pbs' American Exp features NewOrleans

[glinda]

check your local listings, this sounds good:
New Orleans: the utterly original American city that lies at the mouth of the mighty Mississippi. Walled in on almost all sides by water the crowded streets of New Orleans have always been a laboratory where the social forces that characterize American life play out in dramatic and, at times, disastrous fashion.
It's airing in Chicago Feb 12.

[Festering]

Ditto Boston, 9 pm on Channel 2.

-dan

[bluesgirl]

Same for Baltimore & Philly

[breambob]

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/neworleans/

[Zydekitten]

For you NorCal folks, it'll be on:

- KVIE (Channel 6) in the Sacramento/Sierra area at 10:00 pm on 2/12
- KQED (Channel 9) in the S.F. Bay Area at 9:00 pm on 2/12

Gentlepeople, start your Tivos . . .

:D

[PaulC]

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/neworleans/

And for those who may miss it or don't/can't tape it,.. there is this from the website bream supplied:

Watch the Program
Return to this Web site after the American Experience broadcast of New Orleans on Monday night, February 12, 2007 on PBS (check local listings) to watch the entire program online.

[glinda]

Bumping for local times and link to website where you can watch if you miss it tonite...

[ibjamn]

I am watching this show & I disagree with it on sooooo many levels!

[Rossvegas]

Really Jenn? I'm watching it right now and I'm finding it fascinating! I thought I knew a lot about NOLA, but its history is just mesmerizing me...

[funkkjunkie]

Wow. What a range of emotions.

[Rossvegas]

Hey, I just saw myself on teevee! They ended the show with some footage from the (amazing) McDonough 35 Gospel Choir performance from last year's fest, and there I was...

After watching this show, I have absolutely no doubt about the city's ability to rebound. The history is just so storied...so amazing...that I just can't help but seeing this latest chapter in NOLA's history as one more layer of paint on an ever-changing, magnificent canvas. The number of challenges faced (and conquered) by NOLA's citizens over the years is mind boggling, and I have complete faith that you/we shall overcome one day...

[PaulC]

Wow. What a range of emotions.

It sure wasn't black and white,... but it sure was....

[PaulC]

I am watching this show & I disagree with it on sooooo many levels!

I hope you will care to share your thoughts.....

[windowman]

It sure wasn't black and white,... but it sure was....

I can't argue with you, Paul. There is a lot of truth in this program in my perspective. It does not necessarily mean that the people who live in the city are narrow minded, but that there was no shortage of narrow minds that lived here in the past. New Orleans was sixth in population at the turn of the twentieth century and about 35th in 2000. Political corruption is certainly a factor, but just as much is racial intolerance. The "intergration" of N.O. public schools is a truly sad example of how fear can cause people to behave. I call it fear because I have to believe that people are more afraid of change than they are filled with hate of their fellow human. There is never enough love to go around, it seems. We all need to open our hearts a little bigger. Well, except for people like Jenn, who has a huge heart, which is probably why this program upsets her. It upsets me as well, but sometimes the truth will do that. Tomorrow I get a chance, as James Booker once sang, to "make a better world to live in". I thought the program was well done.

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Just finished watching, once again, I am reminded how truly unique New Orleans is. The entire world owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Crescent City. May God Bless New Orleans!!!

[Rossvegas]

I can't remember the exact quote, but one of the best lines in the whole show was one of the last: "New Orleans could teach America how to be America...if it would only listen to it."

Amen.

[ohio]

I was fascinated too. I hope Jenn will share her thoughts...

[ohio]

Hey Now Just finished watching, once again, I am reminded how truly unique New Orleans is. The entire world owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Crescent City. May God Bless New Orleans!!!
Amen!

[VWGal]

Oh man, that felt SO good! The two hours flew by. We are in love with a great great city, aren't we? This is one I should buy, so one day my daughters will come across it and know why their mom had such a thing for New Orleans.

(Having said that, I too am hoping Jenn can give us that local perspective that we might be missing.)

[Moon]

I am watching this show & I disagree with it on sooooo many levels!


Could you elaborate please? Since you're a local, I'd be very interested in your thoughts. What did you find objectional?

[Frosty]

I can't remember the exact quote, but one of the best lines in the whole show was one of the last: "New Orleans could teach America how to be America...if it would only listen to it."

Amen.

What's a shame is that it seems to be America that taught NO racism and segregation. Now, we are teaching it abandonment and hopelesssness.

[MzJoey]

What's a shame is that it seems to be America that taught NO racism and segregation. Now, we are teaching it abandonment and hopelesssness.

...so we just have march on and teach positive values, one child at a time. Try to vote, read and write letters, volunteer and advocate in some altruistic way. Opinions about equalty are really formed by lotsa stuff...as was so clearly in this doc.

