Choctaw Mardi Gras Ball 2007

December 29th, 2007 at Mardi Gras World to enjoy the beginning trappings of carnival at the Choctaw Ball. A good time was had by all!

Mik-Leslie


Michael Girl


ReX and KaT


The Ladies in My Life


ReX and REX (I humbly pay tribute to REX)

NoLA Rising in Edinburg, Scotland

Travel Correspondent and one of the Founding Members of NoLA Rising, Angela Pate, has brought NoLA Rising to Scotland. She's out spreading the word about our city and the things that everyone is trying to do to make it a better place to live and a great place to visit. Visit her travel blog by clicking on her name above. And, thanks again to my good friend for helping NoLA Rise in this new and rewarding way.

New Year's Greetings from ReX!

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolutions.

* Gibran

***
Since the Chris Rose article in the paper came out, there have been so many positive responses that I just wanted to send a thank you to everyone for their support. Your words, gestures and acts of kindness have been overwhelming and I can't even begin to know how to reciprocate. I'm deeply honored by all of the personal stories that I have been sent and I am gracious and humbled that you have chosen to share them with me. Each and every one of us will Rise Again and in so doing NoLA will Rise again.

As we've seen, there were a small handful of people who want to take issue with some of my personal history and do so in a public forum. I will give them no consideration in that if they are the wonderful people they say they are in their internet postings, then they'd consider that there are two sides to every story and mistakes are made in two sides of every argument. I won't dishonor my family by going into details of wrongs in either account. I'm not a public official and I'm not a celebrity...I'm just a guy trying to make his way through the world in the best way that I can, working to overcome obstacles so that I can be the best person I can for my children. When you have been left with nothing, sometimes it takes a while to "boot up" and get moving and that's where I'm going...forward and on my own terms.

With that, I won't be stopped by a naysayer. Everything that goes into rebuilding a city isn't just about bricks and mortar. Save that for some sterile mega-city in another state. New Orleans has had more soul and spirit in one day than most cities in this country have seen in a year and I just happen to be one of those people on that bandwagon. In the New Year, I will be looking at a career change that will hopefully be as mentally rewarding as it is financially...I will be taking NoLA Rising into the non-profit world with a group of people who I believe will work well with me towards increasing the quality of life in our city...and I will be working to promote the people in this city in a way that may not be profitable, but will plant the seeds for a beautiful future.

With that, I salute you all, whether you believe in what I am doing or not. I send you greetings for a Happy and Safe New Year! We are now on the short road to Mardi Gras...let's celebrate it well to honor New Orleans!

Again, I salute you all!
ReX
(Just a guy with an idea)
***





Photos from this day's post are from the collection of A. Jordan

Defend New Orleans & Chris Rose

Two in one day friends...WOW!


DNO VIDEO - Nola Rising from DNO VIDEO on Vimeo.

I recognize the fact that I say "like" and "you know" alot. I promise to work on the vocabulary some. I will admit, however, that I will not ever be as eloquent as our city scribe Chris Rose who I am thankful to for the article he wrote in today's paper.

SEE THE ARTICLE HERE

Without Chris's own struggle for giving the City of New Orleans hope, it would perhaps have been impossible for so many of us to recognize what we were going through. While many people have said it's a fine article that he wrote on me and the NoLA Rising project...I say it is one of many fine articles that he has written to the benefit of New Orleans. Chris, ReX salutes you!

Defend New Orleans ... One NoLA Rising sign at a time

DNO VIDEO - Nola Rising from DNO VIDEO on Vimeo.

I recognize the fact that I say "like" and "you know" alot. I promise to work on the vocabulary some. I will admit, however, that I will not ever be as eloquent as our city scribe Chris Rose who I am thankful to for the article he wrote in today's paper.

SEE THE ARTICLE HERE

Without Chris's own struggle for giving the City of New Orleans hope, it would perhaps have been impossible for so many of us to recognize what we were going through. While many people have said it's a fine article that he wrote on me and the NoLA Rising project...I say it is one of many fine articles that he has written to the benefit of New Orleans. Chris, ReX salutes you!

Happy Holidays!

Merry ChristmaKwanzaaKkah (and Festivus)

Gearing Up for the Big Day!

The following song lyrics are for your personal reflection...They spoke to me...hopefully will for you as well...

YA YA

So you wanna do the right thing
But you don’t know when to start
You wanna hear your voice ring
But you can’t find your part
You wanna feel real special
But you’re afraid to be strange
You wish things were different
But you don’t wanna change

So you’ve got yourself a plan
But you ain’t got no tools
You wanna be the man
But you hang around fools
You wanna lead every dance
But you ain’t got no groove
You’re looking to advance
But you’re stuck and can’t move

Now you ask the man upstairs
Where’s my love this ain’t fair
Are you up there?

