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Friend,

It is a dangerous but feasible plan. It would require your LGA flight arrive early or on time. Nowadays it averages around 15 minutes of tarmac time at LGA. If you’re seated at the front of the plane you would probably be fine, but if not add 10-20 minutes for deplaning.

Getting a cab between the two should be easy and assuming no traffic a 20 minute ride. If you had an extra hour I would suggest pizza at Andrew Bellucci’s, Peking duck at Jiang Nan or classic Italian at Don Peppe (cash only).

Seems like it could be a lot of stress or a memorable story or both. Please let us know how it goes if you do it.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friends,

Two bodies have so far been recovered.

40% of the Transcanyon Pipeline has been damaged or destroyed. This is the pipe that brings water from a natural spring on the North Rim and supplies Phantom Ranch and the entirety of the South Rim. During the last major flood in 1995, I am told less of the pipeline was damaged, and it kept Phantom closed for a full two months.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

The risk of a flash flood on the hike down is extremely small. And one of the only places there is danger of flood on the SK and BA trails would be at the very base, at the Colorado River or the campground area.

I talked to someone at Bright Angel Lodge this evening and she said the entire South Rim is closing for overnight accommodations. There will be limited day use of the South Rim for the foreseeable future. The flood caused substantial damage of the Transcanyon Pipeline, which supplies the area with water. They have been upgrading this pipeline for more than three years, so this is really a blow to the entire park.

Even El Tovar is shutting down. We had hoped to stay at both El Tovar and Phantom Ranch next October, but I wonder with the damage if Phantom Ranch will be open by then. The good news is that almost all of the structures at Phantom Ranch remain intact, including the private cabins and The Canteen. The campgrounds on the other side of the creek and the three bridges across the creek around PR are gone.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

We started seeing the videos yesterday. There is a particular sadness in hearing of the flood at Phantom Ranch, for some places become more than places after you have walked down to them enough times. Last spring, Mother and I stayed in one of those cabins, as we have hiked into the Canyon six times now, twice by way of rim-to-rim journeys. To spend a night at Phantom is, I think, the only proper way to see the Grand Canyon in its glory.

We will be in touch with the NPS soon and hope the main buildings and dining hall at Phantom remain unscathed. They were built a bit above the creek. Few things beat a cold glass of lemonade and the stew dinner shared amongst fellow hikers. If you have never stayed at Phantom Ranch, it is a must do at least once in life. In the NPS must do, it is just as high on the list, if not higher, than scaling Half Dome, biking Going-to-the-Sun Road, wading through the Narrows at Zion, or finding The Old Man at Crater Lake.

After the North Rim Lodge burned last summer, this latest loss feels especially cruel, as though the Canyon were reminding us that even the things we believe permanent are only visitors here.

Yours,
TulaneLSU

re: TulaneLSU's Pizza Cutter

Posted by TulaneLSU on 8/29/26 at 11:43 pm to
Friend,

We use a grinder with a unitized wheel. You would probably be fine stopping at 600 grit, but I like it smooth and go to 1000 grit. You will find it is far better after sharpening than when it came out the package. But be careful — grinders must be respected and eyes and fingers protected. And once the blade is sharp it is very sharp. If you do not have a grinder, you could probably use sandpaper instead.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friends,

We found out today that Mr. Roy died last week. The funeral will be this Sunday.

Roy
August 23, 1934 — August 20, 2026

Roy Picou, born on August 23, 1934, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, left this world peacefully at home on August 20, 2026, after a lengthy illness. His life was a testament to kindness, warmth, and unwavering faith, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Roy was the cherished son of the late Oliver Paul Picou and Helen Fiorella Cavalier. Growing up in a household filled with love and laughter, he shared a special bond with his siblings, and although he was predeceased by his brother, Donald J. Picou, Sr., the memories of their shared childhood remained dear to his heart. Roy is survived by his devoted siblings, Ronald Picou and Dennis Cavalier (Melissa), who will forever cherish their brother's spirit. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as Barbara's family, who all loved him dearly. A dedicated husband, Roy shared a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Barbara Robinson Picou, whose unwavering faith, support and love were the cornerstones of their marriage. His sons, Rory Picou (Ruth) and Rene' Picou, were the pride and joy of his life. Roy's legacy lives on through his cherished grandson, Joshua Picou, who brought immense happiness to his days.

Roy's professional journey spanned an impressive 44 years in the HVAC industry as an outside parts and supplies salesman. His career was marked by dedication and integrity, qualities that earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike. Parallel to his career, Roy's passion for music found an outlet as the lead singer of a local quartet, The Goldenaires, then as the Vocal Stylist at Impastato's Restaurant, where he delighted patrons with his incomparable, smooth voice for an astounding 31 and a half years.

