Times of Southwest Louisiana by The Times of Southwest Louisiana

October 15, 2009 Volume 14, Number 20 617 Drew St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: (337) 439-0995 Fax: (337) 439-0418

C ontents 5

PUBLISHER

Patrick Marcantel

N E WS

EDITOR Chaney Ferguson Assistant Editor Jessica Ferguson

Assignments Nancy Correro Contributors Garrett Lumpkin D.B. Grady Matt Jones Lisa Miller Terri Schlichenmeyer Politics John Maginnis Dan Juneau

A D VE R T ISING

doing THE PREP STATS

Sales Manager Andy Jacobson Account executive Brian Chriceol

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

Biz Bytes: Workers Should Have the Right to Vote

Legal Eagle: Your Neighbor’s Tree

Geeks & Gadgets: Google Wave Rollin’ In

337 Sports: If High School Preps Were Fantasy Football

Cover story The Landing: A Unique Experience

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The Times of Southwest Louisiana is published every two weeks by Patsco Publishing, 617 Drew Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 439-0995. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $30 per year. Bulk mailing permit #9 paid at Lake Charles, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Times of Southwest Louisiana, 617 Drew Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. FAX to (337) 439-0418. The Times of Southwest Louisiana cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. Copyright 2009 The Times of Southwest Louisiana all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

Columns Inside Baton Rouge: White House Embraces Jindal’s Image

22 26 Guillory

Enterprise boulevard More Jobs at Chennault Home grown Vee’s: A Family Business with Tasty Offerings

FeatureS Sugarcane Bay Arriving Soon Halloween Health: Costume Contacts Warning Women in the Workplace Entertainment Times Bandstand Book Beat: “Heaven’s Keep” The Shadow: CCOA Meals on Wheels, LifeShare Blood Center Rededication, RAD: RealArt DeRidder Arts Cooperative, Gallery Promenade: Arts & Carriages Movie Review: “Zombieland” Coffee Break Crossword: “Four in a Row”

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Inside Baton Rouge - By John Maginnis

Biz Bytes - By Dan Juneau

Workers shoud have the right to vote

White House embraces Jindal’s image

recent poll among Republicans shows Gov. Bobby Jindal has slipped from even the second tier of GOP presidential prospects. Yet he still has no trouble raising money out-ofstate or making headlines on the national stage, though perhaps not the kind he had in mind. During his fundraising trip to Washington last week, the governor gave an interview to Politico, an on-line magazine read closely in the capital, that briefly thrust him into the middle of the healthcare debate — uncomfortably, that is, between the Obama White House and Republican leaders in Congress. With the Senate Finance Committee preparing to vote on a bill opposed by nearly all Republicans, Jindal told Politico, “I think now is the perfect time to pivot and to say, not only here’s what we’re against . . but here’s what we’re for.” The headline read, Jindal to GOP: Work with Obama. Jindal’s remarks were not much different from what he’s said all along about healthcare, but his timing and calling for Republicans to “pivot” was seized upon by White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, who in that day’s press briefing said, “I think I saw one of the more popular Republican governors, Bobby Jindal, say today that it was time for Republicans to offer what they’re for, not just talk about what they’re against.” And he urged the GOP leadership to listen to the young governor’s call for cooperation. They heard him, all right, none too happily. Jindal’s remarks were likely galling to many Republicans, including the one who succeeded him, Rep. Steve Scalise of Metairie, who has written the president asking for a meeting to discuss areas of agreement and to offer alternatives. If Obama and Jindal were to kick back over a beer, they would agree on insurance portability and coverage for preexisting conditions, as the Republicans have. But they would disagree over the Medicaid expansion and penalties on employers who don’t offer coverage, as the Republicans have. So, besides his choice of softer words, Jindal’s position on healthcare is the same as the Republican leadership’s and just as irreconcilable with the president’s. Yet the White House cast Jindal as Mr. Reasonable, whose example the GOP

hacks should follow. By then, the governor may have noticed he was being used. He sought to create some distance from his new admirers in the White House by responding in a statement, “The American people do not want to raise taxes, increase government spending or give government more control of our healthcare system.” But the story had moved on and congressional Republicans were no doubt pleased to see Jindal return home to resume his schedule of ribbon-cutting and medal-pinning ceremonies. Besides image, however, there is another big difference between Jindal and congressional Republicans, that could explain his conciliatory tone. GOP congressmen can speak against, vote against and run against whatever healthcare bill the Democrats manage to pass. But Jindal, like other Republican governors, will have to take it and make it work within the budgets and frameworks of state government. Provisions of bills being debated, if they become law, would fundamentally change public healthcare in Louisiana, spelling the end of the charity hospital system as we know it. Jindal’s plans for overhauling the state’s Medicaid program would have to conform to new federal rules. Beyond that, Louisiana seeks special treatment from the feds on pressing healthcare issues. It desperately needs a $1 billion fix on its Medicaid match rate, caused by an artificial spike in personal incomes in the post-hurricane economy. Also, if the state doesn’t get all it seeks in arbitration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to replace Charity Hospital in New Orleans, the president has said he would consider providing additional funding. How those crucial matters are resolved could largely define Jindal’s first term and shape his reputation as a problemsolving, can-do governor. Success greatly depends on cooperation from the Obama administration and, whether conservative voters like it or not, a good working relationship between the governor and the president. So if Jindal’s comments proved useful to the White House, it is hardly a bad thing for him or Louisiana. With so much on the line, I’d kiss up too.

October 15, 2009

here is a bill in the U.S. Senate that would radically alter the process for deciding whether a union will represent you at the bargaining table with your employer. That bill’s sole purpose is to provide unions greater leverage in labor/management relations. And while the health care issue has understandably dominated the public’s attention, you should keep an eye on this issue, too. Lately, the debate over health care has pushed virtually everything else in Congress to the back burners. Nevertheless, unions and their allies in Congress want to force a vote on their bill. Last week, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee chairman, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), said that he was still hoping to bring the bill up for a vote this fall. However, the unions have to clear a significant hurdle first. They must secure 60 votes from among the country’s 100 senators to avoid a guaranteed filibuster by opponents. All 40 Republican senators are against this bill, which means that all 60 Democratic senators are needed to invoke cloture to prevent the filibuster. While most of the Democrats would vote to do this, a number of moderate Democratic senators have not signed onto this bill, including Louisiana’s Sen. Mary Landrieu. Her reluctance is understandable — and commendable. S. 560 was named the Employee Free Choice Act by its authors, but it is more commonly referred to as “card check” because it would essentially eliminate secret ballot elections and replace them with an open card registration procedure known as card check. Existing law allows workers to hear both sides–as they would in an election campaign–and then to privately decide in a voting booth whether they want union representation. S. 560 seeks to change the rules for union organizing campaigns so that workers only get the union’s side of the story. Currently, unions wanting to obtain bargaining rights hire organizers to solicit workers’ signatures on cards authorizing a union certification election. If 30 percent of the workers sign the cards, the union can petition the National Labor Relations Board to conduct an election, which it supervises to assure that neither the employer nor the union intimidates the workers. Many workers are not interested in being represented by a union, but will sign the cards so organizers will leave them alone. When the election is held, they then vote against unionization. That is why the standard goal of organizing campaigns is to collect signatures from 75 percent of workers. Unions will always choose card check because they already collect more than a majority of signatures anyway. So, S. 560 would effectively eliminate the secret ballot election procedure. The inability of union leaders to secure outright support for S. 560 from Sen. Landrieu and other moderate Democratic senators like her has prompted Sen. Harkin and a handful of other supportive senators to attempt to develop an alternative approach to overcome their reluctance. Yet, the only alternative that would satisfy union leaders will be one that rigs the game and keeps workers from getting the full story before deciding to allow a union in their workplace.

N e w s

A b o u t

S o u t h w e s t

L o u i s i a n a

E nterprise B oulevard

More jobs at Chennault Northrop Grumman awarded military contract

hile we are still in the doldrums of a recession, there is an upswing in the job market for Lake Charles at Chennault International Airport. The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a nine-year contract to provide Contractor Logistics Support for its fleet of KC-10 Extender refueling tanker aircraft. This came as a blow to Boeing, which lost out on the $3.8 billion contract. The award will bring with it jobs. The latest number mentioned is 300 workers. “The 300 jobs will be over time. It won’t be overnight. As far as I know, they have already started hiring. I know they (Northrop Grumman) can’t talk about this right now and probably we are not supposed to do a whole lot of talking about it either. We can’t talk on their behalf, but as far as I know they have probably already started,” said Randy Robb, Executive Director of Chennault International Airport. The skilled job recruitment will be pulled from the local community and elsewhere. There will be some local people trained through Sowela specifically for these jobs. “The jobs will be skilled jobs pulling from both here and

By Nancy Correro

at teammate TIMCO Aviation Services’ facility in Greensboro, N.C. “We are excited to partner with the Air Force on the KC-10 CLS program and are committed to working with the Air Force to ensure the KC-10 is ready to support air mobility requirements anywhere, anytime,” said Ronald D. Sugar, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief executive officer. “This award further demonstrates Northrop Grumman’s important role as a premier provider of air mobility solutions.” Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will provide supply chain management, depotlevel logistics integration and support, engine maintenance, aircraft maintenance and modifications for the KC-10 refueling tanker. The tanker/cargo aircraft is part of the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command arsenal and has supported anti-terrorist and humanitarian operations around the globe. “Our clear focus now is to conduct a flawless phase-in that will facilitate

the superior program performance that both the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman demand, which is also what is required to support the great men and women of our armed services serving this country proudly across the globe protecting freedom’s frontier,” said James Cameron, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman’s Technical Services sector. Northrop Grumman is a tenant at Chennault International Airport along with Aeroframe, Louisiana Millworks, and Million Air. Northrop Grumman has been actively building the Joint STARS aircraft for the United States Air Force at Chennault for 12 years. The Chennault International Airport Authority has worked closely with Northrop Grumman throughout its tenure in Lake Charles. Aeroframe Services has operated at Chennault since 2000 as a commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul company. Million Air is Chennault’s Fixed Base Operator for charter operations and business and general aviation services with several amenities. Louisiana Millwork supplies many products to the independentlyowned retail lumber and building material companies throughout its expanding market area. “We are so proud to have a quality company here like Northrop Grumman,” Robb said. “And also quality companies like Aeroframe, Million Air, and Louisiana Millworks, here at Chennault; we think we are performing our mission here to promote jobs.”

October 15, 2009

KC-10 Extender aircraft will be maintained and modified.

elsewhere. In a press release they said that Sowela will be training to their standards quite a few folks. It costs less to train local folks than to bring in a whole lot of people from out of state,” said Robb. Northrop Grumman will provide supply chain management, depotlevel logistics integration and support, engine maintenance, aircraft maintenance and modifications for the KC-10 refueling tanker. The tanker/cargo aircraft is part of the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command arsenal and has supported anti-terrorist and humanitarian operations around the globe. The work will be performed at Northrop Grumman’s Lake Charles Maintenance and Modification Center here in Lake Charles and

“We’re excited to partner with the Air Force on the KC-10 CLS program.” – Northrop Grumman CEO Ronald D. Sugar

Sthe o ubest t h iwn elake s t area L o enter u i s tai i anment n a ’s

H om e G rown B usiness es

Vee’s: A family business with tasty offerings By Chaney Ferguson

n every purchase from Vee’s there is a sticker that says, “One Bite and We Gotcha!” What a true statement. Vee McNabb is a natural when it comes to bakery delights. She began her donut experience many years ago at Nelson’s Donuts in Lake Charles. “I was recently divorced and I had to get a job to support my children. I started out working counters,” said Vee. When she took that position she had no clue the future in store for her. After many years of working her way up to management and making donuts at several different locations between Lake Charles and Sulphur, Vee finally ventured out on her own. “When I first got started I had just donuts. Then I had some people from Texas come and ask me if I did kolaches. I told them no but I would love to learn how, but my salesman didn’t like the idea. He said those would never make it in Louisiana because that was Texas stuff.” Vee learned how to make kolaches and many other breakfast foods that keep customers coming back for more. Throughout the years, the business has expanded to more

than just breakfast foods; they’ve ventured into making sandwiches. Vee attributes these changes to her wonderfully supportive family. “I have four children and all of them know how to make donuts, but my boys didn’t want any part of it. They wanted to go out and get their own jobs so my daughter came in with me.” The business has always involved Vee’s family. Her daughter Catina, son-in-law, Lewis, and grandson, Jake, have been the most influential in how the business has changed.

October 15, 2009

Lewis and Catina Coats, Kali Sunden, Vee McNabb and Jake Stutes.

