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Brees to Remain

Earlier this month, New Orleans breathed an audible sigh of relief as Drew Brees committed to continuing his career in a black and gold uniform for at least the next two years.

He signed a five-year extension that offers Brees the opportunity to sign voids after two years and includes a no-trade clause. This reportedly means he is guaranteed to receive $44.25 million, not a bad deal.

What is more important, however, is that the best player in Saint history will continue his path to the Hall of Fame in a Saints uniform. With the Saints already having exhibited an incredible offense in the past few years, this bodes very well for the coming season. Currently, Brees is already fourth on the NFL’s all-time list for passing yards with 60,903, third in all-time for both touchdowns at 428 and completion at 5,635, and first in 5,000 yard seasons with four.

Moreover, this is all on top of Brees’ season last year, his best yet, in which he led the league in passing yards (4,870 over fifteen games), completed 428 of 627 pass attempts (a 68.3% completion rate), had 32 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. With respect to his recent decision, Brees stated,

“Both sides are very happy. Certainly, I’m very happy. I want to play my entire career here and I’m just taking it one step at a time, one year at a time, one opportunity at a time. But this allows me to be around here for a bit longer, and I’ll be here as long as they’ll have me.”

Although contract negotiations were likely a bit more dramatic than necessary, it does seem to have paid off (literally) for both sides. Not only do the Saints get to continue taking advantage of Drew Brees’ outstanding career, but Brees gets to stay where he feels more comfortable. As he said himself, he wants to complete the rest of his career in the Big Easy—it’s just a matter of the right opportunity at the right time.

I, for one, am very excited Brees has decided to remain for at least the next two seasons. He’s not just the leader of the Saints. He’s also a legend in New Orleans.

The Indiscernible Saints

Entering training camp this season, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding the New Orleans’ Saints and what the future holds for them. Aside from the fact that Brees is sure to play for the Saints this offseason, there is really not much that is known for sure. Yet, the Saints are constantly full of surprises, both good and bad.

Take 2014, for instance. Many NFL commentators and analysts believed the Saints could not only go to the Super Bowl, but win it. Many thought their 2014 roster was the best collection of talent on a Saints roster in recent memory. Their 7-9 record points to the contrary.

2015 was a bit more predictable. Recently suffering the loss of Junior Galette, the Saints were clearly poised for a rebuilding year, and this time their record agrees: they went 7-9, again, a kind of cold reinforcement of the year before. This year, however, could go a number of different ways, and the Saints’ staff agrees. Payton, Looms, and the remainder of the team and staff all agree that there is a murky haze pulled over what this season has in store.

Questioned if there were more questions surrounding this upcoming year than seasons past, Payton conceded, “Look there are certain areas we’re paying attention to, nut I don’t know if we’d sit down and list specifically [areas of concern].” More to the point, Payton and particular was cited saying “Obviously we’ve had teams that were better than what we thought we’d have at this point and then teams that we felt real good about that underachieved or weren’t as good as we expected. So we’ll kind of get started and get a chance to see what we’ve got. There’s a process involved with that, but I think that’s the exciting part of training camp.”

Honestly, it sounds like Payton is picturing the 2014 season as he said his answer. If I had to guess, I would think that he is happy with what they’ve put together so far but is hesitant to make any bold proclamations considering the disappointing result of a couple years ago. Loomis said something interesting as well.

“I think there’s always jobs available; and jobs sometimes mean roster spots, sometimes they mean more roster spots and sometimes it means, ‘Hey, who’s going to be the starter? Or who’s going to be the contributor?” He went on in much the same fairly ambiguous tone.

It largely seems like Loomis is alluding that there may more open positions on the team this training camp, open positions in the sense of role players, who’s going to step up and who may fall off. The opportunities are certainly available, and now is the time, if any, for a perhaps unexpected player to make a statement, to take control and take their game to the next level.

