A look at 2008 from My Bossier

The Ugly

One of the first news items we commented on in 2008 was the murder of 18 month old Isabella Thamm by her father, Lance Thamm. Despite four arrests for domestic violence and drugs in the home, no one saw it coming.

The last story we commented on was the murder of an 8 week old Shreveport girl, Lyrica Kennedy, by her father. Police say Samuel Jordan told them he did it because he was aggravated and had a lot of things on his mind, and just wanted to get high. Records show Jordan was also arrested in 2005 after he gave a five-year-old prescription sleeping pills because the child wouldn't stop crying.

We also reported on the beating of Angie Garbarino by a Shreveport Police officer. Channel 3 reported the story, Good Morning America picked it up, then CNN, and within a day it was a major international story.

At that point Channel 12, Channel 6 and the Times finally ran it. We received thousands of hits over a 2 day period because ours was the only local story on the incident other than the original from KTBS.

The city dropped all charges against Garbarino, fired the officer involved, and made a large money settlement to close the case.

The Caring

We also brought the story of Jackson Kennedy to our readers. Jackson is the son of Bossier City Police officer Jeremy Kennedy. Jackson is still fighting a battle against cancer, supported by loving parents, family and the community.

In April, 16 month old Ethan Powell passed away from leukemia. Ethan’s tragic story had been followed by everyone through local media.

The Boom

We have written 58 posts regarding the Haynesville Shale. The frenzy began last spring when Petrohawk Energy ‘outed’ Chesapeake Energy’s plans to develop the shale formation, said to be one of the largest in the world. Leasing reached it’s zenith in late summer and early fall, with bonus amounts of $20,000 & $30,000 per acre not unheard of.

Although leasing has slowed and drilling has begun, don’t fear. The gas is still under our feet.

The Bust

Air Force Cyber Command was the biggest thing to hit the area in a while, and we were as excited as anyone else. After all, Mayor Walker and Parish Adminstrator Altimus told us that it was a ‘done deal’.

The State, City and Parish have committed $107,000,000 to a new Cyber Research Park and Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, despite the fact that the Air Force Cyber Command is down the tubes. Rep. Jane Smith said “it is often difficult to put in layman's words what the center will do and to explain how its customer base extends far beyond the Air Force.”

Give it a shot Jane – try to explain it to us. Better yet, since ‘secrecy’ is being invoked to cloak the activities of the center (other than expenditures), tell us this:

1. How many contracts with various technology companies are in hand?
2. How much are they worth?
3. How many companies are committed to working out of the CIC, and what how much revenue will this bring in?

The Dumb

Joardae Dejon Lewis and Louis Robinson weren’t thinking too well when they decided in March to remove all their clothing except for a jacket and run through downtown Shreveport. Their outing was ruined by a Shreveport Police officer who happened on to them.

And Dumber

Matthew Tyler Dupuis, 22, was arrested after he sold a quarter bag, er, one-quarter of an ounce of marijuana to a Bossier Parish Deputy. Not the first time that ever happened, there are lots of undercover policemen working in the Shreveport/Bossier area. No, young Matt sold to a uniformed deputy who was responding to a loud music complaint.

A Political Year

No, I’m not forgetting the Presidential Election, the Fourth District Congressional Race or the race for 26^th JDC District Judge and other local races, nor have I forgotten our new governor. I’m just sick of politics at this point, aren’t you?

Happy New Year from My Bossier!

Father charged in murder of 8 week old child

The charges against Samuel Jordan have been upgraded to first degree murder after his 8 week old child died today of severe head injuries. The name of the child has not been released.

We have been updating you on the case of Lance Thamm, who is charged with murder in Bossier Parish for the death of his 18 month old daughter Isabella last January.


Update: Hospital officials have identified Lyrica T. Kennedy as the 9-week-old who died Monday at WK Pierremont Health Center of head injuries her father is accused of inflicting.

Alexandria 'Blog War' brings response from Mayor Roy

A ‘blog war’ of sorts has developed in Alexandria between two blogs that I read regularly, CenLamar and Central La. Politics. Both are linked on our sidebar.

It started when Greg Aymond at Central La. Politics published the following blog post THE "NIGGA" STREET THUGS OF ALEXANDRIA in which he said:

· Do not be mislead for one minute. we the citizens of Alexandria are not being preyed upon by a new criminal conspiracy. It is a group of "Nigga Thugs" who have nothing more in mind than an opportunity for corruption based on race.

Lamar White at CenLamar responded with this: Greg Aymond Needs to Apologize

· Unfortunately, grenades can still inflict a lot of collateral damage and confusion, and in Mr. Aymond’s case, they can obviously exacerbate racial tensions. But they’re only destructive, not constructive. Your words, on this issue, have been destructive. Be a man. Apologize.

Mr. Aymond responded in the comment section of CenLamar with this statement:

· You are correct in that I feel I have nothing to appologize for. It will be a cold day in Hell before I appologize for calling a politician, Black or White, a crook for being crooked. I pitty you White applogist that tolerate crooks of an race.

