Just Andy's Place...
Just what Andy believes, what Andy thinks, where Andy lives, who (and what) Andy loves, and who Andy IS!
...IT'S ALL ABOUT ME, DANGIT!!!
Hey y'all! Hugs, kisses, yada yada yada... I was excited to discover today that Charles Foster Kane ain't really dead. And, he's a "local," too! I came across his vehicle, so I know he yet lives...and somewhere close to me! Very exciting... Still drives an old Caddy, though. Sigh. But, he supports our troops...so I'll give him grace...
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (WAC) are 4-0, having won on the road against Houston, Illinois, and Vujinyuh!
The only thing keeping them from being 5-0 was the opening game being cancelled against the miserable fAggies of Collij Stashun. Dang that Hurricane Isaac!
But, that shall be rectified on October 13. It is gonna be so dang good to watch the fAggies get it handed to 'em by one of the lesser programs here in The Bayou State.
It's a good time to be a Louisiana College Football fan. Really...it is.
I spent a good part of the afternoon playing roundball out in the driveway with #4 son. I am sure that I will suffer tomorrow because of it, but it's all cool... We had a great time. I thought I would do better than I did, even though it has been a WAY long time since I shot hoops. I suck. Just sayin'... Anyway, the afternoon event lead to a long discussion between me, and #4 son about the greatest basketball player that ever lived, Mr. Pete Maravich. So, we spent a lot of time after dinner looking at The YouTube videos of "The Pistol." Finally, I remembered that I had actually posted about His Greatness in the past. So...RERUN IT IS!
If you'll look close you'll notice that the bus, and Poleese car in the bottom left have already been 'sploded.
Yep.
They're making another film here in Bossier City. They make tons of 'em here now in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. Really...there are a bunch of films made all over Louisiana now. The industry publications refer to Louisiana as "Hollywood South."
There are a lot of reasons for it. The weather is almost always good for filming...there is an eager "extra" community...a hard-working labor force (for the most part)...Community Colleges, and Technical Schools that have armed the work force with skills valuable to the film industry...we have the best restaurants in the world...easy access for equipment by freeways...and an endless supply of beautiful, and interesting locales (and beautiful chicks as extras...just sayin'...).
Plus, the State Legislature passed some VERY attractive tax incentives for filmmakers several years ago that attracted a lot of attention. Imagine that...give people tax breaks to do something, and they do it...novel idea. A bunch of producers "came on down," and liked what they saw.
Anyway, somebody at work told me that they had built The White House down by The CenturyLink Center. That's a big arena built by the City several years ago...they have rodeos, big-time concerts, conferences, gradjurashuns, and even The Mud Bugs Hockey matches. A lot of people thought it was a bad idea to build it, but I think it's been great for the City. Heck, we've had Fleetwood Mac, Elton John (the most talented queer in history), George Strait, and a hundred other great concerts there...
Anyway...
I decided I'd run on down The Arthur Ray Teague Parkway that runs along The Red River (btw, I grew up next door to Mr. Teague, and he was a fine man, who was always so happy to have little kids around. I won't get started on all my memories of Mr. Teague, because y'all don't care, and my fingers are getting wore out because I'm out of "blogging shape"), to look at it for myself this morning.
It's interesting. The same friend that told me about the movie set told me that they understand that in the film, The White House is going to be blown up. Don't quote me on that, because I'm not sure. But...I'm pretty sure that the plywood shack behind the front door could hold enough dynamite to make a helluva 'splosion...
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Many of my blog buddies around the nation have questioned me as to why I am less than thrilled with my goober, Bobby Jindal.
Jindal has been touted by Limbaugh, Hannity, and a gaggle of conservative pundits & publications as one of the true, rock-ribbed conservatives coming along to lead the Republican Party to conservative greatness. Nationally, you will hear (and read) nothing but high praise for our great "reform governor," Bobby Jindal.
It's really mostly a sham.
Today, the American Thinker blog features northwest Louisiana blogger Pat Austin, as she takes apart a good little chunk of the myth. There is more, really. Much more. But, Pat throws enough "fact" at the fudging to hopefully open some national eyes. And prayerfully, to get Bobby to straighten up and do what we hired him to do in the first place...to go beat the snot out of the folks in Baton Rouge that have kept us at the bottom forever, and not play their silly, destructive games.
Yep! It's election day in Louisiana. And man...do I EVER feel retarded!
I went off up in the booth fully prepared to cast my ballot for my State Representative. I had decided on one fellow I really wanted to win. Turns out he ain't even running in my district.
Evidently, they changed things up while I wasn't lookin'.
Crud.
So, I had the choice between two Democrats. I voted for the one I had never heard of.