While I understand this idea is a perpetual notion in sports, that there is always an opportunity for unknown players to make themselves known, I am saying that this season, in particular, and the shrouded atmosphere of obscurity enveloping it, presents an especially conducive environment for such a development. In fact, the last time the Saints missed the postseason two consecutive years, they returned to claim the championship in 2009.

Only time will tell; but the indiscernible undercurrents of this training season may just provide the perfect chance for an unexpected, though highly welcome, player to emerge.

Architecture of The Crescent City

New Orleans is without a doubt a city of great beauty. The fabled Mississippi River runs alongside the bustling metropolis, bringing with it prosperous trade and people from all different cultures, heritages, and ethnicities. Cobblestone streets are lined with both modern skyscrapers and traditional homes. Terraces with wrought-iron fences and vibrant flowers hang just above passerby pedestrians. In fact, it is likely New Orleans’ architecture that most overtly distinguishes The Crescent City from its sibling southern metropolises. With a fascinating blend of both past and present styles, the Big Easy is one of the most extraordinary exhibitions of architecture the world over.

Creole Cottage

This noticeable trend in building style is generally composed of one and a half story buildings that are set at ground level. With a steeply-pitched roof and a well-balanced four-opening facade, they usually lie close to the property line. Their stucco exterior provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance for both those walking by and those driving by.

Shotgun House

A narrow home not meant for commercial use, these houses are typically not over 12 feet wide and have doors at each end. Initially created in The Big Easy itself, this residential style spread like wildfire and can be seen throughout the metropolis. In fact, the earliest shotgun house developed was at 937 St. Andrews St and was constructed in 1848. Their popularity persisted throughout the 1920s.

One can identify shotgun houses because there are usually only one-story, are narrow, and rest on brick piers. Most claim a narrow porch area that is complemented by a roof apron that stands on columns and brackets. Said columns and brackets are generally decorated with subtle lacy Victorian motifs. While many variations of the pervasive shotgun house exist, they are all characterized by these basic stylistic elements.

Double-Gallery House

Erected mostly in New Orleans from 1820 to 1850, these two-story houses very often have either a side-gabled or a hipped roof. They usually lie away from the property line and have a two-story gallery that is framed and distinguished by unique entablature. The facade, on the other hand, has an imbalanced arrangement of its various entrances. Initially, these homes were constructed as a variation of the American townhouses that are located throughout the Garden District, Uptown, and Esplanade Ridge. Interestingly enough, all three of the aforementioned neighborhoods were considered suburbs throughout the 1800s.

New Orleans is home to a variety of architectural styles that can capture the imagination of even the most established designers. With an endless capacity for inspiration, The Big Easy has, does, and will continue to attract some of the most inventive architects throughout the world for ages to come.

The Historic Sites of New Orleans

The city of New Orleans is known for many things. Bourbon Street. Mardi Gras. Po Boys’. Yet, it also has a refined sense of history and culture that all too often goes neglected. The Big Easy played a role of tremendous significance in the Civil War. It was at the center of the Louisiana Purchase. It made, for better or worse, Andrew Jackson’s political career. Truly, it has time and time again proved itself to be of tremendous influence in turning the very tide of United States history. Below are a few sites of immeasurable significance located in America’s favorite city below sea-level:

Chalmette Battlefield

The site of Andrew Jackson’s victory, Chalmette Battlefield is just a mere seven miles downriver from the French Quarter. Stroll through the formerly blood-soaked grounds to gain some perspective on the fabled conflict. Let history immerse you and read up on what made Chalmette Battlefield the fabled battleground it has become today. For convenience’s sake, you may want to hire a tour guide to lead you through so that you can absorb the site around you while absorbing the information that makes this land so special in the first place.

Jackson Square

Of course, if you are going to visit Chalmette Battlefield, you absolutely must take a walk through Jackson Square. Not uncommonly referred to as the heart of New Orleans, Jackson Square is full of the thriving and pulsating energy that makes New Orleans New Orleans to begin with. Young students and longtime residents alike relax in the sun at this cultural and historical center. Andrew Jackson’s statue rises with authority, reminding Crescent City’s inhabitants of his authoritative presence for all time. Not to mention, once night falls (and sometimes before), the smooth sounds of jazz electrify the square with dancing, upbeat tunes, and euphoric smiles. Take advantage.

