Times of Southwest Louisiana

WWW.TIMESSW.COM • JANUARY 8, 2009 / VOL. 14, NO. 1

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JANUARY 8, 2009

GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . .

617 Drew St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-439-0995 Fax: 337-439-0418 PUBLISHERS Patrick Marcantel Scot Hebert

januar y 8, 2009 Volume 14 • Number 1

contents

. . . . . . .

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . .

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren.dealbuquerque@timessw.com

EDITOR Lisa Yates timesedit@timessw.com

CONTRIBUTORS L. Kay Andrews Sara Blackwell Jim Doyle Matt Jones Helen Pat Marcantel Lisa Miller Terri Shlichenmeyer

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POLITICS John Maginnis ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Andy Jacobson

E N T E R P R I S E B O U L E VA R D

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Louisiana’s Financial Armageddon . . .4

COLUMNS

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Patricia Prudhomme Shanda Sonnier

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GRAPHICS . . . . . . . .

ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck

Who’s News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Business Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Inside Baton Rouge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

COVER STORY At Home with Louisiana’s First Lady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

F E AT U R E S Home Grown: The Perfect Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Local Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Seniors and the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Mardi Gras Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

E N T E R TA I N M E N T Book Beat: Breakfast at Sally’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Night at the Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Coffee Break Crossword Puzzle: “Note for Note” . . . . . . . . . . .24 Times Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 The Shadow: Home Sweet Holiday Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Parting Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

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.

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On The Cover: Supriya Jindal. Photo by Will O’Halloran. Cover by Darrell Buck JANUARY 8, 2009

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NEWS

ABOUT

SOUTHWEST

LOUISIANA

ENTERPRISEBOULEVARD

Louisiana's Financial Armageddon: A Look at Midyear Budget Cuts

By Lisa Yates n California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger warned the state faced “financial Armageddon” unless lawmakers take decisive action to shrink a budget deficit that has ballooned to nearly $40 billion for the next two years.

Gov. Bobby Jindal used less colorful language, but his message was the same – Louisiana’s spending spree must come to a halt.

“Just like in families and small businesses, state government has to live within its means,” he said in a news release.

Fiscal analysts reported a $341 million revenue shortfall for the current-year state budget, with next year’s budget shortfall projected at $2 billion – about $750 million more than earlier estimates.

The state’s current 2008-09 budget is nearly $30 billion.

Developed by Jindal and state lawmakers, that budget boosted state spending by $1 billion. Their next budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year that begins July 1, will have to be trimmed. If not, it will cost $2 billion more than the

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state has to spend next year to continue running all of the programs and keep up with the costs of inflation.

Declining revenue Louisiana’s income from personal and business taxes is expected to decline, sales taxes are flat and the severance taxes and royalties tied to oil and gas prices are shrinking as mineral prices fall.

With those economic realities, and a $360 million income tax break the Legislature recently approved for middle- and upper-income taxpayers, the state’s income streams will fall below what came in last year.

Jindal did veto the legislative pay raise.

And, he recently put a partial hiring freeze in place to help cut cost – a move expected to save more than $25 this year and more next year.

He’s also asked state agencies to look at reductions they could make now to help lessen costs next year.

“Everything is on the table,” he said.

Well, almost everything – except raising taxes.

Continued on Page 5

Jindal releases budget plan Gov. Bobby Jindal released the administration’s plan, on Dec. 30, to cut $341 million in spending.

Jindal’s proposal calls for health care and higher education to bear the brunt of the cutbacks because of the amount of state general fund revenue they receive.

The proposal calls for $55 million in cuts to the state’s public colleges and universities. Health care would cut costs by $118 million.

Through an executive order, Jindal cut $163 million.

The state constitution allows him to trim 3 percent of the state general fund by budget unit.

The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget will have to approve the remaining $178 million in cuts that the governor is recommending. The committee meets Jan. 9.

The governor said he wants to avoid cutting Louisiana’s community and technical colleges, and economic development initiatives like the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Jindal said higher education still received an increase in state general fund dollars over last year - even with a $55 million reduction. He said individual campuses will decide how to lower costs.

Cuts in state dollars for health care typically lower the amount of federal funds the state receives. The fedPAGE 4

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eral government rewards states for putting up dollars by matching them with federal funds.

State Health Care Secretary Alan Levine said he plans to mitigate the $118 million reduction by shifting money from other places to draw federal dollars.

Jindal said he does not want to cut Medicaid rates for rural hospitals, the LSU charity hospitals, physicians or nursing homes. However, Medicaid recipients would be limited to five prescriptions a month instead of eight unless they can justify a medical necessity.

The state also plans to cut back on consultant contracts for services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Other recommendations include: • Eliminating on-hold music for telephone callers.

• Reducing travel.

• Cutting back on office supplies, including computers and file cabinets.

• Preventing state workers from buying items to organize their work spaces.

• Firing 70 student workers at the Department of Corrections.

In all, 335 state workers would lose their jobs, not including employees of statewide elected officials and the higher education system.

Who’s News

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy JoAnn Pape has been appointed to the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association Advisory Board for Watch System. Watch System is the computer system used by the state to track sex offenders across Louisiana. All sheriff’s departments in the state are required to use this program.

The Watch System Advisory Board is responsible for determining policies and procedures involving tracking sex offenders for sheriff’s departments. The board consists of six deputies, two Louisiana state police troopers, and three probation and parole officers. Pape is the program coordinator for the CPSO Sex Offender Compliance and Awareness Program (CAP Unit).

Todd Clemons, local attorney, has returned full-time to his private law practice, Todd Clemons and Associates, after serving a temporary position as judge in the 14th Judicial District Court.

The Louisiana Supreme Court chose Clemons to fill a vacancy within the court system, due to the late Judge Todd Clemons Al Gray’s retirement. Clemons continued his private practice while serving as temporary judge.

Clemons handles criminal defense and personal injury cases, and has extensive trial experience in state and federal courts. Todd Clemons and Associates is located at 4216 Lake Street. For more information, call 477-0000 or log onto www.ToddClemons.com.

The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has hired David Conner as its regional coordinator. At the Alliance, David will assist President/CEO George Swift by maintaining contact with elected officials spanning the five parishes of Southwest Louisiana. David will be working on economic development recruitment and retention projects, interacting with prospects, coordinating international Continued on Page 6

Ent. Blvd., Continued from Page 4

No new taxes “Raising taxes is not an option, and would be the worst thing we could do in an economic downturn,” Jindal said.

The governor has to submit his recommended budget to lawmakers before they return for a regular legislative session in April, and lawmakers will craft a final version.

This could prove to be a careerdefining moment for the governor as for Gov. Buddy Roemer who faced similar financial woes. He tried to enact long-lasting reforms to restructure and clean-up state government 20 years ago, but the Legislature would not go along with it. As a result, Roemer’s rising political star sputtered and died.

Former President George H. W. Bush, who once said: “Read my lips, no new taxes,” backed out of his promise in order to reduce the national deficit. With a Senate and House both controlled by Democrats – he had to negotiate and raise several taxes as part of the 1990 budget agreement.

Will Jindal be able to deliver on his promise of no new taxes?

Barry Erwin, President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, believes the governor will deliver on this promise.

“I think the governor will balance the budget without raising taxes because he has already said that was his intent,” Erwin said.

“I don’t get a sense from much of the Legislature that there is a desire to raise taxes at this time. That said, I think it is going to be extremely difficult. The amount that needs to be cut is huge and I don’t think it can be done without impacting services of some variety.”

Erwin said there is always some level of cutting that can be done in state government without having a major impact, but with the level of cuts the state faces – he thinks the cuts will have to be much deeper.

“Again, there are certainly some ‘easy’ cuts that can be made, but after that we are going to have to start assessing our true priorities and make some hard decisions about how we can preserve the most important services in higher education and health care, while recognizing that some things we might like to keep will have to be scaled back or eliminated,” he said.

“All of this is very hard.”

A surplus Jindal has some options – for example, an $865 million surplus left over from last year.

However, the money can only be used for one-time items, like debt payments and construction spending – not

to fill any budget holes. Some state leaders have suggested using $285 million from the “Rainy Day” fund to help cover the deficit, but the governor said he won’t tap into the fund this year.

He has left open the option for next year, however.

Trimming the budget Higher education and health care will be the first in the state to be impacted by budget cuts, according to the Jindal administration.

But, with a push for a better educated workforce, is it wise to shrink spending at the state’s colleges?

“I think the jury is still out on the impact these cuts will have to education, but when you consider that we still have great needs, especially when it comes to educating and training our workforce, the scenario is not very encouraging,” Erwin said.

“The university presidents are trying now to look at their budgets and see where they can cut while trying to minimize the impact. But it is hard to see a scenario in what we know now where students, faculty and staff at our institutions are not all affected.”

Jindal notified UL schools recently, including McNeese, that higher education will face a budget cut of more than $109 million.

The governor’s proposal amounts to an average 7.82 percent decrease in spending for all UL schools. They are McNeese, Nichols, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Grambling, Louisiana Tech, Northwestern and Southeastern.

The governor has asked each to submit a plan outlining how it will implement the cuts.

In Louisiana, Medicaid spending has grown from 8.5 percent of the state general fund, two years ago, to more than 16 percent today. Medicaid spending is expected consume nearly 22 percent of available discretionary dollars by 2011 – potentially eclipsing funding for schools, economic/job development, roads and law enforcement.

The Jindal administration has already announced plans to cut Medicaid spending.

But, which Medicaid services for the disabled will be cut?

chopping block.

• New Hampshire decided to suspend jury trials for a month to save money.

• Michigan has closed two prisons.

• Idaho announced plans to lay off 63 part-time workers.

Even some politicians are tightening their belts.

• Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshar – D, and his lieutenant governor took a 10 percent pay cut, saving the state $100,000.

• Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels – R, refused a $13,000 pay hike.

• Lawmakers in Georgia and Pennsylvania recently rejected cost-of-

living raises for themselves.

Erwin said everyone is waiting to see what this level of budget cuts will look like in Louisiana.

“We tend to think of budget cuts in the abstract, because usually we find a way to minimize the damage,” he said.

“But we have not been in a situation like we face now in decades and in many areas, higher education in particular, it took us decades to crawl out of the hole we dug to survive at that time.”

Cutbacks in other states According to a new report from the National Association of State Budget Officers and National Governors Association, 12 states, this year, have cut back on optional Medicaid benefits such as vision and dental coverage.

The report said for many states across the nation, everything is on the JANUARY 8, 2009

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BUSINESS

notes

Who’s News, Continued from Page 4

trade efforts and representing the Alliance at functions such as trade shows. David grew up in Lake Charles and is a graduate of the McNeese Business School. He and his wife, Mary Beth, are the parents of Mariet and Clint.

The McNeese State Athletic Department and Cowgirls basketball partnered with Jeff Davis Bank to host a Toys for Tots toy drive. On Dec. 20, the Cowgirls held the Toys for Tots game as they hosted Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Burton Coliseum. Whoever brought a toy to the game got in free. The athletic department also distributed vouchers to anyone who couldn’t make the game, but still wanted to donate. The athletic department then delivered all the toys to the Marine Corps for distribution.