Lewis previously worked for the Sulphur Police Department and he was primarily responsible for finding the property in which they currently reside. Customers will also want to thank him for his decision to add sandwiches to the menu. “When my grandson, Jake, was born, his mother went back to work so he would come here and I would put him in the infant seat. As he got older, he wanted to help so he would go out and wait on all the customers.” Vee remembers how Jake never

needed a registry to remember all the prices of everything. He recognized the customers, knew what they wanted and always knew the price. “He stayed in the shop with us. Now he’s twenty-one and he and my daughter do most of the business.” While Jake grew up working in the shop, he came up with many of his own ideas. Once again, the business started to branch out into new tasty treats. “We integrated different things into the menu as my daughter and grandson came up with it. Jake is very talented and has all kind of ideas.” Evidence of Jake’s talent hangs on the wall in Vee’s. An article entitled Jake’s Cakes written by the American Press reveals his ability for creating cake masterpieces. Vee says they used to make specialty cakes, but it became too much for them with all their other responsibilities. “We’re now doing salads and sandwiches and we have a chef who makes our soups for us. We make brownies, cookies, and small individual cakes. We still do a chocolate-chocolate cake with strawberries, and Italian cream Continued on Page 27

W h o ’s

N e w s

Gray Plantation Golf Club Announces New Director of Golf The Gray Plantation Golf Club is extremely excited to announce the hiring of Kevin Tracey as their new Director of Golf. “Kevin’s experience providing top notch service at some very high-end clubs makes him a great fit for Gray Plantation,” said Gray Plantation General Manager Terry Bascher. “He is passionate about providing exceptional service to members, and running great tournaments, leagues, and golf programs.” Tracey previously worked in Austin, Texas at both The Hills Country Club and The Austin Country Club. Most recently, he has been the Head Teaching Professional at the Baton Rouge Country Club, where he taught roughly 900 lessons a year and was highly sought after for his teaching abilities. “Gray Plantation is an extremely well known and admired golf club within the golfing community. I am excited to be a part of that,” said Tracey. Three MSU Professors’ Achievements Heather Ryan Kelley, McNeese State University professor of art, has work featured in two national exhibitions this fall. Her print “Milagritos” will be in both Chicago’s Woman Made Gallery Exhibition “Mirando Al Sur” Oct. 16Nov. 12 and the Los Angeles Printmaking Society’s 20th National Exhibition Oct. 30-Dec. 29 at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery. “Milagritos” is an intaglio print based on the poem “Sea Bed” by John Montague. The print has imagery of shells and milagros, or miracles. Milagros are the metal charms found in churches in Mexico as offerings of gratitude. Dr. Jacob Blevins, associate professor of English and head of the Department of English and Foreign Languages at McNeese State University, has been named a 2009-10 recipient of a $5,000 Louisiana Division of the Arts Artist’s Fellowship for poetry. Blevins is also the editor of a forthcoming collection of essays on Thomas Traherne, an outstanding 17th-century English poet and religious author, to be published by Boydell and Brewer. Dr. Joe Cash, professor of English, will chair the folklore section at the Annual Conference of the South Central Modern Language Association Oct. 29-31 in Baton Rouge.

Alaina Cleland, Jacy Reynolds, Maggie Welch and Megan Reynolds. Women’s Golf Team Wins Awards Four members of the 2008-09 women’s golf team were named to the National Golf Coaches Association’s All-American Scholar team in July and were recently presented their awards. The criteria for selection to the team are some of the most stringent in all of college athletics. The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.50 and the student-athletes must have competed in at least 50% of the college’s regularly scheduled competitive rounds during the year. Members of the Cowgirls named to the team are current student assistant coach Maggie Welch, senior Jacy Reynolds, and sophomores Alaina Cleland and Megan Reynolds. Welch posted a 3.5 GPA in Accounting, Jacy Reynolds had a 3.62 GPA in Animal Science, Alaina Cleland had a 3.83 GPA in Biological Science and Megan Reynolds had a 3.72 with an undeclared major.

Robert Noland (center) is made an honorary member of the Petrochem Athletic Association by president Joey Alcede (right) and former president John Bruney (left). Petrochem Athletic Association Robert Noland, a long-time supporter of McNeese State athletics, was recently named a honorary member of the Petrochem Athletic Association. The award was presented to Noland during a Petrochem meeting by president Joey Alcede and former president John Bruney. Noland, who is the president and CEO of Powell Timber Company, American Sulphur and Oil, W. G. Ragley Lumber Co. and Land Management and Realty Co., has been a major donor in the funding for construction of athletic facilities at the university. The Petrochem Athletic Association uses all of its funds for the improvement of McNeese athletic facilities. A year ago Noland provided the funding for the artificial turfing of Cowboy Stadium and he was also the major donor in the construction of the A. W. Noland Sky Ranch. His donations to the university range in the millions of dollars and include 36 scholarships (the lastest for the Department of Nursing) and three faculty chairs in the business department. Noland is a longtime member of the McNeese Quarterback Club and served as its president in 1979.

Flanking Kid’s Chance scholarship recipient Jennifer Powers-Trombatore of Oberlin (second from left) are Kids’ Chance co-chair Gary Knoepfler, LBF Board Member Patricia Krebs Kids’ Chance co-chair Paul Buffone. Scholarship Presentation at Country Club of Louisiana The Louisiana Bar Foundation (LBF) Kids’ Chance Scholarship Program presented a mock check to McNeese student Jennifer PowersTrombatore at the 6th Annual Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation (LWCC) Kids’ Chance Invitational Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Louisiana in Baton Rouge last week. The LBF Kids’ Chance program provides scholarships to the children of Louisiana workers who have been killed or permanently and totally disabled in an accident compensable under a state or federal Workers’ Compensation Act or law. Jennifer is a nursing student at McNeese State University.

October 15, 2009

By Katie Penny

Your neighbor’s Tree:

It has to be an interference, not an annoyance, to fight it

an’t I make my neighbor do something about his tree that is extending over onto my property? My next-door neighbor’s giant pine tree is dropping 80 pounds of pine needles onto my carefully manicured lawn every week. The tree’s roots are growing in my lawn, and broke the blade on my lawn mower this afternoon. My toddler daughter tripped over the roots and had to go to the emergency room. Isn’t there something I can make my neighbor do about this tree?

Unfortunately, living in a society sometimes means living almost on top of each other. We are lucky to live in a country that, as far as highly populated countries go, is a bit more spread out, but many of us still have to deal with a dreaded enemy: neighbors. Almost everyone who has ever had a neighbor has had, also, a problem with something that neighbor has done. Fortunately, the law does provide a kind of remedy if your neighbor specifically has trees, bushes, or plants that are extending over the property line and causing you problems. (For anyone interested, these rules are found in the Louisiana Civil Code articles 687 and 688.) There is a distinction between trees, bushes or plants that are standing on the boundary line itself, and trees, bushes, or plants that are growing entirely on your neighbor’s property, but which have branches or limbs extending over the property line. The rules are very different, because when the plant is sitting

on the property line, the plant is presumed to be “common,” which means that you and your neighbor are presumed to both co-own the plant and share the responsibility for it. That becomes a problem when you hate the pine tree, and your neighbor thinks it is beautiful, natural, and festive. When the plant is growing on the boundary, and (this is very important) the plant is interfering with your enjoyment of your own property, you can demand that the plant be removed. However, if the plant is “common” and it is interfering with your enjoyment of your property, and you want it removed, you have the right to have it removed despite your neighbor’s objections, but you must bear the expense of the removal. You must call a (fully-licensed and insured!) tree-cutting service and pay their fee. However, the more likely scenario is that a tree’s trunk is growing entirely out of your neighbor’s property, but the branches are extending over the property line many feet in the air, and are somehow bothering you. This could probably be anything from dropping leaves into your swimming pool and clogging the filter, to branches that are scraping the side of your house, to branches that are interfering with power lines, etc. At that point, you can demand that the branches which are extending over the property line be trimmed at your neighbor’s expense. This is different than the previous situation in that you do not necessarily have the right to demand removal of the plants; rather, you can demand trimming of the parts of the plant that are extending over

October 15, 2009

your property and interfering with it. You can also demand “trimming” (how this would be accomplished is beyond my legal know-how) of the roots of the plant which are extending into your property and interfering with your enjoyment of your property. For instance, if you wanted to dig and install a pool, and your neighbor’s magnolia tree’s roots are in the way, you could demand that your neighbor pay for time spent by the pool-diggers cutting the roots out of the way. (Though you would have to go court to demand that money, which may cost more than simply doing it yourself, but you could.) Simply the fact that you do not like the tree, or find it ugly, or just want to make your neighbor’s life a little less enjoyable, is not enough to have a plant removed. The plant must be actively interfering with your enjoyment of your property. If you own property and want to build a pool on it (meeting all parish and city ordinance requirements for building such a pool), then you are entitled to enjoy your property in that way. If the tree roots from your

neighbor’s tree are interfering with your ability to do that, then you can require that your neighbor pay for their removal. Theoretically, if your neighbor’s tree is dropping leaves onto your property in a way that you find aesthetically displeasing, those leaves would be interfering with your enjoyment of your property, and you could force your neighbor to trim the tree branches to stop the tree detritus. However, again, in order to make your neighbor do so, you would have to bring him to court and convince the court that the leaves on your lawn are interfering with your enjoyment of your property. If you feel confident that you could do that, and win, then feel free to take your case to the court, and good luck. However, if your neighbor’s trees simply drop a few bags of leaves on your lawn in the fall, but otherwise do not bother you at all…well. I can ask, but I cannot insist, that everyone in the world be reasonable and just get a rake. The provided information is factsensitive and jurisdiction-dependent. Consult an attorney before employing the above legal concepts.

Another Success Story

“The Times reaches our target market, helps our business grow, and does it in style!” – Sarah Ehlers Owner, Jon Margeaux

By D.B. Grady

Google Wave: Back to the Future

his month, Google released invitations for the first private beta of Google Wave. Described by the Mountain View company as “email, if it were invented today,” Wave is an ambitious attempt at real-time collaborative messaging with full multimedia integration. If ever there were a product with aspirations of completing a buzzword bingo card, this is it. My expectations were high. It was clear from the earliest version of Gmail that web-based email had been fundamentally transformed. But to transform the very concept of email itself? If any company can do it, it is Google, with its elite stable of Computer Science PhDs and hippie culture of software dreamers. Note to Google: keep dreaming. In its present state—and understand that as a beta, it should be considered a work-in-progress—Google Wave is a mess. Putting aside the bugs, which result in frequent hangs, and its proclivity to simply stop working entirely, Wave is a shotgun blast to the face of information. When everything is important, nothing is important, and that is Wave’s greatest weakness. Here is how it works. Just as with traditional email, there is an inbox and an address book, folders and a trashcan. Just as with traditional email, letters (called “waves,” lowercase) can be composed to one or several recipients at once. Wave takes the concept a step further, allowing public messages to be written for the whole world, a clear nod to the blog concept. Composing messages in Wave, however, is like walking on a tightrope, because the recipient can see your messages as you type them. Every backspace, every deleted clause, every corrected typo, and

every toned-down rewrite. (Who among us hasn’t written a stern rebuke to a correspondent, only to delete the letter, and respond with a simple, “Thanks for your suggestion.”) Responding to waves is the key to its potential. Instead of replying to an entire letter, correspondents can reply to individual paragraphs, sentences, or even words. The result is a letter that becomes sliced ever more thinly from a coherent construct of prose to a series of single-sentence back-and-forths. In a sense, what starts as a letter quickly regresses into fine-grain Twitter posts. In messages between two or three people, this is not as problematic as one might think. But on public waves, or private correspondence between ten or more people

(standard collaborative business emails, in other words), messages tend to self-destruct as everyone responds in real time to different slices of the message. It soon becomes an exponential problem of figuring out who said what, and when, and the “larger message” is lost to details and asides. Ultimately, communication breaks down into brief replies to complete letters, which trends closely to the Gmail model, and defeats the Wave concept entirely. Google is no doubt aware of this, and will almost certainly address these issues. Because Wave is an open, extensible standard, with the eventual goal of host interoperability, the system will soon break free of Google’s walls and spread to private business servers and public domains. If you work for a big business, the

Wave tide will soon be rolling in, dictated by well-meaning corporate types. Wave will undoubtedly spawn very exciting extensions and very useful niches, but as a person-to-person method of communication, the sense of permanence and intimacy of email is completely lost. In large measure, in fact, it seems not so much a replacement for email as a replacement for USENET. When it comes to messaging, I’m not saying Google Wave isn’t the future. I’m just saying it looks an awful lot like the past. Google Wave: http://wave.google.com

October 15, 2009

Have a technology question or advice for other users? tech@timessw.com.

C over S tory

The Landing: A unique experience Josh Rogers brings good food, innovation to the bayou By Chaney Ferguson When Josh Rogers envisioned The Landing he wanted it to be a place for families. He set out to create a restaurant like none other in the lake area. It was almost five years ago when Rogers came to Lake Charles to operate O’Charley’s. Around that same time was when he fell in love with the building that is now The Landing. “The building is amazing, it is so unique, one of a kind with the brick and wood and the waterfront. It was just like nothing else you could find anywhere,” said Rogers. He remembers saying he had to get hold of this building when he saw all the potential. It is easy to imagine families coming in from the water for a delicious meal. “The reason I opened this restaurant is the building and the scenery did everything for me. I came in and said, ‘What do I want and how is this going to happen?’” said Rogers. His goal was to have a restaurant with great food, reasonable prices and be kid friendly. Rogers also wanted to have a family oriented menu that allowed for finer foods and wines. “I chose things you couldn’t get anywhere else, like marinated duck breast and New Zealand lamb. Things you typically can’t get when you have kids around. That was the idea behind it.” The Landing offers an extensive wine list with wines ranging from very expensive to more affordable. “We tried to make the atmosphere fun for the family, friendly, and affordable, but with some really unique items. Some creations are

all my own, that you just can’t find anywhere else, like shrimp and okra hushpuppies or crab fondue. When you look through the menu you say ‘wow these are some really cool things I’ve never heard of.’” In addition to the new creations,

October 15, 2009

Josh Rogers has opened The Landing at Contraband along the bayou.