Garden District

The relaxing atmosphere that encompasses the Garden District is may seem like some far-flung place from the activity of the New Orleans metropolis, but, in reality, it is just along St. Charles avenue and Magazine Street. With wrought iron fences and classical antebellum homes, the chivalry and elegance of the South have never been more prevalent. Stroll down wide and luxurious sidewalks while looking on the metropolis’ initial aristocratic residential district. With affordable transit to the French Quarter and the Lafayette cemetery, the Garden District is a neighborhood you have no excuse to miss.

New Orleans has never ceased to surprise me. Its vivacious energy, unparalleled and unique beauty, and congenial population is an unmatched experience no one should go without.

Jazz Clubs of The Big Easy

New Orleans is a city of rich tradition, of vivacious culture, and of exquisite cuisine. Yet, it is perhaps its fantastic music scene that has contributed the most to its renown as a town of fine culture. Considered to be born in The Big Easy, jazz, in particular, can be heard regularly throughout the thriving metropolis. Since the city’s inception, even going as far back as to the Congo Square, the improvisational music form has been an inherent fixture of The Crescent City’s nearly palpable culture.  The next time you’re strolling through this historic city’s famed streets, pop your head into one of the below beloved establishments. You’re sure to be glad you did.

Preservation Hall

Known specifically for its traditional roots, Preservation Hall has played host to nearly innumerable famous musicians. A legendary venue, the building merely requires one to reserve tickets at least 24 hours in advance for any one of its three engaging nightly events. 45 minutes each and starting at 8, 9, or 10 pm, these shows are an impeccable option for entertainment regardless of age.  In fact, Preservation Hall is an alcohol-free venue, making it the perfect option for families.

Fritzel’s European Jazz Club

Although Fritzel’s is on the rambunctious Bourbon Street, that is no reason the discount the elegant Jazz overtures flowing from its open windows on any given night. Traditional and played for the most part by an in-house band, this club takes care to preserve the quality of music played in addition to continuously cultivating its already prestigious reputation. While the crowd may be slightly boisterous, their voices by no means drown out the wonderful music filling the halls.

Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse

More upscale than aforementioned Fritzel’s, this elegant lounge bar resides in the heart of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Known for its iconic performer, the famed Grammy recipient Irvin Mayfield, the playhouse has garnered the reputation it has for good reason. Even when Mayfield isn’t there himself to dazzle crowds, other jazz forefathers make regular appearances, ensuring a night spend at the playhouse is never a night wasted.

Truly, New Orleans is home to some of the finest music in the world; and all you need to know is where to look.

A Brief History of New Orleans (Contd.)

Emerging from our nation’s domestic bloodbath relatively unscathed compared to most, New Orleans strutted into the 20th century with gusto. Electricity was all the buzz, lighting street lamps in the nighttime and powering streetcars at all times. The age of industry enveloped the booming metropolis, introducing innovative pump technology that helped to drain the surrounding swampland. New levees and drainage canals let residents live below sea level. Technology was providing a glimpse of our modern world.

Unfortunately, after World War II and during the height of social revolution, NOLA’s traditional roots took hold and resisted what, at the time, were progressive notions of racial equality. Enduring an embittered battle of character, New Orleans eventually grew with the rest of the country. Although many caucasian Crescent City natives emigrated in response to suburbanization and left many African-American residents impoverished and under-equipped, the city retained its global renown as a cultural center.

By popularizing Mardi Gras to the international event it has become, the city was able to create and cultivate an immense tourism industry. Literally hundreds of thousands of people would (and still do for that matter) fill the streets to the brim, running amok with excitement as they witnessed traditional and contemporary parades. In fact, this culture that is so unique to New Orleans has even inspired names as big as playwright Tennessee Williams, trumpeter Louis Armstrong, and chef Jean Galatoire, to name but a few.