He then posted on his Central La. Politics:

· Lamar White, Jr., a member of the Mayor's administration, came out in support of homosexual rights, as did his hero Barack Obama, in his post entitled Unelectability. Then, this weeks, Lamar White came out an accused me of being a racist in his post entitled Greg Aymond Needs to Apologize.

Mayor Roy, and many within his administration, need to know that the City of Alexandria is no place for national politics. What Mayor Roy did by relying upon the words of President-elect Barack Obama is to, in effect, disregard the political beliefs of the vast number of people of Alexandria who did not support Mr. Obama. Mayor Roy has set his administration upon a road of complete and absolute liberalism, favoring the opinions of the left, instead of realizing that this is a community people who get along despite many differing national political beliefs.

Mayor Roy is the type of White guilt ridden politician who favors Black politicians no matter how bad they are for government.

Now the mayor of Alexandria, Jaques Roy, has responded on this video:

You be the judge.

Man Beats 8 week old child

A Shreveport man was arrested Tuesday for beating his 8-week-old child.
Samuel Jordan, 21, faces a charge of second degree battery, according to police.
The infant was taken to WK-Pierremont about 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday for having difficulty breathing. Doctors determined the child was suffering from severe head injuries and notified police.

Jordan was questioned and later booked into jail, according to police. The child remains in critical condition.

Charges against Jordan could be upgraded if the infant’s condition worsens.
Check for updates in The Times

Good Tidings of Great Joy

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Racism at the Library?

Bossier Parish Police Juror Jerome Darby is calling for changes to the Bossier Parish Library System after past and present employees have brought forward allegations of racism and race-based hiring.
"I'm a nervous wreck every day," said Jeanene Wiggins, a black library assistant. "I feel like nobody is helping here. I feel like I'm crying out every day for help and nothing's happening."
Wiggins and other library employees allege a laundry list of racist practices in the hiring and treatment of black employees by the library administration, which employees say came to a head last fall when Peggy Gillham, an assistant cataloguer who is white, mentioned a need to use a whip for motivation in front of two black employees.
"It was an innocent remark," Gillham said. "It wasn't directed to any one person. It was a long-standing — I hesitate to use the word 'joke,' but I can't think of another synonym — from like 20 years ago when we started this. It was nothing malicious."
Read the complete story in The Times

Domestic Violence During the Holiday Season

Reprinted by permission from BellaOnline

By Jeanette Stingley

BellaOnline’s Domestic Violence Editor

During November and December, stress runs high in most families. Finances are stretched to buy gifts or to travel to see family members. Seeing those family members we don’t quite get along with or not being able to see relatives and friends can add even more stress to a relationship. Excessive alcohol consumption is usually an added factor at this time of year. Sometimes our expectations of what should happen compared to what actually happens can give us the holiday blues. Many of us try to out do ourselves during the holidays and arguments happen. But what about abuse during the season? How can it be prevented?

Thanksgiving and Christmas are prime times for abusers who use control over their victims. The abuser knows the victim wants to be with family and friends but many abusers use this to get a tighter grip on their victims causing even more stress. One lady I spoke to about this said, “The look of satisfaction on his face as I cried on Christmas Day because he took the car keys from me so I couldn’t go to my parents house made me sick to my stomach.”

Communication has to be on the top of everyone’s list. Talking your feelings out in a calm manner is the most important thing to remember. If you feel a situation is going to get out of hand, try to excuse yourself from the other person to have a cool down session then agree to come back together when things are calm. Planning ahead can also help tremendously. Set a budget and stick to it. If you have kids, money is always tight.

If you do find yourself in an abusive situation, it is critical that you stand up and get help. Go to a relative or friends house. Using the seasonal stress as an excuse to have to withstand a beating or verbal assault is not right. Abuse is abuse no matter what time of year it happens. So many women will defend their abusers because “the holidays just get to him” as one of my friend’s told me.

There are many resources out there to help especially during the holidays. Churches, shelters, and even you local police department are there to help.

A goodbye kiss from Iraq

Thanks to We Saw That

GM Shreveport Plant to be closed until February 15

General Motors announced that the Shreveport plant will be closed until February 15.

General Motors and Chrysler LLC have warned they are running out of cash and face bankruptcy without some form of assistance. Ford Motor Co., which is in somewhat better shape financially, has been seeking access to a line of credit.

The administration said no decisions had been made on the size or duration of the new bailout plan, or what type of concessions might be demanded from the struggling automakers, their workers, stockholders or others.

In a reversal, the most likely rescue option under consideration involved billions of dollars originally ticketed for the bailout of the financial industry.

President Bush had earlier declared that money off-limits to the beleaguered automakers.

Stange Bedfellows

Urgent requests for White House intervention to save the automakers came from President-elect Obama, Republican and Democratic members of Congress and outside groups.

TARP is the $700 billion Troubled Assets Recovery Program, the financial industry bailout plan enacted in October. All but $15 billion of the first $350 billion has been dedicated to troubled banks or insurance companies, and the Treasury Department is barred from dipping into the second $350 billion without a formal notification of Congress.

No decision has been reached about such a notification, administration officials said. If one is made, Congress could then vote to prevent the action, but it would be unlikely to prevail in a showdown with the president.