Rogers also brought back a few of the old classics like fried green tomatoes, New Orleans style BBQ shrimp, and other flavors of Louisiana. Rogers grew up watching his dad work in the restaurant business and Rogers himself has worked all

through Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana picking up local flavors and honing his skills. Rogers’ hometown is Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he watched his dad operate several Western Sizzlin restaurants.

Cover Story: The Landing

Contraband

October 15, 2009

Cover Story: The Landing

“It sort of inspired me as a child. I started working at Shipley’s Do-Nuts when I was 14, mopping floors every day and getting paid $50 a week.” He moved up from mopping floors when he started working for a series of locally owned businesses before moving into work with a corporation. “I worked for Brinker International which is Chili’s Restaurant for about two and a half years before I was recruited by O’Charley’s. I’ve been in restaurants everywhere from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Jacksonville, Florida, and everywhere in between.” Prior to The Landing, he worked for O’Charley’s for about ten years. The past four years were spent here at the Lake Charles franchise where he spent much of his time giving back to the community. Rogers is very involved in local civic organizations and he enjoys taking advantage of all the

opportunities he has had to help the area. He sits on the board for Contraband Days, and a member of the Better Business Bureau and the

October 15, 2009

Contraband

Lake Charles Rotary Club. He was citizen of the year in 2008, and a graduate of the Chamber Leadership committee.

When he was at O’Charley’s, he worked with area schools providing spaghetti dinners and hosting St. Louis soccer night at the restaurant.

Cover Story: The Landing

He works with Barbe High School, Westlake athletics, St. Louis Catholic High School, S.J. Welsh, and elementary schools like Prien Lake, Nelson and St. John. “Working with the schools involves awarding students kid’s meals and prizes. I cooked for all of the fundraisers that all the schools do. Barbe cheerleaders had

2,000 plus ribeye dinners. We had programs where we would bring in students of the month or students of the year, and award kids with different coupons and prizes for reading goals.” The list spans from cooking for teacher appreciation to allowing Barbe to have a carwash in the restaurant parking lot.

Contraband

Rogers began his community service a few months after he arrived. He moved to Lake Charles in July of 2005. His hometown was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and Rogers remained in Lake Charles during Rita and the aftermath. “We were out in the restaurant parking lot cooking and donating food to over 260,000 people for over 19 days once Rita hit. I figured why not do something with the food. It was a good experience. After that our restaurant was a success and we were embedded in the community from that day on.” Rogers believes that it is easy to make the choice to help people. “It is not what leads you to do for people it is what keeps you from doing for people. In your heart you know what is right and the Lord leads you to help and you just go with it. You don’t not do it. You pay it

forward.” Rogers’ servant attitude has moved with him to The Landing. He encourages organizations to seek him out for whatever they need because the area supported him and his family when they arrived. “Lake Charles wrapped itself around me for the past four years, and I was able to provide for the community when nobody else could provide for them. We really had the opportunity to reach out and touch the community, and I want that opportunity here.” Now that Rogers has struck out on his own at The Landing, he hopes to have the same opportunities to help the area and give back some of the support he has received. “I have now wrapped my arms around The Landing and the SWLA catering company which is located above the restaurant. It is a magnificent venue and holds about a 120 people. It has 35-foot vaulted wood ceilings. It’s just amazing.” The Landing opened July 23 and has become an all encompassing dining experience that offers more than just a good meal. Rogers offers SWLA Catering service, live music featuring local bands for Rock the Dock, and a beautiful venue available for parties. Whether it’s a craving for something simple like a hamburger or a fine dining experience, check out The Landing. Josh would love to meet you.

October 15, 2009

business notes

Literacy Council of SWLA The Literacy Council of SWLA is looking for self-motivated individuals that are good at staying on task to participate in the Council’s Distance Education program. The Council’s Distance Education program is available to adults wanting to prepare for the GED test from the comforts of their own home, library, or anyplace with Internet access. On Saturday, October 17, 2009, from 8:305:30, the Literacy Council will conduct enrollment and testing for all adult learners interested in distance education. Testing starts promptly at 8:30 AM. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early. Program orientation will be completed the same day. Lunch will be provided. Call 494-7000 for more information, or to register for the GED Distance Education program at the Lifelong Learning Center. There is a $25.00 registration fee for the class. Only a limited number of distance education seats are available.

Healthy Image Launches Web Site Healthy Image Consulting, a comprehensive marketing and public relations firm, has announced the launch of their Web site at www.ehealthyimage.com. Healthy Image is owned by Kristy Armand, Christine Fisher and Barbara VanGossen. The agency has been in business for seven years and provides comprehensive marketing services including strategic planning, advertising, media relations, graphic design, creative writing, and more. The agency represents more than 70 clients both locally and nationwide. The Web site includes a client list, work samples, staff biographies, a detailed list of services, and a “Word of the Week.” Businesses with a Southern Hospitality Southwest Louisiana will soon host the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s State Swim Meet at the Sulphur Aquatic Center. Businesses are encouraged to display “Welcome LHSAA State Swim Meet” on their marquees or signs during the tournament, Nov. 17-22, and show the spectators a little southern hospitality. This tournament brings in approximately 5,000 spectators and has a large economic impact for the lake area. Besides displaying a welcoming message on business marquees, the bureau will also be providing welcome flyers for any business that would like to post one on their store front window. Simply call the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 337-436-9588 to obtain a flyer and more information on this tournament. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network The Lake Charles affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will hold its sixth annual “PurpleStride Lake Area 2009” walk to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. The event will take place on December 5 at the Prien Lake Park beginning at 8:30 AM. Online registration is available at www.pancan.org/purplestridelakearea09. The “PurpleStride Lake Area 2009” 2-mile walk costs $25 per registrant and is free to pancreatic cancer survivors and children 12 and under. Registration for pets is available for $5. Memory bags are available for $10. In addition to a silent auction, there will be door prizes, children activities, blood pressure checks, and a photo memory presentation. Women’s Commission scholarships The Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana has awarded two $1,000 scholarships to two non-traditional students at McNeese State University. The first recipient is Cindy Alexander, a senior majoring in Psychology and the second recipient is Jill Zachary, a junior majoring in Sociology. Both women are from Sulphur, Louisiana. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Additional scholarships will be awarded for the Spring 2010 semester. This is the fifteenth year that the commission has made scholarship donations to McNeese State University students. Scholarships are funded by proceeds from the commission’s annual October Fall Conference for Women held at

October 15, 2009

the Lake Charles Civic Center. This year’s conference will be October 15 with keynote speaker, Meredith Baxter. To date the Women’s Commission has given in excess of $30,000 in scholarship donations to McNeese State University in support of nontraditional students working to complete their degree.

Kathyrn Matte, Brianne Guidry and Maegan McBroom, from left, clown around during a costume workshop at last year’s LTF. 2009 The Louisiana Theatre Festival The Louisiana Theatre Festival (LTF) will be held on Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. The festival will be held at the Central School of the Arts & Humanities Center, 809 Kirby St. The LTF is a one-day festival created to provide young people with acting and technical theatre training, performance opportunities, and college audition skills. LTF is dedicated to lifelong learning in theatre offering challenging, innovative, high-quality classes to students of every cultural heritage, ability and level of interest. Workshops include acting, musical theatre, jazz dance, improvisation, voice, costuming, lighting, playwriting and makeup design. Students, grades 6-12, from Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis parishes are invited to participate. Registration for the festival is $30.00 per student and includes lunch. Students registering before October 31 receive a free t-shirt. No experience is necessary. For registration information, contact Kerry Onxley at 337.309.6332 or visit the festival website at www.LTF.cc. McNeese Career Services MSU Career Services will host its fall teacher fair from 8:40 AM-noon Monday, Nov. 2, at Burton Coliseum. According to McNeese Career Services Director Kathy Bond, the fair will allow McNeese alumni and 2009 summer and fall graduating education students, as well as students completing teacher certification requirements, to interview for teaching positions. Candidates can submit resumes and begin scheduling interviews online Oct. 2-22 through “Cowboy Job Link” on the Career Services Web site at www. mcneese.edu/career. School agencies from Louisiana, Texas and other states will be participating and a list of those agencies, along with beginning salaries and locations, can also be found on the Web site. For more information, contact the McNeese Career Services Center at (337) 475-5612 or 1-800-622-3352, ext. 5612. Shaw Construction Fights Heart Disease with Golf Tournament Shaw Construction is calling all golfers to participate in a golf tournament Oct. 30 to help fight our nation’s No. 1 killer, heart disease. The event will be held at Bayou Oaks Country Club in Carlyss with a shotgun start at 8:00 AM. Entry fee is $50 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, cart fees, lunch, door prizes and an awards ceremony. Teams consist of four players (four man scramble play). Mulligans can be Continued on Page 15

business notes cont purchased for $5 (limit one per player). Awards include first place, second place, longest putt, longest drive and closest to the pin. Proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association. For more information about the Shaw Construction golf tournament, call Dax McCall, 626-7429, ext. 230 or Monique Durio at 626-7429, ext. 220.

Cutline: Megan Monsour Hartman, CITGO Government and Public Affairs Department; Rosemary Pimentel, Dancing Classrooms Teaching Artist; Dana Keel, CITGO Government and Public Affairs Department; and Daniel Gonzalez, Dancing Classrooms Teaching Artist. CITGO Supports The Whistle Stop In an effort to enrich the lives of children in our community, CITGO donated $8,000 to The Whistle Stop to be used for supervised visitations. The Whistle Stop’s primary focus is to give children access to their non-residential parents. In 2008, the visitation program completed over 2,100 hours of visits. The Whistle Stop also sponsors “Dancing Classrooms,” an arts in education, life skills program offered to private and public 5th grade students. The program utilizes ballroom dancing as a vehicle to teach children respect, teamwork and self esteem. Earlier this year, 314 students from six schools participated in the program.

Target Team Leaders Lauren Monroe and Greg Fischer present a $1,500 check to Julio Galan, center, Executive Director of Family & Youth, for child abuse education through the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). Children’s Advocacy Center Target Grant Target Team Leaders Lauren Monroe and Greg Fischer presented a $1,500 check to Julio Galan, Executive Director of Family & Youth, for child abuse education through the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). CAC will use funding from the Target grant to teach children how to protect themselves and the difference between good touches and bad touches. Parents will learn how to recognize abuse victims and how to talk to their

children about sexual abuse. Teachers will be provided with educational materials on the signs and symptoms of child abuse, and mandatory reporting laws. For experienced professional assistance, contact Family & Youth at 337-4369533 or 1-888-414-FYCA. McDonald’s/McNeese Pancake Breakfast Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s and the McNeese Athletic Foundation will host a pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 AM Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Cowboy Club Room at Cowboy Stadium to benefit the Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s Athletic Scholarship. Fans will enjoy pancakes, sausage, milk, coffee and orange juice as they hang out with current and former McNeese athletes, McNeese cheerleaders, Cowgirl Kickers and Rowdy. Ticket holders will also be able to have their face painted for the game and have the chance to win the following raffle prizes. Sideline Experience — Be a part of the Nov. 7 game against Sam Houston State from the sidelines. A Year of Meals — Win a McDonald’s Extra Value Meal every week for a year. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the McNeese ticket office in the Doland Field House. All proceeds benefit the Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s Athletic Scholarship. Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s, owned by Doug Gehrig, are dedicated to serving and assisting the Southwest Louisiana community. For more information on the McDonald’s/McNeese Pancake Breakfast, contact Jen Breen at 337-478-7396 or jbreen@ocarroll.com. Celebration for the Children A special event to celebrate the start of construction of the new Methodist Children’s Home of Southwest Louisiana, will be held on Sunday, October 25, from 4 PM to 6 PM The celebration, an old-fashioned, camp style meeting and outdoor hymn-fest service, will be held at the construction site which is located near the intersection of Highway 27 and Houston River Road north of Sulphur. The celebration is hosted by the Lake Charles District of the United Methodist Church. Testimonies will be presented by former residents of the Children’s home in Ruston, along with a brief message from Bishop Bill Hutchinson, Bishop of the Louisiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Children from area United Methodist Churches will give a special presentation of songs. After the outdoor service, lemonade and ice cream will be served. The public is invited to attend. Chairs will be provided; however, participants are invited to bring a lawn chair. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Henning Memorial United Methodist Church, 404 S. Huntington Street, in Sulphur. For additional information, please call Doug Hall at 985/860-5247 or go to www.lmch.org. FHF SWLA 4th Annual Golf Tournament The 4th Annual Families Helping Families of SWLA Golf Tournament - “Fore for Families” will be held at Gray Plantation Golf Course on Monday, October 19. We are proud to announce that this year’s Tournament Title Sponsor is R&R Construction. Other sponsor opportunities are still available for our annual event. There are several sponsor levels: Masters Sponsor, $1000; Eagle Sponsor $500; Birdie Sponsor, $250; and Friends of FHF Hole Sponsor, $100. Each sponsorship has its own unique incentives including 2 man team(s), program, sign and banner recognition. Proceeds from the Golf Tournament will support the programs of FHF SWLA, which include the annual School Supply Drive for students with disabilities; the annual Christmas Party, which gathers over 800 individuals with disabilities and their families together for fun, food and fellowship each December; and the Next Chapter Book Club. A 12:30 PM Shotgun Start will begin the 2 person Scramble event. The entry fee is $200 per 2 person team. Sponsor forms and entry forms can be found at www.fhfswla.org or you may call Families Helping Families at (337) 4362570 or 1-800-894-6558. Sponsorship deadline is October 15. Team entry deadline is October 16 or the first 75 entries received. Continued on Page 25