The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau provided financial assistance for programming through a Sports Warchest Grant in the amount of $2,000 presented to Jim Hughes, principal of St. Louis High School. Eric Zartler, athletic sales manager for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was present at the formal recognition of the grant. Hughes received the grant on behalf of the Louisiana Showcase of Soccer tournaments, which are tremendous economic stimulants for the local economy, as team members occupied 2,000 total room nights in Calcasieu Parish, Dec. 18-21. The Louisiana Showcase of Soccer tournaments include 40 high school teams from all over the state and region. Sports Warchest funds were used for teams’ meals, advertising and printing costs, umpire fees, special equipment rentals and communications costs.

Janice Constance

Lisa Ledano

L’Auberge senior staff formally presents donation to John Lamar from Toys for Tots.

L’Auberge du Lac Casino employees collected 1,210 toys as part of a property-wide Toys for Tots campaign to benefit the children of Southwest Louisiana. The 1,210 new toys and $226 in monetary donations were presented to the Marine Corps program on Dec. 19.

Janice Constance has been promoted to personal banking officer at the Maplewood banking center of Cameron State Bank.

Constance has 26 years of experience in the financial industry, nine of them with Cameron State Bank. Also in the Maplewood location, Lisa Ledano was promoted to assistant branch manager. Ledano has been with Cameron State Bank for 17 years. Kelley Schexnider was recently transferred to the Mid-City banking center in Lake Charles and promoted to branch manager.

Schexnider has 25 years of banking experience and has been with Cameron State Bank for six years. Darrel Fontenot has been transferred to Special Assets. Fontenot has over 35 years of banking experience.

Kelley Schexnider

Darrel Fontenot

McNeese State senior forward Kamryn Koch was named the Capital One/Southland Conference Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year as voted upon by the Awards Committee, the league office announced Tuesday in conjunction with the release of the All-Academic Soccer Teams. The 2008 Southland Conference Player of the Year, Koch added to her impressive credentials, becoming the first two-time soccer student-athlete of the year. A CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine District VI recipient, Koch is a three-time All-Academic selection sporting a 3.4 grade-point average.

A native of Breaux Ridge, she led McNeese State and the Southland in almost every statistical category. She ranked second in the NCAA in points per game (2.5) and goals per game (1.05). She led the conference in shots (116), points (50) and gamewinning goals (six). Koch set the league career record for shots (298) and game-winning goals (19). Her 116 shots are the most ever taken in league history, and she tied the single-season record for goals with 21.

Shelly Knox of Lake Charles was the grand prizewinner in Cameron State Bank’s Great Escape Spa Getaway. Knox and a guest will receive a seven-night stay at Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas. The package includes airfare, limousine service, gourmet meals and spa treatments included in Lake Austin’s Ultimate Spa Pampering and Premium Accommodation Package, courtesy of Cameron State Bank. The package is valued at $12,000.

Walk-in care for illnesses and minor injuries is now available in Moss Bluff.

A service of Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, Moss Bluff Urgent Care opened on Jan. 5. The new facility is located at 277 Hwy. 171 N., Suite 10, and encompasses over 4,000 square feet. The center features eight exam rooms, and offers x-ray, lab and occupational health care capabilities. Moss Bluff Urgent Care is staffed by experienced physicians, nurses and technicians and is equipped to handle urgent care needs for adults and children.

Appointments are not required, and extended weekday and weekend hours are offered. The center is open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mon – Sat., and from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 217-7762.

Peter John Saab of Lafayette, left, and Georgie LeJeune of Welsh. Saab was given the Pro Deo et Pontifice Award while LeJeune received the Msgr. DeBlanc Fellowship Award. Msgr. Harry D. Greig, who was unable to be present, received the Truman Stacey Award, given by outgoing president James P. Martin of Welsh. Msgr. Greig served as Administrator of the Diocese during the cleanup and repair of the damages caused by Hurricane Rita.

A priest of the Diocese of Lake Charles and two members of the laity have been honored by the Bishop Jude Speyrer Chapter of the Pontifical Knights and Dames of the Diocese of Lake Charles. Msgr. Harry D. Greig was presented with the Truman Stacey Award by outgoing president, James P. Martin, while Georgie LeJeune of PAGE 6

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Welsh was given the Monsignor DeBlanc Fellowship Award, and Peter John Saab of Lafayette was recipient of the Pro Deo et Pontifice Award.

John Noble, Jr., M.D., orthopaedic surgeon with Center for Orthopaedics, recently attended Ignite, a national advisory panel for Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics. Dr. Noble is one of 40 other surgeons from across the country asked to participate in this annual panel.

Ignite was formed a year ago to allow leading experts in orthopaedics to exchange ideas and provide input that will help shape the future of joint replacement and orthopaedic innovation.

The forum encourages these key opinion leaders to express their ideas to give Smith & Nephew a fresh perspective from practicing surgeons. Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics is a leading global provider of innovative joint replacement systems and a range of other medical devices.

The local Federal Emergency Management Agency Board (FEMA) has elected Kathy Williams, Campaign Associate for the United Way of Southwest Louisiana, as local FEMA Board Chair. As chair, Williams will work with members of the Calcasieu Parish Jurisdiction Board to administer funds that come to our area. Williams joined the United Way in January 1999. She has served on the local FEMA Board since March 2002, and received the United Way Agency Staff of the Year Award in March 2008.

Whitney National Bank recently announced that Charles “Chas” Drost has been named as the trust relationship manager in the Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana markets, assuming the position in the wealth management area upon the retirement of Richard Byrd. Drost is a graduate of Sulphur High School and has a degree in Business Management from Louisiana State University.

He is an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) from the College for Financial Planning, and is an Charles “Chas” Drost Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) from The Cannon Financial Institute. He is a member of the board of directors of CCA Louisiana, and currently serves as chapter president for Lake Charles.

JANUARY 8, 2009

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PERSPECTIVES — by Jim Doyle

INSIDE BATON ROUGE — by John Maginnis

Vitter Assumes Role of Target he national Republican party and editorialists across the land have been gushing over the GOP’s dynamic duo of diversity: Gov. Bobby Jindal, son of Indian immigrants, and Congressman-elect Anh “Joseph” Cao of New Orleans, the first Vietnamese-American to serve in Congress.

For all the attention showered on Louisiana’s shining new political stars, some hard news was made last week by the state’s dark knight, Sen. David Vitter. He was a leading voice among Southern Republicans who opposed the auto industry bailout bill, which passed the House but died in the Senate.

He was strongly castigated by United Auto Workers leaders, especially those at the Shreveport GM plant where workers, already facing a temporary shutdown, fear their jobs could be permanently lost if the government doesn’t act.

It will. Even before this Congress adjourned, the White House announced it would use some banking bailout money to tide the car companies over until a new administration and Congress address the issue.

If we’ve learned one thing from the bailout hysteria so far, it’s that civilization as we know it won’t end tomorrow if the government doesn’t do something today. Detroit’s problems will be waiting patiently for the next president, the new Congress and a new plan, which was coming whether the old one failed or not.

Back home, beyond Shreveport, Vitter scored politically. In my unscientific sounding, public opinion on the bailout plan came down between angry opposition and confusion. Many who don’t outright oppose some government aid to car manufacturers have very mixed feelings about what should be done. If a new plan works, Vitter can claim credit for killing a worse one. If nothing works, he won’t be to blame.

For now, though, it’s enough for him that CNN reported on the junior senator in some context other than the D.C. escort service scandal that he became ensnared in last year. The auto industry aid issue, as long as it plays out, enables him to make a new name for himself, a chance to move on.

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He needs to, because his road ahead is perilous. Republicans prevailed this time because the Democrats could not get 60 votes to end the filibuster and force an up-ordown vote. In the next Congress, it will be more difficult for Republicans to hold that line against 58 Democrats and independents.

The 2010 elections, when Vitter is up, will be all about erasing or holding that thin red line. Vitter knows he is in the crosshairs of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and he wants to make sure his friends do too.

“Just Two Seats” is the subject line on the fundraising e-mail Vitter sent to supporters last week.

“Just two seats are all that stands between President-elect Obama and a filibuster-proof Democrat majority in the U.S. Senate,” writes Vitter. He implores supporters to send checks before year-end in order for him to show a strong balance in his campaign account in the next finance report due out early next year.

He states that President-elect Obama and the DSCC are building a war chest to win those two seats, and he warns, “If they sense any weakness in our campaign they will put us at the top of their now-infamous ‘target’ list—and we will face a well-funded, handpicked-by-Washington challenger.”

Of course, Democrats already sense a weakness in Vitter from his recent unwanted exposure. He acknowledges the obvious that the bulls-eye is on him, writing, “Behind the scenes, President-elect Obama and national Democrats are already plotting and planning to try to defeat me.

What’s worse, they have the funds and organization to do so—unless we gain an early advantage.”

It is doubly important that he gets Republican contributors to commit to him early. Since he assumes the Democrats are coming after him, he may be more concerned that Republicans “sense any weakness” and encourage a challenge to him in the party primary.

Running against Obama is not a bad fundraising strategy in a state where the new president could not crack 40 percent. If that also helps to clear any Republicans from his path, all the better.

A New Year of New Possibilities

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ow that we’re finally out of that Bah Humbug mode, I’m ready for a REAL celebration.

Don’t get me wrong.

I’m all for the idea behind Christmas, peace on earth, good will towards men and all that.

But how could you not love New Year’s? Booze, parties, good will towards women and vice versa, loud music, funny hats, black-eyed peas at midnight with your scrambled eggs (when would you EVER eat that combination?), steely-eyed resolve to (a) lose weight, (b) quit smoking, or some equally unlikely self-improvement exercise. Now THAT’s a holiday.

Of course, by the time you read this, we will be well into 2009, eight years after we thought we’d be on our way to Jupiter to find the black monolith, 25 years after George Orwell told us we’d be one world ruled by the thought police, nine years after people with funny hats living in fallout shelters told us our computers would crash and we’d be eating grass for months, three years before the end of the world according to the Aztecs (or was it the Mayans? Who invented tequila?

Never mind).

So, how are those New Year’s resolutions coming? I decided, way back in 2008 on my birthday while writing this column, that I would make a dramatic resolution for this year, something new and different, not your father’s resolution.

Something in the same category as weight loss or smoking cessation, but more likely to be achieved during the course of the year. After a lot of thought, I finally found it.

Drum roll, please. . .

I will grow hair in 2009. On my head. Nose and ears don’t count.

Resolutions reflect the meaning of the holiday for most civilizations, which associate the turn of whatever calendar they used as a benchmark for new things, makeovers, if you will. It is the oldest of all holidays, beginning with the Babylonians, who also began the practice of resolutions. Their most popular one was the return of borrowed farm equipment. Ah, you gotta admire those pesky Babylonians. The Jewish tra-

dition marks the year with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which requires mankind to repent its sins for ten days in preparation for a new start, cleansed of the detritus of the old.