Obama, who will inherit the problem next month, even if bailout billions are handed over in the meantime, said, "My hope is that the administration and the Congress will still find a way to give the industry the temporary assistance it needs while demanding the long-term restructuring that is absolutely required."

In a letter to Bush, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged the president to demand "the same tough accountability" and taxpayer protections from the automakers as was contained in legislation that cleared the House at midweek.
The Times

Without stating any pros or cons about whether the industry should receive $14 billion of taxpayer money, my big question would be why attach all the conditions to $14 billion for the automakers when NO strings were attached to the $800 billion approved for Wall Street?
If congress is concerned about the pay of auto workers, why not be concerned about the pay of financial industry workers?
I suppose we should not be surprised to see Republicans in congress acting conservative, but it seems a little hypocritcal after they have spent the last 8 years shoeveling taxpayer money out faster than it could be printed.
The Republicans newly found 'conservatism' is a little nauseating when you know that it is nothing more than political posturing.

Local governments trying to breathe life into cyber efforts

So now we're spending $15,000 per month in an attempt to salvage a 'done deal'? Looks like a desperate CYA to me. The proof will be in the pudding. If they make this thing the big money making tax producer it was made out to be when the City, Parish and State put up $107,000,000 for it I'll be the first to apologize for my myopic vision.

Bossier Parish and Bossier City have hired a heavyweight Washington lobbying firm whose co-founder is chief of President-elect Obama's transition team.
The Bossier governments did so to further their cyber-related efforts, both military and civilian.
"Where we are today is, from a perspective of what's going on in the country, we felt it was necessary to get very qualified support at the federal level because of the change in administration," said Patrick Jackson, Bossier Parish attorney. "When that change in administration occurs, it flows through the entire U.S. government.
"And cyber is such an important part of our economic future, we wanted to make sure we got the best information and that we provided the best information at all levels of government."
In October, the parish and city hired The Podesta Group, a D.C.-based lobbying firm founded in 1988 by John and Tony Podesta. John Podesta, who was White House chief of staff under President Clinton, is the man Obama has chosen to head his transition team.
Complete story in The Times

Mud-slinging, negative ads are alive and effective

Negative advertising apparently is still alive and effective.
In the areas where Paul Carmouche was least known, the southern parishes of Beauregard, Grant, Allen, Vernon and up into Sabine, Fleming carried large majorities. These are areas with heavy Democratic registration. I believe that the negative ads that the Republicans ran portraying Carmouche as a lackey of Obama and Pelosi were effective in those areas and gave the election to Fleming.
The rest was pretty predictable; Caddo went for Carmouche, and Bossier went heavily for Fleming. Bossier's vote was not surprising. You could dress a monkey in a suit and put an (R) behind his name and Bossier would vote for him. In Bossier it has nothing to do with conservative/liberal - it has everything to do with (D) and (R).
The Times, in mentioning that Bossier voted for Fleming, noted that Bossier adjoins Fleming's home parish of Webster.
What the Times did not note was the fact that Fleming did not carry his home parish of Webster. Carmouche did. You would have thought that the homeboy would have carried his own parish. I wonder what this is saying to us?
In any event, there are over 1,000 provisional ballots in Caddo Parish and I don't know how many in the rest of the district. Carmouche will not concede until these are dealt with.

Congressman Fleming

John Fleming by 356 votes of 90,000 + votes cast.

Benton Christmas Festival & Parade

To see the pictures in a larger format, go to the My Bossier Forum.

A well decorated Benton PD car kicks off the parade.










The Benton High School Tiger Band










Benton High AF ROTC










Bossier Clerk of Court Cindy Johnston waves to the crowd.










Alvin Cox, wife Donna and a trainload of grandchildren.










Stephanie Johnston enjoys the ride

We all know this guy!

Kudos to the Bossier Parish Police Jury

The Bossier Parish Police Jury voted down a proposed raise by a vote of 9-2 yesterday.
The role of police juror is supposed to be part time. Police jurors make about $14,400 per year from the parish. The last time police jurors received a raise was in 1999; and some police jurors thought it time they get one, especially since they have no expense accounts and cost-of-living adjustments.
The amount proposed was about $4,800 more per year, or about a 30 percent raise.
Complete story in The Times

Bowen will participate in live chat tonight

Gerard Bowen, Jr, candidate for congress, will participate in a live chat tonight at 8 PM on Go Haynesville Shale.
If you have any questions for this candidate, sign on and participate. I'll be there and hope you will too.

