It would seem we have a new blogger here in New Orleans, a recent transplant named Jezebel. From the first post I can tell its going to be refreshing seeing the city through new eyes. Check it out and say hello, it won’t hurt. This time…
Loki, HumidCity Founder
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Ashley Morris and his contribution to this city’s Cast of Colorful Characters or of his devotion to The Saints:
Chris Rose: We’ll miss the Blogger next door
The Ashely Morris Blog
Remember Ashley Morris
Dirty Coast Press, The Rising Tide and the Big Easy Roller Girls Present:
FYYFF It’s Black and Gold Forever
A Fund-raiser for the Ashley Morris Memorial Foundation
Featuring:
The Big Easy Roller Girls
The Other Planets
Simon Lott, Helen Gillet, Justin Peake , Diamond Kinkade,
Fleur de Tease “Nude Is Nice” performance
Supa Saint
and emcee Andrew Ward - The Reverend Pysch Ward.
DEFEND NEW ORLEANS T-Shirts
Proceeds from the raffle and the auction as well as the T-Shirts will be donated by the Morris family to the Ashley Morris Memorial Foundation which will be used to present FYYFF Awards at later dates.
One-Eyed Jacks
Saturday July 26
Doors 8p
$10 cover
Please help spread the word. Anyone with donations of art for the raffle or auction please contact Loki at HumidCity
No, this is not another post about the legendary Magazine Street Transvestite Crime Ring ™, that is covered elsewhere (at the moment). Instead this is to comment on what appears to be the theft of a dress design. Listen my children and you shall hear the story of a wholesale client that wanted more.
Trashy Diva is a great little clothing store on Magazine St., down near the big Rue De La Course coffee house. It has been around for years and is respected in the local community, I know that because I live nearby. Recently they discovered that a dress of their design had been duplicated by one of their wholesalers with no credit (or percentage) posted.
Yesterday, a customer brought in a photo of a dress (printed out from one of our regular wholesale customers UNIQUE-VINTAGE.COM.-Now, if you haven’t heard of them, then no suprise. They are a generic non-offensive site, but not a site exploding with any original personality ). Anyway, this photo is of one of my dresses-but in a different color. The customer was wondering if we got some new colors instock in the popular “Trixie” dress. After a bit of investigation we find out that this website has actually taken one of our dresses to a factory and had the dress copied and is selling the dress as their design under their label on their website. WHAT!!?!
In Pamplona, Spain there is the Running of the Bulls, an exciting yet questionable way to spend a vacation. In New Orleans its a little bit different. You see its our second year running from the bulls, but being the Crescent City we do it our way. In all probability you will not be in fear of hospitalization if you run here, you also will discover that the bulls are much easier on the eye…
NOLA Bulls is the website for this event, an event which I predict will reach a thousand people in size within the next year to two years. (EDIT: Evidently the AP was listening when I said this at the After Party. Of course I have not actively been a promoter since right after 9-11, but oh well…-Loki) Running of the Bulls here in New Orleans means running from the beautiful and deadly Big Easy Rollergirls (The Official Sports Team of HumidCity!). I think that what we are seeing here is the birth of a New Orleans tradition, one which recalls the often neglected Spanish portion of the city’s heritage. It is quite appropriate to have it in the French Quarter for exactly that reason, the great fire under the Spanish regime wiped out all of the original French architecture which was replaced with all of the black wrought iron we know today. Spanish architecture.
Click the More Link to see photos of the the runners, the bulls, the Elvi, and more that I shot while running this morning.
-Loki, HumidCity Founder Read the rest of this entry »
Three cheers for our own Andrea Garland, coordinator of the St. Claude Arts District and HumidCity cultural contributor! The SCADNOLA is finally getting a small bit of the limelight it so richly deserves, check out this video from NOLA.com (if you are reading this on a feed and cannot see the video just click through to HumidCity where it is embedded):
| SCAD, The St. Claude Arts District |
-Loki, HumidCity Founder
The above is a message we can all agree with, although some might phrase it more delicately. These have been popping up in the Bywater recently, and I think they speak volumes about the state of affairs down here. Still, if thousands converging on city hall could not accomplish anything lasting why should a sticker? At least seeing this raised my spirits, which is also vastly important these days.
On a more practical front I found something that brought a grin to my face while grabbing some coffee at the Sound Cafe: a petition to the City Council for them to impress upon Fred Radtke (the ubiquitous Grey Ghost) that his efforts are neither wanted nor welcome by the community. I feel the delicious tingle of a “ban the buff” movement beginning to take root. I would like to take this occassion to wholeheartedly endorse one!
