Chris Rose Column

[BigDag]

Let's check out the morning paper:

http://tinyurl.com/y7vv2o

[Corona]

nice link....thanks BD

[Zydemo]

Thanks for the link. Chris Rose really understands and gets the whole NOLA thing. So well said! Thanks.

[windowman]

A must read for all is tomorrow (Sunday's) column. I just finished reading it in my early-delivery part of the paper, so you won't find it on nola.com until morning. Entitled "Hell and Back", it is Chris' depiction of how depression has affected his life and those close to him and his reluctance to seek help. Fortunately for Chris, his family and all of us who appreciate him, he is responding to treatment and hopefully will recover from it. Those of you who are not living in the community may not understand how widespread a problem this is for us, exascerbated by the fact that 80% of our psychiatrists pre-K are gone. Regardless, it is worthwhile reading for all of Chris' followers.

[Corona]

oh man, it sounds like it's gonna be heartbreaker but needs to be brought out into the open huh? My heart continues to go out to all of you living in Nola.

[ozzie]

It's a difficult one to read, but as always Chris tells it like it is... warts 'n all.

Makes me a little ashamed that I assume that folk I know, or 'know' through the board are just fine Charlie 'cos they made it through and rebuilt their homes and lives. They laugh and joke and enjoy great music and good food. They entertain us, offer advice and always make us feel welcome... they're living the dream, right?

You're right Corona... give 'em all a hug for me.

[Corona]

http://tinyurl.com/yj2mkx
Here's the link for anyone that wants to read. Wow, Chris did a fantastic job and so, so thankful that he got help for himself!

[stynger]

Wow. Quite a read. We can never really get in the head of someone else. As much as we want everything to be ok can it ever be really be? I sometimes wonder as I'm passing by so many people all day long what is going on with their lives? It's just a fleeting thought but anyone can be going thru hell for all we know. I can't think of anything else to say right now.

[ozzie]

I hear you stynger and I'm feeling so bad that for all this time I've been applauding Chris Rose, but never gave a thought to how it all was affecting him. I still applaud him... just makes you think.

[KissmeKate]

It took great courage for him to be able to carry on while he was struggling so much emotionally himself.

I also applaud his courage for describing this journey of his into and out of depression. It is such a common problem and not taken as seriously as it needs to be.

[VWGal]

As always, he tells it like it is. It takes courage to talk about the total incapacitation that accompanies clinical depression. I am so grateful that he sought help and has found an answer and thank god he was surrounded by friends, family and colleagues who were concerned and pressed him to make that call. It's so easy in our current world for someone to slowly withdraw from life and reach a precipice without anyone even noticing. Chris is the inspired barometer for a city in pain, thank heavens he was helped in time.

[Corona]

I emailed Chris today and told him that I believe that he just gave many people a gift today with his column. I think he helped blow apart the stigma of depression being a weakness and hopefully he gave many others on the edge a push to seek help. His column has been very influential and I believe by "coming out" he helped many, many others. I'm proud of his courage to follow through and then go public with it. Amazing man he is :)

[mightyradgumbo]

Agreed, Corona. To hide the personal demons may have given many hope and a beacon of light but to disclose those same personal demons he may have helped even more people by given a public face to something that must be affecting way more people than we can imagine. My prayers are with anyone fighting that type of debilitation.

[BigDag]

Chris shares a morning filled with New Orleans moments:

http://tinyurl.com/ybuxkz

[Carolina Beadhead]

Chris shares a morning filled with New Orleans moments:

http://tinyurl.com/ybuxkz

I'm really glad he's able to see the New Orleans Moments again.

[glinda]

Thanks, Dag, a good one. But.... what was Aaron doing on the Young and the Restlesss?????

[jodied]

Thanks for sharing...i just love his columns and this was another great one.

[bluesgirl]

Thanks, Dag, a good one. But.... what was Aaron doing on the Young and the Restlesss?????

Neil Winters opened his own Jazz Club in Genoa City. Aaron was there for opening night. :D

[dumbtourist]

Chris Rose is back. This column will make you laugh (and cry at the stupidity of gov't)!!!

http://tinyurl.com/ymr47j

:) :p ;) :D

[Corona]

oh boy...most definitely. Nice to see the edge there with Chris again too :)

[rosetree]

Please read today's Thanksgiving column. It says alot about the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1164267769285780.xml&coll=1

[PaulC]

A great article,... need to find and read the book now... The sun does shine through the darkness...

[Corona]

That was beautiful! Made me cry....

[ozzie]

That was beautiful! Made me cry....

Guess that's why that call it humankind. Glad to be a part of it!

hjk

[BigDag]

You gotta read this one:

http://tinyurl.com/y4jj3a

[ScoopJohnD]

Another home run from Mr. Rose.

[mcmaclean]

A little late reading it, but a sobering article by Mr. Rose.
After spending three days last April partying, some friends drove us around the lower 9th. After an hour and a half I left the car in tears. I hit
me like a wall of water. I stumbled around the market and bought Chris's book, One Dead In Attic. While it gave me a little more sense about the horrors of Katrina, it was also hopeful and sometime even funny. All you New Orleans readers are lucky to have such an in touch journalist.
Good luck Chris, hang in there and tahnk you.

Max

[Freakwinox]

Looks like Chris Rose will be the King - and Chief Warden - for this year's Krewe du Vieux parade. Theme is "Habitat for Insanity" - Feb 3.

[BigDag]

Another upbeat column from Chris:

http://tinyurl.com/ykbmek

[PaulC]

With all the negativity that has taken hold,.. it is time to get this thread where it always belongs,.. at the top....

Check out this great read... It highlights so much of the positive energy that draws many of us to New Orleans,.. again and again:

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1167720457104140.xml&coll=1

[Corona]

With all the negativity that has taken hold,.. it is time to get this thread where it always belongs,.. at the top....

Check out this great read... It highlights so much of the positive energy that draws many of us to New Orleans,.. again and again:

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1167720457104140.xml&coll=1
thanks for finding it Paul, I posted his newest on the recovery thread this morning. He always does such a great job huh? :)

[PaulC]

He always does such a great job huh? :)

That he does.... that he does...

As for his most recent homage to the invisible Nagin,.. I took that in earlier this morning while I was listening to a past interview of Topsy Chapman by Mr. Rose,... after reading it (please New Orleans,... recall Nagin) I needed some positive reinforcement,.. so that's why I went further back to find and reintroduce myself to all those many positives we all hold about New Orleans....

[Corona]

:) I was just telling a friend yesterday that for as many horrific, tragic incidents that are taking place, there is progress and growth. It's important to find those heart-warming stories about the progress being made or people helping people so as not to feel completely helpless and hopeless about the future of New Orleans. I think it really helps a lot.

[pokerchick66]

:) I was just telling a friend yesterday that for as many horrific, tragic incidents that are taking place, there is progress and growth. It's important to find those heart-warming stories about the progress being made or people helping people so as not to feel completely helpless and hopeless about the future of New Orleans. I think it really helps a lot.

I think just seeing your beautiful, smiling face everyday helps a lot. :D

[Corona]

awww, thanks girl....I'm feeling kinda shitty for putting my foot in my mouth today on another thread lol....you think I'd learn not to react without processing by now huh? We have to stay positive and I know that I'm nowhere near ready to give up on N.O. Not even close.

[pokerchick66]

awww, thanks girl....I'm feeling kinda shitty for putting my foot in my mouth today on another thread lol....you think I'd learn not to react without processing by now huh? We have to stay positive and I know that I'm nowhere near ready to give up on N.O. Not even close.

Give up? Who's talking about giving up? :eek:

[Corona]

sorry babe, carry over from another thread lol....

[Corona]

I know there's no chance that you'll ever give up on her :)

[pokerchick66]

I know there's no chance that you'll ever give up on her :)


Can't. New Orleans has my soul.

btw, just saw the other thread you were referring to. The heartbreaking homicides made me cry. Loved everybody's letters, too. Especially Ross's, lol.

So how do you start a recall again? ;)

[Rossvegas]

I just climbed on this htread and now I'm catching up on all my Chris Rose columns...thanks everybody.

In terms of the mental and spiritual effect that K (and it's evil stepsister Violence) have wrought upon the city, I recall having a conversation about this very topic with Lis a while back. I told her: "People always ask me about the damage in New Orleans. I always tell them: it's pretty bad, but it's the damage you CAN'T see that scares the shit out of me."

I'm really scared these days.

[Corona]

I know Ross....I know :(

[PaulC]

bimp......

[BigDag]

Chris Rose sums up the Saints game, the City, and what happens next:

http://tinyurl.com/2wcv3x

[ibjamn]

Chris Rose sums up the Saints game, the City, and what happens next:

http://tinyurl.com/2wcv3x

Chris nails it again.

[VWGal]

The man has a gift, doesn't he?

[pokerchick66]

The man has a gift, doesn't he?

Yes, that was a very good one.

[PaulC]

Without question this particular web hangout is inhabited by many a fine peep,.. and they,.. you,.. we,.. gather here to celebrate (mostly) a most fantastic event,.. the fest...

The event has long become one with the host city,.. their numerous charms,.. tastes,.. and talents intertwined to the point of no separation... To me,.. that is a given... Then something else... again for me... The life affirming festival event, and the city that makes it all possible,.. have provided the backdrop by which this community came to be... And from that I owe a dept of gratitude to whomever it was that brought the works of Chris Rose to the attention of myself and others......

After that damn storm,.. it was stricken with near total despair for months on end.. The place where our hearts always soared was hit,.. and hit bad... But from amongst the wreckage and pain,.. a voice kept bringin' something that stayed the course of truth... A local word smith,.. his words shedding light on all that which is good,.. and delivering a sense of comfort for that which most certainly is not...

Center stage is an honored position in any place,.. town,.. and certainly City,.. but when one encounters a place such as New Orleans,.. with it's almost absurd abundance,.. the "best of" always presented an exhilerating exercise in choice... From that crowded platform,.. the words of Mr. Rose have become a very best to me... He gives body and substance to that which is thought but unformed by many,.. his words provide balance to the many unbalanced spots,.. Again and again,.. his work rises to it's rightful place,.. right there where it belongs,.. center stage.... The man just keeps bringin' it....

[Zydekitten]

Here's another excellent piece from Chris regarding the Monsters of the Midway beating our beloved Saints:

(http://tinyurl.com/ysalz2)http://tinyurl.com/ysalz2

As always, he puts such great perspective on things and in the just the right way.

This ending to the season is bittersweet, but there is hope for next year, along with admiration and respect for the great way the Saints played this whole season that almost didn't happen ("they're moving to San Antonio," "the Superdome will never be used for sports again," etc.) - not to mention love for the positive joy and entertainment they gave us and New Orleans.

