by Alejandro de los Rios

You know, I used to think that the addage of “you can speed as long as it’s not more than 9 mph over the speed limit” was just something abitrarily concoted somewhere (possibly by me, just now). But the City of New Orleans has made it official with the announcement that four intersections equipped with traffic cameras will target speeders who are traveling more than 9 mph over the limit.

From the mayor’s office:

“The goal of the photo enforcement program is to make our streets and intersections safer for all citizens,” said Robert Mendoza, Director of the Department of Public Works. “We are focused on the prevention of traffic violations while promoting safety on our city streets. Our objective is to reduce accidents and serious injuries.”

Three intersections are located on South Carrolton Avenue at Canal Street, Palmetto Street and Earhart Boulevard. There will also be a speed camera in the Central Business District at Poydras and Loyola Ave.

The locations were deterimined after the department of public works “conducted a 96-hour analysis, logging the number of speed violations at each site.” The intersection at South Carrollton and Palmetto was determined to be the worst in terms of violations. Fines will range from $40 to $200 with an additional $35 adminstrative fee.

I can honestly say the peach I picked up last week at the Mid-City Green Market was the most delicious example of this fruit.

Perfectly ripe, the first bite just gushed with this juice. It was red and stained the napkin I was using like drops of cabernet. It wasn’t even too sweet, but rather a deep, juicy, tart sangria flavor. Even the yellow meat of the fruit down by pit was slurp-able.

I don’t know what they’re doing in Georgia, but I really can’t imagine a better peach than the one I ate last week.

The Mid-City Green Market is held each Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the American Can apartments, 3700 Orleans Ave.

- Ian McNulty

by Alejandro de los Rios

New Orleans was among ten cities to submit a bid to host the NCAA Final Four between 2012-2016. The other cities looking to host are Dallas, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Atlanta, Minniapolis, St. Louis, San Antonio, Detroit and Houston. 10 cities vying for 5 spots seems daunting but several factors come into play. You can all but eliminate Detroit and Houston since they’re already set to host the Final Four in 2009 and 2011, repectively. Dallas and Phoenix are almost sure-fire candidates because of their new domed stadiums. All that leaves six cities and three slots. This city’s recent strides to recovery and the successful hosting of both the BCS National Championship game and the NBA All-Star game this year should bode well for the Big Easy’s chances.

But still, keep your fingers crossed.