I want to see more of these turn up. The Magazine Street Business Association is one group that has several members that I know who have suffered the expense of Mr. Radtke’s “graffiti removal.” Likewise I am sure with many neighborhood associations and business groups. Mobilization is required. A simple petition is a start.
Finally we start to see some practical moves in this game of “get the psycho off the streets.” I know that most of us are unstable or self medicated these days (gee, how Tennessee Williams), but this guy is dangerous. Military experience and mental instability, which is what it increasingly seems like we are dealing with here, are a lousy combination. If his reported behavior in court during the NOLA Rising case or when he verbally abused that poor girl at Mojo’s gives any indication I would advise his removal from the streets, post haste.
-Loki, HumidCity Founder
I am behind the curve in hearing about this. To be honest I am pretty bereft of words. Bob’s humorous fiction in particular is close to my heart. He will be missed. Jon Donelly over at NOLA.com actually said it quite well:
In the far reaches of Ranke, in the sinister gloom of Sanctuary’s Vulgar Unicorn, Hell Hounds, cutpurses and street hustlers raise a flagon to a great mage. Elsewhere, Skeeve and Aahz feel the passing of the Myth Maker. And worlds away, a Phule and his creator are too soon parted.
On Thursday, May 22, fantasy/science-fiction author and editor Robert Asprin passed away in his French Quarter residence. The 61-year-old writer - known to many by his SCA name of “Yang the Nauseating” - was famous for a ground-breaking series known as “Thieves World,” in which a group of top sci-fi/fantasy luminaries contributed short stories in a shared universe, a new model that was part of the genesis of the modern fantasy genre. He co-edited and helped author the early books in this series, with then-wife Lynn Abbey. His career continued through Myth Adventures, a humorous fantasy series, which was still being written with co-author Jodie Lynn Nye. Their latest book, “Myth-Chief,” was published this year, and “Myth Fortune,” which was in progress, will be published at an unspecified date. Asprin also created the humorous adventures of Willard Phule and his space-going company.
According to family spokesman and longtime friend Bill Fawcett, the author was discovered in his New Orleans home on Thursday:
On May 22, 2008, Bob passed away quietly in his home in New Orleans, LA. He had been in good spirits and working on several new projects, and was set to be the Guest of Honor at a major science fiction convention that very weekend. He is survived by his mother, his sister, his daughter and his son, and his cat, Princess, not to mention countless friends and fans and numerous legendary fictional characters. He will be greatly missed. Bob, when this was discussed, requested there not be a formal funeral. A gathering at Fahy’s Pub on Dauphine in the Quarter has been organized, which fits Bob’s often-expressed desire that he be remembered by a series of great pub crawls. He also stated that should he die, any donations (should go) to the New Orleans Library for the purchase of science fiction books. Alternately Bob was a great cat lover concerned about the animals of New Orleans and donations to no kill animal shelters would also be a fitting memorial.The gathering at Fahy’s will be held Monday, May 26, from 9-11 pm.
He has much more including a letter from the lady who found him in Jon’s original post.
Tonight, at Rock ‘n Bowl, the Legendary Renard Poche! 11pm
A contemporary of some of New Orleans’ funk greats, Renard Poché’s contributions can be counted among the defining factors of funk in New Orleans. Best known for his electrifying guitar work, Poché is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist* whose been known to move effortlessly between guitar, trombone, percussion, flute, recorders and more, without missing a beat. In addition to his live and studio guitar work with artists such as Dr. John, Zigaboo Modeliste (of the original Meters), Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint and N’Dea Davenport (Brand New Heavies), Poché’s trombone work can be heard on recordings by Peter Gabriel, The Indigo Girls, Terrance Simeon and The Neville Brothers, among others. Poché’s original compositions have found their way to places as diverse as BET’s Movie of the Week and the TaeBo Workout Video. Poché has also shared his talent with renowned trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard in soundtracks for the films Dark Blue and Barber Shop.
Syndicated by permission of Michael Dingler. The entire HumidCity Team extends
our heartiest congratulations to NoLA Rising!!
PERSONAL VENDETTA GOES NOWHERE
We all know that Fred RAdTke had made it known in January “City Business” articles that his vendetta against NoLA Rising founder Michael Dingler was a personal one. It was a vendetta Mr. RAdTke claimed he would take all the way and try to financially cripple Dingler (a.k.a. ReX). In court on Thursday, May 22nd, Mr. RAdTke appeared and failed miserably in his attempt to make sure the charges he, in Mr. RAdTke’s words, “citated” against ReX would stick.
RAdTke lobbied hard, providing witness testimony that highlighted HIM as the champion of the city, showing photographs and news stories of him “cleaning up” New Orleans and even going so far as to attempt to take over the prosecution’s case and deal directly with the judge as though he were a lawyer.
