Big Daddy Screams For Defense

     Sunday’s rain showers didn’t slow down Black ’n’ Gold tailgaters readying themselves for battle. Entering the Superdome, Big Daddy encountered Jets fans displaying their typically rude, loud-mouthed New York attitudes, demonstrating why many despise New Yorkers. Cocky Jets fans’ relentless attempts to diminish Who Dat intensity were less effective than the Army Corps’ levees. After the Saints forced Jets fans to “eat it!” all day, those Yankees had nothing to say. In this week’s edition of Saints Beat, Big Daddy denounces Mayor C. Ray Nagin, reports from Section 645, recaps the New York Jets game, laughs at the NFL’s new policy, covers the 15^th annual Gretna Heritage Festival, and release his World Famous Pregame Information.

     Since 2002, Mayor Nagin’s divisive, irresponsible behavior has embarrassed New Orleans so many times. In 2008 the City Council ordered an inspector general investigation into how the Nagin administration formulates financial forecasts. The IG’s 57-page report ended years of speculation concerning Nagin’s incompetence. Findings uncovered City Charter violations and state law breaches throughout the Chocolate City’s current budget. The study found numerous deficiencies in the city’s multi-million dollar information technology systems. The report says that its impossible to determine the purpose of 16 out of the 30 chief administrative office programs; the agencies don’t even divulge the number of people they employ. Yet the Big Easy pays more for basic services and contributes less to parks and recreation than other comparably sized municipalities. Don’t you love it? “Other operating” expenses comprise $678 million, doled out in city contracts without providing proper explanation, not to mention $309 million in Long Term Community Recovery dollars which has no outlined plans for its uses. The Mayor’s highly touted modern approach named “budgeting for outcomes” designed to estimate city spending outlooks is a complete shame. Any other politician would have been impeached a long time ago. In our darkest hour we needed a hero, instead we got a bigoted charlatan who lives in Dallas. Awesome!

     Remember November 4, 2001? That was the last time the Flyboys invaded the Superdome. An old ESPN Sunday Night game known as the Kyle Turley helmet throw. Bogus officiating solidified a tainted Jets win. Saints fans and Big Daddy are still bitter. Section 645 veterans possessed by redemption unleashed deafening “Pummels!” from start-to-finish. The unimaginable noise rattled the golden boy (Mark Sanchez) into four crucial turnovers. The emotion exuded from Section 645 showcases why it’s the Superdome’s wildest, craziest, and loudest spot. What a magical place.

     Recapping the game, the Saints took the opening kickoff, marching 60 yards on 13 plays. John Carney’s 34-yard field goal put the Saints ahead 3-0 after one. Darren Sharper opened the second quarter by picking off New York’s star rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sharper’s amazing 99-yard touchdown increased the lead to 10-0 with 14:45 remaining in the half. Following a disappointing Jets goal line stand, Will Smith swatted the ball away from Sanchez, Remi Ayodele’s end-zone recovery built a 17-0 Saints advantage. Jets place kicker Jay Feely drilled a 38-yard 3-pointer making the halftime score 17-3. Reggie Bush’s disastrous third quarter fumble swung the game’s momentum toward the Jets sideline. New York running back Thomas Jones’ 18-yard TD run narrowed the gap to 17-10 heading to the fourth. Drew Brees’ 19-yard third down completion to Robert Meachem set up Pierre Thomas’ 1-yard score secured the 24-10 victory, as the Saints defense turned in second straight dominating performance.

     Did you obey the NFL’s new policy requesting fan arrival two hours prior to kickoff? Similar to the way Homeland Security strategically used terror alerts to frighten Americans into favoring Bush’s foreign policy, NFL brass utilized recent security threats to help team owners boost their bottom line. Big Daddy knew suckering fans into stadiums 90 minutes early had ulterior motives. Capitalizing on a conveniently timed national scare guaranteed much higher stadium sales, especially at those Larry Flynt strip-joint prices (without the tits). Why is everything such a scam?

     Promoters proclaimed that the 15^th Gretna Heritage Festival drew record breaking crowds this year. Friday’s featured acts were The Soul Rebels, Marc Broussard, Anders Osborne, Clarence Carter, and Kool & The Gang. Saturday’s headliners included Los Lonely Boys, Eric Lindell, Allen Toussaint, and Chicago. Sunday’s line up presented Jon Cleary, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., Jon Mooney & Bluesiana, and Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk. The Wild Magnolias and Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians paraded around the grounds, singing and dancing their way through the large throngs of people, dressed in their traditional customs, which are beautiful reminder of the Crescent City’s unique culture. Having a Mardi Gras Indian presence proudly ensures that fact. Like most Louisiana community festivals, Gretna Fest offered tons of great food, beverages, rides, plus an impressive amount of arts, and crafts. Gretna Fest has grown into a fun and formidable money-making engine over the last 15 years, the cool riverfront views and the ability to ride the ferry there totally rocks; however, shameless cover bands at a small free admission BYO gathering (which it used to be) is acceptable, but that’s considered faux pas when admission fees apply. If Gretna Fest continues its expansion, they’ll have to upgrade their cover bands to more original local bands.