KUDOS to all you folks who live where there is bad weather!!! I dunno how you do it w/ kids and pets when there so much bad weather!! My prayers to you all, don't want to clog up the NOLA storms thread...so i'm sending em here!

[Frosty]

...so we just have march on and teach positive values, one child at a time. Try to vote, read and write letters, volunteer and advocate in some altruistic way. Opinions about equalty are really formed by lotsa stuff...as was so clearly in this doc.

KUDOS to all you folks who live where there is bad weather!!! I dunno how you do it w/ kids and pets when there so much bad weather!! My prayers to you all, don't want to clog up the NOLA storms thread...so i'm sending em here!

The general consensus is its either fixed, should be fixed if the people weren't f***-ups, or isn't worth fixing. But then, who needs NO when we have American Idol?

[glinda]

Have to admit, I fell asleep before the end, will have to catch it online.

I do think something was missing - while the segregation/racism is a true element, I think there's also communities with mixed races and many ways in which blacks and whites join together to work and to celebrate life in New Orleans.

It's a complex city and hard to tell the whole herstory in two hours. But overall, it was fascinating and should be seen by everyone in the federal government, as most do not have the appreciation that we all do.

[Frosty]

Have to admit, I fell asleep before the end, will have to catch it online.

I do think something was missing - while the segregation/racism is a true element, I think there's also communities with mixed races and many ways in which blacks and whites join together to work and to celebrate life in New Orleans.

It's a complex city and hard to tell the whole herstory in two hours. But overall, it was fascinating and should be seen by everyone in the federal government, as most do not have the appreciation that we all do.

While it wasn't narrated as such, I felt the closing scenes from Jazz Fest were intended as a statement that blacks and whites DO come together to share in the joy that is New Orleans. It seemed to bring everything back full circle.

[BillericayDicky]

4.30pm UK time and I still can't get the link to work to enable me to view the video. I too love and have an obscession for New Orleans after almost 16 years visiting. It is very difficult explaining to people over here in the UK what it means to miss New Orleans. Can't wait for April. The city will always rock.

[WarehouseDistrict]

I watched the show and, as a resident, I was also fascinated. My husband, a native, thought it was one of the most comprehensive pieces on New Orleans culture and history he's seen.

That said, I can't help but feel a sense of foreboding about the future of this city's "street" culture, which once manifested itself positively in music, cooking and impromptu parading, but that has evolved quite simply into a culture of violent crime.

Conflict resolution on the streets today involve a gun, a murder and an eventual retaliation murder. Oh, and the original shooter, if arrested and not killed, is back on the streets in 60 days to continue the cycle.

It is such a romantic ideal to imagine young kids playing horns on their front stoops throughout the city; you just don't see that anymore. Music is fading from school curriculums due to lack of funding and teachers.

Culturally rich events such as jazz funerals can be dangerous events, due to gunfire, as can seeking out Mardi Gras Indians on bright Mardi Gras morning.

It's just a different city today. When a mother hands her son a gun to go kill the kid who just beat him up in a fistfight (which happened just last week), you know that the culture being passed down generationally is not one to bring much hope....

Sorry, just telling it like it is. And, unfortunately, I don't have the answers.

But the PBS piece was beautifully reminiscent of a place we have all loved.

[Moon]

Watch what you say. Some people around here have real thin skins when it comes to New Orleans and the reality that exits there.

[MzJoey]

Watch what you say. Some people around here have real thin skins when it comes to New Orleans and the reality that exits there.

Id rather talk about it....take back your corner of the world wherever it may be...what are we if we cannot empower ourselves, debate without abuse...i'll listen, i may not agree, but i'll listen...

[Moon]

I'm just saying, some people(myself included)have been attacked for posting anything negative about our favorite place. This is only WarehouseDistrict's 4th post and I was just puttin' out a heads up.

[ohio]

I watched the show and, as a resident, I was also fascinated. My husband, a native, thought it was one of the most comprehensive pieces on New Orleans culture and history he's seen.

That said, I can't help but feel a sense of foreboding about the future of this city's "street" culture, which once manifested itself positively in music, cooking and impromptu parading, but that has evolved quite simply into a culture of violent crime.

Conflict resolution on the streets today involve a gun, a murder and an eventual retaliation murder. Oh, and the original shooter, if arrested and not killed, is back on the streets in 60 days to continue the cycle.

It is such a romantic ideal to imagine young kids playing horns on their front stoops throughout the city; you just don't see that anymore. Music is fading from school curriculums due to lack of funding and teachers.

Culturally rich events such as jazz funerals can be dangerous events, due to gunfire, as can seeking out Mardi Gras Indians on bright Mardi Gras morning.

It's just a different city today. When a mother hands her son a gun to go kill the kid who just beat him up in a fistfight (which happened just last week), you know that the culture being passed down generationally is not one to bring much hope....