Judge Sean P. Early would have none of it. Judge Early finally got the aggravated RAdTke to quiet. As RAdTke pled his personal case for vendetta, legal counsel for NoLA Rising (Buddy Spell of Spell & Spell) provided photographs of ReX’s work to Judge Early, upon which Judge Early stated that he thought the signs were pretty and had served a purpose. RAdTke, incensed at the comment, still fought on. Read the rest of this entry »
Michael Dingler deserves huge congratulations, as does the New Orleans Municipal Court (for once!). He won the case today! Via NOLARISING:
NoLA Rising Founder Michael Dingler appears in Municipal Court today to Astounding Victory. Details of the happening will be posted here later today if not early tomorrow morning. You won’t want to miss the victory of NoLA Rising founder over the graffiti artist Fred Radtke (a.k.a. The Grey Ghost) and his storming out of the courtroom.
Personally I cannot wait for all the gory details!
-Loki, HumidCity Founder
I have been stuck in my office and was not able to make it out for the ribbon cutting this morning, but I am thrilled to report the Crescent City’s first actual bike lane! It runs down both sides of St. Claude.
For text and pics go check out Prosthetically Hip!
I would sacrifice much to get one of these running from Carrollton to the Bywater….
Dr. John has cemented himself as one of music’s few living legends. On “City That Care Forgot,” his crucial new album out June 3 on 429 Records/Savoy Label Group, The Good Dr. shares his eminence with notable guests like Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, and Ani DiFranco, making for an exhilarating musical experience.
Clapton, who also appears on the indelible lead single “Time For A Change,” employs his legendarily fierce guitar-work on the blistering title track, which also features poignant vocals from Ms. Di Franco. Elsewhere, Willie Nelson adds a dab of country swagger to the buoyant “Promises, Promises.”
Other guests include Terrance Simien (”Save Our Wetlands”), Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and James “12″ Andrews (”My People Need a Second Line”), and acclaimed composer Terence Blanchard, who enlivens “Land Grab” with his snazzy and cinematic trumpet riffs.
“City,” a propulsive, polemical swan song described by Newsweek writer Malcolm Jones as, “a furious album about what happened in New Orleans,” is easily Dr. John’s best work in 20 years. And, anchored by his touchingly auspicious tone poems, it promises to solidify The Night Tripper as having “more than enough variety in his New Orleanspanorama to leave the audience shouting for more” (New York Times).
If you don’t live here you can pre-order on Amazon. If you do live here support local business and buy it here.
For anyone who may have a desire to listen to my drivel instead or reading it, here is a video interview I did with NOLA.com over the course of Jazz Fest. It’s three minutes of sleep deprived and over caffeinated Loki talking about Jazz Fest, WWOZ, and internet tech.
-Loki, Founder and Blog Wrangler, HumidCity
Sunday afternoon about 5pm, a driver veered off the road, hitting three pedestrians, who were standing in front of a house, killing one and injuring two others.
The accident happened in the 800 block of Lesseps, at the corner of Dauphine, just outside Vaughn’s Bar.
Billy Ding, 42, (Piano player - Billy Ding & the Hot Wings, & former owner of French Quarter Bicycles) was pronounced dead on the scene.
Michael Aaron (Owner - Recently closed Rock & Roll Collectibles on Decatur Street) is in critical condition. I believe he’s been taken to University Hospital. The other pedestrian, whose identity is as yet unknown, was taken away by ambulance as well.
The driver, who witnesses say was apparently learning to drive, was arrested. Drug and alcohol tests were pending.
Michael Aaron, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Billy Ding, you will be missed, my friend.
Lord David
Skull Club
New Orleans
G-Bitch’s post inspired me to follow up with this one on the ‘OZ Blog.
Jazz Fest is always a busy and energizing time for me. Working out on the Fairgrounds, ground zero for entertainment during the season, is always fun. (Well, maybe not running through the rain with PCs wrapped in garbage bags trying to safeguard the gear, the rest is pretty great.) Its especially good this year because I actually have a team to work with. The pictures here were taken by one of the long standing HumidCity Irregulars: M. Styborski (who you may well know from his blog Nation of Morons). We’ve been putting out a good variety of nearly real time content and having fun doing it (except for the rain).
This year I have two surprising new bits of additional good fortune to share.
The first one is tomorrow. Instead of my usual ride to the Bywater on my bike I will be making my way to the French Quarter on the streetcar and heading over to Aranud’s for drinks. The lovely ladies of Tales of the Cocktail have been generous enough to ask me to be a judge, so tomorrow will be an afternoon of careful cocktail appraisal. Their office is next to my own, and we have been working together on fund raising efforts for the Ashley Morris Fund, yet despite knowing me they asked anyway. Brave or foolhardy, you be the judge.