October 15, 2009

swla high school fantasy football Why does it always seem that time passes so much faster during football season? I guess you can chalk that up to the old adage, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” The high school football season is off to a fantastic start, and the games are only going to become more significant down the stretch of district play. In each of the last three seasons, we have seen a school from Southwest Louisiana nearly go the distance. In 2006 the Sulphur Golden Tors advanced to the 5A State Championship game. In 2007 the Westlake Rams reached the 3A State Championship game, and last year it was the Barbe Bucs going all the way to the 5A Semifinals. While we don’t know which school will emerge to make the deepest playoff run, we do know some of the key contributors who will be counted on to make plays down the stretch. I have witnessed a number of unbelievable individual offensive performances through the season’s first five weeks, and I wanted to learn which players have been the most productive at their respective positions. My curiosity led me to high school fantasy football! Fantasy football is played by millions of people around the world including thousands of folks here in Southwest Louisiana. The most popular format for fantasy football is NFL fantasy football, although NCAA fantasy football is growing rapidly. In fantasy football, you have a league that typically consists of 8-12 members. Each member of the league drafts a team made up of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, place kickers, and team defenses. Most leagues feature weekly head-to-head competition. Two members face off against each other and the team that scores the most points in the matchup is credited with a win, while the other team receives a loss. Points are scored based on the statistics that are produced by the individual offensive players and team defenses. The top 4-6 teams from the league with the best win-loss records advance to the playoffs where a champion is crowned. I have never come across a high school fantasy football league. However, if high school fantasy football existed, these would be the top players from Southwest Louisiana. I used the following scoring system from a fantasy football league that I launched in 1997. The statistics listed are through the season’s first five games. The scoring system Passing Touchdown : 4 points Rushing Touchdown : 6 points Receiving Touchdown : 6 points Passing Yards : 1 point for every yard gained

October 15, 2009

Who would you draft first: QB Orlan Lockhart or RB Michael Guillory?

ushing Yards : 1 point for every yard gained R Receiving Yards : 1 point for every yard gained Two Point Conversion: 2 points Reception :1 point Interception Thrown: 2 points Point After Touchdown: 1 point Field Goal (49 yards or less): 3 points Field Goal (50 yards or more): 5 points Quarterbacks 182.3 pts Orlan Lockhart – Sam Houston Broncos (778 pass yds, 4 pass td, 2 int, 325 rush yds, 10 td) 156.5 pts Gene Pete – Iowa Yellow Jackets (641 pass yds, 8 pass td, 8 int, 344 rush yds, 7 td) 148.3 pts Garrett McCain – Sulphur Golden Tors (924 pass yds, 8 pass td, 5 int, 99 rush yds, 4 td) Running Backs 180.3 pts Michael Guillory – Barbe Buccaneers (655 rush yds, 13 rec, 178 rec yds, 14 td) 171.2 pts Landon Carmon – Elton Indians (1012 rush yds, 11 td, 2 two pointers) 146.8 Darius Edwards – LaGrange Gators (459 rush yds, 10 rec, 269 rec yds, 9 td, 5 two pointers) Wide Receivers 162.8 pts. Kevin Berrard – Barbe Buccaneers (12 rec, 289 rec yds, 285 rush yds, 10 td, 214 pass yds, 3 pass td) 114.3 Caleb Kellogg – DeQuincy Tigers (25 rec, 533 rec yds, 6 td) 112.3 Kenny Brown – Saint Louis Saints (25 rec, 433 yds, 7 td, 1 two pointer) Place Kickers 37 Gabbi Zahm – Barbe Buccaneers (3 fg under 50, 28 pat) 23 James Bice – Saint Louis Saints (1 fg under 50, 1 fg over 50, 15 pat)

October 15, 2009

sponsored by thurdsDay, oct. 15 Cornerstone @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 pm Lesa Cormier Sundown Playboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Blues Tonic @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 pm Zydecane @ Delta Downs Gator Lounge, 8 pm Soul Haven @ JD’s, L’Auberge Casino, 9pm Jam Session @ The Western Bar, 7 pm friday, oct. 16 Better Off Dead, Next Day Haze @ Toucans Bar & Grill, 9:30 pm Sequoyah Prep School , Magnolia Sons @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 pm Arizona @ JD’s After Dark, L’Auberge Casino, 9 pm Zydecane @ Delta Downs Gator Lounge, 8 pm Barry Badon & The Bayou Boys @ Caribbean Cove Lounge, Isle of Capri, 9 pm Jon Cleary @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Howard Noel Cajun Boogie @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Ron Thibodeaux @ Speckled Trout, Hackberry, 8 pm Wilson Miller & Still Kickin’@ Linda’s Lounge, 8:30 pm Mike Taylor Band @ Engine 89-DeQuincy, 8 pm Mike Richard & Step-n-Out @ Scottie Tee Judi’s Konstruxion Zone, 9:30 pm Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz, Fridays @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Southern Spice @ Bab’s Pub, 7 pm Tom Brandow @ Outriggers Tavern, 5 pm Crooks Carnival @ Hurricane Willies, Sulphur, 9 pm Fur @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 pm Paper Plains, Better Off Dead and Next Day Hase @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 pm Blues Tonic @ The Landing at Contraband, 6 pm saturday, oct. 17 Pork Chop Express @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Joe Simon Louisiana Cajun @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Arizona @ JD’s After Dark, L’Auberge Casino, 9 pm Jabarvy, Live Oak Decline @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm Henry Gray & The Cats,w/ Carol Fran and Marty Christian @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm 18

October 15, 2009

Mike Taylor @ Bobby B’s, Vinton, midnight Barry Badon & The Bayou Boys @ Caribbean Cove Lounge, Isle of Capri, 9 pm Sons In Chaos, Survive The Musical, From Ruin and Fallen Embers @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 pm Sunday October 18 Jimmy Wilson Band, Sundays @ Shorty’s Ice House, Moss Bluff, 5 pm Lacassine Playboys @ Wayne & Layne’s Deli, 4 pm Dog Jam 09 w/ The Black Crowes, Saving Abel & Sevendust @ The Ford Pavilion, Beaumont, 8 pm Zydecane @ Fred’s Lounge, 6 pm monday, oct. 19 Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm TUESday, oct. 20 Scotty Pousson Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm WEDNESday, oct. 21 Jimmy Wilson Band @ Cuz’s Lounge, Sulphur, 6 pm Travis Benoit Allons Dance @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Alvin Touchet @ The Blue Duck, 7:30 pm Cajun Jam w/ Mitch Reed @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Jerry Dee & Shakie @ Granger’s Seafood Restaurant & Lounge, 8 pm thursday, oct. 22 Felton LeJeune and the Cajun Cowboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Low Maintenance Cajun Extravaganza @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Blues Tonic @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 pm Brian Best @ Delta Downs Gator Lounge, 8 pm Gabby Johnson @ JD’s, L’Auberge Casino, 9 pm Jam Session @ The Western Bar, 7 pm FRIday, oct. 23 When The Word Was Sound, Kid MIDI, AS Naysayers @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 pm Lacassine Playboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm

Crooks Carnival and We Were Wolves @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 pm Ron Thibodeaux @ Speckled Trout, Hackberry, 8 pm Wilson Miller & Still Kickin’@ Linda’s Lounge, 8:30 pm Mike Taylor Band @ Engine 89-DeQuincy, 8 pm Mike Richard & Step-n-Out @ Scottie Tee Judi’s Konstruxion Zone, 9:30 pm Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz, Fridays @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Southern Spice @ Bab’s Pub, 7 pm Tom Brandow @ Outriggers Tavern, 5 pm Do Not Destroy @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 pm Avery Michaels & Exit 209 @ Paragon Casino Pelican Stage, 9 pm saturday, oct. 24 Pork Chop Express @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Crooks Carnival @ Art on Wheels Bike show, LC civic center, 7 pm Avery Michaels & Exit 209 @ Paragon Casino Pelican Stage, 9 pm Mike Taylor @ Bobby B’s, Vinton, midnight Last Draw @ Toucans Bar & Grill, 9:30 pm The Reds @ JD’s After Dark, L’Auberge Casino, 9 pm Handsome Harry and Achachy @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 pm Willie Nelson @ Paragon Casino, 8 pm The Canes w/Preserve the Band @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Jo-El Sonnier @ Caribbean Cove Lounge, Isle of Capri, 9 pm Brian Best @ Delta Downs Gator Lounge, 8 pm Crooks Carnival @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm

The 94s will play at Luna Bar & Grill on Oct. 28.

The Reds @ JD’s After Dark, L’Auberge Casino, 9 pm Trueman Posse @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Brian Best @ Delta Downs Gator Lounge, 8 pm Jo-El Sonnier @ Caribbean Cove Lounge, Isle of Capri, 9 pm Tyler Read, Colorcast Veteran & The Silent Planet @ Toucans Bar & Grill, 9:30 pm

sunday, oct. 25 Jimmy Wilson Band, Sundays @ Shorty’s Ice House, Moss Bluff, 5 pm Magnolia Sons w/ Come on Go With Us @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Idol Minds @ Fred’s Lounge, 6 pm Lacassine Playboys @ Wayne & Layne’s Deli, 4 pm monday, oct. 26 Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm tuesday, oct. 27 Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Blues Tonic @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 pm Continued on Page 20

Don’t see your band or venue mentioned? Send schedules to editor@timessw.com

RocK the Dock Live music on the patio on Fridays Check n d andSTa TIMES B issue each s isting for l October 15, 2009

bandstand

sponsored by THe landing at contraband

Ashes of Babylon will perform at AJ’s Bar & Grill on Halloween.

wednesday, oct. 28 Jimmy Wilson Band @ Cuz’s Lounge, Sulphur, 6 pm All Get Out, 94’s @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm Hubert Maitre @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Jerry Dee & Shakie @ Granger’s Seafood Restaurant & Lounge, 8 pm Jess Lege and Joel Savoy @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Alvin Touchet @ The Blue Duck, 7:30 pm thursday, oct. 29 Briggs Brown Bayou Cajuns @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Foghorn Trio and Kelly & the Cowboys @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Blues Tonic @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 pm Jam Session @ The Western Bar, 7 pm Brandon Foret @ JD’s, L’Auberge Casino, 9pm friday, oct. 30 Lynyrd Skynyrd @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 pm ISIS @ Mikko Live, Coushatta Casino, 9 pm Foduemonks @ JD’s After Dark, L’Auberge Casino, 9 pm Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Butt Roxx Pre-Halloween Bash @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 pm Mike Dean @ Blue Moon Saloon, 8 pm Nivero, Villian for a Moment & Norcio @ Toucans Bar & Grill, 9:30 pm Ron Thibodeaux @ Speckled Trout, Hackberry, 8 pm T-Broussard & Zydeco Steppers @ Paragon Casino Pelican Stage, 9 pm

Wilson Miller & Still Kickin’@ Linda’s Lounge, 8:30 pm Mike Taylor Band @ Engine 89, DeQuincy, 8 pm Mike Richard & Step-n-Out @ Scottie Tee Judi’s Konstruxion Zone, 9:30 pm Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz, Fridays @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Southern Spice @ Bab’s Pub, 7 pm Tom Brandow @ Outriggers Tavern, 5 pm Static @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 pm The Toadies, Fastball, and Magnolia Sons @ L’Auberge Casino Event Center and Party by the Pool, 7 pm saturday, oct. 31 Pork Chop Express @ Blue Duck, 9 pm King of Pop: A Tribute Starring Michael Firestone @ Paragon Casino, 8 pm T-Broussard & Zydeco Steppers @ Paragon Casino Pelican Stage, 9 pm Thingfish, 2nd Party Program, Choke @ Toucans Bar & Grill, 10 pm Flashback @ JD’s After Dark, L’Auberge Casino, 9 pm Halloween Bash: Magnolia Sons, Colorcast Veterans, Paper Plains, Handsome Harry Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 pm Halloween Party With Crooks Carnival @ OB’s, 8 pm Mike Taylor @ Bobby B’s, Vinton, midnight Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, 5 pm Ashes Of Babylon and Red Letter Reverb @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 pm ISIS @ Mikko Live, Coushatta Casino, 9 pm Clint Black @ Isle of Capri Casino, 7 pm Halloween Party @ GG’s Club, Alexandria, 9:30 pm

Don’t see your band or venue mentioned? Send schedules to editor@timessw.com Continued on Page 37

October 15, 2009

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Beverly Hillbilliesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; star to visit retired teachers Donna Douglas, who played the role of Elly May Clampett in the television series, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beverly Hillbillies,â&#x20AC;? will be the luncheon guest speaker for Calcasieu/Cameron Retired Teachers at the Pioneer Club on Monday, November 2. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beverly Hillbillies,â&#x20AC;? an American television sitcom, ranked among the top most-watched series

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on TV for seven of its nine seasons, twice ranking as the No. 1 series of the year with a number of episodes that remain among the most popular television episodes of all time. The series was about a hillbilly family transplanted to Beverly Hills, California, after finding oil on their land. A Filmway production, the series aired on CBS from September 26, l962, to September 7, 1971, for 274 episodes. The show starred Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett, Irene Ryan as Daisy May â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grannyâ&#x20AC;? Moses, Donna Douglas as Elly May Clampett and Max Baer as Jethro Bodine. Donna Douglasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success paved the way for actresses Barbara Eden, Farrah Fawcett and Heather Locklear to embark on their distinguished careers in television. Today Douglas frequently performs as a gospel singer. She has written a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Critters and Kids: Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stories with a Bible Touch.â&#x20AC;? Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a featured speaker for youth groups, schools and colleges and also appears at conventions and trades shows. In 2005, she filmed two pilot episodes for a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mirror, Mirror.â&#x20AC;? For luncheon reservations, call 477-5406 or 477-4734 by Oct. 26.

