From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:22:51 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:22:51 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Out-of-control lawns targeted by St. Bernard council Message-ID: <168c01ca68c7$93e799d0$bbb6cd70$@com> Out-of-control lawns targeted by St. Bernard council By Chris Kirkham, The Times-Picayune November 18, 2009, 6:01AM The St. Bernard Parish Council approved heftier enforcement of lawn-mowing regulations. In an effort to address the widespread problem of unkempt lawns across the parish, the St. Bernard Parish Council on Tuesday night stiffened the penalties for property owners who fail to keep their grass mown to parish guidelines. Many returning St. Bernard residents have contended with nearby homes or lots that have been neglected, attracting snakes and rodents into some subdivisions, supporters of the ordinance said. In one blighted section of Chalmette known as Village Square, some lots have remained untouched since Hurricane Katrina, leaving a 10-foot-high forest of tangled weeds. The Parish Council's new ordinance affects property owners who allow grass to grow higher than 8 inches. If a property owner does not cut grass within 10 days of being notified by parish government, parish crews are authorized to cut the grass and bill the owner immediately. If the owner doesn't pay, the matter is forwarded to the 34th Judicial District, where a judge could seek sanctions including a garnishment of wages, a lien on the property, suspension of utilities permits or a $500 additional management fee. "I think everybody wants to see this enforced, and I think everybody's going to put forth some good effort in making sure we keep people compliant," Councilman Wayne Landry said. "We're living in a recovery mode when we should be way past that." The additional penalties in the ordinance will continue through March 2012. The ordinance gives the parish attorney more latitude to seek judicial sanctions against property owners than current laws. The parish is also authorized to erect a 2-by-3-foot sign on the property "in the largest font to fit the entire sign" that reads "This property is managed by St. Bernard Parish Government due to non-compliance by owner." And as the law is written, the parish administration has no discretion to pursue certain property owners over others or to reduce penalties. "Only councilmanic action may decrease any fines generated as a result of violation of this ordinance," the law reads. Arabi resident Floyd Saucier said he hoped the ordinance would address a neglected lot next door to his that has remained uncut despite numerous calls to parish government. Like many code enforcement issues, he said he'll wait to see if strong enforcement follows strong words on a page. "It's been reported more than once, and it's been ignored," Saucier said after Tuesday's meeting. "They talk the talk, but they don't do the walking." Chris Kirkham can be reached at ckirkham at timespicayune.com or 504.826.3321 From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:23:11 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:23:11 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Tour of Homes..Jumonville12-10-09 . I have tickets $ 12.00 advance sale Message-ID: <168d01ca68c7$9fe8dfa0$dfba9ee0$@com> TOUR of HOMES Jumonville Subdivision Thursday December 10, 2009 Day tour 11am - 2pm Candlelight Tour 6-9pm 4 Beautiful homes to visit along with our Boutique and great parade of prizes. Anyone need tickets please give me a call, I have tickets to sell for the Tour of Homes. Thanks 277-8270 Susie Showalter oreollover at aol.com From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:24:43 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:24:43 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Twice a week trash pickup in St. Bernard could become thing of past Message-ID: <168e01ca68c7$d666c380$83344a80$@com> Twice a week trash pickup in St. Bernard could become thing of past by Bigad Shaban / Eyewitness News Posted on November 17, 2009 at 9:56 PM Updated yesterday at 11:15 PM CHALMETTE, La. -- Residents in one metro area parish could soon have to hold onto their trash a little bit longer. Budget battles could lead to cuts in sanitation services, which might leave you with one less day of trash pickup. Garbage pickup is a twice a week sight in St. Bernard Parish, but one that could soon be no longer. "It'd look bad," said Chalmette resident Robert Bordelon. He fears potential cuts to the parish's sanitation budget could cut into the area's garbage pickup services. A spike in illegal dumping, Bordelon adds, might be the trashy result. "I would think it would happen a lot cause there's no place to bring the trash unless you carry it yourself to the dump," he said. Parish leaders hoped to charge residents an extra $20 per month on their water bill to raise more than $3.5 million for the sanitation and fire departments, but residents this past Saturday voted down the plan. "We'll have to juggle some money around," said Councilman Frank Auderer. "Steal from Peter to pay Paul and that's what it amounts to." Parish