Ya ya ya ya, make way
Ya ya ya ya, this way
Ya ya ya ya, make way
Sing tra la la la all day
Keep giving away your good thing
And a good thing will come your way.

It shook you up, but now you’re thinking
Is he right or is he wrong
Maybe there ain’t no meaning
Just like a silly little song
And when you go, move slow, that’s how you learn
But you’ve got to stop talking
What you give is what you earn
The man says “Of course I’m here, I’m everywhere
I’m getting tired of you asking.”
Sing,

Ya ya ya ya, make way
Ya ya ya ya, this way
Ya ya ya ya, make way
Sing tra la la la all day
Keep giving away your good thing
And a good thing will come your way.


* Anders
-----

Dublin to Italy to New Zealand - NoLA Rising Everywhere

"This is Teuila (like tequila, without the "q"). She bought ingredients and made yummy nachos for dinner. We were talking about art, she wanted to see your stuff, and fell in love with the monkey! SO - first trade for FREE DINNER! thanks!" - From our Irish Travel Correspondent for NoLA Rising...spreading the word of Rex through Europe!





ReX wishes Teuila safe travels!

Just Whistling Dixie!

TO MY ALABAMA FRIENDS!!!! ALWAYS OUT FRONT ON THE EDGE!!!!!

Subject: Alabama History

Last January the New Orleans Times Picayune reported that a Cajun amateur
archeologist having dug to a depth of 10 feet and found traces of copper wire
dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already
had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the Cajuns , in the weeks that followed, Texan scientists
dug to a depth of 20 feet. Shortly after, headlines in the Dallas Morning News
read: "Texas archaeologists have found traces of 200-year old copper wire,
and have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech
communications network one hundred years earlier than the Cajuns."

One week later, The Birmingham News reported the following: "After digging
as deep as 30 feet in fields near Sylacauga, Bubba , a self- taught archeologist,
reported that he found absolutely nothing. Bubba has therefore concluded that
300 years ago in Alabama they were already using wireless . .

Radtke Cries Mea Culpa After Destroying Political Signs

See his story here on Fox News 8

So Many Wonderful People in New Orleans

"Do you know what it means...?"

Here I am, the guy always so full of words, left a little speechless. I cannot tell you all how much I appreciate the tremendous support that I received after yesterday's unfortunate incident with the Grey Gangsta. In all my years in New Orleans (which has been nearly all of them), I have never felt more at home than with each and every one of you who came to give me a hug, pat me on the back, shake my hand, and what have you. Your offers of assistance is greatly appreciated and while I hope I won't have to burden anyone with all this, I may end up having to. Despite the unmanly and sheepish tactics of the number one adversary to the arts community, the day was a great success.


The sales of the artwork at both the art market and at the gallery (soft) opening at Ranger Dave's in the Marigny were good, but most importantly were the number of smiles I got to see. It's a nice & refreshing thing to know that so many people believe in what I am doing and in the direction that the movement has gone. People have said, when they connect my artwork to my face, "OH, you're NoLA RISING!" Well, yes, let me say that I may be the face of NoLA Rising, but NoLA Rising is not about Michael Dingler the artist; NoLA RISING is about each and every one of you in the city of New Orleans!

NoLA RISING began as one person, one citizen, who believed enough in his city to return after leaving. I wasn't gone very long because it didn't take me very long to realize what I was missing and what the rest of the country is missing out on. I cannot do justice to the spirit of our city with words, but all of you Who D'ats know what I am talking about.


The concept behind NoLA RISING was simple: If I could make a difference in one person's life that made them appreciate our city, then it was worth the great expense of encouraging a public art project. One smile from a person having a bad day, one moment of reconsideration from a person thinking of leaving New Orleans, one second of thoughtful reflection from someone who spends too much time in front of their television...then it was all worth it.

NoLA RISING became a self-fulfilling prophecy with each new person who commented how much they thought of what I was encouraging and the work that I was doing. Selfishly, it was my own form of therapy being back in the city, but most importantly, it was for all of us. For all of us at home, for all of us coming home, and for all of us who want to come home! I may the face of NoLA RISING, BUT NoLA RISING IS YOU! So, with that, I encourage you all to sit down with your kids, your friends or your self, and create at least one piece of artwork to put up somewhere that the public can enjoy. ART FOR THE PEOPLE!