Sorry, just telling it like it is. And, unfortunately, I don't have the answers.

But the PBS piece was beautifully reminiscent of a place we have all loved.But don't forget that violence has become the norm all over our country, not just Nola. Things "aren't the same any more" pretty much everywhere.

[WarehouseDistrict]

Thanks for the "heads up," Moon.

I've been reading this board for years, attend JF six of six days (seven of seven in the old days), and partake regularly in cultural and musical events in New Orleans. Not going to get into a battle about my "NOLA credentials," here.

Just four posts? Does that mean that my latest post is any less valid? Are you shooting the messenger because you don't like my version of my NOLA reality?

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Warehouse District, make sure to join the group and say hello during the meet ups at Ms Lenas' beer tent. You wont meet a finer group of people. I agree with what you point out. New Orleans, like the rest of our country, has to find a way to stem the random violence that is plaugeing the nation. Last night, here in my hometown (Salt Lake City) an 18 year old young man walked into a mall, and murdered 6 people in cold blood- people he had never seen before in his life, people who just happened to be in the "wrong" place at the "wrong" time. I have said it many times before- But please, God Bless New Orleans and May God Bless America, and help our nation reject violence and hatred. Matthew

[ohio]

I'm not seein' anyone attacking...
If it ain't worth arguin' about, it ain't worth talkin' about.

[rosetree]

It is such a romantic ideal to imagine young kids playing horns on their front stoops throughout the city; you just don't see that anymore. Music is fading from school curriculums due to lack of funding and teachers.

But the PBS piece was beautifully reminiscent of a place we have all loved.

please read this about school bands...maybe some hope...???
I also started a new thread about it.....

http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-7/1171349622298340.xml&coll=1

[PaulC]

It is such a romantic ideal to imagine young kids playing horns on their front stoops throughout the city; you just don't see that anymore. Music is fading from school curriculums due to lack of funding and teachers.


I enjoyed your entire post but am highlightin' the middle for a reason,.. and that bein' your comment about school curriculums.. Sorry to be so clueless after all my years of festin' but I thought that's where the money from the fest itself went,.. I always thought that was the main purpose???.. And money at 35-45 clamaroos a ticket should sure increase what they have to give to schools compared to what they had to give when they were chargin' but 12 bucks a decade ago...

Help please..............

[WarehouseDistrict]

Indeed, Ohio.

I'm usually not one to bring up problems without offering solutions, but while watching that PBS show last night, I was devoid of any creative thought about how to make it better.

It's just so big that it becomes overwhelming. And that is my day-to-day reality.

[ohio]

I think you'll find we all feel similar about Nola here, even if we don't live there.

[MzJoey]

But please, God Bless New Orleans and May God Bless America, and help our nation reject violence and hatred. Matthew"

....i'm not that much of pollyana. We aren't blaming the victim, New Orleans...just trying to shepard her through this one of many terrible chapters that has befallen her....and what Matt said above!

[PaulC]

I have said it many times before- But please, God Bless New Orleans and May God Bless America, and help our nation reject violence and hatred. Matthew

Violence and hatred both suck,.. but maybe if the government of the good ol' US of A didn't cultivate it so regularly it wouldn't be such an ingrained part of the culture...

Guns do kill people and we absolutely do lead the world in producin' and sellin' them... When we invent better weapons,.. we gather up a bunch of the older stuff and ship it offshore for some spare change,.. ya' know to Iraq, Iran, dictators in Africa and South America,.. harmless fun lovin' people really...

I saw a great t-shirt a year or two ago,.. it had one of those happy smilin' white American faces they used to use in advertsin' back in the 50's and the voice caption above the joyful expression read,.. "We have found the weapons of mass destruction!!!"... to the "right" and under the happy faced dude was a full map picturin' the whole of America with at least 60 colorful stars placed in the states and counties where WE produce them (ya' know,.. the actual weapon production facilites).. The last caption read quite simply,.. "and they are closer than you think."......

[ohio]

Yeah Paul, makes you wonder how this supposed bastion of decency has one of if not the highest rate of addiction & violence in the western world

[PaulC]

Yeah Paul, makes you wonder how this supposed bastion of decency has one of if not the highest rate of addiction & violence in the western world

Spot on there Ohio... but not all addictions are bad....

We all know that the spinnin' wheel of rampant capitalism that we have created here has some serious drawbacks,.. and those huge cracks in the system are a damn good reason we all get "addicted" to that big ol great something that has become the fest... It is without doubt the most peaceful and lovin' big time collection of people I have ever found,.. and all that bestest food and music we find there don't harsh the fun lovin' any...