As Chris wrote, "Good on Ya" - good on ya, Saints indeed.

[where yat brah]

Great article yesterday.

http://www.nola.com/search/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1170599343228390.xml?LLVCR&coll=1

[PaulC]

It sure left me feelin' less than great.........

[Corona]

It sure left me feelin' less than great.........
and them losing yesterday is what you call karma....sorry to my friends who are Bears fans....but I do like to think that it was karma that bit those azzhole fans in the ass :(

[Blainn]

What Corona said!

[MzJoey]

I emailed Chris today and told him that I believe that he just gave many people a gift today with his column. I think he helped blow apart the stigma of depression being a weakness and hopefully he gave many others on the edge a push to seek help. His column has been very influential and I believe by "coming out" he helped many, many others. I'm proud of his courage to follow through and then go public with it. Amazing man he is :)

One of the hardest things about depression is the tendency to isolate yourself...it's SO HARD to reach out and even make an effort to speak, smile...type an email. But when people "reach in" to you....it's like a fresh breeze....and you remember (even if for a lil while)...the basic human need for communication, the power of touch, love, laughter, intuition and prayer.
It's those around you that make quick phone call check-ups, invite you to coffee, send you emails with jokes in them, or just hug you...that is what gives you strength to take the next breath....so keep on lovin each other and taking care of each other....LOVE HEALS~

[Corona]

One of the hardest things about depression is the tendency to isolate yourself...it's SO HARD to reach out and even make an effort to speak, smile...type an email. But when people "reach in" to you....it's like a fresh breeze....and you remember (even if for a lil while)...the basic human need for communication, the power of touch, love, laughter, intuition and prayer.
It's those around you that make quick phone call check-ups, invite you to coffee, send you emails with jokes in them, or just hug you...that is what gives you strength to take the next breath....so keep on lovin each other and taking care of each other....LOVE HEALS~
amen sister friend, amen. Joey hunni, stick around with us okay? We love ya girl xoxoxoxoxo

[MzJoey]

...is my favorite...so don't buy me a beer?? give me a hug (and pass the dutchy on the left hand side)!!!

[Corona]

...is my favorite...so don't buy me a beer?? give me a hug (and pass the dutchy on the left hand side)!!!
roflmao...EAR WORM Joey!!!! You forgot to send the alert first ;)

[Frosty]

and them losing yesterday is what you call karma....sorry to my friends who are Bears fans....but I do like to think that it was karma that bit those azzhole fans in the ass :(

I'd say it was more of a quarterback who is terrible at moving around in the pocket to avoid the rush, at throwing the ball away to avoid a sack, and can't hit wide open receivers. I just got finished watching the tap of the '85 Bears and it's amazing how good McMahon truly was.

As far as Bears fans, everyone in Chicago knows that there are a lot of assholes amongst them and that is the reason a lot of people refuse to go to games, especially with family. The worst thing is they often carry badges too.

[BigDag]

Happy Mardi Gras, everybody.

http://tinyurl.com/2wqqb7

[NYMAMA]

Happy Mardi Gras, everybody.

http://tinyurl.com/2wqqb7

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER

[Corona]

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER
yeeeeeeeee-haaaaaaawwwwww 3 more hours and I begin my Mardi Gras journey :) Happy Mardi Gras y'all!

[BigDag]

This one is worth a read:

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/117462858934580.xml&coll=1

[csoul]

This one is worth a read:

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/117462858934580.xml&coll=1

Thanks for this one, bigdag.
I love this quote from the ending:

"It's not that you wake up one day and can't fathom living anyplace else; it's that one day you wake up and realize there isn't anyplace else. "

Maybe that's why I wake up EVERY day, thinking about NOLA??

[NOLA]

"It's not that you wake up one day and can't fathom living anyplace else; it's that one day you wake up and realize there isn't anyplace else. "



That's how I felt the 8 months I was living in Houston after K. Nothing against Houston, but it just wasn't the same.

[marignygreg]

I loved todays article. His kids will treasure growing up in New Orleans. As hard as living in New Orleans can be , for a guy like me it is a daily struggle NOT living in New Orleans. That is why I hang out on N'awlins websites, listen to N'awlins music and cook N'awlins food as much as I can.

[ibjamn]

Thanks for this one, bigdag.
I love this quote from the ending:

"It's not that you wake up one day and can't fathom living anyplace else; it's that one day you wake up and realize there isn't anyplace else. "

Maybe that's why I wake up EVERY day, thinking about NOLA??


I fell in love with the sentence before that last one:
" I am well aware of congenital inability of New Orleanians to find contentment living anywhere else but here. You witness this kind of hey-pocky-way afternoon and the city, she shackles you. "

[Frosty]

Chalk up another column to make me laugh and make me choke up.

[glinda]

Oh, yea, a nice one. Thanks dag. Wonder how our country would be different if all kids had a chance to witness such a thing as Super Sunday.

[Orleansnj]

good one.....(onj gets kleenex and knows that native N.O. husband is going to chant 'See, I told you so' all weekend :) )

[rosetree]

THAT'S why we are still in New Orleans!!!!!!

[NOLA]

THAT'S why we are still in New Orleans!!!!!!

Amen.

[marignygreg]

Go to NOLA.COM website main page,scroll down and you can watch chris get his head shaved. Very funny.

[RevDon]

I wonder what he'll look like when he introduces the Iguanas at WATS. He usually wears a hat, but my wife said she thinks he looks better bald. Must be that Patrick Stewart thing.

[Corona]

Thanks for this one, bigdag.
I love this quote from the ending:

"It's not that you wake up one day and can't fathom living anyplace else; it's that one day you wake up and realize there isn't anyplace else. "

Maybe that's why I wake up EVERY day, thinking about NOLA??
jeezuz, I have tears down my face after reading that....for all her troubles....she's amazingly beautiful.... God bless New Orleans.

[Corona]

THAT'S why we are still in New Orleans!!!!!!
I luv ya RT!! MUAH!

[rosetree]

I luv ya RT!! MUAH!

I SOOOO can't wait to see/meet everyone......
There is no other place on earth like New Orleans. It's such a thrill having the Threadhead Nation down here who see all of the good that we have to offer and appreciate it. Yes, we have our dirty laundry, but what big city doesn't.(they just didn't have the covers thrown off and exposed in the glare of international scrutiny)
I'm in Houston right now. On our trip out here yesterditty, we stopped at our favorite sandwich shop in Henderson LA. It's a small place right off I10 next to Landry's. We walked in and what did I see--- Boudin balls, cracklins, crawfish, and the best shrimp po-boy that you will ever taste! We got our food and sat down and listened to a god-ol-boy Cajun meet up with a lost friend while peeling and suckin' heads. Cajun music in the background...Mrs. Rosetree turned to me and said "You can't really beat this, we can't move anywhere else"....

[pokerchick66]

I SOOOO can't wait to see/meet everyone......
There is no other place on earth like New Orleans. It's such a thrill having the Threadhead Nation down here who see all of the good that we have to offer and appreciate it. Yes, we have our dirty laundry, but what big city doesn't.(they just didn't have the covers thrown off and exposed in the glare of international scrutiny)
I'm in Houston right now. On our trip out here yesterditty, we stopped at our favorite sandwich shop in Henderson LA. It's a small place right off I10 next to Landry's. We walked in and what did I see--- Boudin balls, cracklins, crawfish, and the best shrimp po-boy that you will ever taste! We got our food and sat down and listened to a god-ol-boy Cajun meet up with a lost friend while peeling and suckin' heads. Cajun music in the background...Mrs. Rosetree turned to me and said "You can't really beat this, we can't move anywhere else"....

Can't wait to meet Mrs. Rosetree, Mark. :)

[rosetree]

Can't wait to meet Mrs. Rosetree, Mark. :)
She's the nicest person I know ;) That's why I married her!!!:D

[Corona]

awww :)

[steeleye]

Isn't it about time Chris Rose wins a Pulitzer Prize? I know he was a finalist recently, but if there is any newspaper writer in the country right now producing more heartfelt commentary I sure would like to read it. His writing is well-constructed, evocative and just plain "spot-on."

[pokerchick66]

Isn't it about time Chris Rose wins a Pulitzer Prize? I know he was a finalist recently, but if there is any newspaper writer in the country right now producing more heartfelt commentary I sure would like to read it. His writing is well-constructed, evocative and just plain "spot-on."

And funny, too!

[rosetree]

I think that Chris Rose's column today is appropriate for this board. It is very timely with everyone preparing to come down here for the Fest....I'm rushing around now, I'll put my comments in later and hope that the other locals add theirs...have a great morning :D
Here ya go......
http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/117583889584240.xml&coll=1

[Voodoohead]

Great article as usual by Chris. Shows that there are trolls on and off the bored. Guess I'll have to make a reservation to Galatoire's!

[Frosty]

I think that Chris Rose's column today is appropriate for this board. It is very timely with everyone preparing to come down here for the Fest....I'm rushing around now, I'll put my comments in later and hope that the other locals add theirs...have a great morning :D
Here ya go......
http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/117583889584240.xml&coll=1

She can join Tracy McGrady and Billy Hunter in Salt Lake City with that attitude. Seems there's some NBA players who are scared to go to New Orleans for the NBA All Star games because it is not safe. Of course, the most dangerous thing there will be their posses just like it was in Las Vegas this year. These are the same players who bitch about being traded to Milwaukee because there is not enough action.

[nyc gal]

Dang that ticks me off...I own a home now in NOLA. I love coming here. Each time I come in to town I wonder why I even bother leaving any more.
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure if FINALLY witnessing the MArdi Gras INdians parading on Super Sunday. I cant even begin to tell y'all what a magnificent and joyful experience it was.
I tried to get a group of friends, "locals", to go with me. They would not go because "people get shot at those things all the time" and it was in a neighborhood where "all those killings were".
It was pathetic-and my friends missed an amazing and unique NOLA experience, right in their own back yards.

[bluesgirl]

I've gotten the response that the event planner gave her friends every time I've taken off for NOLA. I think the true testimony for the safety of the city to them is me coming home.

[kikimo]

Chris Rose rocks!:D

[Frosty]

I've gotten the response that the event planner gave her friends every time I've taken off for NOLA. I think the true testimony for the safety of the city to them is me coming home.

I love people like that. Maybe we need to remind them of how much more dangerous it is to drive everytime they get into a car.

'OMG, your not going to drive are you? Didn't you hear about......"

[ibjamn]

This article really strikes a nerve with me. This kind of stuff has always been a pet peeve of mine. Even before the thing, I have faced vitriolic backlash/criticism for asking people (in private) to balance their negative postings about New Orleans with positive ones in a public chat room. Not to stop posting the bad, just balance it a bit.
Right on, CHris!

[ozzie]

Great article as usual by Chris. Shows that there are trolls on and off the bored. Guess I'll have to make a reservation to Galatoire's!

