every public body — retirement — is a big chunk of dis budget. But unlike udder political subdivisions, de city uf Lake Charles tackles de problem head on. Attaboy to mayor Randy an’ de City Council for adoptin’ a sensible budget.

Moret Tells Locals Mo Good News Da head dog uf economic development in our state wuz in our area recently to tell us even mo good news. Uf course, he told us about how de outlook in our area wuz “amazingly positive,” wit’ $47 billion in announced projects in recent months. He pointed out we need to stay focused on gettin’ industry to surroundin’ parishes. De new news iz dat de Port uf Lake Charles will be gettin’ mo money from de import/export tax credit. Dat means mo money for de Port to continue to grow de area. Moret had good words for de Go Greaux for gettin’ our area ready for de upcomin’ population increase. We know a lotta folks are workin’ hard on dis part uf it. Saw whare de fall enrollment at Sowela wuz up to its biggest number ever. Many uf dem students are takin’ weldin’, machinin’ and pipefittin’ — getting’ ready for dem new jobs comin’. Neil Aspinwall, de chancellor, announced de school will start offerin’ mo night an’ weekend courses for folks who already have a job, but want trainin’ to get a better job. Students can now transfer mo uf dar credits to state colleges an’ vice versa. Now dat’s what I call makin’ use uf tax dollars.

Fort Polk Means Big Dollars A few months ago, when dar wuz talk about reducin’ de number uf soldiers at Ft. Polk, politicians an’ civic leaders from trewout de state worked hard to keep de Vernon Parish army facility numbers as day wuz. An’ dar wuz a reason for dat: it wuz announced recently dat de post directly contributed over 16,000 jobs an $600 million in payroll to de state’s economy. It’s estimated dat total spendin’ in 2012 wuz $1.3 billion. Leesville mayor Robert Rose predicted de 5,000-troop reduction would have meant a 30 percent layoff in de work force. Now we learn dat Fort Polk folks are interested in gettin’ some uf de many jobs dat will open up in our area. Folks who retire an’ leave de military an’ dar spouses could be a great source uf workers for de construction an’ operation uf dem new industries. Dars anudder example uf folks workin’ togedder.

Higher Ed Fundin’ Gonna Be A Problem When de Chamber Southwest helt dar annual LegisGator lunch a few weeks ago, House Speaker Chuck Kleckley spoke about de need to change fundin’ in higher education. Kleckley pointed out a few years ago, colleges and universities in our state wuz funded 70 percent by de state an’ 30 percent by de colleges an’ tuition. Now, he sez, it’s just de reverse, wit 70 percent comin’ from local sources, including tuition an’ fee increases. 10

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Dis switch to mo state fundin’ ain’t gonna be easy. De state iz gonna have megaproblems wit risin’ Medicare costs, poorly funded pension plans an’ many mo money problems. Now we know higher education is very important to some, but dars udders who don’t belong in college, so dat’s why we say Yeah! to training programs like dem dat’s bein’ expanded at Sowela. Can’t help tinkin’ uf what Mike Rowe — dat feller who does de Ford commercials an’ is in dat TV program Dirty Jobs an’ is an Eagle Scout — says: “We are lending money we don’t have to kids who can’t pay it back to train them for jobs that no longer exist.” How true dat is. Maybe our state an’ country should start retinkin’ our entire education system. We got folks graduatin’ from college wit’ mo student loans owed dan day will ever be able to repay an’ yet not able to find a job. Don’t make sense, do it?

Not Good News For Sulphur City Rating.com, a website dat tracks de crime uf different cities trewout de nation, put out a report recently dat makes Sulphur look pretty bad. De report says de city’s violent crime rate for 2010 was higher dan de national violent crime rate by 239 percent. An de city’s property crime rate wuz higher dan de national rate by 73 percent. De report goes on to say dat based on de trend, de crime rate for Sulphur for 2013 will be higher dan de one for 2010. Now some Sulphur folks kinda brushed me aside recently when I spoke about de high number uf meth arrests in our area. Dar reply wuz dat it wuz de same all over de country. Looks like to me dat mo meth labs means mo property crimes an’ violent crimes are bein’ committed so day can get de stuff to cook meth. Folks, it’s time for sometin’ to be done in dis area about de meth. An’ if de bes’ efforts uf City Police departments an’ Sheriff’s offices don’t get it done, well, call in State Police or de FBI. Sulphur is a great city, but it won’t be for long if we allow drug dealers an’ criminals to take it over. We haven’t seen statistics for Lake Charles, but you can bet dar numbers ain’t much better. You might say drug dealin’ don’t concern me. But when day start stealin’ stuff from your garage, your car or your bidness, it’s gonna cost you. So let’s stop it now.

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What Happened To Jindal’s Tour? Afta de legislature adjourned, Gov. Jindal announced he wuz gonna tour all 64 parishes. It looks like de tour may be cut short by about 30 parishes. All we hear about Jindal iz when he’s in a community to make some announcement about some industry locatin’ or expandin’ or how he’s spendin’ your tax dollar on some project. You never see him at any plant closins uf any kind. An’ he darn shore wuzn’t in DeQuincy to announce de closin’ uf Phelps Correctional.

Typical Dogfight In Education Ran across dat program on LPB called Louisiana: De State We’re In recently. On de show bein’ interviewed wuz John White, state Superintendent uf Educaiton, an’ Debbie Meaux, president uf de Louisiana Assoc. uf Educators. De subject wuz de U.S. Dept. uf Justice takin’ Jindal an’ our Dept. uf Education to federal court over de voucher program. De DOJ iz claimin’ de state should have gotten approval before startin’ de voucher program. De voucher program allows students in failin’ schools to move to better schools. But de DOJ claims dat violates de provisions uf de 1975 desegregation rulin’ of de federal courts. Both sides had de same old song. White continued de Jindal song uf we are helpin’ poor students to have a chance to make someone of themselves. Meaux, uf course, ranted about de fact dat de state Constitution mandates public education. Looks to me like a 1975 court ruling might be a bit outdated to deal wit’ modern education problems. Meaux finished up wit’ a statement dat should give any parent wit’ a child in school cause for concern. She said de constitutionally mandated public school system wuz de only one dat should be funded. She said dar are problems in public schools no doubt, but charter schools an’ vouchers aren’t going to fix tings in education in this state. Folks, politics in education in our state is alive an well.

Deep Taughts While White Perch Fishin’ 10) What’s in de plans for a better Astros season for next year? 9) What’s wit’ all dat stoppin’ uf NFL games because uf weather? 8) Are de Tigers ready for Johnny Football? 7) Whatever happened to my broker friend Max an his shure winners on NFL Sunday? 6) Whare are de shrimp I paid T-Claude for already? 5) Snookie borrowed my mower an’ broke it. Is he gonna tell me about it? 4) Why do all dem fellers in our area get all excited about teal huntin’? 3) Is dat my nephew’s girlfriend bein’ featured on Crimestoppers? 2) Did my fran Hebert really build de new Today Show set like he sez he dit? 1) Will you remember to show McNeese pride by wearing blue and gold on Fridays?

Final Shot Lefty iz mad at his new dog Shugah, who gets de mail. Lefty wants to sort out de junk mail. ‘Til next time, lache pas la patate.

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TAKING CHARGE

dale archer, MD

Vitamin D Deficiency Research has linked low vitamin D levels with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis and cancer. According to the CDC, in 2006 a whopping one-fourth of the population was considered deficient in vitamin D levels. Eight percent were “at risk” for vitamin D-related problems, and one percent had levels which were considered harmful. According to Natural News, vitamin D is “perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world of nutrition.” What’s causing this epidemic of low vitamin D levels? One theory is that we are not outside as much as prior generations were, and when we are outside, we slather on the sunscreen, which prohibits UVB — the rays responsible for tans and sunburns — from penetrating the skin. These same UVB rays naturally produce vitamin D. The time of day, the season, the altitude, the latitude and other factors come into play to determine how many UVB rays reach the skin. Vitamin D levels can become depleted without enough sunshine. This is especially true during the winter months, when we stay inside more and the sun is not as intense. As you move into fall and winter, it’s a good time to have your vitamin D level checked by a simple blood test. A normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test will register vitamin D above 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Previously, it was thought that levels of 21 and below needed treatment, though more recently any level below 30 has been of concern to many forward think-

ing practitioners. What does this have to do with psychiatry? Recently, studies and research results reported in the New England Journal of Medicine and by the Vitamin D Council have been indicating a link between vitamin D deprivation and depression. Of note: Canadian researchers reviewed 14 studies of 31,424 participants, and found a strong correlation between depression and a lack of Vitamin D. The lower the Vitamin D level, the greater the chance of depression.

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Canadian researchers reviewed 14 studies of 31,424 participants, and found a strong correlation between depression and a lack of Vitamin D.

But the big question is still causality. Does one get depressed because of a deficiency of Vitamin D, or does depression lower the vitamin level? SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, research on this topic is interesting. The National Institute of Health cites several studies in which sunlight markedly improved mood. Of course, even though we know sunlight increases vitamin D levels, this doesn’t prove that the increase in vitamin D is what is responsible for improved mood. It also doesn’t prove that sunlight will work in those who are depressed and don’t have SAD. One small and extremely promising

test was conducted on three severely depressed women, 42 to 66, all with vitamin D deficiency. For 12 weeks they were given oral Vitamin D supplements that brought their levels to normal. All three women reported feeling much better and markedly less depressed. Here are a few important things to note: — The healing properties of natural sunlight cannot penetrate glass. That’s right. You cannot sit inside your home or car and reap the benefits of sitting in a sunny spot. You must go outside. — If you have dark skin, you’ll need about 25 times more exposure time than a light-skinned individual to produce the same amount of vitamin D. — Your body cannot absorb calcium without enough vitamin D. You can take all the calcium you want, but will receive no benefit unless vitamin D is present, allowing absorption to take place. — A vitamin D deficiency isn’t reversed immediately. You’re looking at months of sunlight or supplements before levels return to normal. — Your kidneys and liver activate vitamin D. Having kidney disease or a damaged liver will hinder the body’s ability to use vitamin D. Now for the bad news. Sunscreens — from the strongest to the weakest SPF levels — prohibit the body from making vitamin D by a whopping 95 percent. In light of this, there is a theory that more individuals are depressed these days because everyone uses sunscreen, and they’re not taking vitamin D supplements. This, of course, is something you’ll never hear from the sunscreen industry,

because that would affect their bottom line. The fact is, your body needs the sunlight without the use of sunscreens to produce vitamin D. Even SPF 8 creams can prevent the production of the vitamin. A personal note here: A local internist started ordering vitamin D blood tests during routine physical exams. I know three of his patients who had a history of mild to moderate depression, though they were not taking meds. All three had low vitamin D levels, were started on replacement therapy, and within three months reported a marked improvement in energy and mood, and had virtually no depression. This isn’t a rigorous scientific study, but definitely more food for thought. Vitamin D supplements can be found over the counter in just about any corner store. However, the high dose form, which contains 50,000 units of the vitamin and is taken once or twice a week, can only be obtained by prescription. A prescription for 50,000 units of vitamin D could be simple and turn your life around. Of course, this is a topic that should be discussed with your doctor. But the potential benefits of vitamin D for depression should not be ignored.

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.

September 19, 2013

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john maginnis Did The A.G. Break The Law? In the ongoing debate over a historic lawsuit filed by a New Orleans area levee board against 97 energy companies, the Louisiana Oil and Gas Assoc. is now accusing Attorney General Buddy Caldwell of breaking the law. By authorizing the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection AuthorityEast to hire its own special counsel to pursue the lawsuit, LOGA, some of whose members are targeted, contends Caldwell violated constitutional and legislative provisions. LOGA’s executive committee voted to send a petition to Caldwell asking him to reverse the authorization. LOGA president Don Briggs said such a decision “would bring an end to the lawsuit effective immediately.” What if Caldwell doesn’t comply? Briggs said LOGA has hired the law firm of Mahtook and Lafluer in Lafayette to move forward with a declaratory judgment against the attorney general. The move would pinpoint LOGA’s legal position on the laws in question.

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LOGA contends Caldwell is ignoring a state law that mandates that he and his assistants serve as representatives for the levee board or retain special counsel on its behalf. The petition also accuses the attorney general of usurping legislative authority by allowing state money to be used for the lawsuit. The levee board turned heads and incurred the opposition of Gov. Bobby Jindal when it filed its lawsuit in Civil District Court in New Orleans in July, demanding the oil companies make immediate restitution for damages to wetlands caused by decades of energy exploration, including dredge work and the crisscrossing of canals through coastal marshes. Amanda Papillion Larkins, Caldwell’s director of communications, said she couldn’t provide a comment without first reviewing LOGA’s petition.

Poll Focuses On State’s Marijuana Laws A new poll obtained by LaPolitics suggests voters in Louisiana overwhelmingly support medicinal applications for

jeremy alford

marijuana and are increasingly coming around on the decriminalization issue. But while states like Colorado and Washington recently changed their laws to allow marijuana to be regulated and taxed, the political will in Louisiana for any substantive reforms in this area still appears to be weak. Efforts to discuss the topic in the Legislature over the past few years have been met more frequently with jokes than debate. But the new survey, conducted by Public Policy Polling of North Carolina, shows 49 percent of those polled would be more likely to support a candidate for office in Louisiana if he or she voted to reduce penalties for the possession of marijuana. Another 53 percent said they would support laws mirroring those put into place in Colorado and Washington. Dr. Edward Chervenak, an assistant professor of political science at the University of New Orleans, said the poll numbers may not amount to much unless there’s a large organized effort statewide to explain the benefits of the new laws. He added that such an organized move-

ment has usually preceded reforms in other states. “That’s what would get the Legislature moving, although we’re unlikely to see it any time soon,” said Chervenak. “Something else that might convince them is whether Colorado starts to see big bucks rolling in from tax revenue.” One localized effort, called SaferNOLA, is underway in New Orleans. Its organizers say support is mounting for sentencing reforms. Spokesperson Brian Welsh said its poll, commissioned by the Louisiana chapter of the ACLU, shows as much, and that various judicial interests are coming together to do something about the matter in the 2014 regular session. In the PPP poll, 56 percent of participants said they would support a $100 fine without jail time for those who possess an ounce or less of marijuana. Another 59 percent said they currently oppose, in general, long prison terms for simple possession. “The Legislature came close earlier this year to reducing penalties, and

there’s a lot of interest from folks in the legal and judicial communities to revisit that next year,” Welsh said. “That could be the big takeaway from this poll.”

Race For No. 2 Starts Early The annual Lieutenant Governor’s Tourism Summit was recently held in Baton Rouge. It drew a large and diverse crowd, including a handful of politicians — most notably those who want to be the next No. 2, since, after all, Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne appears to be running for governor in 2015. Working the crowd hard were Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser and Jefferson Parish President John Young. Both Republicans have been mentioned as likely contenders. Nungesser ran for the post in 2011 when Dardenne pulled ahead with 53 percent following what was a very nasty race. In his second term, Young is looking to make his move to statewide office. A trio of black Democratic officials are also eyeing the race. They are Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden and state Sens. Rick Gallot of Grambling and Elbert Guillory of Opelousas. It’s doubtful that all three will go to the post.

Legislators’ Pay Varies Greatly According to the latest salary breakdown by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the annual base salary of a Bayou State lawmaker is $16,800. But that doesn’t represent total compensation. Lawmakers also get a $6,000 per year expense allowance and a $149 per diem, which is paid out for every day of official work. The numbers can add up quickly. For instance, House Speaker Chuck Kleckley, R-Lake Charles, made more than $53,000 last year in total compensation, based on his latest personal financial disclosure form on file with the Ethics Administration. Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, pulled in $52,800. But it’s usually the lawmaker in charge of the budget process who makes the most, due to their longer hours and position; even more so if he can claim mileage by driving into Baton Rouge. That’s why Appropriations Chairman Jim Fannin, R-Jonesboro, had a total compensation of more than $64,000 last year, which is comparable to the base legislative salaries in Illinois, $67,836; Massachusetts, $60,032; and Ohio, $60,583. Still, the $16,800 base in Louisiana seems to be a better deal than the $7,200 annual salary paid to Texas lawmakers, along with their $150 per diem. Although the Lone Star State has a much larger population than Louisiana, its legislators only meet every second year. Arkansas lawmakers are much closer to Louisiana’s pay rate, making $15,869 annually with a per diem of $147. The figures are even lower in Mississippi: $10,000 per year and a $123 per diem. While Louisiana lawmakers certainly hold their own regionally, they should just be glad they don’t represent the good people of New Mexico, which offer their lawmakers no salary at all, though they do get a $154 per diem.

Meanwhile, in New Hampshire, a twoyear term nets legislative members only $200 — and nothing more. The highest annual salaries for lawmakers are where you might expect them to be: California, $90,526; Michigan, $71,685; New York, $79,500; and Pennsylvania, $83,801. The most interesting twist, can be found in Illinois, where lawmakers are paid a salary of $67,836, but are required to forfeit one day of compensation per month. That practice came courtesy of Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who stuck lawmakers with the strange provision when they dragged their feet on unfunded pension liability.

Regents Won’t Fight Funding In Court The Board of Regents won’t be pursuing litigation over the massive $251 million construction program that was created specifically for institutions in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. The board made the final decision at its most recent meeting, behind closed doors and in executive session. Regents Chairman Bubba Rasberry said the Legislature’s and governor’s backing of SB 204 this year deviated from the constitutionally prescribed funding process. More important, he said, it overlooked the needs of universities. They took a different view, Rasberry noted; and he said, “We accept that.” The board went into an executive session at its last meeting to begin discussing the contract of higher ed commissioner Dr. Jim Purcell. As LaPolitics reported in March, the administration previously attempted to force the Board of Regents to fire Purcell in a strategy that backfired. Is this a workaround to another college coup? Sources involved in the closed-door talks told us it’s routine and no fireworks are expected. Time will tell.

They Said It “Finding common ground with the Democrats is a positive thing. I mean, the people of Louisiana expect us to act like big boys and big girls and not be divided on everything.” —Rep. John Schroder, R-Covington, to LaPolitics “Liberalism has nearly destroyed black America.” —Sen. Elbert Guillory, ROpelousas, to Greta Van Susteren on Fox News “We meet about every week or so.” —Congressman Steve Scalise, RMetairie, regarding a small group of conservative lawmakers who call themselves “The Jedi Council” and recently played a significant role in major budget negotiations “You can have my go-cup when you pry it from my cold, dead drunk fingers!!!” —Tweet by Brian Huddleston on a rumor, since debunked, that the New Orleans City Council would consider a ban on go-cups

September 19, 2013

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LA POLITICS

john maginnis

Jindalcare And Obamacare It should be clear by now that, regardless of criticism and public opinion, Gov. Bobby Jindal is not going to change his mind about opting out of the expansion of Medicaid and not setting up state insurance exchanges under the federal Affordable Care Act. Similarly, Republicans in Congress can vote for a 41st time to repeal Obamacare and still not prevent it from taking effect next year. Despite the best efforts of their enemies, neither course is going to change, or change much, for now. Jindal is not merely rejecting or ignoring the key tenets of President Barack Obama’s health care law, but, rather, he is building a competing model. By going his own way, the governor and his team could still achieve the same level of health care for the currently uninsured, but at a greater cost than by going Obama’s way, certainly in the short run. For the good of those to be covered, it may be just as well that the federal government, and not the states, set up and operate the insurance exchanges. When the Jindal administration’s head and heart are not into doing something right from the start, the results can be like the waste- and scandal-ridden $750

million home elevation grant program, which was federally funded for the state to run, starting in 2008. The more consequential difference between Obama’s and Jindal’s health care approaches is how to provide for 260,000 Louisiana adults in the coverage gap, who are eligible for neither Medicaid nor subsidized health insurance. The federal option is to issue all of them Medicaid cards that they can pre-

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Jindal is not merely rejecting or ignoring the key tenets of President Obama’s health care law, but, rather, he is building a competing model.

sent to any doctor or hospital who accepts Medicaid patients. Jindal’s plan is for the uninsured to be treated at health facilities that, until recently, were part of the charity hospital system but now form the new state network of public-private partnerships. It can be argued that the straight Medicaid expansion could be more disruptive to the state’s total health care

system. It could lead to more workers dropping or being dropped from their employers’ insurance plans. If covered by Medicaid, more of the currently uninsured would not seek care at the partnership clinics and hospitals, but would go to other private or community hospitals. That could impair the development of the public-private partnerships, while overloading the waiting rooms of nonpartner hospitals. Prompted by Congress’ abrupt, deep cuts to the state’s Medicaid program last year, the Jindal administration speedily privatized the management of the formerly LSU-run clinics and hospitals by turning them over to non-public health care institutions in those cities. The same LSU doctors still work alongside many of the same staff, both under administrators from partner hospitals who live and work in the same communities. That mass of patients creates the best environment for training doctors and opens opportunities for managed care, which can lead to better health outcomes at lower costs. So the state has a stake in maintaining its system of public clinics and hospitals as it makes the transition to its public-private partnerships. But what does that stake cost? The federal government would fully cover the cost of the Medicaid expansion

for three years and pay for 90 percent in 10 years. Jindal argues that a decade from now that expansion will cost the state over $1 billion more than his model would. But critics say his claim is based on substantial future increases in Medicaid rates, which are far from certain. This year, the state budgeted $263 million to draw down $411 million in federal matching funds to operate the public-private partnerships under the Disproportionate Share Hospital program, according to the Department of Health and Hospitals. Accepting the Medicaid expansion, starting midway through this fiscal year, would not relieve all of that state expense, but it would have allowed most of that money to be redirected to higher education or to other health care services, such as added home support for the disabled, which the governor vetoed in this budget. Many would question that investment, as well as the governor’s motives, but he does not waver. At whatever cost and impact to the nation and the state, for at least the next three or so years to come, Obamacare and Jindalcare are destined to coexist in Louisiana, if not get along.