I also voted for another Democrat. I swear, this is the first time I can remember voting for a Democrat, and I do it twice in one election.
I was NOT going to vote for Bobby Jindal again, even though he will win easily. So, I voted for Androniki "Niki Bird" Papazoglakis. I believe she would make a damn fine governor. I think she's Greek. What more could one ask for in a govenor?
Anyway...if you're in Louisiana, remember to go vote. Lots of fine men and women paid a heavy price so we can.
Now, let me say that I have known his opponent personally for many years, and like her very much. So, this is not to be construed as an endorsement. Andy does not do local political endorsements (not even yard signs) for a couple of reasons.
a) My candidate almost always loses.
b) Call it "cowardly" if you'd like, but I do not believe in dropping dookie where I sleep.
However, Mr. Peacock is running an ad that I saw for the first time last night. I can't seem to find it posted on the worldwide computer yet, so I'm going from memory here.
In the ad he says something like, "Some candidates say they want to do more with less. I believe we should do less with less."
That may not be an exact quote. But that, my friends, is a great line, and a bitchin' concept!
I talked to a friend at work today who told me that his nephew had been down at Tiger Stadium for the LSU/Northwestern State University laugher last night. But, screw the ball game...I mean, we only scored 9 more points against the miserable Demons than we did against the miserable Ducks last week.
Anyway, he told me that his nephew said he'd never heard Tiger Stadium so quiet. I mean, it was like you could hear a pin drop in Death Valley. He told me about this deal that The Tiger Band did.
It's a memorial tribute to the victims of 9/11/01. And, most especially a tribute to one of our LSU grads, Navy Lt. Michael Scott Lemana, who died that day at The Pentagon. His family joined the band on the field as they performed.
A Gooble Search turned up this bit of tribute from the Louisiana State Senate in 2005, too.
I wish I'd have known Lt. Lemana. I bet he was aces up...
Well, it may as well be. Operating under the assumption that IT WILL NEVER RAIN AGAIN IN NORTHWEST LOUISIANA, I spent yesterday doing what I usually do about Thanksgiving week.
I had Sattidy off from work, and it was really, really, really pleasant early on. It was in the 70's, with a dry breeze blowing. So, I scalped the yard (the dead, dry, brown, usually gorgeous, green San Auguistine Grass) with the mower wheels on "low," weedeatered, blowered, and drained all the gas tanks...put the two-cycle equipment away in the shop, and slammed the friggin' overhead door down on it all!
For the season!
By that time it was noon, and something like 721 in dog heat.
Seriously, I usually wrap up lawn maintenance around Thanksgiving. But, I'm pretty sure I'm done for the year, due to the fact that my yard looks like it's time to eat some cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole at Momma's.
So now, I'm ready for some football.
The way things are shaping up here, it's likely I won't post nothing until next Sattidy. That is when REAL LIFE begins. I've got my equipment all laid out, and my plans well made.
Midday Saturday, I began to hear bits and pieces of the painfully sad loss of American life in the downing of a Chinook in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.
The honest truth is that I did not even want to "tune in" for details. Having recently been touched (however lightly) by the death of a brave soldier there, I was in NO hurry to soak up the misery. I figured it would be all over the blogosphere, and I'd see it soon enough.
It seems that NW Louisiana has been hit again...and twice with one blow this time. Local blog-buddy, Pat at ASIGIS, pointed her readers to this Shreveport Times article.
Our prayers are with the friends, and families of all who were killed. I really do not have words that can adequately express my love, and admiration for your fallen ones.
Yesterday I linked to a piece on Breitbart's "Big Peace," about a local controversy over a banner being displayed in a neighborhood that does not allow such displays under its covenants. (It's on down the page there, if you missed it).
I thought it would be fitting to post a comment seen on another local blog, in the interest of fairness. I did not edit this comment, just CTRL+C & V.
I moved into this community because of these rules. I like the fact that I will not know my neighbors’ election preferences, children’s after school activities, or the families’ favorite football team, etc indicated by yard signs. I also like our rule that you cannot have an old clunker, a boat, or sporting type vehicle parked visibly over night. I moved specifically into The Gardens for these reasons. I would assume the majority of my neighbors did as well. Changing our rules is not the solution. The Burrs and anyone else need to follow the rules. KTBS exaggerated a bit much to the story by saying that the Burrs were singled out by the HOA, they or the street leader ask everyone. The Burr’s are making themselves into this big deal by contacting this and that person to “fight” the HOA. If you drive through our community you will see very few people with signs. And funny thing, most signs are on the Burrs’ street. I guess they are the rebel rousers. This is the footage that KTBS filmed; they didn’t have to go far.
I would like to add that because our community is just south of the base we have 65%-75% military that live in The Gardens.