As the PBS show proved yet again,..New Orleans has a way of puttin' a smile in your step.... The New Orleans spirit soars and and offers a grand excuse to take a break from the daily grind and just let the good life in.......

[dank_bass]

Hey Now Warehouse District, make sure to join the group and say hello during the meet ups at Ms Lenas' beer tent. You wont meet a finer group of people. I agree with what you point out. New Orleans, like the rest of our country, has to find a way to stem the random violence that is plaugeing the nation. Last night, here in my hometown (Salt Lake City) an 18 year old young man walked into a mall, and murdered 6 people in cold blood- people he had never seen before in his life, people who just happened to be in the "wrong" place at the "wrong" time. I have said it many times before- But please, God Bless New Orleans and May God Bless America, and help our nation reject violence and hatred. Matthew

And in Baltimore, 3 Policemen gunneddown and killed, in 3 separate incidents so far THIS YEAR ... It is everywhere

[PaulC]

Hey,... how cool was that old footage of those young kids dancin' up a storm... Talk about bein' ahead of the curve,.. man they had some seriously cool moves goin' on..... Made my heart soar.......

[NeenAtlanta]

I'm just saying, some people(myself included)have been attacked for posting anything negative about our favorite place. This is only WarehouseDistrict's 4th post and I was just puttin' out a heads up.

Aww, Moon - that can't be true. I can't imagine any of the T-heads "attacking" you because you post what you see as New Orleans realtiy. Say it ain't so. Sure, sometimes folks get sensitive, and there is a huge difference between those of us who live elsewhere, versus those whose feet are actually on the street. But we are all pretty unanimous in our love for the city, with all of its ugly warts and beauty. In fact, that dichotomy is one of the things I first fell in love with about NOLA.

[bluedog]

Hey,... how cool was that old footage of those young kids dancin' up a storm... Talk about bein' ahead of the curve,.. man they had some seriously cool moves goin' on..... Made my heart soar.......

DITTO PC!

I got so much from this show last night ... it will make my first trip to NOLA reALLy special. Thanx for the heads up!

[festivalgirl]

There's "bad" everyehwere. Violence, bigotry, intolerance....

I believe the one and only way to turn people around is education. Plain and simple. Ignorance has become the downfall of Americans because, I believe, only ignorant people can hate. A person with even the most basic education should have the tools to take care of the basic necessities of life and feel better about themselves. If we take away the basics or the ability to get the basics - food, clothing, shelter - people become angry, violient and territorial.

Due to Government neglect, New Orleans has become a glaring symbol of what can happen to any city in America if we do not act. We all love NOLA. We volunteer, donate, etc. Do we do it at home?

[ohio]

There's "bad" everyehwere. Violence, bigotry, intolerance....

I believe the one and only way to turn people around is education. Plain and simple. Ignorance has become the downfall of Americans because, I believe, only ignorant people can hate. A person with even the most basic education should have the tools to take care of the basic necessities of life and feel better about themselves. If we take away the basics or the ability to get the basics - food, clothing, shelter - people become angry, violient and territorial.

Due to Government neglect, New Orleans has become a glaring symbol of what can happen to any city in America if we do not act. We all love NOLA. We volunteer, donate, etc. Do we do it at home?Well said!

[PaulC]

I believe the one and only way to turn people around is education. Plain and simple. Ignorance has become the downfall of Americans because, I believe, only ignorant people can hate. A person with even the most basic education should have the tools to take care of the basic necessities of life and feel better about themselves. If we take away the basics or the ability to get the basics - food, clothing, shelter - people become angry, violient and territorial.

Hatred,..angry,.. violent,.. and territorial,.. last I looked Dick Cheney and the like are educated and have way more than the basic necessities of life at their ready,.. and still......

Prior to Kraptina,.. the wife and I almost always took the city bus into town from the New Orleans airport because we wanted to see as much of the place and the local people as we could... Hey,.. I loved the price I admit it,.. but there is no other major city in the U.S. that we would even consider doin' such a thing.. I am positive that many of the locals we met on those rides were impoverished and I assure you we were always in the minority but we never once felt threatened... I'm sure many if not all could probably easily tell we were in town to celebrate (as I always put on the Kabuki and a huge ass huckleberry smile as soon as we land),.. we always received many a smile and acknowledgement in return... I am no where near the shy type and every visit and trip in we meet people who gladly gave us their time and shared stories with us durin' the 45 minute ride... We always learned from them and enjoyed their company...

Through the years we have felt much shame in our Country as we looked upon the stiflin' impoverished conditions in New Orleans,.. but the vast majority of poor people we have encountered have been blessed with a positive spirit unlike any that we encounter elsewhere.... Obviously,.. the longer younger kids are exposed to the angry street crap that they sell as culture nowadays,.. the worse off we will all be as a society...