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yet been announced. The proposed expansion includes 10 projects throughout the parish. Most of the work would be funded by a 20-year, half-cent sales tax that would be voted on in April by residents living in the unincorporated areas. The rest would be funded by parish gambling money and state grants.

Sowela Fall Enrollment Highest In School History LOCAL NEWS STORIES OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS Sowela, McNeese Announce Cross Enrollment Sowela Technical Community College and McNeese State University announced opportunities for cross enrollment by students from both institutions and residential housing at McNeese for Sowela students. The cross enrollment agreement permits students from Sowela and McNeese to enroll in freshman or sophomore level courses at either institution under certain circumstances. The residential housing agreement formalizes a nearly decade-long practice of providing on-campus residential housing at McNeese for Sowela students when space is available.

The project will create 29 new direct jobs averaging $85,000, plus benefits, and will also result in an additional 112 new indirect jobs, for a total of 141 new jobs. Construction and management hiring is currently underway. Additional hiring will take place as the project nears completion in early 2015.

City Council Approves Budget The Lake Charles City Council unanimously approved the city’s budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. The Council postponed its decision on the budget during a recent regular meeting, but voted yes on it during a special session.

Gas-To-Liquid Company To Renovate Westlake Facility

Calcasieu Parks Dept. Unveils New Kiosks

Juniper GTL has announced that it will invest $100 million to renovate a dormant steam methane reformer in the Westlake area and convert it to a natural gas-to-liquids facility, producing clean waxes, drilling fluids, diesel and naptha.

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the Lake Charles/ Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau to create new interpretive kiosks at seven Calcasieu Parish

parks. The kiosks will contain information about the park, surrounding wildlife and vegetation. The kiosks will be completed by mid-October and will be located in Alligator Park, Calcasieu Point, Holbrook Park, Intracoastal Park, Lorrain Park, Prien Lake Park and White Oak Park.

CPPJ Members To Serve On Sewer Project Commission Five Calcasieu Parish police jurors will serve on the nine-member commission that will help carry out a nearly $150 million proposed sewer expansion plan in the parish’s unincorporated areas. Commission members include Police Jury President Shannon Spell, Tony Stelly, Elizabeth Griffin, Francis Andrepont and Chris Landry. Other commission members include one representative from Lake Charles; one from Sulphur; and two rotating among DeQuincy, Iowa, Vinton and Westlake. Those appointments have not

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Sowela Technical Community College’s enrollment for the fall 2013 semester was the highest in the school’s 75-year history. More than 3,300 students signed up for fall classes, a 22-percent increase from a year ago. Programs with the largest enrollment figures included process technology, industrial instrumentation, and Sowela’s dual enrollment program for high school students who take college courses. General studies courses were also popular among students this fall.

Report Highlights Fort Polk’s Economic Impact A recent review of military spending in Louisiana by the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, part of the state Department of Economic Development, shows that Department of Defense spending in the state is heaviest at Fort Polk. The council reviewed military-related job and spending data. The data showed that Fort Polk, which recently evaded Defense Department cuts, has a greater economic impact in Louisiana than the state’s other military posts. The spending review has not been released to the public.

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September 19, 2013

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WEIRD NEWS

chuck shepherd • illustrations by felix falgoust

Haute Water The upscale restaurant at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art announced that it would soon add a 20item selection of waters from around the world, priced from $8 to $16 a bottle. Martin Riese, general manager of Ray’s and Stark Bar, who is also a renowned water gourmet, will sell his own Californiamade 9OH2O, which comes in “limited editions of 10,000 individually numbered glass bottles” at $14 each. Said Riese, “Many people don’t know that water is just as important to the entire dining experience as, say, a good wine.” Riese has been certified as a Water Sommelier by the German Mineral Water Assoc.

The Continuing Crisis — A security lab that was delivering a report to the makers of software for a luxury Japanese toilet warned that a flaw in their Android program renders the toilet hackable, even while a user sits on it.

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September 19, 2013

The Satis (which retails for $5,600) includes automatic flushing, bidet spray, fragrance-spritzing, and music. It’s controllable by a “My Satis” cellphone app. The PIN to operate the app is 0000, which means that a prankster with the app could create some mischief in a public restroom. — The CEO of Christian Schools Australia told the Australian Associated Press that Caloundra Christian College in Queensland delivers a range of creative sexual health messages. He presented a student pamphlet titled “101 Things to Do Instead of Doing It,” as evidence. Recommended substitutes include: “Pretend you’re six again,” “Have a water fight,” “Blow bubbles in the park,” and “Have a burping contest.” — According to their study, which was recently published in the Royal Society of Biology Letters, researchers

from the University of Florida and Boise State somehow have learned that the hawkmoth avoids predator bats by jamming the bats’ sradar-like hunting technique. A co-author told ScienceRecorder.com that the hawkmoth “confuses” the bats by emitting sonic pulses from its genitals. — When Judge John Hurley’s reduced Felicia Underwood’s bond from $76,000 to $10,000 in a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., courtroom in August, Underwood said, “You can’t make it a little lower, hon?” According to a South Florida SunSentinel report, Hurley was momentarily taken aback, asking: “Did she just refer to the court as ‘honey’?” He kept the bond at $10,000. — Adult swinger clubs occasionally rent commercial facilities, such as restaurants, for an evening when randy couples can mingle. A club in Melbourne, Australia, struck a deal with the Casey Kids Play House Cranbourne, where swingers can enjoy the playtime equipment — until the parents of the

children who played there found out. The parents were especially concerned about the partiers cavorting among the plastic balls in the giant ball pit.

Bright Ideas Contrary to popular wisdom, cows don’t sleep standing up. They spend 1214 hours a day lying down, even though their shape makes this uncomfortable. Compassionate dairy farmers use beds of sand for the cows. Since the late 1990s, a Wisconsin firm called Advanced C o m f o r t Technology has marketed $200 cow waterbeds, which are even more flexible than sand. Waterbeds may also be superior because they’re built with an extra chamber that makes it easier for the cow to lower herself safely. The company’s founders’ daughter, Amy Throndsen, told Huffington Post that her parents endured awkward moments while they were starting the company “Everyone . . . is telling them, ‘Don’t do

it,’” she said. “’Don’t do it. Are you kidding me? Waterbeds?’”

Perspective High School in the Community (HSC), the teachers’ union-managed school in New Haven, Conn., recently completed the first year of its program aimed at ending social promotion — the automatic passing of students to the next grade even if they lack the knowledge necessary for the grade. Officials were shocked to learn that not a single one of the school’s 44 first-time 9th-graders passed the promotion tests. As a result, they will have lengthy 9th-grade makeup sessions over the summer or in September. Several other 9th-graders, who were already repeating 9th grade, were promoted.

cussion on the field before a summer league game when a skydiver knocked him to the ground. The skydiver, part of a pre-game flyover at the Hannibal (Mo.) Cavemen’s game, was windblown slightly off-course.

Least Competent Criminals — A 28-year-old man ordered to submit to fingerprinting in Mason, Mich., in connection with a fraud investigation, had another charge added when he decided to pay the $16 fingerprinting fee with a stolen credit card. — Sheriff’s deputies in Apopka, Fla., charged Chad Winslow with burglary after finding him stuck in a grease

vent on the roof of Sam’s Discount Food Store in June. According to a deputy, Winslow’s first words were, “I’m stuck, and I have to take a poop.”

Drone Delivery Manayunk Cleaners in Philadelphia has been testing delivery of customers’ clothing by a drone guided by GPS. Said one bemused customer, “I was wondering what the hell that was, to be honest.” So far, the payload is limited to a shirt or towel, to be picked off the hovering aircraft by the customer. But owner Harout Vartanian hopes to buy a

bigger drone soon. Agence FrancePresse news service reported an even bolder drone program in August: delivering beer to music festivalgoers in South Africa. The director of the Oppikoppi festival in Limpopo province attested to the drone’s success. A reveler places an order by cellphone, and the drone is dispatched to lower the beer by parachute — usually in the midst of a cheering crowd.

Weird News Classic In 2010, librarian Graham Barker, 45, of Perth, Australia, casually revealed to a reporter that his 26-year hobby of harvesting his navel lint daily had won acclaim in the Guinness Book of World Records. His three-jar collection (a fourth was in progress) had been sold to a local museum. His pastime, he told London’s Daily Mail, “costs nothing and takes almost no time or effort, so there’s no compelling reason to stop.” Barker, who also collects McDonald’s tray liners, said he once did a “navel lint survey,” and “a handful of respondents confessed” to having the hobby. “One guy,” he said, “might have persisted, but he got married, and his wife ordered him to stop.”

Oops! — Andy Hill was enjoying a leisurely inner-tube ride on the Clark Fork River near Missoula, Mont., when a man landed on top of him, sending Hill to the hospital with broken bones and torn ligaments. The man, who wasn’t seriously hurt, had jumped from a bridge without looking. — College baseball shortstop Mattingly Romanin, 20, suffered a conSeptember 19, 2013

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FILE 13

brad goins

On Dictators In his most recent comedy, Sasha Baron Cohen plays an especially vile dictator — the murderous Gen. Aladeen, who lords it over the mythical Republic of Wadiya. At one point in the film, one of Aladeen’s toadies encourages the dictator to stay the course, arguing that “Gaddafi, Saddam, Kim Jong-il, Dick Cheney [are all gone]. You’re the last of the great dictators.” It’s one of many lines in the comedy that are really funny but are no joke. When historians write about the George W. Bush years, they’ll describe them as the dictatorship of Dick Cheney, not of George W. Bush. Whatever else one might say about W., there was at least one thing he did well. He was good at delegating authority. As a result, he made Dick Cheney dictator of foreign policy, just as he made Paul Bremer dictator of Iraq, Donald Rumsfeld dictator of defense and Gen. Colin Powell office gofer and whipping boy. For all the talk of a bad heart, Cheney worked at dictatorship with a passion, extending the range of foreign policy so that it included everything from cursing U.S. senators on the Senate floor to shooting a man in the face — and then making him apologize for being where the dictator’s gun was pointing. About the most repulsive thing W. did was make pronouncements in public. He was the one who confirmed that the U.S. would not, in fact, follow the Geneva or the Hague treaties, or the ABM treaties it signed; that, yes, the U.S. would invade Iraq, regardless of everything. And, yes, of course, he made the greatest pronouncement of all; the one for which he’ll forever be remembered: “Mission Accomplished.” Early on, that all seemed like pretty serious stuff. Maybe it was. When all those photos came out of Abu Grahib, we were reminded of why it is that signees follow the Geneva Convention. But when it became clear that those horrible photographs weren’t going to change one thing in the White House, that’s when stuff got really serious. It turned out that the vice president — the dictator — was really, seriously, arguing that water torture, which has been considered one of the most horrific tortures for millennia, wasn’t torture at all and that it would be official U.S. policy to use it. It became clear that in Guantanamo Bay, the United States really would hold prisoners, including U.S. citizens, indefinitely, without ever bringing them to trial, charging them or letting them consult with an attorney. It became clear that any member of the FBI or the U.S. Justice Dept. could come into your — yes, your — home at any time, without a warrant of any kind, and remove your computer. Then finally, it became clear that the administration — the dictatorship — was wiretapping its own citizens’ phones without warrants. Now this was a violation of a law of Congress. Surely this wouldn’t be allowed to stand. It stood. Congress didn’t care one little bit. The U.S. Justice Dept. actually supported the activity. And most important, the American people didn’t give a damn about it. All down the line, every institution was lined up in support of the government spying on its citizens. If I haven’t just described a dictatorship, then shame on me. I’m either woefully undereducated or I’m misleading the reader. If I’m guilty of either of those things, I have no business writing and I certainly shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near a writing classroom. Now, when Barack Obama got the Democratic Party nomination for the presidency, a big part of the tremendous energy that developed behind that candidacy was the sense that the Cheney dictatorship was winding down. Things would be different now. After all, Obama was an old school Democrat. Not just a liberal, but a real liberal. After all, everybody said so. He was a Chicago senator from Illinois, for heaven’s sake. The candidate must have sensed the hunger for 22

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change as much as anyone. He used the words “new” and “change” so often one might have thought he was reciting the lyrics of boy band songs. The first signals of the new administration were good. One of Obama’s first acts in office was to say he was going to close Guantanamo Bay. Of course, as any politician knows, anybody can say anything at any time in any situation. This year, 2013, Obama said again Guantanamo Bay should be closed. As I write this, business is as brisk as ever in the country’s official institution of torture. As Obama settled into office, European newspapers reported the torture prisons the U.S. ran or supported in Eastern Europe were still going about their gruesome business. That situation, at any rate, hadn’t gone through any sort of change whatsoever.

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Back in the day, the U.S. government could at least say that the people who spied on their own citizens and tortured their enemies were the bad guys. So much for that.

And Obama’s aggressive statements about Pakistan — statements he’d made often during his campaign — became aggressive, and deadly, actions. I don’t guess anybody was really upset when Obama took out bin Laden. But the drones that continue to fly into Pakistan — both our allies and Pakistan are pretty upset about those. And Pakistan itself is nothing to mess with. That’s the conventional view, at least. Obama doesn’t use a lot of Bush’s delegation of authority style. Obama’s is a one-size-fits-all dictatorship. When he’s asked about the drones, he always says one thing: I’ll stop terrorism no matter what it takes. I? I? What does “I” have to do with it? Is it what Congress wants? Is it what the U.S. people want? When someone says he’s doing something just because he wants to do it, what do we call that? If we’re talking about an ordinary guy, we call it bullying. If we’re talking about a world leader, we call it fascism, dictatorship, autocracy, strong-arming — something like that. What do we call it when a leader in Syria or Egypt does something just because he wants to? Obama’s supported the repressive search and seizure measures of the so-called Patriot Act. During the Obama years, the U.S. Justice Dept. has gone to court to support the imprisonment of U.S. citizens under War on Terror measures — even when the Justice Dept. knows the citizens were wrongly imprisoned in the first place and are innocent. These bizarre federal trials in defense of unconstitutional detentions of U.S. citizens have cost taxpayers many millions of dollars in cases the government always loses. But of course, what’s made Obama an honest-togoodness dictator in the eyes of many is the revelation of the extent of the NSA spying program. I remember when I read Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s novel The First Circle decades ago. The book begins with the story of a Soviet informant who’s terrified to use a public phone because he’s sure his voice will be taped and identified and he’ll be arrested. Although I liked the book very much, I was skeptical about this plot line. How could the Soviet

Union — or any regime — run a spy operation of this scale? I wondered. How could they get the manpower? Was such a thing possible? It wasn’t the Soviet Union that convinced me it was possible. It was the Obama dictatorship that convinced me it was possible. We now know that records of all U.S. calls made via U.S. cell phone plans are made available to the NSA. Information from U.S. data encryption companies is also made available, with the result that owners of some of these businesses have chosen to go out of business. According to a Sept. 5 New York Times report (“N.S.A. Able To Foil Basic Safeguards of Privacy on Web”), all encryption in the U.S. contains a “government back door called the Clipper Chip.” This, too, is a violation of U.S. law. Now what would have been the reaction of a rational president — or any rational human being — to such a revelation? He would have said, “Of course this is absolutely unacceptable. Of course this can’t be allowed to stand. Of course this must be dismantled — yesterday. Of course. All this goes without saying.” The response from Obama has been very different. The president has simply said, from time to time, that the spying program is accountable. And reporters have kept asking the obvious question: where is the accountability? Like cold, confused school children in the midst of a fire drill that’s gone on too long, we’re all standing around waiting for the answer. The president says Congress keeps the program accountable. Congress? Is this the same Congress that rubber-stamped the Patriot Act; that did nothing when the federal government violated Congress’ wiretapping laws? Congress does nothing but warm its seats. It doesn’t always do that. Obama says the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that overseas this whole spying nightmare will be made accountable. Great! What’s the evidence? Your guess is as good as anybody’s. Finally, Obama says he’s creating a new committee to ensure the spying program is held accountable. But there are already several committees that are supposed to ensure accountability. I assume the people in these committees show up every day and put in their eight hours of work. If they can’t make the thing accountable, will a new committee be any different? Why? Back in the day, the U.S. government could at least say that the people who spied on their own citizens and tortured their enemies were the bad guys. So much for that. Obama may not care about all this. He may not be in the mood to do the difficult housekeeping before he leaves office. If he isn’t, the person who will suffer will be Hillary Clinton. Nagging reporters could be a much more formidable opponent for Clinton than whatever candidate emerges from the barroom brawl that is the present-day Republican Party. Liberals, leftists, democrats, armchair radicals — you name it; they’re going to want Clinton to be the one who stops the spying. Will she rise to the occasion? Clinton is no doubt familiar with a few other well-known lines from the

movie The Dictator. I’m talking about the speech the ruthless autocrat Gen. Alameen makes to the U.N.:

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Obama says the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that overseas this whole spying nightmare will be made accountable. Great! What’s the evidence? Your guess is as good as anybody’s.

“Why are you guys so anti-dictators? Imagine if America was a dictatorship. You could let 1 percent of the people have all the nation’s wealth. You could

help your rich friends get richer by cutting their taxes and bailing them out when they gamble and lose. You could ignore the needs of the poor for health care and education. Your media would appear free, but would secretly be controlled by one person and his family. You could wiretap phones. You could torture foreign prisoners. You could have rigged elections. You could lie about why you go to war. You could fill your prisons with one particular racial group, and no one would complain. You could use the media to scare the people into supporting policies that are against their interests.” Would eight years of a Clinton administration mean that any of that speech would have to be amended? All over the world, the United States is now known as the one Western country

— the unique Western country — that makes spying on citizens, indefinite detention of prisoners and torture of prisoners official government policy. All Western countries may do these things to a limited degree. The U.S. is the only country that makes them all official policy — at the very highest level. If that state of affairs goes on a whole lot longer, the U.S. may no longer be thought of as a Western country at all. The only thing that’s keeping it in the club is that great big pile of good ole American money that’s always sitting around over here. If that pile gets a lot smaller one day, we’d better hope our leaders are no longer spying on their citizens and torturing their enemies.

September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

BY BRAD GOINS

ack in the days when the term “urban sprawl” was used only by urban planners in big cities, the Black Angus steak chain was a staple of mid-size American cities such as Lake Charles. Black Angus was thought of as a place that was perhaps a cut or two above some of the national restaurant chains that were frequented in mainstream America at the time. And you could get a beer there. In Lake Charles, a large group of young entrepreneurs and self-starters met on a regular basis in the Black Angus in the 1970s. One of them was the town’s premier outdoor advertising man — Henry “Rock” Hardy.

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“In those days, we were sort of like the young Turks,” says Hardy. “Black Angus was a meeting headquarters for [everybody] from car salesmen to bankers to farmers. “We were mostly self-employed people. We were putting in extra hours. We spoke about our personal businesses and lives. We all developed into businessmen. “They were literally self-made men. They were self-employed. They had to make it.” John DeRosier was a young attorney who was prominent in the group. Mike Demarie was a coach at the time. Wayne Gabbert was an executive at the Calcasieu Marine National Bank. Sid Guidroz, Wayne McElveen and many other prominent figures were regulars in the group. “The proof of the pudding is in success,” says Hardy. Those in the group would go on to establish such local businesses as Don’s Car Wash, Shetler Lincoln Mercury, Mike Demarie Insurance Co., Bevo’s Clothing Stores. “I’m forgetting many successful businessmen that met with us there,” says Hardy.

Hardy and Wayne McElveen

Why such a big group? Part of it was practicality. This was long before cell phones and email. “We had to meet [in person],” says Hardy. When Hardy first moved to Lake Charles in 1977, he knew only three residents in the city. Lamar Advertising, which was sending Hardy to the city as a sales representative, knew Hardy liked to hunt and fish. The company directed Hardy to young outdoorsmen Wayne McElveen and Bevo Rome. Hardy would wind up becoming especially attached to McElveen, whom he describes as “one of [his] best friends.” continued

IT WAS A BIG GROUP. PART OF THAT WAS PRACTICALITY. THIS WAS LONG BEFORE CELL PHONES AND EMAIL. PEOPLE HAD TO MEET IN PERSON. September 19, 2013

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Hardy (far right) with friends, including Roman Gabriel (center).

