D-Day

Today is an auspicious day. With humility, I reference the 64th anniversary of the Allied Invasion that signalled the beginning of the end of the Axis forces in World War II. Notwithstanding a push from East by the Russians, the lives lost at places with names like Omaha and Utah paved the way for a beachhead that became a stanglehold on the European continent and allowed U.S. , British and French forces to battle their way into the heart of the Nazi war machine. We should all honor those brave souls who fought for liberty and who guaranteed our freedom with their very lives. The National World War II Museum opened here eight years ago as the then appropriately phrased D-Day Museum. In the intervening years, it was decided that there were other D-Days that were observed or could be observed. The focus on just June 6, 1944 was determined to be too specific. The Pacific campaign as well as battles waged on other significant dates could not be recalled easily if the focus was just on Normandy. The National World War II Museum is undergoing an expansion program now and will be increasing in size significantly in the coming years.
Happy Birthday, too, to my brother-in-law David Sobel, who lives in Sydney, Australia and who probably won't be able to read about this until tomorrow. When David moved back to Australia from a short stint here in New Orleans (he couldn't stomach the crime), my father remarked that I would probably be able to count the number of times I would see him again on both hands. So far, my dad has been right. David was here last year, but I've seen him fewer than five times in the 13 years that my wife Sally (his sister) passed away. I've seen my two nephews (Joshua and Trevor) and his wife Pamela even less.

When drivers belong in a golf bag

In every computing day there is an opportunity to become incensed, infuriated and enraged and it usually has something to do with drivers. Drivers are the items in software that make the hardware items work. Drivers are needed for just about everything in computers. So, when they work, they are cute, adorable and lovely or we don't really consider them. However, when they fail, watch out for falling computers from window ledges! Drivers supported in stable operating systems are what made Microsoft an industry leader. When Windows 95 and Windows 98 came out, they were hailed by computing folk because they came pre-loaded with all kinds of common drivers. This made connecting a new Windows 9x to an existing printer or other device fairly simple. Yet, Microsoft knew that it couldn't possibly support all drivers forever. With each new operating system release (Windows XP and Windows Vista), only the most popular drivers in the preceding two years have been included, much to the chagrin of several new OS owners with legacy devices. In addition when Windows NT 4.0 was released and, later, Windows 2000, an entirely different set of drivers were needed because those systems were based on a different kind of operating system whereby there was an executive kernel that did not allow the applications to directly attach themselves to the central processor unit (CPU), commonly referred to as the chip. That may not seem like a big deal, but anyone who had their computers freeze under the Windows 9x operating systems knows full well of the complications that could arise should an application refuse to relinquish its hold on the CPU. Windows XP was based on the NT technology developed originally as IBM's OS/2 and then later released by Microsoft as a business solution. If an application were to "hang" under that operating system, the executive kernel would release it and allow other applications time to access the CPU. Then, the non-responsive application could be shut down without affecting the entire operating system. So, why am I talking about drivers on a day when I should be complaining about searing 90 degree heat or congratulating Barack Obama on a job well done in winning the necessary number of delegates to assure him the nomination of the Democratic Party? It's because legacy drivers for a SCSI host adapter (old technology) that were supposed to be working on two new server builds (Windows 2003 Small Business Server and Windows 2008) are both presenting me with an error that tells me the devices are not working properly. This is where experience tells me to be patient and take a deep breath. It is all part of the length and breadth of dealing with computers. Eventually, the problem will be overcome or a substitute device will be inserted that will correct the error. So, every computing day can also be an opportunity to be informed, exhilarated and enlightened. Of course, it is easy to say this after the fact. While it is occurring, it is downright frustrating. Once it is fixed (and it will be), there is a wonderful feeling of ecstasy that takes over as one realizes that no matter how dastardly these computers will be, man will always triumph. That being said, I am still tempted right now to open up a window and yell out "fore!" Temperamental drivers should never be on the roads or inside computers. However, inside of golf bags is another thing.