In your dreams Voooohead!

Stories like this just make me sick to my stomach and then leap up in celebration of life, such is the polarisation (if that's a word) of the human spirit. I only get asked about New Orleans about once a month and then only because we are somewhat obsessed! Folk always start with "Isn't it gone now", and follow that up with, "I hear that crime is really bad". Sometimes I think I can't be bothered talking about it to a bozo who is never going to visit anyway... but then I think well they might know sombody who knows somebody, so I ask them to do the math. We, unfortunatley do have crime, alas a lot of it violent... but I bet it doesn't make the newspapers where you are!

In any case, cheers to the girls who went ahead with their reunion! You go girls!

[Belle]

I live outside Washington DC in the Virginia ex urbs and right around the beltway in Prince Georges County, MD, it is not uncommon to find 7-9 fatal shootings a week. This doesn't make headlines anywhere but here and hardly gets more than coverage on the PM news. Yet tourists come from all over the world, Right now the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom, the murders are happening everyday and the tourists are here.

Crime is everywhere and generally these thugs know each other. New Orleans gets a bad rap by the media period. We visit on average 3 times a year and have never had a personal issue. Yes, I have seen some fights in the quarter by drunk jerks, one with a tire iron last July but I tell you I was never in danger, nor does this type of thing stop me from traveling to any large City anywhere.

When telling folks of our upcoming fest, they first say they thought NO was washed away and run amok with crime. This is the National Media creating this image and my small part is to set those uninformed folks straight on "our" wonderful New Orleans

Any lurkers out there reading and hearing all the awful stuff, thinking of not coming, come and enjoy the most wonderful place in the US. New Orleans is like no other and have never thought of not going anytime

[Corona]

I live outside Washington DC in the Virginia ex urbs and right around the beltway in Prince Georges County, MD, it is not uncommon to find 7-9 fatal shootings a week. This doesn't make headlines anywhere but here and hardly gets more than coverage on the PM news. Yet tourists come from all over the world, Right now the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom, the murders are happening everyday and the tourists are here.

Crime is everywhere and generally these thugs know each other. New Orleans gets a bad rap by the media period. We visit on average 3 times a year and have never had a personal issue. Yes, I have seen some fights in the quarter by drunk jerks, one with a tire iron last July but I tell you I was never in danger, nor does this type of thing stop me from traveling to any large City anywhere.

When telling folks of our upcoming fest, they first say they thought NO was washed away and run amok with crime. This is the National Media creating this image and my small part is to set those uninformed folks straight on "our" wonderful New Orleans

Any lurkers out there reading and hearing all the awful stuff, thinking of not coming, come and enjoy the most wonderful place in the US. New Orleans is like no other and have never thought of not going anytime
Man, how could you sabotage your own damn city???!!!!!! Makes me sick :(

[mightyradgumbo]

I live in Boston, as most of y'all know. If anybody from this city has the audacity to comment on crime in NOLA, or anywhere else for that matter, I would tell them to look at their own newspapers.

I think many outsiders look to comment negatively on NOLA's crime because it makes thier situation look better than it is. For a resident to be spewing that type of crap because she didn't get the gig as the planner is just wrong.

Most of my friends know the truth about New Orleans from my constant banter about how great it is. I also let them know that the crime is there like it is in many major cities, so to use the judgement they use in travelling in Boston.

Big ups for those ladies and thier husbands for not caving in to the sole voice of insanity and making the trip. Big ups to Chris Rose for saying it like it is.

[mluke66]

I liked the piece. I hope it brings people to the city.

But lets not pretend there is not a crime problem in New Orleans. It is isn't in most places that tourist go to, but I can't ignore it. Three people have shot in the last six months within a six block radius of my home. And I live right by the fairgrounds.

New Orleans needs to confront the reality that black people are killing black people in droves. That is disturbing and unacceptable. There is a culture of violence that permeates the ghettos of the city, such as Scarface deification. Whatever political angle or reasoning you want to use to find a solution is fine. But it is time for a real, honest discussion.

[pokerchick66]

I liked the piece. I hope it brings people to the city.

But lets not pretend there is not a crime problem in New Orleans. It is isn't in most places that tourist go to, but I can't ignore it. Three people have shot in the last six months within a six block radius of my home. And I live right by the fairgrounds.

New Orleans needs to confront the reality that black people are killing black people in droves. That is disturbing and unacceptable. There is a culture of violence that permeates the ghettos of the city, such as Scarface deification. Whatever political angle or reasoning you want to use to find a solution is fine. But it is time for a real, honest discussion.

Good post, mluke.

[rosetree]

O.K. I have a little time for my rant now...
Like it or not, we are fighting a war here. The war is on many fronts that y'all have heard of. We have crime like all large cities do, we have corruption like all large cities do, we have poverty like all large cities do. We also have a lot going on here that no major city does. The scope of which is mind boggling. One of our major wars is battling the misconception that New Orleans is dead/ washed away/ not here anymore, take your pick. To have some biatch who works in the hospitality industry come out being so negative and fueling the hysteria is akin to having a general in the Army exposed as a spy. This person should be outed and fired from her position.
Yes, we have our problems. Some of them will take years, maybe decades to fix. But damnit, the people who have come back here, came back with the purpose of NOT letting New Orleans die! All it takes is a few a..holes to fuel the fire and we have to go back on damage control again instead of moving ahead with promoting New Orleans.

gotta get back to work.....

[NOLA]

O.K. I have a little time for my rant now...
Like it or not, we are fighting a war here. The war is on many fronts that y'all have heard of. We have crime like all large cities do, we have corruption like all large cities do, we have poverty like all large cities do. We also have a lot going on here that no major city does. The scope of which is mind boggling. One of our major wars is battling the misconception that New Orleans is dead/ washed away/ not here anymore, take your pick. To have some biatch who works in the hospitality industry come out being so negative and fueling the hysteria is akin to having a general in the Army exposed as a spy. This person should be outed and fired from her position.
Yes, we have our problems. Some of them will take years, maybe decades to fix. But damnit, the people who have come back here, came back with the purpose of NOT letting New Orleans die! All it takes is a few a..holes to fuel the fire and we have to go back on damage control again instead of moving ahead with promoting New Orleans.

gotta get back to work.....

Amen RT.

[sophisticated sissy]

I live in Boston, as most of y'all know. If anybody from this city has the audacity to comment on crime in NOLA, or anywhere else for that matter, I would tell them to look at their own newspapers.

I think many outsiders look to comment negatively on NOLA's crime because it makes thier situation look better than it is. For a resident to be spewing that type of crap because she didn't get the gig as the planner is just wrong.

Most of my friends know the truth about New Orleans from my constant banter about how great it is. I also let them know that the crime is there like it is in many major cities, so to use the judgement they use in travelling in Boston.

Big ups for those ladies and thier husbands for not caving in to the sole voice of insanity and making the trip. Big ups to Chris Rose for saying it like it is.


Boston has taken steps to solve the problem of urban crime that have become a model for many other cities. Cincinnati has a horrible murder rate. Mayor Mallory, of Cincinnati, recently visited Boston and met with officials there to learn how to implement the methods Boston used.

What seems to be key in this puzzle at this time is that most violent crimes are committed over and over by the same perps. It's a matter of getting them off the streets.

I'd like to see Mayor Nagin and other city officials meet with the folks in Boston.

The state with the highest homicide rate is Nevada. Yet Las Vagas is a huge tourist destination. You never hear about tourists being warned about going there. I have to agree with rosetree on this one. Anyone who works in the tourism industry in New Orleans needs to be better informed.

For those who think that New Orleans is "washed away" or gone, I would have to say that it was probably never "there' for them in a meaningful or palpable way in the first place. They never gave the place a second thought in their lives.

[Zydekitten]

I really enjoyed Chris' article (as ever) and it reminds me a great deal of some of the postings on the "Safety in N.O." thread . . . crime is everywhere, even here in dinky-doo Nevada City, CA (population 3,032).

I've also lived in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and even personally had to deal with crime. I've visited New Orleans, sometimes for weeks at a time and only once did I have any issues (in broad daylight on Frenchmen St. near Brasserie Marigny no less).

I expect that there will be crime there, which now is felt more deeply after the Thing - but there has always been crime there, and sadly I think there will be crime there for some time to come . . . LIKE ALL LARGE CITIES IN THE WORLD. It's a unfortunate aspect of human nature/behavior - until we become more evolved.

It will NOT EVER stop me from coming back "home" to NOLA and trying to do what I can to help give back and have a good time doing it - I'd rather die there in a place that I love, being with people that I love, doing things that I love - than living in fear, locked behind gates, barriers, guns in "safety."

[pokerchick66]

I really enjoyed Chris' article (as ever) and it reminds me a great deal of some of the postings on the "Safety in N.O." thread . . . crime is everywhere, even here in dinky-doo Nevada City, CA (population 3,032).

I've also lived in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and even personally had to deal with crime. I've visited New Orleans, sometimes for weeks at a time and only once did I have any issues (in broad daylight on Frenchmen St. near Brasserie Marigny no less).

I expect that there will be crime there, which now is felt more deeply after the Thing - but there has always been crime there, and sadly I think there will be crime there for some time to come . . . LIKE ALL LARGE CITIES IN THE WORLD. It's a unfortunate aspect of human nature/behavior - until we become more evolved.

It will NOT EVER stop me from coming back "home" to NOLA and trying to do what I can to help give back and have a good time doing it - I'd rather die there in a place that I love, being with people that I love, doing things that I love - than living in fear, locked behind gates, barriers, guns in "safety."

That about sums it up for me.

[Belle]

I live in Boston, as most of y'all know. If anybody from this city has the audacity to comment on crime in NOLA, or anywhere else for that matter, I would tell them to look at their own newspapers.

I think many outsiders look to comment negatively on NOLA's crime because it makes thier situation look better than it is. For a resident to be spewing that type of crap because she didn't get the gig as the planner is just wrong.

Most of my friends know the truth about New Orleans from my constant banter about how great it is. I also let them know that the crime is there like it is in many major cities, so to use the judgement they use in travelling in Boston.

Big ups for those ladies and thier husbands for not caving in to the sole voice of insanity and making the trip. Big ups to Chris Rose for saying it like it is.

What a great post!!

[Belle]

O.K. I have a little time for my rant now...
Like it or not, we are fighting a war here. The war is on many fronts that y'all have heard of. We have crime like all large cities do, we have corruption like all large cities do, we have poverty like all large cities do. We also have a lot going on here that no major city does. The scope of which is mind boggling. One of our major wars is battling the misconception that New Orleans is dead/ washed away/ not here anymore, take your pick. To have some biatch who works in the hospitality industry come out being so negative and fueling the hysteria is akin to having a general in the Army exposed as a spy. This person should be outed and fired from her position.
Yes, we have our problems. Some of them will take years, maybe decades to fix. But damnit, the people who have come back here, came back with the purpose of NOT letting New Orleans die! All it takes is a few a..holes to fuel the fire and we have to go back on damage control again instead of moving ahead with promoting New Orleans.

gotta get back to work.....

