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Joshua Ledet–Our Newest Cajun Hero!
Some story from Wikipedia…
Joshua Ledet was born on April 9, 1992 in a small south western town of Westlake, Louisiana–right across the river in Lake Charles. Josh is currently one of the Top 3 finalists for the American Idol television show and of course, a strong Cajun favorite. He is known for his "soaring, no nonsense, church-bred, old time soul music.
His home life was slow and easy paced with lots of family get-togethers and friends sleeping over, the focus was "food and fun. In 2003, when Josh was thirteen he watched another southern soul singer, Fantasia Barrino, sing "I Believe" in the final show and win the third season of American Idol and knew he would like to sing for a living. Ledet graduated from Westlake High School where he was a part of the school's theater program for all four years of school. He grew up singing in his family church and writes songs and lyrics for and attends the House of Prayer Holiness Church. He has a large extended family and said his proudest moment outside singing is his strong family ties.
When asked to tell something about himself that would surprise most people he stated it was that he only eats spicy food.[8] He noted on the reality show that he missed Louisiana Creole cuisine so Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne established a "Feed the Dream" project with the state's Seafood and Marketing Board to ship Ledet food each week including tamales, crawfish, boudin (a Cajun sausage), (chicken, duck and andouille) gumbo and jambalaya, donated by Louisiana restaurants and food manufacturers.[9][10][11] He said a dish he probably could not live without is rice and gravy, from Creole cuisine, usually a brown gravy based on pan drippings, which are deglazed and simmered with extra seasonings and served over steamed or boiled rice.[12]
Musical influences
On his American Idol contestant page he notes his mother influences his musical style and he has had no formal singing training.[8] His favorite male artist is Michael Jackson "because his style in music is unique and genius," Ledet would model his career like Jackson's because he was able to help so many people.[8] His favorite female artist is Whitney Houston because of her voice.[8] He would love to meet and sing with Fantasia Burrino as she is his favorite singer, and his dream song to sing is "I Will Always Love You".[8] His musical influences include Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Fantasia Barrino, James Brown, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John.[13] His favorite type of music to sing is soul but listening to music he prefers country music.[14] When asked what was the most embarrassing song he listens to he said Aqua's "Barbie Girl."[15]
American Idol
Ledet originally auditioned a year earlier (for the tenth season), but did not make it past the audition stage.[13] It has been revealed he was dealing with personal and family issues including situations caused by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. His American Idol (AI) journey has been seen as somewhat effortless by music critics who note his soul singing is exceptional but may not be contemporary enough, however he is one of the best singers within the last few years of AI.[16] His performances have repeatedly earned him standing ovations and high praise from the judges.[17] He says he combats stage fright by tuning everything out.[8] George Huff (season three in 2004) is the only other Louisiana singer to make the top ten shows.[9]
Ledet auditioned for the eleventh season of AI in Houston, Texas. He has been dubbed "Mantasia", the male version of former Idol contestant Fantasia, by fans, the media and even Fantasia herself.[18][19] For the semi-finals he performed Jennifer Hudson's "You Pulled Me Through". He was one of the top five male vote getters and advanced to the top 13. In the top 13, he performed Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" and was one of the bottom three male voter getters, but was declared safe.
In the Top 8 round, Ledet earned his first standing ovation of the evening for his rendition of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes's "If You Don't Know Me by Now". His duet of George Michael and Aretha Franklin's "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" with fellow contestant Jessica Sanchez got a second standing ovation from the judges, prompting Jackson to declare "Two of the greatest singers to ever hit this competition … This is one of the greatest performances I have seen on this show".[20][21] Kris Allen, AI season eight winner, named the pair as his two favorites this season.[22] During the top five show the judges gave Ledet the most praise of all the contestants for his versions of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations (for theme songs from the 1960s), and the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody" (for theme British Pop).[23] As of the top three week he has earned twelve standing ovations from the judges and audience.
Those Poor Cajun People
I've had the honor of working in and about various parts of the United States. One thing I've noticed is how some people decide in their own minds how, Those Poor Cajun People can't possibly be happy, living the simple lives that they live. The following story is a perfect example of most Cajuns' mentality about life. My hope is that you see the simplicity of a good life, regardless of the riches you think you have—or not! Enjoy!
One day, a wealthy father took his son on a trip. He wanted to show him how poor someone can be. They spent time on the farm of a poor family and on the way home, dad asked, "Did you see how poor they are? What did you learn?".
The son said, "Dad, We have one dog, they have four, we have a pool, they have rivers, we have lanterns at night, they have stars, we buy foods, they grow theirs, we have walls to protect us, they have friends, we have encyclopedias, they have the Bible." Then he added the most amazing comment--- "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we truely are."
MORAL OF THE STORY: It's not about money that make us rich, it's simply about having God in our lives.
Three Trees In A Cajun Swamp!
Once there were three cypress trees deep in the Louisiana swamps of Cajun country. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'
Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'
Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, 'and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
Please keep this moving... Pass it on, so God may inspire more people on The Way.
May your day be blessed. And until we meet again, may God cradle you in the palm of His hand.
Sent to me by a friend. Thanks, Robert Ramagos!