President Craig Taffaro said that could mean cutting down the parish's twice a week garbage pickup. "This is probably the most challenging fiscal balancing act that we're going to have to do," said Taffaro. The fee would have also helped pay for the staffing of newly constructed fire stations. Post-Katrina, the department's budget is taking a serious hit with a drop in its biggest funding source -- sales taxes. On Saturday, 1,739 people voted against the $20 fee and 1,127 voted for it. About one day after the election, a massive fire engulfed a three story apartment building near Village Square, leaving dozens of families homeless. Fire Chief Thomas Stone said the fee would have better prepared his department to take on similar blazes in the future. "Not that many people got out and voted," said Stone. "But it's something that we really needed, and this is one of the reasons why." But even sympathetic taxpayers say they're hard pressed to pay up. Bordelon says his once booming business is turning into a bust. "I mean days the phone don't (sic) ring, nobody comes in, that's why I'm saying $20 right now it's hard," said Bordelon. "I'm struggling myself, I don't even know how much longer I can hang in there." And with a multi-million dollar deficit to fill, the parish doesn't either. Taffaro said he and the council will have a budget conference meeting this Friday in hopes of crunching the numbers. The council must pass a balanced budget by Dec. 1. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:30:23 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:30:23 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Charles Krauthammer on our first Pacific President Message-ID: <168f01ca68c8$a0e153f0$e2a3fbd0$@com> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtqkGTtxJbY From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:38:23 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:38:23 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Free Yoga Classes Now on Monday & Wednesday NIghts at the Community Center Message-ID: <169901ca68c9$bf66c8e0$3e345aa0$@com> Free Yoga Classes Now on Monday and Wednesday Evenings Swan River Yoga and the Community Center of St Bernard are pleased to announce that the popular Yoga For The People! free yoga classes currently held every Wednesday evening will now be expanded to include Monday sessions as well. Led by instructor Kim Martin, the Monday classes will be offered every week from 6-7 PM at the Community Center of St Bernard, 1107 LeBeau St, Arabi, beginning on November 30. The Wednesday evening classes, led by Lauren Shepley, will also continue to meet weekly at 6 PM at the Community Center. The current Saturday morning classes are being discontinued. The Yoga For The People! program, established in 2008, is the first New Orleans-based yoga community outreach program. Inspired by a group of yogis from NYC led by Katie McDonald, Yoga For The People! currently offers classes at a variety of locations throughout the greater New Orleans area including Catholic Charities, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the Red Cross. ?Yoga is thought to release stress, and facilitate an accelerated rate of healing of the physical body and psyche, so that we can all more fully enjoy our lives with a sense of ease, support, and delight in our community,? notes Michele Baker, who is the founder, co-owner, and director of Swan River Yoga Teacher Training School. ?Health and happiness is our birthright. This is what the Yoga For The People! program hopes to provide. The classes are an opportunity for our teachers to experience Seva - compassion in action and selfless service. A supportive community is the foundation of a yoga practice. We thank the Yoga For The People! outreach partner agencies for giving us the opportunity to experience such diverse depth of relationship within our great city and region by allowing us to teach.? Yoga class participants will learn simple breathing techniques, meditation tools, and basic poses for releasing discomfort and increasing health, benefiting the neighborhood, community, and beyond. The Community Center has 20 yoga mats on hand, but participants are welcome to bring their own. The classes are open to the public and beginners are welcome to attend. No registration is needed and there is no charge for the sessions. For more information about Swan River Yoga?s many programs and services, please visit www.swanriveryoga.com. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:48:10 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:48:10 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] It's Time To Voice Your Opinion Message-ID: <169e01ca68cb$1d432570$57c97050$@com> Dear Friend, On November 7th, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats made a bad decision that would institute a government takeover of our health care system rather than common sense, targeted reforms that would reduce cost and expand access. As Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid prepares his version of the bill, stop the Senate from making the same bad decision. In the coming days, there will be a procedural vote to determine whether Senator Reid's health care bill will be considered on the Senate floor. If you want to STOP Senator Reid's government takeover bill in its tracks, urge your Senator to preclude it from reaching the Senate floor by voting against the "motion to proceed" to the bill. It would be very hypocritical for a Senator to vote to allow the bill to reach the floor only to vote against it thereafter. Tell your Senator not to miss this valuable opportunity to prevent Senator Reid from ramming through his misguided bill. Call 202-224-3121 TODAY to let your Senator know! Best, Angela Sailor RNC Coalitions Director From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:49:53 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:49:53 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Experts Push Corps To Use Clay For Levees Message-ID: <169f01ca68cb$5a6022a0$0f2067e0$@com> Experts Push Corps To Use Clay For Levees Current Plan For St. Bernard Involves T-Walls In 2011 POSTED: 9:52 am CST November 18, 2009 UPDATED: 11:24 am CST November 18, 2009 VIOLET, La. -- The material to rebuild levees in St. Bernard Parish is available, but is sitting untouched, experts told the WDSU I-Team. Floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina submerged the parish, putting nearly every house underwater. Many have yet to be rebuilt. And the level of levee protection is exactly the same as it was four years ago. But some experts tell WDSU it doesn't have to be that way. In the tiny community of Violet in eastern St. Bernard Parish, Becky Mackles and many of her friends lost everything to the storm. Four years later, she still doesn't feel secure. "I think they need to do a little more," she said. So does Mike Butler, a levee specialist who owns a Mississippi-based company that focuses on rebuilding and repairing levees. "Hurricane Katrina came in here four years ago. It's at the same level it was and here we are four years later. This is Ground Zero. This is where the levees over-topped," he said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to build T-wall levees in St. Bernard Parish to provide storm surge protection. They're supposed to be finished in 2011, about 19 months from now. "They are currently in a conceptual design," Butler said. "There is not an actual T-wall design that's available -- it's all conceptual." State Rep. Reed Henderson said that's true. Henderson said last month the Corps handed out contracts for T-walls. "Not contracts to do the job, no. Contracts to start to figure out how to build it," Henderson said. And both men say that by doing that, the Corps is ignoring a better way to build safer levees. "We got all the clay right here," Henderson said. In January, millions of tons of earthen clay was uncovered in St. Bernard Parish. Butler said it's one of the largest earthen clay finds ever in the area. "You have a total of 30 million tons of clay resources -- proven quality and quantity sufficient to build all of these levees out of on-site earthen clay. The material has been tested and proven," Butler said. Butler said it's enough clay to build up all levees in St. Bernard Parish to 30 feet to provide flood protection. "Just start moving it around and it will be cheaper, more effective and quicker," Butler said. "For the last nine months, the Corps has known that proven resources exist immediately adjacent to the levees ... for some reason they denied the existence of the report they were given in January." The Corps doesn't deny the report. Officials just don't think clay levees are doable. "That would require an enormous amount of material," said Corps Col. Robert Sinkler. "(It) would affect a tremendous amount of wetlands to do that. It would require at least 25 million cubic yards of clay material and that would be problematic to build levees of that size and cross-section." Butler said the Corps plans for St. Bernard Parish haven't always worked out very well. "Years ago they thought the MRGO (Mississippi River Gulf Outlet) was a good idea. They're spending over a billion dollars to correct that mistake. They think T-walls are a good idea now, I'll let you come to your own conclusion," Butler said. Sinkler said he has confidence in the T-wall system. But Henderson doesn't see the system being built any time soon. "I don't think the T-walls are going to be done by 2011. I just don't see how they are going to do it," he said. And that means Mackles won't rest easy. "I honestly think if another storm comes, we (are) through," she said. The Corps says it has taken steps to keep St. Bernard Parish safe. The MRGO was closed off this year, one of the big changes since Hurricane Katrina. The Corps said the project is hundreds of millions of dollars over-budget, but it is complete. The Corps recently used earthen clay to build a temporary levee in St. Bernard. The levee has held up during recent storms and will soon be replaced with a T-wall. Butler said both Sens. Mary Landrieu and David Vitter have been made aware of the situation in St. Bernard Parish. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:52:39 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:52:39 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Report Says Geithner Risked More Taxpayer Money Than Necessary Message-ID: <16a001ca68cb$bd817c30$38847490$@com> Dear Friend, I want to draw your attention to a new and deeply disturbing report from the special inspector general for the bailout program. In the report , Special Inspector General Neil Barofsky examined the bailout of AIG and the factors affecting efforts to limit payments to the people AIG owed money to. The report criticizes The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, then headed by current Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, for its decision to bail out the troubled insurance company by covering its client's losses. This decision resulted in tens of billions of taxpayer dollars going to overseas banks. Barofsky writes that, "there is no question that the effect of FRBNY's decisions - indeed, the very design of the federal assistance to AIG - was that tens of billions of dollars of Government money was funneled inexorably and directly to AIG's counterparties." Worse, the report continues, Geithner and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's "negotiating strategy to pursue concessions from counterparties offered little opportunity for success, even in light of the willingness of one counterparty to agree to concessions." One thing is clear, because of the decisions of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the taxpayers are on the hook for billions of dollars more than they should be. As the Senate considers regulation of the financial sector, rest assured I will continue fighting to put an end to bailouts and the broken philosophy of "too big to fail" once and for all. Sincerely, David Vitter U.S. Senator From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:53:17 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:53:17 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Honoring our Veterans Message-ID: <16a401ca68cb$d408d980$7c1a8c80$@com> Dear Friends, This past Wednesday gave us all an opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation for everything our veterans and active duty military members have sacrificed for our nation. I traveled to Pineville to participate in Veterans' Day ceremonies at the Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, and to thank many of our veterans and their families for their service. As I said in the Alexandria Town Talk , "Whether you served in the Army, the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force or the Coast Guard, each of you answered the call of duty and asked for nothing in return." We are forever grateful for everything our veterans have given our nation, and it was truly my honor to meet many of them in Pineville last week. We also continue to receive good news regarding our state's economy. As reported by the New Orleans Times-Picayune , "Four Louisiana metropolitan areas appear on a list of the areas that are best at sustaining economic growth" as part of the 2009 Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best-Performing Cities list. Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Shreveport-Bossier and New Orleans were included in the top 100 cities on the list. A recent analysis by Portfolio.com also showed that our state's economy has performed second-best in the entire country since the beginning of the national economic downturn. As the Lafayette Daily Advertiser wrote following our announcement last week of Pixel Magic's announcement that they will be locating in Lafayette, we have "reason to express some pride." We also received great news that, following a letter I sent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week, the FDA has delayed a proposal to ban the interstate sale of untreated raw oysters. The oyster industry employs more than 3,500 Louisianians, so as the New Orleans Times-Picayune wrote, "that's a relief for oyster producers and consumers." Also, people around the nation continue to take notice of the critical improvements we have made to our state's ethics laws. As the Grand Forks (ND) Herald wrote, "Louisiana identified a weakness and acted," and other states should "unapologetically [follow] Louisiana's good-government lead." As noted by the Monroe News Star , I traveled to Ruston last week to tour Louisiana Tech University, get a first hand view of the great advances Tech is making in high-tech fields such as micro-engineering, and emphasize our commitment to higher education. I also visited Many as part of the Louisiana Working Tour, and will continue to visit communities across the state in the coming weeks. Sincerely, Governor Bobby Jindal From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 22:58:47 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:58:47 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Gauthier Gym Grand Opening changed to 8a.m. on Thursday, November 19th. Message-ID: <16a501ca68cc$9896fed0$c9c4fc70$@com> The Grand Opening of Gauthier Gym has been changed to 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 19th at 2214 Bobolink Drive in St. Bernard Gauthier Gym is