CenLamar | Est. 2006

  • Attention Traffic Engineers:

    How many roundabouts can you fit into this single “traffic circle”? 3? 7? 10? 12? I am only asking because, apparently, there is some confusion here about the differences between a roundabout and a traffic circle. (You have to acknowledge: Alexandria’s South Traffic Circle is epic. The head of our local historic preservation non-profit recently suggested in The Town Talk that Alexandria apply to have its South Traffic Circle designated as historic; it’s the size of an entire neighborhood. That has to be rare, which is probably the main reason it’s so prone to accidents). This is what a roundabout…

  • Drew Ward: Just Do It Bobby!

    Much has been said in the nearly six weeks since BP’s spoiled rig began spewing barrel after barrel of oil into the Gulf about the lack of quick decisive federal response and the various bureaucratic hurdles effecting such impotence. Like post-Ivan / pre-Katrina hurricane preparedness, this lack of action- due to demand for studying, observing, debating, planning, and reviewing- is only serving to amplify the destructive action of a situation, which, while perhaps not fully preventable, is, in fact, nearly fully rectified with available tools, methods, and technologies. In recent weeks, the region has seen millions of gallons of chemical…

  • Theriot Files

    Last week, Jefferson Parish interim President Steve Theriot filed suit against a handful of NOLA.com anonymous commenters for defamation of character, and as you may imagine, the reaction to Theriot’s lawsuit was immediate and critical: He is being “thin-skinned,” attempting to “stifle free speech” and “intimidate his detractors.” For the most part, I happen to agree with the criticism of Mr. Theriot’s lawsuit. As the old adage goes, if you can’t stand the heat, then get out the kitchen. Although Mr. Theriot may believe his online detractors were engaging in purposeful deceit, their criticisms, at least those that have been republished, seem…