In comparison,.. for the past many years I had, and still have, many very wealthy neighbors who share little with me that I would consider real joy... For many years they eagerly shared their hatred for Clinton (still to this day the mere mention of his name gets them all riled up),.. and if they let down their guard and talk long enough there is laways a slap at minorites and the poor,.. but their love for green manicured grass is always evident... I used to try to smile and then I would excuse myself a lot,.. now I just smile and wave..... They have educations,.. but the longer they hold to the Rush Lumpo like crap that they are sold nowadays the worse off we will all be as a society....

Speakin' of education,.. ya' know only 62% of Americans disapprove of the war in Iraq... that leaves an amazingly large percentage who APPROVE,.. and further they actually approve of the way the war is bein' handled...... explain that....................

[mauibreeze]

Thanks for the "heads up," Moon.

I've been reading this board for years, attend JF six of six days (seven of seven in the old days), and partake regularly in cultural and musical events in New Orleans. Not going to get into a battle about my "NOLA credentials," here.

Just four posts? Does that mean that my latest post is any less valid? Are you shooting the messenger because you don't like my version of my NOLA reality?

I agree whole heartedly!! When did the chat turn into some form of hierarchy...Junior Member, Senior what...1 post 2posts, 3 posts more than you makes someone better or less than what....the chat(o.k. now called forum) was originally formed as a way for us Festers to revel in all things Fest...and whatever other pea pickin' topics added to our giddiness regarding Fest...Sounds like some of us need to refocus our energies and be thankfull we are part of a group of like minded festing freaks!!!! Long live Fest and Festing!!!!....When i show up I'd rather talk about that time I was 'roped' by some chocolate covered strawberry and danced with a man named tutu....

[MzJoey]

Hey,... how cool was that old footage of those young kids dancin' up a storm... Talk about bein' ahead of the curve,.. man they had some seriously cool moves goin' on..... Made my heart soar.......

I looked at their faces while they were dancin'....they had faces of glee!

[PaulC]

I agree whole heartedly!! When did the chat turn into some form of hierarchy...Junior Member, Senior what...1 post 2posts, 3 posts more than you makes someone better or less than what....the chat(o.k. now called forum) was originally formed as a way for us Festers to revel in all things Fest...and whatever other pea pickin' topics added to our giddiness regarding Fest...Sounds like some of us need to refocus our energies and be thankfull we are part of a group of like minded festing freaks!!!! Long live Fest and Festing!!!!....When i show up I'd rather talk about that time I was 'roped' by some chocolate covered strawberry and danced with a man named tutu....


The joy that fest provides always comes first,.. and I'm sorry to be so political lately (not enough to stop though),.. but I try my damdest to confine it to a just those threads that have social issues ingrained in them..... The program last night highlighted much of the joy New Olreans provides to us all,.. but it exposed plenty of other things too....

I'm 99.9999 % positive that Moon's intentions were not based on a hierarchy type of rankin',.. he was aimin' to be helpful...

The minute Bush shows proof that those promises that he made in Jackson Square were not as empty as they have so far proved themselves to be then I will cease and desist in political talk.....

There are always hundreds of threeads where there is nothin' but giddiness and love to be found,... t-heads have plenty of both......

[PaulC]

I looked at their faces while they were dancin'....they had faces of glee!

That glee expressed in those incredbily funky moves were beyond cool........

[Michelino]

The joy that fest provides always comes first,.. and I'm sorry to be so political lately (not enough to stop though),.. but I try my damdest to confine it to a just those threads that have social issues ingrained in them..... The program last night highlighted much of the joy New Olreans provides to us all,.. but it exposed plenty of other things too....

I'm 99.9999 % positive that Moon's intentions were not based on a hierarchy type of rankin',.. he was aimin' to be helpful...

The minute Bush shows proof that those promises that he made in Jackson Square were not as empty as they have so far proved themselves to be then I will cease and desist in political talk.....

There are always hundreds of threeads where there is nothin' but giddiness and love to be found,... t-heads have plenty of both......

I have been staying away from joining the fray...a tacit truce I made with another threadhead. But when I read your posts, it makes it easier, cause I want to say is already written...in other words from another generation: Right On My Brother!

[PaulC]

I have been staying away from joining the fray...a tacit truce I made with another threadhead. But when I read your posts, it makes it easier, cause I want to say is already written...in other words from another generation: Right On My Brother!

I can,.. with all truth,.. extend the exact same sentiments to you and your crab crusade to place fest above all else that came afterwards.... For many days and nights,.. your words,.. my thoughts...

Write On Mich,.. Write On!!!!.......

[Rossvegas]

Well, I too have tried to stay away from the 'political' discussions and overtones - I AM a foreigner after all! - but I have to say that I am just sickened and disgusted to see what is happening to one of the greatest cities in America...hell, the world.