I am spending my New Year’s with my son Stratton, a musical star of no small talent. He is proud of the fact that he has been playing in bars since he was 17, when Jay Ecker snatched him into Rikenjak’s on jazz night. Stratton’s primary instrument is the saxophone, and many of you will have heard him play at some point in those seven years. He now performs all over the country and beyond with Hamilton Loomis, a Houston star who does a combo blues-funk kind of rhythm. Their New Year’s is at the Crystal Ballroom in downtown Houston.

One of the songs they will play has become a favorite of mine since Stratton picked up the keyboards and amplified his singing prowess in pursuit of his artistic vision. It’s called “I Wanna be a Better Man.” What better theme music could there be for a New Year’s celebration?

The human condition is a ceaseless search for renewal, redemption, and occasionally romance. The world is an awesome place to conduct that search, full, as it is, of the possibility of something new around every corner. The winding down of one year, with what seems like ceaseless holidays, grinds to a halt as the new dawn of possibility approaches. “A New You,” as the sign says in the beauty shop.

My favorite mother-in-law, Liz Linam, once told me that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

Let’s see; now we have Twelfth Night, the MLK Holiday, Inauguration Day, multiple Mardi Gras balls, Fat Tuesday; Spring Break, Easter, Memorial Day; summer; and so it goes. Sounds like the roll is going pretty fast already.

I promise I will do my best to grow hair and be a better man. I wish all of you great luck, Dear Readers, in pursuing your goals and resolutions, whatever they may be.

See y’all next year!

Employment Rises in Louisiana in November Employment has risen in Louisiana, but the head of the state work force commission says some recent layoffs haven’t shown up in the figures.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission announced, Dec. 23, that non-farm job employment rose by 6,000 jobs from October to November. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, Louisiana had 8,600 more jobs than at the same time last year.

The commission says 5,600 of the jobs added last month were in the service-providing sector, with 400 in goods production.

The commission’s executive director, Tim Barfield, notes many of the people laid off by General Motors in Shreveport and the International Paper mill in Bastrop have severance packages that have kept them off the unemployment rolls so far.

La. Income Tax Rates Will Drop in 2009 Lower individual income tax rates for many Louisianans will become effective on Jan. 1, thanks to the passage of Act 396 of 2008, according to the state Department of Revenue.

The act repealed provisions of a 2003 tax law known as the Stelly Plan.

For taxpayers in the affected income brackets, the lower rates under Act 396, also known as the Shaw Bill, will apply to their 2009 Individual Louisiana income tax returns, to be filed no later than May 15, 2010.

Individuals who wish to estimate how the Shaw Bill will affect their paycheck withholding during the 2009 tax year can do so with the 2009 State Income Tax Estimator, available on the Web site of the Department of Revenue.

Taxpayers who choose to temporarily reduce their income tax withholding can complete the Temporary Employee Exemption Certificate L-4 form.

For more information, visit the 2009 Income Tax Estimator Info page at www.revenue.louisiana.gov.

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The Perfect Fit: Uniquely Fashionable

By Lisa Yates arbara DuBose owns and runs the The Perfect Fit, a highly successful ladies’ boutique for new designer clothing and special orders. Haute couture devotees are unlikely to visit any other designer boutique with such an informal and relaxed atmosphere – anywhere.

“The way it works is, someone calls saying she needs certain types of clothes, or a dress for a particular event,” she said. “Then, we’ll sit down together and look at sketches or pictures of different designs.

“I have books with sketches and fabric samples in different colors to look at - we work from there. For example, if a customer finds a dress she likes, but she wants a different collar.

We can do that, because it is custom made and fitted to her. We also get a lot of designer samples in the store and do trunk shows.”

Arguably Southwest Louisiana’s best-kept secret, the volume of regular customers speaks for itself - customers who come for something special, or to browse at leisure through selec-

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JANUARY 8, 2009

tions of casual wear labels, such as Forty Grand, Ingenuity, DaRue, and JSS Knitwear of New York, to name but a few. Handbags by ALGO of Switzerland and La Neige are in stock, or can be special-ordered.

The Perfect Fit has a large selection of evening wear available, too, including fulllength dresses, cocktail dresses, jackets, tops, skirts and trousers. Labels include ALGO of Switzerland, Vionie of Germany, Christian Weber of Italy, Lourdes Chavez of California and David Hayes of California.

“It’s not too late to order for Mardi Gras,” DuBose said. “I can have it ready in time. I do a lot of Mardi Gras orders, especially for kings, queens, princesses and their parents.”

Her Mardi Gras gowns start at $850, but each design is unique in color, fabric and fit, put together by highly-skilled dressmakers whose wizardry makes the magic real!

“Nobody in town will have that same dress.”

DuBose said.

The magic begins with the fit, she said.

“You can take a $3,000 dress, but if it

Barbara DuBose, owner of The Perfect Fit, displays a dress she designed.

doesn’t fit your body, it won’t make you look good,” DuBose said. “On the other hand, you can take a $300 dress - fitted perfectly to the body and it will look great.”

Hence, the name of her business – The Perfect Fit. The Perfect Fit also offers a selection of summer clothes and swimwear suitable for winter cruises in warmer climates.

“I do a lot of cruise and resort wear, too,” DuBose said. “In fact, I have some in the back I am working on, now, for a customer.”

Making designer labels more accessible to customers Customers do not have to travel to Houston or New Orleans to shop for fashion.

“I’ve noticed all throughout the years, people will say they have to go out of town to shop, but they don’t,” she said.

In fact, there are those in Houston modeling their businesses after The Perfect Fit. “Vendors tell me that we were one of the first in the nation to establish a storefront like this,” DuBose said.

“An agent said there’s now one in Houston and one in Florida.”

In this couture atelier, everything is finely crafted, tailored and coordinated for the client – even those clients with more modest budgets.

“Some people say, ‘I can’t afford you,’” DuBose said. “It hurts me to hear people say that. I love people and want then to be comfortable here.”

She said, designers send in samples making designer labels more accessible to customers in Southwest Louisiana.

“Our Ingenuity line is geared more towards the career girl,” DuBose said.

“The most expensive piece is $225.”

Another misconception she wanted to clear up was a mistake appearing in the telephone directory.

“We are NOT a resale shop,” DuBose said. “We are listed that way in the phone book, but it’s a mistake.

I’ve been trying to get that mistake cleared up for years.”

She said the store sells new merchandise only. An unusual selection of jewelry is always available and changing with the seasons, including Starfire jewelry by Charlie Wharton.

Currently, the store is featuring a trunk show by David Hayes of California.

From February onwards a large selection of wedding outfits is available - suitable for the Mother-of-theBride, or guests. References on where to get hats, shoes and bags to match are provided.

“I have a fashion agent from Seattle,” DuBose said, revealing her source.

It’s best to begin preparing in advance during the wedding season, she said.

“We ask for at least three months,” DuBose said. “Of course, we can get it done more quickly in some cases.”

Before a dress is ordered and sent to the designer, the client’s measurements are taken.

“When the dress arrives, 95 percent of the time it arrives fitting perfectly to the customer,” DuBose said.

“If during the fitting it requires adjustments, our seamstress, Edith Lee, provides expert alterations.”

Jamie Scimemi is also a part of the team at The Perfect Fit. “Jamie does the bookkeeping; and, she helps with everything, including weddings,” DuBose said.

The shop owner also works with numerous models.

“One of our models is modeling in Germany for Vionie, now,” DuBose said. “She is one of our 15 house models.”

These models participate in a style show each year to benefit the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana.

At this year’s show, DuBose modeled one of her original designs – it’s breathtaking!

A seamstress She started in business as a seamstress.

“I’ve always had a thing about clothes,” DuBose said.

She began sewing as a young girl on her mother’s sewing machine in Roberts Cove, La. “My mother did all of the sewing for the family – I was one of 10 children,” DuBose said. “She didn’t want us to touch her sewing machine, but when she went out I would sew.”

She said she got caught every time!

Like her mother, she sewed for her own family – her husband, Stephen DuBose, and their five children.

“I never worked (outside of the home) until my children were grown,” DuBose said.

In 1983, she went to work parttime for Mr. And Mrs. Maurice Kleinman, who owned The Fashion.

“Mrs. Kleinman started me out in the dressing room, introducing me to customers,” DuBose said. “I got to see how she treated the customers.

She kept me under her wing and I began doing some designing on my own, at home. The major thing I learned was customer service – that’s the bottom line. You have to bend over backwards for your customers.

The customer is always right.”

When the Kleinmans retired, Robert and Debbie Nolan bought The Fashion. DuBose said she continued in their employment until the store closed.

Afterwards, she worked for Bill Lawton, who owned a retail store called Mary William.

“I worked for him until he retired,” DuBose said. “I then worked for his granddaughter, Marcie Duhon Harper, managing her store - Mary Margaret for seven years.”

Throughout the years, customers encouraged DuBose to open her own store.

“My customers kept encouraging me,” she said. “When I turned 65, I opened the store. On January 24, 2006, I had my first trunk show – it was phenomenal. It’s been a success story.”

For more information, call 4335855, online at www.perfectfitlc.com, or visit The Perfect Fit, 312 Pujo St., Lake Charles. Store hours are by appointment; or, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Fri.

NEW for Lake Charles

STYLISH FASHIONABLE LADIES WEAR Flowing Fabrics in many colors Cocktail, Dinner and Day Wear Petite–Plus Sizes

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JANUARY 8, 2009

PAGE 11

By Sara Blackwell; Photos by Will O'Halloran I recently sat down with Supriya Jindal, the First Lady of Louisiana, in her husband’s spacious office at the governor’s mansion. A small red toddler’s riding toy in the hallway leading to the office is evidence of the first family’s young children. The hallway is lined with several oversized photographs of Supriya and Bobby Jindal at his inauguration. My favorite piece in the mansion is a painting of the first couple next to the Blue Dog, painted

by George Rodrigue.

The governor’s wife kindly greets me, offering coffee and cookies.

Stylishly understated in a black top and matching pants with a short, brown jacket; her black hair is simply styled and her make-up is subtle.

Jindal is the eldest of two children; her younger brother is a lawyer in Virginia. Her parents and her parentsin-law live nearby, enabling for close relationships between the families. She has lived in Baton Rouge and New Orleans virtually her whole life.

Not much in the four-story mansion has changed since it became the family’s home.

“The Governor’s Mansion Foundation was formed by Alice Foster when she was first lady,” Jindal said. “What they have done is raised private funds to maintain the mansion.

So, all of the rooms you see that are so beautifully decorated have all been done mostly through her efforts and the foundation’s efforts. So, there is a board of the foundation that maintains them and they do a wonderful job.

Everything looks so beautiful.”

However, there was one thing about the home that had to be amended. “The mansion traditionally has artwork from galleries and other art collectors,” Jindal said. “But one thing I noticed when I got here was that there was no place to salute our young children artists across the state. So, we dedicated one wall. When you walk out to the rotunda on your left, you will see two black frames. Every month, we rotate out different children’s artwork from across the state.”