behind Gauthier Elementary School. See you in the morning! From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 23:03:55 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:03:55 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] 2009 St. Bernard Christmas Parade Message-ID: <16a901ca68cd$509755c0$f1c60140$@com> Santa Claus is coming to "downtown" St. Bernard Saturday, December 5th! Join us for the kickoff of the 2009 holiday season as the 2009 Celebrate St. Bernard Tourism Christmas Parade rolls up Judge Perez from Chalmette High School to the Fredrick J. Sigur Civic Auditorium Saturday, December 5th at 3:00pm. The parade route will take the west bound lane of Judge Perez Dr. from Palmisano Blvd. to Jean Lafitte Pkwy. Led by the Chalmette High School Fighting Owl Band, Charmers, Flag Team and ROTC, this 25 unit parade will include the Shriners, Zephyrs' Boudreaux, Ronald Mc Donald, Sheriff's Mc Gruff & DARE mascots, Fire Department & "Sparky" & OEP vehicles, historic re-enactors from the National Park Service, Chalmette High School Islenos Ambassadors, horse riders, Gulf Coast's Trolley, Nunez SGA float, St. Bernard Parish Government Christmas All Year Long employees, Iselnos, Crawfish and Tomato festival queens. Santa and Mrs. Claus joined by local elves will end the parade on a holiday float. Dress your children festively and wait along the parade route for holiday throws such as cups, beads, candy canes, stuffed animals and t-shirts. Children's characters will be seen throughout the parade so have your cameras ready. Please encourage your child to write a letter to Santa to hand to Santa's elves as the last float goes by. Immediately following the parade from 5:00-7:00pm, the Community Playground Project will host a Christmas party at Torres Park. A community Christmas tree will be lit by parish government officials at the entrance to the playground. Caroling in the amphitheatre will follow with sing-a-long songbooks. Children can also visit with Santa in his sleigh for a photo. (You must bring your own camera.) Cookie decorating, hot chocolate and craft activities will be available. The Tourist Commission will sell pizza for $1 per slice and water will be on sale for $1. Celebrate St. Bernard will sell commemorative ornaments for $10 and sets of dinner glasses for $25. Though the weather outside may be frightful or delightful the 2009 Christmas Parade Committee is working to re-establish this pre-Katrina tradition as a local treat for our St. Bernard children and families. Join your neighbors along the parade route for this holiday season kick-off. Special thanks to our partners, St. Bernard Parish Government, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office. St. Bernard Parish Schools, Murphy Oil, Chalmette Refining, Domino Pizza, Cantrell Floats, Kiwanis, Rotary, Gulf Coast Bank, Nunez Community College and Neighborhood Organizations. For more information call the St. Bernard Tourism Office at 278-4242. (No vendors or aditional parade units are needed.) From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 23:07:34 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:07:34 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] KANJORSKI AMENDMENT TO ADDRESS COMPANIES THAT ARE "TOO BIG TO FAIL" PASSES IN FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Message-ID: <16aa01ca68cd$d31b5a50$79520ef0$@com> KANJORSKI AMENDMENT TO ADDRESS COMPANIES THAT ARE "TOO BIG TO FAIL" PASSES IN FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WASHINGTON - Today, the House Financial Services Committee passed an amendment offered by Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (D-PA), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, to the Financial Stability Improvement Act by a vote of 38-29. The Kanjorski amendment would empower federal regulators to rein in and dismantle financial firms that are so large, inter-connected, or risky that their collapse would put at risk the entire American economic system, even if those firms currently appear to be well-capitalized and healthy. Therefore, American taxpayers should no longer be on the hook for bailouts, as financial companies would not be able to become "too big to fail." The Kanjorski amendment outlines clear and objective standards for regulators to examine financial companies and reduce the level of risk their activities pose to our financial stability and our economy. "Today's passage of my amendment marks a crucial step for the American people and for the protection of our financial system," said Chairman Kanjorski. "I remember the dire situation we faced last fall, and we want to do everything we can to avoid such a situation in the future. Looking forward, we have the capabilities to try to act in a preventative manner for the sake of every American and our economy. Most of us yearn for the day when the phrase 'too big to fail' is no longer a part of our vocabulary. Through responsible action advocated in this amendment, we can make that a reality." The Kanjorski amendment expands on a segment of the Financial Stability Improvement Act, by enabling federal action to address financial companies that are