Up here we see and hear lots of rhetoric about GW (and whoever might succeed him) being "the leader of the free world", but what respect can I possibly have for a leader that would stand by and allow the cultural bedrock of its entire nation fall to waste? It I learned anything from last night's documentary, it was that NOLA was the perfect microcosm for everything that is right...and wrong...about America. The co-existence of race and class, the birth of a unique (and completely democratic) artform (Jazz), the breeding ground for some of the nation's greatest writers, artists and playwrites...NOLA is all of that.

The city is America's Paris, its Venice, its Rome...and someone has allowed this magnificent flagship to descend into a bellweather of all that is wrong with the nation. What the f*ck???

I don't hold NOLA completely blameless. After all, what other place in the world would eagerly sacrifice its gloriously historic district by turning it into a haven for little more than titty bars and big-ass beers? It's almost as if the city challenges the world to kill it...because it believes it can survive anything.

Fix New Orleans and you fix America. Let New Orleans go, and kiss goodbye to every value that Americans rightfully hold dear: peace, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness...because if it can happen in the TRUE cradle of your civilization, it can happen anywhere. Its the canary in the coalmine.

I am truly shocked that some politicians (who shall remain nameless!) have the audacity to spend their nation's precious resources pounding their philosophy and platitudes about "their way of life" into other nations while their own precious jewel - the breeding ground of EVERYTHING that has formed that way of life - is laid to waste through neglect and ignorrance.

Sorry if i offended anyone!

[rosetree]

Fix New Orleans and you fix America. Let New Orleans go, and kiss goodbye to every value that Americans rightfully hold dear: peace, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness...because if it can happen in the TRUE cradle of your civilization, it can happen anywhere. Its the canary in the coalmine. !

Tru Dat!! Thanks for keeping the flame alive. As long as we can hold the responsible people's feet to the fire, we have a fighting chance. Keeping NOLA's problems in the forefront of this sound-bite world is going to take a hell of a lot of determination. I'm glad that I see the indignation and disappointment of the people on this bored who really feel a common love for our city. Keep shouting!!

[breambob]

Heads up. Looks like it will be at the end of the broadcast tonight. In about 50 minutes. Can't wait to see what he has to say.

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Ross, I also have left alone political topics, as I want to focus on the 1 thing that brings us ALL to this board; the Music and Magic that is the city of New Orleans!!! I do agree with what you wrote, that New Orleans is the United States' Paris, Rome or Venice..... But its even more vital than that. With all due respect to Paris or Rome or Venice (all lovely cities that I have spent time in) New Orleans forged an entirely unique style of music that is known and loved the world over. Jazz is America. New Orleans is the one city people associate with Jazz music. Anyone who loves music owed a huge debt of gratitude to the Crescent City!!! May God Bless New Orleans! Matthew PS -Ross look forward to hanging out again with you at Instruments a Commin'!!!

[windowman]

Thanks for that heads-up!

[csoul]

[
In comparison,.. for the past many years I had, and still have, many very wealthy neighbors who share little with me that I would consider real joy... For many years they eagerly shared their hatred for Clinton (still to this day the mere mention of his name gets them all riled up),.. and if they let down their guard and talk long enough there is laways a slap at minorites and the poor,.. but their love for green manicured grass is always evident... I used to try to smile and then I would excuse myself a lot,.. now I just smile and wave..... They have educations,.. but the longer they hold to the Rush Lumpo like crap that they are sold nowadays the worse off we will all be as a society....QUOTE]

Oh my god, Paul......I think I love you!!! I tell my husband the exact same thing about our neighbors on a weekly basis.....and like you, I have taken to just smiling and waving....quite literally, their green grass is a higher priority for them than their fellow man...?????

I watched the special on PBS and here's my take......I can't remember who, but one of the folks they were interviewing in the show made a comment to the effect that "To love NOLA, means to love her whole. Her good, and her bad." The other thing I took from it was that for so many people, NOLA is the one place where they felt like they were home. I could so relate to that. And, with her good, her bad, and her ugly, I can't wait until I can call NOLA home.

[funkkjunkie]

I would love to hear from all you locals who caught the show on New Orleans last night.

[breambob]

Heads up. Looks like it will be at the end of the broadcast tonight. In about 50 minutes. Can't wait to see what he has to say.

WOW! Very powerful and moving. Almost had me leaky-eyed, Chris was that way too. This is a must see, folks. It will probably be on the Newshour website.

The mp3 audio is up at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/
under "Essay: Milestones"

[glinda]

WOW! Very powerful and moving. Almost had me leaky-eyed, Chris was that way too. This is a must see, folks. It will probably be on the Newshour website.

The mp3 audio is up at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/
under "Essay: Milestones"

Sorry I missed it live, but wow! Glad to be able to hear Chris. Voice of New Orleans' soul. Thanks for the link, bream.