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JANUARY 8, 2009

Jindal and her husband have a daughter Selia, 6, and two sons, Shaan, 4, and Slade, 2. According to their mother, it took some time for the children to acclimate themselves to the mansion when they first arrived.

“It was hard for the kids at first to understand that there were parties going on . . . in the mansion that they were not invited to,” Jindal said. “We had to explain to them that they had to stay in the back of the house or stay in their room. So, it was a little challenging when we first got here, but I think they finally caught on. The main thing is that they’re so young and they don’t fully understand the things that are happening around them. I think that is a good thing.”

“When we first came, Bobby would have a meeting downstairs,” she said. “We would tell the children, ‘Look, Daddy has a meeting, be respectful of that.’ Lo and behold, they would go to the top of the rotunda and shout, ‘Daddy, it’s bedtime, read me a book,’ or ‘Daddy, so-and-so just hit me.’ Whatever the issue of the moment is. . . But most of the people all had similar stories and could relate, so they got a chuckle out of it,” she laughed.

To help the children feel more a part of the events that take place on the first floor, Jindal described how she brought them outside on the courtyard of the mansion one summer afternoon with easels, canvases and paint.

After a fun day of painting, the children’s artwork was placed in a special place in the mansion. “Walk into the ladies’ bathroom and knock on the men’s’ bathroom and look in there. I allowed them to hang their artwork in there. And, of course, their artwork is hanging in their bedroom upstairs.”

In a further attempt to create a feeling of home for the children, the Jindals have dedicated one room for their personal play. All three share a bedroom so that the extra quarters can be used as a place for their toys. “We do not want them to feel like they live in a museum where they can’t touch

anything or do anything,” Jindal said.

“We brought all of their toys from their old house and all of the old furniture and put it in that one room. We said, “Okay, this is your room. You can play in it,’” she said. “Bobby told them, “You can do whatever you want in this one room.” The governor went up there one day and found that Shaan, who was three at the time, had written his name on the furniture he had brought from the house.

“Bobby said, ‘Shaan, why did you do that? You would never do that at your old house. Why would you do that here?’ He said, ‘Well, Daddy, you said I can do whatever I want in this room, so I put my name on everything.’ Bobby told him, ‘Don’t tell Mom I said that!’” she laughed.

The family tries to spend as much time together as possible, given the governor’s busy schedule. “What we try to do is bedtime rituals,” she said.

“After they brush their teeth and say their prayers, which is very important to us, he tries to work in a game of Hide-n-Seek or Simon Says, or just some type of little something before they read books.”

The governor has made it to all of Shaan’s soccer games and he will be at Selia’s dance recital. “The kids adore their dad and, of course, their dad adores his kids,” Jindal said.

Life in the mansion is exciting, Jindal said. “It’s been hectic; it’s been tiring; it’s been fun. There are always different events going on.” There are constant tours throughout the day; several nonprofit groups meet at the mansion, and various events are scheduled throughout the year.

Colorful artwork by the Jindal children hang in the men’s bathroom of the mansion.

Jindal indicated that she has very little time for herself. She tries to stay up late and wake up early for some quiet time. She typically wakes before her children, using the time to exercise on the elliptical machine and with free weights. There is no need to leave the comfort of the mansion since the equipment is there for her use. In addition to working out, she uses her morning time to drink a cup of coffee with the newspaper.

When asked if she had any selfindulgences, Jindal didn’t hesitate: “Dessert—chocolate!” she laughed.

She says her husband’s favorite is chocolate chip cookies, which he counteracts with exercise. “[Bobby] exercises every day,” she said. “He makes sure he gets it in. It is one of those things where I think it clears his mind and he feels good after doing it, and it gets him started for the day.”

Jindal may not have ample opportunities to spend time alone, but in those rare occasions, she enjoys driving around the area. “I used to enjoy quiet rides looking at the beautiful neighborhoods with good music on the radio and have some quiet peaceful time to collect my thoughts. But that does not happen too much anymore,” she said.

Jindal enjoys jazz and classical music, but also listens to alternative music and tunes from the 70s and 80s.

Her favorite artist of the moment is Josh Groban. There is not much time for reading with her busy schedule, but she prefers legal and financial thrillers.

When she’s not with her children, Jindal is busy carrying out her duties as First Lady of Louisiana. “I try to focus on things that affect children; that help chil-

dren’s lives,” she said. “I have gotten involved with the Pediatric Cardiology foundation. I have gotten involved with Special Olympics. I try to do some things with Salvation Army, Red Cross and other charities as well,” she said.

“You will see me getting more involved with education going forward with our children, particularly science and math, given my background,” she said. “Hopefully, I will be able to talk to children a little bit about science and math and technology.” She is aware that many of the jobs of the future will require a lot of technical training. “We want to make sure our children are prepared for that.”

Jindal graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and went on to get her master’s degree from the same university. She worked at Monsanto Chemicals, and then went on to Albemarle Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “The National Governor’s Foundation confirmed that I am the only engineer in the country who is [either] a governor or a first spouse,” she said proudly.

Although currently not in the work force, she plans to return in the future.

“It is one of those things where when you are working, you miss spending time with your children, and when you

are with your children, you think of all those things that popped up on your desk,” she said.

At this point in her life, she indicated that it’s nice for her to be able to step out of the workplace. “I joke that I have my unpaid employment now,” she said. “I can take on different issues and do things during the day while the kids are at school, and then when they come home, I am able to spend time with them doing their homework and all of their after-school activities. I hope to go back to the work force one of these days. We will see when the time is right.”

At the end of our meeting, Jindal smiled for the photographer. Several women touring the mansion seized her arm and showered her with praise.

Jindal never faltered in her role as hostess of the house as she graciously thanked the ladies for their kindness.

Then, her Chief of Staff swept her away for the final photographs in the dining room, which was set for a pastor’s dinner with the governor.

After the last picture was taken, the First Lady of Louisiana thanked me for the interview and disappeared through the back doors of the mansion. Before we departed, my photographer and I invaded the bathrooms for a peek at the art created by the governor’s children. Yes, I did spend some time in the men’s room at the governor’s mansion—but I had the first lady’s permission.

JANUARY 8, 2009

PAGE 13

Local Legends:

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Entertaining Women of SWLA

Zydeco Royalty: “Queen Ida” Lewis Guillory

“Queen Ida” is the first female accordion player to lead a zydeco band. Favoring a 31-button accordion, she is noted for her melodic playing, and for focusing on the treble side of her instrument.

Born in Lake Charles on Jan. 15, 1929, she was the daughter of a rice farmer. During harvests and other festivities, she often helped the womenfolk cook for 30 or 40 farmers. After dinner, accordions, rub boards, and harmonicas were brought out and music filled the night. Guillory came from a talented family—her father played the harmonica, and her uncles played the accordion and fiddle.

Her mother also played the accordion, and it was

her instrument that Guillory first learned to play, after taking piano lessons.

The family eventually moved to Beaumont, and then made their way to San Francisco with so many other Creole and Cajun people who were looking for better life at that time. But the family’s first language was French, and wherever they went, they took their culture and music with them. There were many friends and relatives in the Bay Area from Louisiana, so Guillory’s growing years were filled with the music and delicious food of her former home.

In 1947, she married a fellow Louisianan, Ray Guillory. Homesick for Louisiana, the couple began hosting gatherings for other displaced people from Louisiana, serving up both their native cuisine and their distinctive music.

But while Guillory loved her music, she spent her young adult years raising her family, and only pulled out the accordion for social occasions.

When her three children were all school-aged, she became a part-time bus driver. As they grew older, Guillory’s friends began encouraging her to per-

form publicly.

In the early 70s, she began performing with the Barbary Coast Band and also with the Playboys, immediately attracting a wide following. She got her stage name in 1975 during a Mardi Gras celebration in the Bay Area, where she was formally crowned “Queen of the Zydeco Accordion and Queen of Zydeco Music.” The following year, she and her band played at the Monterey Jazz and Blues Festival. She also signed to GNP/Crescendo Records, a Los Angeles-based jazz label.

She soon got offers to tour in Europe, and her career took off. In 1982, Guillory won the Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording for her album Queen Ida and the Bon Temps Zydeco Band on Tour. She received her fourth Grammy nomination in 1986. She also won the WC Handy Female Blues Vocalist of the Year Award for 1989.

Guillory also co-authored a cookbook, Cookin’ with Queen Ida in 1990, which featured Creole recipes. She continues to tour and perform, although she has not recorded any more albums.

Nellie Lutcher’s Blues Nellie Lutcher was an African-American R&B and jazz singer and pianist, who achieved prominence in the late 1940s and early 1950s. She was most recognizable for her distinctive voice, and was credited as an influence by Nina Simone, among others. Her brother was the saxophonist Joe Woodman Lutcher and her nephew was Latin jazz percussionist Daryl “Munyungo” Jackson.

She was born in Lake Charles to Isaac and Suzie Lutcher on Oct. 15, 1912— the eldest daughter of 15 children. Her father was a bass player, and her mother a church organist. She started playing piano at an early age, and her father soon formed a family band. At age 12, she had the honor of playing with Ma Rainey, when Rainey’s regular pianist fell ill. Searching for a temporary replacement in Lake Charles, one of Lutcher’s neighbors told Rainey that there was a little girl who played in church who might be able to fill in.

When she was 14, Lutcher joined her father in Clarence Hart’s Imperial Jazz Band. In her midteens, she married the band’s trumpet player, but the marriage was short-lived. In 1933, she joined the Southern Rhythm Boys, writing their arrangements and touring with them.

In 1935, she moved to Los Angeles, where she PAGE 14

JANUARY 8, 2009

married Leonel Lewis and had a son. She began to sing and play swing piano throughout the area, and developed her own distinctive style, influenced by Earl Hines, Duke Ellington and Nat “King” Cole, who was a good friend.

She was not widely known until 1947, when she performed at the March of Dimes talent show at Hollywood High School. Her performance came to the attention of Dave Dexter, a scout for Capitol Records, who immediately signed her to a contract.

Her first release, the R&B-styled “Hurry On Down,” became a U.S. Top 20 hit that same year, and was followed by “He’s A Real Gone Guy,” which went to No. 2 on the R&B chart and crossed over to the pop charts, where it reached No. 15.

In 1948, she had a string of further R&B chart hits, the most successful being “Fine Brown Frame,” her third No. 2 R&B hit. She toured extensively and wrote many of her own songs. And unlike most African-American artists of the period, she retained the valuable publishing rights to them.

Eventually, her popularity faded, and during the late 60s and early 70s she took a staff job with the Hollywood Local Branch of the Musicians’ Union, still occasionally playing clubs. Lutcher enjoyed a resurgence of popularity and continued to perform occasionally until the 1990s, in New York and elsewhere. She also invested successfully in property. She died in on June 8, 2007, at the age of 94.

All the World’s A Play: Rosa Hart Born in Woodville, Mississippi, on Aug. 27 1900, Rosa Hart’s family moved to Lake Charles when she was 11. She graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1917, and from Sophie Newcomb College, a women’s college associated with Tulane University in New Orleans, in 1921.

