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By Katie-Bird Brupbacher on
1/25/2010 9:08 AM
As the new year begins to unfold, I ponder with great anticipation all of the upcoming wine-related fun that 2010 holds. Many dinners, tastings and special events come to mind, but to be a part of all of this, a little pre-planning is needed. Get your calendars out and consider attending these affairs, many of which are in your own back yard.
Krewe of Cork Parade (February 5)
The Krewe of Cork is a Mardi Gras event that combines the three things I love most- wine, food, and fun! The day begins with the check-in party and continues as a parade through the French Quarter, with krewe members donning wine and grape-related costumes. The event culminates with a King and Queen’s party that evening. In between, there is wine, food of course, then wine and a brass band, and then more wine. Don’t miss this one. To find out more, visit www.kreweofcork.com for information about membership and to see some pictures (as above)...
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By Elizabeth Manshel on
1/25/2010 9:06 AM
Do I dare even think it, do I dare even write about it? I am so superstitious that I am even nervous to type the words Saints and Super bowl in the same sentence for fear of jinxing them! However, as of this moment in history we have secured the division title and home field advantage, so with cautious optimism I am going to go ahead and plan a black and gold menu for the first of several playoff games. (Who knows, maybe you will be able to use some of these recipes for a Saintly Super Bowl!)
The following recipes are easy ones I created to keep the black and gold spirit alive and flowing, even down to the color of the food you serve on game day! I also included a recipe for crabmeat mornay dip. I came across this old standby a couple of weeks ago and brought it to a holiday party never thinking that it would be such a big hit! Sometimes we just need to go back to the tried and true oldies but goodies when we want a winner appetizer for our party.
I hope you...
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By Jeff Crouere on
1/25/2010 9:02 AM
Since he was elected, U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise (R-Metairie) has been making headlines on Capitol Hill. On many issues such as healthcare reform, the conservative congressman has been at the forefront of the fight against the liberal agenda of President Obama.
Despite his high profile back home, many people from around the country were unaware of Scalise until he tangled with Al Gore on the issue of global warming in April. At the congressional hearing, Scalise was the only committee member to aggressively question Gore about his harebrained theories on global warming. Scalise examined the lack of true science behind Gore’s theories. While Gore stressed it was “settled,” Scalise pointed out that thousands of scientists disagree with the belief that humans are causing the globe to warm. By exposing Gore, Scalise provided a true service to the entire country.
Today, Scalise is again leading the fight on this issue by disputing the radical agenda of the Copenhagen climate change meeting. In December, delegates from around the world descended on Copenhagen to find agreement on climate change. The agenda of the global warming purists is at odds with reality and the economic interests of billions of people. To the global warming believers “climate change” is the worst problem we face as a planet and it is essential that nations commit to reduce their carbon emissions. In reality, the conference attendees are not acting like scientists, but, instead, activists who are pushing an agenda.
...
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By Nixon Adams on
1/25/2010 9:00 AM
When the calendar page flips over to a new year – especially as a new decade begins, as is the case in 2010 - it’s a time for serious reflection. Frankly, however, I have not been real pleased with my reflection lately; that’s the price one pays for being a life-long, committed omnivore. But rather than making an effort to change and clean up my dietary act and exercise routine this year, I have instead resolved, upon reflection, to militantly resist change, unless that involves a lot of effort.
What, after all, is wrong with the way things are? Will no one speak up for inertia? Why is it in America that it’s always about the next new thing? I finally came to understand recently what tweeting and twittering are, and now I find out that they’re on the way out. Three thousand years for civilization to get from parchment to what seems to be the pinnacle of instant messaging, and poof … the next new thing is gone in the blink of an eye. The world is whizzing past me like I’m...
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By Sheri.Sable.Campbell on
1/25/2010 8:58 AM
OK, northshore. Christmas is over. The tree is down and out of the house and all the ornaments and decorations are neatly tucked away in the attic. Now what? Playoffs and parades! That’s what!
In southern Louisiana, a celebration is hardly over and we are already planning our next party. This year there is no time to spare! With a Fat Tuesday date of February 16 in 2010, it is time to finalize your game plan for fun and festivities!
The Covington/Mandeville area will have to wait until February to see any real parade action; however, the City of Slidell gets things rolling right away with the four parades in January.
