Paulsen to Bonaparte: “The jig is up!” You won’t find it online, but at the end of this week’s morning missive, WWL-TV’s esteemed senior anchor (Hi Eric!) admitted he, um, actually reads these things:

“So, lots of stuff going on this weekend. You can read about it in Gambit, and if you’d like more information about what’s happening around town or the metro area, you can always check out Gambit — the Web site is Bestofneworleans.com, or pick up a copy of this week’s Gambit at spots all over town.”

That part he says every week. Today, however, he added conspicuously, “Or you can check out Noah’s blog, too, where he’s spreading all sorts of rumors about me.”

It’s no rumor: Paulsen is even taller and more distinguished-looking in person!

MUSIC

Gordon Gano & the Ryan Brothers
10 p.m. Friday, Hi-Ho Lounge
(Gambit pick)

NOIR Fest III feat. Givers, Giant Cloud, Hurray For the Riff Raff and Loren Murrell
10 p.m. Saturday, Blue Nile
(Gambit pick)

FILM

Between the Folds
6 p.m. Saturday, Antenna Gallery
(Gambit preview)

Dance With a Stranger
2 p.m. Sunday, New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center

STAGE

A Raisin in the Sun
8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Anthony Bean Community Theater
(Gambit review)

Roméo et Juliette
8 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
(Gambit pick)

EVENTS

Elysian Fleas
11 a.m. Saturday, Chartres Street and Elysian Fields Avenue
(Gambit blog)

New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oak Street
(Gambit feature)

ART

“Congo Square Rhythms,” works by Louisiana artists
Closes Friday, Jazz & Heritage Gallery

“The Spirit World,” national juried photography exhibit
Closes Sunday, New Orleans Photo Alliance

Today at Gambit everyone is hustling to put together the 2009 Best of New Orleans issue.  It is hard to believe that 4 years ago as we were putting the 2005 issue to bed, we logged out of our computers that Friday afternoon, completely unaware that we would return to 3923 Bienville to find the building caked in mold.  The last email I read that day simply alerted the staff  “we were watching the storm”.  

And today the memories are still unavoidably real (the view out my office window is a boarded up house that is leaning toward the right, it’s next door neighbor was just knocked down last week).

In my opinion the “best” thing to come of the storm were the thousands of volunteers who came from all over the world to help rebuild New Orleans.  And four years later, thankfully they are still here- visiting and living.

The St. Bernard Project (SBP) has played host to many of those volunteers and next week they will be launching their 4NOLA campaign; to commemorate the anniversary of Hurricane “K” and keep the cause alive as they continue to fundraise and build homes to help residents return.  The 4NOLA campaign will include a 24-hour build and a kick-off party at House of Blues.

If you want to get your hands dirty
The SBP 24-hour build will begin on August 28th at 4 p.m. and will finish with a moment of silence on August 29 at 4 p.m.  Call Gretchen at 504-723-6837 to volunteer.

If you would like to rebuild a home without sweating and a cocktail in hand
Attend the Saturday night fundraiser (8/29) at House of Blues.  The ticket price includes open bar and musical performances by Kermit Ruffins, Spencer Bohren and more.   The event’s fundraising goal is to completely fund four homes, a cost of $60,000.  Ticket Cost: $75.  Call the SBP office at 504-277-6831 to order.

And as a testament that the rest of the country is still thinking of us, 100 additional 4NOLA fundraisers will be taking place across the country throughout the next year coordinated by past SBP volunteers.

Gambit’s annual Best of New Orleans™ survey is now online!

Ever find yourself disagreeing vehemently with a recommendation or opinion in Gambit’s pages? (No? We didn’t think so.) Well, Mr. or Ms. Contrarian, now’s your chance to set the record straight. Vote for your favorites in a multitude of categories — everything from Best Local Publication (ahem) to Best Gentlemen’s/Strip Club (or so you’ve heard). We’ve even made it easy for you to fill out as much of the survey as possible by adding a button at the bottom of each page that lets you take a break from filling out the ballot and finish it later. Ballots must be completed by Aug. 3, and winners will appear in the Aug. 25 issue of Gambit.

You must answer at least 75 questions in order for your votes to be counted, though your opinion is important to us and we want you to answer as many questions as you can. Each person may fill out one ballot only (yes, we can tell).

So go here to get started, and remember: the best thing about voting online? No hanging chads.