A trailblazer from the start, Hart became the first female cheerleader in the nation during her years at Newcomb College and Tulane University.

She claims to have been the first woman in America to be awarded the right to wear an athletic letter and was given a gold football.

She returned to Lake Charles after college, and taught at Lake Charles High School from 1921 through 1924, where she also directed the school’s plays.

In 1922, the Little Theatre Guild was formed in Lake Charles, comprised of a group of individuals interested in literature and the theater. Hart became a member of this group. Eventually, she and five others would become the founding members of the Lake Charles Little Theatre in 1927.

As with most fledgling little theaters, the group started out by offering evenings of one-act plays.

On Feb. 24, 1927, the first production was announced. By the time the first plays were performed, there were 213 members and the theatre had $1,000 in its treasury—even though they were borrowing the facilities of St. James Episcopal Church to stage their productions.

Within a year, it appears that Hart assumed full directorial duties for the theatre. Since she had always been the driving force behind the organization, it seems only natural that she would take over full control. She was theatre director for 30 years, working diligently to make it all happen.

The final production of the 1947-48 season proved particularly interesting for the Little Theatre. Hart somehow managed to have Life magazine send a reporter, along with photographer Michael Rougier to Lake Charles to do a story. The group was doing The Great Big Doorstep, a play that depicted Cajun life.

As a result of the Life article, which ran in the June 28, 1948 issue, the Lake Charles Little Theatre helped to found the Sherman, Texas, Little Theatre; the New Iberia Little Theatre; the Central Louisiana Little Theatre (CENLA) in Alexandria; and re-organize the defunct Beaumont Little Theatre.

The Lake Charles Little Theatre had already helped start Little Theatres in Port Arthur, Opelousas, Crowley, Lake Arthur, DeRidder, and Lafayette. Members visited personally and helped direct plays, set up membership drives, and organize guidelines for the groups.

Hart formally retired before the 1957-58 season under the orders of her doctors due to a heart condition. But it was difficult for Hart to let go. As Director Emeritus, she still had a hand in the productions, but not enough to satisfy her ego and she ended up causing conflict among the new directors and actors. Eventually, she moved on, and opened the 3 R’s bookstore on Pujo St. until her death on June 12, 1964.

Sources:MSU Archives, Artists Direct.com

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JANUARY 8, 2009

PAGE 15

Helen Carroll

Jim Owen

Ina Cowen

By Helen Pat Marcantel

If you ever wondered if older folks are using computers, this item from the CBS News Web site of July 21, 2008 should answer your wondering.

Kathryn Robinson, age 106, began using the Internet at age 98 when her nursing home in West Chester, Penn. made access available to her.

The world heard fairly recently that the Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, does not know how to use the Internet. While we are now told that he quickly remedied

that oversight, senior citizens in general are doing quite well with their computer use.

According to a report from the Pew Research Center dated July 24, 2008, 35 percent of seniors in this country use the net. Out of this per-

centage, 75 percent are white, college-educated men. What in the world are these people doing? Playing games—a medley of Spider, Hearts, and Free Cell? Copying recipes? You may be surprised, you supple young people, ages from the very young to mid-life. Here’s a sampling of what some “oldsters” are up to: Ina Cowen, Age 81, lives in Alexandria, and has been using a computer since the early 1980s.

Q. Where and when was the first time you used a computer, and what did you think of it? Did you ever think it would be useful to you?

A. How did I first hear about computers? That’s a

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JANUARY 8, 2009

sort of dumb question if you don’t mind me saying so. You would have to be living under a bucket not to know what the entire world was talking about, even in the early 80s. I remember visiting my sister Jean in Harlingen, Texas. She was using a computer, doing some work for her son, and I became intrigued.

The thought passed through my mind that maybe I could find some type of job using a computer at home. My husband had died, I had four young children at home, and a job that took up eight hours of my day. Well, that didn’t pan out, but the computer bug definitely bit me. I began college in 1983 at age 55 and remember buying a computer and using it for my college work. Can’t remember what brand it was or what the features were.

In 1997, I bought a Packard Bell to replace the original computer. I still have this PB and use it mainly to check my bank account. I don’t bank on line though. I am still one of those “Nervous Nellies” about putting my finances out for all the world to peek at.

In 2002, I bought a Dell computer with all the bells and whistles I wanted...mainly lots and lots of memory.

I’ve been very satisfied with it even though it’s much smarter than I am.

How do I use it today? E-mail takes up much of my time...too much. I use the word processing to compile the mailing lists and labels for mailing invitations to our yearly art group show. I belong to another art group called “ArtQuest,” and I do the same for this group. Also, I occasionally write letters.

I have an ongoing project that is way behind at this point. I am scanning my photos and/or slides of my paintings to put them on a CD. I have all of 1990 and part of 1991 done.

Since I’ve been painting in all of the ensuing years, you can tell that I’m way, way, way behind.”

Q. How do you use the Internet?

A. As for the Internet, once in a while I’ll order books, and I check around for various items of interest on eBay. When my grandson Andrew is visiting, he uses the net frequently, playing games and visiting his chat room.

Q. Could you do without a computer today?

A. Could I do without my computer today? I would rather not. I find it a great link to the outside world and to my good friends!

Q. What would you like to see for seniors on the Internet, if anything?

A. Is there a dating service exclusively for seniors? Just kidding. There are lots of gadgets, and I’m sure, even more bells and whistles than I’ll ever be able to master. I’m pretty satisfied with it just the way it is.

Jim Owen, Dallas, Age 70 Q. Where and when did you first learn of computers? What did you think of them? Did you think one would ever be useful to you?

A. I first saw a computer while I was attending college at Ole Miss in the early 60s. It was an old-fashioned mainframe large computer, as large as a refrigerator. While taking a class in accounting, the professor introduced us to the computer. It required using key punch cards. I was about 20 years old and couldn’t see how I would ever be able to use it.

Q. What prompted you to take the leap to using the computer?

A. When personal computers came out in the 80s, then I became interested.

I used one at work, but just for e-mails.

Q. How do you use your computer now?

A. Once I retired, my use significantly increased because I was involved in several small businesses.

I do cash flow charts, taxes, I keep all-important documents, such as birth and death certificates. On the Internet, I do banking, keep up with organizations I belong to such as the PGA organization and the LSU Alumni Association. I make purchases and also sell sports memorabilia, I research sports (mainly LSU), and also play various games such as bridge and Suduko. I also e-mail.

Q. Could you do without a computer today?

A. I could, but it would make my life a lot harder.

Helen Carroll, Lake Charles, Age 75 Q. Where and when was the first time you used a computer, and what did you think of it? Did you ever think it would be useful to you?

A. The late 80s was when I heard a buzz about computers. I was not the least bit interested; my trusty typewriter was just fine. Then in the 90s, I was seriously thinking about writing a book to help celebrate our small town’s centennial. One of my sons told me I had to do this task on a computer, not my old typewriter. “So much easier.” I felt intimidated by such cutting edge technology. “I’m too old. I can’t learn how to do it, I’m sure of it.” He insisted that I could do it and brought a Compaq computer to my home and showed me how to operate it.

What did I think of it? I was scared to death as I started on the book and saved every chapter about 100 times. I progressed as I went along (especially when I learned about the “delete” key) and realized that computers were the way to go, although I had only scratched the surface of their use with word processing.

Q. How do you use the Internet?

A. I make purchases such as books, shoes, presents for family, etc.

I’ve even bid on eBay, winning the bidding on a doll for a granddaughter. Information about any subject in the world is available by using the search engines. I download road maps before I take any road trips. I like Google and Yahoo. I store photographs in the computer, I maintain two blogs (online journals), and of course, keep up with friends and family via e-mail.

I also play games when I have time.

Q. Could you do without a computer today?

A. Of course I could, but I would miss it terribly. Just thinking about going back to a typewriter makes me cringe. Drudgery!

Q. What would you like to see for seniors on the Internet, if anything?

A. All Web sites should have great contrast so that print is easier to read.

Sue Guillory, Lake Charles, Age 60 Q. Where and when was the first time you used a computer, and what did you think of it? Did you ever think it would be useful to you?

A. Sometime in the mid-80s, I had to operate a word processor on the job. I thought it was an electronic typewriter. But then I learned that I could save whole pages, cut and paste paragraphs, delete, undo, etc.

This was the greatest thing since the microwave, I thought. Poof!

Procedures, documents, hundreds of pages, forms could just be replicated or adjusted. No mo’ liquid paper or carbons. Almost magic.

My first experience with an actual computer started in the early 90s at work. I limped through different programs with huge databases and Excel spreadsheets, to name a few. Every time you caught on, they replaced it with a new system. I hated it. But then I found what every red-blooded worker worth their salt finds and should thoroughly enjoy on the job: E-mail!

Maybe in the late 90s, I bought my own PC, thinking hey, piece of cake, I know how to do it at work.

Maybe it was apples and oranges, but no, it was AOL. and a Compaq. Nothing nearly as smooth and fast as on the job.

A friend decided to get a PC. I told her to get ready for the most aggravating and frustrating time of her

new life and to keep hammers and bricks away. Later, my next computer was unfortunately a Gateway, but Rita took care of that for me. I now have a Dell. I can set up a computer for myself and help deep-cyberspacechallenged friends.

Q. How do you use the Internet?

A. Thru high-speed cable, of course. I use Outlook Express e-mail, and climb into my Mozilla Firefox to search. Wondering about something anything? Google it. Spelling? Hit tools. Find recipes, place a hold on a book at the library, read reviews, and there’s so much more. Go ahead, surf the high-speed fiber-optic highway, then the day is gone and house was never cleaned.

Q. Could you do without a computer today?

A. If China or Iran ever launches a neutron bomb over America, we’ll all be doing without a computer.

Q. What would you like to see for seniors on the Internet, if anything?

A. Just like on the highway, their own s-l-o-w lanes. You know, hit this key for seniors and get all the automatic help a human could need.

Forget all that tech support hype, you’ve forgotten what your question was by the time or if they get back to you. What are you scared of, porn sites? Someone stealing your paltry checking account? Lighten up and use common sense—that’s what your Internet provider, anti-Spam and spyware are for. Your IP can set your security settings up. Stay away from pop up ads.

JANUARY 8, 2009

PAGE 17

It’s party time once again as the joyous season of Mardi Gras unfolds in Southwest Louisiana. This year is a special one as the Krewe of Krewes celebrates its 30-year anniversary. Let’s take a look at all the fun that’s in store for us!

Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau is inviting the community to participate in the Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest to be held at the bureau at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, on Sat., Feb. 7.

The contest will include creative work produced by all ages including children, teens and adults, and the floats will be judged on theme, originality, construction and presentation.

“We are looking forward to seeing the imaginative entries that will dazzle the visiting public,” said Shelley Johnson, executive director of the bureau.

The call for entries is set for Fri, Jan. 16. More information will be available on www.swlamardigras.com in the coming days. The shoebox floats will be on display through Thurs. Feb. 26, the day of the People’s Choice Award.