I Like My”Sushi” Southern Fried!
I like My "Sushi" Southern Fried!
At one time in history, Catfish was actually considered a poor mans meal. Catfish has come a long ways in recent years as it's popularity was increased with pond raising techniques.
Most all small-town restaurants in the south feature fried catfish on their menus. Most urban dwellers have never tasted good catfish and tend to scorn it as a fish of lowly social status. but rural fish lovers, especially in the southern states, prefer the sweet flavor of catfish. It is the most widely eaten American fish. Catfish can be used in any recipe calling for a non-oily white fish, but most Cajuns and southerners prefer it dredged in cornmeal and fried. Especially in the South, Fridays are considered a seafood meal day, mostly because of our strong Catholic faith, when during the Lenton season, meat is not eaten.
Catfish are not a pretty creature, with their long whiskers and big, gaping mouths, but beauty is not important when it comes to choosing fish that is flavorful. Catfish have skin that is similar to that of an eel, which is thick, slippery, and strong. All catfish should be skinned before cooking. The easiest method to skin a catfish is to nail the head of the dead fish to a board, or in some cases, run a strong rope or string through the gills, hang it about head level on something and pull the skin off with pliers.
Channel catfish ponds are popular in the south, mostly farmed in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Mississippi is the world's leading producer of pond-raised catfish, with 80% coming from this region. Now, grab your pencil and paper and take notes for this easy to follow recipe for Southern Fried Catfish! By the way–you can fry most any fish following the same procedures. Enjoy!
The Devil & The Duck !
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.
He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.
He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target.
Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.
As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.
Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!
In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his Sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'
But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen..'
Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?'
So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'
Sally just smiled and said, 'well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help.'
She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?' So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer..
He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'
Thought for the day and every day thereafter:
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)...whatever it is....You need to know that:
God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.
He has seen your whole life... He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness; He not only forgives you, but He forgets.
It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.
Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.
Share this with a friend and always remember:
God is at the window!
When Jesus died on the cross; he was thinking of you!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!
As shared with me from a friend!!--Rebecca Davidson Howard
Sizzling, Cajun Smoked Oysters
Recipe of the Week
Courtesy of executive chef/owner Tenney Flynn, G. W. Fins Restaurant
Sizzling, Cajun Smoked Oysters
Ingredients:
4 dozen Fresh Louisiana shell oysters
2 tablespoons Paul Prudhomme's Shrimp Magic, or Cajun seasoning
1 pound butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
4 dozen cleaned oyster shells
4 cups rock salt
2 each lemons, quartered
Methods / StepsEquipment needed – a barrel smoker or a Weber type with a tight fitting lid, charcoal, hickory chips, a sieve or wire screen.
1) Shuck the oysters and season with the Shrimp Magic or Cajun seasoning. Reserve.
Make a very small charcoal fire – 5 or 6 coals works well – if using a barrel smoker with a catch pan put ice in the pan and if a Weber type move the fire as far to one side as possible. Place a handful of hickory chips on the coals and close the lid to cut off as much air as you can and build up a good head of smoke. When the smoke is rolling quickly open the lid and place the food to be cold smoked inside and close it back up. Smoke for two or three minutes and remove.
2) Clean the shells thoroughly with a metal scrub pad to remove any adhered particles. Wash in a dishwasher and dry. Place in a 500 degree oven for at least an hour.
3) Heat the melted butter to very warm and just before getting ready to serve, drop in the smoked and seasoned oysters.
4) Have everything else ready for the dish ahead of time – warm French bread, quartered lemons, extra butter for dipping, open Champagne, etc.
5) Place a cup of rock salt on each large plate and using tongs, place 12 shells on each plate.
6) Put the warm buttery oysters on the hot shells, spoon a little melted butter on each one and top with chopped parsley.
7) Eat and repeat.
Cajun Country – Three Of The Long Bridges
These Long Bridges have scenic views that attract many tourists worldwide throughout the entire year. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which goes right across Lake Pontchartrain, is the Longest Bridge In The World, and gets more than 42,000 cars that drive across it every weekday! It made the guinness book of world records for the longest bridge in the world. This bridge is really two bridges connected together, and one is longer than the other. These bridges connect Metairie with St. Tammany Parish, and they date clear back to the 19th century. These are two of the oldest standing bridges in the area. Louisiana Film Industry Is Big Business
The New Orleans Movie Festival is held annually in October; it has special screenings and other events held throughout the year. Located about 50 miles west of New Orleans is the Cajun Country, and many films have been made there. The film makers use Lafayette, Thibodaux, and Morgan City as base camps when filming and have the cast stay at these cities since they are close to where the films are being shot. Over time the Louisiana Film Industry will continue to grow and become even better for the state's economy. Now's the time to jump on board with this prospering industry if you live in the area, or are looking to become a star.The New Las Vegas – Louisiana Casinos
Las Vegas has breathtaking bright lights and is often called the city that never sleeps. There is one state that is fast becoming The New Las Vegas – that is Louisiana. Louisiana has beautiful casinos being built all over the state, including Shreveport, Monroe, Kinder, Lake Charles, and New Orleans. More Sponsors
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