The Innovator

Recently, two movies about Leonard Chessman and his highly influential Chess and Checker Records labels have been filmed in New Orleans. As many people know, New Orleans and Louisiana have become hot spots for filming independent and major studio films due to legislation that offers state tax credits to productions that shoot a significant portion of their schedules in the state and hire local union members in the process. These state tax credits are typically sold at 80 cents on the dollar to savvy speculators who in turn sell them to large taxpayers. It's a system that has been highly successful and has resulted in major pictures being filmed here like the Academy Award winner "Ray," Denzel Washington's "Deja Vu" and the upcoming Brad Pitt release "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." On the downside of this progress there have been allegations of abuse levied at some producers who, having snagged the tax credits, never finished or released their productions. These cheaters are guilty of bilking millions of dollars from the state treasury, but it is very difficult to force producers to finish their movies or videos in order to remove the specter of suspicion from them. Regardless, though, the fact is two movies on the very historically important Chess Records will be in theaters within the next year, one by a major studio and the other an independent release. Unfortunately, one of the great stars of Chess Records will not be able to view these films. That man was simply known as "The Innovator," the one and only Bo Diddley, 79, who died yesterday of heart failure in Florida. With his unique rectangular guitar and playing style, Diddley became a mainstay for true lovers of rock and roll who loved his simple and joyous way of playing and singing. His charming stage presence often belied his well-earned position as a true pioneer. But a pioneer he was. Diddley, whose real name was Elias Bates and later Elias McDaniel after a cousin adopted him, claimed he never received his fair share of receipts throughout his career. "A dude with a pencil is worse than a cat with a machine gun," he bemoaned once. That may very well be true, but that never stopped him from playing his guitar and singing his songs up until about a year ago when he suffered a stroke in Iowa. The recovering musician was later hit with a heart attack last August from which he never fully recovered. Diddley, who may have taken his name from a diddle bow, a rustic instrument oftentimes made from square pieces of wood or cigar boxes, inspired scores of well-known musicians with his simple "shave and a haircut" staccato rock melodies. Buddy Holly, who in turn went on to inspire the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, was a disciple of Diddley's infectious backbeat and soulful singing. Latter day rock heroes like Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello were, likewise, endeared to Diddley's style and were among many others who credited him with legendary stature in the rock and roll world. Both Diddley and another Chess star, Chuck Berry, were credited with making electric guitar play a necessary component of rock and roll music. Diddley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, the second year ceremonies were held. He had a star on the venerated Hollywood Walk of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 1999. Not bad for a poor kid from McComb, Mississippi (about an hour and a half drive from New Orleans) who was raised in the streets of Chicago and didn't start playing guitar (a gift from his sister) until he was ten. Bo Diddley recaptured some of his earlier fame when he appeared in the "Bo Knows" campaign for Nike featuring another well-known namesake, Bo Jackson. In that ad, the guitar player grimaced and made the comment: "He don't know diddley." Bo Diddley knew a lot about music and some of his major hits like his self-titled 1955 "Bo Diddley," "Say Man" and "Who Do You Love?" will be with us for many years to remind us of his genius and his great gift of music to the nation and the world.

The Difference

Last week I was shocked to read about the new Jewish state Attorney General who was accused of having an affair with an office worker and who was forced to resign in the face of scandal. No, I'm not talking about Buddy Caldwell, Louisiana's own Jewish Attorney General. He is doing quite well and I am glad to say working hard to clean up an office besmirched by the ill-advised tactics of his predecessor. No, I am referring to Marc Dann, Ohio's recently elected and now publicly disgraced chief state prosecutor and enforcer of laws. Talk about a fall from grace. Dann was selected in the 2006 midterm elections as a young man of promise during the same period that propelled Lee Fisher, another Jew, into the second highest office of the state, Lt. Governor. In a well-orchestrated campaign Dann had little to say to the Jewish media on his way up and he has even less to say now that he has been ensnared in a political boondoggle and a scandalous littany of charges dealing with sexual harrassment in his office by others and sexual infidelity on his part. Like previous transgressions that have brought down others like New York Governor Eliot Sptitzer, Dann was caught up in the power of his office and the power of his prowess as a man. Unfortunately, when the man caught with his pants down is Jewish, it's not just that his religion becomes obvious. It also reflects badly on his core values and ethics, which should, after all, be held to the highest of levels due to thousands of years of rabbinical thinking and moral conduct. After a State Legislature Special Session passed the most extensive package of laws dealing with ethics a few months ago, Louisiana has taken the lead in setting the bar for politicians and public servants. This is all part of new Governor Bobby Jindal's plan to restore confidence in government. That is a paradigm shift for a state that was commonly referred to as a "banana republic" by some and repeatedly thought of as the laughing stock of the country by comedians who noted how many of our elected officials were serving terms in federal prisons. I take no schadenfreude at Dann's personal demise or Ohio's scandal, which leaves a major hole in Governor Ted Strickland's cabinet. However, I do note that while scandals have plagued New Jersey, New York and now Ohio, Louisiana seems to be moving from beneath the shadow of constant suspicion and finger pointing. Have we truly made the turn? Only time will tell, but I have hope we have. That hope and a new commitment on the part of Louisiana elected officials towards change makes a big difference in the way politics was conducted in the past here.
Sad news from Hollywood over the loss of several of the more famous backlot sets at Universal Studios. When I was there last week, I thought of taking in a day at Universal Studios and seeing the King Kong "ride" and the "Back to the Future" courthouse set, both apparently lost in the conflagration yesterday. A lot of history went up in smoke, but according to spokesmen from the studios, much of it will be rebuilt.
Our prayers should be extended to Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy as he prepares for surgery at Duke University this morning. With an inoperable brain tumor, he has the fight of his life ahead of him. His wife, the former Victoria Reggie, hails from Crowley, Louisiana, and is the sister of a good friend and the daughter of a former customer. I wish the Senator the very best and his family the strength to get through this troubling period.