The ability to make a difference is within each and every one of you, whether you are now in Houston, Boulder, Los Angeles or just right across the river in Marrero and from there, you can let people know about the rich cultural heritage of your home through public art.

Like our brothers and sister at DIRTY COAST say, "Be a New Orleanian, Wherever You Are!"

I would also like to add my sincere thanks to artists who trade pieces with me (example below) and others who are kind enough to drop off packages of paint and supplies. The random acts of kindness y'all bring 'round make a difference...Thank you and SALUT!

Michael "ReX" Dingler, Magister of NoLA Rising

A Message from J'anitas on Magazine

http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=181469734/PictureID=4162673835/a=113686193_78550551/t_=113686193



People RAVED about your work dude!!!!

ART OPENING / GALLERY OPENING / MARIGNY / REX / NOLA RISING

GALLERY SHOWING for RANGER DAVE's Gallery (Official Name yet to be decided) at 2833 Dauphine in the Marigny.

One of the featured artists is yours truly, ReX of NoLA Rising (a.k.a. Michael Dingler). The event will take place starting at 7.p.m. Saturday, December 8TH. Come have some wine and beer and see some of my new work.

I'll be on hand to do some on the spot drawings...and maybe even a painting...maybe...

Dave will be having his gallery open after the event Wednesdays through Sundays from ten in the morning until six.

Also, once J'ANITAS on Magazine opens in early December for their wonderful BBQ delight, you will be able to find my artwork hanging on their walls as well. But if you'd rather Be Sweet, you can find more of my floral style paintings with a few NoLA Rising pieces at LUCKY YOU Candy Co at the corner of Magazine and Jena.

Thanks and I hope to see everyone at the opening...I appreciate your support in all of its many ways... Every day I am thankful that this is my city and I hope you are too!

ReX
King of the Night
Magister of NoLA RISING

ReX Sends Official Condolences to the Baron von Krabkakes

I awoke this morning to some very sad and tragic news, that our friend and ally, the Baron von Krabkakes, has passed into the eternal arms of heaven. Here is the official notice as it appeared in the People's Paper of Krabstonia:


Our dear friend and ally, firm though fair dictator of the Republic of Crabstonia, chicken conqueror, White Girls producer, horse track enthusiast, Celine Dion fanatic, Baron von Crabcakes, known to his loved ones as 'the Crabster,' passed away around 12:30am, Tuesday the 27th of November in this year of our lord 2007.

Crabcakes was suffering recently from many french fry-induced illnesses. Crabcakes was born in the early 50's in an undisclosed bunker in the former Soviet Union. He left Crabstonia as a young kitten and made a name for himself in the Afghani Mojahedin in the mid 70's. From there he traveled Europe and North Africa eventually winding up in LA where he supported himself by selling cocaine and quaaludes to the almost rich and famous.

A life of fast took a toll on the Crabs and in 2003 he retired in a quaint Southern town in North Florida, Tallahassee. This is where Crabster's life took a fresh new turn. One night, Crabster was busted selling homemade moonshine to some local raccoons. He was promptly convicted and imprisoned in the North Florida Animal Shelter. By chance, a Ms. "Y", kitty-scout for Mr. "X", discovered him, caught whiff of that famed Crabcakes moxy, and made a plan to break him out. With Mr. "X"'s relentless support, Crabcakes assumed power of Crabstonia in a bloodless coup in 2004. In 2007, he was run out of office and charged with gross negligence and embezzlement and has lived in exile in New Orleans working as in internet celebrity ever since.

Crabster, a eunuch, is survived by both the "Y" and "X" camps as well as many friends and fans. The world adored him. His countrymen feared him. He will be missed.

ReX, in his sublime generosity and earnest friendship with the Baron von Krabkakes has issued his first ever official letter of condolence:

REX, King of the Night, Magister of NoLA Rising, Emperor of B.A.D., Founding Member of the Vandals of America, do hereby issue solemn condolences to the Mighty Army of Krabkakes in their sad loss.

Much like Sandino and Gueverra, his revolutionary spirit will be remembered through the ages. The people of Crabstonia, while lamenting his corruption, will remember his spirit of generosity to those allied with him.

ReX sends support to his brothers and sisters of the Mighty Army of Krabkakes and encourages them to keep the legacy of the good Baron alive. A cat so rich in history, so generous to the people, so kind-hearted in his bowel movements, should be honored for all posterity!

Long Live Mr "X" and Ms "Y"! May the revolution that our esteemed friend, the Baron von Krabkakes, be continued through your hard work!

Solemnly,
ReX

NoLA Rising Paint Party

AT THE HOUSE OF REX...