If you’re not familiar with them click the banner below and check out their website:
The second is an odd bit of internet flotsam. I noticed a trackback in the site log that appeared to be brand new, yet when I followed it I got a surprise. Evidently my yearly anti-caterpillar rant here on the HumidCity was picked up and quoted in The New Yorker. Not only that, but the article is almost exactly a year old. I must admit to being quite amused that my words ended up there of all places not to mention puzzled at why it would take a year for a trackback to show. I’ll be damned.
Well here we we go, the last day of the first weekend. With storm clouds overhead failing to impede the enthusiasm of the masses I find myself bouncing between the stages and the WWOZ Brass Pass tent where our web team has set up the silicon. If anybody cares to read my drivel, as well as the words of various other voices ranging from WWOZ DJs to random Jazz Fest attendees, you can stop by the WWOZ Jazz Fest Blog on NOLA.com.
Jazz Fest 2008 by Often Absurd in the Humid City, on Flickr
The Following is the text of an email I received today. I was carbon copied along with the TP at my request. Since this very subject was the topic of much conversation during the afternoon torrents I felt it deserved to be shared. What are your thoughts? -Loki, HumidCity, Founder
It is 4:30 and I am writing this letter from the WWOZ hospitality tent (because I happily plunked down $380 to go to jazz fest and support WWOZ). For me to stop listening to the music to write the TP is phenomenal, but this time it has gone too far. I have been going to jazz fest for 40 years (1969 Congo Square before it was jazz fest). I worked there seven years for free and another eight for minimum wage. The last years I was the day fair book keeper and I know better than most how expensive jazz fest is to produce. So I have defended jazz fest when they added corporate sponsorships, when they sold areas for private parties, and when they increased their daily cost.
But today at 4:00 pm on my way to Bobby Lounge, I looked up at the grandstand and it was empty. Maybe 20 people inside away from the rain and another dozen on the balconies. In the pouring rain????
Well this year, the jazz fest closed the Grandstand to everyone but the Foundation and the Big Chief Experience People. So if you came thinking that you could run to the Grandstand if it rains, next year you will have to pay $500 or so to get in. Or you will have to have a friend on the Foundation willing to share the perks and highly expensive catering they enjoy. Shame on the Foundation, shame on AIG, and shame on FPI who was forced to sell their soul to the Foundation and AIG.
How many seats does jazz fest have to sell at $500 to make up for the $50 tickets that were locked out of the Grandstand today? Think about it.
Pat Williamson
Once again I am acting as Blog Producer for WWOZ during Jazz Fest, so look for our posts and pictures on the Jazz Fest Blog! Come on by, leave some comments, go to the WWOZ site and tune in the stream.
Its time for some food, some music and one hell of a good time.
-Loki, HumidCity FounderÂÂ
I’ve just receive a tip that Fred Radtke of Operation Clean Sweep, better known in local mythology as the Grey Ghost, has just buffed Mojo, the coffeshop on Magazine St. Accoridng to the tip off he was told not to by the young lady at the counter who he then verbally assaulted. Evidently NOPD is currently looking for him in the area. I hope to be able to vefiy the truth of this in the near furture. Stay tuned.
-Loki, HumidCity Founder
In a surprise move this evening Soviet Block, our own Hana Morris, announced that she will be keeping Ashley’s blog open!
The fundraising efforts are going well on the internet end, something for which I would like to offer my personal thanks. There is still a long way to go, but I have faith in our community. Stop by Remember Ashley Morris and help lift them up.
More soon, I am completely exhausted and must sleep. ÂÂ
A major voice in the New Orleans blogosphere has gone silent, widowing a Rollergirl and orphaning three tiny children. As
various local groups prepare a benefit we see major obstacles looming for the family including five figure expenses for the funeral. Please give what you can, even a few dollar here and there can mount up. There are needs that cannot wait on the fund raising events.
Please join the efforts of HumidCity, Defend New Orleans, NOLA Rising, WTUL, Tales of the Cocktail, The Big Easy Rollergirls, The Skull Club, L’Art Noir, and many more as we show the Morris Family what community really means!
Online Donations can be made at Remember Ashley Morris
If you wish to mail a donation make the check out to Hana Morris and send it to:
HumidCity c/o
George Williams
5500 Prytania St.
PMB #417
New Orleans, LA 70115
If you wish to become involved in the benefit events, donate art for auction, or assist in some other way please contact me directly by emailing me humidcity at gmail dot com