An active member of Calvary Chapel, Roy's faith was a guiding light in his life. His love for the Lord was evident in his daily actions, as he extended kindness and generosity to all. Known for his quick wit and warm smile, Roy had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued. He was always ready with a joke to lighten the mood and had the gift of spreading joy wherever he went. His signature farewell, "God Bless you," left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Roy's interests, besides his weekly bible study sessions, included listening to his favorite recording artists and dancing, activities that brought him immense joy and allowed him to express his vibrant spirit. These moments of happiness were shared with family and friends, creating cherished memories that will forever be treasured.

The family invites all who knew and loved Roy to attend a celebration of his life on August 30, 2026, at 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM, to be held at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, located at 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Children's Hospital New Orleans or St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, organizations close to Roy's heart.

The Picou family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff, nurses, nurses' aides, and volunteers of Compassus Hospice Southshore, as well as all the wonderful private sitters who provided attentive care and compassion during Roy's final days.

Roy's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, laughter, and grace. Though he has departed from this world, his spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him, while he lives on in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

re: Scotland Recommendations

Posted by TulaneLSU on 8/26/26 at 8:16 pm to
Friend,

How much time do you have and what do you like to do? The West Highland Way is a nice way to see a good bit of where the lowlands become the highlands. The Isle of Mull and Iona are lovely. If you want desolate and beautiful Skye and Gigha are great. If you want a closer experience you could spend a day or two on Arran. It’s a quick ferry not far from Glasgow. Glasgow and Edinburgh are each worth one half to a full day each. I find the Cathedral in Glasgow to be more impressive than St Giles in Edinburgh, but St Giles is more important historically, at least for Protestants.

If you enjoy golf, some people say you have to play St Andrew’s. For historic purposes I suppose. However, there are better courses elsewhere, such as Royal Turnberry and Royal Troon. If you go to Turnberry, which is about 1.5 hours SW from Glasgow, consider a few hours at Culzean Castle, which has a lot of Eisenhower history. And lunch at Wildings is better than at Turnberry. Turnberry used to be open to the public; I’m not sure that is the case now. Royal Troon you must know someone. We are good friends with several members so if desired I could work on that for you.

The fish and chips in Scotland are so much better than in England, so get a good fill when you are north. The Indian food is also excellent. Every other cuisine there is disappointing.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

Shreveport is quite limited. Frank’s, for a short while in 2021 and 2022, had the state’s best pizza. The pizza is still good, but better yet are their salads. Be sure to get them with anchovies. We tried Lucky Palace and it was an incredible disappointment. Was it an off night? I thought 5 Happiness infinitely better.

Although it will not be a popular pick, I think the best place to eat in Shreveport is a strip mall hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere called Johnny’s Catfish. I am not ordinarily a man who would call a catfish shack the finest restaurant in a city, and Mother certainly did not raise me to confuse a plate of fried catfish, shrimp, and oysters with haute cuisine, but Shreveport is not New Orleans and one must judge a place by the civilization available to it. What they fry they fry properly, and in a city like Shreveport there is something almost aristocratic about knowing one’s limitations and executing them without error.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

I spent a few months in England and have made the return trip to the British Isles several times since. My few months there were perfectly agreeable, and I retain for them the sort of misty affection one reserves for a dead aunt who left one a silver spoon, but I cannot in good conscience join the provincial chorus that would have every American youth shipped across the Atlantic to wander damp cloisters, contemplate Norman masonry, and acquire a taste for rancid tea before he is permitted to pronounce himself educated. England is a charming ornament upon a life, but like an inherited title, it is wholly superfluous to the actual business of being happy.

If I were to go back, I would make a trip also to the Faroe Islands, which are calling me now.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

That was the summer Uncle sold his Hatteras and became a Viking owner. I am of the opinion that those years between 90 and 00 were the best of years for Port Eads. The food there was incredible. I remember the chef (was his name Jack or Tony?) making the best prime rib I have ever had and making me eat three giant slabs. “You’re a growing boy!” he urged after I had finished 40 ounces of beef. “Keep eating.”

One night we had done very well on yellowfins in the evening and did not get back until 10. The clubhouse was shut for the night, but when the chef found out we had not eaten, he fired up the grills and made us a huge meal with the tuna. So many great memories down there.

I had been angling for a job with Myron Fischer on The Different Drummer, but after Mother found out what happened on Lake Pontchartrain with Captain Mike, my professional fishing days were done.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

We tried that Commanders once. There was a good reason it stayed open for such a short time. It did not feel or taste like Commanders.

We were east of Destin recently and had a marvelous meal at Dewey’s, the real one. The shrimp are as good as they always are. The colossal portion is now $28 and they give significantly less fried potatoes with the basket, which is fine, because their French fried potatoes really are not very good. It should be noted that they do not salt their food, and instead, leave salting to the customer. Dewey’s now also charges a 3% credit card fee.