I would like to hear from more of you locals as to what the real problem is with getting the general traveling public back to New Orleans. You know I live near DC. We were attacked on 9/11, had the Capital Murder designation just a few years back but never did any local, state or national government discourage folks from coming here, The message is come and enjoy. The hospitality industry idiot came after the word had spread to the nation and world for that matter, that New Orleans is not open for business and pleasure.
Nagin has his part as does the Gov. but what are the other reasons.

I see New Orleans as I always have, the music center of the Nation with the best venues and people anywhere. Not to mention the food, the culture and damn friendliest folks you will ever meet.

The Feds have Fu..ed up too with the rebuilding effort and getting folks back where they probably want to be.

Big issue for none typing hands. I love you all.

[RevDon]

I know Chris Rose. He's a great guy in spite of all his self-depreciation. He has Chronicled the darkest hours of our city, and his soul in what he termed "The most public emotional breakdown" that I've ever seen.
I invited him to a wedding I was performing, that, IMO, was a very special one. The bride had quit her job to come do animal rescues, and the groom was a National Guardsman who was assigned to protect her. They fell in love, and one year to the day they met, in the very spot at Delgado Community College, they were wed.
When I was telling Chris about the upcoming event, he would mutter "I don't do warm and fuzzy, buddy" and "You know where to put your sweetness and light", but he showed up, and wrote an article titled "Love Among the Ruins". He said the article wrote itself, just from what they said to each other, highlighted by the grooms line "She rescued my heart". I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd, including mine. I've been blessed to be a part of many such stories, and look forward to many more.
Chris has signed a book deal with a major publishing house, and a new, expanded version of "1 Dead in Attic" is in the works. God bless Chris Rose.

[Amyloves...]

I definitely remember that article RevDon...it was one of many great ones. He is just so damn talented.

[RevDon]

I definitely remember that article RevDon...it was one of many great ones. He is just so damn talented.

And to think that it was wasted for so many years "Running up a $140 bar tab waiting for Jessica Simpson to come out of the ladies room at The House of Blues"!

[mightyradgumbo]

Boston has taken steps to solve the problem of urban crime that have become a model for many other cities. Cincinnati has a horrible murder rate. Mayor Mallory, of Cincinnati, recently visited Boston and met with officials there to learn how to implement the methods Boston used.

For those who think that New Orleans is "washed away" or gone, I would have to say that it was probably never "there' for them in a meaningful or palpable way in the first place. They never gave the place a second thought in their lives.

We have taken steps for sure, Sissy, we are still in the grip of a pretty bad wave though. Our city has always rose up and YYR maybe they should meet up with leaders from Boston-although they prolly won't know what the hell Mayor "Mumbles" Mennino is saying half the time.

You are also right in your closing. One of the challenges I find when I talk to people about NOLA is the fact that they don't "get it"? They didn't know what it means and they prolly never will. Those that are interested usually keep the questions coming so I know I have a person that is interested in the message not just the story.

[mightyradgumbo]

I liked the piece. I hope it brings people to the city.

But lets not pretend there is not a crime problem in New Orleans. It is isn't in most places that tourist go to, but I can't ignore it. Three people have shot in the last six months within a six block radius of my home. And I live right by the fairgrounds.

New Orleans needs to confront the reality that black people are killing black people in droves. That is disturbing and unacceptable. There is a culture of violence that permeates the ghettos of the city, such as Scarface deification. Whatever political angle or reasoning you want to use to find a solution is fine. But it is time for a real, honest discussion.

I see your point, mluke...but if people are scared away from the city, that means less tourist dollars, which means less businesses operating at efficiency which means less tax dollars which means higher taxes which means that the problem will worsen and it really does become that place the evil tourist planner lady talked about...

Whenever you have a tourist based economy, you should promote tourism-In Aruba, when that teenager disappeared, you didn't see massive amounts of negative publicity of travelling to Aruba, right? That is because the focus didn't remain on the disappeared girl (whether that is right or not is another discussion) it focused on (and in fact there was a big tourism campaign shortly afterwards) tourism.

Now you may say-apples to oranges-because Aruba had a low crime rate before but it is all on how you package it-In a guide to Aruba there is mention that crimes on tourists are low.....but one should always be smart in travelling. I would say that this is smart advice for NOLA to offer their visitors.

The tourist dollars go a long way to fund the budget that reduces crime.

[mluke66]

I see your point, mluke...but if people are scared away from the city, that means less tourist dollars, which means less businesses operating at efficiency which means less tax dollars which means higher taxes which means that the problem will worsen and it really does become that place the evil tourist planner lady talked about...

Whenever you have a tourist based economy, you should promote tourism-In Aruba, when that teenager disappeared, you didn't see massive amounts of negative publicity of travelling to Aruba, right? That is because the focus didn't remain on the disappeared girl (whether that is right or not is another discussion) it focused on (and in fact there was a big tourism campaign shortly afterwards) tourism.

Now you may say-apples to oranges-because Aruba had a low crime rate before but it is all on how you package it-In a guide to Aruba there is mention that crimes on tourists are low.....but one should always be smart in travelling. I would say that this is smart advice for NOLA to offer their visitors.

The tourist dollars go a long way to fund the budget that reduces crime.

I don't agree with that woman said because it wasn't true, but again New Orleans has a crime problem is just that simple. Why are multiple messages on this board about where to walk, how be safe, and when to take a cab? I love New Orleans, but it is more than a stigma. And if tourism dollars cured the crime problem, why was New Orleans the Murder Capital of World in the 90s? Tourist dollars flowed then.

The city is half its size yet, around New Years over a dozen people were murdered in less than two weeks, including a very talented musician, Dinneral Shavers. Thousands of people descended on City Hall--CNN and other national news crews were there. That's why it gets played on the front pages of papers.

The city, like many others, keeps ignoring the fact that young black men are killing young black in alarming numbers. All that I what is an open, honest discussion into the culture of violence that permeates the city.

[ScoopJohnD]

I liked the article. And IF what that woman wrote to her classmates was fueled by being snubbed she is dead wrong. But I would note that Chris Rose in the article never asked that woman if it was the reason and instead took the classmates version at face value.

But if she had what she felt were legitimate concerns and fears, as NYMAMA friends who didn't attend the parade did, as countless other locals probably do, they should not be villified. Just because their line of when to be fearful is different than yours does not mean they do not care about the City. I'm speaking of locals here. Imagine all the good hard working people who perhaps live near problem areas who have those same fears constantly being told, not we are going to work to address your fears but instead being told by neighbors, fellow citizens and officials, no YOU are wrong, it's not as bad as you think it is. What's their reaction? Oh yeah, you are right, or forget it, no one thinks MY fears, MY concerns have any legitimacy.

For every one of NYMAMA friends who didn't attend that parade there are probably hundreds, maybe thousands of locals who have those same fears and concerns. Realize for many it becomes hard to appreciate the treasures of New Orleans if they don't see the problems being addressed. And just because those concerns and fears don't jibe with your perception of the city does not make them any less legitimate and they should not be considered a measuring stick of how much they care about their city.

[pokerchick66]

Scoop, I noticed that, too. I went back and read the article and you are absolutely correct.

[RevDon]

Here's the thread that was running on Chris Rose. He started writing for the Times- Picayune as an entertainment reporter, who morphed into the Voice of the City post-K.

[jenni]

wow

so theres a lot going on in this thread

From my perspective / ecperience the root of the crime issue is CRACK .

Its an over abundance of CRACK being filtered into already poverty stricken communities that creates the High crime levels .

We have a ton of CRACKHEADS killing each other and robbing people ..

what we need are better programs in our systems for actually curing the crack heads when they get arrested ...

As of now ~~ they just get pushed through the over crowded jails and let back out on the streets .

[Belle]

And to think that it was wasted for so many years "Running up a $140 bar tab waiting for Jessica Simpson to come out of the ladies room at The House of Blues"!

Bet ya had to pee by then!

[Headless Hornman]

I know Chris Rose...
I invited him to a wedding I was performing, that, IMO, was a very special one. The bride had quit her job to come do animal rescues, and the groom was a National Guardsman who was assigned to protect her. They fell in love, and one year to the day they met, in the very spot at Delgado Community College, they were wed.
When I was telling Chris about the upcoming event, he would mutter "I don't do warm and fuzzy, buddy" and "You know where to put your sweetness and light", but he showed up, and wrote an article titled "Love Among the Ruins". He said the article wrote itself, just from what they said to each other, highlighted by the grooms line "She rescued my heart". I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd, including mine. I've been blessed to be a part of many such stories, and look forward to many more.

RevDon: I missed this story when it came out. Thanks for prompting Chris to write it!

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1158644073102310.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

[withbellson]

Reverend,

Thank you for asking Chris Rose to cover our wedding. He sounds like a helluva guy. I hope he will do it!

many, many, many, many thaks for all you are doing for us! We get the distinct impression that you are getting into this thing as much or perhaps even more than we are....unbelievable ;)

[Zydekitten]

Chris Rose has written another excellent article regarding Vance Vaucresson and the loss of his special grill, which has happened just as he was gearing up for the festival season - hoping it would help him and his business get back up on his feet:

http://tinyurl.com/255pzt

After reading it, I called Chris and spoke with him to see what could be done to help Vance. Chris and I had a wonderful conversation and he suggested that I call Vance himself to see how we could best help him. I've left a message at Vaucresson Sausage and if I hear back, I'll let y'all know what we can do.

If nothing else, tell folks to buy the hell out of his crawfish sausage po-boys at the FQF and Jazzfest!!! :D

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Chris Rose has written another excellent article regarding Vance Vaucresson and the loss of his special grill, which has happened just as he was gearing up for the festival season - hoping it would help him and his business get back up on his feet:

http://tinyurl.com/255pzt

After reading it, I called Chris and spoke with him to see what could be done to help Vance. Chris and I had a wonderful conversation and he suggested that I call Vance himself to see how we could best help him. I've left a message at Vaucresson Sausage and if I hear back, I'll let y'all know what we can do.

If nothing else, tell folks to buy the hell out of his crawfish sausage po-boys at the FQF and Jazzfest!!! :D

Keep us posted on what you find out ZK - there's gotta be something us Threadheads can do to help out......

[rosetree]

If nothing else, tell folks to buy the hell out of his crawfish sausage po-boys at the FQF and Jazzfest!!! :D

After I read it, that's exactly what I thought!!!

