Red Stick

Theme Day for July 2007 is the color red, so I'm showing you the sculpture that represents "Red Stick". Baton Rouge was named by the French explorer Sieur d'Iberville in 1699, after he saw a cypress pole decorated with bloody animal and fish heads, which served as a marker for the hunting boundaries of two Native American tribes (the Bayougoula and the Houma).

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Blood Sports

Another legislative session ended this week. Our good state representatives and senators (FINALLY) passed a ban on cockfighting this session, which goes into effect August 2008. One blood sport, politics, is still legal in Louisiana, and the new season should get into gear soon.

The above photo is a picture of the floor of the entry marking the Governor's Office at the Old State Capitol.

On Guard

It rained again today. During the thunderous parts, Weeka (pictured above) likes to hide under the bed. After it stops raining, she resumes her post on the windowsill, where she keeps watch over the neighborhood. I think she's found an errant insect that's invaded her space.

Repentance Fountain

Repentance Fountain is nestled between the River Center arena and the Old State Capitol. A nearby plaque explains:

During the Spanish domination of Baton Rouge, Repentance Street ran through this area. It was so named because convicted criminals walked along it on their way to receive sentencing at the Commandant's house where the Old State Capitol now stands.

Cool Break

Aaahhh...cool water...even if it has a slight chlorine odor...

This is part of a larger fountain between the River Center and the Old State Capitol known as Repentance Fountain, which I will post on tomorrow.

No Drought Here

This afternoon I thought I was going to mow the lawn, but this stormcloud had a different idea and gave me over an inch of rain instead.

Up Close And Personal

Here's a view of the top of the standpipe I featured yesterday. No, I didn't climb the ladder ;) but snapped this from the fourth floor River Terrace at the Shaw Center across the street.