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THE BIG GAME: After years of anticipation and months of preparation, the big game is finally here. The big dip in our geography which is New Orleans will be filled with people from all over the world. The game is so big that the hoopla began last weekend and will continue even after the Lombardi trophy is handed to the winners. New Orleans is now the safest city on the planet, and anyone would be a fool to try and attempt any kind of crime this week. There are police officers of many ranks, departments and states patrolling the streets. The weeklong pregame show has had some good things and some not so good. I don’t like the lights on the cathedral and the two adjacent historic buildings. I don’t think that the beautiful and majestic cathedral should be the backdrop of an electronic light show. Of all the possibilities for that in the city, I think they could have used something less sacred. When the Super Bowl is done and gone, they will have left many gifts in New Orleans that will be available for children, youth and others to use. That’s one of the advantages of having the game in your city and state. Lots of money is being spent here in our region and the visits at the plantations are up this week. The organizers have boosted small businesses, highlighted our food and culture, and focused a great deal of world-wide attention here. Hopefully we are making lasting connections and showing the world our best face. Best of luck to the Chiefs and the Eagles. Welcome to New Orleans and thanks for being here. Please come back soon. If considering advertising your law firm or business during the Super Bowl game, be ready to pay $7 million for a half a minute. The commercials are the most interesting part of the game for me, far more entertaining than the half-time show usually. We’ll see what the big guys are advertising.

“The New Birth”

I revisit this memory annually. It always causes me to evaluate my priorities.