THE LAFAYETTE CONNECTION How did Hardy first begin to exercise influence in Lake Charles? To understand that, you have to go back to the Lafayette of the 1970s, and consider how strongly these two cities influenced each other at the time. When Hardy was building his career in the Lafayette of the early 1970s,

“Lafayette was on the go,” he says. “I knew everybody.” He was an active member of that city’s Jaycees organization. The typical person may think of the Jaycees as one of many amorphous organizations for young business people. Hardy remembers the Lafayette Jaycees as something quite different. The group, he says, was “a very strong young man’s group in Lafayette. If you wanted to move forward, you joined the Jaycees. “They were very influential. They were involved in politics.” It’s a claim that’s easy to believe once you know that Edwin Edwards, John Breaux and Chris John were all Jaycees. It was “Rock” Hardy who sold Edwin Edwards his first political billboard. The two spoke in French as they arranged the transaction. When Hardy was active in the Lafayette Jaycees, the group backed Edwards. As Edwards’ political career progressed, the group got behind Breaux, who went from being an aide to Edwards to a politician aspiring for office. He would eventually become one of the most powerful of Louisiana senators and Washington lobbyists.

“Because of my love of politics and the education I got with the Jaycees, I normally took a stand and helped elected officials,” says Hardy, whose cousin, Paul Hardy, became even more deeply involved, eventually serving as both Secretary of State and Lt. Governor of Louisiana. Now we come to the close connection between the power bases of Lafayette and Lake Charles. While there has, for some time, been a rivalry between the two cities, they’ve also needed to work with each other. For one thing, they need to do business with each other. For businessmen coming from Lafayette to Lake Charles in the 1970s, Hardy became the go-to guy. And then there was the political connection. When John Breaux ran for the position of U.S. Congressman for the 7th District, he was obliged to get voters not just from his native Lafayette, but also from Lake Charles. It was Hardy who introduced Breaux’s people to the folks they needed to know in Lake Charles. Hardy also made contacts for the man himself. “I introduced [Breaux] to a lot of people,” he says. When Hardy wasn’t doing political work with Breaux, he was hunting with him.

FROM BULLDOG TO COWBOY The whole time Hardy was getting to know the preeminent politicians of Louisiana, he was working as a sales 26

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representative for Lamar Adverstising. Before Hardy began to represent Lamar in Lake Charles, he put in a stint for the company in the Houma area. The manner in which he got the gig is a vivid instance of the old school of advertising — a school where orders were followed without question. When Hardy was given the Houma assignment (which would, of course, require that he leave Lafayette), he was quite cool to the idea. He went to the company president of the time, Jerry Marchand, to politely turn down the offer. He and Marchand discussed the matter in a company hallway as Marchand calmly puffed on a cigar. After a while, Marchand tapped his cigar ashes into the carpet, ground them in with his shoe and said, “T-Boy, get your butt to Houma.” In Houma, Hardy’s job was to ensure that “everybody” in Morgan City, Thibodeaux and Houma knew he was “the billboard man.” The cowboy hat he wore all the time helped clients remember him. “I [was] known as the man in town with the hat,” he says. But Hardy had another feature that stood out in customers’ memories — his nickname. Like all salespeople, Hardy was challenged with the difficulty of remembering his many customers’ names. He got in the habit of addressing men whose names he couldn’t remember as “Rock.” They, in turn, came to call him Rock. By the time he was transferred to Lake Charles, Hardy had at least two features

LIKE ALL SALESPEOPLE, HARDY WAS CHALLENGED WITH THE DIFFICULTY OF REMEMBERING HIS MANY CUSTOMERS’ NAMES. HE GOT IN THE HABIT OF ADDRESSING MEN WHOSE NAMES HE COULDN’T REMEMBER AS “ROCK.” THEY, IN TURN, CAME TO CALL HIM ROCK.

continued

September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

HARDY’S SPENT MORE THAN 40 YEARS IN T HE OUT DOOR ADVERTISING BUSINESS. “I’M VERY PROUD OF IT,” HE SAYS, “I STILL LOVE IT.”

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course, to make billboards. In his new operation, Hardy’s first desk was a shipping crate. He used his own garage as a center of operations until he was able to acquire a work space on Eddy Street in Lake Charles.

WORK-PROUD that stuck in client’s minds — his hat and nickname. He would very quickly become known for another feature — the distinctive billboards he engineered. When he came to Lake Charles, Hardy had to segue from being a devoted fan of what was then called the University of Southwest Louisiana Bulldogs to being “involved” with the McNeese Cowboys. At the time, McNeese football wasn’t doing outdoor advertising; so at first, Hardy donated Lamar billboards on which he had the Cowboy schedule printed. In this era, billboards were still handpainted. Once, when Nicholls University came to play McNeese, Hardy arranged for a hand-painted board for then-coach Sonny Jackson of Nicholls that read “SIC ‘EM SONNY.” (Of course, Hardy knew Jackson from his Houma days.) Another hand-painted billboard was one Hardy designed for Col. Oliver North when he came to speak in Lake Charles. (It read, “GIVE ‘EM HELL, OLLIE NORTH!”) Marines throughout the area told Hardy they wanted to sign the board. He obliged them.

Hardy’s proud of his life’s work. He must be. When he’s conversing, he finds a way to bring his work into the discussion every few minutes. The trait isn’t annoying. Indeed, it’s refreshing to talk with someone who has such a passionate interest. Hardy’s spent more than 40 years in the outdoor advertising business. “I’m very proud of it,” he says, “I still love it.” continued

Hardy with Sonny Watkins.

When Hardy was engineering his hand-painted signs for Lamar, local artists Elton Louviere and Floyd McFarden painted billboards for the company full-time.

‘SINCE 1982’ In 1982, Hardy started Hardy Outdoor Advertising in Lake Charles. In 1983, he put up a sign that highlighted the phrase “Since 1982.” Hardy wasn’t embarrassed by that slogan; on the contrary, he says, “I bragged about it.” Customers noticed it and kidded him about it. While he was happy to chuckle with them, one suspects that this was one more occasion when Hardy used something that was memorable to reinforce his bond with clients and potential clients. Hardy experienced the same difficult transitions every entrepreneur does. For a period of 7 1/2 years, he worked without a salary. During the time, the household bills were paid with the salary of Hardy’s wife Kitty. “Every dollar I made, I bought steel,” says Hardy. The steel was used, of September 19, 2013

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WHEN IT COMES TO BUSINESS, HARDY SAYS, “I NEVER BURNED A BRIDGE.” GOOD CONTACTS REMAINED GOOD CONTACTS.

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Photo By Jesse Hitefield

One of the things he’s proud of is the fact that he was president of the Louisiana 8-Sheet Association. (The term “8-sheet” is used to describe a billboard of a particular size.) Hardy also became president of Region 4 of the 8Sheet Association in the U.S. He was the first vice president of the Lake Charles Advertising Federation (now the American Advertising Federation, Lake Charles chapter).

‘THEY’RE ALL GOOD FRIENDS’ Hardy is attentive when it comes to expressing gratitude to those who’ve enabled him to be a success. He gives credit to the Jaycees “for jump starting my life to be able to speak in public.” He also says the group enabled him to participate in “good social networking.” “Lamar gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons,” he says. Perhaps this is an acknowledgement of the company’s efforts to push Hardy outside of his comfort zone of Lafayette. “I couldn’t have done it without my family,” he says. His family includes not only his former wife Kitty, but also his

daughter Kelli, a graduate of McNeese who is now a school teacher, and Katy, who’s a pharmacist in Lafayette. Whether through chance or design, both daughters married men who were baseball players at McNeese. When it comes to business, Hardy says, “I never burned a bridge.” Good contacts remained good contacts. The world of politics remains a source of keen memories for Hardy. “I don’t know how many congressmen I’ve been associated with,” he says. Between his business and his political contacts, he has, he says, “been with some crazy people.” His group of former Black Angus buddies can no longer be called young Turks. Some are no longer among the living. But those who are out and about “still meet when we support a politician in need,” says Hardy. As time has passed, and the people Hardy backed as they began their political careers have moved out of office, Hardy’s involvement in politics has become less wide-ranging than it once was. One senses that he feels a certain degree of regret about this. Hardy’s still involved in politics, but now more on a local level, he says. He supported Lake Charles mayors Sudduth, Mount and Roach. As for the group that met so long ago at Black Angus, his memories of them remain vivid and his association with them remains strong. “They’re all good friends; lasting friends; friends you can count on.”

SUPER SAVINGS!

September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

Still Going For The Gold Lake Charles’ John Poche Wins Three Gold Medals In National Senior Games By Karla Wall ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO, Lake Charles resident John Poche read a newspaper article about the local Senior Games (a.k.a. Senior Olympics), and decided to give it a shot. “My primary interest was in the swimming events,” Poche says. “I also competed in the football throw and the basketball free throw.” After just one meet, Poche, to use his own word, was “hooked” on the Senior Games. Poche, now 85, has competed in track and field events at the local, state and national level for 20 years now, breaking records, earning gold medals — and having an awful lot of fun doing so. He competed in his first National Senior Games competition (held every

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two years) in 1999, in Orlando, Fla., and won his first national gold medals in 2009 at the Games in Palo Alto, Calif. More recently, he returned from this year’s state Senior Games with no less than 10 gold medals. His latest achievement? Poche came home from this year’s National Senior Games in Cleveland, Ohio, with three gold medals, HEALTH & LIVING a silver medal and a fifth place ribbon in his age group. And if you’re thinking light competition, think again. There were 11,000 competitors from across the country and from 10 foreign countries at the meet, held at the Baldwin Wallace University in Cleveland. Poche won gold medals in the javelin throw, with a throw of 70 ft., 7

in.; the high jump, with a height of 3 ft., 7 1/4 in.; and the hammer throw, with a throw of 96 ft., 11 in. He won a silver medal in the shot put, and fifth place in the discus throw. That hammer throw, by the way, was enough to not only break, but shatter the world record in Poche’s age group by 15 ft. That one performance, says Poche, was the result of three months of serious work. “I started working on my throwing technique with the throwing coaches from McNeese,” he says. “The McNeese track team has been extremely supportive of me.” He also lifted weights three times per week, ran, and did some research on mental preparation for athletes. Poche says that by the time the national meet came around, he was confident he could break the record of 81 ft., 5 in. Poche’s involvement in the throwing events — javelin, discus, shot put, weight and hammer — began shortly after he started competing in the Senior Games. “I did a little bit of everything at first. And after competing for two or three years, I came to realize that the people in the throwing events seemed to be having the most fun.” Poche got a couple of books on throwing the shotput, and entered that event at the next Senior Games, a meet held at LSU, and has never looked back. Poche today focuses mainly on the throwing events And it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he’s still competing with success at an age at which many are frail, inactive and unhealthy. Poche’s always been active and athletic, he says. He ran on New Orleans’ Holy Cross track team in high school, and played basketball. As an adult, having moved to Lake Charles, he worked out, played handball and swam at the YMCA on Kirby Street, which was

located across the street from his office. He and his co-workers played touch football on the weekends. In later years, and before his involvement with the Senior Games, Poche quips, he worked out regularly “so I could eat Blue Bell ice cream without gaining too much weight.” Poche competes in six to eight meets per year, both in the Senior Games program and in the United States Track and Field Assoc. program, where he competes in the pentathlon. He won two All-American Awards, in fact, from the USTFA. But the Senior Games hold a special place in his heart. That’s because, Poche says, while the USTFA meets are more competitive and “serious,” the focus in the Senior Games is fun. “(The Senior Games are) just so much fun,” Poche says. “Everyone’s friendly; there’s no cheating; no one takes things too seriously. You just get to meet a whole lot of really nice people at the Senior Games.” And, he’s quick to add, you don’t have to be a top-flight athlete to compete. The local games offer competition in a variety of events that don’t necessarily require the skill and athleticism of the track and field events. There’s table tennis, a softball throw, shuffleboard, bowling — a total of more than 50 events that offers something for everyone. And, he adds, the Senior Games are a great incentive to get in shape and stay in shape and “just live a healthier lifestyle.” Poche says he urges all seniors to give the Games a try. “I try to get at least one person a year involved (in Senior Games),” he says. “Once you compete in one meet, you’re hooked.”

September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

Plan Now! It’s Never Too Late To Plan For A Better Retirement By Sharon O’Brien IF YOU’RE WORRIED THAT you may not be able to retire as soon as you’d like, may outlive your savings, or may not be able to retire at all, you’re not alone. Forty-four percent of U.S. baby boomers are not confident that they’ll have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, according to an Associated Press-LifeGoesStrong.com poll conducted in 2011. More than half (57 percent) say they lost money during the recession that started in 2007, and 42 percent say they are delaying their retirement as a result. The survey also found that the median retirement savings for all U.S. baby boomers total just $40,000, and that a quarter of us have no retirement savings at all. Among those who have put money aside for retirement, the median savings is $100,000, far less than most of us will need to retire at all, let alone comfortably. That may be why so many baby boomers (67 percent) plan to work for pay even after they have retired from their current jobs, and why more than a third (35 percent) say they will have to work during retirement just to make ends meet. Yet, a comfortable retirement doesn’t have to remain out of reach. The following nine tips will get you started:

Create an Accurate Spending Record Start by writing down all of your purchases and expenses for an entire month — everything from your mortgage payment to your morning latte — and make a note of less frequent expens-

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es such as insurance payments, professional dues and magazine subscriptions that occur annually, semi-annually, quarterly or every other month. Before you can make changes that will improve your finances and increase your retirement savings, you need to know how you’re spending every dollar you earn.

Save And Invest More Money Once you know where your money is going, start actively looking for ways to save more of your income. After you have at least three months’ worth of living expensHEALTH es in savings, set up a & LIVING relatively low-risk investment plan that will put your money to work and fits well with your retirement goals and the amount of time you have to achieve them.

Simplify Your Life One way to expand your retirement fund while shrinking your stress level is to simplify your life. Start by getting rid of all the stuff you have that no longer fits your life — and don’t replace it with newer versions of the same useless stuff. For example, if you have closets stuffed full of clothes and shoes you rarely or never wear anymore, donate them. Instead, design a wardrobe that requires just a few pieces in one or two basic colors, which you can combine to make many different outfits. Simplification only feels like sacrifice if you let it. Once you get into the spirit, chances are you’ll enjoy the challenge of seeing how simple you can make your life without feeling as though you’re giving up anything important. By

simplifying your life, you can reduce your expenses and your stress, which will make it well worth the effort.

Reconsider Necessities When you’re looking for ways to lower your costs and save money, take a second look at your recurring expenses and the things you consider necessities. Do you need both a mobile phone and a land line? Could you save money on food by eating at home more often, or cooking more meals from scratch rather than falling back on processed foods? Could you make do with fewer toiletries, less makeup or less expensive shampoo and still feel well-groomed? How about spending less money at the bookstore and more time at the library? Even small savings add up quickly and can pay big dividends over time.

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Check Your Garage For Possible Savings If you’re a two-or-more-car family, consider scaling back to just one vehicle. On average, owning and operating an automobile will cost you anywhere from $500 to $1,000 a month, sometimes more, in car payments, insurance, gasoline, repairs and maintenance, and other expenses. Owning just one car may require a little extra work to coordinate schedules, but the savings are immediate and ongoing.

Drive Less, Walk More If you live in a place with good public transportation, you may want to consider giving up cars altogether and relying instead on buses, subways and lightrail systems. According to a study by the American Public Transportation Association, families that use public transportation can reduce their household expenses by more than the average U.S. household spends on food every year. Giving up a car and switching to public transportation also means you’ll be walking more, which will help you maintain your health. And for those few times when you really must have a vehicle, a car-sharing service such as Zipcar or the generosity of friends and family members may do the trick.

Redefine Luxury Let’s face it, we all like to pamper ourselves now and then with something really special, whether it’s a trip to the spa, a pair of diamond earrings or a European vacation. But luxury, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. You can redefine luxury, and indulge yourself more often, by learning to savor less expensive experiences and possessions that, with practice and a little extra mindfulness, will reward you with the same fabulous feeling at a fraction of the cost.

Seek Professional Help Get a good financial advisor. If you could create an effective retirement plan without help, chances are you’d already have a nice nest egg and be looking forward to a comfortable retirement. If that doesn’t describe your current situation, then it’s time to seek advice from someone who can help you determine how much you need, set appropriate goals, and figure out how to get there — even if you’re starting late. September 19, 2013

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Smile! M

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before the wedding, those anxieties can be swept away. If the engagement photos look good, then the wedding photos probably will also. Everyone can relax a little.

Photo By Emily Fuselier Photography

ost couples hire a wedding photographer to shoot their wedding. But not every couple hires a professional photographer to shoot engagement photos. If you’re planning your wedding, and you haven’t lined up an engagement photo shoot, you might want to reconsider your decision. For couples who care about photography and want to look natural on their wedding day, the engagement session is the best way to get eased into being photographed and to establish a connection with the photographer. It’s a chance for the photographer to get to know the couple and the dynamics between them and capture their special bond and unique characters with more ease. A wedding has a full story, with a beginning, middle and end. Without engagement photos, a chapter in the story is missing. The process of shooting engagement photos will give the couple a chance to get to know how their photographer works. Getting to work with the photographer before the big day builds confidence and releases a lot of pressure and stress. Couples often wonder how they’ll look in wedding photos. With a shoot

Getting Comfortable Did you ever pose for a photo and feel stiff? If you did, you were, as they say, not comfortable in the moment. Portraits look best when the subjects feel at ease. The engagement session helps change the relationship between the engaged couple and the photographer from that of strangers into a friendly rapport in which parties feel comfortable about expressing themselves. The “e-session,” as it’s known in the wedding world, can be an advantage for the photographer. It’s a way for the photographer to find out what to expect. The photographer can figure out the couple’s best angles, photo preferences and personalities during the engagement shoot. It’s important that the couple be happy at the end of the e-session. If you feel like you’ve just spent the whole day with your BFF, then the wedding day should be perfect.

You probably know where you want to shoot your wedding photos. But what about your engagement photos? Some couples prefer outdoor settings with natural lighting. Great locations for these types of photos are a local park, a location near a lake, a large tree, a water fountain, a monument, a historic house or one’s own backyard. The possibilities are endless. If the couple owns a pet, it can be included in some of the photos. While nature settings are popular, so are urban shoots, such as those that take place in the middle of the city. Urban settings can be fun to work with because the shoots tend to be spontaneous and offer diversity in terms of settings. But the photography will be less emotional and more editorial than that of outdoor shots. Of course there are other options for settings. The engagement session is a great way to capture in photographic images things that are special to you as a couple but that you may not have time for on the wedding day. Shots can take place at two or three locations that are meaningful to the bride and groom.

Photo By Emily Fuselier Photography

Ideal Locations

M ost couples hire a photographer to shoot their wedding. But not every couple hires a professional photographer to shoot engagement photos. If you’re planning your wedding, and you haven’t lined up an engagement photo shoot, you might want to reconsider.

When To Shoot Engagement Photos If you decide to shoot engagement photos, don’t wait too long. Typically, most couples schedule their engagement photo session six months before the wedding day. Consideration should always be given to the weather. Of course, it’s never a good idea to shoot photos in extreme heat or cold because the couple won’t be comfortable. When you shoot engagement images early rather than late, you can use the photos for wedding-related items, such as save-the-dates, your wedding website and engagement notices. You can dress and look any way you want for your engagement photos. Some couples like dressing up, while others keep things casual. You can even get professional hairstyling and makeup. Whatever you choose, just be comfortable in front of the camera and have fun. September 19, 2013

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If The Shoe Fits Buying Shoes Before Buying The Dress

rides love their shoes — so much so that many of them are shopping for their wedding day shoes first and then using their chosen shoe style to help determine which wedding dress is “the one.” When Megan Stec got engaged, it was her shoes she focused on first. Specifically, she was looking for a pair of Christian Louboutin ruby red shoes that she had seen months prior and that fit her love of “The Wizard of Oz.” She spent two months looking for the pair, even searching internationally. During her search, she found and fell in love with a different pair of Louboutins. “It was like the ‘Horse of a Different Color,’” says Stec, referring to the differ-

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ently hued sparkly shoes. “Buying my shoes was just as special as buying my wedding dress. When I tried them on, I knew they were ‘the ones.’” Fashion merchandising expert Stec spent just one month, half the time of her shoe search, looking for and choosing her wedding dress. The trend is picking up, with more brides dreaming about their wedding shoes, in addition to their wedding dresses. They’re creating Pinterest boards devoted to their shoe inspirations, and they’re talking with their engaged friends about shoes as well as dresses, cakes and other wedding topics. Years ago, bridal shoes were commonly plain and white. Now, they’re sparkly, brightly colored, designer named and fabulous.