[ohio]

Chris Rose has written another excellent article regarding Vance Vaucresson and the loss of his special grill, which has happened just as he was gearing up for the festival season - hoping it would help him and his business get back up on his feet:

http://tinyurl.com/255pzt

After reading it, I called Chris and spoke with him to see what could be done to help Vance. Chris and I had a wonderful conversation and he suggested that I call Vance himself to see how we could best help him. I've left a message at Vaucresson Sausage and if I hear back, I'll let y'all know what we can do.

If nothing else, tell folks to buy the hell out of his crawfish sausage po-boys at the FQF and Jazzfest!!! :D
Good job, Kitten! I'm sure there must be something we could help with...

[Zydekitten]

Yup, 'zackly what I was thinking - which is why I jumped on the phone to Chris (I'm actually rather surprised I reached him in person) . . . such a great guy!

Once I hear back from Vance, I'll alert the Threadhead Troops as to what we can do to help him out!

Thanks, as ever, for being there!!!

THREADHEADS ROCK!!!

[Orleansnj]

ZK - email me off line at my e-mail you have.....please.....

[Zydekitten]

ZK - email me off line at my e-mail you have.....please.....
Chica - I'm not at home at the moment, so why don't you e-mail me at red_beansandrice@yahoo.com

Then, we can talk offline! :)

[ScoopJohnD]

I sent an email to this company with the article asking if they could help and provided the # and addy for Vance's co. Click on the site and you can see that if they see it in their heart, they could provide what Vance needs.

Holstein Manufacturing
5368 110th Street
Holstein, Iowa 51025-9539

Email hmi@pionet.com
Phone (712) 368-4342
Toll Free (800) 368-4342
Fax (712- 368-2351)
http://www.holsteinmfg.com/

And although it's late and it's his busy time could he hired for the patry?

[Orleansnj]

Scoopy - we're on the same page - I've sent e-mails to a couple of people in the business too - but with a few contacts - so maybe.....but I have no idea what to expect.

I watched the video and saw the grill he was talking about - it is definitely a custom fabrication because it looks sort of like a pizza oven/bagel oven on the inside with the flat rotissery and all of that....but I didn't see it too up close. He will need a fabricator who really understands the product.

Let's keep all of our fingers crossed....

Your idea about the Patry is damned good - but I think all of that stuff has been settled (but I'm not on the planning krewe, so I shouldn't say that).

Hey - you comin' to Fest this year? You were on the fence because of some stuff (you said earlier) - so any luck?

[Zydekitten]

I sent an email to this company with the article asking if they could help and provided the # and addy for Vance's co. Click on the site and you can see that if they see it in their heart, they could provide what Vance needs.

Holstein Manufacturing
5368 110th Street
Holstein, Iowa 51025-9539

Email hmi@pionet.com
Phone (712) 368-4342
Toll Free (800) 368-4342
Fax (712- 368-2351)
http://www.holsteinmfg.com/

And although it's late and it's his busy time could he hired for the patry?
That's GREAT, Scoopy!!! You are off the chain wit' yo bad self!! :D

I'm hoping to get a call back from Vance tomorrow in response to the message I left him today and can find out more about what we can do to help him . . . I think if it could work, that hiring him for the Patry or maybe RouxGaRoux (?) would be excellent!

Patry and RouxGaRoux planners - what do you think? :confused:

[grisgris]

I read the article today & started crying at work. Thought I would stop by his stand & give him some money to help pay for a new grill.

[Zydekitten]

GrisGris - you're good people!!! I'm sure Vance would really appreciate that!!

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/muah.gif

[ScoopJohnD]

Scoopy - we're on the same page - I've sent e-mails to a couple of people in the business too - but with a few contacts - so maybe.....but I have no idea what to expect.

I watched the video and saw the grill he was talking about - it is definitely a custom fabrication because it looks sort of like a pizza oven/bagel oven on the inside with the flat rotissery and all of that....but I didn't see it too up close. He will need a fabricator who really understands the product.

Let's keep all of our fingers crossed....

Your idea about the Patry is damned good - but I think all of that stuff has been settled (but I'm not on the planning krewe, so I shouldn't say that).

Hey - you comin' to Fest this year? You were on the fence because of some stuff (you said earlier) - so any luck?

Just from reading the article I knew it was something quite out of the ordinary, but if your people or the company I wrote to even come through with one of their standard commercial units it's better than nothing. And kids the address of that company is above in my other post, wouldn't hurt if they got a few more emails pleading Vance's case.

Fest still looks doubtful but not completely out of the question. We'll see.

[Orleansnj]

Scoopy - I don't think Fest is doubtful - didn't it say he has a loaner grill from someone? I don't think he can afford to not be at fest - that was the impression I got when reading it.......

[ScoopJohnD]

Scoopy - I don't think Fest is doubtful - didn't it say he has a loaner grill from someone? I don't think he can afford to not be at fest - that was the impression I got when reading it.......

I was answering your question of whether I'D be at fest. I'm damn sure Vance will be there.

[Orleansnj]

D;oh !!!!!!!

Sorry !!

Okay - well, if Fest doesn't work - seriously- my most other favorite time of the year is Christmas/New Years......it is so beautiful that time of the year.

[ScoopJohnD]

I have heard that.

[ibjamn]

And although it's late and it's his busy time could he hired for the patry?

Sorry, Scoop, with only a couple of weeks to go, the caterer for the patry has been locked in for weeks/months.

the food Krewe

[ScoopJohnD]

Sorry, Scoop, with only a couple of weeks to go, the caterer for the patry has been locked in for weeks/months.

the food Krewe

That's okay, never hurts to ask.

[jolie]

I sent an email to this company with the article asking if they could help and provided the # and addy for Vance's co. Click on the site and you can see that if they see it in their heart, they could provide what Vance needs.

Holstein Manufacturing
5368 110th Street
Holstein, Iowa 51025-9539

Email hmi@pionet.com
Phone (712) 368-4342
Toll Free (800) 368-4342
Fax (712- 368-2351)
http://www.holsteinmfg.com/

And although it's late and it's his busy time could he hired for the patry?

I sent an e-mail and bookmarked the sight. We are in serious need of a new grill!!!!!

[Zydekitten]

I just got off a phone call with Vance Vaucresson and a nicer guy you couldn't find - even with all that he's gone through . . .

He was very touched at our offer and efforts to help him replace his stolen custom grill; as you know (if you read the Chris Rose article), he does have loaner grills to help get him through the festivals.

He told me that of the many calls he recieved after the article - one came from a metal fabricator, who's offered to help him customize a new grill.

So, it sounds like what Vance really needs is funds to buy the new grill, but he wasn't totally sure at this point and said that after the festivals was when he'd really know . . . and that he would let me know what we could do to help him in a substantial way.

In the meantime, I told him that I'd ask everyone I knew to go by the Vaucresson food booths at both the French Quarter Festival and Jazzfest (in Food Area I) to buy lots of their Hot Sausage Po-Boy and Crawfish Sausage Po-Boy sammichs (like it's a problem getting the Threadhead Nation to go eat! ;)) . . . but maybe while you're there, you can give Vance a hug and some extra $$ towards replacing his grill and getting back on his feet for real.

Special Thanks to ScoopJohn and OrleansNJ for their work towards finding replacement grills yesterday - you're da bomb!! :)

[ohio]

Simple Solution: Everybody stop by for a Crawfish Sausage Po-Boy and drop an extra buck or two towards the grill....

[Corona]

yes....that I can do!

[Frosty]

Wait, I get to help somebody by buying and eating a crawfish sausage po'boy? No wonder I love this city!

[mdfest]

YYR- next your going to tell me my beer money is going to a good cause!

I promise to eat a snausage a day till i burst

[Zydekitten]

Just don't try to balance it on your nose like this guy:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/119180509_fd0c402088_o.jpg

[festivalgirl]

Simple Solution: Everybody stop by for a Crawfish Sausage Po-Boy and drop an extra buck or two towards the grill....

Okay, twist my arm I may have to have an extra Crawfish Sausage or two and drop an extra five!!

[Zydekitten]

You're good people, Festie!!!!


http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/muah.gif

[festivalgirl]

Nothing pisses me off more than hard working, honest people getting ripped off. Life is tough enough as it is without some asshole tripping you up!!

(oh my, i've just described our government ;) )

[Zydekitten]

Nothing pisses me off more than hard working, honest people getting ripped off. Life is tough enough as it is without some asshole tripping you up!!

(oh my, i've just described our government ;) )
LOL! True dat - well, at least in this case everyday folks like us can make a difference! :D

[festivalgirl]

LOL! True dat - well, at least in this case everyday folks like us can make a difference! :D

Sadly, it so much easier to do in NOLA than at home. You know - you lived here. People seem to make their own shit here.

But wait, how far are you paddling Sunday???

[Zydekitten]

Here's the map of the kayaking route this Sunday, it's a 3 mile course:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/course-short.jpg

[festivalgirl]

Here's the map of the kayaking route this Sunday, it's a 3 mile course:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/course-short.jpg

cool. is there a game?

[Zydekitten]

There is, but in Pittsburgh . . . so we won't have to worry about being beaned by a Barry Ball or running into the usual kayak parking lot in McCovey Cove who wait to catch a Barry Ball.

[festivalgirl]

There is, but in Pittsburgh . . . so we won't have to worry about being beaned by a Barry Ball or running into the usual kayak parking lot in McCovey Cove who wait to catch a Barry Ball.

Well, at least Barry's balls should be pretty small by now! ;)

[denideadhead]

Simple Solution: Everybody stop by for a Crawfish Sausage Po-Boy and drop an extra buck or two towards the grill....

AWESOME!!! Gee Eat and Contribute!! Think I can handle that. Looks like the TH's have adopted again. Congratulations, this time I hope it is a grill :)

[Zydekitten]

Well, at least Barry's balls should be pretty small by now! ;)
Well, if nothing else, I don't have to worry about THOSE balls flying over the wall of PacBell Park . . . ;)

[Zydekitten]

AWESOME!!! Gee Eat and Contribute!! Think I can handle that. Looks like the TH's have adopted again. Congratulations, this time I hope it is a grill :)
Well, in our phone chat today, Vance did say that his grill was like a member of his family . . . like a baby . . .

[mightyradgumbo]

YYR, I love the homework associated with this group...drink some extra beers at this booth, eat some extra po' boys at that booth bid on this cool stuff at this site, go to this cool show at that club...tough work but I am up to the task

[Zydekitten]

I knew you'd be able to "man up" for these arduous tasks, Gumbo! ;)

[mdfest]

check this out
http://neworleans.craigslist.org/laf/315078896.html
www.findthegrill.com

[Zydekitten]

That's great!!!!

Did any of the folks who went to FQF go see Vance?? I'll definitely be paying him a visit during Fest . . .

