My first time to apply for US Visa was 4 years ago. And to my surprise, a lot of things have changed with the process. So here’s what happened to me during my personal appearance to the embassy last Dec 18.
To my horror, I realized that I have forgotten to print the DS-156 application form while looking at those people in line. So I immediately left and crossed the street and was told by a street vendor that there was a nearby internet café. I gave the vendor 10 pesos for good info and for escorting me to the computer shop. The computer shop charges 15 pesos per page so I ended up paying 45 pesos for 3 pages. Good thing I still have the copy of my scanned document in my email! Because if not, then I have to fill-out the form again for 15-20 minutes and get charged by that computer shop with 200 pesos! Instant money isn’t?!
No cellphone allowed in the embassy for non-US citizens! While crossing the street to the embassy I’ve heard the vendor telling me as such but I ignored because I thought the embassy will let you check-in your phone like it used to, but no more! The new policy has taken effect last Mar 2008.
Again, I got evicted from the line to the 2nd gate of entry this time, crossed the street again and was offered help by the same vendor. He showed me the mobile phones he was safe-keeping and looking at those models, I don’t recognize any of them and I won’t bother taking that risk.
First attempt was with Bel-Air hotel. They have a safety box, but for the exclusive use only of their check-in guests. I didn’t bother asking how much ‘coz that will be costly for sure. Second attempt was with Starbucks security guard. As I enter the store, “Manong baka po pwede magpatago ng cellphone…” (Sir, can you keep my cellphone…), I asked. He did have some hesitation on his face knowing that he’s not allowed to do that. But maybe, he pitied me enough, and so he went outside with a starbucks cookie bag and handed it over to me. “Mam, paki tanggal na lang po ang sim, baka tumunog po. Kunin ko na lang po sa inyo dyan sa gilid.” (Ms., please remove the sim card so the phone will not ring. I’ll get it from the side of the store.). I was relieved when he agreed. I put my company mobile phone and mp3 player inside the cookie bag and handed it back to him. While looking at the name on his uniform, I told him, “Manong, salamat. Tiwala na lang po ako sa inyo. Babalikan ko po yan mamayang 12.” (Sir, thank you. I have to trust you. I’ll be back by 12 noon).
Now I got back on track and lined up again. It was not so bad waiting in line after all. I think the process has improved a lot. I met one lady there and learned that she too had problem safe-keeping her phone. Her last resort was to check-in in Bel-Air hotel that cost her 5,500 pesos which included 1,000 add-on for early check-in! I can’t imagine that for myself! I could have bought another mobile phone for that, or even 2 mobile phones!
Many thanks to “Manong” guard in Starbucks for taking the risk to help me. He was there and was true to his words. I gave him a small token for his kindness and pretended to be his friend so that people around will not took suspicion. I’ve learned my lesson there… never-ever bring cellphone to the US embassy! And I don’t want to take risk again in asking for another person’s help if that can cause them to lose their job… Good thing it didn’t happened.
My visa was approved… and I have to be away from home for 2 months. Just thinking how long it will be makes me missed Reese and Gani already. :-(
CRESTWOOD, Ky. (October 2006)  When artist Carole Logan attended the University of Louisville to earn a bachelors degree in Fine Arts at age 50, her professor ordered the class to paint on sight, not from photographs. The result created a natural desire in her to paint on sight, or to paint en plein air.
It is a challenge for many artists to paint en plein air. To capture the mood and feeling of an ever-changing light requires a quick eye and hand.
Plein air is an age old tradition among artists to paint from real life in an outdoor location, said David Thurmond, program coordinator for the Oldham County Arts Center in Crestwood. The masters painted landscapes and outdoor subjects, and this tradition is continued through present-day artists.
Part of the challenge comes in capturing the essence of the landscape or outdoor still life where light is constantly changing. It is difficult because it must be done quickly, said Thurmond.
But many regional artists were willing to give it a try in the first annual Plein Air Paint Out! On Sept. 22-24, artists gathered in Crestwood to paint images of the community en plain air. Artists also painted at certain locations the following week, due to the rainy weekend weather.
The finished paintings will be on exhibit in the Oldham County Arts Centers BPW Gallery through Oct. 16. An opening reception was held to honor the participating artists on Sept. 28 prior to the Arts Centers opening performance of the season, Flamenco Louisville!
 Oct. 19-Nov. 21: HomeFront Fiber Show in the BPW-Oldham County Gallery. This exhibit features quilts and other fiber works by regional artists.