I noted on another local blog that one thing that may be getting lost in this story is that there is a young Marine that may never return home. We pray to God not, but it's a dangerous business.
I would surely hope that he knows how proud his family is of him, and of his service to our nation...even without a banner in the yard stating it. I'm sure he does.
Dunno. Maybe the Burr family is making itself the "story." I don't know them, or the entire situation well enough to make that call. I just felt like presenting the flip side.
BTW, the title of that article is misleading. It is not a "flag" that is in question. It is a "banner."
This neighborhood is a couple of miles south of Andy's Place. We don't have "covenants" here in the 'hood. I mean, nothing other than regular city ordinances, like you gotta get your trash can up before the next morning after it gets emptied, and no pickup trucks on blocks in your front yard, and you gotta keep your dogs penned up (which is routinely violated around here).
I understand covenants, but according to local talk, other signs have been displayed in this neighborhood, like signs in support of their District High School (Parkway High...which we really hated back when I went to BHS in the stone age). Maybe they'll get it resolved. Personally, I think a sign in good taste should be allowed at least while the young Marine is deployed.
Springtime in NW Louisiana must be kinda what Heaven is like, except not nearly as glorious. I mean, eyes haven't seen, and ears haven't heard what God has in store for us.
But while we're earthbound, Springtime around these parts MUST be just about as good as it gets. The earth has come back to life. The rose bushes are blooming, the Blue & the Yellow Iris are getting after it, and our coveted Purple Irises are just now bursting. The grass weeds are green and gorgeous, and the temps are so dang tolerable that all you want to do is stay outside and soak up the 78 degree sunshine.
Springtime also brings out the really cool vehicles. You know...the vehicles that everybody hides in a garage over the satanic Winter, because they don't want the devil to look at 'em. Yeah, THOSE REALLY COOL VEHICLES!
Well, I came across another one today. Lookit, I'm not a car guy, much, so I'm just gonna call this a Dune Buggy, that looks like it's got a Model-T front end on it...and a bitchin' paint job...and I think purple leather interior.
Whatever it is, it looks like it'd be almost sinful fun to drive!
I took these photos with my cameraphone. Man, I'll tell y'all, since I figured out that it was only $12.99 for a little card dealie, and the adapter to make it fit in my computer to get pictures off my cameraphone, I have been enjoying the heck out of taking pictures with my cameraphone.
On a side note, I'm pretty dang impressed with the picture quality of this cameraphone. It is a Nokia cameraphone, and when I finally decided to go wireless with communications about a year ago, the good folks at AT&T gave it to me for free. After owning it for almost a year, I have discovered that I can just say a name that's on my mailing list, and it will call that person. Cool, huh? And, it will take moving pictures, too. I haven't tried that yet. Well, really I did try it, but I've got to unload something from the worldwide computer to be able to look at the moving picture I took. But, I don't know if I will or not, because I just took a moving picture of the back yard, and I see that all the time, so I might wait until I take a moving picture of something I've never seen before. Maybe at Easter, I'll try to take a moving picture of some of the great-nieces, and great-nephews looking for eggs or something. Maybe. If I do, I'll upload the deal to put it on my computer, and then try to see if I can show y'all my gaggle of great-nieces/nephews looking for eggs and junk. I know y'all can't barely wait.
What was I saying? Oh yeah, this looks like it'd be almost sinful fun to drive!
I've been off the politics train for a while. But it behooves me to note that US Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) has been on my radar for quite a while now as one of the up and comers.
Seriously here...it seems to me that ALL the serious patriots that might be able to lead our nation are in the House side of Congerss TRADEMARK.
Even though he's from WAY DOWN SOUTH from Bossier City, I have looked at his work in the Congerss TRADEMARK., and have found the guy to be made of stern stuff. Looks like the boy is serious.
Hey y'all! I'm gonna be really tied up the next four or five days with work, so you'll understand if I don't make my usual rounds, or present the mediocrity y'all have come to expect here at Andy's Place.
Just a quick update. The Mrs.-in-law's knee replacement surgery went just fine this morning. Bless her heart, she has NO idea how much it's gonna hurt when they make her stand up on it. I know when Mom had hers a couple of years ago, she vomited from the pain.
I didn't mention that to The Mrs.-in-law.
But, I found out they've got a new deal like an epidural for that joint where they can manage the pain quite a bit. So, fingers crossed.
I'll check in with y'all when I can. I love y'all!
Oh yeah...If I don't get around to it, y'all be reminded that my beloved LSU Tigers play ball tomorrow night against a bunch of stupid Aggies in the Cotton Bowl.