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October 15, 2009

Signs

The Times

The eastside elevation of the hotel at the $407 million Sugarcane Bay Casino and Resort.

Sugarcane Bay: ‘A recipe for success’ It’s a watershed month for casino resort’s expansion By Nancy Correro

innacle Entertainment’s Sugarcane Bay Casino and Resort is set to begin piling work on October 19 as a result of the credit markets loosening up. The initial project estimate was $350 million and it is now $407 million. The new casino and resort will be connected to L’Auberge Casino by a covered walkway making it convenient for the guests to walk from one to the other. “We’ve been doing site work for some time now and have actually already completed the entrance road for the new resort so now we start our pile work and that will be utilizing local companies to produce the piles and drive them. I don’t have the final numbers on those contracts, but one of them alone is $6 million. It will be an 18 to 24 month process,” said Kerry Andersen, Director of Community and Public Relations. The contracts for pile production and pile driving will be local and total in the millions of dollars. Once

The porte cochere’s design will be evocative of that of its neighbor.

October 15, 2009

Signs

The Times

The Mojito bar will be a central gathering place.

Sugarcane Bay is built, Pinnacle Entertainment will be the second largest employer in Calcasieu Parish and will have close to a billion dollars invested in the market. “We are in the process of succession planning right now to identify current employees who are looking to move up into management and giving them the training that they need to do that. From an

employment standpoint it’s huge for the region. We will have over $800 million invested in the market when both of these properties are finished. It’s a significant investment and we believe that that is the strongest show of faith that we can make, that Southwest Louisiana is a destination of choice for not just gaming travelers, but travelers in general,” Andersen said.

Three boathouse suites which are similar to the hotel villas at L’Auberge du Lac will be built on the Calcasieu River for use by high roller guests. “On the high end we have our boat houses. Like at L’Auberge we have the villas, those are for the high end guests and they’ll be overlooking the water. The luxury boat’s houses and the butlers—those are very exciting. We will have a very large Mojito

bar that if you first go on to the property it will be a central gathering place. It has a stage inside, another entertainment venue there, which is very exciting,” said Andersen.

October 15, 2009

Entertainment capacity

Pinnacle has added a 3,000 seat performance arena to the mix of indulgences at the resort. “With a 3,000 seat arena it allows

Signs

The Times

A boathouse illustrates the new waterside features coming.

us to merge the performance budget of the two resorts and attract larger acts to the city. It will allow us to bring in bigger names and seat 3,000 people at one time instead of a 1500 and a 1500 we would have one big night with a big act,” Andersen said. The positive economic impact will be substantial for Lake Charles. With the contractors being local and the jobs required to operate such a

large facility, Pinnacle’s footprint will be evident. “We will be the second largest employer in Calcasieu Parish upon opening. There are 2,200 new jobs with Sugarcane Bay and about 400 of those are management positions,” she said. Along with the Mojito Bar and performance arena, there will be a swimming pool, large luxury spa, 30,000 square feet of gaming including: Asian gaming area, dedicated poker room, restaurants,

October 15, 2009

Economic imprint

and retail stores. “The spa is 24,000 square feet which is three times the size of our current spa. It has a nautical theme. It is simply stunning and state-of-theart. It will obviously be the largest spa in the region,” said Andersen. More options

It seems the “upscale tropical” themed Sugarcane Bay Casino, as Kerry Andersen coined it, is an exciting project for Pinnacle Entertainment and a boon for Lake

Charles’ economy. “We think that people who come here will stay here longer now because they have more options. We will be able to attract new people to the market that have not found a reason to sample it so far. So when you combine the gaming, entertainment, and what we offer and what Lake Charles offers in the way of hunting, fishing, festivals and hospitality, we really think that that is the recipe for success.”

business notes cont Discounted Digital Mammograms at West Cal-CamHospital West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering twenty percent off digital bilateral screening mammograms during October, the month recognized nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (337) 527-4256. The discount is applied to hospital charges and does not include radiology fees which are billed separately. With the month of October dedicated to creating awareness about breast cancer, health professionals at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital state that it is the perfect time for women to focus on their breast health. “Women are the family caretakers, but most of us put off our own health checkups because we’re busy caring for everyone else. This month, we’re encouraging women to make time for themselves and get screened,” said Betty Adams, BSRT (R) (M), mammography coordinator with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. FNB has Exceptional Financial Strength – Earns Highest Rating TheStreet.com Ratings, Inc. announces that First National Bank in DeRidder has once again received a financial strength rating of “A” or “Excellent.” TheStreet.com is the nation’s leading independent provider of ratings and analyses of financial service companies, mutual funds, and stocks. This rating recognizes FNB as an outstanding bank offering excellent financial stability for all its generations of customers, vendors and employees. FNB joins less than 3% of the nation’s banks and thrifts in meeting such high standards of criteria for exceptional financial strength. TheStreet.com Ratings’ proprietary model uses more rigorous standards than other rating agencies, placing greater emphasis on a company’s future financial solvency and its ability to withstand severe economic adversity. First National Bank in DeRidder, celebrating 75 years of service, maintains the standing of “Pillars of the Community” for all generations of its neighbors and friends.

working citizens of the area whose resources do not permit them to purchase insurance in the private sector. The Clinic is staffed by volunteers who provide their professional services. Donations such as those by First National Bank are essential for the Clinic to operate.

Jeanette Hansen, CCOA Member; Debbie Duhon, CCOA Program Manager; Gerald Hansen, CCOA Member; Shireen Santhanasamy, Cameron Communications Marketing Coordinator; Frances Mills, Sulphur Senior Center Coordinator; and Alexis Berthold, Marketing Assistant. Cameron Communications $1,000 to Calcasieu Council on Aging Cameron Communications presented a check for $1,000 to Calcasieu Council on Aging (CCOA). The donation will be used for the Annual Halloween Bash and Health Fair on Friday, Oct. 30, from 9 AM – 1 PM at the SPAR Aquatic Center.

Debbie Duhon, CCOA Director; Toni Caraway, CCOA Executive Director; Jackie Hebert, Patient Care Representative; Patty Williamson, Administrator; and Robin Abshire of donor Southern Home Health. Calcasieu Council on Aging Southern Home Health presented a check to the Calcasieu Council on Aging in the amount of $28,528. All of the proceeds raised from the 1st Annual Senior Prom went directly to the Meals on Wheels program to help feed more of the elderly community that is on the waiting list. A special thanks to the many sponsors and donations received to make this event a success. FNB Donates Furniture to Agape Clinic John W. Fusilier, C.E.O. of First National Bank in DeRidder, is proud to announce the bank’s support of the Beauregard Agape Community Clinic by donating attractive furniture now used in the Clinic’s waiting room and offices. The Agape Community Clinic provides free quality health care to uninsured

October 15, 2009

For Halloween, be careful about trick contacts Transforming your eyes from green to ghoulish with novelty contact lenses can be great Halloween fun, and the range of costume lens styles expands each year, providing the finishing touch for the perfect costume. While eye care experts don’t want to scare customers unnecessarily, caution is advised when it comes to the use of costume contact lenses. Concerns about the risks associated with the novelty lenses -- which can be purchased from unlicensed vendors on the internet or at flea markets and specialty shops -- have also prompted the FDA to issue a warning to consumers. “Although decorative contact lenses may seem festive during this time of year, consumers should understand that these lenses can seriously harm the eye if they are used without appropriate supervision by an eye care professional,” says Dr. Melvin Gehrig, optometrist with The Eye Clinic.

“Many people mistakenly think decorative contact lenses are just like sunglasses, and if you’re not wearing the lenses to correct refractive errors, you don’t need a prescription,” says Dr. Gehrig. “This is a dangerous misconception. People, especially teenagers and young adults, who wear lenses purchased from unlicensed vendors have been given no instructions and often practice risky behavior. They don’t clean or disinfect the lenses. They sleep in them. They even swap them with their friends.” Researchers say all contact lenses increase the risk of infections in the eye because they prevent normal

amounts of oxygen from reaching the eye but these risks are much higher in over-the-counter contact lenses because none of the safety procedures are followed. The FDA says it has also received reports of corneal ulcers associated with wearing decorative contact lenses longer than the recommended period. These ulcers can progress rapidly and, if left untreated, can lead to infection, scarring of the cornea, vision impairment, or even blindness or eye loss. Dr. Gehrig says other risks associated with the use of novelty contact lenses include: --Conjunctivitis (a highly contagious infection of the eye).

--Corneal edema (swelling of the cornea). --Allergic reactions and corneal abrasion caused by poor lens fit . --Reduction in visual acuity . --Contrast sensitivity and other problems that can interfere with driving and other activities. “As with any contact lens, an eye exam is required for proper fitting of cosmetic lenses,” says Dr. Gehrig. “By purchasing contact lenses from a non-eye care source, you are putting your vision at risk.” If you want blue or orange, cat or alien eyes, you can get them. Dr. Gehrig says the key for your eye safety is to make sure you get them from a licensed eye care professional. The Eye Clinic’s contact lens department offers a wide range of costume lenses with special savings for the Halloween season. For more information, call The Eye Clinic nearest you in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder or Jennings or 1-800-8265223.

s e c a r B f o d i a r f A e B Don’t

Many people put off getting braces due to fears about how they will look, discomfort, cost, lengthy treatment or a combination of these factors. But at Crawford Orthodontics, braces aren’t scary at all. We offer options that provide increased comfort, faster results and advanced technology such as the Invisalign® system. Fall is a great time to begin orthodontic treatment, allowing you to take advantage of flexible benefit account deadlines as well as annual insurance deductibles that have been met. We also offer affordable, convenient payment plans to fit any budget.

We’ll give you something to smile about. (337) 478-7590 701 West College Street, Lake Charles www.drcrawfordorthodontics.com

October 15, 2009

Homegrown Businesses

cont.

With its signature red-ribbon bow atop its roof, Vee’s seems to offer treats that are all but gift-wrapped.

cakes. Everything you can think of, we do.” The secret to the delicious food is Vee’s homemade bread. She doesn’t take any shortcuts in her baking. “We wake up at 1 A.M. My daughter comes over and we brush our teeth, wash our face and put on clothes. By 1:20 we are at the shop. We make our doughs and then sit down and drink coffee. After that, we don’t sit down until time to go home.” While Vee goes through the process of patiently waiting for the donuts to rise and be prepared, her daughter, Catina, begins on the biscuits, croissants, and kolaches. Vee and her family have their schedule worked out from years of practice. She used to work seven days a week, but now she allows herself Sunday and Monday off work. “We go to bed around 7 P.M. and wake up at 1 A.M. My family is on the praise team at Christian World and they go to practice on Tuesday nights and church on Wednesday nights so I stay home and let them sleep until 4 A.M.” Vee’s frequently gets large orders from the plants, car dealerships, or Sulphur High School. At these times, the group maintains an all-hands-ondeck attitude and the little shop is buzzing at 1:20 in the morning. The first rush hits every morning at 6 A.M. when the first wave of workers pulls in the drive-thru. Vee set up her shop with two drive-thru windows. On one side the driver pays and by the time they pull around to the other window their order is waiting for them. Around 7 A.M. the school crowd arrives with parents and kids grabbing a homemade breakfast before their day begins. “I’ve had moms tell me that their kids wouldn’t eat the donut holes they buy from other places,” said Vee. Catina says the secret her mom uses really is love because of how much time and patience Vee has while making the baked goods. “I wouldn’t want to sell anything I wouldn’t eat myself,” said Vee. One rule about working at Vee’s is to never sell a donut that is in the case

“I wouldn’t sell anything I wouldn’t eat myself,” says Vee McNabb.

when there are still warm ones in the back. Customers need to get there early before they run out. In addition to all the delicacies, Vee’s also creates beautiful gift boxes for special occasions such as homecoming. They truly can do it all. “If it wouldn’t have been for my daughter, son-in-law, and my grandson, I wouldn’t be here with the business like I am now. The blessings I’ve received are because of all the help I have from them.” For a sweet treat or an amazing sandwich, stop by Vee’s Donuts and Bakery at 1290 E. Napoleon St. in Sulphur or call 337-527-3177. Store hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 5 A.M. to 4 P.M.