The Donut Hole is experiencing the post -summer doldrums. When we visited in the afternoon, every donut and type of cake was still available. As I have aged, I typically get a slice of strawberry cake and an Oreo slice rather than donuts.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

I do not believe that Maryland has such a catch. I am aware of Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama (both MS and AL marlin caught in waters closer to Louisiana coast than their respective coasts), Florida, North Carolina, and Massachusetts.

Yours,
TulaneLSU

After a Google search it appears Maryland is also in the club with a 1135 blue landed in 2021. Thanks for correcting me.
Friends,

There are now seven states that can claim to be portage to a sports fishing vessel that brought in a thousand pound marlin. This week a charter out of Falmouth, MA fished the Atlantis Canyon, about a hundred miles off Cape Cod, and caught a 1260 pound blue marlin.

For the longest time only Louisiana and Hawaii were members of the grander club, but the last 26 years have been good for trophy marlin in America. I have never let a marlin come to gaff, and my largest from the Gulf was estimated to be 650. Anyway, Massachusetts went from a token two month white marlin territory to the talk of billfishing captains around the world. Interesting times.

Yours,
TulaneLSU

Friend,

Roundabouts are a far superior traffic pattern to perpendicular thoroughfares with lights. Even if lights are needed for the roundabouts, as they are at large intersections in the UK, the time and safety benefits are immense. It is embarrassing, quite frankly, that America is stuck in the habit of a far inferior system.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

SlowFlowProw should immediately be reinstated. If buttocks is banned he should be next. I am willing to take their bans in exchange for their return.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,


Glacier is one of the most beautiful spots in America. We find that flying into Missoula, which is about 2.5 hours away, is the easiest way to get there.


Unfortunately, you are asking lodging questions a month after NPS lodges began taking reservations for your trip. Without question the two places you want to stay are Many Glacier Hotel and the Lake McDonald chalet, both are operated by Xanterra through the NPS. Only make such reservations at the official website, LINK because there are unscrupulous companies out there that pretend to have NPS lodging reservations, charge you for their service, and then stick you at a motel outside the park.


On the positive side of lodging, if you check that website daily, you will almost certainly find availability for your trip. We have never stayed anywhere but inside Glacier, either at Many, Lake McDonald or Granite Park Chalet and Sperry Chalet, the latter two which require a hike at which to arrive. I would do what you can to stay inside the park. It is how the park is meant to be visited, puts you in the center of things, and helps you avoid traffic.


Glacier is a fairly large national park, and it has three primary nodes: Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lakes, and Many. I would not recommend moving between any two on a daily basis, especially in the height of tourist season. I would spend two nights at Lake McDonald and the rest of them at Many, as Many is among the three most beautiful spots in America and the chalet there is beautiful and quite comfortable. If you plan on spending more than a good hike at Two Medicine, you could stay at a motel in East Glacier Park, which is something we have never done.


If you like hiking, do all you can to stay at either Granite Park or Sperry Chalet. Those have been part of my favorite experiences at Glacier. But be forewarned: the bears are a problem at Glacier. Be careful, make noise, and petition your Congressmen and women to have bears eradicated from our national parks. They are violent and they hunt humans. I was nearly mauled by one once and I will forever hate bears.


Yours,
TulaneLSU

re: Best pizza in the NOLA area

Posted by TulaneLSU on 8/18/26 at 1:36 pm to
Friend,

Zee’s has potential and their crust is usually in the 7 range. However, staff have a habit of putting too little red sauce on their pizzas, resulting in a dry pizza. Perhaps they have recently remedied this error for you, but not in my experiences.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

It is time for SlowFloPro to be reinstated. If necessary, I agree to be his substitute and will accept the ban punishment in his stead.

Yours,
TulaneLSU
Friend,

I nominate iwyLSUiwy as moderator of the Arts Board.

Yours,
TulaneLSU

re: Best pizza in the NOLA area

Posted by TulaneLSU on 8/18/26 at 10:51 am to
Friend,

Your trip to Tower was worth your time I hope. Tower has an important role in the history of pizza in New Orleans and its salads bring out the best in its relatively sweet pizza. Reginelli’s, on the other hand, is not a place I send any of my friends.

As you know, New Orleans has an often overlooked but important pizza history. For the last year, four New Orleans area pizzerias earned a spot on the TulaneLSU top 100 pizzerias in America ranking.

The following were included:

91. Pizza Delicious (New Orleans, LA) 7.64

57. Forbidden Pizza (New Orleans, LA) 8.20

32. St. Pizza (New Orleans, LA) 8.84

31. Il Supremo (Metairie, LA) 8.85

This 2026 rankings will be released in May of 2027.

Yours,
TulaneLSU



Friend,

You are correct. To every New Yorker we know, the grounds of the Twin Towers are holy grounds. The idea that New Yorkers today don’t care about that tragedy is so ridiculous it is insulting. New Yorkers on the whole are among the most amazing, talented, and hospitable people in America. New York is the greatest city in the world. It is also the most American city and it is an amazing creation.

Yours,
TulaneLSU