I meant to do a couple of weeks of "Aggie Jokes" headed up to the game, but all of 'em I read sounded too true to be jokes, so I shelved that idea.
Okay, here's the deal. I need y'all's help/advice/whatever. And, I'm gonna trust y'all on this, so keep that in mind.
The hospital where I work is strongly urging all employees to take the flu shot. Now, it is not required, but strongly urged, and given free of charge. I have never taken a flu shot before. My issue is probably unfounded, but I know several folks (older folks) that do not take the flu shot because they claim that they got the flu from it in the past.
Now, I know that all experts say that you can not get the flu from the flu shot...but I don't believe everything I hear.
I certainly do not want to get the flu, and working around a hospital I'm sure I'm exposed to all kinds of junk, but at the same time, I'm not up for risking it, if the experts are wrong.
I certainly don't mind taking shots. I never have, even as a kid. In fact, I barely feel the injection. Seriously. When I had my first Hep-B injection the nurse told me that this one was gonna really hurt, so I was prepared. But, if I had not watched her inject me, I would not have even known she had done it. (Side note: I've had my second Hep-B shot with no ill effects, so it must have been the Tetanus/Pertussis shot that put me at death's door. But, I digress).
So! Help me out! Do you take the flu shot, and if so, have you ever suffered any ill effects from it?
Now, to the linky junk...
Cowdad sent me a link to a site called "Move Over America." I did not know that almost every US State has enacted laws requiring motorists to move to the left lane when approaching a law enforcement vehicle on the shoulder. Of course, it makes good sense to do so, but I was surprised that it is mandatory. Go over there and mouse over your State. Some of the fines are hefty! Check out Arkansas!
This was pretty cute. I nabbed it off Sully. This is 20 Ways To Whack Your Boss. When it starts, and you're finally fed up, click on one of the items in the office that highlights as you cursor over it. Once the deed is done, you can use the "Cleaner" to hide the evidence, and play again.
Nyuk...
There is nothing at all funny about a big wreck, or a traffic jam, but Coffee Bean recounted her experience yesterday on the icy Colorado highways, and it just made me chuckle. Having driven those roads in such conditions for several years (though on the Western Slope), it was all too familiar. CB really has a way with a story.
And, let's finish this off with this video. I saw it at Pseudonym's joint. I know it was shot in Louisiana, because the pontoon boat has a Louisiana registration number. I didn't know a Gator backed up from anything...especially a stinkin' cat.
Our blog buddy, and non-virtual friend btw, Jim informs me that my high school alma mater will be honoring several folks tonight. Yep, 9 individuals will be inducted into the Bossier High School (The home of the Bearkats) Hall of Fame beginning at 6:30 tonight.
Just in case you don't know who Kim Gandy is, she is a radical feminist, and was President of NOW for 9 years. Now, I'm gonna give Kim kudos for smacking down Chris Matthews, and for coming to the defense of my man, Hillary (who if y'all remember was my choice to be President of the Democrats). But, being the male chauvinist pig that I am...I'm not a fan.
I guess the strange thing about this is that I had no idea that Kim Gandy graduated from my very own beloved BHS. She is about 5 years older than I am, so I never would have crossed paths with her. But, you'd think I would have heard this before.
Maybe I did, and I just forgot.
Yeah, that's probably it.
Well, too bad that I can't make it to the ceremonies tonight. The Flarda State Criminoles are playing the Wolfpack. Sure, it ain't real college football. But it'll do...
I was listening to KEEL News at 1:00 pm. It seems that an unattended flame on a stove caused a fire on Midway in Queensborough (oooops!) Morningside. According to John Lee, the fire caused over $15,000 in damage.
Dapper Dan has a post up about former country singer, and Louisiana Goober, Jimmie Davis. Being a Louisiana boy, and somewhat familiar with Jimmie, I found it interesting. In the comments, someone mentioned Governor Earl K. Long (the brother of The Kingfish). I got into a cruising around expedition of Louisiana Goobers, and found something interesting in Earl K. Long's Wickedpedia page.
(Pay no attention to those there links...do not hit them, they are useless to the point of this post).
The outraged Earl, at thirty-six, called Huey "the yellowest physical coward that God had ever let live." Huey Long said of Earl: "Earl is my brother but he's crooked. If you live long enough he'll double cross you. He'd double cross Jesus Christ if He was down here on earth." (Quoted in Richard D. White, Jr., Kingfish, Random House, p. 137)
I'll bet it was kinda tense at Christmas that year.
BTW, I'm gonna need some help from some fellow Louisianians here. That portrait of Earl reminds me of somebody, and I just can't put my finger on who. He reminds me of somebody that has been in politics in the not too distant past around here...maybe still is. I just can't quite put my finger on who it is, though. Any idears???