 Saturday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Kentucky HomeFront. A Kentucky Theater Project, broadcast live by the Public Radio Partnership. Jonell Mosser, a native Kentuckian who has performed in Nashville, Tenn., will perform her own brand of country and blues. Master storyteller Col. Bob Thompson will also entertain. Admission is $12.
 Nov. 11-12, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.: Manhattan Dance Project. Unique dance workshop providing dancers with a supportive learning and performance environment in the areas of jazz, ballet, tap, theatre dance and hip hop.
The idea for this painting on location came from a local artist, Leann Luce. This was something Luce had always wanted to do with other artists. Arts Center officials liked the idea and decided to organize the event.
In the future, we hope to do this in other Oldham County communities, said Thurmond. It will be an ongoing event.
Logan decided on two familiar Crestwood images to apply to canvas: the stoplight in Crestwood painted from a coffee shop on La Grange Road, and a scene from Yew Dell Gardens. Images will be stored at the Arts Center for future use in promotions, calendars and note cards, with the artists consent.
Artists were free to paint original works in their choice of medium, including watercolors and oils. Excluding the frame, paintings could not exceed 3x4 feet in size. The sides of the canvas had to be finished, painted or framed.
In addition to weather, another challenge of painting en plein air is people stopping to speak to the artists while they are working. Logan is working on painting some scenes of downtown Louisville en plein air, and oftentimes tourists will stop and ask questions, she said.
She is a member of a local plein air group, the Kentucky Plein Air Painters, which formed eight years ago. She is the only Oldham Countian in a group of 12 that travel to many different locations to paint, such as Bernheim Forest and Labrott & Graham Distillery.
Ten years have passed since Bohemond left his son in the care of Louen Leoncoeur. Often times he would receive word that Lomant is progressing well in his training, or that he has just defeated a Knight of the Realm in mock combat. But today, when the messenger came, the message was different. The messenger told Bohemond that it was approaching Lomant’s 20th birthday and the end of his training and that his presence was requested in Couronne within a fortnight.
Dismissing the messenger, Bohemond quickly made preparations for his wife, his retainers and himself to make for Couronne the next day. They progressed across the Bretonnian landscape at a brisk pace, and reached Couronne exactly a fortnight after they left. As they entered the city, Bohemond couldn’t help but feel that he was repeating history, as he took the exact road ten years ago. They approached the gate warden, and he simply bowed and waved squires forward to take the Duke’s horse and those of his retinue.
He entered the castle, and was lead to his chamber that he was to stay in. After seeing the door, he asked the squire to help everyone settle in and he headed down to greet the king. Entering the King’s hall, he saw many a knight stand around the throne, and a few Knights Errant were flanking the carpet up to Louen. Each of the young knights was well disciplined and did not so much as move as the famed duke walks past…save one. One turned his head slightly as Bohemond passed…but it was barely noticeable and he quickly turned back.
Kneeling before Louen, Bohemond said, “Louen Leoncoeur, King of the Bretonni. I have come according to your summon.”
Smiling, Louen had Bohemond stand and embraced him in a hug and said, “My dear Bohemond. Enough of the formalities, your son is present here, and has completed his training. In fact, recently he had been dispatched to assist in quelling a Green skin invasion of Montfort. At the battle he lead his Errant companions in a charge that ran down the Orc warlord. Now please Bohemond, come stand beside me, and watch, as your son becomes a Knight of Bretonnia.” Nodding to the herald beside the throng, the herald took a step forward and yelled, “KNIGHTS ERRANT! Step forward, kneel, rest your shield’s against your knee and have your helmet under your arm.”
Slowly, starting from the back the young knights marched forward, each joining the line as it came to them, their mailed boots thudding heavily on the oak floor as each walked with pride. They did as they were told, lowering their shields and removing their helmets and kneeling before the king. Louen advanced and drew his sword, holding it high in the air and said, “For courage in the heat of battle, for stemming the green skin invasion, and for slaying the warlord…I hear-by, in the name of the Lady and of Bretonnia, dub thee…Knights of Bretonnia.” He lowered the blade and tapped each knight in turn, dubbing them…but stopped as he reach the young knight at the end and turned to Bohemond and said, “Bohemond, as it has been ten long years since you last saw your son, I feel it only right, that you grant him his knight hood.”
Louen turned his sword to Bohemond hilt first, “Please…” he said. Grasping the handle of the blade, he stood in front of his son and was smiling greatly as he said as he tapped the blade on his shoulders, “In the name of Bretonnia, the Lady, and our King…I dub thee ‘Sir’ Lomant de Bastonne!”