October 15, 2009

the best i n lake area enter tai nment

Inaugural Black Bayou Music Bash October 30 The bash takes place at the poolside at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 30. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Performances by The Toadies, Fastball and local favorite Magnolia Sons. Tickets are priced at $15 through Ticketmaster; general admission. Show tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the L’Auberge Business Center. All major credit cards are accepted. Guests must be 21 years of age and present a valid photo ID. For more information log on to www.ldlcasino.com/entertainment or call 395-7777. 73rd International Rice Festival The festival takes place in downtown Crowley. For more information, visit www.ricefestival.com MUSIC Thursday, October 15 Cajun Country Rice Sound Stage 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Kira Viator & Bayou Beat (CFMA award winning artist) 8 PM - 9:30 PM TK Hulin 10 PM - midnight Krossfyre Louisiana Rice Mill Stage 7 PM - 9:30 PM Bayou Boys 10 PM - midnight The Molly Ringwalds Friday, October 16 Cajun Country Rice Sound Stage 3 PM - 4 PM Wayne Toups 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM High Performance 7 PM - 10 PM Nik L Beer 10:30 PM - midnight Wayne Toups Louisiana Rice Mill Stage 11 AM – 1:30 PM Without Wanting 3 PM - 5 PM L’Angelus 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Playboys 7:30 PM - 9:15 PM GTO 10 PM - midnight The Chee Weez Saturday, October 17 Cajun Country Rice Mill Stage Noon - 1:30 PM Mike & The Rockets 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM John Angotti 8 PM - 9:15 PM Midnight Star 9:45 PM - midnight Jamie Beregeron EVENTS BY DAY Thursday, October 15 This is the opening night for the many food booths, arts & crafts booths, entertainment and the carnival. Friday, October 16 The first day of the International Rice Festival is recognized as “Children’s Day”. Special events include the official opening of the Festival by the President, crowning of the Junior King and Queen, Rice & Creole Cookery Contest, Rice Eating Contest and the Children’s Parade. Saturday, October 17 Presentation of candidates for the International Rice Festival Queen. A special demonstration of old time rice threshing is held on the grounds of the Baptist Church on Saturday afternoon. The 5K Fun Run, Acadian Accordion Contest, Fiddle Contest, Rice Poker Run and Car Show all take place Saturday morning. Music continues in the afternoon with bands on two stages. In the midst of all of this, the grandest of all parades, the Grand Parade. A scene not to be missed!

October 15, 2009

Picks

Jen Kober brings laughs, rain or shine, Oct. 23 to fight breast cancer. Sunday, October 18 New to the festival is Sunday Family Day, from noon until 6 PM. Carnival Rides (and goodies) only. This is an Alcohol free day. Only vendors associated with the carnival will be there. Family fun & games only. Memorial Hospital Hosts Kober for a Cure October 23 Lake Charles Memorial Hospital invites comedy lovers in the Lake Area to join us on Friday, October 23 for Kober for a Cure, a comedy show featuring hometown favorite Jen Kober and benefiting the Foundation at Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Care Fund. The event is part of Memorial’s health awareness series for women, 31 Days of Keeping the Girls Healthy. Kober for a Cure will be held on Friday, October 23 at the Brick House, 110 West Pine Street in downtown Lake Charles. Doors will open at 9:30 PM and the show will begin at 10 PM. There will be a cash bar and a raffle featuring prizes from various local vendors. All attendees must be at least 21 years of age to enter. For more information or to purchase a ticket online, visit Kober for a Cure. Tickets are available for purchase Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM to 4 PM at Memorial’s Marketing Department, 2800 2nd Avenue, Suite C in Lake Charles, or at the Memorial Hospital Gift Shop on Oak Park Boulevard.

Times Picks

cont.

They will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so get ‘em while you can! Visit 31 Days of Keeping the Girls Healthy or call (337) 494-2936 for more information on Memorial’s other special events devoted to women’s health and well-being this October.

L’Auberge du Lac will debut the Black Bayou Music Bash ...

MSU Homecoming Events Oozeball, champagne bingo, golf, a parade, pep rally and fireworks, reunions, a step show, wine and food tasting, a high school preview day and tailgating — there’s something for everyone Oct. 10-17 as McNeese State University celebrates Homecoming 2009. This year’s homecoming theme is “70 Years of Saddlin’ Up.” The parade is scheduled to roll down Ryan Street at 7 PM Thursday, Oct. 15, with the pep rally inside Cowboy Stadium followed by a fireworks display sponsored by the McNeese Alumni Association. The McNeese State University Student Union Board will host its annual Homecoming Step Show Friday, Oct. 16, in McNeese’s F.G. Bulber Auditorium. Doors open at 6 PM and the show starts at 7 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, call (337) 475-5644. The McNeese Cowboys are playing the Northwestern State Demons at 7 PM Saturday, Oct. 17, in Cowboy Stadium. The 2009 Homecoming Court will be introduced during halftime ceremonies. This year McNeese has a first—two kings and two queens, due to election rules on a tie vote. Events are sponsored by the Student Union Board (475-5644), Student Government Association (475-5605) and the McNeese Alumni Association (475-5232). Homecoming activities include: Thursday, Oct. 15 Homecoming Parade, Pep Rally and Fireworks 7 PM - Ryan Street to Cowboy Stadium parking lot Pep rally in Cowboy Stadium; fireworks display to follow Friday, Oct. 16 Alumni and Friends Homecoming Golf Tournament Four-man scramble at Mallard Cove Golf Course Contact Alumni Center, 475-5232 Step Show/SUB, 6 PM — doors open at F.G. Bulber Auditorium; show starts at 7 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door Saturday, Oct. 17 Cowboy Q&A Day for high school juniors and seniors, 1:30-4:30 PM— Bulber Auditorium and the Quad. Sponsored by the McNeese Admissions and Recruiting Office Rouge et Blanc, 2-6 PM—1911 Cultural Center & Calcasieu Parish Courthouse. Wine and food tasting event sponsored in part by MSU Foundation. Kappa Sigma dedication, 2 PM—Kappa Sigma House. Recognition of three members who died while serving in the military Alumni Pre-Game Party, 4:30 PM in the Alumni Grove McNeese Cowboys vs. Northwestern State Demons, 7 PM -- Cowboy Stadium Irish Folksinger Danny O’Flaherty October 17 Join us at Sylvia’s Bistro for an evening of songs and stories with Irish folksinger, Danny O’Flaherty, as he shares some “oldies but goodies” from his days at O’Flaherty’s Irish Channel Pub in New Orleans to some of his own traditional and patriotic ballads from his two most recent cd’s. It begins at 7 PM. Tickets are $15. For advance seating reservations contact: 337-433-8028. It is sure to be an evening you won’t want to miss! Tenth Avenue North Concert October 30 Tenth Avenue North, an up and coming contemporary Christian music group, has issued a request for you to send in your questions for them to answer during the Q&A portion of their concert. They will be appearing in Lake Charles, LA on October 30 at Christian World. The show will be from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Tenth Avenue North will be joined by John Waller, Rusty and Jessica, Crave and The Power Team.

... with The Toadies among the performers.

Continued on Page 30

October 15, 2009

Times Picks

cont. Westlake High Band’s Halloween Fright Night ‘09 October 31 and November 1 The Westlake High School Band Boosters and Students will present “Halloween Fright Night ‘09”, a Haunted House open to the public on Saturday October 31st and Sunday November 1st. The Haunted House will be staffed by members of the Westlake Ram Band and will feature ghostly apparitions, ghoulish live scenes from your favorite horror flicks and general Halloween mayhem. The Haunted House will be held at the Westlake American Legion Post 407 at 912 John Stine Road in Westlake. Showtimes are 6-11 PM on October 31 and 6-9 PM on November 1. Admission is $8 per person and concessions will be available. For more information, please contact JoAnn Holmes at 337884-9882 Affaire d’ Art November 5 The event will be held from 6-9 PM at Prien Lake ParkHarbor’s Edge Pavilion. Tickets are $125 and admit two people. The ticket allows the holder one piece of art (one piece of art per ticket). Tickets will not be sold at the door. There will be food, entertainment and a bar. This community event showcases the talents of our local artists here in SWLA. Students, as well as, seasoned professionals have equal opportunity to show what they can do. Proceeds from Affaire d’ Art will be used to help provide scholarships for art students attending McNeese State University, as well as, subsidizing art workshops from visiting artists and to help promote art awareness in Louisiana. Those interested in purchasing a ticket can contact Tabitha Bateman 337-263-1555.

Wayne Toups will headline the International Rice Festival on Oct. 16 and the Welsh Coming Home Festival on Oct 30.

October 15, 2009

Freddie Pate’s Jamboree October 31 Freddie Pate’s Jamboree brings the Louisiana Hayride and Grand Ole Opry back to life. If you love “real classic country music,” then this is the show for you. The Jamboree features an all Louisiana cast with guest singers from all over the state, comedy with the pride and joy of Flatwoods, La. “Miss Purty Purl” and of course the Jamboree band Freddie Pate plays Jennings. and the Jamboree Singers. It’s all in a no-alcohol, smoke-free setting, so it is geared toward the entire family — grandma and grandpa, mom and dad, and the kids. The event begins at 7 PM at the Strand Theatre in historic downtown Jennings. For tickets or information call 337-7792343 or visit www.freddiepate.com.

Feature

Women in workplace They’re redefining success

Have you come a long way, baby? If you’re a working woman, you’ve probably come even further than you think. Women have not only carved out a place for themselves in business world, but are helping to reshape long-held beliefs about what success in the workplace really means in corporate America. Study after study shows that women today are more successful than ever before. Projections by the National Center for Education Statistics show a 22 percent increase in female college enrollment between 2005 and 2016, compared with only a 10 percent increase for men. And according to projections by the National Center for Education

Statistics, by 2017, 50 percent more women than men will earn bachelor’s degrees. In the early 1990s, six women graduated from college for every five men who did so; today, the ratio is about 4-to-3. A decade from now, it will be 3-to-2—and rising, on current trends. So in other words, in a couple of decades, America’s educational elite will be as disproportionately female as it once was male.This trend is having a definite impact in the workplace. Today women hold half, or according to some reports, more than half, of the managerial and professional positions in the workplace. They are succeeding not only in positions in industries traditionally considered appropriate

for females but also in areas that historically have been maledominated such as manufacturing, engineering and financial services. Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Although American women’s involvement in business can be traced back to the earliest days of the colonial era, Baby Boomers were the first generation of women to enter the workforce in significant numbers. “These women brought into the workforce not only their university degrees but also new sets of expectations,” explains Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, Director of Solutions EAP (Employee Assistance Program). “Their idea of success was

WELCOMES

Dr. Shadonna Coleman for the opening of her practice of Family Dentistry at

1702 Oak Park Blvd. (across from Memorial Hospital)

to get married like their mothers and have careers like their fathers. They defined success in terms more broad than their parents. Their goal was to be superwomen who successfully juggled challenging, meaningful and well-paid careers with a beautiful home, smiling children, and handsome husbands. And don’t forget squeezing in volunteer work.” Management books coached women the late ‘80s and early ‘90s to act more like men in order to succeed. Business women were advised to wear shoulder pads and use sports and military analogies to “play hardball” and “divide and conquer” in order to prove themselves and overcome the gender bias in the workplace. The message was that women had to work even harder than men to be taken seriously, in effect, behaving more like a man.” “Many women succeeded in doing just that and began achieving success at the same level as men. But it was only after careers were well established that some women began to realize that cracking the glass ceiling might not be all it was cracked up to be,” says ForbessMcCorquodale. “Women had proven they could make it in the workplace, but at what price? Over the past decade, many successful business women have begun to reevaluate what they really wanted from their careers, and what they were willing to sacrifice to get it.” Women at the Very Top

By now, plenty of women were supposed to be occupying the corner office — the coveted symbol of real success in corporate America — but it’s not working out that way. There’s a greater percentage of women in business at all levels today except senior positions. Only 12.5 percent of the corporate officers

Call 337-310-1800 for your appointment.

New Patients Welcome Accepting Medicaid

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October 15, 2009

WHAT’S

UP DOC? What is amblyopia — and how is it treated? Amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early childhood. It is sometimes called “lazy eye.” This condition is relatively common, affecting approximately two or three out of every 100 people. Because there are several causes of amblyopia, the treatment must match the problem. Glasses or contact lenses fix some problems. Surgery may be needed for cataracts, droopy eyelids or crossed eyes. After the cause is found, the child will need to use the weaker eye most of the time, so it will get stronger. To make the child use the weaker eye, a patch can be put over the stronger eye. Sometimes, eye drops or special glasses are used to blur the vision in the stronger eye. This makes the weaker eye become stronger. Patches may be used all day or part of the day, depending on the child’s age and vision. The treatment usually lasts until vision is normal, or until vision stops getting better. For most children, this takes several weeks. A few children need to use eye patches until they are 8 to 10 years old. The best time to correct amblyopia is during infancy or early childhood. That’s why eye exams for children are so important. — Virgil Murray, MD, ophthalmologist with The Eye Clinic How much damage does smoking do to your baby if you have just one cigarette a day or every other day? It would be difficult to give you a definitive answer, but smoking during pregnancy is something we strongly advise against. Most of the research on smoking and pregnancy has shown that smoking more than half a pack a day increases the risk of miscarriage and of the baby’s being born prematurely and/or with a low birth weight. Cigarette smoking puts carbon monoxide into your blood, while the baby needs oxygen. The nicotine also causes spasms of the blood vessels that feed the baby oxygen and nutrients, decreasing flow to the child. Smoking is a difficult addiction to break. Once you are off cigarettes and don’t have them in the house, it will be easier to quit and to stay off of them after the baby is born. — G. Vincent Bailey, MD, ob/gyn specialist on the medical staff of Jennings American Legion Hospital My daughter has had her braces for about three months and I think her teeth actually look worse at this point than when they started. Is this normal? Yes, during the course of orthodontic treatment, things do sometimes appear worse before they look better. The teeth often move in different directions as the teeth are straightening out. You may see a space between your two front teeth that was never there before or teeth that seemed perfectly straight before the braces were placed may not seem as straight. Be patient and things will start to improve. That space will close and those teeth will line up as treatment continues. — Craig Crawford, DDS, orthodontist, Crawford Orthodontics Can a polyp on the vocal chords be cancerous? The vocal cords are a paired structure in the throat that moves when we breathe or speak. Sometimes they can be injured or develop a disease.