Hopefully, between all of the folks out there who care about him, his family and his po-boys - we can help him!!

Thanks for posting that, Bri!!

[Amyloves...]

OH DAMN I was at FQF for one day and totally forgot about going to visit him. I didn't come across his booth though, cause the name would have reminded me. Sorry yall, I really wanted to meet the guy and buy some food.

[rosetree]

OH DAMN I was at FQF for one day and totally forgot about going to visit him. I didn't come across his booth though, cause the name would have reminded me. Sorry yall, I really wanted to meet the guy and buy some food.

When I went, there was a huge line and they were shuffling po-boys as fast as they could make them!
I plan on goin to his booth @ JF and making my contribution!!!:D

[pokerchick66]

When I went, there was a huge line and they were shuffling po-boys as fast as they could make them!
I plan on goin to his booth @ JF and making my contribution!!!:D

Rosie, did you see the grandstand thread yet?

[rosetree]

Rosie, did you see the grandstand thread yet?

Nope...going to look for it now........

[Voodoohead]

I went to his booth both Friday and Saturday multiple times. The Hot sausage
Po' Boy was awesome, the crawfish was good, but preferred the Hot. Swag also bought me one - thanks!

[Zydekitten]

I went by and met Vance and his very lovely (and now healthy) wife, Julie - they were so very nice and genuinely touched by everyone's caring support and generosity.

As it was too incredibly hot yesterday to eat a hot sausage, I gave him a donation towards the new Grill fund; he said that things were working out quite well with the loaner, but he was looking forward to working with the new fabricator after the festival season to create the new "baby."

He plans to engrave a fleur de lis on the new grill when he gets it and dedicate it to Katrina survivors and the people who have been helping them out.

He would love the Threadheads to come by the stand at Jazzfest next weekend to say hi (and have some yummy sausage po-boys) . . . I also told him that we'd be more than happy to buy him a COLD, COLD BEER at Ms. Lina's - it he wanted to stop by there if he had time. :)

[Frosty]

We enjoyed the crawfish sausage po' boy. Yummy!

I bet his grill fund did well!

[glinda]

Really great article by Chris Rose in the current Utne Reader. About his battle with depression post-K, and how he finally got help. A heartbreaking and very real look into what depression is. Couldn't find a copy online, but it's in the May-June 2007 issue.
Hell and Back
A newspaper columnist, devastated by Katrina, finds salvation where he least expected -- in a bottle of medicine
by Chris Rose, from the New Orleans Times-Picayune

[VWGal]

I may have to go pick up a copy -- I love the Utne Reader, affectionately referred to in my head as the Chutney Reader. Thanks for the heads up, Glinda! Nice meeting you on the ferry home from Rosetreefest!

[glinda]

Nice meeting you too, veedub. How'd your newbie like Nawlins?

[VWGal]

Hey Glinda! The Virgin had a great time, unfortunately found herself very under the weather on Friday and Saturday second weekend, so I had to leave her at home and go to Fest without her. But she loved IAC, the Patry, shopping around the Quarter, and her one day at Fest on closing Sunday.

I had such a great time watching her face when she first saw Trombone Shorty tear into Back in Black! We had a great time at Rosetreefest and managed to get to Rock n Bowl on Saturday night for the Dixie Cups.

I ran out of gas and sent her out with Ross on Sunday night -- he managed to get her home in time to catch a 6 am flight....so....

I think she GOT it!

[BigDag]

Chris is back:

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/118042055221740.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

[ozzie]

Wow! Thanks for posting the link... he certainly is back!

[Amyloves...]

Thanks BigDag....I was coming on here to post a link to that article. Chris blew me away this morning.

[Belle]

Thanks BigDag....I was coming on here to post a link to that article. Chris blew me away this morning.

Me too Amyloves. Just copied the link and bingo it was here.

Love it. Like the attitude and the hope. Good Reading. Now next time in NOLA I gotta find that sweeper if he is still around.

[rosetree]

Thanks BigDag....I was coming on here to post a link to that article. Chris blew me away this morning.

Blew me away too...
I thought of this that we have framed in our kitchen...Ours has an additional line at the end ....
You Know You're From New Orleans When...
Your sunglasses fog up when you step outside

You reinforce your attic to store Mardi Gras beads

Your baby?s first words are "gumbo" and "whereyat"

You save newspapers, not for recycling but for tablecloths at crawfish boils

When you give directions you use "lakeside? and ?riverside' not north & south

Your ancestors are buried above the ground.

You get on a green trolley car to go to the park and a red one to the French Quarter

You listen to holiday songs such as "the 12 yats of Christmas" and "Santa and his reindeer used to live next door"

You walk on the "banquet" (sidewalk) and stand in the "neutral ground" (area of ground between a two sided street) "by ya mommas" (by your mother's house).

Someone asks for directions and you stop and help them with a smile

You start an angel food cake with a roux.

Watching "Wild Kingdom" inspires you to write a cookbook.

You think a lobster is a crawfish on steroids.

You think boudin, hogshead cheese, and a Bud is a bland diet.

You think Ground Hog Day and the Boucherie Festival are the same holiday.

You take a bite of five-alarm chili and reach for the Tabasco.

Fred's Lounge in Mamou means more to you than the Grand Ole Opry.

You have an *envie* for something instead of a craving.

You use a "#3" washtub to cover your lawn mower or your outboard motor.

You use two or more pirogues to cover your tomatoes to protect them from the late frost.

You use a gill net to play tennis, badminton, or volleyball.

The horsepower of your outboard motor is greater than that of your car motor.

You pass up a trip abroad to go to the Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge.

The four basic food groups are boiled seafood, broiled seafood, fried seafood and beer

You are asked to name the holy trinity and your reply is "onions, celery, bell pepper."

You let your black coffee cool, and find that it has gelled.

You describe a link of boudin and cracklins as "breakfast."

Every once in a while, you have waterfront property.

Your mama announces each morning, "Well, I've got the rice cooking ... what will we have for dinner?"

None of your potential vacation destinations are north of the old Mississippi River Bridge (US 190).

You refer to Louisiana winters as "Gumbo Weather."

You get a disappointing look from your wife and describe it as, "She passed me a pair of eyes."

You think of gravy as a beverage.

You greet your long lost friend at the Lafayette Regional Airport with "AAAAAAAYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE."

You sit down to eat boiled crawfish and your host says, "Don't eat the dead ones," and you know what he means.

You learned Bourre the hard way: Holding yourself upright in your crib.

You don't know the real names of your friends, only their nicknames.

You give up Tabasco for Lent

You worry about a deceased family member returning in spring floods.

You don't learn until high school that Mardi Gras is not a national holiday.

You push little old ladies out of the way to catch Mardi Gras throws.

You leave a parade with footprints on your hands.

You believe that purple, green, and gold look good together

Your last name isn't pronounced the way it's spelled.

You know what a nutria is but you still pick it to represent your baseball team.

You like your rice and your politics dirty.

No matter where else you go in the world, you are always disappointed in the food.

Your loved one dies and you book a jazz band before you call the coroner.

Your accent sounds nothing like Harry Connick, Jr's.

You can sing these jingles by heart: "Rosenberg's, Rosenberg's, 1825 Tulane;" "At the beach, at the beach, the Pontchartrain Beach..."

You ask, "How they running?" and "Are they fat?" but, you're inquiring about seafood quality and not the Cresent City Classic.

When a hurricane is imminent, you have a lot more faith in Nash Roberts than some Super Doppler 6000.

Your town is low on the education chart, high on the obesity chart and you don't care because you're No. 1 on the party chart.

Nothing shocks you. Period. Ever.

Being in a jam at Tulane and Broad isn't the same as being stuck in traffic.

Your idea of health food is a baked potato instead of fries with your seafood platter.

You have to take your coffee and favorite coffeemaker with you on a three-day trip.

You have sno-ball stains on your shoes.

You call tomato sauce "red gravy."

Your middle name is your mother's maiden name, or your father's mother's maiden name, or your mother's mother's maiden name, or your grandmother's mother's maiden name, or your grandfather's mother's maiden name.

On certain spring days, Crawfish Monica is your breakfast.

Your house payment is less than your utility bill.

You've done your laundry in a bar.

You don't show your "pretties" during Mardi Gras.

You know that Tchoupitoulas is a street and not a disease.

You "boo" the mayor on national television.

You wear sweaters in because it ought to be cold.

Your grandparents are called "Maw-Maw" and "Paw-Paw."

.Your Santa Claus rides an alligator and your favorite Saint is a football player.

You suck heads, eat tail, sing the blues and you actually know where you got them shoes.

You shake out your shoes before putting them on.

You don't think it inappropriate to refer to a large adult male as "Li'l Bubba."

You know why you should never, ever swim by the Lake Pontchartrain steps (for more than one reason).

You cringe every time you hear an actor with a Southern or Cajun accent in a "New Orleans-based" movie or TV show.

You have to reset your clocks after every thunderstorm.

You waste more time navigating back streets than you would if you just sat in traffic.

You still call the Fairmont Hotel, the Roosevelt.

You consider garbage cans a legal step to protecting your parking space on a public street.

You fall asleep to the soothing sounds of four box fans.

Your one-martini lunch becomes a five-bloody mary afternoon... and you keep your job.

Being in a jam at Tulane and Broad isn't the same as being stuck in traffic.

You're walking in the French Quarter with a plastic cup of beer. When it starts to rain, you cover your beer instead of your head.

You eat dinner out and spend the entire meal talking about all the other good places you've eaten.

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from New Orleans.


Our last line.... You can't think of anywhere else that you would want to live! :D :D :D

[ibjamn]

Yeah You Right, bruh!

[RevDon]

"Ready Teddy" owes you money.;)
Welcome back, Chris!

[Goose]

Great read...thanks for posting BigDag!

[marignygreg]

Had me balling like a new born.

[Frosty]

Welcome back, Chris!

[ozzie]

As Amyloves said on the bored a long time ago...

"I never knew we lived somewhere so special until we went somewhere else. We thought everyone lived like this!".

[Zydekitten]

I particularly love this quote:

"The more I live in New Orleans, the less fit I am to live anywhere else."

I almost feel like it can also be applied thusly:

"The more I visit New Orleans, the less fit I am to go anywhere else."

[mluke66]

Did Chris Rose lose his house in the storm? Or did he stay for the storm? I was wondering what the cause of his depression was.

[rosetree]

Did Chris Rose lose his house in the storm? Or did he stay for the storm? I was wondering what the cause of his depression was.

If I remember correctly, he came back right after the storm to view all the crap first-hand and stayed through the Federal Occupation. I don't think that he lost his home...am I right???? Amy???? Jenn???? NOLA????