Thoughts on Saturday's election

I have thought a lot about the upcoming congressional election. The two leading contenders are Paul Carmouche (D) and Dr. John Fleming (R).
We have had to suffer through terrible commercials sponsored by both the Democratic and the Republican congressional committees. I believe in free speech, and I suppose that this is a necessary evil, however, the people who come up with these things should simply be lined up and shot.
John Fleming isn’t a cruel millionaire who is plotting to make the people of the 4th District pay more taxes so that he can pay less.
Paul Carmouche is not ‘soft on crime’, nor is he a wild-eyed liberal anxiously awaiting his chance to go to Washington so that he can serve Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.
No, these are both decent, honorable men who are caught up in a party-plagued general election.
The problem with Carmouche (D) and Fleming (R) is that the D’s and the R’s are responsible for placing our country in the untenable position in which it finds itself. Don’t kid yourself. The Republicans hold as much responsibility as the Democrats for careless, wreckless spending. The Democrats are just as responsible for an interventionist foreign policy that has almost bankrupted our nation.
In the name of ‘national security’ both parties have gone off the deep end engaging in foreign wars as a response to the attacks of 9-11, yet Osama Bin Laden, the planner and perpetrator of those attacks, is still a free man.
If you like the way things have gone in Washington for the last 20 years, then God love you.
I don’t.
Until we are ready to spurn the self-serving, greedy, power-loving cabals that run both political parties then we will suffer the same, and deserve it.
Think about real change. You don’t have to vote D or R in this election. There are two independents running for our congressional seat, and either one would be preferable to more of the same.
My preference is Gerard Bowen. Check out his website and consider voting for someone different.
The 4th District has an opportunity to send a resounding message that says ‘enough is enough.’.

Date Rape

Date Rape is a very close cousin to the domestic violence that we have been discussing. Louisiana blog Liberty and Justice for All has a very informative post on that subject.

When No One Would Listen

M. Samantha McAllister graduated summa cum laude from LSU-Shreveport, earned a Masters in history from Louisiana Tech and received her Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Civil Law degree from LSU, Paul M. Hebert School of Law. She practices family law in Bossier City and is admitted to practice before all state courts in Louisiana, the U.S. District Court, Western District, and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
She agreed to share her expert view and to offer advice to victims of domestic violence.

Perhaps not one moment in my life was more pivotal than the day my mother took me to the YWCA Family Violence Shelter to volunteer at just eight years of age. Little did I know, my life would become consumed in helping victims of domestic violence; providing the personal commitment to help those without a voice, voices that had been silenced by the threats and violent acts of their abusers. This is my area of expertise. I help women who are victims of abuse, and I do not take any cases in which the spouse is abusive. I believe in my client’s cases and, because domestic violence litigation in still in its “toddler years,” I learn everyday how to better protect my clients and their children.
When I was asked to write a “guest blog,” I had recently been hired to represent a dear friend on a divorce/custody action involving domestic abuse, which unfortunately has spun out of control, causing my friend and client pain beyond belief. Yes, I became personally involved. Yes, I became angry. I realized how, even though we have made great strides in domestic abuse legislation, there is simply not enough protection for those who have been or are being abused. A travesty of injustice remains for victims of abuse, which is why advocates like myself would like to give you information on what you need to know if you are, think you are, or know someone who is being abused.
When the issue of domestic abuse arises in a court proceeding, the obvious question is “Where is the physical evidence?” However, more often than not, the case surrounds emotional and/or verbal abuse, or a repeated pattern of the same, followed by physical abuse. The physical abuse can take many forms other than simply hitting, slapping, or punching; for example, forcing sexual intercourse, grabbing, choking, or threatening bodily harm with a weapon. Verbal abuse and emotional abuse constitutes a pattern of intimidation, humiliation, degradation, belittling, criticizing, control and manipulation. For example, a woman who is controlled by her spouse is often told how and what to eat, what to wear, how to style her hair, what church to attend, that she is to provide sex on demand, clean and cook to the abuser’s expectations, and is belittled, berated, and shamed for not providing such in the manner the abuser expects. Emotional and verbal abuse can be much more exhausting than physical abuse because it leaves a trail of scars that do not go away with time. The scars are very real, harsh and run deep, often affecting the victim’s children.
Here are some of the key warning signs of domestic violence:
· Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, kicking, choking, pushing, punching, beating, forcing you to leave and locking you out of the house.
· Verbal Abuse: Constant criticism, making humiliating remarks, using abusive language, not responding to what you are saying, mocking, name-calling, yelling, swearing, interrupting, changing the subject.
· Disrespect: Interrupting, changing topics, not listening or responding, twisting your words, telling you what to think and how you should feel, putting you down in front of other people, saying bad things about your friends and family.
· Minimizing, Denying & Blaming: Making light of behavior and not taking your concerns about it seriously, saying the abuse didn't happen, shifting responsibility for abusive behavior, saying you caused it.
· Sexual Violence: Forcing sex on an unwilling partner; demanding sexual acts that you do not want to perform, degrading treatment.
· Isolation: Preventing or making it hard for you to see friends and relatives, monitoring phone calls, reading mail, controlling where you go, taking your car keys.
· Coercion and Pressure Tactics: Making you feel guilty, pushing you into decisions, sulking, manipulating children and other family members, always insisting on being right, making up impossible rules and punishing you for breaking them, rushing you to make decisions through "guilt-tripping" and other forms of intimidation, sulking, threatening to withhold money, manipulating the children, ordering you around.
· Harassment: Following you, or stalking you, embarrassing you in public; constantly checking up on you, refusing to leave when asked.
· Economic Control: Not paying bills, refusing to give you money, hiding or withholding financial resources, not letting you work if that's what you choose to do, interfering with your job, taking your car keys or otherwise preventing you from using the car, refusing to work and support the family.
· Abusing Trust: Lying, breaking promises, withholding important information, being unfaithful, being overly jealous, not sharing domestic responsibilities.
· Threats and Intimidation: Threatening to harm you, your children, family members and pets; using physical size to intimidate, shouting; standing in the door way during arguments to stop you from leaving; keeping weapons and threatening to use them.
· Emotional Withholding or Neglect: Not expressing feelings, not giving compliments, not taking your concerns seriously, not paying attention, not respecting your feelings, rights and opinions. You never know where your relationship stands. Not spending time with family.
· Abusing Authority: Always claiming to be right (insisting statements are "the truth"); telling you what to do or not to do; making big decisions; using twisted "logic."
· Destruction of Property: Destroying furniture, punching walls/doors, throwing things, breaking dishes, kicking or hurting pets.
· Self-Destructive Behavior: Abusing drugs or alcohol, threatening self-harm or suicide, driving recklessly, deliberately doing things that will cause trouble (like telling off the boss).
If you are a victim of domestic violence/know a victim of domestic violence, I would like to “arm” with you the following advice:
1) Find support, whether it is an attorney, a police officer, a friend, a family member, or a support group. The fight will not be an easy one; you will need someone to stand beside you and be your “rock” so that you simply will not give up making your voice heard.

