12 Yats of Christmas

The Yat dialect is the most pronounced version of the New Orleans Accent. Natives often speak with varying degrees of the Brooklyn-esque accent, ranging from a slight intonation to what is considered full Yat. As with all dialects, there is variance by local speakers due to geographic and social factors. This results in many different levels of Yat throughout the area, marking distinct differences between higher-income people and lower-income people. Yat tends to differ in strength and intonation from neighborhood to neighborhood. The type, strength, and lexicon of the accent vary from section to section of the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. Longtime residents can often tell what area the other residents are from by their accent.

State Rankings for Happiness

Here's how states are ranked by happiness levels:

1. Louisiana
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arizona
6. Mississippi
7. Montana
8. South Carolina
9. Alabama
10. Maine

There may be something to be said for southern hospitality and sunshine. A new study shows that Southern states are the happiest while coastal rivals New York and California are at the bottom of the list.

Researchers ranked the happiest states (plus the District of Columbia) on self-reported measures of happiness as well as objective measures like sunshine, congestion, and housing affordability and found six out of the top 10 happiest states were in the South.

Louisiana topped the list, followed by Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee, and Arizona rounding out the top five.

New York ranked dead last at number 51 and California fared only slightly better at number 46.

Want to see where your State ranks?

I won 4 FREE tickets to this on the radio...

Celebration in the Oaks ™. What is it? Well...locals get to share in the joy and spirit of the 23rd annual Celebration with favorites including the fabled Carousel (a century-old Antique Carousel) and the train which will take patrons on an enchanted journey highlighted by an electrifying light display along City Park Avenue, and the Botanical Garden decked out in its holiday glory. This rich tradition is a New Orleans' signature! Some of the things I'll get to see: -A new state of the art twenty minute Laser Light Show set to holiday music performed by some of New Orleans' favorite artists. -A twenty-foot tall Poinsettia Christmas Tree is the focal point of the Botanical Garden's Conservatory of the Two Sisters. -The multi-media Cajun Night Before Christmas exhibit depicting the classic local twist on the traditional tale, but this one if set on a Louisiana bayou, Santa is dressed in muskrat "from his head to his toe," his skiff is filled high with toys and is hitched to eight friendly alligators, not a Prancer or Comet among them. -A New Orleans Christmas figure that many are strongly loyal to this time of year...(it's not Santa)...it's Mr. Bingle. More to come on Mr. Bingle later since I want to devout a full post to him.

21.2 Inches of Rain in just 14 days

Severe rainfalls Monday night and Tuesday morning depositing more rain on ground already saturated by the weekend's storms helped make this December the wettest calendar month on record in metro New Orleans, according to the National Weather Service. A total rainfall of 7.17 inches from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday at Armstrong Airport helped cement the new record. Other rainfall totals about 9 a.m. Tuesday read 5.69 inches at Audubon Park. All this rain is after the drench of another 7+ inches the New Orleans region had Saturday evening.

Added a little festive spirit to the blog with some snow! Enjoy!

Papa Noël

Papa Noël

(Cajun French)

A Little Louisiana Christmas Culture

This version of St. Nicholas came to North America with the families of French fur traders who trapped in Canada and shipped furs down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. Soon the Cajun French were calling him Papa Noel, which means Father Christmas. He usually wears a cream colored coat and furs and always carries a "crèche" (manger scene) and other religious symbols. He does not bring toys, but provides plenty of firewood for warmth through the Holy Night. Many bonfires are built to honor him on Christmas Eve.

If you walk around the French Quarter this time of year, you'll see a big fellow covered in fur and ofter carrying a hatchet. No Lie! I'm assuming it's to cut down wood for the many bonfires. Yet, the kids still love him no matter how scary he may come off.

Saints Return

Greeted by thousands of fans along Bainbridge Street and Veterans Blvd. in Kenner Sunday night, the 13-0 New Orleans Saints returned to New Orleans after beating the Atlanta falcons 26-23 in Atlanta, Ga. The Saints have a short week off since they are hosting the Dallas Cowboys next Saturday night in the Louisiana Superdome.

What is the Louisiana Renaissance Festival?

The village of Albright is approximately 10 charming acres of tranquility. Upon entering the majestic front gate, visitors will be greeted by the many residents of Albright, whether it be the Baron, the Mayor, the Inn Keeper or countless others.

There are delightful aromas and sounds filling the rustic streets of Albright. From bagpipes to the hammer dulcimer, from roasted pecans to garlic mushrooms, your senses are delighted at every turn! For fulfilling your thirst, there are many beverages from which to choose. The coffee shop offers tea and hot cocoa while the Painted Badger Pub and King Head’s Tavern offer various spirits. A variety of soft drinks are found throughout the village. Piper's Pubs bring you many delicious flavors of root beer and cream ale.

As you journey around the scenic lake of Albright, you will notice many demonstrations from various craftsmen: glassblowing, blacksmithing, candle making, woodworking, and more. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth is strolling the streets of Albright. Remember to shout “God Save the Queen” to show your appreciation! If you are the quiet type, a simple bow or curtsey will do.

Entertainment is endless during your visit. There are forty stage shows everyday including: comedy, juggling, singing pirates, and clowns, just to name a few. Throughout the lanes are strolling minstrels, games, rides and more! One of the most popular events is the joust. Watch as fully armored knights battle on horseback as well as hand-to-hand combat. Be sure to cheer for your favorite knight with a hearty “hip hip huzzah”. From the romantic to adventurous, the young or young at heart, Albright provides a unique experience for everyone!

With the fresh snow still on the ground from the night before and the day's temps only reaching into the high 40s, we bundled up and headed straight for hot drinks.

Weekend 5: Highland Fling

Dec 5/6 - Show your Celtic pride and join us as we celebrate all things Irish and Scottish. We’ll be celebrating the music, dance, and culture of the Celtic nations throughout the weekend with a variety of events.Listen to the sounds of traditional Pipe and Drum bands and sing along with our musicians as they perform Celtic tunes for your enjoyment.Wear your kilt with pride and join us for our Best Knees contest! Slàinte!.

Joust

A fully armored contact joust and hand-to-hand combat demonstration. This crowd favorite is a main attraction to the festival. It is held twice a day in the "Joust ARENA," which can hold up to 5,000 people.

Poor Michele got covered up due to the nice gentleman's, who was taking the picture, beer cup. This was the our knight - Sir William.

Haggis Rampant

Pipes, drums and family attitude. Enjoy bagpipe harmonies and connect with your clan in this show featuring down home Scottish music and fun.

Tortuga Twins

The TORTUGA TWINS a comedy story-telling troupe that redefines tall tales and favorite fables. Join in the fun as this tights-wearing trio brings you seemingly untold stories; Enjoy the funny antics of Raphael, D’Angelo, and Scaramouche.

SWORDFIGHTING & STUPIDITY

Join the Tortuga Twins as they match wits and swords as they compete to find out who is the best swordsman. This naughty, bawdy, R-rated show is NOT for children, it is probably not even for adults – But it IS guaranteed to leave you rolling in the aisles. (R, for Adults)

Johanna & Drako's Christmas Greeting

Louisiana Renaissance Festival pics to come...

You Know You are a Mardi Gras Addict When...

1. You have a Christmas Tree Decorated in Purple, Green, and Gold.

2. You plan to keep your tree up through Fat Tuesday.

HA! That's Me!

12-O N.O. HO! HO! HO!

You know it had to happen... With the Saints now 12-0, Superbowl anthems have begun to spring up around New Orleans (playing almost everyday on the radio stations) and the Internet. These are a couple of my favorites!