The Krewe of Claude kicks off the carnival season in Slidell on Sunday, January 17 at 1:00 pm. The following weekend the fun continues with the Krewe of Slidellians on Sunday, January 24 at 1:00. The Krewe of Bilge Boat Parade will be parading in 2010 for its 31st year throughout the waterways of St Tammany Parish....
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By Donna Plaia on
1/25/2010 8:56 AM
As a dreary, rainy dawn broke on wet and desolate Girod Street around 6 am on Dec. 12, about the only thing stirring were a couple of soaking wet Old Mandeville Business Association volunteers scanning the empty street for some sign of arts, crafts or food vendors.
And like a low growling dog, echoes of the phrase "bah humbug" and others perhaps not printable rumbled in the unrelenting rain cloud sodden morning.
It was increasingly clear as the dismal morning displayed itself that your OMBA-sponsored Christmas Past Festival No. 6 simply was not to be. Against the reality of falling rain, null and void prospects of the day producing any significant number of street strolling shoppers, with many vendors simply not showing up at all and with more rain on the way, Christmas Past Festival chairman Richard Boyd made the difficult decision to call it off. Later in the day, the City of Mandeville, for the same reasons, canceled its lakefront “Winter on the Water”...
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By Evans C. Spiceland on
1/25/2010 8:53 AM
Contrary to popular myth we do not live in a democracy, and hopefully we will never succumb to its false allure. In their infinite wisdom, our “Founding Fathers” created a most unique bicameral form of government, best described as a representative republic. As one of our most esteemed founders, John Adams, warned, “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy that did not commit suicide.” In our founders’ view, democracy is majority rule that is ultimately destructive of liberty because there are no laws and other safeguards to prevent a simple majority from trampling on the rights of the disenfranchised.
The term democracy is not found in our Nation’s Constitution and for good reason. We are not a democracy, we are a republic, as specifically stated in Article IV of the Constitution which “guarantee(s) to every State in the Union a Republican form of Government.” The Federal Government was established under...
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By James Hartman on
1/25/2010 8:51 AM
As Carnival season approaches, northshore krewes are gearing-up for the holiday of the year. But after another year of parade preparation combined with another year of economic recession, krewes are looking at the same problem they had last year: declining membership.
The crowds are still there, but the costumed riders – and distributors of coveted throws – are fewer in number. “We lost 100 members this year and we’re down two floats,” said Tara Ingram-Hunter, vice president of Slidell’s Krewe of Selene.
“We lost quite a few members,” said Allen Little, captain of the Krewe of Perseus. “We used to have 17 floats.” This year, Perseus will have only 13 floats.
“We have 350 members currently, and that is down slightly from previous years,” said Brett Lowe, captain of the Original Krewe of Orpheus in Mandeville.
So why the declining membership? Surely not a waning interest in the Carnival tradition?
“The current economy is a direct (cause) of our membership...
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By Sandra Slifer on
1/25/2010 8:48 AM
The recent reports of generous gift giving by the Jefferson Parish Government employees to Parish President Aaron Broussard echo the gift-giving practices in Mandeville. Where did this practice of employees being pressured by department heads to pony up money for expensive holiday and birthday gifts for the head honcho begin? What kind of culture creates an environment where elected officials are comfortable accepting gifts from their employees and government contractors? Should the state enact laws that more strictly limit the use of campaign funds? And lastly, should public employees be prohibited from working on politician’s political campaigns?
There is no doubt that the residents of Louisiana deserve better behavior from our politicians. We have endured a seemingly endless parade of public officials accused of wrongdoing; some of the cases have gone through the legal system and resulted in convictions. State Senators, Parish Presidents, Chief Administrative Officers, Mayors,...
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By Don Dubuc on
1/25/2010 8:46 AM
“Don’t feed the Bears.” Not only are you likely to find that popular sign in zoos and wildlife parks, it’s also a message that the La Department of Wildlife & Fisheries wants to get out to hunters. In a special “Hunters Edition” of Bear Safety in Mind brochure there’s information regarding historical facts about black bear in Louisiana, how to prevent hunter/bear conflicts, what to do should you encounter a bear and laws protecting bears.
The yet unsolved killing Sunday December 20, of a female Louisiana black bear that was found dead by a hunter on Three Rivers Wildlife management Area in Concordia Parish, is the last in a growing list and proves the need for more and better education about these unique, endangered mammals.