According to The Wedding Report, the top trends in brides’ shoes are colors (especially green and blue), lace, and rhinestones. In addition to the designer high heels worn during the ceremony, brides are also opting to slip into comfortable, stylish flats for the reception hours. It is, however, the ornate ceremony shoe that brides appear to be fantasizing about for their wedding days. Here are reasons more brides are shopping for shoes first and dresses second: — Gorgeous images, on Pinterest and in bridal blogs, of brides and bridesmaids wearing amazing, colorful or glittery shoes resonate with them. It’s the look they want for their big day. When buying a gown first, the style and length

Photo By Emily Fuselier Photography

of dress might limit the subsequent shoe selection. — Some brides are willing to devote a larger amount of money to their shoes, to enjoy that celebrity feeling of wearing something designer. If they can’t afford a designer dress in the thousands-of-dollars range, then designer shoes for a few hundred dollars are readily available. Before other wedding plans and purchases chip away at their available funds, they can devote some time and money to their high-priority footwear. Then, they may be very happy wearing a dress in a more moderate price range. — Unlike their once-in-a-lifetime gowns, brides can plan to wear their wedding shoes in the future, dazzling with the designer style. — If a bride wants to show off her shoes on the wedding day, trendy kneelength dresses and “high-low” dresses — the front hem reaches knee length, then extends down like a curtain on each side to a longer length in the back — can afford her the opportunity. The result is a

“frame” of her legs and shoes. — Wearing wedding shoes has long been a tenet of gown shopping, specifically for alterations. Instead of wearing different shoes during alterations, hoping for the perfect height, having the chosen pair handy takes the guesswork out of the equation. The bride gets a better look at the whole picture. — Trying on shoes is often a purely enjoyable task. Shoe size is nowhere near as much of an emotionally loaded, self-esteem challenging issue as trying on wedding gowns. Some brides with concerns about body size or self-esteem would rather begin this magical process with a relaxing shopping trip. This eliminates some discomfort they may have with trying on dresses, releasing them from discouragement over how a dress makes them look. Of course, the reasons vary with each bride, but the fact remains: Going shoe shopping is fun, and this may be the bride’s one time to truly splurge on a dream designer style.

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From Me To We Making The Transition From Single To Married

f you’re engaged, you probably picture spending every day and night side-by-side with your spouse. But that idea changes fast. You may want a night out with your friends, while your spouse wants happy hour with co-workers.

Talk It Out How can you go from “me” to “we” and still keep your sense of individuality? “Talking is the glue that holds relationships together,” says Dr. Fran

Walfish, psychotherapist and author of The Self-Aware Parent. “People need to learn how to talk and listen to each other and tolerate differences.” Life coach and blogger Maggie Reyes encourages couples to define what success looks like for their relationship. “Talk about what you envision,” she says. “Realize it’s going to be very personal for you.”

Take Your Time It takes time to get to know your

spouse. “In most cases, it doesn’t hurt to live together,” says Walfish, who believes living together helps couples get to know each other. “It’s better to know them before you say “I do.’” Be patient, and give yourselves a chance to figure out each other’s preferences. Does one of you like cooking? Can you handle the grocery shopping, or would you prefer your better half do the job? Split chores evenly and based on what

you can both tolerate. Reyes advises couples to aim for winwin situations, not compromises, which often involve one person’s making sacrifices.

Alone Time vs. Couple Time “It’s a myth that you have to do everything together,” Reyes says. Instead, look for ways to balance your personal time with your couple time. “Everything is doable if you have two willing partners,” Walfish says. One of her clients wanted poker night three times a week, which frustrated his wife. Walfish confronted the husband and urged him to make a change. The solution? “We cut down his poker nights one at a time,” Walfish says. Some behavior modifications have to be made, suggests Walfish. “Demonstrate you’re willing to have give-and-take,” she says.

Pursue individual passions — such as photography, cooking or biking — while also spending quality time as a couple, for example, enjoying date nights whenever possible.

Handling Money You need to talk about how you’ll handle money in the relationship. Do you want separate bank accounts? A joint account? Is there some wiggle room for splurges? “Every couple will have a different priority,” says Reyes, noting that some couples want to reduce debt. Others want to save for a home, and some want to save up for vacations. No matter what you decide about saving or spending your money, plan to reassess your financial priorities from time to time.

Family Expectations You also want to figure out family obligations. Will you be expected to attend 40

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Photo By Emily Fuselier Photography

a family dinner every Sunday? How will you celebrate holidays? “Talk about the little things so they don’t become big things,” says Reyes, who suggests couples discuss how they spent their childhoods, how they relate to their families and what they expect from each other when it comes to family commitments.

Decorating One of the hallmarks of couplehood is having a place to call home. Whether it be a condo, an apartment or a house, decorating that space can be very complicated. “Your home is a sanctuary for the both of you,” Reyes says. “The house is a reflection of you as a team.” She recommends asking your spouse how involved he or she wants to be in the decorating. Some spouses care a lot; others don’t care at all. The middle ground? Choose a few ideas and then run them by your partner. For example, select three

paint colors, and then ask him or her to help you make the final color decision.

Respect Even when it’s stressful figuring out how to be yourself and still be part of a couple, remember to respect your spouse. “We’re still two people, and we love each other,” Reyes says. “We want to bring our best self to each other.” That means you each can pursue your individual passions — such as photography, cooking or biking — while also spending quality time as a couple, for example, listening to music, going on hikes together and enjoying date nights whenever possible. “Check in with each other, and make plans and decisions based on that,” Reyes says. Enjoy each other’s company, and trust that you are always working on ways to improve your communication and your relationship.

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Planning Checklist T

he secret to a perfect wedding is planning and organization. Lagniappe suggests that couples use a notebook to keep track of details, beginning six to 12 months before the big day.

Six to 12 Months — Decide on amount of budget — Choose location of ceremony — Compile invitation list — Choose attendants — Select gown, veil, accessories — Select attendants’ gowns — Select men’s formal wear — Select reception site

— Plan details of reception — Select photographer — Select videographer — Select caterer — Select florist — Select bridal registry — Select music for wedding ceremony — Select music for reception — Discuss honeymoon plans

Four Months — Order invitations, personal stationery and wedding programs — Shop for trousseau — Find a new place to live — Shop for furnishings

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Larry A. Roach (1932-2003) Barry A. Roach • Larry A. Roach, Jr. Fred C. "Bubba" LeBleu • David M. Hudson

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Photos By Emily Fuselier Photography

— Set an appointment for blood tests — Finalize honeymoon plans

Two Months — Address wedding invitations — Select attendants’ gifts — Buy wedding rings, order engraving — Check newspaper wedding announcement deadlines — Set a date to get a marriage license — Reserve rental items for ceremony and reception — Order wedding gown — Order wedding and groom’s cakes

One Month — Mail invitations — Arrange for final fittings on the gown — Remind bridesmaids of gown fittings — Try out hairstyles — Buy groom’s wedding gift — Arrange lodging for out-of-towners — Make reservations for rehearsal dinner — Have formal wedding portrait taken — Reserve limousine transportation — Make reservations for bridesmaids’ luncheon — Confirm honeymoon reservations

Two Weeks — Keep records of wedding gifts and write thank-you notes — Double-check attire and accessories for all members of the wedding party — Confirm time and date of rehearsal with members of party — Review reception seating and prepare place cards — Arrange to move belongings to new home — Schedule appointment with hairdresser and manicurist — Arrange for name and address change on your bank accounts, credit cards, Social Security cards and utilities bills — Complete trousseau shopping

One Week — Have final consultation with caterer, florist, musicians and photographers — Give final count to reception facility or caterer — Host bridesmaids’ luncheon — Begin packing for honeymoon. September 19, 2013

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Simple Savings Easy Ways To Save Extra Money For The Big Day

ccording to Brides Magazine, the average American wedding costs close to $27,000. That’s a hefty price tag when you’re just starting out as a couple. You’ll likely spend less on the down payment for your first home. Even a small, simple ceremony can cost a few thousand dollars when you add up the dress, the reception hall and the food. Going into debt for a wedding just doesn’t make sense, so, unless you’re getting loads of help from Mom and Dad, it’s time to start saving. Luckily, budget-minded brides and grooms can find plenty of small ways to save — and make — extra money in the months leading up to the nuptials, and all those small savings can really add up in just a few months. Here are a few suggestions.

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Entertain at home. Instead of expensive restaurants, new releases at the theater and drinks at the club, opt to stay in for game nights with friends, BYOB wine tastings and Netflix movie marathons. Then shift those savings into the wedding fund. Sell your stuff. From clothing and home goods to furniture and sports equipment, the resale market is booming, and couples combining households are in the perfect position to make some extra cash. Do you really need two toasters, two couches and two copies of your favorite movies? Host a yard sale, post to Craigslist, auction it off on eBay or drop it off at your local consignment shop. Make a donation. If tax time is near, consider donating duplicate household items to charity instead. There’s a good chance that the tax write-off for your chari-

table donations will put more money in your pocket than parting with your items at a yard sale. If you receive an extra-large tax return this year, review the W-4 on file with your employer and adjust your withholding to put more cash in your paycheck — just be sure you have enough taken from your check to cover the balance due next year. Redeem rewards points. From banks and credit cards to supermarkets, gas stations and utility companies, loyalty rewards programs are everywhere you look. If you haven’t signed up at the places you frequent most, now is the time — and if you have signed up, now is the time to cash in. Redeem your points for gift cards that you can use to help pay for the wedding or cash them in for savings on the items you buy most like gas and groceries.

Cash in on unused gift cards. Whether you spend them on items for the wedding or trade them for cash on sites like PlasticJungle.com, those unused gift cards are money in the bank. Collect your change. A big coin jar on the counter can be a surprisingly simple and effective way to save for the big day. Leave the debit card at home and spend cash instead, but only bills. After each purchase, stash the change. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up. When it’s time to cash in, take it to the bank to avoid the fees at self-service kiosks. Stretch it out. When all else fails, extend the engagement. The longer the engagement the longer you have to save — and the longer you have to find some great deals to make your savings go further.

PIE MAKES A MAJOR IMPACT The Partners in Education program began in 1988 as a collaborative effort between the Calcasieu Parish School Board and the Chamber SWLA. In the more than 20 years since, the program’s roster has grown to include nearly 200 businesses and all area public schools. Partner businesses provide their schools with any number of things, ranging from such school supplies as pens and pencils to computers to student incentives and rewards. But the partnerships have evolved into much more than a pizza party once a year. Today’s partners are likely to serve on the advisory board at their partner schools and play a large role in the school’s activities and policies. Representatives of partner businesses visit their schools frequently, attending school functions and interacting with students and staff. Businesses and organizations interested in becoming a partner need only contact the Partner in Education coordinator at the parish school board office.

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Products

Employees

Community

Safety

Environment

New name. New look. New opportunities. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what the merger of PPG chemicals with Georgia Gulf means for our community. We are now Axiall. Our core values reflect our strong, continuing commitment to our employees, high safety standards, environmental stewardship and our community. The future for Southwest Louisiana has never looked brighter. Axiall is strategically positioned to be a part of our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth as we apply innovative technology to make better products for everyday use.

At the intersection of chemistry and progress.

PIE BENEFITS ARE MANY According to the school system, the program benefits schools, partner businesses and the community in many ways. For Partner Businesses: What do partner businesses and organizations gain from the program? An enhanced community image, certainly, but also: • A well-prepared future work force • Tax deductions for charitable contributions • Intrinsic rewards for employees through the pride they feel in making a positive difference • A positive return on tax dollars • Recognition and support of efforts For the community: • Recognition of education as a joint responsibility • Increased parental involvement • Opportunities for citizens to meaningfully impact the community through the schools • Intrinsic rewards for citizens of all ages through the pride felt in making a positive difference. For school officials and employees: • Shared professional training for employees • Improved management and leadership training opportunities • Improved understanding of business goals • Recognition and support of efforts • Provision of avenues to communicate education’s goals and issues For students: • Positive role models • Opportunities for career exploration • Increased understanding of the world of work • Enhanced learning opportunities in nontraditional settings • Increased self-esteem and motivation • Provision of avenues for future employment and consumer information • Access to the community and the world of work, which affords opportunities for making good choices and practicing high level thinking skills • Opportunities to experience the world of art, music, theater and dance.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A PARTNERSHIP IS FORMED Forming a partnership with a school is a wonderful step for a business, but filling out the paperwork is just the beginning. Here are a few steps to take after signing on as a school’s partner. • Meet and Greet. Arrange a convenient time for the school principal and faculty representative to meet with a representative from your business. • Form a Strategy. Examine current strategies, identify resources, and set goals and objectives based on assessment of current needs and available resources. Develop short- and long-range goals that combine resources to achieve mutually beneficial objectives that reflect the goals of improving student achievement and fostering lifelong learning. • Plan to Succeed. Plan appropriate and obtainable action plans to meet these objectives. Determine a time frame. • Share Info. Provide an orientation program with the faculty to share information, plans and expectations.•

THE PIE PROGRAM: A TWO-WAY STREET While partners provide schools with much-needed materials and aid, schools also benefit their partner businesses in many ways. For example, school choirs, theater groups and speech groups perform in business lobbies for staff and customers; students decorate their partner business’ lobbies or offices for holidays or other special events. September 19, 2013

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September 19, 2013

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In a May 13, 2012, story, Lagniappe reported for the first time on a disc golf course that was being constructed at the Sam Houston Jones State Park. At the time, nine holes of the course had been completed. The course has made tremendous advancements in the year and a half since this landmark was reached. The biggest news is that the course is complete. All the baskets — which are the equivalents of hole cups in a disc golf course — have been installed. This includes a basket by the kiosk at the start of the course that players can use to practice their disc-throwing

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skills. The welcoming kiosk where the practice basket has been installed offers information about the course, a description of the rules of play, maps of the course and other information. There are now signs for the tee of each hole. Signs provide maps of the hole, distances and a Google map photo of the hole. Each hole was funded by a sponsor who paid $500. There are as many as three tee positions at a hole. A full complement of three tees would allow players to start a hole at the beginning, amateur or professional level.

Of course, varying tees mean varying lengths of holes. Also, some of the baskets can be moved for tournaments. Such basket placement can place a basket further away from the player or move it to the right or the left. Serious players get very serious about adjusting to changes in the length and shape of the course of a hole. Local disc golf enthusiast David Clayton says some players carry as many as 24 discs of varying shapes, which they transport in a rolling bag similar to those used in traditional golf. Clayton himself carries four to six discs, including those he describes as an extra

long driver (which has a very thin shape), a mid-range and a putter (which is fat and wide). Some discs are designed so that they tend to go either to the right or the left when they’re thrown. He says the discs range in price from $8 to $16 each. He says the appeal of disc golf is that it enables people to do the walking they need to do for their health, but in a way that includes more diversion than the typical stroll. In addition to the exercise of walking, he says, disc golfing exercises the stomach muscles and repeatedly puts the body through twisting motions.

He says disc golfing is the fastest growing sport in the country for seniors. It’s apparent that some of the players are in good condition. Clayton says the record throw of a disc is more than 800 yards. A drive of more than 500 yards was recently logged at a regional tournament. Typical drives by good players range from 300-400 yards.

Tournaments And Inclusive Groups The complete course at Sam Houston Park, which is called the Bob Rodgers Memorial Disc Golf Course, was formally opened at an official ceremony that took place on July 21. Bob Rodgers was a Lake Charles native and longtime employee of a local Toyota operation who used to go to Sam Houston Park with friends and throw discs at targets. Rodgers was always enthusiastic about the creation of a disc golf course in the park.

Southwest Louisiana Disc Golf Club and the Orange County Disc Golf Assoc. to complete the course. Business sponsors include Lake Charles Toyota, Midsouth Bank and Diamond Lumber. Diamond Lumber sells an assortment of discs for disc golfing.

Cordial Relations With Park The Sam Houston Park crew reports a boost in park attendance since the opening of the course. “User numbers, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, are up significantly,” says Clayton, who asserts that 25-30 players show up at the course every Saturday and Sunday. Visitors have been arriving from Beaumont and other East Texas locations, as well as from Lafayette, sometimes in groups as large as a dozen.

All of this means increased revenue for the park, of course. Clayton says Nicole Adams, the park manager, has been “very cooperative” with the venture. Some park users feared the course might disturb the deer in the park. But Adams thinks the course’s fairways may have actually improved the deer’s habitat. The sport has been successful in the Louisiana State Parks system, which is paying close attention to the model of volunteer building and funding that was used to complete the course. State parks may try to use or replicate this system as they work to establish a new course in Claiborne Park in north Louisiana.

Parks Foundation has set up a fund for the course. All donations are tax exempt. To donate, visit the site of the Community Foundation of Acadiana at cfacadiana.org. Search for Sam Houston Jones State Park. The link for the disc golf fund will come right up. The disc golf course begins near the Longleaf Pine Trail and continues through the Sam Houston park. It can be used from dawn until dusk at no charge other than the standard park entrance fee. Sam Houston Jones State Park is located at 107 Sutherland Road in Lake Charles. For more info about the park, call 337-5884270 or visit www.LaStateParks.com.

Funding Funding for the new course was secured through private donors. The Louisiana

BAR NOW OPEN!

Signs marking the holes show par and yardage just like on the tee box at a golf course. Sign for Hole #1 is shown above.

After his death, his son-in-law, Joe Thacker, devoted himself to making the course a reality. Thacker, a Professional Disc Golf Assoc. designer, designed the Sam Houston course. “We thought it would be a great tribute to him,” says Thacker, who’s been a disc golfer since 1979. He designed the disc golf course in Birmingham, Ala., and then several other courses in the state. He sees the strength of the SWLA course as lying in its “great terrain; good, challenging angles and shots” and natural beauty. Rodgers’ widow, Susan Rodgers, continues to work as an art teacher in Sam Houston and to support disc golf. The area disc golf clubs have expanded since the earlier Lagniappe story. They now organize play dates at the new course, and they’re also planning tournaments. The Southern National Disc Golf Assoc. tournament has been set to take place at the course on Feb. 22 of next year. More than 70 players will compete. People keep up with the expansion of the groups on two Facebook pages: those for Bob Rodgers Memorial Disc Golf and SWLA Disc Golf. Players tend to hook up and make arrangements for play on the SWLA Disc Golf page in particular. In addition to the SWLA Disc Golf group, there’s an Imperial Disc Golf Club. The purpose of this club is to make sure that players who live outside the Lake Charles area don’t feel they’re being slighted or aren’t welcome. The effort to create the course is one that’s been inclusive all along. The Office of State Parks collaborated with the September 19, 2013

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lake area

people

Hebert Named To Board Susan Hebert was recently named to The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Board of directors. Hebert is a local artist specializing in watercolor. She graduated from McNeese State University in 1989 with a degree in chemical engineering.

Scott Joins Alliance Faith Scott has joined the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance as the Chamber Southwest director of member services and the Beauregard Office coordinator. Scott is a member of the DeRidder City Council and volunteers with numerous local organizations. She previously worked with the Beauregard Parish Chamber of Commerce.

Tapia Joins Robinson Dental Rolando Tapia, DDS, has recently joined the staff of Robinson Dental Group in Lake Charles. Tapia received his bachelor’s from Loyola University in Chicago and his doctorate in dental surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry. He completed his general practice resi-

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Hebert

Scott

dency at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. He has extensive experience in endodontics, oral surgery, and prosthetic dentistry, including dental implants, crowns, bridges and veneers.

Foltz, Estevez Win Pastry Competition L’Auberge pastry chefs Bill Foltz and Arlety Estevez won three categories at Pastry Live’s 2013 National Showpiece Championship in Atlanta, Ga. on Aug. 27. The team took home the top awards for Best Artistry, Best Sugar Showpiece and Competitor’s Choice Award. Foltz leads the pastry department at L’Auberge Lake Charles. Estevez leads the pastry department at L’Auberge Baton Rouge.

Giordano Receives Certification Johnny Giordano, owner of LPL Financial Services, was recently certified as a Health Care Reform Specialist at the HAFA (Health Agents For America) 2013 annual summit recently held in Baton Rouge. The certification allows Giordano to help clients successfully navigate the health care exchange, which is slated to go into

Tapia

Fullington

Nugent

effect Oct. 1. Giordano has handled group health and employee benefits for companies of all sizes for over 22 years.

HomeCare And Hospice Welcomes Two Cheryl Fullington was recently hired as the new regional customer service manager for Louisiana for Christus HomeCare and Hospice St. Patrick. Fullington has 15 years of operations, management and marketing experience. She will be responsible for the coordination of all referrals and intake functions for HomeCare and Hospice services for the Louisiana region. Jo Nugent also joins Christus HomeCare and Hospice as regional billing specialist for Louisiana. Nugent has 16 years of billing experience. She will be responsible for the Lake Charles, Alexandria and Shreveport-Bossier offices.

Zunker Named CVB Sales Manager David Zunker was recently named as sales director of the Lake Charles/ Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau. Zunker, from Minnesota, has more

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than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including resorts, state tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus. He has worked as director of sales, marketing, and public relations at Wintergreen Resort in Virginia, Daufuskie Island and Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. He also served as the executive director and CEO of three bureaus: Columbia, S.C.; Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; and Jefferson County, W. Va. He also taught tourism and hospitality marketing and management at the University of South Carolina.