2) If you have not already, LEAVE your abuser. Go to your support system to help. Do not stay in an unsafe situation for you and your children’s sake. Gather clothes for yourself and your children, along with your children’s birth certificates, and store them in a safe place – with a friend, relative, neighbor, or somewhere your abuser cannot find them.

3) Contact a domestic violence shelter and see if there is an opening for you and your children. Bossier City will open its first Family Justice Center in May 2009, at 1513 Doctors Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. The center promises to bring to domestic violence victims all the services she needs. I am proud of our District Attorney for this accomplishment, and hope our city will band together to make this program a huge success.

4) Find an attorney who is experienced and has successfully fought cases in which women were abused. Your spouse’s attorney will throw up many challenges and will fight much like your spouse, to abuse and bully you and attempt to control the case until you are emotionally defeated. Find an attorney willing to fight for you, and willing to take the appropriate avenues to help your case. This may mean going above and beyond, spending a day at the courthouse, escorting you to a shelter and/or police station, or finding a judge who will listen. You may not have a lot of money to hire an attorney initially. Talk to family, friends, your church and raise funds. Call the bar association and ask if there is a pro bono section of the bar that may help you.

5) Create a paper trail. This is the best way to make the State recognize there is a pattern of abuse. Make a journal of everything that has happened so far. Write down witness’s names, addresses, phone numbers and what they can testify to. Save any emails, text messages, and/or any other correspondence your abuser has sent you. Go to the police and file reports each and every time you are being abused, harassed or stalked, no matter how small a matter you think it was. Even if the reports do not achieve fruition, you have created a trail showing a repetitive pattern of abuse.

6) If you have been physically abused, go to the hospital and have them make a medical record. Tell them you have been abused, and ask for the police. Make sure you have a medical examination and pictures made of the scars, bruises, etc.

7) File a protective order and file for divorce under the domestic violence statutes. Arm yourself for your protective order hearing with witnesses and evidence. If the protective order hearing is unsuccessful, appeal your case to a higher court.
In conclusion, never stay in your home and allow yourself to be abused. There is hope, there are people who care and there are people who are willing to fight. Stay strong, and make your voice heard!
For Further Resources see:
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, http://www.lcadv.org/
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, http://www.ncadv.org/

Domestic Violence in Bossier Parish

Earlier this year, we featured the story of Isabella Thamm, an 18 month old who lived in an abusive household. Despite various arrests of both her mother and father on domestic violence battery charges, and the arrest of her father for drug charges, Isabella was still in the home.
She was killed by her father when he threw her into a door jamb.
Lance Thamm was charged by DA Schuyler Marvin with 1st degree murder. A status conference is set for December 2. We will let you know the results of that, probably more motions, but perhaps a trial date will be set.
The whereabouts of Isabella's mother, Vanessa Ferris, is unknown. A warrant was issued for her in May for violation of probation in a disturbing the peace conviction that was related to domestic violence.
In the next week or so, we will take an overview of domestic violence in Bossier Parish. We will feature a guest blog by Bossier City Attorney Samantha McAllister, who specializes in family law, and particulary in cases involving victims of violence.
A positive note in all this is the effort by DA Marvin to establish the Family Justice Center, which will provide comprehensive aid to all victims of domestic violence. He deserves our thanks for his work on this crucial project.
If you need to familiarize yourself with Isabella's case, I am providing links to our other blog posts about it, and the video we put up in January.

· Killed by Her Protector
· Thamm Charged Twice for Domestic Violence
· Mother of Murdered Child on Probation
· Guest Blog from Isabella's Mother

Pussy Galore

This is one of the funniest SNL skits I have ever seen, and I've been watching the show since its inception. I watched it Saturday night and then Todd, the afternoon guy at KRMD had it up on his blog.
That, coupled with the fact that I remember a carload of teenagers going to see Goldfinger when it came out in 1964.