Tragically and most recently, The Big Easy was devastated by Hurricane Katrina on August 29th, 2005. Guided by ill-preparation and lack of adept leadership, the metropolis was largely destroyed, with rising water levels flooding literally 80% of the city. With hundreds killed and thousands trapped, elected officials and government agencies attempted to make up for lost ground. However, the damage was done. A year after the hurricane in 2009, only half of the city’s former residents had returned home.

While the metropolis may still be recovering from tragedy even to this day, it has never lost its tradition, its culture, its heart. The warm sounds of live music still fill the air. Steaming hot Po’Boys still taste of delicious satisfaction. Bourbon Street still beckons the young and the restless. I can only hope future generations find the same fascination, the same passion and the same love for New Orleans that I have.

A Brief History of New Orleans

New Orleans. NOLA. “The Big Easy.” “The City That Care Forgot.” This metropolis of many names holds a place near and dear to my heart. Situated along the Mississippi River only one hundred miles from its source, the capital of Louisiana is a site of rich history, diverse culture, and social individuality. Founded by the French, ruled by the Spanish and purchased by America, this port of abundant trade has never ceased to animate the imaginations of human beings since its conception.

While the area may have been explored to a shallow extent in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was the governor of French Louisiana, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieuf de Bienville, who officially founded “The Big Easy” in 1718. Four years later New Orleans, then Nouvelle-Orleans, was dubbed the capital of Louisiana, snagging the title from Biloxi. The city would soon come to know the face of disaster later that year. A vicious hurricane struck the vulnerable town and decimated the majority of its infrastructure, forcing government officials to rebuild the grid pattern we now know today as the French Quarter.

Only 44 years later, in 1762, the French sold their Louisiana territory to Spain, thus transforming “The Crescent City” into a Spanish trading city for the next 40 years. In progressive fashion, the city adopted Spanish stratification inclinations and actually acknowledged a social class composed of “free people of color.” Soon, however, in 1803 the city was yet again ceded, this time back to the French. Then, in a remarkably rapid transaction, the United States proposed the Louisiana Purchase and bought the rights to Louisiana, as well as a tremendous amount of other territory, in 1803.

With its impeccable location along the trade superhighway of the time, the Mississippi River, New Orleans gained rapid momentum in the early 19th century and was soon America’s 3rd largest city. The thriving metropolis was responsible for shipping an enormous quantity of produce to the Caribbean, South America, and even Europe. While slavery was undoubtedly a large facet of the commercial market, that is not to discredit the free black community mentioned previously. In fact, those free from shackles prospered. Perhaps, it was in part due to this reason that New Orleans was taken unopposed in the soon-to-come Civil War (I apologize but the remainder of this article is to be published in a second post).

Road to Tokyo: Part Two

In the prior post, I claimed I would provide a written walkthrough of the various Pacific campaign exhibits housed in the National World War Two Museum in New Orleans. Well, in this post I will continue to do so:

Island Hopping: Footholds Across the Pacific

As is mostly disseminated through tales of D-Day, storming beaches during World War Two was a phenomenally dangerous form of engagement. Soldiers were forced to prance through minefields while explosions clawed the sky. Bullets tore through the air to penetrate human bodies and deal out demise. Anguished screams filled ears as torment strangled soldiers across both sides. This same tale, time and time again, characterizes seemingly endless stories of “tactical” island hopping. In “Island Hopping: Footholds Across the Pacific,” museum-goers encounter a realistic beachscape littered with obstacles, carnage, and hostility. Immerse yourself in the experience as soldiers ultimately attempt to bring B-29 bombers within range of the enemy homeland.

