We are still taking volunteer applications to work with lowernine.org
A few hours of yer time can help rebuild a family home, a community, a city. Though experience is helpful for many jobs, it is not required – all that is required is the will and determination to DO. The fine folk at lowernine.org (all volunteers themselves) can train ye to help with a variety o’ tasks…something as simple as planting a tree is a step toward revitalizing a community.

Here is a video that one volunteer compiled during her time with lowernine.org – a short trip through the Lower Ninth Ward community that punctuates why YOUR help is still needed.

Watch this LowerNine.org Video (Nov. 2009) (Thank ye to Miz Hayes and all those who give o’ their time and energy!)

New Orleans Saints NFC Champions!

It’s about far more than football – it’s a focal point for everyone in New Orleans (Louisiana even) to haul together, stand up together, SHOUT together and be share in the strength that this spirit generates. If we can pull together like this for a game, imagine what else we can accomplish? As a state, a city, a COMMUNITY…a large portion of “New Orleanians” were not born here – be they were re-born here; loving the good in this city, the CULTURE, the creativity, the diversity, the history. While we shout “WHODAT say dey gonna beat dem Saints?” think of it really as “WHODAT say dey gonna beat dis city? NOBODY dat who!” Like the Gators in Barataria, we don’t just survive, we’ll outlive ye all… This video explains it nicely – The Soul Of New Orleans …and if ye’ve never seen a Second Line in full force, THIS is how ye do it! The Men & Women Of Unity

The ‘Who Dat’ puppies rescued by  Miz Mardi Claw & our new mates “Dogs Of The 9th Ward”.

The shepherd-mixes were rescued last weekend, just hours before the Saints beat the Cardinals, and for the first time in their 3-week-old lives they were warm and safe. They had been abandoned when their owners moved and living under a house near Miz Mardi Claw.

Mama Payton, Drew, Breesie, Deuce, Reggie, Fujita and Shockey Girl (Daddy Rochy is still at large and attempts are being made to rescue him as well)

Thanks to Sheila Stroup (Times-Picayune); full story at NOLA.com

On January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. Join recovery efforts mobilizing around the world to assist earthquake victims. Your donation will help disaster victims rebuild their lives and their communities.

It be yer choice where, how and how much to donate – but everything, no matter how little it seems to ye, is of help. If everyone in a small town of 20,000 people donated even $1, imagine how much good that could do! Yer donations go toward food, fresh water, clothing, shelter, transport to safety, equipment to rescue people, medical aid and more. Ye can even volunteer yer time to help with relief efforts (onsite is grand, but encouraging others to help out locally is just as important).

The important thing to remember is the PEOPLE in Haiti – families who need yer help NOW…every little bit helps, even if it’s just a prayer!

“Papa Legba, ouvrier barriere por moi passer” – may the Loa & their ancestors give strength to the people of Haiti!

Wyclef Jean speaks about the Earthquake (CNN video)

Yéle Haiti – 100% of funds go to the Haiti relief fund! Yéle Haiti is a movement led by musician Wyclef Jean that is helping to bring hope back to Haiti. Projects are designed to make a difference in the fields of education, health, environment and community development. SMS donations accepted in the US only – text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts. Wyclef Jean on Twitter, Blog

Doctors Without Borders – Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Website, Facebook, on Twitter

Charity Navigator has a list posted of many reputable/legitimate organizations already helping in Haiti (and advice to avoid scams).

Also accepting cash and in-kind donations are the following sites:

• UNICEF (1-800-4UNICEF)
• Care
• Salvation Army
• The Humanitarian Coalition
• Direct Relief
• Partners in Health
• Red Cross
• World Food Program
• Mercy Corps (1-888-256-1900)
• Save the Children
• Lambi Fund
• The International Rescue Committee

We are pleased to announce that the fine folks at Blaine Kern’s “Mardi Gras World” have agreed to give a discounted tour to NOLA Pyrate Week participants! This is a unique opportunity to see the awesome new warehouse that houses the creations of one of New Orleans most famous families.

Since 1947, Blaine Kern Studios has been as much a part of Carnival as the parades New Orleans loves. In fact, they create most of those parades, from concept through completion. They are the world’s leading makers of floats, sculpture and props.

Click here for reservation