TRAFFIC ALERT: Boardwalk Will Be Busy Tonight!

The Bossier City Police Department anticipates heavy traffic flow from the Louisiana Boardwalk following the Rockets Over the Red fireworks display Saturday. Officers will alter traffic to accommodate the large number of people expected.

Westbound lanes of the Texas Street bridge will be closed at 6 p.m., and the walkway will be closed at 7 p.m.

Following the fireworks display, the northbound lanes of Traffic Street between Ogilvie and East Texas streets will be closed.

Vehicles leaving the parking garage will be directed north onto Traffic Street and then eastbound onto Ogilvie Street, along with other vehicles traveling north on Traffic Street.

The Police Department is warning patrons to expect long delays if they park inside the garage. Other modifications may be made if necessary.

***

EVENT ALERTs: Parties in the Bayou (Classic)

Thanksgiving isn't the only major event happening this week ... Grambling and Southern fans from all over the country are converging in New Orleans this weekend for the 32nd State Farm Bayou Classic.

I remember going down to the New Orleans every year with my family (and/or friends) to root for Southern (I have a LOT of alums in my family). Even with the devastation that has happened in the Crescent City, it's still home to the one of the biggest match-ups in Black College football.

But the weekend isn't just about the game ... of course there is the Battle of the Bands and Greek Show on Friday night ... and a plethora of parties!!!

• Click the icon at the top of the page for info on this weekend's events ... but check out the info below to find out about some of the hottest parties in the city:
  

Crown Royal & Heineken Beer have teamed up with New Orleans #1 Promoters to bring you the long awaited...RETURN OF THE SEXY Bayou Classic Weekend at New Orleans' Most Exclusive & Upscale Nightclub -- The METROpolitan





(The METRO is located at 310 Andrew Higgins Drive in New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District ... It Features -- An Entire 2nd Floor VIP- 3 Club Rooms - Valet Parling- Coat Check- Several Ultra VIP Suites- Several Brand New TV Monitors- Hot Light Show- Crown Royal & Heineken Beer Samples- Back Drop for Photo Opportunities- Beautiful Outdoor Courtyard-- Short Walking Distance From ALL DOWNTOWN HOTELS)

THE BIG WEEKEND at THE METRO kicks off on...FRIDAY, NOV 28th as PROFESSIONAL FRIDAYS present...The BLACK & CHOCOLATE AFFAIR -- "Where Urban Style, High Fashion & Expectations Meet"featuring..."Lights, Camera, Fashion" -- A Super Hot Fashion Show by JERK & JON Couture, plus KOOL DJ SUPAMIKE (MAX 94.1) & DJ ROB NICE (Q93) spinning CRAZY heat!!!

This special event will be hosted by Uptown Angela of Q93. Black & Chocolate Attire Is Preferred But Not Mandatory (You Can Wear Black, Grey, Beige, Brown, Tan, Cream, Etc...) *Chocolate Covered Strawberries Will Be Provided & Valet Parking Will Be Available*







The Party Continues on SATURDAY, NOV. 29TH with the Classic Climax ... hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist and NBA All Star CHRIS PAUL...

Penned "The N.O. LIVE Bayou Classic All Nighter" this is considered The Absolute Hottest Party Of The Weekend!!!! The party starts at 11 pm and continues until 6 in the morning!

And on top of that...FABULOUS FITZ brings to you the 1st Annual "Welcome To The Diamond Dolls Catwalk Extravaganza" Fashion Show

• Purchase $10.00 VIP Tickets for BOTH PARTIES at www.TicketAnnex.com
• For Table Reservations/VIP Sections...Call 504-234-4545 or send an email to RedCarpetEvents@bellsouth.net
• For more information about the parties ...call 504.568.1702

IN ANOTHER PART OF THE CITY:



A Double does of Celebrity-hosted parties are also being held at CLUB HUSH (formerly DREAMS, for those who know NOLA).





FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28th , HereWeGo Entertainment PRESENTS THE CELEBRITY EDITION OF "THE LIFE -- BAYOU CLASSIC STYLE" HOSTED BY TERRENCE J. of 106 & PARK

DJ RAJ SMOOVE AND DJ BOOTSIE ON THE 1's and 2's ALL NIGHT LONG. VIP SOFAS FOR 10 PEOPLE ONLY $300 (LIMITED AVAILABILITY). DOORS OPEN AT 10 PM.