Louen took his sword back and said; “Now arise young knights, and celebrate, for this day belongs to you!” With that said, nine knights whom all bore the symbol of the grail, brought forward a shield for each knight, as well as a helm. Bohemond only paid attention to the knight who brought Lomant his. His helm’s crest was that of a dragon crouched over a large rock, and his shield change from the heraldry of his house, to a red dragon battling a Wyvern. After receiving their heraldry, all the young knights turned to the assembled crowd and as one, all the could be heard from the gathered throng of warriors was, “HAIL! BRETHREN AND KNIGHTS OF BRETONNIA!” To which the new knights responded the same.
Bohemond walked up quietly behind Lomant and tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Congratulations son.” Turning, Lomant grinned and grasped his father hand, then hugged him tight. They finally broke the hug and Lomant said, “Father…I have it arranged, tomorrow I leave for Amorelot’s castle to avenge Lomandalis. I have not forgotten my oath, and nor do I plan to break it.” Nodding, Bohemond said that is what he expected to hear, but first that Lomant had to see his mother.
The next day, Lomant was lead to the city gate by his father and the king. Before leaving, he knelt before Louen and thanked him for the years of training. Then embraced his father once more and said, “Father, fear not…I shall return.” Then, grabbing the front of his saddle he quickly threw his leg over his horse, kicked his spurs into its flanks and sped out of the gate. It was not long before he was out of sight. Bohemond stood staring at the cloud of dust that Lomant’s horse had left, and Louen faintly heard Bohemond say, “Please my Lady…watch over my son and see that he returns to me alive and well.” They both turned and headed back to the castle.
Lomant rode hard for a few hours, the excitement of yesterday still fresh in his mind. It wasn’t until he heard Night-Flash breathing heavily that he slowed to a walk. Riding along, occasionally checking his map, Lomant would just look out at the beautiful countryside and talk to Night-Flash. Just before nightfall, as Lomant was on the edge of sleep, he thought he heard a twig crack in the woods to his right. He thought nothing of it, but when it happened again and Night-Flash’s ears perked he didn’t move, except his left hand, which loosened his sword in its sheath.
As Lomant rounded the next corner, he saw a group of foreign men carrying rusting blades and broken shields. He brought Night-Flash to a halt and said, “Be there a reason that you block the road that a Knight of the Realm travels on?” The largest man took a step forward and replied, “We control this road, either a tax be paid, or you die by our hand, the choice is yours.”
Laughing Lomant said, “I have no money, and I do not wish to kill you. Move aside.” It was then that Lomant heard a rope creak and snap. Expecting a trap, he ducked as a massive log swung through the air that his head had just occupied and swung back into the woods. Just when the rope snapped, the men on the road rushed forward with their blades held high. Grabbing the hilt of his sword in his hand, he rolled off Night-Flash’s back, pulling it out of its sheath at the same time. As he landed on his feet the first brigand reached him and slashed at his gut. Lomant easily sidestepped the strike, and slammed the hilt of his sword into the back of his head, knocking him out. As he fell, his sword fell out of his hands and Lomant quickly grabbed it and readied himself.
This cute girl is a fashion addicted person and she has an original clothing style. She likes to be unique, to wear high fashion clothes, she is a real fashionista with impeccable tastes. Her favorite season is autumn, so her fall wardrobe is really amazing. Check it out an help the girl prepare for a new beautiful autumn day! Make her try on some of these cool clothes and accessories and dress her up with style. Don't forget she also needs a special hairstyle for the new season. Use your mouse to play this fun fashion games!
There’s a whole lot of rhythm going down every night of the week on Frenchmen Street, and we are happy to say we have opened our doors!
Facing Washington Square in the heart of Faubourg Marigny, the two masonry townhouses at 700-06 Frenchmen Street have a commanding presence. The 2 ½ story buildings and detached 3-story service buildings figured as a part of the vast real estate holdings of Julien Adolphe Lacroix (1808-1868), a Cuban-born free-man-of-color, and after his death in 1868 were acquired by his brother Francois Lacroix (1806-1876). The wealthy and influential Lacroix brothers belong to that uniquely New Orleans group of well-educated, cultured gens de couleur libres, many of whom had origins in Saint-Dominigue. Although Julien and Francois were born in Cuba, their parents likely had fled to the island from Saint-Dominique after its late 18th-century and early 19th-century slave uprisings. 700-06 Frenchmen Street are visual reminders of the success and respect achieved by the Lacroix Brothers, two of the wealthiest members of their genre.