Here's the trailer from Goldfinger (1964)

Looking for a New Sport?

Try Mississippi Snake Hunting.
Story from KPLC in Lake Charles via The Dead Pelican.

Perhaps the U.S. should reconsider capitalism

It still works; consider China.
While some of this property development was fueled by starry-eyed speculators, a lot of this boom was financed through cold hard cash. Modern day Chinese are some of the thriftiest people on the planet, saving roughly 56% of their wages – which makes the seemingly stingy Japanese appear as spendthrifts. Guess what level America is still at?
For instance, due to a number of variables including a relatively uncertain political climate, many members of the nascent middle class will park their savings in entire floors. And I don't mean burying the money inside the walls. They will purchase an entire floor of office space rationalizing that in the long run, it could be safer store of value than many monetary instruments (e.g. stocks), or banks themselves. And unlike their Spanish and Dubai counterparts which have created partially built ghost towns (video), not only were most of these buildings funded without taking out foreign loans or utilizing debt-based financial vehicles, but until recently, tenants were required to put a down payment of 30% on a unit. It has now been knocked down to a miserly 20%.
Yes, that's right. The West is not only reeling in overcapacity brought on by numerous perverse factors (e.g., artificially low-interest rates), but millions of apartment and housing units are either going into foreclosure or already on the chop block due to lax lending standards that involved zero money down.
Yet in China, even with deflating property values that have dipped more than 40% from their peak, the construction boom continues marching on due to stronger fundamentals such as solvent customers that have real jobs.

Haynesville Shale Expo successful

Large numbers of people turned out for the Haynesville Shale Expo yesterday. The Expo was presented by The Times and energy companies Chesapeake, Devon, EnCana, Petrohawk and XTO.
The Expo was expected to turn out 5,000 people. So far, no word on how many actually attended.

From KTBS, a video on how the Haynesville Shale has affected northwest Louisiana

A Manly Blog

I just read an interesting article by Oyster over at Your Right Hand Thief about this gender analyzer. It is really remarkable – just click on the link, put in the full address of a website, for example http://mybossier.blogspot.com.
Oyster was proud of his 87%, and that is impressive. My Bossier, however, scored a super manly 94%.
Maybe it’s all the cussing and spitting over here, I have no idea.
But I like it.
Hooya!

Bailout U.S. automakers?

Detroit's Big Three automakers, begging Congress for a $25 billion bailout to help their teetering companies, told lawmakers today that without $25 billion in loans from the government, millions of people will lose their jobs as their demise ripples across the economy.
In Shreveport, hundreds of former and current General Motors workers -- both management and rank-and-file -- rallied outside the gates of the truck assembly plant, calling for the federal bailout.
Watch the video.
From KTBS

Local blog We The People has some thoughts on the proposed bailout too.

Haynesville Shale: Fox volunteers to guard the henhouse

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association has announced its Haynesville Shale Educational Center. This could be a good source for general information, but if you are seeking information on leasing, I would suggest avoiding this website like the plague. LOGA is strictly an industry organization and will hardly have your best interests at heart.
The mission of LOGA is “to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry.” There is nothing wrong with that, but just be aware of who they are.
Among the members of LOGA are:
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Devon Energy Corporation, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, Plains Exploration & Production Company, Samson, XTO

Members of the Board of Directors:
Don G. Briggs, LOGA President
Don is a native of Miami, Florida and a 1964 graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette). Don began his career in the oil industry with Owen Drilling Company, while attending USL.

CeCe Richter, Assistant to the President
CeCe started her career in the oil and gas industry in 1975 with Texaco in New Orleans; progressing through the administrative ranks to end her 20 year career at Texaco in 1995 as Assistant to the Vice President.

Benjamin Fournet Broussard, Marketing Manager
Ben is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana and is a 2002 graduate of Louisiana State University. Before joining with LOGA in 2006, Ben spent four years with the Enterprise Leasing Company of New Orleans.

Gifford Briggs, Legislative Director
Gifford serves as the Legislative Director for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. Gifford’s involvement started at an early age working for his father in the pipe yards of Lafayette Louisiana.

MLK family: Where's my check?

The family of Martin Luther King, Jr. believe they should be paid 10% for any election memorabilia bearing the image of Barack Obama and Dr. King.
Never mind the fact that he is a historical figure, they believe they own his image.

Legal experts say that technically they may be correct, but it would be almost impossible to collect.

By the same token, Barack Obama should be paid his 10% too.
How about the Lincoln family? I have seen a few publications with pictures of Obama and Lincoln.

There are already lawsuits filed by members of the family aginst other members and the Foundation. Read about the King Family Lawsuit.