Davies Joins WCCH Staff Andrew Davies, MD, family medicine physician, has joined the medical staff of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Originally from New Iberia, Davies earned a bachelor’s in liberal arts from Northwestern State University — Louisiana Scholars’ College, and a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He received his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, and completed his residency in family medicine at the LSUHSC Family Medicine Program at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. He practices alongside Dr. Kevin Schlamp at Schlamp Family

Medical Clinic, located at 921 First Ave. in Sulphur.

Graham Elected LHA Treasurer Larry Graham, president and CEO of the Lake Charles Memorial Health System, was recently elected treasurer of the Louisiana Hospital Association. Graham joined Lake Charles Memorial Hospital as chief executive officer on Dec. 1, 2006, with over 30 years of experience in healthcare administration. He is currently a Fellow of the American College Executives.

Morgan Joins Healthy Image Kay Morgan has been named business development director for Healthy Image, a local marketing agency. Morgan, a DeRidder native and McNeese State University graduate, has 17 years of experience in the marketing, public relations and business development fields.

John Noble’s nurse practitioner with Center for Orthopaedics, an affiliate of Imperial Health.

Nour Joins Digestive Health Center Khaled Nour, MD, a board certified gastroenterologist, has joined the staff of Memorial Medical Group. Originally from Egypt, Nour received his medical degree from Kuwait University, where he also completed his internship. He then moved to the U.S. to complete residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Michigan. He later completed a research fellowship in hepatology at the University of Michigan before serving as chief GI fellow and completing an additional GI and hepatology fellowship at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Prior to joining Memorial Medical Group, Nour had a private gastroenterology practice in Reno, Nev., and, most recently, in Athens, Ga.

including iPhone repair and iPad repair, data recovery, and computer consulting and support. Call 313-3320 for more information.

Wukovits Opens Second Location Of Bayou Tech.

Bean Named Heart Center Director

Founder and owner Victor Wukovits recently announced the opening of Bayou Technologies newest location in Sulphur. Located at 1624 Ruth Street, this second repair facility will expand their presence in Southwest Louisiana in anticipation of the area's growing population in need of quality technology repair services. Since 2007, Bayou Technologies has provided Lake Charles, Sulphur, and the surrounding areas in Southwest Louisiana with services including computer repair for Macs and PCs, portable device repair

Timothy Bean has been named the Christus St. Patrick Hospital Regional Heart Center director of Cardiology Services. Bean brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and cardiovascular management. He most recently served as system director at Mountain States Health Alliance in Johnson City, Tenn.

Foster, Benoit Promoted At CSB City Savings Bank recently promoted Chris Foster to the position of vice president and branch manager of the bank’s Gerstner Memorial Boulevard location, and Stephen Benoit to the position of assistant vice president and branch manager of the Sulphur branch on Maplewood Drive. Foster has worked with City Savings Bank for eight years, recently as vice president and branch manager of the bank’s Sulphur location. He is a graduate of McNeese State University with bachelor’s degrees in marketing and management. He also earned a degree from the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. Benoit previously held the position of asst. branch manager. He is a Sulphur native and has a business management degree from Louisiana State University. He recently received a degree from the Graduate School of Banking.

Thompson Joins The Eye Clinic Charles Thompson, MD, has joined the staff of The Eye Clinic. Originally from Lake Charles, Thompson earned a bachelor’s in general studies from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and a medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He completed a medical internship at Earl Kemp Long Hospital in Baton Rouge and an ophthalmology residency at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Thompson also completed a cornea, external disease and refractive surgery fellowship with the Eye Consultants of Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga.

Hinton Joins Imperial Health Nurse practitioner Noel Hinton, MSN, APRN, has joined the clinical staff of Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Lake Charles. Originally from Gautier, Miss., Hinton is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He earned his undergraduate degree and a master’s in nursing with a family nurse practitioner specialty from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. He has 15 years of clinical experience. Before joining the Urgent Care Center staff, Hinton served as Dr. September 19, 2013

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‘There’s Nothing Quite Like It’ The SEED Center Offers Entrepreneurs A Unique Combination Of Resources • By Brad Goins THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED SEED Center opened on August 16. It’s housed in a three-story building of 52,000 square feet at 4310 Ryan St. on the McNeese State University campus. The SEED Center is the home of a number of business organizations, including the Chamber SWLA and the Small Business Development Center. Adrian Wallace is the executive director of the center’s Southwest Louisiana Business Incubator. Wallace says that when the SEED Center was created, it was considered important to “co-locate as many of the economic entities [as possible] under one roof.” As a result, he says, “there’s nothing quite like it in the state.” One major purpose of this grouping together of business organizations is to provide a vast number of resources for would-be local entrepreneurs. The center is

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billing itself as a “one-stop shop” where entrepreneurs can get the particular business advice and direction they need to get their businesses through the early stages of operation. Perhaps the most pertinent resource of all for this purpose is the Business Incubator. It’s housed in the two large wings on the east and west ends of the building. In addition to the office suites, the facility has two laboratories (neither of which contains hazardous materials) and four work rooms, each of which has a 19foot ceiling and its own loading dock. It’s a “mixed-use facility,” says

Wallace. One of the ramifications of that is that the center can be used by people from different educational and business backgrounds. “We didn’t want to lock ourselves into one particular niche,” says Wallace.

Small Business Report

The Process Of Incubation “Incubation,” he says, “is a process of bringing clients in, coaching them” and getting them ready to do business in what’s so often called “the real

world.” Potential entrepreneurs in the Greater Calcasieu area (that is, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Parishes) start the incubation process by

filling out an application form. They are then evaluated by a set of criteria that aren’t strictly delineated, but that can, Wallace says, be summarized in what he calls the 4 Cs; these are: Character; Concept (Incubator staff ask themselves: “How robust is this business concept?” Wallace says he’s not interested in bursting anyone’s bubble, but will provide “reality therapy” for any entrepreneur whose idea isn’t ready for prime time.); Commitment; and Coachability (Is the entrepreneur willing to listen to solid advice?) As one would expect, incubator staff are especially interested in applicants who’ve come up with innovative business ideas. Once an applicant is accepted and the business guidance begins, subject matter experts are brought in to address applicants in seminars, brown bags or whatever format is appropriate for the business ventures that are anticipated. Successful entrepreneurs mentor applicants who want to go into fields related to the entrepreneurs’ experience. Beginning businesses aren’t required to be housed in the SEED building. But entrepreneurs who want to use the building as an office early on can do so. While coaching, tutoring and guidance are tailored to the needs of individuals, some parts of the process are mandatory for those who wish to draw on the resources of the Business Incubator. “Certain meetings and programs are required,” says Wallace. It’s generally expected that blooming entrepreneurs who’ve used the office spaces in the building will move out in two to four years. Rent is increased each year

to encourage applicants to work hard toward an independent business location. “It’s not intended as a long-term residence,” says Wallace.

Success Wallace thinks most of those who apply for the incubator’s assistance are “probably not ready to lease or buy or build.” They will be ready by the time they leave the incubator. Wallace says numbers from around the country indicate that entrepreneurs who’ve been through incubators enjoy an 85 percent success rate after five years of business. This is, of course, a success rate exponentially greater than that of typical entrepreneurs who are just starting businesses. Part of the reason for the enhanced success rate is that most business incubators, including the one at the SEED Center, do follow-up on the businesses they’ve nurtured. In its first weeks of operation, the Business Incubator was already working with eight clients — eight local entrepreneurs. It will be able to serve as many as 30.

Collaboration Other business groups housed in the SEED complex include the McNeese Internship Program, the Institute for Industry-Education Collaboration, IMCAL (the Regional Planning Commission for Southwest Louisiana), and the McNeese Student Innovation Center. The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (or PTAC) is useful for any small business owner who wants to know about contracts with state or federal government;

the processes involved with governmental registration or certification; and the governmental bidding process. The second floor of the new building houses the Willis Noland Conference Center. Several other business- and educationrelated groups are now located in the building. In the SEED Center, business leaders, faculty members (from McNeese and Sowela) and students work together on business development projects. (Young students will be brought into the process as the center begins its first Youth Entrepreneur Academy for students in grades 6-12. The national, 30-week program gives students the preparation they need to begin their own business venture.) In addition to this fundamental group of study partners, the SEED center also relies on its major institutional partners: the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, the City of Lake Charles, and, of course, McNeese State University. The university gave nearly 8 acres of land to the SEED Center. Along with the groups mentioned above, the Louisiana Recovery Authority contributed the funds required for the new facility. This collaborative approach to funding not only raised the $13 million required for the project, but enabled the center to open debt-free. If you’d like more information about the SEED Center or its Business Incubator, call Adrian Wallace at 433-0977 or visit seedcenterswla.com. Applications can be found at the site.

The Perfect Gift The “Perfect Gift” For Any Occasion

Need to find a gift for a loved one, friend or business acquaintance? One visit to The Perfect Gift is all it takes. The Perfect Gift opened in February 2000 at 2712 Hodges St. Carol Henry opened the store with customer service in mind. “I bought Carol Henry, the business because I love being around peoowner ple and helping them,” she said. She enjoys finding the perfect gift for all occasions and offers personal friendly service with low prices. The Perfect Gift now carries fashionable apparel at moderate prices, along with the jewelry, purses and scarves you need to give you that complete look. Need a gift? We carry pewter, candles, fleur de lis items, cookbooks, cheese ball dips and mixes and a whole lot more! We offer free giftwrapping to all of our customers. Carol’s customers experience a fun, friendly and comfortable atmosphere every time they enter her store. “I want my customers to feel important,” Carol says. “I believe in treating the customer the way I would want to be treated.” As a member of the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana and as a member of the local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, Carol understands the importance of female business owners. “I know the significant role that women fulfill in today’s business world,” she said. “I believe in giving back to the community.”

2712 Hodges Street • Lake Charles (337) 439-7693

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Sylvan Learning Leading Provider Of Tutoring To Students Of All Ages, Grades And Skill Levels Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels. With 35 years of experience and nearly 1,100 centers located throughout North America, Sylvan’s proven process and personalized methods have inspired more than 2 million students to discover the joy of learning. Sylvan's trained and certified personal instructors provide individual instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan Learning of Lake Charles has served the Imperial Calcasieu Area since 1984…soon to celebrate 30 years of serving the families of this area. Executive Director, Renee A. Reina has worked at Sylvan Learning Center since 1986: starting first as a Sylvan instructor, then Director of Education, then Director of the Lake Charles Center. Now as owner and operator of this local franchise, Reina has seen many changes in the world of education these last 30 years. “It has been an honor to serve the students and families in this area, as well as a privilege to work with the educational community: schools, teachers, administrators, and community leaders in the Imperial Calcasieu Educational System,” Reina states. The exciting world of educational technology has arrived at Sylvan as well: SylvanSync is a new instructional system created by Sylvan to accelerate learning. With SylvanSync,

Sylvan’s certified instructors develop a personal learning plan for each student and teach each Sylvan lesson on an iPad, creating a more engaging educational experience for students. The Sylvan experience now extends into the home and onto mobile devices with the addition of mySylvan, a personalized educational online portal for students and families. In developing SylvanSync, we reinvented tutoring by blending stateof-the-art instructional technology with our proven proprietary approach to supplemental learning. This creates a richer and more engaging experience for our students, while maintaining the heart of what makes teaching a personal activity — the teacher and student connection. Because SylvanSync is digital and delivered through a private iPad app, it offers services beyond the Sylvan Center in a variety of suitable locations throughout the communities. These locations, called Sylvan Satellites, allow families to receive educational services in more convenient locations. Parents and Families who are interested in learning move about Sylvan are invited to visit the Center located at 129 West College Street in Lake Chares. A tour of the Center and a demonstration of the new instructional platform: SylvanSync will be eagerly arranged. Contact Sylvan of Lake Charles at 474-9998 or via email at sylvanlearning@msn.com.

129 West College Street • Lake Charles • 474-9998 sylvanlearning@msn.com

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September 19, 2013

Anu Works, Inc.

Flooring & Design Center

The Lake Area's Premier Hydroseeding Service

Superior Products, Impeccable Service

In 2001, Tommy and Liz Todd bought a hydroseeding business that was meant to be a replacement for AnuWorks, Inc.’s, backbreaking work of building metal structures and fences. The metal building business was too profitable to leave for the next five years, but the hydroseeding side continued to grow as well. Tommy Todd personally runs the business, and there’s a good chance that he will be spraying your job. Their fleet has tripled in size and they have Liz Todd grown from 3 to 14 full time time employees and are continually expanding the areas and clientele they serve. They are also very excited about the upgrading of their safety and training programs which now include Hazwopper training and certifications with ISNETWORLD,PICS and PECS. Liz Todd says, “Thank you SWLA for being a great place to own a business and a great place to raise our family.” “We specialize in erosion control and carry different grades of mulch to take care of the specific needs of your job,” says Liz. “No job is too big or too small for our crew. We have serviced the State of La. DOTD with sprayed-on Erosion Control Bonded Fiber Matrix as well as a vast array of contractors between Mississippi and Houston.” In addition, AnuWorks does residential work. “We would also be happy to help you beautify your lawn, whether it be with native common Bermuda, centipede or your own choice of grass that you may have researched and wish to experiment with,” Liz said. Their services can be used in but not limited to the following applications: Highway beautification and erosion control; pipeline right of ways; levee vegetation; ditch and canal vegetation; dust control; embankment vegetation, construction site vegetation; and lawn beautification. Call them today and ask about their free estimates!

Flooring manufacturers are con- installation and the design and coortinually introducing new and exciting dination of the interiors of our cusproducts. Each day we see new tomers’ homes. We’re knowledgeable designs in granite. If you don’t see about how our products perform, how something today at Flooring and they need to be maintained and Design Center that you can’t live whether a specific product will work without, just wait in our customer’s till next week, application. when there’s Custom designbound to be one ing is important to item you just have our clients. We’ll to have! design a unique Probably the kitchen backsplash, hottest product on tub enclosure and the market right custom shower. If now is Luxury you’ve ever tried to Vinyl Plank. get this type of help Another hot item is elsewhere, you know porcelain tile that it’s invaluable. Gisela Ryland looks like wood. We’re very The look was thankful for our cusinspired by beach houses. tomers: those customers who have Other products offered by referred to us time and time again and Flooring & Design Center include have purchased their flooring from us wood, laminate, tile, carpet, marble, over and over again. Loyal customers travertine, paints, stains and ceramics. are what we’re most proud of! In the flooring industry, we’re Visit owner Gisela Ryland and unique for having a business that’s the staff at Flooring & Design Center, run by women only. Inc., 1401 Cypress Street, Sulphur, During our 20 years of business, LA 70663, 528-1077 Monday we’ve been very conscientious about through Friday 8 am-5 pm. our product selection, placement,

5909 Hwy 14 East • Iowa • stansairboatservice.com 337-540-0278 • 24-Hours Call 337-802-9147

1401 Cypress Street • Sulphur 528-1077

Lake Area Office Products opened in 2000 as a small, home-based business remanufacturing toner cartridges and providing repairs for office machines such as printers, copiers and fax machines. Our approach was simple: Offer top-quality products at low prices, and back it up with a level of service that none of our competitors could match. Over the next four years, that approach proved so successful that owner John Ney found it necessary to relocate to a larger location on Kirkman Street and expand his staff. This larger location allowed LAOP to add a full line of office supplies. LAOP continued to grow, and in 2005 we became a business partner with Toshiba and Samsung. The following year, after continued growth, we moved to still larger quarters, this time on East Prien Lake Road. This move allowed us to add Sharp copiers to our line. We also brought in a selection of used office furniture and introduced temporary leasing on used office furniture and equipment. Business has remained strong. Today we are able to provide furniture solutions for businesses of all types and sizes — from the one- or two- person organization to major corporations with 50 offices or more, all from our 12,000- squarefoot building on Enterprise Boulevard. What started out as a home-based business, in 2000, has become a strong, multi-faceted organization with the resources and expertise to provide cost effective office solutions on multiple levels. Lake Area Office Products is a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Louisiana. We're locally owned and operated for over 10 years, and we welcome the opportunity to support our community by doing business with other locally owned companies.

Seated: John Ney, "The Office Guy," owner. Standing, L to R: Amber Humphrey, Paul Chandler, Tara Smith, Gerald Laughlin, Mariah Laughlin and Jeremy Humphrey.

Because of your support, Lake Area Office Products has the opportunity to sponsor little league baseball and soccer in the Lake Area like the budding superstars on the Westlake Rams Tee Ball and Sulphur Strikers Soccer teams. Our team is made up of hard-working professionals with the experience to help you make the most of your money and keep your business running smoothly!

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Spicer-Hughes Marina & Motel "We Are Wife Approved" Spicer Hughes Marina and Motel is just minutes away from some of the best fishing spots in Louisiana. Whether on business, vacation, planning a fishing trip with the guys or just trying to get away, we can accommodate all of your needs. Guide services available for your fishing needs. Spicer Hughes Marina and Motel opened for business in May 1998. We are located on Kelso Bayou in Hackberry, La., about 18 miles south of Sulphur, La. We have two boat launches on site. We have a large parking area to park your truck and trailer. Our location offers dockside fuel for boats. We have a large bait room with 8 vats that we have live shrimp for sale. We also have a large selection of light tackle for salt water fishing, frozen bait shrimp, cold drinks, all sorts of snacks and souvenir t-shirts and hats. Fish cleaning facilities available. We have eight motel rooms. All rooms have two queen beds, minifridge, microwave, TV, and coffee pot. Some include kitchenettes, which have a kitchen stocked with essential utensils. There are outdoor grills available to cook up that fresh catch. We have three different lodges available for larger groups. The “Main House” has two bedrooms with five beds. The “Dock” is a one bedroom with three beds and a queen size sleeper sofa. The “Duck Hut” has one bedroom with two beds, a rollaway bed, and a queen size sleeper sofa. We can accommodate all your needs.

198 Bourgs Port Road • Hackberry 337-762-3170

McKenzie Pest Control The Best Defense Against The Distress Of Pests Keith Dubrock, owner of McKenzie Pest Control, was born and raised in Southwest Louisiana, so he knows well the trouble that pests cause in our neck of the woods. Termites—especially Formosan termites—take a heavy toll, chewing up people's property to the tune of millions of dollars a year. Roaches, ants, spiders, mice and other critters live up to the label "pests," causing major aggravation when they invade people's homes. When Dubrock talks to people about roaches, Keith Dubrock, owner of termites and other pests, he's a man with solutions. McKenzie Pest Control, He knows these varmints can be controlled, and stands in front of his McKenzie Pest Control has the people, the science Common Street headquarters with "Chewy," and the technology to do the job. "That's why they the super-size termite call us 'The Home Protectors,'" he says matter-ofsculpture that warns factly. passersby of the termite McKenzie Pest Control was founded in 1951 by threat in SWLA. "Stan the Bug Man"—the legendary Stan McKenzie. Since then, the McKenzie name has been synonymous with the best pest control available. When Dubrock became the owner in 1996, he was determined to continue that "best pest control" tradition. For termites, McKenzie Pest control deploys the two most effective systems available: the Termidor Termite Defense System and the Sentricon "Always Active" Colony Elimination System. Whatever the termite threat, one of these systems is the right choice for total protection. For other pests, McKenzie's pest-control service is available on a monthly, every-other-month, quarterly or one-time basis—providing just the right level of protection to tackle the problem. Most of all, Dubrock is proud of his team of certified, experienced pest-control technicians who go out daily to protect the homes and businesses of Southwest Louisiana. "Our technicians are the greatest. They're professional, presentable and they really care about our customers. I wouldn't send any other kind of person to your home." Dubrock invites anyone with a pest problem to call him. Drawing on McKenzie's 60+ years of pest-control knowledge and experience, he's confident that he can offer the best, most effective and economical solution to that problem.

www.mckenziepestcontrol.com • 337-478-7826 4711 Common Street • Lake Charles 62

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September 19, 2013

Chamber Southwest SWLA Women's Business Network: They Can Do It! The Southwest Louisiana Women’s Business Network (WBN), a program of the Chamber SWLA, premiered in April 2010 with more than 120 regional business women in attendance, and it hasn’t slowed down since. The SWLA Women’s Business Network recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of women in business throughout Southwest Louisiana and offers networking and professional development opportunities through workshops and lectures on topics such as marketing and mentoring. On Nov. 19, 2013, the SWLA Women’s Business Network will host its 4th Annual Women’s Business Leaders Awards Luncheon at L’Auberge Casino Resort from 11:30am to 1pm. This luncheon honors successful business women from Southwest Louisiana based on nominations from fellow business leaders. Call today for ticket information. There is no limit to the growth and

potential of the Women’s Business Network. In the future, the WBN may take on many projects such as standing as the voice for women in our community, establishing a regional business- to-business showcase, or hosting major national speakers on issues facing Southwest Louisiana. At this point, they are limited only by their imagination. While there are other regional organizations devoted to the needs, challenges, and joys of being a woman in today’s society, WBN is the only organization focused primarily on a woman’s role in the workforce and establishing business connections. The WBN continues to get extremely positive feedback and interest. Information captured at events indicates that participants are heavily invested in the future of this organization and are active in providing response on how they want the WBN to progress.