On SATURDAY, NOV. 29TH, THE OFFICIAL BAYOU CLASSIC AFTERPARTY WITH Q 93 WILL BE HOSTED BY R&B SINGER JAZMINE SULLIVAN. DOORS OPEN AT 10 PM.

• CLUB HUSH IS LOCATED AT 309 DECATUR ST. (View Map)
• VIP/Tickets are available at www.ticketannex.com
• FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT CALL (504) 638-6711 OR E-MAIL:
  hwgent@tmo.blackberry.net OR herewegono@hotmail.com

** Be safe in New Orleans people!!! (and send me pictures!!) - m

EVENT ALERT: Holiday Happenings in the SBC

It's the most wonderful timmmmmme of the yeaaaaaaaaaaar ... :)

Of course, Thanksgiving is coming this Thursday, but the SBC is also ushering in the beginning of the Christmas season.

There are Holiday Happenings in the SBC this week ...

Here's a look at some upcoming events:

Today (Tuesday), November 25th


6 pm: 32nd Annual Bossier Chamber Christmas Parade @ Louisiana Boardwalk

Floats, bands, throws and Santa Claus. The parade will start at the Bass Pro Shop, follow the trolley trail, and end at the construction at the new Courtyard Marriott. The Family Fun Area will be located under the Texas Street Bridge and will be open from 4-6 p.m. This event is free. Call 318-752-1455 for more information.

Wednesday, November 26th

9 am: Annual Mistletoe and More Show @ Bossier Civic Center

Over 200 exhibitors displaying holiday decor, jewelry, baby, monogramming, wood products, gift, food, and more. PRICE: $3; free, children 10 and younger. Hours – Fri/Sat (9 am – 5 pm), Sun (11 am – 4:30 pm). Call (318) 470-6714 or 564-9489 for more information.

5:30 pm - Christmas in Roseland @ American Rose Center

Animated displays, more than a million lights adorn the rosebushes, sleeping roses, larger-than-life Christmas cards made by Shreveport-Bossier City students, quilt display by the Red River Quilters, model train display, photography exhibit, performances by local school groups and churches, and ride the Roseland Express over to Santa's 18-foot tall Victorian Cottage. Closed on Christmas Day. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with last car admitted at 8:30 p.m. on Sun., and Tues.-Thurs. adn 9:30 on Fri.-Sat. PRICE: $5 per person; $15 per carload; $50 per minibus (15 to 35 people); $75 per motor coach or tour group. The Center is located at 8877 Jefferson Paige Road. Call (318) 938-5534 for more information.

Saturday, November 27th


9 am: Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market 2008 @ Natchitoches Events Center

More than 65 vendors from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi, selling jewelry, toys, children's clothing, mosaics, Christmas items, wreaths and arrangements, art prints, decorated gourds, birdhouses, totes, quilts, photography, pottery, knitted and embroidered items, candy, jellies, religious items, stained glass, soaps and body lotions. A concession area will be open. The Center is located at 750 2nd St. in Natchitoches.

2 pm: Bass Pro Shops Christmas Parade @ Louisiana Boardwalk

The 4th Annual Bass Pro Shops Christmas Parade welcomes Santa Claus to Bass Pro Shops. This event is free!

3 pm: Christmas in Plain Dealing Festival Concert @ First Presbyterian Church

Concert pianist Alison Beck and violinist Elizabeth Beck, will perform a concert of Christmas music. The church is located at 300 E. Mary Lee St. in Plain Dealing. Call (318) 326-4812 for more information.



4 pm: 11th Annual Rockets Over The Red Fireworks @ Riverview Park

22 minute fireworks show, choreographed to a holiday soundtrack kicks off the holiday season. There will be food, live entertainment provided by Rockhouse and the Benjy Davis Project, Party Central play stations, KCS Holiday Express, complete with Santa Claus.

4 pm: Springhill Christmas Parade in Springhill

Springhill Christmas Parade on Main Street at 4 PM sponsored by Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce. Santa Claus and story time in the park, plus Santa photos will be taken! A good time for all ages! This year’s theme is “Cajun Christmas.” There will be entertainment and refreshments as well. This event is FREE. Call (318) 539-4717 for more information.

