The President visits New Orleans

1909: President elect William Howard Taft visits New Orleans for Mardi Gras, 1909. Taft is seen at center left in front of City Hall on St. Charles Avenue, shaking hands with mayor Martin Behreman.

Taft was the nation's largest president, his weight ranging from about 320 to 340 pounds while in office.

In front of New Orleans City Hall, a young girl presented the President elect with a large bouquet of flowers from the Youth of the City. Taft set the bouquet down on his seat, and a moment later absent-mindedly sat on it.

William Howard Taft: One of a series of 42 Presidents of the United States of America significantly better than George W. Bush.

Heck of a Job + 2

On the 2nd anniversary of the worst engineering disaster in US history, some folks have stuff to say. For instance:

Marrus

People Get Ready

Seamusd

Ashley Morris

I'll just say, for those who've helped, a thousand thank yous.
For those whose job it was to help and didn't, a thousand f*ck yous.

No shortage of problems, but would I trade it to have moved to somewhere "safe" and "normal" back before the disaster? Hell no!

Viva New Orleans!