[MormonMatthew]

Just finished watching Chris Roses' commentary. What an articulate, powerful voice for the city of New Orleans. It's a shame those in charge of the city (and the state and the COUNTRY) dont share his vision, passion, or insight. God Bless New Orleans!!! Matthew

[MzJoey]

...from Mac's link...it's a great piece and comes through well on this audio broadcast.
Hey, happy to see y'all chattin up a storm...when i see y'all "workin it",
i know it's better than any damn think tank out there. SI SE PUEDE!!

[PaulC]

The city is America's Paris, its Venice, its Rome...and someone has allowed this magnificent flagship to descend into a bellweather of all that is wrong with the nation. What the f*ck???

I don't hold NOLA completely blameless. After all, what other place in the world would eagerly sacrifice its gloriously historic district by turning it into a haven for little more than titty bars and big-ass beers? It's almost as if the city challenges the world to kill it...because it believes it can survive anything.

Fix New Orleans and you fix America. Let New Orleans go, and kiss goodbye to every value that Americans rightfully hold dear: peace, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness...because if it can happen in the TRUE cradle of your civilization, it can happen anywhere. Its the canary in the coalmine.

I am truly shocked that some politicians (who shall remain nameless!) have the audacity to spend their nation's precious resources pounding their philosophy and platitudes about "their way of life" into other nations while their own precious jewel - the breeding ground of EVERYTHING that has formed that way of life - is laid to waste through neglect and ignorrance.

Sorry if i offended anyone!

Ross you said plenty that could be discussed for days on end,.. but ya' can't think that Bourbon is "The Quarter"... After my initial trip down that venue I have forever seperated the two.... One's a carnival street,.. the rest of the Quarter IS New Orleans (with a few too many t-shirt shops)... C'mon,.. I love almost every nook and crany in the Quarter (except for those aromatic nooks and cranies where recent human activities have taken place,.. those nasty attacks on the ol' nostrils can knock you backwards) and I almost never do Bourbon*.... And as we all learned last night,.. the Quarter has seen plenty of ups and downs through the years.....

And don't worry about insultin',.. the crew who stole the White House (twice now... first in Fla,.. then in Ohio) has insulted every single thing they pretend to hold sacred... Hypocrisy at the highest reaches has reached levels that the likes of Ted Haggard can't even match... Every time Junior invokes the name of the Almighty,.. the rest of the world starts their stop watches to see when the Holy bombin' starts.... And family values???.. Man what says family more than havin' 140,000 of our own seperated from their loved ones to bring help bring "democracy' to those who don't want it... The majority of the National Guard did not sign on to do lose their jobs and watch their marriages get spit out by the war machine as they are forced to extend their aptly named "stays" overseas...

And watchin' all those many jobs be sent overseas year after year to further enrich the fattest of wall street cats,.. well that sure extends a hearty family greetin' to those who lose their good payin' livlihoods day after day... Yup,.. nothin' helps strengthen family values like havin' 2-3 families forced under one roof.......

As for New Orleans,.. she is an absolute jewel,.. and those of us lucky enough to have come to know her and appreciate even a hint of her unique gifts will forever cherish her,.. but the vast majority of Americans do not hold her up to the same high esteem.. And Junior's Jackson Square photo op has proved to be just more bluster and broken promises on his part... The future is unknown but I pray the Creole ways will persevere....

Speakin' of broken promises,.. that segment about the needless and foolhearty blowin' of the levee last night was beyond mind blowin'..... The present day crew must have studied well those methods of lies and abuse of power....

If my thoughts haven't driven you nuts by know,.. could somebody please address my earlier concerns about the school music programs...



*I said almost never do Bourbon (except those rare times when the allure of the sirens tempt me ashore at Rick's... Always with the far better halfs approval and never extend the visit beyond two "Heinies" amongst the veri-table "sea" of them).... Must also admit to enjoyin' the Canal end of Bourbon more than a few times.... ya' know ,.. the Redfish Grill,.. and the always reinvented Storyville corner across from the far more recent Bourbon House stop...

[PaulC]

Heads up. Looks like it will be at the end of the broadcast tonight. In about 50 minutes. Can't wait to see what he has to say.

Will seek out the replay online... That's now become my last thing before beddy bye thing to do tonight... Will save The Daily Show and The Repor' for a mornin' replay... Thanx for the headsup Bream....

[PaulC]

I tell my husband the exact same thing about our neighbors on a weekly basis.....and like you, I have taken to just smiling and waving....quite literally, their green grass is a higher priority for them than their fellow man...?????