October 15, 2009

Polyps are one such condition. Polyps are caused by swelling of the mucosa (lining tissue) of the vocal cords. They collect excessive fluid and swell. Sometimes if the swelling persists or the injury is repetitive, the polyps can harden with scar tissue (called fibrosis). The polyps are benign (not cancerous) lesions of the vocal cords. However, it is possible to have cancer of the vocal cords along with polyps. While this is unusual, it is one reason that a person with persistent hoarseness needs to have a thorough laryngeal exam. An otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) can usually make that assessment during a scheduled office visit. — Henry Goolsby, III, MD, Oncologist with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic

Broken Bone? We Can Set You Straight. If you or a loved one has a broken bone, the last thing you need is a long wait.

With Fracture Express, the waiting is OVER. Fracture Express at Center for Orthopaedics provides immediate appointments for broken bones, and your fracture will be assessed and cared for by an experienced orthopaedic specialist. After all, taking care of bones is what we do best, giving you the added reassurance of knowing access to the expertise and resources of the region’s largest, independent musculoskeletal group is within arm’s reach.

Patient-focused care for broken bones. It’s about time. Give us a call anytime you have a break: 721-7236

1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles 337-721-7236 • www.centerforortho.com

Feature

By Terri Shlichenmeyer Pucker up. Gimme a hug. I love you. What do you do when you say goodbye to a friend or loved one, just even for a few hours? Do you exchange a quick kiss, knowing that you’ll be together again shortly? Do you bump foreheads, knuckles, or shoulders as a warm way of farewell? Or do you say “g’bye” and leave without a thought or a look behind? Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor will forever regret what happened when his wife, Jo, left. In the new book Heaven’s Keep by William Kent Krueger, he wishes he could take it all back. A hundred times a week, Cork O’Connor imagines what her last day on Earth was like. Jo was on her way to a conference in Seattle, her briefcase full of recommendations on government oversight for Indian gaming casinos. She was flying there with friends and new acquaintances. And Cork hoped she wasn’t still angry with him in the aftermath of an argument. He would always wonder. The plane went down in a snowstorm over the Wyoming Rockies, an area filled with gullies and peaks, arroyos and canyons. Local police thought they knew where the plane had gone down, but long searches indicated that there was no trace of it

anywhere. They’d have to wait until the snow melted and search again. Cork mourned and postulated, but never forgot for a minute. In the meantime, he did his best to raise his thirteen-year-old son, Stephen, who was fast becoming a man. He became a go-between for the wives who lost their husbands in the plane crash that also took Jo. And he forged a strong friendship with the man whose company started the argument Cork had with Jo all those months ago. But as winter turned to spring back in Minnesota, Cork had two unlikely visitors: the widow of the plane’s pilot and her lawyer-friend came to Cork with strong suspicions. Becca Bodine was sure her husband wasn’t behind the plane’s controls. He wasn’t the cause of the crash. If Bodine wasn’t flying the plane, who was? Were the Wyoming police and the Arapaho hiding something… or someone? And who – in two states – wanted Cork to stop looking? Sometimes, when you get ahold of a good mystery, it’s natural to think you’ve got it solved before the killer is revealed. You can forget all about that here. Author William Kent Krueger doesn’t insult his readers with early transparency, which makes Heaven’s Keep a good, solid novel. Stepping from his usual setting of Way North Minnesota and into Way Remote Wyoming is new ground for Krueger, and it’s a nice, satisfying stretch. Fans of past Cork O’Connor novels will be happy to see many old friends in these pages, and readers unfamiliar with the series will find a new favorite author. If you’re used to ho-hum mysteries that reveal too much, too soon, and you’re tired of knowing midbook whodunit, you’ll find something very different (and very pleasant) here. Pick up “Heaven’s Keep” and happily kiss a few evenings goodbye. “Heaven’s Keep” By William Kent Krueger c.2009, Atria Books 36 pages, $25.00 Terri Shlichenmeyer has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books.

October 15, 2009

contd.

in the top 500 U. S. companies are women. After three decades of the women’s movement, when business schools annually graduate thousands of qualified young women and the managerial pipeline is overflowing with capable, talented female candidates for upper-level positions, why are there still so few women at the very top? According to the latest research, the reason for many is that they’ve seen the view from the top and have decided they don’t like it. In recent years, several top female executives at Fortune 500 companies shocked the business community when that left their high profile positions. They scaled back on work for the sake of family, with a clear-eyed realization that they were voluntarily taking steps back down the ladder they had fought so hard to climb. At this point in the workplace evolution, it’s not that women can’t get high level jobs, but rather they are deciding not to. Research firm Catalyst reports that 26% of professional women who are not yet in the senior management say they do not want those jobs. As women come into leadership positions, they often discover they have limited options when it comes to their leadership behavior and that they are judged against different standards from men. “Ironically, now that they have proven they can do it, many women are reevaluating their goals and rejecting the offer of greater power at work because they don’t want to devote their entire lives to reaching the top level. It’s not that women are simply opting out. Many women work as hard as men, but the truth may be that most women don’t compete as hard as men do. It’s not about talent, dedication, experience or the ability to make it. It’s a choice to redefine how they want to ‘make it,’” says Forbess-McCorquodale. Today’s women are equal to their male counterparts in education, experience and skill, but when it’s a painful choice between the client crisis and the child’s birthday party, the business trip or the school play, a woman is more likely to put her Continued on Page 39

CCOA Meals on Wheels: Lost in the 50s

The Shadow attended the very first CCOAMeals-On-Wheels Senior Prom fundraiser. CCOA stands for Calcasieu Council on Aging and their Meals-On-Wheels program provides hot meals to seniors 60 and older. They feed more than 400 senior citizens with at least 250 on their waiting list. This senior prom fundraiser was the perfect event. Truly, who wouldn’t want to revisit the 50s? Shadow husband and I walked into the civic center not knowing what to expect. “We’ll just zip in, snap a few pics, and zip out,” I said. Little did I know! How could anyone leave the premises while Jerry Lee Lewis belted Great Balls of Fire? The decorations were wonderful. The huge square columns were wrapped in hot pink crepe paper with replicas of old 45 records stuck to them. Congrats to everyone involved in the decorating. The 12th Night Revelers opened the celebration and also greeted attendees. The Shadow met Linda Woolford, Ken Wilkinson,

Wilma Michaud, Gail Foreman and Barbara Monroe. They were having loads of fun at their table watching the dancers. Many of the seniors jitterbugged, danced the twist, and strutted their stuff—probably better than they did when they were sixteen. There was also a senior court: six towns were represented—two couples from each. The men looked handsome in tuxedos and the women were beautiful in full-length gowns. They danced through a wrought-iron archway decorated with pink and black balloons as the announcer gave their history and listed things they’d accomplished in their lives. These special men and women had never sat around doing nothing, and even now, they showed us “youngsters” how to

James and Lynette Austin.

Lena Roach and Marcia Dutton.

Linda and Dale Kent.

Linda Woolford, Ken Wilkinson, Wilma Michaud, Gail Foreman and Barbara Monroe.

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Gaylyn Fullington and Elaine Cameron.

Michele Hurley and Miranda.

Mark and Phyllis Derise.

Bea Chavanne, 99.

have a good time. Oh, but wait—I’m a senior too. I keep forgetting! I had the privilege of meeting Bea Chavanne who will be one hundred years old on February 16th—Mardi Gras day. She will also be Queen of CCOA next year. Don and Dorothy Manuel represented Moss Bluff ’s Senior Center and were king and queen for 2009. They weren’t shy when it came to getting out on the dance floor, but neither were Dale and Linda Kent. Those two could ‘cut a rug’ as they said back in my daddy’s day. I made my way around the exhibition hall, meeting smiling people like Sandy Richard and Leslie and Linda Blanchard with their friends Ronald and Linda Mesh. I had to laugh with be-bopping James and Lynette Austin. I felt so inspired by everyone I met. I believe this is a perfect example of how we all need to keep going, keep trying, keep smiling and laughing. Whenever I‘ve felt yucky the past few weeks, I’ve looked at the pictures of Dale and Linda Kent, dancing. The way she looked at him—the way he smiled at her, and what flashes through my mind is, joy. We just have to hang on to our joy. Yes, the senior prom was a huge success. I’m looking forward to next year. In the meantime, if you’d like to make a donation to the Meals on Wheels program, call the Calcasieu Council On Aging at 474-2583.

Kay Royer.

Gallery Promenade: Arts & Carriages

Margaret Wallace and Dottie Hoepner.

Kristi Morris and Debbie Madar.

Many downtown activities provide insight into our local and regional artists and this year’s return to a by-gone era added another layer to our knowledge as well as our appreciation. On the evening of September 25th anyone who wanted to could board a carriage at the Lake Charles Civic Center and be delivered to Associated Louisiana—Gallery by the Lake, Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank, Charleston Hotel, 1911 Historic City Hall or the Arts and Humanities Center at Central School. The Shadow took part in a preview promenade at Gallery by the Lake. Opening shows are always fun. I enjoy going to Gallery by the Lake because I never fail to run into friends. I picked up my good pal, Lena Roach, and we descended on the gallery with all the glee of two teens looking for a good time. And we found it! Our pal, Marcia Dutton met us at the door before we could get our bearings and after group hugs, she started showing us off. Letting Lena and Marcia visit, I began my exploration with Gloria Yang’s beautiful white rose. Around the corner, I met Triangle Yang with artist Don Derouen. Several people were exclaiming over Don’s wonderful drawings. I met Mark and Phyllis Derise. Mark has quite the sense of humor and the Shadow had fun trying to stay on my toes around him. Coming full circle, I met Roger Nelson and Tabitha Bateman. Everyone

October 15, 2009

Ricky Bradley and Claby Mere Jr.

Ron and Mary Lou Roberts.

had such a great time viewing the artwork and visiting with each other. I’m beginning to think if one wants new friends, they should hang out in art galleries. Leaving the main gallery, I sniffed out the goodies where Gaylyn Fullington and Elaine Cameron chatted with my old friend Blair Clark. Michele Hurley and Miranda got my attention when I noticed they were deep in conversation. I just had to get a picture of mom and daughter discussing art. The Shadow learned that Miranda is quite the young artist. We might be seeing her work on display at Gallery by the Lake in a few years. If you haven’t been inside Gallery by the Lake, you should pop in and view the talent. Relax in their wonderful new creative arts center and let creativity penetrate your soul. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, I guarantee.

Lee Derouen, Peggy and Shannon Jantz, Steve and Michell Theriot and state Senator John Smith.

LifeShare Blood Center rededication

Excitement was in the air at the rededication of the LifeShare Blood Center, 214 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. The LifeShare facility flooded during hurricanes Rita and Ike, with several feet of water in the entire building, causing the loss of equipment, furniture and computers. Those of us who have been through such as that, know that remodeling takes time and toll, especially when we have to continue working. No wonder LifeShare was filled with excitement. The building looked nice and new—pristine clean. The Shadow arrived early and was greeted by Kristi Morris, community resources coordinator and Executive Director Debbie Madar. I drifted around and met Ricky Bradley who wore a great blood donor t-shirt, and Claby Mere Jr. Claby does hospital ministry for St. Pat’s. We visited for a moment, watching as visitors arrived. Margaret Wallace, President and CEO of LifeShare talked with faithful blood donor Dottie Hoepner. The Shadow watched through a glass partition as Kay Royer gave blood. Kay’s sister, Lisa Sullivin, was diagnosed with Leukemia in April. Kay said she’d never given any thought to the importance of being a blood donor until Lisa’s diagnosis. On November 14th, there will be a benefit for Lisa so keep eyes and ears open for news about it. Before the dedication, I spoke with Karen Chapman, Delaine Stanley, Amy Hebert, and Freddie Rosteet. Then Mayor Randy Roach and Geroge Swift showed up to share in the festivities. The Mayor reiterated how great the Lake Charles people are, and when I heard how many gallons of blood some of them have given, I had no doubt about their greatness. George Swift spoke encouragingly that healthcare opportunities in this area are going to be bigger and better in the near future. When Debbie Madar spoke, the Shadow was surprised when she graciously recognized the

Margo and Ernie Roll.

Josie Scott and Tanya Major.

press and called us by name. Now there’s a lady who knows how to give a compliment. We moved outdoors to snap pics and cut the ribbon. LifeShare has been in Lake Charles for 28 years. They’re doing a super-fantastic job. Debbie Mader told me she’s blessed with the best job in the world I think she means it. Let’s all become donors and pray LifeShare never has to evacuate again.