According to Enforcement Division's Lt. Col. Keith Lacaze the bear was shot. "This is the fourth illegally killed bear on a WMA to date for the 2009-10 hunting season. Three others have been killed on Red River WMA,” he said. “This is the fourth illegally killed bear on a WMA to date for the 2009-10 hunting season. This bear, along with her three cubs, was moved in 2006 as part of the multi-agency Louisiana Black Bear Reintroduction Program. She denned on Three Rivers WMA and produced two cubs in 2009. The status of her orphaned cubs is unknown. ...
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By Jean Champagne on
1/25/2010 8:43 AM
The New Year is the traditional time for good intentions, usually manifested in the form of resolutions for self-improvement, ranging from the prosaic (e.g., losing weight or stopping smoking) to the esoteric (e.g., mastering Mandarin Chinese). The reasons for this probably have more to do with the winter solstice than religious observance, as the shortest day of the year falls on December 21 or 22, after which the days begin to lengthen and the seasons begin to reverse, bringing renewal and rebirth. In most of the world, the feasting and celebrating come to a close with the New Year, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras notwithstanding. For good reason, it just feels like the right time to change one’s habits for the better.
Tending towards the prosaic, I have often resolved to lose weight beginning in January, with varying results. This typically follows a holiday season of indulgence, with a common holiday exchange with my wife proceeding as follows: She - “Just how fat are...
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By Barbara.Jim.Twardowski on
1/25/2010 8:37 AM
Mardi Gras is less than six weeks away and for many Northshore families, it is the perfect time to take a vacation.
Christine Beesley, owner of McGehee Travel Agency in Mandeville, says the four favorite trips for locals during Mardi Gras are: Disney, skiing, island destinations and cruises. Always a kid-pleasing choice, more than 400,000 Louisianians visit Orlando every year. The middle of ski season is February and Beesley says, “You are almost guaranteed the snowfall will be good.” The islands have perfect weather and no one has to worry about hurricanes. Cruises, especially out of New Orleans, are convenient and an alternative to flying.
The toughest part of traveling during Carnival season is finding a flight. Beesley advises people to plan early. “The more time you have, the better the fare, the better the accommodations or the better the cabin. If you wait until two days before Mardi Gras--you will have to drive,” she says. No matter which...
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By CT Williams III on
1/25/2010 8:34 AM
In order to stay afloat, a compulsory effect of the recession for many companies has been a concentrated and immediate focus on the bottom line. As a result, employers and their employees have felt the inevitable strain of extensive layoffs, chaotic restructurings, and difficult cuts and freezes in pay and benefits. But, as hopes of a recovering economy increase, and the anticipation and promises of a new year approach, executives, managers and business owners are turning their focus on the engagement and commitment of their employees.
With the sudden changes and uncertainty employees have anxiously weathered this year, employee commitment has taken a hard hit; especially among top performers, according to a survey by Watson Wyatt Worldwide. Employees have become dissatisfied as they are asked to do more with less, worry about instability, and often mistrust their employers.
But, employee engagement is imperative to any and every organization no matter the size of the company...
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By James Hartman on
1/25/2010 8:29 AM
This is my new year's resolution:
When my mother-in-law begins to yell and shout
Through the window I would like to throw her out.
But I resolve not to do it, here is why:
I'm afraid of hitting someone passing by.
Spike Jones, “Happy New Year”
Ah, New Year! The natural extension of the holiday season that began six weeks ago with Thanksgiving and the harbinger of the bacchanal called Mardi Gras. And, of course, the season of resolutions.
It has become almost expected that each of us make resolutions he has no real intention of keeping. Quit smoking? Check. Diet and lose 20 pounds by swimsuit season? Check. Thrice-weekly trips to the gym? Check. Buy the Brooklyn Bridge from a guy on the corner? About as likely.
But for public officials around the northshore, it’s also a time to look ahead to some other lively fiestas and make some serious decision-making and goal setting. If only because they are...
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By Rhonda Landry on
1/25/2010 8:23 AM
As a slumping economy and worries about job losses cause more stress in our lives, people are trying harder to balance their physical and fiscal health. Can you afford to keep that health club membership? Can you afford not to? It may seem insignificant in the face of such weighty matters, but exercise can help you weather the stress of hard times and local health clubs want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Health clubs have historically fared well during economic downturns. This time around the results seem to be mixed. A recent survey by the American Heart Association found that 57 percent of respondents said the economy had impacted their ability to pay attention to their health and 25 percent had cancelled their gym or health club memberships in the past six months.