Miss Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana Pageant Open for Entries Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana invites all young ladies between the ages of 5 and 23 for Miss divisions, or 24 and PAGE 18

JANUARY 8, 2009

up for the Ms. division to enter the 2009 Miss Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana pageant on Sat., Jan. 24, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Contraband Room.

Pageants featuring participants from 5-15 years old will be held at 9 a.m., and at 6:30 p.m. for those aged 16-24 and up.

Contestants must be residents of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron or Jeff Davis Parishes. There are eight different age categories. The queens will reign over the 2009 Mardi Gras festivities in Lake Charles and be presented at parades and events.

Entry forms are available at Rhinestone Runway, Broadway Royalty Boutique and the Imperial Pageant Gallery. Entry forms can also be obtained online at www.laffnet.org under “Pageant Info,” or at www.swlamardigras.com. For more information, contact Jackie Bergeron at (337) 660-7491.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 years old and under.

Programs are $5 each.

Vinton Mardi Gras Celebration Frills, feathers, gumbo and Mardi Gras magic will be in full swing during the Town of Vinton’s Mardi Gras celebra-

tion on Fri., Feb. 13 in downtown Vinton. Vinton will usher in the Mardi Gras season with their parade at 5 p.m., followed by free gumbo for everyone at city hall. For more information on the event and updates, call (337) 589-7453.

Krewe Of The Golden Years Presents Mardi Gras Fais Do-Do! Calcasieu Council on Aging presents the Krewe of the Golden Years’ 15th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Mon., Feb. 16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. All attendants are encouraged to wear a mask and dress for the occasion in your favorite Mardi Gras wear!

Seniors will be entertained by bands that jam the day away with lots of good old time and Cajun music.

The day gets rolling with a continental breakfast, and by mid-morning, is in full swing with lots of dancing, a costume contest and the crowing of the 2009 Krewe of the Golden Years’ King and Queen. A parade of Mardi Gras krewes flaunting their array of beautiful costumes will also be a delight for the day.

After loads of dancing and fun, a delicious lunch of gumbo with all the trimmings will be served to all. This event is free for seniors 60 and over.

CCOA encourages all seniors to come out and enjoy this day of fun and festivities. For more information, contact the Calcasieu Council on Aging at 474- 2583.

Merchant’s Parade in Downtown Lake Charles Local business leaders and social organizations take to the streets on festive floats! Be in the DowntownMidtown area on Fri., Feb. 20, to catch great beads and throws as local merchants usher in the holiday in true Mardi Gras form. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m.

Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride Chickens, horses, bulls and more!

Mardi Gras is definitely not limited to big city glitz and glamour. Experience a traditional Mardi Gras celebration with the Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride, including chicken runs and a trail ride parade on Sat., Feb. 21.

The trail ride starts and ends at the West Calcasieu Arena. Floats and horses are welcome to join in the festive cavalcade. Line up begins at 6:30 a.m., with the parade rolling at 8:30 a.m.

Admission for trail riders is $5, and the proceeds will go toward the Carlyss Fire Department. For more information, contact Tatus Hoffpauir, parade chairman, at 912-9780, or Cyndie Seaford at (337) 528-3508.

Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off is a Hot Competition The public will get to taste from every pot of chicken and sausage or wild game gumbo in a hot contest of over 50 teams at noon on Sat., Feb. 21, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Amateur and professional teams will stir up hundreds of gallons of rich, spicy gumbo and serve it at the Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off, which is a Mardi Gras tradition among krewes, professionals and amateurs in Southwest Louisiana.

Gumbo contestants begin cooking at 8 a.m., and judging is at noon, with gumbo served immediately afterward until 2 p.m. In addition to scrumptious food, there will be festive, live music

by Sean Vidrine.

There are two categories: chicken and sausage, and wild game, and there are amateur and professional divisions, with an entry fee of $75. Admission is $5, and gumbo-lovers will be able to sample from all the different gumbo pots.

Also on the 21st, you can enjoy the Krewe of Omega parade at 2 p.m., followed by the Krewe of Barkus parade at 3 p.m. and the Zydeco Dance from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with live music—all at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Entry forms for cook-off contestants are available on line at www.swlamardigras.com or by contacting Millicent Jones at 582-7389.

Lighted Boat Parade Spectators will be dazzled by the glowing boat parade on shimmering Lake Charles as “boating captains” and their “crews” shower attendees with Mardi Gras trinkets. We encourage you to shout: “Throw me Something Mister,” but be careful that you don’t go “overboard” with your enthusiasm! See you at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall on Sun., Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Mardi Gras Royal Gala Dazzles the Public The Cinderella night of Mardi Gras manifests on Mardi Gras eve, Mon., Feb. 23, with a lavish promenade of more than 50 krewes’ royalty in extravagant, glittering costumes before thousands of residents and visitors to the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum at 7 p.m.

Kings and queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans, and jesters in museum quality costumes will be in full display, complete with music and dancing for everyone at the second largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana.

Advance tickets to the Royal Gala are $4 and available at the following locations: Gordon’s Drug Store, Party Time Store, Medearis’ Costumes, Joseph’s Electric, the Lake Charles

Civic Center Box Office and Uniformly Fit in Lake Charles. In Sulphur, advance tickets are available at Hamilton House, and in Moss Bluff, at Moss Bluff Flower Shop. Tickets are $5 at the door. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.

Sioux City Block Party The Krewe de Charlie Sioux, which is comprised of members from Lake Charles and Sioux City, Iowa, will hold a Block Party on Tuesday, Feb. 24 on the corner of Broad and Ryan Street in downtown Lake Charles, beginning at 10 a.m. There will be food, drinks, music and children’s activities.

Fat Tuesday Krewe of Krewes Parade Fat Tuesday peaks with the glittering Krewe of Krewes’ parade that winds for four miles through Lake Charles. There are hundreds of krewe floats, costumes, beads and excitement for the whole family. It begins at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Lake Charles on Tues., Feb. 24. Be there to catch some beads!

Don’t Miss Children’s Day Children’s Day, a free event open to all children in Southwest Louisiana ages 3 to 11, combines Mardi Gras fun with culture and learning on Sun., Feb. 22, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall.

This event attracts over 1,500 children and their families to experience old-time Louisiana culture, arts and crafts, Mardi Gras music and magic plus learning from noon - 3 p.m.

Children’s Day culminates with the Children’s Parade, a purple, green and gold parade for the young and the young at heart through downtown Lake Charles, beginning at the Lake Charles Civic Center at 3 p.m.

Taste de la Louisiane Don’t stop until the last gumbo pot goes dry! Heaping helpings and pots and pots of all-you-can-eat traditional Louisiana cuisine will be at your fingertips during this event in the Contraband Room at the Civic Center.

It will be held on Sun., Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Yummy! Admission is just $5 to enjoy this delicious day.

JANUARY 8, 2009

PAGE 19

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JANUARY 8, 2009

Can a small handful of pennies make a difference?

You wonder as you dump them into the kettle for the bellringer standing just outside the doorway of the store where you finished Christmas shopping.

It’s cold, but she seems happy as she jingles and thanks everyone for their change.

It’s a mean old world these days, and you can easily spare a pocketful of donation, but how can your few cents help anybody?

Pick up the new book, Breakfast at Sally’s by Richard LeMieux. You’ll see what change your change can make, and you’ll wish you had more to offer.

Once upon a time, Richard LeMieux had it all: A huge, wellstocked house, complete with the finest wines, rich foods, and electronics; a successful business that employed several people; a Significant Other who enjoyed world travel with LeMieux; and a family that loved him.

Then, LeMieux’s business took a hit. Trying to stay afloat, he borrowed money that he couldn’t pay back. He spiraled into depression and his SO left him. His family wanted nothing more to do with him or his money borrowing. Creditors took his house and almost all of his belongings, leaving him with a van, a dog, some clothing, and blankets.

Homeless and sick at heart, LeMieux contemplated suicide but couldn’t bear to leave his beloved dog, Willow, behind. Instead, he lived in his van, sleeping in church parking lots, begging for gas money, and eating at “Sally’s” (the Salvation Army soup kitchen) in a city near Seattle.

Led by a street philosopher-guide known just as C, LeMieux started to regain his dignity and explore his options. He consulted a sympathetic doctor who diagnosed depression and started treatment. And he found

friendship among the people who would have been “invisible” to him in his former life.

Incredibly, LeMieux began to see that there were people worse off than he, and he discovered a sense of gratitude. And through the kindness of other homeless people and a church filled with folks willing to take a risk, he put his life back together.

When I picked up Breakfast at Sally’s, I was just killing time. It was just another book on my desk.

Within 10 minutes, I knew I wouldn’t do anything else until I got to the end.

LeMieux’s story is graceful and dignified, humble and un-self-conscious, gentle and cautious.

LeMieux doesn’t whine (although there is plenty of cause for it); he’s apologetic at times; and, he takes responsibility for his predicament.

What makes his story so good, though, is the one thing that LeMieux hammers home: What happened to him could happen to any of us. That sobering fact, and today’s daily news, makes this an absolutely-can’t-miss book that everyone should read.

Breakfast at Sally’s is a surprisingly great book. It will make you remember that the change you drop in the bucket is no drop in the bucket when it comes to changing someone’s life.

Breakfast at Sally’s

by Richard LeMieux Copyright 2008 Skyhorse Publishing $24.95 / $27.95 Canada 433 pages

Terri Shlichenmeyer has been reading since she was 3 years old, and never goes anywhere without a book.

She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books.

A Mouse Thinks Himself Mighty, Therefore He Is The Tale of Despereaux (2008) ### (Grade: B)

Universal — Rated G — Animated, Family — 100 min

Directed by Sam Fell, Robert Stevenhagen Voices of Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman, Robbie Coltrane, Frances Conroy, Ciaran Hinds, Kevin Kline, Frank Langella, Christopher Lloyd, William H. Macy, Stanley Tucci, Tracey Ullman, Sigourney Weaver

This beautifully animated film, adapted from Kate DiCamillo’s 272page children’s book, boasts a topnotch voice cast to flesh out its oddlyshaped people and mice. However, a villainous crew of rats appear realistically ratlike.

In the tradition of Upstairs, Downstairs, DiCamillo’s characters

inhabit distinctly different realms. On the surface of Dor, a medieval land ruled by a benevolent king, the people happily farm the vegetables needed by the kingdom’s many soup shops. On their favorite holiday each year, chef Andre (Kevin Kline) concocts a magnificent soup, served to the entire kingdom.

That is until the rat Roscuro (Dustin Hoffman), accidentally spoils both the soup and the celebration. The consequences cause the king to fall into a deep funk, prompting him to outlaw both the making of soups and existence of rats within his kingdom. He retreats from public life, leaving his lovely daughter Princess Pea (Emma Watson) to wander her palatial rooms, or stare at the kingdom’s perpetually cloudy skies while wishing that soup, rats and happiness would return to the realm.