China-Burma-India: The Pacific War’s Second Front

Detailing a facet of the war that largely goes unmentioned, this vital exhibit sheds light on some of the darkest corners of World War Two. Step into the space to witness a restored P-40 Warhawk fighter jet suspended in front of an immense three-panel video screen. The screens alternate between displaying an animated map of wartime supply routes to China and an environmental video of the Himalayas. Immediately impressing upon the museum-goer the nature of the enormous obstacles that Allied soldiers were forced to deal with, this room imparts upon visitors a much greater appreciation for the plight these soldiers were not only forced to endure, but forced to overcome.

Philippines: Returning to the Philippines

As the name may imply, this exhibit space primarily concerns itself with happenings in the Philippines. At the time, these prized islands were American territory under enemy control. They were stolen resources, a stain on the American reputation, a wrong which must be righted. The United States had promised to embrace its little brown brother with arms of protection, and yet the Japanese managed to pry those arms apart, dealing the Americans a blow in not only pride but in strategy as well. Regarding tactical value, the Philippines were a stronghold of geographical necessity. They were perfectly placed to dictate shipping lanes, the flow of oil and other innumerable supplies to Japan. This exhibit details the complexities and nuances involved in rescuing the Philippines back from their Japanese captor, and does so with a remarkable affinity for storytelling and attention to detail.

Death at Japan’s Doorstep: First Assault Onto Japanese Soil

The Pacific Theater hosted many performances of pervasive bloodshed, but few matched the extent of the Okinawa and Iwo Jima invasions. As Allied forces progressed closer and closer to the Japanese homeland, the Axis powers grew bolder and more aggressive. With the Japanese government pledging resistance to the last man, no matter if “one hundred million will die together,” an implacable fervor enveloped both sides. The extent of such passion often is difficult to communicate through mere words, however. Thus, “Death at Japan’s Doorstep: First Assault Onto Japanese Soil” is here to remedy the potential discrepancy by illustrating a tremendously accurate representation and depiction of the underground defensive network of caves and tunnels that the Japanese used in their attempts to dissuade and repel Allied forces.

Downfall: Endgame Against Japan

There are few times we can identify a course-altering moment in history. Usually, these decisions are the culmination of conversations held behind doors, out of sight yet not exactly out of mind. Before Truman gave the final decision that bellowed a conclusive end to the second war to end all wars, there was a path of immense destruction winding its way into the Japanese homeland. Firestorms enveloped Oriental cities and innocents, melting away culture and obliterating integral artifacts of Japanese tradition. The Allied intent to pursue victory was a decision not to be changed, an ironclad commitment not to be swayed, a passionate devotion not to be eradicated no matter the cost. The future of the world was at stake, and present momentary decisions paled in regards to eternity. In an effort to preserve American life, Truman made a decision that would devastate one culture to preserve another. He made the decision to drop not one, but two atomic bombs. Frankly, it is impossible to fully capture the weight of his decision no matter the medium. Yet, “Downfall” comes close in illustrating the extent of his decision. Truman was forced to weigh the significance of life itself, the prioritization of one people against another, the future of one culture at the expense of another.

 

Road to Berlin: Part Two

In a previous blog, I described some of the various galleries that compose the “Road to Berlin” campaign exhibit space in the New Orleans museum. This piece will be the continuation of that, describing the remaining galleries that construct “Road to Berlin.” They are listed below:

D-Day Theater: This gallery includes a large projection screen that displays a film describing Operation Doomsday in detail. This fascinating information is relayed in an exciting, engaging, and immersive manner that truly does justice to the courage and sacrifice of those who risked everything to protect our freedom. Ultimately, D-Day gave the Allied powers possession of strategic beachheads that in turn catapulted the West’s drive across France. This gallery also includes a small exhibit that names and pays respect to all those who lost their lives in this successful mission.

Northwestern Europe: Invasion & Liberation: After the hard-fought success at Normandy, there came a series of pivotal wins and losses for both sides. “Northwestern Europe” depicts the barriers encountered by Allied forces, ranging from the gruesome battles fought in the hedgerows to Operation Market Garden. Accompany the West’s quest through Europe while they free Paris and force the Nazis to retreat behind their own border.