deemed "too big to fail" before resolution authority is needed. The amendment transfers such mitigatory action from the Federal Reserve to the Financial Services Oversight Council and establishes objective standards for the Council to effectively evaluate companies to determine whether they are systemically risky. Additionally, the amendment provides clear checks and balances by requiring the Council to consult with the President before taking extraordinary mitigatory actions. A financial company also has the right to appeal any actions. A summary of the Kanjorski amendment follows: * Objective Standards. Size is by no means the only factor to determine if a financial company is "too big to fail." The recent financial crisis has shown that many other factors can also cause a company to become a systemic risk. Rather, the amendment considers a variety of objective standards to determine if financial firms pose a threat to our financial stability, including the scope, scale, exposure, leverage, interconnectedness of financial activities, as well as size of the financial company. The Kanjorski amendment does not cap the size of financial institutions. * Mitigatory Actions. If a financial company is deemed systemically risky, the Kanjorski amendment provides responsible preventative actions to protect our financial system and curtail those risks. These include modifying existing prudential standards, imposing conditions on or terminating activities, limiting mergers and acquisitions, and in the most extreme cases, breaking up the company. * Protects American Competitiveness. We have learned from this financial crisis that we are all connected. The Kanjorski amendment addresses the concern that our regulatory system works in conjunction with those around the globe. Currently, the European Union is considering similar action, and harmonized regulations would benefit both economies. Click here to view the text of the Kanjorski amendment. ### From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 23:09:27 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:09:27 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Marvin LeBlanc's Monthly Message Message-ID: <16ad01ca68ce$15fe9d00$41fbd700$@com> MARVIN LEBLANC'S MONTHLY MESSAGE Dear Westley, Are Your Records Organized for an Emergency? By : Marvin LeBlanc, LUTCF, CNP www.MarvinLeBlanc.com (504) 731-6767 State FarmR agent Last week, again, we experienced Mother Nature's ability to interrupt our daily lives as she brought Ida to visit the Gulf Coast. If you were incapacitated, would anyone be able to find your important records and take care of your family's financial or business matters? Having important papers organized and accessible in advance can be very important in an emergency or crisis situation. Consider the following for organizing your important records. Location. Options for storage might include a home safe, fire-security box or off-site location such as a safety deposit box. The storage container should be securable and fire resistant. Shoe boxes or cardboard boxes in the closet or under the bed are not appropriate. Who knows? Does someone in addition to your spouse know where these papers are kept? Consider making a list of such papers and records, and on the list state where these documents can be found. Then advise a trusted third party - an attorney, CPA, relative, or family friend - where this list is kept. The general idea is that someone not living in your residence knows about this list and how to access it. This decision requires a certain comfort level, and you alone are able to make that determination. Which papers? Regardless of who knows what, organized records are always a plus. The following items might be part of your "important documents" list: . safety deposit box key . life insurance policies . deeds, contracts, leases, titles, mortgage(s), loan notes . banking, savings, investment and retirement account(s) records . will . burial arrangements . all other insurance policies (health, auto, home, etc.) . birth certificates Beyond however you decide to store your personal records, and whatever you decide to include, one fact is clear. If important legal, business and personal documents are organized and accessible, the handling of a crisis situation is made much easier. Thank you for your time. Marvin LeBlanc, LUTCF, CNP From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 23:11:42 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:11:42 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] IN 1919 WHEN THE FLU KILLED 40 MILLION PEOPLE Message-ID: <16ae01ca68ce$66cbbba0$346332e0$@com> Got this from my friend Mary. LOL...funny...but definitely worth trying!! I've also been told that if you have a fever, put a slice an onion on the bottom of your feet, and put socks on to hold it in place. The next morning when you wake up, the onion will have a yellow-brownish hue to it like it was being cooked. Supposedly, the onion "draws out" the fever from your body...Rena In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died. The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the house (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy. Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work. (And no, she is not in the onion business.) The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case. What do you have to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb." Benjamin Franklin From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 23:12:16 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:12:16 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] BREAKING: Judge: Corps' negligence caused Katrina flooding Message-ID: <16af01ca68ce$7b088cb0$7119a610$@com> In a landmark decision, a federal judge has ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers' failure to properly maintain the "MR-GO" navigation channel led to massive flooding by Hurricane Katrina. ? Read More>>> http://www.wwl.com/Judge--Corps--negligence-caused-Katrina-flooding/5708609 From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 23:15:30 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15:30 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Corps' operation of MR-GO doomed homes in St. Bernard, Lower 9th Ward, judge Message-ID: <16b301ca68ce$ee7d6f30$cb784d90$@com> Corps' operation of MR-GO doomed homes in St. Bernard, Lower 9th Ward, judge rules By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune November 18, 2009, 8:00PM In a groundbreaking decision, a federal judge ruled late Wednesday that the Army Corps of Engineers' mismanagement of maintenance of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet was directly responsible for flood damage of homes in St. Bernard Parish and the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The decision by U.S. District Judge Stanwood Duval Jr. could result in the federal government paying $700,000 in damages to three people and a business in those areas, but also sets the stage for judgments against the govenment for damages by as many as 100,000 other residents, businesses and local governments in those areas who filed claims with the corps after Katrina. If successful, the damage claims could total billions of dollars. Duval ruled, however, that WDSU-TV anchor Norman Robinson and his wife were not entitled to damages because the corps' dredging of the MR-GO did not affect the levee system that protects eastern New Orleans from hurricane storm surge. That probably means eastern New Orleans residents also would not be able to collect on claims they've filed against the corps, said attorneys representing plaintiffs in the case. "The people of this city have been vindicated," said attorney Joseph Bruno, a leader of the large team of lawyers who represented the plaintiffs. "They didn't do anything wrong and it's time they be compensated." "Judge Duval exposed 40 years of the Army Corps of Engineers' gross malfeasance with regard to the operation and maintenance of the MR-GO," said Pierce O'Donnell, a Los Angeles-based attorney and co-leader of the plaintiff's legal team. "His decision is an extreme condemnationof the lack of concern for the safety of New Orleans and St. Bernard residents." A Justice Department spokesman was not immediately available late Wednesday to respond to the ruling, but the government is expected to appeal the decision to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and then to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary. The corps has estimated that it received more than 490,000 claims forms in the aftermath of Katrina and Hurricane Rita in 2005, but those forms include many from areas not covered by this decision. "Until such time as the litigation is completed, including the appellate process up to and through the U.S Supreme Court, no activity is expected to be taken on any of these claims," corps spokesman Ken Holder said. Bruno and O'Donnell said they expect to travel to Washington, D.C., as early as next week to try to convince members of the administration of President Barack Obama and members of Congress to consider revisiting requests for compensation by New Orleans-area residents in both the areas covered by the decision and in other areas flooded by corps-related failures of levees. Duval had ruled last year that, while failures of flood control structures might be the cause of damage in other areas, a 1928 federal law granted the corps immunity from damages. In that ruling, however, he said that the immunity clause did not extend to the MR-GO, which was a navigation channel and not a flood control structure. "We're hoping the new administration and the new Congress will view this decision in a new light," O'Donnell said. "This decision should act as a catalyst to finally work out a settlement for all the people of New Orleans." From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 18 23:33:08 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:33:08 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Corps' operation of MR-GO doomed homes in St. Bernard, Lower 9th Ward, judge Message-ID: <16b401ca68d1$654fc2a0$2fef47e0$@com> This is HUGE. A double-edge sword of help to St. Bernard Parish while increasing the deficit on O-B-1'S Watch. It's going to be interesting. --jer--