Pic of the day

Posted on January 27, 2012 by barbawit

Three years ago today you left us, we all miss you Mom.

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Back on the crime beat

Posted on January 27, 2012 by barbawit

Crime continues to be the number one issue that is keeping the City of New Orleans from being a great place to live and visit. The press conferences by the Mayor and the Police Chief fail to answer the questions on how to solve the problem, or to give the citizens and visitors a feeling that the problem is under control. I don’t have the answer either, I can however identify one major part of the problem. The same people are committing violent crime over and over again. A court system whose docket encourages plea deals for lighter sentences, a D.A.’s office that seems to be selective on the cases they take to trial because of workload ,and sloppy police work all contribute to the problem.

The Police Department’s controversial policy of releasing the criminal records of victims as well the records of the killer ( if they catch the Killer ) is intended to show the public that if you keep you nose clean you are not likely to become a victim of crime. This policy backfired in the case of the “good Samaritan” murder in Algiers. The victim Harry “Mike” Ainsworth hailed as a hero after losing his life when he intervened in an attempted carjacking. Ainsworth who had done volunteer work for N.O.P.D. as part of a citizens support group has been referred to as a stand up guy. He also had a criminal record that the police department released. Of course if the policy is to release the information of the victims they have to be consistent. I guess the question is what is the real motivation of the policy? Most of us who live here know that a majority of the murders in this town are thug on thug crimes. Does the policy help reduce crime or is it being used as an excuse for N.O.P.D. to save face due to the fact that they have not made progress in stemming the tide. Do they want us to believe that there are no innocent victims.

One thing is clear, the justice system in New Orleans is broken, our leaders have no answers. Releasing criminal records of victims is not going to help reduce crime. If that is thinking outside of the box for an answer I think they need to find a bigger box.

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A very special person in my life

Posted on January 26, 2012 by barbawit

I am certainly a better person for having known Joe. He was a special person, we had a lot of good times together, lots of stories I could tell. We used to drink a lot of Michelob together back in the days when it was 90 cents a bottle at the bar. I will certainly miss him.

Obituary From Nola.com

Joseph J. Charles Jr. Obituary on The Times-Picayune
obits.nola.com
Online obituary for Joseph Charles. Read Joseph Charles’s life story, offer tributes/condolences, send flowers or create a Joseph Charles online memorial

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Check out the interviews by Loki at Humid City Lou Ferrigno and Michael Biehn

Posted on January 26, 2012 by barbawit

From Loki at Humid City.

Micheal Biehn, Lou Ferrigno, and Free Tix to Comic Con!

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Pic of the day

Posted on January 26, 2012 by barbawit

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Pic of the day

Posted on January 25, 2012 by barbawit

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Tourists

Posted on January 25, 2012 by barbawit

I just spend the last 6 days with a number of tourists. It was interesting to listen to there reactions and opinions of the city. This group of people were not here vacationing so they New Orleans was not necessarily their destination of choice.

The first type were the ones who really didn’t think very highly of the city. One couple drove to Slidell one night to eat at a Cracker Barrel. They did venture into the Casino one night and played some nickel slots but found Harrah’s too Smokey for their taste. Other nights they ventured to Metairie to eat at well known chains. Overall they did not do anything that they could not have done at home.

The other type could not get enough of the place, constantly asking questions about where to go what to do. It was a lot of fun taking them to lunch going places that the average tourist might not find or think of. The most fun I had was trying to get a woman from Memphis to eat a raw oyster. She would have nothing of it, even after I explained the only problem with eating a raw oyster was listening to them scream as they slid down your throat. She did however eat a char grilled one. That was a minor success.

A group asked about Cafe Du Monde, they wanted to go the next morning. I gave them directions and warned them not to wear black. I gave no explanation as to why they shouldn’t wear black and some looked puzzled. Those who did not listen soon learned the wisdom of my advice when they turned up the following morning with white spots all over her black skirt.

So my theory holds true, New Orleans you either love it or you hate it.

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Pic of the day

Posted on January 24, 2012 by barbawit

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Vitty cent replies

Posted on January 24, 2012 by barbawit

So Sen. Vitter responded to my Blanket email to Congress (From here on referred to as the den of liars and thieves) concerning SOPA. Vitty is probably my least favorite local politician. I hate a hypocrite, and his wife may have forgiven him but I am tired of these jokers who can’t keep their wicks dry. That being said I must admit he is tho only one who has responded. He has withdrawn his support for the Protect IP Act, and says SOPA needs tweaking. I am all for protecting intelectual property, there are laws that already protect it. the biggest part of the problem is enforcement of our laws outside of this country. The broad powers that the government wants to install can be used for evil. I certainly don’t trust those who reside in the Den of Liars and thieves with such a broad law that can certainly be abused. Vitty Cent get’s one point for responding but not much else.

David_Vitter@vitter.senate.gov
Jan 23 (2 days ago)

to me

Images are not displayed. Display images below – Always display images from David_Vitter@vitter.senate.gov

Dear Mr. Wood,

Thank you for contacting me in opposition to the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act (PROTECT IP). I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue, and I agree with you.

As you may know, this bill is still being negotiated and amended in the United States Senate. You will be pleased to know that I recently withdrew my endorsement of the Protect IP Act. While I have been pushing hard for changes regarding internet freedom and national security, I feel that these concerns have not been fully addressed in this bill. I believe that pushing the bill forward in its current form will only jeopardize the delicate balance of public and private interests that our copyright and patent laws were intended to protect. Rest assured I will keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers this legislation.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about other issues important to you.

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Pic of the day

Posted on January 23, 2012 by barbawit

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