Breaching the German Frontier: As the Allies reached the German border, they were halted in their tracks. The Siegfried line, a series of bunkers, minefields, and barbed wire presented a tremendous physical obstacle that was nearly impossible to overcome, for a time. The exhibit itself accurately resembles a destroyed German bunker, which enables the museum-goer to witness the incredible infrastructure of the Nazi defense. As for specific content, the space delves into stories surrounding the Allied advance, one of which is the capture of Aachen. A fascinating narrative, Aachen was the first German city to surrender.

Battle of the Bulge: This component of the exhibition space demonstrates the Battle of the Bulge, when Allied forces fought the Nazis in frigid temperatures for six full weeks. The Allies eventually repelled the Nazi counter-attack in an incredible display of valor, resilience, and bravery in the biggest battle of the war for the U.S. army.

Into the German Homeland: On penetrating the innermost reaches of German control, the Allied forces bore witness to some horrendous sights, sounds, and smells. This final component of the “Road to Berlin” exhibit space reveals, sparingly and tastefully, some of these atrocious sites. Detailing the Allied triumph over the German-controlled Rhine, this space takes visitors from the Allied soldiers’ first encounter with the Ohrdruf concentration camp (the first liberated death camp) all the way until the eventual surrender of Germany.

This is only a portion of the “Campaigns of Courage” exhibit space. “The Road to Tokyo” expounds upon its own stories, its own horrors, and its own triumphs.

 

Road to Berlin

World War II had a tremendous impact on our planet and our civilization as we know it today. Naturally, it behooves us to understand an event of such magnitude. Although, perhaps even more important than understanding, is remembering. Remembering those who gave their lives. Remembering why they gave their lives. Remembering why we must never repeat the genocide, the violence, and the scope of such a conflict ever again. This remembering is why the National World War II Museum in New Orleans is so dear to me. Its excellent exhibits demonstrate the resounding and rippling effects of the “war that changed the world.”

One of the most impressive exhibit spaces is the Campaigns of Courage section. This space is actually split geographically between the “Road to Berlin” and the “Road to Tokyo.” For the purposes of this piece, I will merely discuss the “Road to Berlin” section. Split between ten different galleries, this space takes the museum visitor on a journey through the West’s quest to successfully invade Hitler’s Europe. Look below for a brief synopsis and description of some of the galleries present in the “Road to Berlin.”

European/Mediterranean Briefing Room: This space, set in an abandoned room in North Africa, envelops you in the various and extreme pressures that surrounded the war as of November 1942. Learn the reasons for the foundation that molded the Western war strategy which forced Hitler from power.

Desert War-North Africa: This area explores the story of when the Allies attacked the Axis powers in Africa, thus securing a Mediterranean headquarters before invading Europe. Enormous at 1,500 square feet, this space depicts the Tunisian landscape with astounding accuracy.

Invasion of Sicily: As the name implies, this gallery expounds upon the invasion of Sicily and immerses museum-goers in the atmosphere that surrounded this pivotal moment in the Allied campaign. There are actually three separate exhibits that make up this space: “Operation Husky,” “Taking Palermo,” and the “Race for Messina.”

Italian Campaign: An absolutely integral component of Allied strategy, the “Italian Campaign” harbors some of the most significant battles that occurred during the war. Broken up between five exhibits, this gallery even includes oral histories where the voices of veterans recount their personal experiences and roles in the war.

Air War: This portion of “The Road to Berlin” recreates the scenery of a Nissen hut. Said huts were prominently used and manufactured in England to be utilized for storage and occasionally operational needs. The three exhibits composing this space are as follows: “First Strikes,” “Losses,” and “Aircrews’ Experiences.”

This quick list is just half of the exhibit spaces that make up the “Road to Berlin” section of the World War II museum. Considering the meticulous attention paid to subtle details, it is truly a remarkable experience just walking through the museum. Immerse yourself in the past and remember what World War II meant for us.

The remaining galleries and their descriptions can be found here.