No Reason for Hurricane Season

It was Jimmy Buffett who came up with the tongue-in-cheek ditty "Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season" several decades ago on his "A1A" album. In his wonderful irreverant way Buffett described how hard life was waking up from a nap in his hammock and trying to deal with an incoming storm between drinks. That was the way things used to be here in New Orleans when a storm threatened. Like Jimmy Buffett, the hardest thing was to find the strainer for the drinks. The old joke went: "Q: How many New Orleanians does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: Five. Four to mix the drinks and one to call N.O.P.S.I." That joke is even more outdated now because New Orleans Public Service Incorporated that formerly was responsible for electric power and gas service in most of Orleans Parish (except the West Bank) hasn't existed in several years since it was replaced by Entergy. But you get my point. We were a fun-loving bunch down here, unafraid and untouched by any force of nature. That is, until Hurricane Katrina. Today, June 1, is the official beginning of the Hurricane Season, running until November 1. It's the third time since the 2005 storm slammed into the city and we New Orleanians do take notice. We start buying up gobs of batteries, hording water and looking to make sure we have plenty of gasoline in our tanks (even if it costs us a bundle). Anyone who doesn't already own a generator is either planning on leaving town for an extended stay away should a storm threaten or is in the process of acquiring one. I must admit that it seems a lifetime ago when the beginning of the 2005 storm season started. But in the wake of the catastrophe, few recall that Tropical Storm Cindy hit the city on July 6, seven weeks before Katrina. Cindy, which showed up on weather maps at the last minute, downed a goodly number of uptown and Broadmoor area trees and cut power to a number of homes. Cleanup operations took well over a week before things were back to normal in the Big Easy. Many were turning their heads around and asking what happened? How could a nothing storm wreak so much damage? We should have known better, but most of us went about our business not heeding the initial warning. Around this time people at the Times-Picayune and local TV stations were also publishing stories and airing specials about what could happen if "The Big One" hit New Orleans. Well, as far as a I'm concerned, the Big One was Katrina and nobody I know is reaching for the cocktail strainer any longer. We are serious about possibilities of further loss of life and property and can no longer maintain a lax attitude or promulgate the stereotype that we are lackadaisical. After all, we do live in the City That Care Forgot, but these days, when it comes to hurricane season, we do care a lot.