PO Box 3110 • Lake Charles, LA 70602 • 433-3632 awhite@allianceswla.org

was easy to get wrapped up in the Little League World Series this summer. Coverage was ubiquitous: for a solid month, every TV in every restaurant and bar in the city seemed to broadcast the most recent game or a review of the most recent game. Commentators debated about the strengths and weaknesses of each team as vehemently as they had argued about the strengths and weaknesses of major league teams earlier in the year. The fans remained as rowdy as ever; followed these games with the same degree of dedication; responded with the same whoops of enthusiasms and groans of disgust; that they reserved for the big leagues. Even I, an avowed baseball hater (I have a bad history with the sport; I still contend I might be the worst player ever to set foot on the mound), found myself casually following along when I went out to eat, tracing the fortunes of the team I was interested in, and even sometimes searching out the results of a missed game online. Meanwhile, the Dixie Youth World Series came and ended without a tenth of the media coverage. Like most regional sports leagues, Dixie Youth seems to have been ignored by the rest of the world; in those rare cases it wasn’t ignored, it seemed to have been outright dismissed. And that’s a shame, because it means that, despite their skill, their dedication, their success and, ultimately, their victory, the Moss Bluff All Stars, the champions of the 2013 Dixie Youth World Series, are being overlooked even in their own community when they should, in fact, be recognized on a much larger scale. It’s easy enough to explain why they might be overlooked. After all, the Dixie

Youth World Series only covers 11 southern states – Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia and Alabama – while the Little League World Series encompasses, well, the world, as its name suggests. The knee-jerk explanation might be that the Dixie Youth World Series teams aren’t quite on par with the teams in the Little League World Series, but that seems incorrect. Bub Duhon, one of the three coaches of the Moss Bluff All Stars, has “no doubts that our team could compete in the Little League World Series. The top four teams – Mexico, California, Japan and New England — would have been close; they could have gone either way; but against any of the other teams, I’m confident we would have won.” Timothy Aguillard, a fellow coach and the team’s manager, assured me of the same thing — not that he had to do much convincing. A look at the team’s record this season dispels most doubts that regionalism is synonymous with a lack of skill. The team was undefeated through the 23 games of the All-Star League, during which time they scored over 285 runs while giving up only 32. That means, on average, every run the opponent managed to squeeze out came after the Moss Bluff All Stars had managed to make nine runs of their own. The team also went undefeated throughout the entirety of the Dixie Youth World Series tournament, and though early games against North Carolina and Alabama were tense affairs, the All Stars managed to walk away from both games with a decisive victory. Given sport’s singular fascination with the celebrity player — that quasi-mythical

character whose team seems to win and lose based solely on his whims — and the kind of talent-search mentality that pervades the other youth World Series, it’s only reasonable to assume the Moss Bluff All Stars possess a bit of that star power.

The team was undefeated through the 23 games of the All-Star League, during which time they scored over 285 runs while giving up only 32. They also went undefeated throughout the entirety of the Dixie Youth World Series tournament. But such an assumption would be a mistake. Both Bob Duhon and Timothy Aguillard were quick to point out that the victory of the team came from a variety of sources, and that, though each player had his specialty, all 12 — Qua Simien, Judson DeRouen, Silas Ardoin, Brock Dennis, Braden Duhon, Logan Gray, Will Aguillard, Tyler Hooper, Eann Gover, Bryce Buquet, Hunter Courvelle and Will Thompson – were absolutely integral. “We’re not the kind of team with a major WOW factor,” Aguillard said. “We just

have very, very solid fundamentals. We’re not a team known for power hitting or tricks. We’re just a solid team.” Though Duhon disagrees in some minor ways (he claimed that the members of the team were all, in fact, hitters), he was likewise insistent on the importance of fundamentals; about having a balanced team in which “everyone knows their place and knows what to do.” Each member of the team has a developed understanding of how the game works and so can adapt to any obstacle presented them. They are the kind of team that, as Duhon describes it “grinds down their opponent,” forcing them to make an opening or lose. “They’re not the kind of team that gives you a win. You have to take it from them,” Aguillard affirmed, his pride in the team evident in his voice and his smile. To say the team is lacking in a “wow factor” is not to suggest that they’re boring to watch, of course. An earlier game at the state level found the right fielder catching a ball deep into the field and throwing it all the way from the fence to the third baseman, who promptly tagged the runner. It was the kind of thing Duhon described as “almost impossible.” During the tournament, a rematch with North Carolina took a particularly nasty turn. With two outs at the bottom of the inning, it looked as though the All Stars were about to slip. Yet they managed to squeeze 14 runs in before that last out — something that Aguillard assures “does NOT happen.” The team went on to win that game 20 to 5. It’s no surprise, then, that both coaches assured me they never doubted the team’s chance of success. It seems unlikely that continued September 19, 2013

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they would have, given the team’s story. Two years ago, when the Moss Bluff All Stars traveled to the Dixie Youth World Series’ minor division (for players 10 years of age), they were thrilled just to be there. Playing in the Series seemed honor enough. But a loss to North Carolina changed their perspective. After a particularly grueling ceremony that signaled their run was over — a ceremony that found the team pulling down the Louisiana state flag from its place on the field and presenting it to the Dixie Youth officials – they vowed that they would not lose the tournament when they returned in two years; that they would leave the tournament with the trophy, not a folded flag. Though six of those players left the team, six remained — eager for a chance to correct history. If the first time around had been a bit of a vacation — an exciting but almost fantastical escape from reality — this time, their run in the tournament would be a business trip. To that end, the team’s training regimen became tougher; their focus narrowed. “During the summer we’d give the kids a few days off of practice each week. Since we were always practicing five times a week, we figured it might be nice to give the kids a break. But they got upset with me when they found that out. [They said,] ‘We want to practice, coach!’” recalls Aguillard. They faltered briefly after an ugly loss in February, at a time when conditions were miserable, with temperatures as low as 20 degrees. It was a loss Duhon used to motivate them. As he recalls, “they were telling me it was too cold; that they weren’t ready to play. I just told them, ‘No excuses.’ You can’t do that in the real world: you don’t

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THE CHAMPIONS Back row, L-R: Logan Gray, Brock Dennis, Will Aguillard, Will Thompson, Bryce Buquet, Hunter Courvelle. Front row, L-R: Silas Ardoin, Braden Duhon, Qua Simien, Judson Derouen, Tyler Hooper, Eann Gover.

say I was too sick or I was too tired. You’ve got a job to do, you do it — no excuses.” It was a rallying moment for the team, who quickly adopted the motto “4A” (the four A’s being anybody, anytime, anywhere, any conditions). If they lost, it would be because the other team was better, not because they sabotaged themselves. It was an attitude that could be traced back to Duhon’s time in the military; in fact, it was the motto of his army squadron. Unlike Aguillard, who had experience playing college baseball, and Danny Ardoin, the third coach and a former major league player (who wasn’t available for interviews), Duhon admits his coaching abilities are, in many ways, less about his knowledge of baseball and more about heart. He’s no less valuable for it. As Aguillard says, he’s “military, a West Point graduate, and [the players] really respect

[that].” Duhon emphasizes that Aguillard and Ardoin are every bit as essential as he is to the team; that the team couldn’t work the way it does if they replaced even one player or lost one of the coaches. It may be the team’s biggest attribute that despite their formidable skill and their discipline, which is stone solid, the team is, at the end of the day, a family — a word Duhon and Aguillard don’t hesitate to use. Winning, as desirable as it is, seemed for both coaches to be second to the idea of creating a close-knit group; a surrogate family that no one seems to be eager to leave. “It’s hard … When you volunteer for something like this, and really get invested in it, you find it’s hard to let it go,” said Aguillard, his voice tinged with melancholy. “The boys are all incredibly

unselfish,” Duhon says. “It may sound crazy, but you really come to view them almost like your own family.” Nowhere was this emotion more evident than at the team’s victory celebration. Elated, ecstatic, they rushed up to the mound and rushed to pose for their pictures with all the joy you could expect of them. It was what you might expect of anyone who’s devoted himself wholly to a goal and found himself rewarded for his effort. Only seconds after their pictures had been taken, some of the team members broke into tears; “I asked them why,” Duhon recalls, his own voice growing choked, the memory still vivid. “I said, ‘Boys, why are you crying? We just won.’ And they told me, ‘Coach, we finally did it but … but it’s over now. What do we do?’” It’s the kind of melancholy that anyone who’s achieved anything of significance comes to know — a bittersweet and perplexing mixture of simultaneous pride, joy and disappointment; the sense that this is a defining moment in your life and the certainty that it will soon be over. According to Duhon, because most of the boys are still in middle school, Moss Bluff will be able to keep the majority of the team together for one more year before most of the players head off to high school. In that case, they’ll graduate to Dixie Boys and continue with another shot at the Dixie Youth World Series. Regardless of whether they win next year, Duhon and Aguillard and Ardoin are proud of what they’ve accomplished. “They’re special kids,” says Duhon; “You won’t find a better group of kids anywhere else,” affirms Aguillard.

"Jackie Robinson --- a man of faith" I recently saw on DVD the wonderful movie, “42,” about the great Jackie Robinson, who was the first African American to play modern major league baseball. Obviously, Jackie Robinson had tremendous courage. The president of the Brooklyn Dodgers who signed him, Branch Rickey, also had incredible courage. Both men were devout Christians. In fact, Branch Rickey was sometimes called a “Bible-thumping Methodist.” USA TODAY had a good article on this subject that I clipped out several months ago. (April 12, 2013, page 12A) The headline said, “Jackie Robinson --- a man of faith.” The sub-headline said, “Christianity was integral to his success, but you wouldn’t know it from watching ‘42.’” I guess that Hollywood doesn’t really talk about that. As someone observed, in baseball terms, they simply “pitched around” the subject. In their first meeting together, Branch Rickey made it clear that whoever would be the first African American in major league baseball would have a tough job. He would be attacked, verbally and physically. He was looking for a man “with guts enough NOT to fight back.” And Jackie Robinson agreed. The article continues, “But it was a brutally difficult undertaking. Jackie Robinson got down on his knees many nights during those first two years, asking God for the strength to continue resisting the temptation to fight back, or to say something that he would regret.” It is a powerful story of faith that is not really told in the movie. Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson truly made a difference in baseball history and the history of our country. The movie does a wonderful job of telling that story. But let’s not forget that Jesus Christ made a difference for them. He can do the same for us! You are invited to worship at First Methodist: Sundays, 8:30 & 10:45 AM Corner of Broad and Kirkman • Radio broadcast: Sundays, 8:00AM on 100.5FM

September 19, 2013

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Sweat Equity BY ROCKE FOURNET

et us bow our heads in thanks. There’s a lot here to be thankful for, and sometimes it’s just a matter of recognizing and acknowledging it. We’ve successfully skated through another summer of high humidity and oppressive heat that can hurt you. Hurricane season is just about finis, and anyone who’s endured one is genuinely grateful for the reprieve. Anticipation is high for the first cool front of the year to push through and clear the air. It’s enough to get you motivated and moving, with a prevailing north wind revitalizing all living creatures. Local fishermen are about ready for a break from the heat and a change in season. Right on cue, hunting seasons are upon us, and not a moment too soon. Our local hunting contingent is in the starting blocks and ready to experience new and

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Check out this Kansas bruiser taken by local bowhunter Jeff Scarborough.

exciting hunting adventures. It’s enough to get you rolled out of bed in the predawn hours with some real pep in your step. There’s the usual flurry of activity as hunters prepare for the upcoming seasons. In order to enjoy the maximum hunting experience, it’s necessary to invest some sweat equity into preparation. Blinds and deer stands always need refurbishing, with hunter safety the key component. It’s always wise to do a little touch-up. The payoff makes the effort well worthwhile. Don’t forget your jug of water; hydrate before you get parched and thirsty. Other essentials are wasp spray, insect repellant and a sweat towel. Keep your eyes peeled for black widow spiders that love to set up house in old blinds or stands. continued on page 69

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Be Instinctive If It Feels Wrong, Stop Shooting

BY LARRY J. LEBLANC

e human beings are blessed with senses to help us get along on a daily basis. But our senses are sometimes lacking in comparison with those of some of God’s other creatures. We have good eyesight, but it doesn’t compare with the eyesight of a hawk. We have a good sense of smell, but a white-tailed deer has one that’s about 1,000 times more sensitive. We can generally hear pretty well, but a dog can hear better than we human beings, with a much broader sound range sensitivity. What we are supposed to have to make us superior to the animals is an opposing thumb and a much higher mental capacity. Therefore, neighbors, we need to use every sense we have when we decide to get out in the backyard of old Mother Nature, whether it’s to go fishing, hunting or shooting on the range. That’s the only way we can keep out of trouble.

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The lower barrel was obstructed by a wad from a previously fired shot.

I’ve told a story about trying to load a 16-gauge shotgun shell into my 12gauge shotgun. Fortunately for me, the shell would not load properly. I had sense enough to stop and try to figure out why before I caused myself a serious injury. I used my head after the fact and

got lucky. I had no idea that I had any 16 gauge shotgun shells, and still don’t know where they came from. Now let’s address some safety issues that relate to the shooting range that can ruin your entire day if you don’t attend to them.

Everyone should know that hearing and eye protection are vital. No shooter I know would ever forget to use protection on a range, because no matter how safe a person is or how good the guns and ammunition, anything that man builds is subject to rust, rot and corrosion, which can cause product failure. And then there’s always human error, which can occur any time. When you are shooting a firearm of any kind, keep all your senses alert. If something doesn’t seem right, stop until you thoroughly check everything out and are satisfied that everything is as it should be. When I’m out at the shotgun range, it’s not unusual for me to hear a shot that’s not right. Such a shot will make only a subdued “poof” kind of sound that can be caused by any number of things, all ammunition-related. Because these sorts of shots are so common, at each shotgun range there’s a ramrod to push anything out of the barrel that was not

propelled by the explosion of the propellant. I can hear those squib shots 50 or 100 yards away and inside of the building, so you know the person shooting the gun can hear them distinctly. One person recently brought in a shotgun with the side of the barrel blown out. It was a beautiful Beretta, 12-gauge over-andunder. It seems a reloaded shotgun shell went “poof” instead of the usual “bang,” and the shooter loaded another shell in that chamber without checking to see if there was anything obstructing that barrel. There was a wad from the previously fired shell stuck in the barrel, so when

the new shell was loaded and shot, the gasses had to go somewhere; they blew out the side of the barrel. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the explosion could have easily blown off the fingers of the shooter’s left hand had he been holding the shotgun properly. I’ve had misfires on occasion, but the only ones that come to mind are those that took place with muzzleloaders. When a person gets a misfire, the smart thing to do is to continue pointing the gun down range for at least a minute to make sure it’s not going to fire in a delayed action. I’ve never had a delayed fire with a

.22 rimfire, but have with a muzzleloader. With a muzzleloader, the propellant can sometimes get a little wet from the oil left in the barrel if the barrel isn’t thoroughly cleaned. So on the first shot, the propellant may smolder in the barrel before hitting dry powder and sending the shot down range. To eliminate that problem with muzzleloaders or cap-and-ball revolvers, I thoroughly clean them before firing. The last thing I do is remove the percussion cap nipple and spray automobile brake parts cleaner into the opening and barrel. Brake parts cleaner will remove any residual oil left anywhere in the barrel or

cylinder and leave no residue of any kind in the gun. Since I started using brake parts cleaner, I have had no more misfires on either muzzleloaders or cap-andball revolvers. So, neighbors, when you shoot any kind of gun, anywhere, if something doesn’t sound right or feel right, even if you have no idea why, stop everything and double and triple check your equipment before you proceed with what you’re doing. Don’t gamble when your instincts put up a warning flag.

Sweat Equity continued from page 66

It will all be worthwhile, and you’ll be glad you made the effort when that first flock of “new” birds buzzes your well-concealed blind or when a fine whitetail deer approaches and never senses your presence. Attention to detail is a prime factor in success, and the hunters who are the most meticulous are the same ones who are most consistently successful. Wild critters have become wise to the ways of man. If you’re careless, they’ll bust you every time. When you’re setting up, prevailing wind direction, concealment with proper camouflage, your route of entrance and exit, and effective calling techniques are all prime objectives to be considered closely. If properly made, decisions about these matters can spell success. Accuracy with your weapon of choice is honed through practice. Familiarizing yourself to shooting is, of course, critical. When the moment of truth arrives, the time and effort spent practicing will come in handy. The fun really begins when you hit pay dirt and score some wild game. This fresh food is a delicacy and is heart healthy. There are a million different recipes and methods of cooking, and most all are good. It’s a great way of life, and a staple of our Cajun culture. Aiiieeee! If hunting and fishing don’t turn you on, then your passion is football. It’s a rule. Check this out. Barbe is ranked number one in the state. LSU and McNeese are rolling, and the NOLA Saints put some voodoo on the Falcons opening week-end. Who dat? It’s a great time of year, with the pending weather change sure to bring some relief. The best part of cool weather is getting out in it. Have a safe and happy hunting season!

September 19, 2013

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THANKS FOR CHOOSING US!

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Unicorn Deer BY SCOTT DURHAM

aul Redd is a longtime bow hunter. He retired in 2003 from the City and Parish of East Baton Rouge, where he worked in finance the last 18 years of his career. He will be 69 years young this year. Paul, like other baby boomers, remembers when there were few deer to speak of, and so he didn’t really begin deer hunting until he was 30. Traditional archers will be proud to know that he started with a Damon Howatt recurve that he purchased from Ken Roubique (now deceased), who had an archery shop on North Foster. Being a long-time compound hunter, I have a special respect for the primitive and traditional guys. It’s an entirely different level of shooting and hunting. Many older hunters go to cross-bows, and Paul has joined those ranks these days. Several members of the Redd family, including his brother Glen, hunt Mt. Pleasant Hunting Club in northeast EBR parish. This club, and this part of our state, enjoy some of the finest deer hunting there is. High harvest rates and fine deer are the rule, and not the exception. The Mt. Pleasant club is a long-time DMAP participant. On opening weekend of the 2011 season, Paul had to attend his 50th high school reunion and couldn’t hunt. Glen’s son had pictures of a fine deer under Paul’s stand with a very unusual short third antler seemingly growing from 70

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between the buck’s eyes. The next day Paul was able to hunt was Oct. 8, 2011. Paul arrived at Mt. Pleasant and his brother Glen told him to get cleaned up ASAP and go hunt that stand, or he would! They had the deer “patterned,” and they didn’t feel they should procrastinate and let him get away. “It was a nice cool afternoon, just cool enough not to sweat,” Paul recalls. Paul got into his box stand and began to scout the tree line looking for the form of a deer. Almost like a shadow, several young bucks stepped into the clearing, but something had them nervous. Alerted, with ears erect, they nervously ran off a short distance. They were spooked; what was out there? Suddenly, there he was, the reason Paul was in his box stand this particular afternoon and the reason those young bucks were spooked. It was the unicorn buck. The big deer got into close range, but a four-pointer was in the way. There were those nervous few seconds when everything could go south in a hurry. The seconds seemed like hours; a mosquito buzzed, but now was not the time to swat. The 4-point took a step, then another, and at last the shot Paul was looking for presented itself — a nice broad side shot at 12 yards. He took aim and fired; the shot was deadly, but the buck still ran 100 yards and fell off into a 10foot ditch. Help arrived, and the deer

Paul Redd shows off his unicorn deer.

was retrieved. Upon examination of the skull beneath the cape, bony antler growth material was indeed growing directly from the skull between the eyes. Whether this bony growth would have shed or not as antler material will remain a mystery. Perhaps some odd pedicel cells developed through a genetic mutation in this region of the skull. The deer gross scored 130 6/8 B&C

points, not counting the unusual growth, which was about 3 in. long. As another graying hunter with brothers that hunt, I know how special the moments were when the Redd family and other Mt. Pleasant hunters stood around the unicorn buck taking pictures and reliving the story. What a great day and great unique deer!