RAD: RealArt DeRidder Arts Cooperative

On October 3rd, The Times attended the grand opening of a brand new venture—the RealArt DeRidder Arts Cooperative, better known as RAD. RAD isn’t your run-of-the-mill art gallery. It’s a true arts co-op. Art cooperatives generally have the potential to bring together a more vibrant, energetic group of creative people

October 15, 2009

than the typical arts group. In addition, RAD’s physical space is unique in that it’s designed to host rotating monthly exhibitions side by side with a continuing, year-round exhibition from member artists. The grand opening took place with over 25 local and regional artists. Well over 200 people attended the opening of DeRidder’s first art gallery. The first exhibit featured in the gallery is a collection of works from all the members of the RAD Cooperative. A continuous slide show of more than 300 frames flashed historical pictures of Beauregard Parish. Way back in 1926, a group of investors formed a company called Real Art Amusement Company, Inc. and then opened the Real Art Theater. Though the theater has been torn down, the name lives on in RAD. The Times met several artists: Margo Roll, Joey Governal, Josie Scott and Tanya Major—check out their bios online—and spoke with David and Mandy Duplichain as they admired the displays. Louisiana State Senator John Smith, Mayor Ron Roberts, Matt Young and members of the DeRidder City Council Gordon Jenkins, Joseph Siciliano and Elizabeth Granger, were honored with certificates of appreciation for all the work they did to make so many dreams come true. For more info and a calendar of upcoming events, go to http://realartderidder.org or contact David Labby, Gallery Coordinator at 337-397-5809.

Movie Reviews journeys to Austin where she auditions for the all-girl roller derby team under the moniker of Babe Ruthless. Accepted onto the team, Bliss learns the ropes and feels sufficiently empowered to redefine her closest relationships. In her directorial debut, Drew Barrymore also appears as one of the derby gals in one of the year’s most original comedies.

the invention of lying rr 1/2 (Grade B-)

“Zombieland”: Jesse Eisenberg makes a hasty exit. Will moviegoers, too?

Zombies, we’ve got a problem zombieland r1/2 (Grade C-)

By Lisa Miller

Directed by Ruben Fleischer Starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Amber Heard, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Bill Murray Sony-Rated R-Horror, Comedy-87 min In a world overrun by zombies, the unzombified main characters take the names of places in order to avoid becoming too attached to one another. Nerdy teen Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is only too pleased when the first non-zombie he has seen in days turns out to be well-armed redneck Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). The two decide to join forces and embark on a cross-country drive. En route the boy has cause to doubt the wisdom of his new alliance when Tallahassee risks both their lives to forage through a grocery store in search of Twinkies, his favorite snack food. As Columbus watches, mouth agape, Tallahassee brains fat zombies with the banjo on which he’s been plucking the theme from “Deliverance.” The grocery store’s florescent lights emphasize the black-blooded zombie splatter that Tallahassee likes seeing better than a John Wayne movie. It’s a fun set up, but it’s also the sum total of Tallahassee’s underwritten character. Soon the unlikely duo stumble upon Wichita (Emma Stone) and her younger sister, Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). Columbus, possibly the last teen boy on earth, hopes to lose his virginity to Wichita, possibly the last teen girl on earth. However, since the girls are habitual grifters, they are unable to resist besting their male companions, leaving the lad’s fantasy twisting in the wind. This is the one joke that actually improves with each repetition. The story, a tale about coming of age under difficult circumstances, seems unable to get wherever it’s going. A few of its meandering turns, such as one landing the gang at Bill Murray’s Beverly Hills mansion, hold promise. Murray briefly appears in zombie make-up, but his chapter ends abruptly, and in a manner that assures us we’d be fools to give a fig for any of the players. Aiming no higher and a good bit lower than many teen romantic comedies, “Zombieland’s” zombies are contrivances meant to create atmospheric humor. However, when some of us find ourselves becoming more interested in the zombies than we are in whether the leads will survive the zombie assault, then “Houston, we’ve got a problem.”

Directed by Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson Starring Ricky Gervais Warner-Rated PG-13-Comedy-100 min Pudgy Brit comedian Ricky Gervais pens and co-directs a comedy about the importance of lying. He shows us an alternate reality seen through the eyes of historical writer Mark Bellison (Gervais). Anna (Garner), the willowy woman Mark hankers for, is incapable of treating him respectfully. After getting his feelings stomped, Bellison is fired from his job and subsequently evicted from his apartment. This leads to Mark’s big break, when under great duress, he develops the surprising ability to lie and singlehandedly invents religion. Funny in an off-kilter way, “The Invention of Lying” asks, Would we want to go through a day without lying?

pandorum rr (Grade C)

Directed by Christian Alvart Starring Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Antje Traue, Cung Le, Norman Reedus Overture-Rated R-Sci-Fi, Fantasy-108 min Two crewmen awaken alone from hyper-sleep aboard a spacecraft meant to transport tens of thousands. With incomplete memories and malfunctioning equipment, the crew search for the source of strange sounds emanating from the ship’s bowels. Before long they discover a band of survivors hunted by warriors intent on killing everyone aboard. Soon it becomes clear that the survival of mankind hinges on the crew’s actions. As for the cause of this calamity? My money is on a viral infection due to the involvement of zombie king, Paul W.S. Anderson, as a producer. The enormous spaceship provides both plenty of room for gun-toting confrontations, and a claustrophobic setting reminiscent of the underground labyrinth from Anderson’s first two “Resident Evil” films.

fame rr (Grade C)

Directed by Kevin Tancharoen Starring Kelsey Grammar, Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Megan Mullally, Kay Panabaker, Bebe Neuwirth, Naturi Naughton, Asher Book, Kristy Flores, Paul Iacono MGM-Rated PG-Musical-107 min Betting that an update of the 1980 film is ripe for a new generation, the setting for this version remains NYC’s prestigious High School for the Performing Arts. Kelsey Grammar, Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, and Bebe Neuwirth appear as instructors and administrators of the school, founded in 1948, to fulfill academic requirements while training promising students in dance, music and drama. Emphasis on drama, since plenty of high school melodrama ensues. The question is, given the numerous films covering teens as they train for fame released in the years since 1980, will the remake get much notice? At worst, it functions as a showcase of young talent that you may not see on “American Idol.”

whip it rrr (Grade B)

Directed by Drew Barrymore Starring Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Stern, Alia Shawcat, Eve, Zoe Bell Fox Searchlight-Rated PG-13-Comedy-111 min In her first role since “Juno” Ellen Page appears as Bliss Cavendar, an indie-rockloving Texan stuck in a small town, but longing for big city excitement. Her mail-carrier mother (Harden) expects Bliss to compete in local beauty pageants, but the girl secretly

October 15, 2009

Last Issue’s Answers

1 4 8 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 28 29 31 33 37

NOTE TO SELF...

Reach new customers in THE TIMES... Call 439-0995 38

39 40 41 44 45 46 49 50

Across Day parts: abbr. Budgetary setbacks Farm pest ___ and greet Hearing-related It may have an aftershock XI times XI Former bank option, for short Lopsided win The fear of being naked “The other,” in Spanish Catch, as a perp L-___ (drug used in Parkinson’s treatment) Estrogen receptor, to geneticists Rap sheet abbr. “Well, ___!” Cause of a mutation, maybe “This is the way the world ends / Not with ___...” Revolutionary leader with a suit Eye exam response Field that may include feminist theory Seep through Tablet Square root of nonaThey’re in a pantheon Org. for kids with great grades

October 15, 2009

55 Embark 55 Music releases like “We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes,” and “Narrow Stairs,” to fans 57 Buddy 61 Guy whose motto was “Take two”? 62 Big blue and yellow store 63 HLN host Jane ___-Mitchell 64 Up to no good 65 Take a load off 66 Electronic bracelet site 67 Parched 68 Banned pesticide Down 1 Hydrocarbon radicals with six parts carbon 2 Soap opera comic strip set in a hospital 3 Time served 4 Cattle drive guy 5 The Beehive State 6 Shakespeare’s “___ of Athens” 7 It can take a dive 8 “___ Teen Hunger Force” 9 Little Labrador 10 Owns 11 “MADtv” actor Barinholtz 12 P.D. sleuth 13 Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby ___”

20 Slot machine fruit 21 “In the same place,” in footnotes 24 “Robinson Crusoe” author Daniel 25 With excess in the warehouse, maybe 26 Chest muscles 27 Commedia dell’___ 30 They print receipts 32 Brainstorming product, hopefully 34 Bike tricks involving flips over handlebars 35 “Can ___ least see my options?” 36 Overthrow 37 Staring 38 Kiss south of the border? 42 Actress Russo 43 Former Senate Majority Leader Tom 47 Pushy to the max 48 “Where ___” (song by Beck) 51 Product of Jordan? 52 Cooktop range 54 Car mentioned in “Fun, Fun, Fun” 55 Take a catnap 56 Sometimes you just can’t do a thing with it 57 Actress Gardner 58 “Two and a Half ___” 59 Variety 60 Hairspray alternative

Feature family first. “Instead of focusing on the next rung of the corporate ladder, working women are now taking a good long look at what success really is,” says Forbess-Mccorquodale. “More and more women are realizing they have options, and they have the power and confidence to say, ‘I can create my own version of personal success.” Following Their Own Path

One way women are taking control of their own success is by starting their own businesses. Women have always owned businesses, but the pace has picked up in recent years because women are better educated and have more corporate experience than before. The Center for Women’s Business Research reports that 65% of the women who have started businesses in the past decade learned the ropes as managers in big corporations. They aren’t running away from the corporate world as much as they are running toward work that matters to them. Women

now own a 50% or greater stake in 48% of privately held companies. Women start more than twice as many new companies every day as many as men do. And those businesses are successful. Forbess-McCorquodale says corporate America is finally taking notice of what they are losing when women choose to leave their companies, taking their talent and training with them. “Companies striving to strengthen their teams to remain competitive in today’s marketplace are working to make changes in order to recruit and retain more women in leadership positions.” As a result of efforts at many companies, traditional topdown hierarchical organizational structures, generally led by men, are giving way to a more collaborate, team-oriented approach that emphasizes communication, networking and balance – all of which are characteristics women tend to gravitate to more easily to

contd.

than men, according to ForbessMcCorquodale. Volumes of research back her up. After all, it was never proven that acting like men made women more adept leaders. In fact, research shows the ability of women to lead is more fully realized when they allow themselves to act based upon their intuition, rather than when they try to model male leadership traits. Women view power differently than man do, seeing it in terms of influence, not rank. Study after study has shown that women are better at team-building, communication, forming alliances, mentoring, and seeing the big picture. Successful women seem to also have a great sense of personal responsibility, tend to be very thorough and extremely efficient. But women’s strengths are not limited to these “softer” skills alone. Several recent studies found that female bosses scored higher than men on a majority of leadership skills measured, including those not considered traditionally female,

Another Succes Story

ay, October 30, 2009

10 p.m. - Midnight et Dance Downtown Welsh Featuring FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2009 ayne Toups & Zydecajun 10 P.M.-MIDNIGHT Food, Beer, Daiquiris STREET DANCE IN DOWNTOWN WELSH Admission $5 WITH WAYNE TOUPS & ZYDECAJUN

FOOD, BEER, DAIQUIRIS ADMISSION $5

Saturday, October 31, 2009

such as planning, goal-setting and facilitating change. The Future for Women

Now that women have become proven leaders able to meet the increasingly complex challenges that businesses face today, will there ever be more women in the top corporate leadership positions? Maybe, say the experts, if the rules change, and only if the next generation of females wants it. The fact that most top positions still require a 24/7 commitment is even causing many men to grow dissatisfied with the price they pay to climb all the way to the top of the ladder. It appears the way women have responded to these demands has had an unexpected impact on men’s attitudes toward work. Job satisfaction studies show that more men today are beginning to look for the same flexibility and balance that women want in the workplace. Forbess-McCorquodale says that women today can be proud that after years of struggle, the perception of women in the workplace is changing, making it an exciting and challenging time to be a woman in the workforce. No longer focused solely on the glass ceiling, women are finding their own paths to success, creating their own management style and writing their own rules. Women continue to face the challenge of balancing work and their personal life. However, now they are armed with the new-found knowledge that success is no longer a one-size fits all achievement. Rather, being successful is all about having the confidence and freedom to define what success means to you.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009

m. Olde Tyme Rice8Harvest Demonstration, 5K Fun Run A.M.: OLDE TYME RICE HARVEST Noon Festival area opens with DEMONSTRATION, 5K FUN RUN Rides and Attractions For Children All Ages NOON: FESTIVAL AREAofOPENS, RIDES, Food, Drinks, Arts, Crafts,FOR music and Much ATTRACTIONS CHILDREN OFmore ALL AGES 3 p.m.PLUS Halloween Contest FOOD, Costume DRINK, ARTS, CRAFTS, MUSIC 6 p.m. Talent Competition 3 P.M. HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST 8 p.m. - Midnight Street Dance with 6 P.M. TALENT COMPETITION the Bayou Katz DANCE: THE BAYOU KATZ 8 P.M.-MIDNIGHT STREET Admission $3 ($1 for$3, 12$1 years younger) ADMISSION FOR or AGES 12 AND UNDER

WAYNE TOUPS THE BAYOU KATZ THE BAYOU KATZ

“I advertise in The Times of Southwest Louisiana because their readers are my target customers. Not only do I receive excellent service, but I get results. And after all, isn’t that what it’s all about?” — Charles “Sharkey” Cox, Personal Financial Representative, Allstate October 15, 2009

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A UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE AWAITS YOU AT LAKE CHARLES’ ONLY WATERFRONT RESTAURANT.

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Owner and operator of The Landing at Contraband, Josh Rogers would like to announce his departure from O'Charley's Restaurant. Josh will now be continuing his commitment to the community of Lake Charles at The Landing. Josh would like to thank all of the wonderful patrons of O'Charley's for their continued support and friendships over the past four years and invite them to come and try out The Landing. The restaurant features a menu like no where else. With his strong commitment to the community, locally owned businesses, service, and excellence, Rogers is thrilled to bring Lake Charles a new dining experience.