A grocer by trade, Julien Lacroix in 1843 acquired the property at the corner of Frenchmen and Casacalvo (Royal) Streets from the estate of Genoese Jean Baptiste Azereto (Louis T. Caire, N.P., October 24, 1843). Never married, Azereto cohabited with Eugenie Gresse and fathered nine children, whom he legitimized legally in 1834. The family lived nearby at the corner of Frenchmen and Decatur Streets and not at the site of the subject properties. In fact, the existing buildings were not constructed until after Julien Lacroix acquired the property in 1843, although it was written in the Friends of Cabildo New Orleans Architecture: Creole Suburbs that the buildings were built in the 1830s before Lacroix bought the property. Azereto’s succession records state that the property at the corner of Frenchmen and Casacalvo was a “lot of ground” (Probate Files, Paul Avril-Angelique Aury, 1843-1844).
Julien Lacroix’s extensive estate was inventoried after his death in 1868 for the benefit of his widow Ursule Péan and their four children (Louisiana, Orleans Parish Estate Files; Louisiana. Probate Court and Onesiphore Drouet, N.P., March 31, 1869). Included in the listings were their domicile and place of business at 506 Frenchmen Street, where J.A. Lacroix fancy goods and wine emporium was located and the subject townhouses at the corner of Frenchmen and Royal Streets. The inventory valued this later property at $16,000 and described it as “two double two story brick houses and kitchens and other improvements” (see attachment). It was further noted that “the buildings thereon” were erected after the purchase of the land by Lacroix in 1843. Lacroix’s properties were sold at public auction on March 31, 1869. His widow and children retained the family home at 506 Frenchmen and continued the family store there until the 1890s, which evolved into a boot and shoes store. The subject properties were sold at auction in 1869 to Julien’s brother Francois. Newspaper advertisements preceding the sale show that two double buildings at 700-06 Frenchmen Street were located on separate lots A and B. Lot B, at the corner of Frenchmen and Royal, had a “two story and attic brick house, Nos. 50 and 52, containing twelve rooms, a three story brick kitchen of six rooms, paved yard, waterworks, privy, etc., the whole divided into two tenements” (see attachment). Lot B contained identical townhouses, Nos. 54 and 56. Lacroix paid his brother’s estate $1150 for the two double townhouses. A floor plan included in the estate records show a typical Creole-style floor plan, with stairs located in the rear loggia (see attachment). The combination of attic frieze windows with dormers, however, is an unusual configuration for Creole style buildings. Although Julien Lacroix constructed several buildings on his acquired properties over the years, there is no documentation for his employment of specific builders or architects, and may have supervised the work himself.
Francois Lacroix, a prosperous tailor and fabric merchant, started out in business in the French Quarter as a partner in the firm of Cordeviolle and Lacroix. He also was a major real estate speculator, participating in the fluid market of the 1840s; and that allowed him to become a philanthropist, with the benefit of his largesse going to orphan children through his endowment of the Société Pour L'education des Orphelins des Indigenes de la 3me District and La Société de la Sainte Famille. The fortunes of Lacroix, however, declined after the Civil War and he would not pay taxes. When he died in 1876 at his late brother’s home at 506 Frenchmen, he not only did not leave a will but was insolvent; and his extensive holdings were liquidated at public auction (see attachment, Christoval Morel, N.P. January 26, 1877). The buyer of the two double buildings was Charles Lacoume, the proprietor of the Crescent Billiard Hall and Bar Room under the St. Charles Hotel. When this native of Pau, France died in 1882, his funeral was held at this home at 56 Frenchmen, one of the buildings in the subject row. His family retained the buildings until 1903 when they were sold to Louisa Gazave, widow of Bernard Abadie, also French immigrants. The Abadie family retained the buildings until 1925. During the early 1900s, a millinery shop was located at 700 Frenchmen. For many decades the occupants of these Creole-style building not only were mostly French but maintained the continental tradition of mixed residential and commercial uses. In 1972 the property was acquired by the Children’s Home of New Orleans.
Camilla Hammer, garden designer and urban farmer, will hold office hours as the ‘Plant Doctor’ during Ivy Haldeman’s Breathless (Colossus). The Plant Doctor will provide wellness services for house plants and their human caretakers. Services include preventative care, disease diagnosis, nutritional counseling, plant/human couples counseling, and physical therapy. Visits are by appointment and on a walk-in basis. Clients are encouraged to bring their house plant to the gallery in order to optimize the chances of restoration to full botanical health.
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