Monday, December 1st

12 pm: City of Bossier City and Bossier Parish Community College Annual Christmas Show

The Annual Christmas Show presented for the City of Bossier by the Bossier Parish Community College will take place in the Bossier Civic Center. This event runs through Thursday, December 4th. Hours – Monday @ 12 pm, Tuesday @ 9 am, Wednesday @ 7 pm, Thursday @ 7 pm.

• For a look at more Upcoming Holiday Events in the SBC, go HERE.

****

EVENT ALERTs: Black & White Party + Holiday 'Sophistication'

SBC Partygoers are going to make Black & White looks sexy this Wednesday night, when CrowdPleaser Ent. and FreakBoy Ent. present the BLACK & WHITE AFFAIR at Riverview Hall in downtown Shreveport.

The Attire for this Event is All Black, All White, or Black & White. Attendees should dress smart, creative, but most of all... SEXY!!

Tickets for The Black & White Affair Start At $10...and are available at: Lil J's Music & More l The Source in Pierre Bossier Mall l Kennepooh's Barbershop & Captain Joe's Fire House Cooking on the Pines Rd.

For More Info Call: 318-655-2449 or 318-422-5322.

ON TURKEY DAY ... CrowdPleaser will continue the festivities across the river at Adam's Lounge for an EXTRA night of Sophistication:

Doors open at 8 pm ... Bring your family and friends who are in town for the weekend to the ONLY Grown & Sexy party in the SBC that night!!!

DJ Marle-Mar will be on the 1's and 2's ... and it will be a drama-free atmosphere!

• And as usual ... Saturday Sophistication will be on and poppin' Saturday night at Adam's as well ... doors open at 9 pm ...

***

PARTY PICS: Phreak Nasty But Klassy @ The Municipal

Oh Boy Productions had the Municipal packed Saturday night (11.22) as frats from all over the area came together for the Phreak Nasty But Klassy Party.

The Alphas, the Omegas and the Kappas (Including some brand new brothers who probated that night), came together for the event and from the pics I got, it looks like it was a memorable night.

Now after the last fiasco of a party I got pics of (the Kappas and Kream affair), I vowed not to entertain the foolishness that has become the Municipal, but this actually looks like something I would have attended (in my undergrad days lol) ...

Copycat "sites" may have these pics as well but they don't have my journalistic expertise or my colorful real-talk commentary ... Enjoy! lol

Packed house means great party .... and the auditorium was filled to the brim!

Hey Mr. DJ!

Hey JB! lol

Is this the Ratchet City version of a Pepsi commercial?

As I said before, the Greeks were in the building ... including the bruhs of Omega Psi Phi:

The Nupes were in the house too:

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say these were Alpha brothas ...

But if I'm wrong, forgive me! lol

NOW LET'S TALK PARTY FASHION --

First we'll start with the DON'Ts

Besides the fact that this young lady stepped out into freezing cold temps with

underwear on, I posted this because of the dude with the "WHOA" face ..

LMAO. So sad ...

It's bad enough when men do it ... women do NOT start showing all

your underwear when you go out!

With all that money, his grill is still jacked ... SMH

Again, too cold for this ISH ... When did bras become tops? And why the scarf??

This was almost cute Birthday Girl ... til we saw the feet ... hmmmm

These dudes are dapper but they look like the New Millenium Boyz II Men ...

C'mon now.

This Solid Gold Dancer outfit was kinda cute ... but I hope she didn't lose her ID lol

NOW ON TO THE FASHION DO'S ...

(AS IN ... THEY DID IT RIGHT LOL)

Love the boots on the left but not the dress ...

but chick in the purple is FAB from head to open-toe

Lovin' the dress ... wish I could have seen the shoes!

Love both looks, these ladies brought the Klassy part of the event ..

• For more of VIP ENT's pics from the party, go HERE.

My frat Atom Kane took some shots at the party as well,

putting the flash on the Greeks in the building:

Zzzzzzzz PHI!!!!

• Check out more of AK's Images HERE.
  
  
  
  

** peace - m **

GAS TRACKER: Gas Prices Head South For The Winter

It's hard to believe that just a couple of months ago (actually the beginning of OCTOBER), gas station signs look like the pictures above.

But thanks to the oil companies finally coming to their senses (it only took a small stock market crash and the fall of financial institutions), we're seeing gas prices fall all over the country -- but most importantly, right here in the SBC.