CIC Director: New businesses and millions in research now here

My Bossier has watched the Air Force Cyber Command and the development of the Cyber Innovation Center from its inception.
The basis of the $100,000,000 investment in the CIC was, of course, that it would bring up to 10,000 new jobs to the area. Now that the Air Force has announced that they will not create Cyber Command as a separate entity, and have in fact based it in Colorado, how is the CIC adjusting to ensure that our investment will have a return?
KTBS is taking a look at the Cyber Innovation Center and asking the same questions we have asked in 15 posts:
Work on the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, a civilian research facility that would work with the Air Force cyber warfare system, continues -- despite a letter from the Air Force sent months ago cautioning cities looking to land cyber command against investing in new buildings.
The city, parish and state are building the facility next to Bossier Parish Community College as the first building in a research park dedicated to cyber technology. It is expected to open in a year.
Director Craig Spohn expects to have commitments from prospective tenants by April. They are looking to land high-tech companies that have military contracts and would work with cyber warfare, wherever in the military system it is located. He doesn't think taxpayer money is being wasted -- despite questions of why build a $100 million Cyber Innovation Center if the Air Force won't have a separate command for cyber warfare.
"We were never intending to be a one trick-pony with respect to the Air Force. The Air Force provided us a good catalyst and still does because of the things at Barksdale Air Force Base and it's not scheduled to go away.
"There are new businesses coming to town," Spohn insisted. "There are actually millions of dollars worth of research in the cyber field today that weren't here a year ago."
Perhaps Mr. Spohn could share the names of the businesses that have been lured here by the CIC, and give us examples of these millions of dollars of research that CIC has helped create. We could feel much more comfortable about the $100,000,000 if we had some specifics.

Presidential Inaugural Ball set for Bossier Civic Center

A Presidential Inaugural Ball will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Bossier City Civic Center.
According to a press release, hosting the event will be Don and Linda Rushing and friends, Heavenly Gates Funeral Home-Shreveport, Gardner Adams, Wesley Adams, Marie P. Williams, David Henderson, Collier Mikle, D.L.H. Limo Service-David and Phyllis Henderson, and attorneys Billy Casey, S.P. Davis, Jacqueline Scott and Willie Singleton.

Ticket donations are $50. Call (318) 469-0617 or (318) 222-8010.
The Times

Joe Scarborough drops the "F" bomb

Don't watch it if you don't want to hear it



Thanks to We Saw That for the video

Vote for true change on December 6th: Gerard Bowen, Jr.

Our country is in a tough situation. The major political parties, both Democrats and Republicans, have let us down.
The approval rating of congress is at about 10%, or conversely, their disapproval rating is at 90%. This is well deserved.
Both parties are more interested in power than in serving the people.
In his remarkable farewell address on leaving the presidency, George Washington warned us of the results of party politics.
Do you think his prediction has come true?

Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism.

The legislative branch of government is the first branch, so recognized in the U. S. Constitution. This is because most of the power resides in this branch. The executive department (the president) is charged with carrying out the wishes of the congress.
The executive may propose programs, wars or whatever – but only congress has the authority to authorize and to fund them.
This is where the dangers of party are at their worst. Whenever we have an executive and a congressional majority of one party, be it George Bush and the Republican congress of 2000-2006, or Barack Obama and the Democratic congress that will be seated when he takes office, an imbalance of power causes abuses.
Until the people, in whom the ultimate power resides, stand up and put a stop to this nonsense, it will continue.
In the 4th District we have a unique opportunity to make a difference. In the general election on December 6th, we have not only a Democrat and a Republican running, but two Independents.
In our opinion, Gerard Bowen, Jr. would represent the people of the 4th District well. Go to his website, read about Gerard and his background, study what he says on the issues, and consider voting outside the (party) box.
Until we vote for true change, there will be no change.
Vote for Gerard Bowen on December 6th (changed from November 4th due to Hurricane Ike).

Please take 2 minutes and listen to Gerard.

Moon Griffon quits Republican Party

Conservative talk show host Moon Griffon, of Monroe, who has a statewide radio audience, had spent much of 2007 supporting the gubernatorial campaign of Gov. Bobby Jindal. But last week, Griffon said in an interview that he had quit the Republican Party and re-registered as a “no party” voter.

Complete story in The Advocate

Haynesville Shale: Obama pushes natural gas vehicles

The Obama administration may be a shot in the arm for Haynesville Shale producers and for The Pickens Plan. Congressman Rahm Emanuel of Illinois worked with Democrat Dan Boren of Oklahoma on a bill to help increase domestic production. Barack Obama introduced a very similar bill in the Senate.
Emanuel, who was a senior advisor to Bill Clinton, has been selected by Obama to serve as his Chief of Staff.

October 14, 2008 press release:
On September 16, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 6899) to help increase domestic production, ensure a clean renewable energy future for generations, create new green-collar jobs, and help consumers struggling with high energy costs. Key provisions from U.S. Representatives Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Dan Boren’s (D-OK) New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NAT GAS) Act were included in the bill, including tax incentives to build the refueling infrastructure for natural gas vehicles.

On September 22, 2008 Barack Obama proposed a similar bill in the Senate:
Democrat candidate and Illinois Senator, Barack Obama, still found time last week to introduce legislation (S.3506) that would increase the tax credit for individuals that purchase natural gas vehicles and extend the credit through to the end of 2017. The Senator proposes increasing the incremental price eligible for a credit from 50/80 percent to 100 percent for all weight classes of vehicle, and a doubling of the tax credit for fleets that purchase more than 100 NGVs in a year. This last provision is identical to one proposed by Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) in the Congressman’s NAT GAS Act (HR 6570). In addition, the Senator proposed increasing the amount the EPA can pay for alt fuel school bus from 25 and 50 percent to 50 and 75 percent (depending on the vehicle’s emissions), and reauthorizing the Clean School Bus Program at $110 million per year from 2010 through 2015. The program is currently authorized to be funded at “such sums as are necessary” until 2010.