September 19, 2013

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Sixth Sense Don't Ignore 'Funny Feeling'

BY LARRY J. LEBLANC

know some folks are going to read this and know for sure that I have finally gone off of the deep end; but I am firmly convinced that people have a sixth sense. The trick is not to repress it. I am talking about outdoorsmen who can sometimes sense that something isn’t right. They just get that snaky feeling. For example, I was mowing the yard a couple years ago. The grass was no higher than usual, certainly it wouldn’t be considered overgrown or out of control, but when I got to the south side of the house I got a snaky feeling — there was a snake somewhere and I knew it. But I couldn’t see it. I had mowed three fourths of the yard, keeping a careful eye on the ground, and around bushes and trees. There was nothing unusual. Then I saw a big rat snake rapidly making his way from a cedar tree that I had already mowed around and had checked carefully. It moved toward a big live oak in the front yard. I don’t want any snake that close to the house, so I moved him out to the woods where he belonged. I then finished mowing the yard and the snaky feeling went away. I knew that snake was there, don’t ask me how. I’ve mowed that same yard for 13 years. I got that feeling three times, and two times I’ve found two snakes. That’s one of the reasons I accept the creepy feeling and look for a problem. Another time, I was dove hunting around a pond in Missouri with two other men. We sort of split up around the pond and the ground was bare, with very little grass cover, due to the heat and damage from cattle. I was about 25 feet from the water, under some hedge and oak trees, waiting for the doves to come in. From the moment I arrived at the pond, I had that snaky feeling. I kept one eye on the ground and the other on the sky. Sure enough a copperhead took off across the dirt from one tree toward another. What really disturbed me was that I was standing between where he had been and where he was going, and he didn’t look as though he had any intention of going around me. I fixed the problem with one 12-gauge, low brass number eight. The feeling went away and I was able to direct my attention to the dove hunting. Fishing guides Billy Mills, Wayne Whitehead and I were holding down the coffeepot at April Plaza Marina recently, discussing hunting and fishing, and Billy started to relate a story. 72

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He had been out turkey hunting in a big marsh called Honey Island, outside of Slidel, La. He said he’d spent all day scouting the area and had discovered where the turkeys were, but it was too late in the day to hunt, so he went back to camp with the idea of returning before daylight the next day. The next morning, he made his way in the dark right back to the spot and prepared to settle in and wait for daylight, and hopefully a turkey. As he approached the area, he got that snaky feeling. He turned his flashlight on for the first time that morning, and right where he intended to sit was a large copperhead, coiled and waiting.

I am talking about outdoorsmen who can sometimes sense that something isn’t right. They just get that snaky feeling. On another occasion, I spoke with fishing guide Butch Terpe about the creepy feelings we sometimes get, and he told me was walking to his deer stand last year and had the feeling something wasn’t quite right. It was raining hard, so he was in a rain suit, and he had his unloaded rifle snuggled away in a zippered soft case. He came around a corner in the trail and there were two feral hogs at his feeder. He circled quietly around them and they didn’t see him, but as he went a little farther down the trail toward his stand, with the hair still standing up on his neck, he came upon about 15 feral hogs. Just as he came around the corner, the rain still coming down in sheets, two large boars started fighting and the rest just looked on. He also noticed a number of piglets around a couple of sows. He froze. Eventually, one of the hogs saw him and they grudgingly drifted off of the trail, but he could hear them close by and was not comfortable until he was up a tree in his stand. So when in doubt, trust yourself. If you’re uneasy, there is a reason. Your senses have perceived something your brain has not registered. Some call it instinct, some call it bologna. Maybe it’s just hocus pocus, but I believe in it.

SMALL GAME SEASONS Here are the resident small game seasons for 2013-14. For quail, the season will run from Nov. 16-Feb. 28. Daily bag limit will be 10 and possession limit will be 20. For rabbit, the season will run from Oct. 5-Feb. 28. Daily bag limit will be 8 and possession limit will be 16. For squirrel, the first season will run from Oct. 5-Feb. 28. Daily bag limit will be 8 and possession limit will be 16. For spring squirrel season, the dates will be May 3-25. Daily bag limit will be 3 and possession limit will be 6. Note that the spring squirrel season will be closed on the Kisatchie National Forest, national wildlife refuges, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property and some state WMAs. (Check WMA season schedule for more info.) Shooting hours are half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

DEER HUNTING SCHEDULES Six per season, not to exceed one antlered and one antlerless (when legal), three antlered or four antlerless per season. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Consult Wildlife Management Area and Federal Land schedules for specific regulations and dates on those areas.

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Teal

Stunt Ducks Their Job Is Never Done

BY TERRY SHAUGHNESSY

s the first half of duck season ended, I thought back on what I saw. Ducks coming in fast and low; ducks appearing out of nowhere; ducks splashing the decoys

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September 19, 2013

and, of course, where the hell did the ducks come from? All of the above are true. Every duck has his own personality when it comes to making the hunter look bad. The following notes are my opinions, and not that of the management. (I

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Shaughnessy and friend.

know, I didn’t have to say that, but I’ve always wanted to.) Note: Spoonbill — A mediumsized bird that is often killed by young hunters on their first duck hunt or killed in great numbers by older hunters on slow days. Not the wisest of birds, spoonbills have been known to respond to duck calls dropped on the bottom of the blind. Spoonbills have received bad reviews as far as table fare goes by many hunters. My recommendation on this is cook ‘em! Note: Teal — The smallest member of the duck family, teal try to fly in large groups, most often showing up when the coffee is being poured. The more teal in a flock corresponds directly to the least number of teal killed. I never invite a fellow hunter who has a bad heart condition or uses a gun with a 26-in. barrel on a teal hunt. Note: Gadwall — These are medium- to large-sized ducks, often called gray ducks by locals. This duck is the guide’s reputation, working easily to the duck call. Groups of 10 or more are often seen flying by blinds; groups of four or less are killed. Thank you, Lord,

for gray ducks. Yankees often think they’re pintail hens. This also help’s one’s calling image. Note: Scaup — A medium-sized duck, often referred to as bluebills, blackjacks or dogree by local hunters. Charles Bronson’s movie, Death Wish, is the perfect way to describe the bluebills’ decoying habits. These birds never flare from a blind; they just take aim and head in, even after knocking down several of their companions, bluebills will turn around and make another strafing run. Not a real smart duck! Note: Pintail — These large-sized ducks, often referred to as sprigs, are the most popular of the marsh ducks. Pintails often look as though they are a slow-flying duck because of their graceful flight pattern, which causes most hunters to shoot behind the bird. Pintails are fast fliers, causing many hunters to use bad words after shotguns have been emptied and only one bird falls. My recommendation on pintails is to make them a one-point bird. Nobody kills more than four or five, anyway. Note: Mallard — Large-sized ducks, often referred to as greenheads or, continued

September 19, 2013

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Gadwall

in the case of females, Suzy. Mallard hens are worth 100 points or a limit. It’s a great duck to shoot if one doesn’t like his hunting companion. And you can also tell the hunters the following day that you limited out in the first five minutes. Note: Stunt Duck — Large-sized duck, often referred to by the camera crew as a perfect shot. In the last week, I needed a stunt duck for the upcoming production to be seen on WGN Chicago Superstation, with host Norm Ulrich in his outdoor show. Norm, with his crew Bob Mueller and Mike Hagerty, showed up the night before the hunt and said, “We need a stunt duck to really make this work.” I was a little embarrassed to tell them I didn’t know what a stunt duck was, but Bob, the cameraman, just smiled and said he was sorry that he didn’t explain it to me and that he forgot I lived in Hackberry. He then told me about stuntmen in Hollywood and the jobs they had to do in order to have an action-packed film. That night, I made a call for a stunt duck, told him where to be in the morning, and what was expected in the job. This is a day in the life of a stunt duck. He gets up in the morning after his wife wakes him up, “Morning, honey, time to go to work.” “Damn, I hate this job. I hate it (grumble, grumble). I really hate it. Oh, well, a living’s a living. Say bye to the

Pintail

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kids for me. Will see you later when I get home. (Flap-flap. Bam. Bam. Kabam!) “Oh, they got me. I’m going down! AAARRGGHH! $#&!! (splash). “Damn, I hate it when I get smacked. Boy did that hurt! Hell, here comes those dogs. Damn, the script called for one. What’s two of them doing out here? Let go! Let go! Don’t squeeze so hard! Don’t pull on me like that! Oh, God, here comes the other dog. Don’t fight over me, damnit! Thank God this dog thing’s about over. AAARRRGGGHH ... not my neck, you mutt! Don’t pick me up by my neck! Somebody get this show over with. Don’t push on the rice — AAARRGGGH! Get me away from this thing! It’s dark and he’s confused! I hate this job. Oh, I hate it!” A couple of hours later — (flap, flap, flap). “Hello, honey, I’m home.” “Kids, leave your dad alone — he’s had a rough day.” Well, folks, everything worked out fine, and the stunt duck did his job. I have to giggle when I think of the number of hunters out there who never met a stunt duck. Don’t forget, good, bad or indifferent, just tell ‘em, “Ya shoulda been here yesterday.” Editor’s Note: This column was first published in December 1987.

STEP UP FOR DOWNS The 11th annual Up4Downs walk will take place Saturday, Sept. 28, at the McNeese Quad. Registration will begin at 9 am, and the walk is scheduled for 9:30 am. Activities such as face painting, moon jumps, food, dancing and kids’ games will take place from 10 am to 1 pm. The event is the primary fundraiser for Up4Downs, a non-profit support group committed to raising community awareness and understanding of the special abilities of children and adults with Down syndrome. The group offers education, activities and support for our citizens with Down syndrome and their families. Registration fee is $15. To register or for more info visit up4downswla.org and click on the Step up link, or contact Melanie Sarro at 842-6555 or 540-5992.

CENTER FOR ORTHO SPORTS CLINIC Center for Orthopaedics will hold a Sports Injury Clinic for high school athletes each Saturday, 8-10 am, in their Lake Charles office, located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. The service will continue throughout the high school football season.Walk-in patients with sports injuries are accepted, with no appointment necessary and regardless of school affiliation. Athletes younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more info, call 721-7236.

LA FAMILIA FASHION SHOW TICKETS NOW ON SALE La Familia Resource Center will present A Fashion Extravaganza: A New York State Of Mind, a fashion show and silent auction fundraiser, Friday, Oct. 4, at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Guests will experience a New York-style fashion show with clothing provided by Dillard’s, Frankie and Co. and Men’s Wearhouse, hairstyles by Signatures Salon, and make-up by Mac. Reserved ticket holders will receive hors d’ oeuvres, along with a cash bar, swag bag and reserved seating; VIP ticket holders will receive access to the VIP Lounge, with butler-served hors d’oeuvres and a carving station; two complimentary drinks, including beer, wine, soda or water; along with a cash bar, swag bag and VIP seating. Silent auction items will include dinner packages, and trips to Houston, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, as well as items from local companies, boutiques and artists. Reserve and VIP tickets are available online at lfrc.eventbrite.com or by calling the agency at 312-2906.

September 19, 2013

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Black Diamond Jet Team

AARON NEVILLE IN CONCERT Lutcher Theatre in Orange will present iconic soul and R&B artist Aaron Neville in concert Thursday, Sept. 26, 7:30 pm. Neville’s show, titled My True Story, will revisit the music he grew up with, adding a few new spins along the way. The performance will include “doowop” numbers, as well as classics such as “Tears on My Pillow,” “Work with Me, Annie,” “Money Honey,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and “This Magic Moment.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lutcher.org.

CAMP BLUEBIRD ADULT SESSION Lake Charles Memorial’s Cancer Center and the AT&T Volunteers will host Camp Bluebird, a three-day, two-night camp experience for adult cancer patients ages 18 and older, at the Uskichitto Retreat Center, located six miles west of Kinder. Camp dates are Thursday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Sept. 28. The camp is for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer — whether under treatment, just finished treatment, or cancer-free for years. The camp provides an opportunity to be with other cancer patients and survivors, make friends, listen and learn. Activities include one-on-one and group sessions with various medical providers, as well as music, games, and arts and crafts. A $25 registration fee covers accommodations, food, craft supplies and entertainment. For more information, call the Cancer Center at 494-2121, or visit lcmh.com/camp-bluebird.

DREAM ON THE GREEN GOLF TOURNEY Junior Achievement of SWLA will host the Dream On The Green Golf Tournament Sept. 27 at L’Auberge. Tee time will be at noon. Registration fee is $600 per team of four, with a limit of 26 teams in the tournament. For more information, call 527-6168 or email meg.lovejoy@ja.org.

CHENNUALT INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW SEPT. 28-29 The Chennault International Airshow will return to the Lake Area on Saturday and Sunday Sept. 28-29. On both days, gates at the Chennault Air Field at 3650 Sen. J Bennett Johnston Ave., in Lake Charles will open at 10 am, with the show starting at 1 pm. The airshow recently announced the nation’s premier civilian jet team — the Black Diamond Jet Team — has been scheduled to perform. The Black Diamonds join an airshow roster that’s jam-packed with some of aviation’s most exciting and nostalgic flying machines. World War II–era planes at the airshow will include Fifi, a B-29 Superfortress bomber; Charlotte's Chariot, a P-51 Mustang, along with a Red Tail Squadron P-51; and a B-25 Mitchell bomber. The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, flying bright red and white T-6 Texan aircraft, will perform a synchronized flying display. A MiG-17 Soviet jet fighter from the Vietnam era, piloted by Randy Ball, will perform a series of high-speed, high-G aerobatic stunts. The Royal Canadian Air Force will demonstrate the capabilities of the CF-18 Hornet, one of today’s hottest jet fighters. And, on the ground, the speed-record-setting Flash Fire Jet Truck will reach over 300 mph. Airshow visitors will be able to view up-close an array of static aircraft displays, experience the Air Force’s “Rapid Strike” simulator ride, view the Tuskegee Airmen “Rise Above” movie-exhibit and enjoy aviation-themed fun and games. Admission for adults (13 and older) will be $12 ($15 at the gate); for youths 6-12, $5 (or $7.50 at the gate). Children 5 and younger attend free. For more information, call 491-9961, visit chennualtairshow.com or search

DUTCH OVEN COOKOUT The Southwest Chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society will hold its monthly cook out Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 am-2 pm, at Sam Houston Jones State Park. The public is invited to watch, cook, or bring an item for the cast iron buffet style luncheon. Members of the Le Chien Cookers will demonstrate cooking techniques and answer questions to help others get started in the hobby. For more information, contact Dwayne or Randy at 302-5025 or 912-9394, visit ladutch.com, or check out the group’s Facebook page LeChienCookers.com.

CPSO SR. CITIZEN FISHING DERBY The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will host its Senior Citizen Fishing Derby Sept. 27, 7-11 am, at the CPSO Farm pond, located at 5400 Broad St. in Lake Charles. Admission is free. For more information, call 263-4563.

FRIEND SHIPS VOLUNTEER EVENT Friend Ships, an organization dedicated to disaster relief and humanitarian missions overseas, will have its mobile conference center, Pearl, docked at the Lake Charles Civic Center Marina on Bord du Lac Dr. Sept. 27-30. The public can visit the yacht and discuss volunteer opportunities with the organization. The ship will be open to visitors 8 am-8 pm. Friend Ships personnel will be on hand to talk to visitors about becoming involved in the group’s disaster relief and humanitarian aid missions, as well as at the organization’s home base, Port Mercy in North Lake Charles.

EYE HEALTH SEMINARS The Eye Clinic will host free community education seminars throughout the remainder of September in recognition of Healthy Aging Month. A cataract seminar will take place Monday, Sept. 23, 7 am and noon. A macular degeneration seminar is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 30, 7 am. All seminars will be held at The Eye Clinic, and will be led by Eye Clinic board-certified ophthalmologists and ophthalmic surgeons. A light meal will be served at each seminar. Seating is limited. For more information or to pre-register, call 478-3810. 78

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CALCASIEU ORCHID SOCIETY LECTURE The Calcasieu Orchid Society will present a lecture titled Growing Orchids to their Potential Sunday, Oct. 20, 2:30 pm, at the home of Mary and Joe Richardson, 4618 W. Autumnwood in Lake Charles. Speaker will be John Stubbings of Houston, owner of Clown Alley Orchids in Houston. Stubbings has been growing and hybridizing orchids for 33 years and has worked with orchids that thrive in the climates of Houston and Lake Charles. Stubbings will have orchids for sale at the meeting. The lecture is the second in a planned series that will include: • Nov. 17: All About Slippers: Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums, by Dr. Joe Abendroth • Jan. 19: So You Want to Build a Greenhouse, by Bobby Gianelloni, president of the Acadian Orchid Society in Lafayette • Feb. 16: Cowhorn Orchids, Cigar Orchids, and Bee-swarm Orchids: The world of Myrmecophila Hybrids, by James Jeansonne of Baton Rouge • April 27: Anthropod Pests — What They Are, How They Live and What They Do, by Dr. Rob Danka with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture • May 18: Cattleyas by Bobby Gianelloni. Membership in the Calcasieu Orchid Society is open to all. For more info, email Margo Racca at mracca@centurytel.net, or call Fred Sahlmann at 433-2423.

ACTS SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE The Artists Civic Theatre and Studio is now selling memberships for its 48th season. The season will include performances of the musicals Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Hairspray, as well as the period drama The Secret Garden and the British comedy Noises Off. For more info, call 433-ACTS.

Rattay

Lawrence

LC SYMPHONY KICKS OFF 56TH SEASON SEPT. 28 “Signatures,” the 56th Season of the Lake Charles Symphony, will celebrate several of the most popular and influential modern composers. The first concert is set for Saturday, Sept. 28 and will include Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, with guest pianist Erik Lawrence, and Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2 in D Flat Major — The “Romantic.” The concert on Saturday, Feb. 15, will highlight Copland’s A Lincoln Portrait, and the Symphony No. 4 in G Major by Mahler, with guest soprano Kellie Rumba. Rounding out the classical concerts on Saturday, April 5, will be a performance of the Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor by Prokofiev, with solo violinist Misha Vayman, and Symphony No. 8 in G Minor by Antonin Dvorak. “As a signature captures a personality of each person, this season is full of signature pieces capturing each composer’s essence,” said Bohuslav Rattay, conductor and artistic director of the Symphony. “The season is full of works I haven’t had the opportunity to conduct yet. It will be a wonderful stretch for me at the orchestra.” In addition to the classical concert season, there will be other social and musical events. On the Thursday night before each concert, there will be a ticketed concert preview called The Discovery Series. During these previews, Rattay and select musicians will share themes from the weekend’s classical concert. Patrons will be able to purchase separate tickets for the Discovery Series, and as a gift of appreciation, first-time season ticket holders will receive free tickets to the Discovery Series. Each Saturday night concert will be followed by socials at public venues that will be announced at the concert and online before each concert. Music-lovers are now able to secure season tickets. For more information, call the symphony office at 433-1611, visit lcsymphony.org or become a fan at facebook.com/lcsymphony. September 19, 2013

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CALCA-CHEW FEST

GALLERY PROMENADE

Gallery Promenade, the Arts Council of SWLA’s annual art space showcase, returns on Friday, Sept. 27, 5-9 pm. Gallery Promenade celebrates the cultural institutions in the cities of Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake and Moss Bluff. Dozens of galleries, studios and art spaces will open their doors for an evening celebrating the spaces that work year-round to provide cultural resources, exhibits, and opportunities for both artists and residents of the Lake Area. There will be a comprehensive map available on the Arts Council SWLA’s website (artsandhumanitiesswla.org). Maps will also be distributed throughout the event at each location. In downBy Ken town Lake Charles, there will be discounted horseBaskin drawn carriage and pedicab rides along Ryan Street and to Central School. Many art spaces will offer refreshments, live entertainment, door prizes, live music and more. For details and a full list of venues, visit artsandhumanitiesswla.org, or call 439-2787.

By Charlotte LaBarbera

The 29th annual Calca-Chew Festival, a celebration of Cajun culture, will take place at the St. Margaret Catholic Church Family Center at 17th Street and Enterprise Boulevard on Sept. 29 from 7 am-3 pm. There will be no admission charge. Food will include shrimp etoufee, boudin, fried fish, gumbo and barbecue. All food will be prepared by St. Margaret parishioners. There will be music and dancing in an alcohol-free family atmosphere. Other features will include games, auctions and raffles. A French mass will begin the festival at 7 am. For more information, call the church office at 439-4585.

NIGHT AT THE STARK MUSEUM The Stark Museum of Art will host Banned: Night At The Museum for adults age 21 and older Friday, Sept. 27, 8-11 pm. The event, to celebrate Banned Book Week, will include live music by Mad Maude and the Hatters, bookbinding demonstrations, and spotlight tours highlighting historically banned books. Guests will have the opportunity to create their own art, including hats, hairpieces, bowties, drawings and Model Magic wax seals. All museum galleries will be open for viewing, and visitors are invited to participate in a text message scavenger hunt throughout the Museum to win a prize. Hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks will be served. Wine and beer will also be available at a cash-only bar. General admission is $10 per person. Admission for named members at the SCV Individual, Dual/ Couple, and Family Membership levels is $8. Admission is free for named SCV members at the Star and Crescent Moon levels. For more information, call 409-886ARTS (2787) or visit starkmuseum.org.

MORNING WATERCOLOR CLASS Dewey Fine Arts has added a morning watercolor class for beginning and intermediate adult students to its class schedule. The class will be held on Mondays, 10 am-noon, at Central School Arts and Humanities Center. The classes will cover basic drawing techniques and perspective needed to produce fine watercolor paintings; introduction to watercolor paints and surfaces; composition and design; and of course, art in a fun, relaxing way. Other classes are held Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons. Adult classes are $10 per session, with a minimum of four sessions, payable at the first of each month. Class size is limited. For more information, call 477-0124.