[Carolina Beadhead]

If I remember correctly, he came back right after the storm to view all the crap first-hand and stayed through the Federal Occupation. I don't think that he lost his home...am I right???? Amy???? Jenn???? NOLA????

He didn't lose his home. I think his depression stems from the devastation of his beloved city.

[jolie]

If I remember correctly, he came back right after the storm to view all the crap first-hand and stayed through the Federal Occupation. I don't think that he lost his home...am I right???? Amy???? Jenn???? NOLA????

He did not lose his home... I remember he wrote that he often checked on his one elderly neighbor who stayed, with no electricity, no generator, and many cats. As far as his depression he wrote it was a combination of those first-hand sights and all of the early stories people told him personally and e-mailed him. Seems he was to go to guy if you had some horrific story to tell

[KeyWest Bruce]

Reading Chris Rose's column made my day! I am so glad he is back. He has the ability to bring me to tears with his poignant and heartfelt words. Tears of joy this time :) New Orleans needs to hear the positive affirmation and determination to stay and stand by it through the recovery process. He made me feel so good in describing the particular situations in today's column that set the city apart from anyplace else. When he began the column describing his feelings about yearning to leave the city at one point; and then wrapped up with the decision that he was going nowhere.....as no other place could live up to the pleasures he gets from his beloved city (and I'm sure every one of us on this board, resident or frequent visitor, feels exactly the same). Here's to all those who were dispersed from N.O.....and who want to come home, I hope and pray that everyone makes it back. Great to have Chris Rose back....I need to read what he says on a regular basis!

[Corona]

Reading Chris Rose's column made my day! I am so glad he is back. He has the ability to bring me to tears with his poignant and heartfelt words. Tears of joy this time :) New Orleans needs to hear the positive affirmation and determination to stay and stand by it through the recovery process. He made me feel so good in describing the particular situations in today's column that set the city apart from anyplace else. When he began the column describing his feelings about yearning to leave the city at one point; and then wrapped up with the decision that he was going nowhere.....as no other place could live up to the pleasures he gets from his beloved city (and I'm sure every one of us on this board, resident or frequent visitor, feels exactly the same). Here's to all those who were dispersed from N.O.....and who want to come home, I hope and pray that everyone makes it back. Great to have Chris Rose back....I need to read what he says on a regular basis!
whew! There some big tears over here with this one!

Kitten you're right, "the more I visit New Orleans, the less fit I am to go anywhere else". I have such a hard time travelling to any other place when I have the chance. If I have the money, the thought process is "where do I want to go? I could go to blah, blah, blah....or I could go back to New Orleans because in a couple of months, the "missing" is gonna be terrible" So I go....every 3 or so months....because I HAVE to.

Someone asked what caused Chris Rose's depression? Pain.... chronic, constant pain and sorrow. You can tell he's emotional by his writing, that's what makes him so powerful, his passion....especially for the city and his insight...that's what draws us to him....it's that passion, emotion and insight that would have left him open to depression after the Thing when everything was a complete nightmare. I'm so proud he shared it with the public cuz I'm SURE it got others to thinking it was okay to seek treatment. Chris is definitely a hero of Katrina in my eyes.

[doctorgmb]

I couldn't agree more. Chris' reporting is heroic! No one captures the city the way that he does, and it would have been a huge loss had he decided to leave.
Every time I read his columns I find myself in tears, but with this last one they were tears of hope, not of despair.
Welcome back Chris! We all love you and New Olreans!!!

-Greg

[PaulC]

"The more I visit New Orleans, the less fit I am to go anywhere else."

the list of places that are near as cool is certainly short... the list of places that are "equally" cool,.. there is no such list....

Another incredible effort put forth by Chris Rose... that man can sure levitate thoughts....

[rosetree]

Chris' columns are "spot on" each and every time! He gives insight to the outside world to what is going on in this crazy "new normal" that we call home. Each time I read his work, I think "How did he get in to my head!" Glad to have him back!!:D

[bywterbro]

the list of places that are near as cool is certainly short... the list of places that are "equally" cool,.. there is no such list....

Another incredible effort put forth by Chris Rose... that man can sure levitate thoughts....
ey Paul you might want to consider writing yourself...that line
"levitated thoughts" could be the title of a new song or a new book...

[RevDon]

Chris' columns are "spot on" each and every time! He gives insight to the outside world to what is going on in this crazy "new normal" that we call home. Each time I read his work, I think "How did he get in to my head!" Glad to have him back!!:D

In one of Chris' columns, post-K, he said that someone came up to him and said "You write what's going on in my head" to which Chris thought, but didn't say "Man, you need to seek help!"

[NOLA]

I particularly love this quote:

"The more I live in New Orleans, the less fit I am to live anywhere else."

I almost feel like it can also be applied thusly:

"The more I visit New Orleans, the less fit I am to go anywhere else."

So true. I tell people all the time "I can't imagine living anywhere else."

[Amyloves...]

Did Chris Rose lose his house in the storm? Or did he stay for the storm? I was wondering what the cause of his depression was.

He did not lose his home although I think he had some damage. He did stay here for the storm (or returned immediately afterward) but his family stayed away till that Christmas. He's told some stories of that....helping a neighbor who had also stayed, the pain and fear, his "looting" a bottle of mouthwash and then later purchasing one at the same store and giving it to the cashier to put back on the shelf with tears in his eyes. Painful, raw, sad stuff.

Depression has been like an epidemic here since The Thing, especially in that first year afterward. He saw so much more by staying, but even those of us who didn't just struggled with the aftermath. This was a very hard place to be. In one of his articles he talked about someone listing the symptoms of depression, I think at a seminar or something, and everyone kind of laughing cause most of the locals had practically every one.

I am so thankful that he has been so open about what he's been through. I liked his columns before the storm, but he's been just amazing since. I really cannot imagine having gone through this without him! He and I emailed back and forth a few times early last year (back when he didn't get a gazillion of them!) and I told him that. He said it was actually therapy for him to take all of his pain and dump it in our laps every week. Definite therapy for all of us too though for sure.

[bywterbro]

the pain and fear, his "looting" a bottle of mouthwash and then later purchasing one at the same store and giving it to the cashier to put back on the shelf with tears in his eyes. Painful, raw, sad stuff....
I remember that line from that story distinctively........the cashier didnt understand what he was doing....he wanted to pay for it and then give
it back to the store, and he couldnt explain to her why.....and there were people in line behind him...
and he just started crying in line....

[KeyWest Bruce]

I particularly love this quote:

"The more I live in New Orleans, the less fit I am to live anywhere else."

I almost feel like it can also be applied thusly:

"The more I visit New Orleans, the less fit I am to go anywhere else."

So true, so very true!! I am going through this right now (talked about it in a previous thread). I usually go to New Orleans twice a year, Jazz Fest and in the fall. I always save a little leave for a short summer trip to break it up, so I won't have to wait so long for the next vacation. It was so hard leaving N.O. this time....even more emotional than previous years, so I vowed to go mid-summer for Satchmo Fest, which I haven't been to yet. Then I start thinking about going back to Montreal. It is a fabulous city; I love the ambience, the food, the people and the international flavor. I also go to see the wondreful Just For Laughs comedy festival---superb! But I am kind of torn between doing that, or going back to New Orleans....so I can surely relate to the quote above. Also, the dollar exchange rate in Canada is not good now for Americans. It used to be a fantastic bargain and that sweetened the deal. Now, I can probably get a great mid-summer package for New Orleans. So, I'm still tossing it around. When I start hearing more about Satchmo Fest and hear all of your plans (the ones who are going)....I KNOW that I'm going to want to be there. Don't have to twist my arm to book a trip to New Orleans! I just hope I don't start losing interest in traveling elsewhere. But the pull of the Big Easy is very strong.

[swag]

So true. I tell people all the time "I can't imagine living anywhere else."

My favorite line from any post-K song is Cowboy Mouth's
It's just 'cause I never want to be from somewhere else.

Sums it up so well, I think.

[Amy Winette]

Yep, that's the line that goes through my head Swag

[Festngator]

Article about Chris Rose

Through a Katrina survivor's eyes
Chris Rose speaks for the people of New Orleans. But at what cost?
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/19/news_pf/Books/Through_a_Katrina_sur.shtml

[bywterbro]

double bump.....great story ABOUT chris rose...

[saturn]

That column made me cry. I feel so bad for Chris Rose and the others who have had to endure such difficulty.

[Festngator]

bump read this

[ozzie]

That column made me cry. I feel so bad for Chris Rose and the others who have had to endure such difficulty.

Me too Saturn.

[Frosty]

Such a tragic tale. His story is just a window into what the entire population is going through, even those who landed on their feet, economically. I hope Chris Rose can find the comfort and healing that he has provided to so many others. My prayers for Chris and all the other Gulf Coast victims.

[Amyloves...]

I read yesterday in the paper that he and his wife had split up and that he had gone through rehab. I was absolutely heartbroken over the story of his sister though. I'm keeping Chris Rose in my prayers and hope that he's able to pull himself together. I also hope this city doesn't lose him living here.

[Blainn]

Don on WWL just gave a shout out to the TH's and Zydekitten to Chris Rose!

He's hawking his new book

[Belle]

Don on WWL just gave a shout out to the TH's and Zydekitten to Chris Rose!

He's hawking his new book

That is very very cool! TH's are making a name huh? How did you do that ZK?

[Zydekitten]

Don on WWL just gave a shout out to the TH's and Zydekitten to Chris Rose!

He's hawking his new book
Wha???!!!

What'd he say??

(and who's Don?)

[pokerchick66]

Article about Chris Rose

Through a Katrina survivor's eyes
Chris Rose speaks for the people of New Orleans. But at what cost?
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/19/news_pf/Books/Through_a_Katrina_sur.shtml

Oh wow. Just heartbreaking. Tears in my eyes right now.

[Blainn]

Wha???!!!

What'd he say??

(and who's Don?)

Don was the caller, Chris was like WTF did i start now?

Step forward Don!!

Who knows who Don is?

Mac knows..........

[Zydekitten]

Don was the caller, Chris was like WTF did i start now?

Step forward Don!!

Who knows who Don is?

Mac knows..........
Ah . . . I was rather surprised to think that Chris may have remembered me (which seemed unlikely at best).

I had called and spoken with Chris on the phone some month ago before Jazzfest after his column about Vance Vaucresson and his stolen grill (to find out if there was anything the Threadhead Nation could do to help).

It makes a lot more sense that Chris didn't quite know WTF was going on . . . I wouldn't expect him to remember me or the Threadhead Family. He's got a lot happening in his life these days.

[Zydekitten]

And color me curious yellow . . . who IS this "Don" you speak of??????? :confused:

[Blainn]

And color me curious yellow . . . who IS this "Don" you speak of??????? :confused:

It was the fooking call in name they called out. I only cued in when they said TH'd

Another caller said he was the one Chris used in love in the ruins

[BigDag]

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/118767616844080.xml&coll=1

[Frosty]

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/118767616844080.xml&coll=1

Another beautifully written article!