Jindal 2012?

With the sound defeat of the McCain-Palin ticket and the election of Barack Obama as president, the Republican party will be looking to 2012 to stage a comeback. A lot of people and pundits are touting the name of Bobby Jindal.
A few are suggesting a Palin-Jindal ticket. In my opinion, this will never happen. I think that by 2012 Palin fever will have cooled dramatically, while Jindal will have been working the rubber chicken circuit, fundraising and making lots of new friends.
Jindal says, of course, that running for president is the furthrest thing from his mind.
Right.
That's why he will be in Iowa later this month for a fundraising appearance.

Obama

OBAMA

Landrieu

Fleming vs Carmouche

Expect long lines in Bossier/Shreveport today

KTBS reports that some voters in the Arklatex hit the polls early this morning!
Voters in Bossier City started lining up outside Airline Baptist Church 30 minutes before polls opened at 6:00 this morning.
Many were there early to avoid the anticipated long lines.
Video

Central La. Politics describes ‘largest election day turnout I’ve ever seen’ in Alexandria.
Voters swamp the polls in New Orleans
Election Day Dawns in Acadiana
Two hour lines at LSUS
Shorter waits this afternoon

Dixville Notch NH results: Obama

The voters of Dixville Notch, a small unincorporated town in New Hampshire, are known for being the first to report in each presidential election since 1960. The voters gather at midnight in the ballroom of The Balsams resort and cast their ballots. The polls are closed one minutes later, and the results are generally broadcast around the country.
This year, for the second time in history, Dixville Notch voted for the Democrat. In 1968 they supported Hubert Humphrey.
Thanks to We Saw That for the video.

This is how Dixville Notch has voted since 1960.

1960
Richard M. Nixon - 9
John F. Kennedy - 0

1964
Barry M. Goldwater - 8
Lyndon B. Johnson - 1

1968
Hubert H. Humphrey II - 8
Richard M. Nixon - 4

1972
Richard M. Nixon - 16
George S. McGovern - 3

1976
Gerald R. Ford Jr. - 13
James E. Carter Jr. - 11
Eugene J. McCarthy - 1

1980
Ronald W. Reagan - 17
James E. Carter Jr. - 3
John B. Anderson - 2
Ed Clark - 1

1984
Ronald W. Reagan - 29
Walter F. "Fritz" Mondale - 1

1988
George H. W. Bush - 34
Michael S. Dukakis - 3
Jack Kemp - 1

1992
George H. W. Bush - 15
H. Ross Perot - 8
Andre Marrou - 5
William J. Clinton - 2

1996
Robert J. Dole - 18
William J. Clinton - 8
H. Ross Perot - 1
Harry Browne - 1

2000
George W. Bush - 21
Albert A. Gore Jr. - 5
Ralph Nader - 1

2004
George W. Bush - 19
John Kerry - 7

2008
Barack Obama - 15
John McCain - 6

Bossier Clerk ready for election day

After having problems with the reporting system set up by the Secretary of State in the October 4th election, Cindy Johnston said that she anticipates no problems Tuesday evening.
She will, however, be posting results on the clerk’s website so if you have a problem getting Bossier results, you can go there for the latest.
Also please note that the clerk's office is closed to the public November 4th for the election.

Another Irish President?

Yes, I know Bossier and St. Tammany are the only parishes in Louisiana that have more Republicans registered than Democrats.
That's why I love to do this to you.
So here goes, stolen from Grandmère Mimi who stole it from Fran who stole it from God knows where.

Help Jackson Kennedy win his battle

We reported earlier this year about Jackson Kennedy, the 7 year old son of Bossier City Police officer Jeremy Kennedy. Jackson had surgery for a brain tumor, and needs your help.

KTAL reported on the blood drive yesterday, in which a number of Bossier City police officers gave blood for Jackson. You can watch the video of that story here.

In the story on their website, Jackson's dad says ""If it was me I couldn't do it. I don't know how he does it"
Kennedy says he can't believe his son's strength.
"He's still playing baseball," said Kennedy. "He's still going to school doing everything that normal 7-year-old's do. As a matter-of-fact, he was athlete of the week."
But even with Jackson Kennedy's can-do spirit there are some things he can't do without. Yet, after a recent hospital visit he was forced to do just that.
"We went last time and they told us there was no platelets and sent us home," said Kennedy.

"I knew when they started sending out emails through the department about the blood drive that I'd be coming down here to give," said Murray Wells, Bossier City police officer.

Officers gave nearly 70 units of blood.

Now you can help by visiting Lifeshare Blood Center and asking to have your donation applied to account number R_jk.
There will also be another blood drive Saturday, November 29th at Lifeshare Blood Center.
Jackson Kennedy has Surgery
More on Jackson Kennedy
Help Jackson Kennedy