Another recent study conducted jointly by Opinion Research Corporation and Anytime Fitness found that 60 percent of fitness club members...
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By James Hartman on
1/25/2010 8:20 AM
Psst! Have you heard? There’s a recession. Pass it on.
And if you haven’t heard, you’ve been living on the moon for the last 18 months. Thing is, around the Northshore the recession is… well… as they say, not so much. Unemployment hereabouts is lower than in the region, state and nation. Building permits and home sales are inching upward. And while tax revenue is down from last year, it’s still up-up-up from 2004 – you remember: the pre-Katrina, pre-false economy days when things were normal?
No doubt there have been job losses, a foreclosure or three, and businesses failing. But jobs always get lost, foreclosures always happen, and businesses always fail. It is what it is. So what’s a banker to do?
“We believe there has been an economic downturn and it has affected the industry,” said Laura Brandt, vice president and director of Citizens Bank and Trust Company.
But, Brandt was quick to add, for most consumers the impact isn’t severe.
“Customers that have performed...
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By Lacey Toledano on
1/25/2010
Leadership has been defined in several ways. Among the most simple of explanations is “walking the walk”—not just talking about what needs to be done, but actually making it happen.
Our Chamber is fortunate to have many leaders among our ranks, particularly those that make up our Board of Directors, Executive Committee and committee chairmen. It is these individuals who carry out our purpose and mission. Together, they work to promote business in the community, provide programs and activities that benefit our entire 1,000 plus members, and strengthen the business climate of St. Tammany Parish.
The 2010 Executive Committee has been recently elected, and is made up of eight business leaders, each who donate a great deal of energy and expertise to advancing our goals and objectives, in the end, accomplishing specific tasks through their leadership.
Our 2010 board chairman will be Michele Avery...
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By Donna Hellmers on
1/25/2010 8:15 AM
Happy New Year!!!
The Hammond Chamber formally installed its new officers and Board of Directors at the Annual Installation and Awards Luncheon. Outgoing board members were recognized for their service, leadership and support; volunteers were recognized for the selfless giving of their time and the chamber launched its 60th Anniversary Celebration.
We are excited about our new leadership and the enthusiasm that they will bring to the chamber in 2010. Michelle Gallo, Child Advocacy Services, will take the helm as Chairman of the Board, Chris Moody, Moody & Johnson Attorneys at Law, will serve as Chairman-Elect; Grady Brame, Stirling Properties, will manage the chamber finances as Treasurer and Daryl Ferrara, Vice President Hancock Bank, will serve in an advisory capacity as Ex-Officio. Our new leadership brings with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that will take the chamber further along the path of progress and we look forward to another successful year.
Annually,...
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By Dawn Sharpe on
1/25/2010 8:12 AM
On behalf of the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff, we would like to thank our members for their continued support in the business community of St. Tammany Parish and our region. 2009 was a record-breaking year for our Chamber: Named Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Chamber of the Year; Awarded Louisiana Culture Award for Economic Development; Provided Value Services to Membership with over 90 events; Membership at an all time high of 851 members; Provided a voice of Business on local, state and federal levels; and we are continuing to build coalitions for a strong business community. Because of the dedication of our community during economic hard times to the chamber, this year our Board of Directors is excited to offer our members and new members for 2010 their Chamber Investments without an increase in dues.
At our December Holiday Board Breakfast, Slidell Mayor Ben Morris joined us to install our 2010 Board of Directors. We are proud to present...
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By Denis Bechac on
1/25/2010 8:09 AM
C and C Drugs has permanently opened shop with a brand-new drugstore in West St. Tammany. Specifically, it’s on the corner of Lonesome Road and Louisiana Highway 59 near Mandeville. It’s a beautiful location that sits on four acres surrounded by lovely oak trees.
Jim and Scott Vallee, natives of Arabi in St. Bernard Parish, continues to provide the high level of service C and C Drugs has been known for four decades. It was over forty years ago when C and C Drugs first opened its doors in Arabi. The Cuchera brothers opened the drugstore in February of 1965, but were flooded by Hurricane Betsy in September of that same year.
After Betsy, the Cuchera Brothers split and Jim Vallee began working for the remaining Cuchera brother at C and C Drugs. In 1984, Jim bought the business from Cuchera and then Cuchera worked for him until his retirement. The Arabi location is still in operation today.
Ironically, it took another hurricane (Katrina) for the Vallee’s to...
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