Beneath the human world is Mouseworld, a bright and cheerful place where mice go about their business clad in medieval frocks. Young mice attend classes that teach them to cower and scurry like proper little rodents. Despereaux (Matthew Broderick), an especially diminutive mouse sporting enormous round ears, breaks mouse protocol by remaining

JANUARY 8, 2009

PAGE 21

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unafraid. Additionally, rather than nibble on beautiful books, Despereaux reads them. The last straw occurs when the mouseling speaks to Princess Pea, whom he chastely adores.

Mouseworld banishes Despereaux to the dungeon located in the castle’s bowels and inhabited by cruel and unruly rats that subsist on scraps, garbage and the occasional mouse With the repentant Roscuro’s help, Despereaux escapes to rescue Princess Pea from an evil plot and set the kingdom right again.

The film wisely declines to discuss the

In the Theater CR = Critics’ Consensus Rating (where available) Ratings are out of four stars.

Valkyrie CR: ### (Grade B) Starring Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy United Artists — Rated PG-13 — Drama The story of German officers conspiring to kill Hitler is recreated with extraordinary attention to detail, save one: All performers speak English in their native accents. The cast is largely British, but includes a few Germans and the American drone of Tom Cruise affecting his steely mode. He plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, an officer close enough to the inner circle to attempt an assassination of the Fuhrer and much of his cabinet. As the plot thickens, the first part of the film is all thriller, while the second half traces Nazi efforts to track down and bring the conspirators to justice.

Rumor has it that unless the film succeeds, the longtime collaboration between Cruise and producing partner Paula Wagner, will unravel. Sooooo, would that mean no Mission Impossible 4?

Bedtime Stories CR: ## (Grade C) Starring Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Courteney Cox Disney — Rated PG — Comedy When Skeeter Bronson (Sandler), a hotel handyman, agrees to baby-sit his sister’s children during her out-oftown trip, he discovers that the bedtime stories he tells her kids come true the next day — sort of. Though Skeeter tries to turn the stories to his advantage, additions and alterations made by the kids, threaten to maim or burn him alive. Sandler, 42, insists on playing juvenile men no matter what his age. The visual effects look great, although Sandler looks more like he should be Keri Russell’s baby-sitter than her love interest.

PAGE 22

JANUARY 8, 2009

virtues of being different, electing to show us the advantages instead. The plot is unusual for recognizing that being abandoned or being physically ugly can adversely affect us unless we live in an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance. These themes may be lost on the viewers, but the visuals and straightforward storytelling should be sufficient to keep them engaged.

Despereaux offers few jokes, little humor and some really menacing bits from the dark side. Think Grimm Brothers meets Disney and you’re nearly there.

The Spirit CR: #1/2 (Grade D+) Starring Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes Lions Gate — Rated PG-13 In his first solo outing as a director, graphic novelist Frank Miller attempts to use what he learned in “Sin City” to create his own green-screen, specialeffects world. The Spirit (Macht), is a murdered rookie cop returned from the dead decked out in a black fedora, a slick suit and a red tie. He’s hard to kill, and even harder to love as evidenced by the numerous gorgeous babes trying to do one or both.

Opposition is supplied by The Octopus (Jackson), a criminal mastermind hell bent on controlling Central City and getting rid of The Spirit once and for all. Badly plotted, scripted and acted, the film is like an extended trailer — all dishy dames, special effects and no substance for Miller to abuse.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button CR: ### (Grade B) Starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett Paramount — Rated PG-13 — Drama The short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald is expanded for its journey into a nearly 3-hour film spectacle.

The tale unfolds in flashback, from the perspective of a dying woman who has loved Benjamin Button her entire life.

Button (Pitt) is born an infant and an old man, but grows younger as he gets older until finally he and Daisy (Blanchett), are approximately the same physical age. Not much happens because the film relies on its inspiring characters and high value production to carry the day. Unfortunately, the film cheats viewers out of Button’s final years as an old man who would have looked like a child. Not fair!

Marley and Me PR: ##1/2 (Grade C+) Starring Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston Fox — Rated PG — Comedy This comedy draws on the life of opinion columnist John Grogan. When young John (Wilson) and his wife (Aniston) settle into their first home, they choose a puppy from an adorable litter of yellow Labrador retrievers.

The pup, named Marley, turns their home into a destruction zone before growing into a humping, pooping, leash-breaking machine. Needless to say, John, his wife, and their children love Marley like a member of the family anyway. Considering that Christmas puppies are popular gifts, Marley’s holiday release may be a window on what’s to come.

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Between Common and Kirkman

Seven Pounds CR: #1/2 (Grade D+) Starring Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson Columbia — Rated PG-13 — Drama A thin script casts Smith as a guiltridden professional who abandons thoughts of suicide after he falls for a woman (Dawson) afflicted by a weak heart. Having caused a car accident that killed seven people, Ben Thomas (Smith) hopes to atone by fixing seven people’s broken lives. The cry-me-ariver plot completes Smith’s journey from comedy to action to serious drama, providing that’s what we’re calling this manipulative fluff. Look for an onscreen romance between the leads and a feel-good ending meant to soak many a hanky. My suggestion: Blow your nose before the movie starts.

Yes Man CR: ## (Grade C) Starring Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Rhy Darby Warner — Rated PG-13 — Comedy An intriguing premise calls for bank teller Carl Allen (Carrey) to say yes to every request for one year after he graduates from a self-help course taught by Terrence Bundley (Stamp).

Carrey, 46, is long in the tooth for this role, and for his pairing with 28-yearold Deschanel as Carl’s love interest.

The actor’s solution was to embrace his youthful vigor by performing the character’s bungee jump from a high bridge, and by hamming it up during a pratfall that cracked three of Carrey’s ribs. Despite the age thing and a surprise ending that should make a sequel impossible, pleased Warner execs are already saying “yes” to a Yes Man sequel.

JANUARY 8, 2009

PAGE 23

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Across 1 GPS task, for short 4 Game sometimes found on the back of a cereal box 8 Spanish appetizers 13 Genre of music where guys may wear "guyliner" 14 Nirvana's "Been ___" 15 Kentucky Derby drinks 16 Doing a second edit, like a programmer 18 "America's Funniest People" co-host Sorkin 19 Scottish post-punk band exchanged for old French currency?

21 Feline in the sky 22 "Just ___ Bit" (song by 50 Cent) 23 "My Guy" singer exchanged for old German currency?

28 Subway fare, perhaps 32 Former Notre Dame coach Parseghian 33 "Isn't it rich, are ___ pair..." ("Send in the Clowns" lyric) 34 "Dance Dance Revolution" producer 35 "Queen of the Blues" exchanged for Algerian currency?

39 Got back hair 40 Pathetic 41 "...___ the L I C I O U S" ("Fergalicious" lyric)

PAGE 24

JANUARY 8, 2009

42 Nicolae Ceausescu's wife 43 "I'll Make Love to You" group exchanged for Japanese currency?

46 International Tennis Hall-of-Famer Nastase 48 Dix and Ticonderoga: abbr.

49 Springsteen's backup exchanged for South African currency?

56 Classic Clavell novel 57 He's vengeful 58 Part of TAFKAP 59 "___ Know What I Mean?"

(Oasis song) 60 Sinatra ex Gardner 61 Brother of Ben Affleck 62 Contest entry enclosure: abbr.

63 Make eggs Down 1 Foamy brand 2 Part of AMA: abbr.

3 Singer's limits 4 Health concern in 2004 news, familiarly 5 "Like that's ever gonna happen" 6 District 7 MIT grad, maybe 8 "Let's get some tunes playing!"

9 The whole time 10 Ball-___ hammer

11 Imitated 12 Tax form ID 15 Monopoly corner with "Just Visiting" 17 Distance for a short run, for short 20 "___ Boot" 23 "The Treasure of the Sierra ___" 24 Member of the Disney Princess line 25 "That's so gross!"

26 Actress Thompson 27 Calf roper's handful 29 She played one of the Bundys 30 Play to the back of the room 31 Sheer, smooth fabric 34 "___ Bop" (CD series of children covering pop hits) 36 Helicopter traffic guy on "The Simpsons" 37 Simple, slangily 38 Horse food 43 Wager 44 "In the event it's for real..."

45 Macy Gray's first hit song 47 Fails to live up to 49 Skater Lipinski 50 Big tunes 51 X-ray units 52 "Orinoco Flow" singer 53 They may bruise easily 54 Long-running PBS science show 55 It was also called Operation Overlord 56 Part of XXX or OOO

t i m e s

picks the best in lake area entertainment

HENNING CENTER PRESENTS THE ART OF KEVIN LAWRENCE LEVEQUE JAN 5 — Area artist Kevin Lawrence Leveque is showcasing his paintings at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur from Jan. 5 through Feb. 5. A reception will be held in his honor on Jan. 15 from 6-8 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Viewing hours are 10–noon and 1-5 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The Center is located at 923 Ruth St. in Sulphur. For more information, call 527-0357.

JANUARY MUSIC AT THE ISLE — January 8: Boot Scootin 8 p.m.- midnight; live DJ; country music January 9: Centerfire 9 p.m.-1a.m.; live variety band January 10: Ridin’ High 9 p.m.-1a.m.; live variety band January 15: Boot Scootin 8 p.m.- midnight; live DJ; country music January 16 & 17: LA Express 9 p.m.- 1a.m.; live variety band January 22: Boot Scootin 8 p.m.- midnight; live DJ, country music January 23: Bobby & The Rockers 9 p.m.- 1a.m.; live variety band January 24: Kadillacs 9 p.m.- 1a.m.; live variety band January 29: Boot Scootin 8 p.m.-midnight; Live DJ; country music January 30 & 31: Creole Cooking 9 p.m.- 1a.m.; live variety band For more information visit www.isleofcapricasinos.com/lake_charles.

BUS STOP AT ACTS THEATRE STARTING JAN. 10. — Tickets are now on sale the upcoming production of Bus Stop, which is scheduled to open Sat., Jan. 10, for two weekends on stage at the ACTS One Reid Street Theatre. Written by playwright William Inge, it was purchased by Fox Studios and made into a movie vehicle for actress Marilyn Monroe.

Performances are scheduled for Sat., Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Sun., Jan.11 at 3 p.m., Fri., Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Sat., Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets and reservations may be obtained at actstheatre.com, or purchased at Moss Bluff Flower and Gift, Lakeshore Pharmacy on Enterprise Blvd. and at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Adult general admission is $17.50; student admission is $10.

SACRED HEART’S KREWE OF HEARTS BALL SAT. JAN. 10 — Sacred Heart’s Krewe of Hearts will have its 59th annual Mardi Gras Ball Fundraiser from 7-midnight in the Buccaneer Room at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Sat. Jan. 10. All proceeds go toward the support of Sacred Heart/SKD school. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Bring food trays and party favors. For more info, call 802-9411, or the Sacred Heart Rectory at 439-2646.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS AT CIVIC CENTER JAN. 26 — The Globetrotters present their “Spinning the Globe” World Tour at the Civic Center Coliseum on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. The entire family will enjoy the basketball wizardry and comedy of these talented athletes. Tickets are $15 to $45 and are available at the CC box office and Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.