Even before the November election, prices started slipping, then we finally saw gas below $2 a gallon in recent weeks:

It seemed like everyday, petro prices dropped a few cents ... I remember one weekend I filled up on gas for $1.87 a gallon on a Friday and by Monday it was $1.81.

At the Raceway on E. 70th (at Southern Ave.), gas prices dropped a 10 cents in a matter of a week:

Today, gas is around $1.63 on average in the SBC. (Compare that the national average of about $1.95). I'm thinking it may hit the $1.50 mark before Christmas.

Now, not every station has heard about lower prices ... I snapped this a couple of weeks ago at the Exxon on Line Ave. I'm hoping they got the memo by now ...

Some states are still paying for gas above $2-per-gallon at EVERY station, but I doubt they are complaining, because I'm sure not!!!

Will these low prices stick around? Experts can't say ... Though prices normally fall in November, the economic crisis has made them drop a little more rapidly than usual.

• Check out CNN's story on gas prices and what's in store for U.S. motorists HERE.

Happy (and safe) driving everyone!

***

HEADLINES: Teachers arrested and protesting + Pink slips a-plenty

WORKERS FIRED: Verizon employees fired after Obama's cell phone records are breached (cnn.com)

TEACHER ARRESTED: Bossier teacher arrested for sex with teenager

HELP US!: SBC Teachers beg school board to help with discipline in schools (ktbs.com)

HIRING FREEZE: Governor Jindal freezes hiring for state government workers

GM SHUTDOWN: Local plant trims production and extends shutdown

PLANT CLOSES: International Paper in Bastrop closes doors, 550 out of work

UNEMPLOYMENT NATIONWIDE: Why unemployment could get worse (cnn.com)

FILM FOES: New studio in East U.S. could drive film projects away from the SBC (ktbs.com)

SICK KIDS: Children affected by Katrina called 'sickest ever' (msnbc.com)

SHALE EXPO: Friday night event in Shreveport draws hundreds

TURKEY TALK: Local casino donates turkeys

*** headlines taken from shreveporttimes.com unless otherwise noted ***

SOI: Reserve Officers Sought + Holiday Garbage Collection

Applications sought for reserve officers


Anyone interested in becoming a reserve officer for Bossier City police department have until March 15 to submit an application. Reserve officers are volunteers, but possess the same authority as regular officers as they are trained, certified law enforcement officers.

Classes are held at the Bossier City Police Training Academy on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on some Saturdays during a three-month period.

These officers work alongside regular officers and perform duties such as patrolling, working security, assisting with vice and narcotics operations and provide additional manpower during emergency situations.

Applications are available on the second floor of the Bossier City Police Department, at 620 Benton Road, or online at http://www.bossiercity.org/bossierpolice/divisions/reserve_officers.htm.

For more information and eligibility requirements, call (318) 741-8623.






Thanksgiving means changes in waste collections:

Residential garbage collection schedule in Shreveport and Bossier City will change the week of Nov. 24-29 due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Garbage normally collected on Thursday will be collected on Friday Nov. 28, garbage normally collected on Friday will be collected on Saturday Nov. 29, collection schedules on Monday and Tuesday will not change.

The Woolworth Road Regional Waste Facility and the Shreveport Regional Recycling Center will be closed Nov. 27.

***

EVENT ALERT: Nephew Tommy Takes the Funny Bone Stage

"Nephew Tommy" from the Steve Harvey Morning Show is here in the SBC. He'll be performing a 2-Night Stand at the Funny Bone (at the Louisiana Boardwalk) Friday (11.21) and Saturday (11.22).

Real name THOMAS MILES, "Nephew Tommy" is a Texas native and majored in Theater at Texas A&M (yes, he's an Alum) and spent some quality time on stage as a touring thespian (we're talking Shakespeare people!).

On top of being a cute college grad (and I believe he's an Omega man like his Uncle Steve), he likes thick chicks (like me) ... so along with being a guy with a great sense of humor, he's got a lot going for him (and yes, he's single). LOL.

• Check out some of Tommy's radio show antics HERE ... or check out his MySpace Page.
  
  
• And you can hear Steve and Tommy every morning on KDKS 102.1 FM
  
  
• And go to www.funnybonelouisiana.com to get more info on tickets to the show.

EVENT ALERT: Total Choice & Tiffany's Pair Up for Ladies Night

Ladies .... are you looking for somewhere to go that's classy, cultural and most importantly FREE? (lol).