Jewish Heritage Night

Anshe S'Fard president Ben Berman and daughter enjoy "Jewish Heritage Night"

The New Orleans Zephyrs had their annual Jewish Heritage Night last night and members of the Jewish Federation of New Orleans and readers of the Deep South Jewish Voice were encouraged to attend the doubleheader against the Round Rock Express. The night started off well enough with the Zephyrs ahead 2-0 in the fourth inning of the first of two seven inning games to be played, but Round Rock eventually scored 3 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to end the game with a 3-2 win. The second game was a bit of a defensive show for the Express with pitcher Chase Douglass showing his prowess on the mound with six shutout innings out of seven and a 2-1 edge over the Zephyrs. The unfortunate part of the night was the lack of support from the Jewish community. Rabbi Uri Topolosky of Congregation Beth Israel was there with his wife Dahlia as were Chabad Rabbis Mendel Rivkin and Yossi Nemes and their families, but no Reform or Conservative rabbi was there. Touro Synagogue and Conservative Congregation Shir Chadash executive directors were there, but no others. At $5 per ticket (and $3 per car for parking), the cost of the evening wasn't the main factor for keeping members of the Jewish community away. I want to thank the Zephyrs organization for holding Jewish Heritage Night and hope that next year's event will be better attended.
Sad news from Hollywood is the loss of Harvey Korman, one of the great comic actors most notably recalled from TV's "The Carol Burnett Show" and films like "Blazing Saddles" and "High Anxiety." Korman, 81, got his first break on TV as a cast member on "The Danny Kaye Show" in 1964 before joining the Burnett show three years later. He will be linked forever with his "Carol Burnett Show" co-star Tim Conway with whom he toured nationwide for several years. Married twice, Korman leaves behind his wife Deborah Fritz and four children, two from each marriage.

Coincidence or divine intervention?

In my travel to San Diego last week for the National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America a strange thing occurred, but I will get to that in just a bit. I was on board the USS Midway, the aircraft carrier built at the end of World War II that has the distinction of having the longest service of any carrier in the U.S. Navy. The Midway was commissioned in 1945 and served as a flagship during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Previously, it also saw service in the Korean War and the Viet Nam War, where it registered both the first and the last U.S. air-to-air kills of that conflict.

Following decommissioning, the Midway (CV-41) has had a final resting place in San Diego Bay since 1994. It was a tremendous gamble for the city, which was forced to deal with a hefty $1.5 million cost to transport the carrier to its place of honor as a museum dedicated to the history of aircraft carriers at Broadway Pier. However, since its installation in San Diego, the Midway Museum has drawn a steady stream of visitors and has stimulated a revitalization of the harbor area.

Much of the interior and exterior has been redone with the funds that have been raised and a typical attendance of visitors extends now to over four million annually. I mention the four million visitor figure because it is a very unlikely statistical probability that I would see someone I knew on board on a specific day and a specific time and at a specific location on a vessel that spans the length of three football fields and stands 18 stories high.

Nevertheless, that is exactly what happened.

While visiting the Midway with my Scouting friends Cheryl Baraty and Kim Queen from Milwaukee, I noticed an older couple who was in the engine room with me. The gentleman was wearing a T-shirt, but he looked somehow familiar. His wife wore a lovely gold necklace bearing the Hebrew letters for "Chai" (or "life") twice -- something referred to as a "Double Chai." Almost immediately, I introduced myself and explained I was a visitor from New Orleans. It was then that he told me he had been in New Orleans recently, helping with the recovery effort there, especially in the Jewish community.

Suddenly, it clicked. I did know him.

He continued his story about how he had helped arrange for delivery of a donated Torah scroll to my own Congregation Beth Israel, the Orthodox synagogue that lost seven scrolls in the wake of floods caused by levee breaches after Hurricane Katrina. I saw his face and remembered how I had taken many pictures of his visit to New Orleans with the Torah scroll only a little over a year ago. His name is Kenneth Levin and he works as a senior social services supervisor for Orange County. Ken and his wife Nancy just happened to be down from Anaheim, at least a three hour trip by car. Again, for me to believe that this was simple coincidence might be stretching the boundaries of believability.

After all, I was only due to visit San Diego for a few hours on one particular day. It is an amazing fact that I could have toured the ship later in the afternoon and missed them or I could have passed them in another room, but not been close enough to talk with them and learn of their connection to me. In fact, that we were on the same lower floor at all was amazing when one thinks about it.

The only thing I could think of doing was to notify the former president of my congregation, Jackie Gothard, and to let her chat with Ken over my cell phone. It was then that I knew there must have been a reason for my being there and for Ken and Jackie to make contact once again. It would seem that Ken now has more incentive to come back to New Orleans with another group from Anaheim. After all, he now has another person to show him around and to make his stay in the Crescent City more special. This time he can also bring his charming wife Nancy bearing the "Double Chai" necklace, which means, after all, "two times life."