Group rates are available.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD AT COUSHATTA JAN. 30 — One of the biggest names in American rock and roll, Lynyrd Skynyrd, will be performing live at The Pavilion at Coushatta on Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. Thirty years later, they’re still a live band no one can touch, and the new double-live set Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyve (Sanctuary Records) proves that and then some. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and the Coushatta Box Office, which can be reached at (800) 584-7263. The box office is located inside the casino, and is open Tue. - Fri from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat. from noon – 8 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

SWINGING REBELS SQUARE DANCE LESSONS JAN. 15 — On Thurs., Jan. 15, the Swinging Rebels Square Dance Club will begin holding square dance lessons. They will be held from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Rebel Hall, located at 809 Mulberry St. in Westlake. These lessons will runlast for approximately 20 weeks.

The first three lessons are free with a $5 per month/per person fee to follow. Each lesson will include western-style square dancing, as well as other types of folk dances from modern early American dance with Scottish and Irish roots. The Swinging Rebels Square Dance Club is the oldest square dancing club in Southwest Louisiana. Established in 1956, the club has approximately 50 dancers. Every Thursday, the club hosts a local square dance featuring local callersdancers perform from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. For more information, please call Toni Latimer at (337) 494-5249.

JANUARY 8, 2009

PAGE 25

5

1

Home Sweet Holiday Home

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unshine greeted the guests of Graywood for the 2008 Lake Charles Symphony Holiday Home Tour.

A select number of homes at Graywood were specially decorated for the holidays and opened exclusively to the Symphony Home Tour ticket holders. The golf carts were all charged up with ready drivers to transport all who wanted to park and ride. Will-call tickets were available for pick up at the Graywood Sports Club, one of the seven locations open to the home tourists. The Shadow recognized a few folks having lunch at the Sports Club, including Mindy Schwarzauer, Glenda Tupper, Charlotte Charlet, Marla Stine, Debby Thomason, Sheila Simon and Betty Schwarzauer.

Director Pam McCain guided the St. Louis High School Show Choir through a program of holiday and pop tunes as they provided entertainment at several locations on the Tour. One of two fundraisers held each year to supplement the budget of the Lake Charles Symphony, the Holiday Home Tour gives the community the opportunity to visit in beautifully decorated homes during the holiday season.

Along with the Sports Club, we visited the lovely homes of Jane and David Brumby, Audra and Glenn Pumpelly, Glenda and Randy Tupper, Catherine and Richard

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PHOTOS SHOWN: 1–Beth & Brian Kingsnorth talk with Howard & Dianne Bagwell about Mr. Howard’s Gourmet Foods at the Charlestown Farmer’s Market.

2–Annie, Sierra and Indigo Greenwood have fun creating Christmas cards at 1911 Historic City Hall for the Tasha Tudor Christmas fun day.

3–Alisha and Emily Rice show off their Tasha Tudor-style Christmas card creations.

4–Rena Gayle and Patsy Manuel make purchases from Nelson Gwinn at the Charlestown Farmer’s Market.

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5–At the Civic Ballet for the Little Drummer Boy are Mona Stewart, Brian Arabie and Britney Streeter.

6–Bringing flowers for the performers at the Little Drummer Boy are Lena and Hazel Hebert and Kinley and Marc Johnson.

7–Emily Ford, John Sickmann and Kelly Breaux meet at the Little Drummer Boy performance.

8–Kristin Moses and Bethany and Melissa Callais at the Little Drummer Boy performance.

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PHOTOS SHOWN: 9–Jeanine and Jennifer Bushnell, Beverly Rasbeary and Rebekah Winters have tickets in hand for the Graywood Holiday Home Tour.

10–All ready for the Lake Charles Symphony Graywood Holiday Tour of Homes are Mandi Grueber, Carolyn Marcantel, Casey Drost and Becky Goodloe.

11–Making spirits bright at the Graywood Holiday Tour of Homes is the St. Louis Show Choir members – Front L-R Brian Vaughan, Aaron McGilvray, Alex Schmitt; Back L-R Jimmy Jarnigan, Andy Meschwitz, Chris Lanier, Ada Shearman, Monique McCain, Michael Bennett, Jeanne Williams; Top Director, Paula McCain.

12–Ann Bruner, Sharon Bayard and Natalie Gehrig take the tour at the Graywood Holiday Tour of Homes.

Carr, Michele and Keith Walker and Betty and Bill Schwarzauer.

You could step right up and decorate a gingerbread cookie, sit right down and create a Tasha-Tudor style Christmas card, or you could sip tea and cider and listen to readings from Tasha Tudor’s storybooks and just enjoy a day of old time tradition, art and storytelling as 1911 Historic City Hall. Local artists Cookie Phillips, Imogene Dewey, Charlene Kaough and others were on hand to guide those who chose to be creative and make Christmas cards, which would be distributed to area nursing home residents through the Calcasieu Council on Aging Ombudsman Program. I saw some really pretty cards and wondered how many little artists wanted to take home a souvenir of their work.

Gingerbread comes in all shapes; at least that’s what the Shadow found at the cookie-decorating table.

Choosing a gingerbread man from the selection of geese, bears, dogs, etc, the Shadow proceeded to decorate with squeeze tubes of different color icing. Sounds pretty easy, huh? Well, what was meant to be a bowtie looked like a big, fat mouth on my gingerbread man. Oh, well, it tasted pretty good!

JANUARY 8, 2009

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PHOTOS SHOWN: 13–Belle and Beast visit with Michael and Nicole Oakley at Cinderella’s Holiday Dining.

14–Abby Groves, Bryce Navarre, Hailey Groves and Kaitlyn Navarre at The Children’s Theatre Cinderella’s Holiday Dining.

15–Elizabeth Perry gets close to Tinkerbell at The Children’s Theatre Company’s Cinderella’s Holiday Dining.

PHOTOS SHOWN: 16–Preston Sharp tests his bravery with Captain Hook at Cinderella’s Holiday Dining.

17–Tracey Rust, Eva LeBlanc and Phyllis Cagney arrive for the Ribbons of Hope Gala.

18–Marciana Shogan, Jackie Shuldes, Preston Smith, Luke Grimmett and Stacy Marcum are Ribbons of Hope committee members.

Tasha Tudor loved Corgi dogs.

While I was hanging out at the event, Melanie Pesson was reading one of Ms. Tudor’s books about her favorite Corgi. The book, Corgieville Fair, is a story about her favorite Corgi, according to Carol Anne Gayle. You may want to check out this one to read to the kids.

What better time to enjoy fantasyland than at Christmas time! The Children’s Theatre Company’s Cinderella’s Holiday Dining set the stage for a fantastic fantasy experience for boys and girls and moms and dads. With the familiar sounds of storyland songs, the excitement was visible as children interacted with their favorite characters.

sy were Alex Jules, Kendall Landry, Dena Jules and Laurie Matte.

“An Evening of Food, Wine, and Music,” certainly sounds enticing.

And thus, the 18th Annual Ribbons of Hope Gala and Benefit Auction drew quite a crowd to the Lake Charles Country Club. The Gala Committee, chaired by Chris Allen and including Marilyn Dunn, Terry Estes, Bobby Howard, Luke Grimmett, Stacy Marcum, Courtney Mouton, Tina Mouton, Rex Ratcliff, Jackie Schuldes, Marcianna Shogan, Preston Smith and Windi Upson brought together another successful evening of fine dining, entertaining, great socialization and wonderful auction items.

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Entering through a glistening castle with icicles and falling snow, the guests were treated to a spectacle of wonderment as Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother, the Stepmother and the Wicked Stepsisters visited with each child.

Other characters included Aladdin, Jasmine, Belle, Beast, Pinocchio and Tinkerbelle. The guests, dressed in their favorite costumes, were treated to pizza, dessert, and a drink as the gaily costumed characters circulated around the tables. Photo opportunities and autographs were also available.

The Shadow saw Laci Branden, Gabrielle Wiltz, Billy Navarre and his family, and Ashleigh and Danette Olier. Other guests enjoying the fanta-

According to Terry Estes, the proceeds from the Gala benefits clients of the SWLA AIDS Council and helps provide funding for non-traditional needs not filled by other grants and resources.

A buffet fit for a king in the classy surroundings of the Country Club set the tone for this evening of fine food, drink and fellowship. Beautiful floral arrangements prepared by Paradise Florist complimented the elegant surroundings as Katie Evans entertained the guests with lovely harp music.

Auctioneer Maurice Tynes had a long list and a wide variety of auction items for the highest bidder, including overnights at the historic Monteleone Hotel, a tuxedo from Black Tie

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PHOTOS SHOWN: 19–Nanette Cagney, Craig Long and Bob Dunn pose for the Shadow at the Ribbons of Hope Gala.

20–Kaley, Donald and Dawn Daigle relax at the Ribbons of Hope Gala.

21–Shirley Green and Rhonda Fontenot arrive for the Ribbons of Hope Gala.

Formal Wear, GiGi’s membership, pet grooming, top chef meals, topiaries and torches from A New Leaf Landscaping, a down-filled pillow designed and handmade by Sally Cappel, and more. A good time was had by all, especially the Shadow!

The Rosa Hart Theatre at the Lake Charles Civic Center was the setting for Lake Charles Civic Ballet’s holiday presentation of The Little Drummer Boy. The bright and colorful Christmas decorations filling the front lawn at the Civic Center were a lovely introduction to a magnificent rendition of this classic. Carla LeBouef, Civic Ballet Performance Coordinator, welcomed the audience and acknowledged that the program was dedicated

to Artistic Director Lady Leah Lafargue Hathaway and Associate Director Debi Buras White.

The story of the Little Drummer Boy was told with music and dance by young performers of various ages.

Hannah Arabie, as the Little Drummer Boy, gave a stellar performance. The Village Children, Innkeeper, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus (a for-real baby it was, along with a live donkey), Shepherds, Angels, Kings bearing gifts and more brought to life the ageold story of the babe born in Bethlehem. Wishing all a Merry Christmas in a most delightful kind of way, it was a lovely prelude to the celebration of Christmas.

JANUARY 8, 2009

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Below: After the smoke cleared, Connie Shaw entertained friends at a New Year's Day brunch. (From left to right) Judge Ward Fontenot, Cheryl and Conrad Fuselier, Connie Shaw

Below: Animal lover Grace Sexton dresses up like a cool kitty at a recent Animal Angels' fundraiser.

Above: Johnny and Bridget Johnson ring in the New Year at the annual Krewe de La Famille party.

Above: Chasity Guidry gets up early to enjoy the snow.

Parting Sh o ts

1) E-mail your snap shots to myphoto@timessw.com. Must include a contact name and phone number.

2) Photos should be attached as a file and not imbedded in copy or photoshopped into a format. Original size, please, do not compress the file. No mailed or fax photographs can be used.

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JANUARY 8, 2009

3) Subjects in photo must be identified by name. Children should also be identified by parent or guardian. Unidentified or anonymous photos will not be considered for publication.

4) The Times reserves the right to decline publishing photos of questionable taste or subject matter, or for space limitations.

JANUARY 8, 2009

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