[NYMAMA]

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/118767616844080.xml&coll=1

Thanks Big Guy it brought a smile to my face.

[rosetree]

I saw Chris Rose at the Susan Cowsill concert in the park on Saturday. It must have been before the random singing cyclist episode...he looked like he was having a good time playing with his kids....
I did relate to the last two sentences of the column today..."It's good to be alive and living in New Orleans.

In spite of it all. "


BTW Susan Cowsill is now my neighbor. She came in to the shop last week. I didn't recognize her until she signed my book. I said "Oh, you're Susan Cowsill!!" she said hesitantly"....um, yes...." Then I guess I started to turn red because I'm such a doofus sometimes. I stammered something about the Cowsills and my youth. She said "..and you had a crush on me.." I admitted to that and she says that she still gets that reaction......Suave and sophisticated, that's me!!!!:o ;) :o
She did say that she is talking with Theresa about recording together. My home grrrls ......

[VWGal]

Hey RT, next time you see Susan tell her you have a friend in Calgary Alberta who knew her brother Billy. Susan came to his memorial service in Calgary when he passed almost two years ago, and wowed us all. So many people in Calgary who obviously knew of Billy's history and his family had not heard Susan as a grown-up artist in her own right. Billy was much loved and revered -- he had his problems -- but in Calgary, his later years were clean, sober and very fulfilling. Unfortunately a series of health issues combined to leave him in very bad shape in his last months -- and he died just months after Barry was lost in New Orleans.

We spent so many nights enjoying Billy in various bands over the years. He always delivered a master class in singing harmony and is truly missed in our music community.

[rosetree]

Hey RT, next time you see Susan tell her you have a friend in Calgary Alberta who knew her brother Billy. Susan came to his memorial service in Calgary when he passed almost two years ago, and wowed us all. So many people in Calgary who obviously knew of Billy's history and his family had not heard Susan as a grown-up artist in her own right. Billy was much loved and revered -- he had his problems -- but in Calgary, his later years were clean, sober and very fulfilling. Unfortunately a series of health issues combined to leave him in very bad shape in his last months -- and he died just months after Barry was lost in New Orleans.

We spent so many nights enjoying Billy in various bands over the years. He always delivered a master class in singing harmony and is truly missed in our music community.

I will Vdub!
I did say something about it was great that she wasn't in rehab like so many other child stars were and she said " no, that was my brother's job".... oops, again, I am suave and sophisticated...I didn't know.....:o :o
I must have made such an impression on her!:eek:

[NYMAMA]

I will Vdub!
I did say something about it was great that she wasn't in rehab like so many other child stars were and she said " no, that was my brother's job".... oops, again, I am suave and sophisticated...I didn't know.....:o :o
I must have made such an impression on her!:eek:

maybe next time she comes in your shop you should just smile;)

[saturn]

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/118767616844080.xml&coll=1

Chris Rose's writing gives me goose bumps, in a good way, every time.

[VWGal]

RT, Billy did indeed spend a lot of time in rehab in various places -- happily, he did find one that worked for him in Calgary and at his request, we all donated to it at the time of his passing. He was always known for saying that one of his best bands failed, despite great promise, because they were "three vegetarians and a junkie".

If anyone is interested, there is an extensive tribute of live interviews with Billy at our public radio station in Alberta, CKUA. Hit www.ckua.com and click on the icon Audio Archives in the top right hand corner of the opening page. When you do that, you'll see a list of interviews and at the bottom of that page, you'll see Billy Cowsill Tributes. Click on that and hear several live interviews that CKUA announcers conducted with Billy. I believe it's generally agreed that, as eldest son, Billy was the architect of the Cowsill sound and a master at close harmony production, which was the Cowsill sound. Interesting stuff....

I think Barry had similar addiction issues, it appears to be the bane of so many child stars.

Chris Rose's story is heartbreaking -- the trauma continues in so many forms even as years pass. It's good to know he has found help, and I fully expect he will be completely healed and a model survivor. I refuse to believe anything less of such an obviously talented and visionary writer.

[breambob]

Don was the caller, Chris was like WTF did i start now?

Step forward Don!!

Who knows who Don is?

Mac knows..........

Mac? Me? Me not know a Don, must be Rebennack.

Thank for those latest articles folks, great ones...

[Festngator]

Great biker story.

[Zydekitten]

Great biker story.
Uh, you mean "cyclist," right, Uncle Festy?? ;) :D

Bikers out here in the mountains (the motorcycle kind) get rather put out if you label them in with the bicycle kind . . . :rolleyes:

and I don't like to put bikers' noses out of joint - they'll hurt you :eek:

[RevDon]

It was me, RevDon. Chris wrote an article about one of the couples I did a wedding for. It was called "Love Among the Ruins."
http://chrisrosebooks.com/aboutbook.htm

[rosetree]

It was me, RevDon. Chris wrote an article about one of the couples I did a wedding for. It was called "Love Among the Ruins."
http://chrisrosebooks.com/aboutbook.htm

OH! RevDon!!!!! How could we have missed that!;)

Hey Rev, I thought that MrsRT and I would have bumped in to you and Sam at the Concert in the Park on Saturday...Did y'all go??? It seems right up your alley.....:D

[RevDon]

OH! RevDon!!!!! How could we have missed that!;)

Hey Rev, I thought that MrsRT and I would have bumped in to you and Sam at the Concert in the Park on Saturday...Did y'all go??? It seems right up your alley.....:D

I would have loved to have been there, but I was busy planting a magnolia tree in our front yard, and cutting up an oak bough that fell in my back yard! Tell Marcy we say "Hi".

[pokerchick66]

maybe next time she comes in your shop you should just smile;)

ROFLMAO!

[rosetree]

I would have loved to have been there, but I was busy planting a magnolia tree in our front yard, and cutting up an oak bough that fell in my back yard! Tell Marcy we say "Hi".

I will (when I see her!);) We haven't had AC for the past 3 days so she's been living at her BF's house in Luling....

[rosetree]

ROFLMAO!

Stop that! Stop that right now!!!!!:p
I am very good with my customers...I just had a brain fart with that one....

OT, when does Chicklet go back to school??? Mine went back last week!

[pokerchick66]

Stop that! Stop that right now!!!!!:p
I am very good with my customers...I just had a brain fart with that one....

OT, when does Chicklet go back to school??? Mine went back last week!

What, are you kidding me? Mine went back the NINTH. In the triple digit heat. Yep.

I would have loved to have been there and seen your face turn red. :D

[sophisticated sissy]

I would have loved to have been there and seen your face turn red. :D


:D Me, too, mon! He was probably all like, I'll shut up . Just as soon as I get my foot out of my mouth! :p

Sorry, rosetree! But I am sure Ms. Cowsill is aware of the effect she had on guy fans back in the "Wonder Years."

I think it's so cool that she came into your shop. She is a great singer and I hope the project she mentioned w/ Theressa A. materializes. It'd be cool if they'd get Cassandra F. and Shannon McNally involved, IMO.

[rosetree]

:D Me, too, mon! He was probably all like, I'll shut up . Just as soon as I get my foot out of my mouth! :p

Sorry, rosetree! But I am sure Ms. Cowsill is aware of the effect she had on guy fans back in the "Wonder Years."

I think it's so cool that she came into your shop. She is a great singer and I hope the project she mentioned w/ Theressa A. materializes. It'd be cool if they'd get Cassandra F. and Shannon McNally involved, IMO.

Ms. Cowsill did mention someone else.....it might have been Shannon McNally but I wasn't sure, so I didn't want to start a rumor...;)

[RevDon]

When I talked to Chris on the radio (WWL 870 AM), I told him that an article of his has started a movement called the "Urban Pioneer Re-inventionists" ( does that make them UPR'S?), and he was very appreciative, and perhaps a bit self-depriciating, but he pointed out how New Orleans really is "The Land of Opportunity" and was as gung-ho as ever about our city.
If you would like to purchase a copy of his book, I have a link on my website:
www.RomanceinNewOrleans.com
Come re-invent yourself in the city that you love!

[Corona]

"Come re-invent yourself in the city that you love!"

god, how I wish!!!!

RT- that's what makes you loveable..your stammering boyish charm ;) Loved that story about Susan!

The articles made me cry. So much has happened to Chris, yet he is hanging in there....amazing and wonderful that he's fighting back and remaining in the city he loves so much.

Way to go Don!!!

[Frosty]

When I talked to Chris on the radio (WWL 870 AM), I told him that an article of his has started a movement called the "Urban Pioneer Re-inventionists" ( does that make them UPR'S?), and he was very appreciative, and perhaps a bit self-depriciating, but he pointed out how New Orleans really is "The Land of Opportunity" and was as gung-ho as ever about our city.
If you would like to purchase a copy of his book, I have a link on my website:
www.RomanceinNewOrleans.com
Come re-invent yourself in the city that you love!

That was a wonderful article. If life wasn't so good for me here, I'd be all over reinventing myself in NO. Becoming somebody I wouldn't even now. It would be fun.

As far as UPR's, I think the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has you beat on that one. Maybe NOLANs, short for NOLA Newbies.

[BigDag]

Chris is going to be on Oprah today.

Maybe.

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1188367215232970.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

[ibjamn]

Chris is going to be on Oprah today.

Maybe.

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1188367215232970.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

Thank you so much for the dvd, I appreciate it!

[BigDag]

You're welcome. Have a GREAT day!

[papafrog]

You're welcome. Have a GREAT day!

tanks so much big dag......ive already wattched it twice...
amazing how kermits presence in houston changed the music scene there..

[BigDag]

Chris liked K-ville:

http://www.nola.com/rose/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1190095792259130.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

[peteup]

I love Chris Rose's writings. Making sense of the unimaginably absurd and unbearable.

[ibjamn]

I haven't read CHris' column, but I liked it too. Except for the fact that EVERYBODY in the show had a french last name.....

[ibjamn]

Bump up for Glinda...

[ohio]

I haven't read CHris' column, but I liked it too. Except for the fact that EVERYBODY in the show had a french last name.....
yeah, no Jamn's on there....

[glinda]

Bump up for Glinda...
Thanks ibj, I'm dropping in & out of here quickly lately so I'm not catching everything...

[Zydekitten]

Oh lord, he's gone and done it again . . .

(sniff)

http://blog.nola.com/chrisrose/2007/09/racing_katrina.html

[grisgris]

Chris makes me cry everytime, good tears or bad tears. But he also makes me laugh & know why I love New Orleans & her people.

[Zydekitten]

True dat, Mel!

[Corona]

aww man, tears for sure...I love that man!

[festbabe]

sniff...good one... :)