LAGNIAPPE

September 19, 2013

REEL TALK

duane bergeron

Riddick Universal Studios • Rated R It would seem the “curse” of the summer 2013 season has extended into the start of the fall. After several major bombs over the summer — The Lone Ranger, White House Down and R.I.P.D., for example — the fall opens with Riddick. This continuation of the anti-hero first introduced in Pitch Black (2000) may have a cadre of fans, but it’s a bad way to start the fall. Autumn is a time when more serious fare finds its way to multiplexes — the kind of features that may get noticed when the Motion Picture Academy consider nominees for Oscars. To start the season with a worthless sequel like Riddick makes no sense to me at all. It may still be hot outside, but summer is done. My message to Hollywood: Start fall with something better. Not this trash! Richard Riddick (Vin Diesel) has been brought to an unnamed planet after being banished by Vaako (Carl Urban), the leader of the necromongers. While on this world, Riddick has to use all his knowledge and abilities to stay alive, as the planet is crawling with all kinds of alien predators. When Riddick finds an installation with an emergency beacon, he uses the machinery to summon help. When the “help” arrives, Riddick wishes he had not pushed the button. Two spaceships land on the planet. One is commanded by Santana (Jordi Molla), the leader of a ragtag group of bounty hunters. The second is a more well-organized group of mercenaries led by Boss Johns (Matt Nable) and his second-in-command Dahl (Katee Sackhoff). The two groups want Riddick because he is a fugitive with a large bounty on his head. Both camps reluctantly decide to assist each other in apprehending of Riddick, but there is one thing they didn’t take into consideration: Riddick’s amazing survival and combat skills. The two teams of mercenaries also find they have more than Riddick to deal with. They also have to find a way to survive attacks from the planet’s indigenous predator population as well.

Riddick is the worst kind of derivative science fiction. To me, Riddick takes massive liberties with the basic plotline from Rambo: First Blood Part Two (1985). Like Rambo in that motion picture, Riddick has to fight off both creatures and pursuing enemies. But that isn’t the film’s only weakness. This sequel was released way too long after the previous installment of the franchise. This is only the third live action installment here. The previous film, The Chronicles of Riddick, was released back in 2004. It’s hard to make a sequel relevant when its predecessor was brought to theaters so long ago. The only decent elements here are the special effects. The performances of the cast are uninspired and woefully lethargic. That’s probably due to the weakness of the material, which is highly formulaic. Science fiction fans will remember Sackhoff mostly for her portrayal of the character Starbuck in the reimagined version of the television series Battlestar Galactica. As for Diesel, I can understand his motivations here. Other than XXX (2002), Diesel has not had a hit movie outside of The Fast and the Furious franchise. The sixth installment of the franchise, released last May, was a massive hit. A seventh chapter has aleady been approved for production by Universal. But Diesel is trying to establish a hit franchise of his own. He was hoping to achieve that with Riddick. That isn’t going to happen. This sad and stereotypical sequel is nothing but cinematic garbage. There is absolutely nothing redeeming here. Though the cast does have some acting talent to speak of, it’s largely wasted here. There are hopefully some better film releases on the horizon as we continue on through the fall. But Riddick is a bad start, and this feature needs to be pulled from theaters at once. As I’ve heard before, it’s two hours of my life I’ll never get back. Don’t waste time and money on Riddick. Of all the bad films that have haunted theaters in 2013, Riddick has to be the worst.

September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

SARRO ON SPORTS

rick sarro

Wild Ride If the college football season is any indication, we are in for one wild, topsyturvy, anything-goes kind of year. It started in week one with the FCS sending a clear message to their bigger brothers from the FBS that those guaranteed money games are no guarantee when it comes to wins. Among the FCS upsets were McNeese’s stunning 53-21 romp over South Florida coupled with Eastern Washington’s upset of then-#25 Oregon State. And don’t forget about FCS champion North Dakota State taking down Kansas State. Ever since last November, the Alabama at Texas A&M rematch was circled as the next game of the decade that would settle all that was unknown in the quest for the BCS tltle. The much-hyped showdown between the Aggies’ controversial, cocky but ultra-talented Johnny Manziel and defensive mastermind Nick Saban lived up to the billing. Funny thing happened while in College Station. An offensive show from both teams led to a 49–42 Alabama win as the Crimson Tide stayed one step ahead of Johnny Football and avenged

last year’s loss in Tuscaloosa. This one will be an instant “classic” on any one of ESPN’s multiple networks. I will probably keep it on my DVR until my oldest is out of college. Manziel’s circus-like jousting with the NCAA over autographs for money allegations took a back seat to the explosive exposé and ten-month investigation

The Crimson Tide stayed one step ahead of Johnny Football and avenged last year’s loss with a 49-42 victory. I will probably keep it on my DVR until my oldest is out of college.

{

LAGNIAPPE

September 19, 2013

by SI.com that outlined a book full of allegations of wrongdoing in the Oklahoma State football program over the last 12 years. Sports Illustrated’s allegations makes the OSU Cowboys’ rise up the BCS ranks of power appear more like a 1990’s rock and roll concert tour than a football program. Allegations are of thousands of dol-

lars of illegal cash payments to players, turning a blind eye to drug use and also providing sex for recruits visiting the Stillwater campus. Once again, the ugly underbelly of college football that we have heard before in some form or fashion has reappeared, but is hard to prove as this is a classic “he said, she said” situation. At the center of the SI.com investigative series is LSU coach Les Miles, who was Oklahoma State’s head coach when much of this alleged rule-breaking allegedly occurred in the early 2000’s. Miles has denied knowledge of any money to star players, rampant drug use or recruits receiving sexual favors. The McNeese Cowboys 3-0 start to what appears to be a magical season have tried to bump Miles, LSU’s 3-0 run and the Oklahoma State firestorm off of the local front pages. And they have succeeded to a point, thanks to a thrilling come-from-behind 44–42 victory over West Alabama. The Cowboys’ true test of this season was to begin with hosting Weber State on Sept. 21, and then the mid-year gauntlet of Northern Iowa, SLC rival Central Arkansas and defending league champion Sam Houston State. McNeese survived their first maneu-

ver of what is sure to be a stressful obstacle course by beating West Alabama, a Division II team that looked nothing like your run-of-the-mill Division II program. This was a West Alabama squad that wore a shade of red and played up to the standards of the crimson colors worn to their north in Tuscaloosa. They were that fast and that good, with numerous FBS transfers from Auburn and points between. “I was scared to death of this team but noboby believed me (fans and some media types). I think our kids did. They were fast and matched our speed everywhere from special teams to offense and defense. That scared me,” a tired Viator explained after the emotional win. Back and forth. Big play after big play. Fourth down gambles. Defensive players from both teams ejected under the new “targeting” rule (McNeese linebacker Hayden Dodds will miss the first half of the Weber State game due to his ejection by the refs). The contest featured a Johnny Manziel-like quarterback in West Alabama’s Kyle Caldwell and the completion of the Cowboys’ Cody Stroud as the mature, confident and riflearmed pocket quarterback he has become. This game had everything, from the

75-yard bomb on West Alabama’s first offensive play that stunned the crowd to Stroud’s laser-like 28-yard touchdown strike to Jereon McGilvery on a 4th-and-4 play that put McNeese up again 38–35 in a see saw battle. The 10,000-plus fans got their money’s worth and more. Late in a tight game, I saw bone rattling hits on Cowboys running back Marcus Wiltz that I felt from the sidelines. It was hand-to-hand combat and a manon-man war effort from each team. You could see no one wanted to lose. “Their quarterback (Caldwell) was talented and hard to catch, but you are going to face players like that in college football. Regardless of who we faced it’s about what we do. We didn’t execute the best, but it’s a W, and we’ll take wins anyway we can get them,” said safety Terence Cahee. Senior receiver Diontae Spencer has become the Cowboys’ big play, go-to guy either by design or coverage. Whatever the reason, Mr. Spencer made two highlight plays in the game winning drive. Trailing by four on a must-have 3rd-and-17, Stroud hit Spencer in traffic. He had possession for the first down but then fumbled. While on the ground, Spencer somehow reached out and scooped the ball back as several Tigers pounced on his back. A few plays later, Stroud again sent a bullet pass into Spencer’s chest in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. Spencer made the grab against West Alabama’s best defender and star player Malcolm Butler. In the context of the young season, Spencer has become a reliable playmaker. First year tight end Nic Jacobs is a reliable playmaker. Senior slot receiver Ernest Celestie and fellow receiver Wes Briscoe are reliable playmakers. Tailback Marcus Wiltz has never given up his claim as a reliable playmaker. The offensive line allowed their first multiple sack game, but continues to stand up to weekly challenges and this time dealt with better-than-average defensive speed. After the Spencer touchdown catch there were still 45 seconds on the clock. Not over just yet. Keep the game film running. The PAT was blocked. Holder William Ryckman alertly chased down the ball to keep UWA from making a crazy scoring play. The defense finally sacked the jitterbugging Caldwell for consecutive losses and a fourth down desperation pass fell to the turf. There would be no head-scratching or jaw-dropping comeback plays as there were in last year’s losses to Central Arkansas and Southeastern Louisiana. The Cowboys finished. Maybe, finally, lady luck winked at the boys in Blue. This is a different team than last year despite many returning starters and backups. They looked and played differently against South Florida. Buried any lingering threat from Arkansas Pine Bluff. They did not second-guess or wilt under the pressure to respond against West Alabama, a team that could compete in the Southland Conference right now. Quarterback Cody Stroud is at the

epicenter of this McNeese turnaround. His control, calmness and decision making on that final game winning drive

“The thing about it is we always believe we are going to win. Maybe in the past it was a hope to win. Until that clock strikes zero, you always have a chance.” - Terence Cahee

{

completed his maturation as the leader of the Cowboys. His arm is stronger, his

passes are more accurate, and his belief in himself and the playmakers around him is evident. “We needed a close, tough game before conference. We needed a game to prove ourselves, and we did,” says Stroud. That proof is in their 3-0 start. But the Cowboys raced out to a 3-0 streak last year before that SLC opening defeat at Southeastern. An always difficult Weber State team will test that resolve Sept. 21 at Cowboy Stadium. They will test the Cowboys’ confidence. According to Cahee, that testing will come against a much different McNeese team. “The thing about it is we always

believe we are going to win. Maybe in the past it was a hope to win. We never got down on ourselves. We believe in each other. Until that clock strikes zero, you always have a chance.” More to come from the Cowboys and from a college football season that is not short on drama and surprises.

Get Rick Sarro’s perspectives on sports on Soundoff 60, which airs Monday through Sunday nights at 9 pm on Suddenlink Channel 60 and Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10 am as well.

ATTENTION Peking Garden will be temporarily closed beginning Sunday, Sept. 22nd as we get underway on a fantastic makeover and renovation of our kitchen. We will reopen on Tuesday October 8th!

WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS AND ARE VERY EXCITED TO SERVE YOU IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE!

September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

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September 19, 2013

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stuff 4 sale

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K1018

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UTEC

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September 19, 2013

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services

NEW PRODUCTS NEW PRODUCT OR INVENTION? Have 20 connections in China and Vietnam for manufacture of new products. Let us know what you have or need. Call Bryan or Ron today 1-800-634-5816. ph _________________ TRACTOR AND FORKLIFT WORK. Bush hogging, box blade, disk. Call today 337-749-2069 or 337802-8182 n0804 _________________ SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT KNOWING YOU ARE SMART! PLACE YOUR AD HERE! CALL ROSE AT 433-8502 TODAY! _________________

KNOX FENCE Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Land Clearing, Demolition. Bonded. Insured. License AR 1604 337-884-6881 g0502-2012

services DOORS WHY PAY MORE FOR DOORS 800 instock Doors Windows & More. 489-4313 csta15 _________________

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 _________________

classified

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PLACE YOUR AD HERE! CALL KENNY AT 433-8502 TODAY! class@thelanyap.com _________________

PLACE YOUR AD HERE! CALL ROSE AT 433-8502 TODAY! _________________

VARIETY MOTORS CLEAN USED CARS

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 _________________

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 _________________

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!

announcements

CALL 526-9533

WE WILL BUY!

classified k0621

‘05 Dodge Neon ...............3,900 ‘00 Nissan Frontier ..........3,900 ‘03 Dodge Durango .........2,550 ‘99 Chevy Tahoe Ltd., .....3,250 ‘96 Mercedes Benz L200 2,900 ‘00 Honda Civic ..............3,900 ‘03 Crown Vic .................4,900 ‘01 Pontiac Grand Prix ....3,900

‘02 Toyota Camry ............4,900 ‘98 Buick Regal ...............3,995 ‘99 Saturn 2-dooR ...........2,500 ‘02 Isuzu Rodeo ...............3,550 ‘02 Dodge Caravan ..........2,900 ‘04 Ford Taurus ...............3,350 ‘07 Chevy Malibu ............5,550 ‘02 Ford Ranger 5-Speed .3,995

All New Car Trade-Ins! 1825 Kirkman St. • 337-912-2713

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 _________________

announcements

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 September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

THE

TRANSMISSION SHOP We work on all transmissions!

5817 Common Street Lake Charles 337-540-3795 337-540-6908 C. Scot LaFargue Owner

Laundry W rld Do Your Laundry in 4 Minutes!

HOUSE LEVELING

337-309-7301 announcements RETAIL / OFFICE

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announcements DINING OUT

SHOP A-LOT DELI Drive-Thru Daiquiri Window Longer Dining Hours M-F 10AM-6PM SAT 10AM-4PM

2707 HAZEL 433-2135

PLACE YOUR AD HERE AND START GETTING RESULTS! A lot of people are paying way too much for classified advertising. Don't be one of them! CALL LAMONT AT 660-8877 TODAY class@thelanyap.com _________________

Tues-Fri 10am-5pm • Sat 10am-3pm

Professional Wash, Dry, Fold/Hang Service Dry Cleaning Available

Furniture • Glassware • Lamps • Mirrors • Dishes Iron Bed (full) • Wooden White Slat Bed (full) And So Much More! Owner: Sibyel Balla • 2012meandyou@gmail.com

Bryan's Plumbing, LLC Owner - Bryan Granger 30+ years experience 757 Grangerville Rd. Bell City, La, 70630 k0816

337-598-2586

MOBILE: 802-2465

classified

Call Samantha @ Rhino Real Estate

337-304-6686 337-433-9434 Our Address: 1027 Enterprise Lake Charles, LA 70601 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. 2 Acres behind Apostolic Church on Gulf Highway. $35,000 Manufactured homes welcome 715 Magazine St. $179,000 3/2 move in ready, 2300 square feet

MOBILE HOMES

7653 Clara Dr $169,000 3/2. On almost an acre. Split floor plan, granite, large master bath and closet

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 _________________

for classified advertising. Unless you like to, of course. Save some money! CALL ROSE AT 433-8502 TODAY class@thelanyap.com _________________ LAGNIAPPE

409-385-0906

real estate

PLACE YOUR AD HERE AND START GETTING RESULTS! Don't pay too much

Antiques & Collectibles

4319 Common St. • 474-8748 2501 Hwy 14 • 433-7503

services

RETAIL OR OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE. "Single or double available. Includes conference room usage, kitchen, 2 handicap accessible bathrooms, parking in front and behind building. 154 W. McNeese. Call Denise today for details! 337-474-3406

Me & You 418 N. 4th Street • Silsbee, Texas

CALL ONE STOP www.onestophouseleveling.com

for well-established company. Paid training, paid weekly. Come join our team! Call Antonio @ 888-959-9675 or submit resume to careers@satcountry.com

2 minutes to drop off 2 minutes to pick up

LIFTING AND MOVING GUARANTEED 2-YEAR WARRANTY FOR ALL LABOR AND MATERIALS! Foundation Repair • Concrete Slab Stabilization Licensed, Bonded and Insured • References

FULL TIME SATELLITE TECHNICIANS NEEDED

September 19, 2013

1117 Common St. 3/2.5 $210,000 almost completed new construction Westlake land-14 acres on a canal with dock, utilities run and ready for a new house. 500 square feet building included $350,000. Moss Bluff lot in established neighborhood with storage building, $35,000.

Bobby Lafleur Auto Sales 2610 Kirkman • 721-7707

ALL VEHICLES ARE NEW CAR DEALER TRADE-INS 2000 Dodge Caravan, white, very clean ...............................$2,900 2001 Mazda 606, leather, ..........................................................2,900 1999 Nissan Altima, very nice, ................................................2,900 2000 Ford F-150 Ext. Cab, bed cover, nice .............................3,900 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, maroon, nice ............................3,900 2000 Chevy Tahoe, third seat ..................................................3,900 2005 Saturn, only 85,000 miles ................................................4,900 2005 Hyundai Sonata, low miles, ............................................4,900 2005 Dodge Crew Cab, 20-in. rims, .........................................5,900 2005 Dodge Durango, third seat .............................................6,900 2005 Honda Accord, 4-door, automatic, .................................6,900 2005 Pontiac Grand Am, only 56,000 miles ............................6,900 2005 Chevy Suburban LT, maroon .........................................7,900 2005 Chevy Tahoe LS, green ...................................................7,900

Lake Charles • 721-7707

September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

September 19, 2013

Voted Most Likely To Turn Out Right-Around-Average I had this girl friend — literally a friend-who-was-a-girl — and we were doing lunch or dinner, like 20-something singles do with great regularity, and she’s sitting across from me and she says these words, “You ever worry that we’ll just turn out average?” She was like that. There’s the old line about minds: Small minds think about people, average minds think about things; and big minds think about ideas — bodacious truth in that, by the way — and she and I connected because we could have conversations that were way north of south. At the time, we had nothing to show. (That’s one of the ironies of life, that the smallest minds shine the earliest, probably because having people skills is so core to so many professions.) Having nothing to show was temporary, we felt. She was an up ‘n comer in political and civic circles, and I was a budding next-wave-of-tech pioneer. (And boy was I climbing the wrong ladder!) We’d sat across from each other at numerous restaurants, bouncing ideas across the table, a giant assumption encircling us like a halo: that surely, inevitably, we would have our moment and it would matter. And then she opened up her mouth and asked whether I’d ever worried about just turning out average... There is a certain grace imparted with the limitations of our personal gifts. I’m content to sound a little like Elvis when I’m singing in the shower, and that’s good enough for me. I have no desire to record a duet with Willie Nelson or to be on American Idol, and there’s the grace that, given no special vocal talent, I was also given the gift of not wanting that talent. The biggest confusion about talents lies in how vast they are and how hard they are to measure. Talent: we think athletic, artistic, humor, acting, entertaining, because those are widely appreciated in all societies. Think wide, think wider. Name a trait that you like — I’ll pick optimistic. Some people are talented with optimism. Some people are up in spurts, and some people just shine UP from cradle to grave. That’s a talent. And a rare, hell of a lot more useful one than being able to run a fast 100 meters. Off the top of my head, here are some more talents that we all appreciate: Encourager. Fighter/no-quitter. Organized. Logical. Emotionally sensitive. Peacemaker. Diplomat. Leader from the front. Leader from the middle. Leader, and nobody realizes you’re leading. Knower of truth, speaker of

truth, toer-of-the-line of truth. These are all high talents. Rare, rare, rare. Survivor. Diffuser of Tension. Nurturer. Healer of wounds. Breaker of ice. Sayer of Right Things in Right Ways at Right Moments. Person who looks at a mess and sees instantly what to do, 1-2-3-4, to make it not a mess. Jack of all Trades. Taker aparter and put back togetherer. Saver of money. Saver of time. Saver of wasted steps. Patience is a talent. Those who are patient when even patient people become impatient are rarer than NFL players. There’s the keeping calm in crisis person. That’s useful. So is kicker of asses, when asses need kicking. Knower of not wasting time giving advice, and knower of how to provide an answer even when a question isn’t asked. That thing that gnaws at us all, about whether we’re even living the life we were supposed to live; about remembering an outgrown youth back when you and everybody you knew could be president or play shortstop in Yankee Stadium or be on the cover of Rolling Stone; or be the belle of the red carpet. And now life feels narrow, like a hall, and some of the doors don’t open anymore, and there’s nothing ahead but more hall — but narrower — and you hope there’s a light at the end of the hall. Who among us feels high and up and full? Who among us does not feel average? One thing I’m certain of is that it’s extremely hard to be right about yourself. The world makes a great noise, and we’re all pulled to the noise, and we can’t hear ourselves in the noise. Who am I? What am I here for? These are private questions. These are not answered in the corral with the herd. They’re more than important; they’re vital. The answer to both questions is similar: Follow your talents. Talents lead you to real-you and to Real-Him. Talents lead us to our real life, a mature us, being best-us. Good riddance to the striving to be otherthan-ourselves; now respecting our talents, and right-minded about not wasting the best of us on things beneath us. This edition of Uncle P’s Bedtime Stories is brought to you by Eightyone, where, as we’ve aged, we’re less interested in having our 15 Minutes of Fame, than in having years’ worth of quiet, steady, dependable little moments where our audience is God above, the angel on our shoulders, and saturating peace in our center.

September 19, 2013

LAGNIAPPE

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