293. Dolph Williams, part 1.

293. Part 1 of our interview with Dolph Williams, founder of the Frosty Factory in Ruston, LA. After his mother invented the frozen daiquiri, Dolph used his engineering skills to build the machines to make them. When Dolph Williams asked his suppliers to develop larger-capacity machines, manufacturers scoffed and suggested that they saw no need. Necessity reawakened Williams’ Louisiana Tech engineering education in construction technology. His earlier lessons in calculating and designing bridges proved useful as he created his own version of a frozen daiquiri machine. Beginning with sketches on the back of a brown paper grocery bag, Williams soon had crafted a machine that could produce 12 gallons of alcohol slush per hour. These Ruston experiments contributed crucial innovations to the realm of frozen alcoholic beverages. Now the frozen daiquiri is a staple of Louisiana culture, and has spread far beyond the state.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 29, 1898. Monument to Public School benefactor John McDonogh dedicated in New Orleans.
2. This week in New Orleans history. The cornerstone of the Southern Regional Research Laboratory had been set on December 29, 1939 in the 40 acre building site at 2100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard. This area had formerly abutted the grounds of Spanish Fort amusement park and resort. It was here that local scientists developed wash-n-wear cotton, the predecessor of Permanent Press.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   New Year's Eve in New Orleans
      New Orleans, we celebrate New Year's Eve a little bit different from most places. Sure, we have funny hats and noisemakers (if you want them), but we add a little pizzazz to the occasion by ringing in the New Year our own way.
      For the biggest party in the city, head down to Jackson Square – the Quarter is packed with festive partygoers eager to count down the time until the New Year arrives. And because New Orleans does everything a little differently, don’t expect your run of the mill New Years ball drop; instead “Baby New Year” drops from its perch on the top of Jax Brewery followed by a magnificent fireworks show over the Mississippi. Follow the crowds to Bourbon Street and party til’ the early morning, or break away from the group and find your own special spot to celebrate in.
4.  Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce listens to the New Orleans Swinging Gypsies at the Spotted Cat Bar on Frenchman Street in New Orleans.

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292. John LaFleur II, part 2

292. Part 2 of our interview with John LaFleur II, author of Their Voices, Their Hands, and Their Gifts: Louisiana's Creole Food & Culture A Menu of Diversity. Owner / operator / entrepreneur at John LaFleur's New Orleans, Director / Manager / Creole Gourmet chef at John LaFleur's Louisiana Creole Guesthouse & Kitchen and Former Saturday French News Announcer in Ville Platte, Louisiana at KVPI Radio Past: New Orleans' Save Our Cemeteries" & Basin Street Tourist Center.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 22, 1814. British began moving to attack New Orleans.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Alvin "Shine" Robinson (December 22, 1937 – January 24, 1989), sometimes credited as Al Robinson, was an American rhythm and blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, based in New Orleans. His recording of "Something You Got" reached the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   32nd Celebration in the Oaks
   The Most Spectacular Holiday Lights Festival in the Country
   Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, with more than 165,000 visitors pouring into the Park to see the magical winter spectacle. City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout 25 acres of the Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Roz de Roos and her band play at the Apple Barrel on Frenchman Street in New Orleans.
5. Louisiana Christmas Card. Poet David Middleton reads his poem "The Shepherd — A Christmas Play."

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291 John LaFleur, part 1

291. Part 1 of our interview with John LaFleur II, author of Their Voices, Their Hands, and Their Gifts: Louisiana's Creole Food & Culture A Menu of Diversity. Owner / operator / entrepreneur at John LaFleur's New Orleans, Director / Manager / Creole Gourmet chef at John LaFleur's Louisiana Creole Guesthouse & Kitchen and Former Saturday French News Announcer in Ville Platte, Louisiana at KVPI Radio Past: New Orleans' Save Our Cemeteries" & Basin Street Tourist Center.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 15, 1802. Pres. Jefferson, worried of French takeover of La., seeks to purchase Isle of Orleans.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Renato (René) Beluche, born in New Orleans on December 15, 1780, was a privateer who enlisted in the American forces defending New Orleans against the British invasion of 1814-1815; he commanded one of the 24-pounders (seacoast cannons — the heaviest used at the time by the U.S. Army) in Battery No. 3 at Chalmette. He also commanded the privateer ship Spy under United States letter of marque during War of 1812.  As master of several merchant vessels out of New Orleans, he used the alias Pierre Brugman,
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Noel Acadien au Village
   December 1-23
   200 Greenleaf Drive
   Lafayette, LA
   337-981-2364
   More than half a million lights are incorporated into displays lighting up 10 acres of land. There also are carnival rides, local food vendors, live entertainment, a shopping area and photos with Santa. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. daily. $10, free for children 4 and younger.
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce listens to Joe Shedlo on Royal Street in New Orleans.
   

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290. Krista Bordelon, Part 2

290. Part 2 of our interview with Krista Bordelon, Baton Rouge activist and founder of Compassion Louisiana, which is an advocacy organization focused on community relations, awareness, and neighborhood development. It is entirely community organized, community led, and community funded.
     With the intent of building a strong future for Louisiana, Compassion’s focus revolves around 13 goals for sustainable development. Those goals are: no poverty; affordable and clean energy; zero hunger; work/economic growth; good health and well-being; industry, innovation, infrastructure; quality education; reduced inequality; peace, justice, strong institutions; sustainable community; partnerships for the goals; clean water and sanitation; responsible consumption and production. The ultimate goal of Compassion is to create independent, strong, sustainable communities. In a state that frequently falls behind the direction of the rest of the country, our hope is to not only move up on the list, but to become leaders in growth and development.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 8, 1872. Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback, 24th Governor of Louisiana.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the Fabulous Poodles performed at A Warehouse on December 8, 1979.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   New Orleans Running of the Santas
   Mannings & Generations Hall
   New Orleans, LA
   December 8, 2018
      Running of the Santas returns to the Warehouse District for an unbelievable day of events! DRINK SPECIALS AT ALL LOCATIONS!!! South Pole – 3:00pm at Mannings. A HUGE outdoor party with drink specials and GREAT Music! Doors open at 11am. At 5:45pm, the Santas will “RUN” from the “South Pole- Mannings” to the “North Pole – Generations Hall” (only a few blocks). Costume contest at 8:00pm! A portion of the proceeds benefits “That Others May Live” Foundation. LIVE MUSIC BY TOP CATS and FLOW TRIBE at the GENERATIONS HALL (aka “North Pole”) starting at 6pm!!!
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce listens to Krewe member Maude Caillat and the Afrodisiacs at the Circle Bar in New Orleans, LA.

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