One of my favorite local artists, jazz band Total Choice, is now sophistifying (it's a word, shut up) Club Tiffany's (off Hollywood Ave. at Hearne) on Thursday nights -- which is now LADIES NIGHT.

Ladies (and I stress the word LADY) get in free and enjoy 3 for 1 drink specials ALL night!

Total Choice takes the stage at 8 pm. Happy Hour starts at 6. And did I mention Ladies get in FREE? (Fellaz you might wanna show up too lol).


So go out and support the last bit of culture left in this city ... if you've never heard Total Choice perform before, this band is AMAZING (shout out to George C. King and my new favorite sax player/vocalist Eddie Spencer).

• You can also catch TC at GiGi's on Friday nights (same times) ... along with 2 for 1 drink specials and FREE food :)

EVENT 411: 1/20/09 -- Barack Obama's Inauguration

It's the hottest ticket in the country right now. No .. Not the Bayou Classic, not the SuperBowl, not even front row to Beyonce's next concert tour.

I'm talking about tickets to see Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th and first Black President.

People are cutting Christmas presents short, taking money out of paychecks and even pawning their belongings (or putting them on E-Bay) to get their hands on plane tickets, hotels rooms and the golden tickets that will give them entrance into the most historic Presidential Inauguration in U.S. History.

I wanted to go, but alas ... ya girl is too broke to make the trip ...



But for those of you itching to head to D.C. and see the action in person, here's the information I've received thus far:




ABOUT THE TICKETS:


** There are only 240,000 tickets to the Inauguration ceremony, with only 30,000 assured seats in front of the Capitol.


** You can get (on the list to get) tickets by requesting them from your State Senators or Representatives. You can write them or e-mail them -- whichever works for you.


** Lawmakers only receive a few hundred or a few thousand, so don't expect a miracle. They will probably be distributed on a first come first serve basis (and you know they have to return a few favors). So far most Reps have over 1,000 requests each.


** More info on tickets and volunteering can be found here: http://inaugural.senate.gov/





ABOUT THE INAUGURATION:


** For those living under a rock, the Inauguration is Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Obama will be sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts on the steps of the Capitol.


** Some 1.5 million visitors are expected to be in D.C. for the Inauguration. (Three times more than attended the last one).


** Hotels are reporting no vacancies not only in Washington, D.C., but in surrounding suburbs. If you CAN find a hotel in the area, they are starting at around $700 a night with a 4-night minimum.


** Public transit in DC is very user-friendly and makes it easy to get into the city from neighboring towns in Maryland and Virginia, so you may want to look into that!


** Lots of bus trips are being planned, go HERE to get the information for your area.


** You don't need tickets to attend the Inaugural Parade. For any of these events, expect lots of walking and waiting in large crowds... with security at a max.


** Tickets to Inaugural Balls are by invitation only and are astronomically priced ... up to $40,000 a piece.


** Even those without tickets for the inauguration or the inauguration balls will be able to participate in some events. They'll be able to watch the parade from a sidewalk location along the route; overlook the inauguration from the Mall, although they probably won't be able to make out Obama or any of the other dignitaries from so far away; and attend impromptu parties at Washington pubs and hotel lobbies.




For a better rundown of Inauguration day events, go HERE. Good luck on getting tickets!!! And if you go take plenty of pictures (to give to me) ... :-D

EVENT ALERT: Haynesville Shale Expo

The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local organizations to bring the Haynesville Shale Expo to the Shreveport Convention Center this Friday, November 21st.

In an effort to familiarize business owners and citizens with the many different aspects involved with the Haynesville Shale, the expo is an opportunity to meet energy industry partners working across the communities.

This event is open to the public with free admission. Parking is available in the Convention Center parking garage. The expo runs from 1 to 6 pm.

There will also be an expo luncheon from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Tickets are $50 per person.

Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling (318) 677-2505.

• To learn more, visit http://www.shaleexpo.com/

EVENT PICS: More Shots from the Black Rodeo

Thanks to my homegirl, who'll I'll call IDF Images (lol), I have more shots from inside the National Black Rodeo Finals at the CenturyTel Center Saturday night ... Enjoy!

The GSU Marching Band and R&B singer Avant provided additional entertainment. But um, Avant didn't want to get his shoes dirty or something? or was he just comfy in the back of that Dodge (sponsor name drop) pick-up truck. LOL. -- Peace out people! - m