I watched the special on PBS and here's my take......I can't remember who, but one of the folks they were interviewing in the show made a comment to the effect that "To love NOLA, means to love her whole. Her good, and her bad." The other thing I took from it was that for so many people, NOLA is the one place where they felt like they were home. I could so relate to that. And, with her good, her bad, and her ugly, I can't wait until I can call NOLA home.

Smile and wave....... what else can you do???... Real discussion is near impossible... Did I say near??... It is impossible.... I am surrounded by people who claim (like most Republicans) that they don't want government tellin' them what to do... But these deed restricted anal junkies want to tell everybody else what to do... Amazin' beyond my comprehension...

I posted a few days ago how my neighbors hold their grass above all God's beautiful creatures,... intense overfertilization and constant poisons (designed to kill bugs) work their way into the ecosysytem in Florida on a second by second basis... "Oh I love nature,.. honey kill that thing will ya'".....

Love your take on NOLA....

[PaulC]

Just finished watching Chris Roses' commentary. What an articulate, powerful voice for the city of New Orleans. It's a shame those in charge of the city (and the state and the COUNTRY) dont share his vision, passion, or insight. God Bless New Orleans!!! Matthew

Bring on Obama bay-beeeeee...........................

Common sense combined with common decency all backed by uncommon intelligence....

[PaulC]

I apologize for totally hijackin' this thread and takin' it in a different direction,.. please continue to address the issues that were raised on the program,.. or start a new thread in it's place... No more posts from me on this or the new thread...

I am goin' to ask a question ot two on a new thread concernin' the local school music programs and the Jazz Fest Foundation and then I'm goin' to take a hiatus....

[Frosty]

[
In comparison,.. for the past many years I had, and still have, many very wealthy neighbors who share little with me that I would consider real joy... For many years they eagerly shared their hatred for Clinton (still to this day the mere mention of his name gets them all riled up),.. and if they let down their guard and talk long enough there is laways a slap at minorites and the poor,.. but their love for green manicured grass is always evident... I used to try to smile and then I would excuse myself a lot,.. now I just smile and wave..... They have educations,.. but the longer they hold to the Rush Lumpo like crap that they are sold nowadays the worse off we will all be as a society....QUOTE]

Oh my god, Paul......I think I love you!!! I tell my husband the exact same thing about our neighbors on a weekly basis.....and like you, I have taken to just smiling and waving....quite literally, their green grass is a higher priority for them than their fellow man...?????

I watched the special on PBS and here's my take......I can't remember who, but one of the folks they were interviewing in the show made a comment to the effect that "To love NOLA, means to love her whole. Her good, and her bad." The other thing I took from it was that for so many people, NOLA is the one place where they felt like they were home. I could so relate to that. And, with her good, her bad, and her ugly, I can't wait until I can call NOLA home.

This is so funny because my neighbors (meaning community) are more concerned with attacking everything Bush and blaming Bush and then going back to replanting their Kerry '04 signs after the landscapers are done mowing their yards. To them, the entire Katrina story is "its a shame what Bush did". Huh?

They are no better than the others.

[Frosty]

Bring on Obama bay-beeeeee...........................

Common sense combined with common decency all backed by uncommon intelligence....

I'm praying its Obama so the Democrats will quit alienating the working class/ middle America voters and we can end the wars on science, religious freedom, education, Iraq, and personal privacy that have erupted under this administration.

[dank_bass]

[
In comparison,.. for the past many years I had, and still have, many very wealthy neighbors who share little with me that I would consider real joy... For many years they eagerly shared their hatred for Clinton (still to this day the mere mention of his name gets them all riled up),.. and if they let down their guard and talk long enough there is laways a slap at minorites and the poor,.. but their love for green manicured grass is always evident... I used to try to smile and then I would excuse myself a lot,.. now I just smile and wave..... They have educations,.. but the longer they hold to the Rush Lumpo like crap that they are sold nowadays the worse off we will all be as a society....QUOTE]

Oh my god, Paul......I think I love you!!! I tell my husband the exact same thing about our neighbors on a weekly basis.....and like you, I have taken to just smiling and waving....quite literally, their green grass is a higher priority for them than their fellow man...?????

I watched the special on PBS and here's my take......I can't remember who, but one of the folks they were interviewing in the show made a comment to the effect that "To love NOLA, means to love her whole. Her good, and her bad." The other thing I took from it was that for so many people, NOLA is the one place where they felt like they were home. I could so relate to that. And, with her good, her bad, and her ugly, I can't wait until I can call NOLA home.

That was Irvin Mayfield, and we should all probably apply that quote to alot of things in life. You cant pick and choose what spects of different things you want to embrace. NOLA's problems, are semi-directly tied to its carefee-ness and decadence, and quite frankly I go there for the carefree-ness and decadence, and you have to accpet the whole package. Granted there are some things we wish were different, but until we find Utopia, NOLA is the best city the world can offer!!