In preparation for the coming year and in the ongoing battle against GREY, NoLA Rising is hosting its second Paint Party of the year. Special Guest all the way from Michigan is Angela Pate who is preparing for her European Tour. Come support NoLA Rising in its ongoing endeavor to brighten New Orleans one color at a time...one person at a time.

For those who ask what they can bring:

Bring your paint (acrylic works best for longevity), acrylic house paint if you have leftover colors you want to share...
your beverage or snack of choice...
Any scrap wood you might have...
16d 3 1/2"; Galvanized Nails
Rustoleum Crystal Clear Spray (this helps coat signs for the weather)
Sharpie Oil-based Paint pens (black or what have you)
Heck...bring whatever you want to work on.

But, most importantly, bring your love for art and your hope for New Orleans and together, we'll help NoLA Rise...one smile at a time

Come pass a good time Y'all,
"ReX" Dingler

Recent Sign Expedition

NOLA RISING always on the move!

1 Dead In Attic

1. To whom did you last give the finger?
the copying machine at work

2. If you had 1,000 dollars what would you buy?
presents for my kids

3. What was the last beverage you spilled on yourself?
water

4. Are you different now than you were 6 months ago?
yes

5. Have you kissed anyone in the last three hours?
nope

6. When was the last photograph you took?
this afternoon

7. Where were you last night at around 9:30?
painting in my courtyard

8. What do you think of guys that wear eyeliner?
that they should be beat...but not so horribly that they can't recover and live a normal and better life than the one they were living

9. How many hours did you last sleep?
3 hours and some change

11. Justin Timberlake shows up at your door, what do you do?
say "Hey Brah? Waddup?"

12. How was the last egg you ate prepared ?
chicken in a biscuit

13. Where did you last wear sunglasses?
Driving in my car.


14. Ever worn your underwear backwards?
I'm sure I have, but if I did, do you think I'd remember?

15. Who was the last person to smoke a cigarette in your presence?
Monique

16. Does it bother you when people put && before every sentence and ;;?
who cares

17. What animal did you last pet or hold?
a puppy

18. What was the last law you broke?
indecent exposure

19. What are you wearing?
Paint shorts and a twelve year old t-shirt

21. What was the last newspaper you read or skimmed?
Food and Wine

22. What was the last word written on your hand?
REMEMBER

23. What was the last hair product you used?
Fekkai gel

24. What was the last text message you received?
eat more jelly beans

25. What was the last medication you took?
been so long, can't rightly recall

26. Who was the last person to make you laugh?
Alan Greenspan

27. To what song did you last sing along to?
if I had a 1,000,000 dollars

28. What was the last musical instrument played in your presence?
guitar

29. What was the last superstitious thing you did?
knocked on wood

30. What's the last good book you read?
1 DEAD in ATTIC

McMain High School & NoLA Rising

Howdy Friends and Fellow NoLA Risers!

So, how great is it to receive an email from an art teacher at McMain High School to say that she encouraged her class to do follow the spirit of NoLA Rising.

Ms. Cook, art teacher at McMain High School in New Orleans, LA introduced to her students the NoLA Rising Project and encouraged them to undertake pieces of their own to help beautify their neighborhoods and encourage the growth of the spirit of New Orleans.

ReX visited the classroom on the 13th of November to meet with the students, answer questions, and share perspectives. It was such a great environment to walk into and it was a great experience to meet the students, the teacher and Mr. Alfred Richard who was on hand to video for the school. Mr. Richard soon discovered NoLA Rising takes everyone as a student and he joined the class.

In an official statement by ReX he says, "I was touched deeply that a group of New Orleans students would be moved to undertake the NoLA Rising Project on their own accord and do such motivating and personal works. They are a tribute to the wealth that New Orleans has as the future of our city."

With that, ReX salutes Ms. Cook and her art class for the fine work...keep up the good work and remember...all things that we do, we do for our city! As always, support your local artists and support public works of art...don't be deterred by buffing and always be respectful of the neighborhood you are doing your art in.

Thank you and good night!

p.s. Please understand the in the interest of the students' privacy, I have not included any pictures where the students were photographed. For a full list of all pictures from McMain (since they all couldn't fit), visit the NoLA Rising Projects Flickr site at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nolarisingproject

New Orleans Road Home - C'mon Home

Howdy All-

NoLA's on the Rise and when it's risen, will you ask yourself if you were part of the recovery? I hope that you will ask yourself that and that you'll be able to say that you were. Life is too short to go on moping. It's time to BOOT UP and move on. More to come later this week about my trip to McMcain High School here in New Orleans...

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

http://fogstorm.blogspot.com/2007/11/so-there.html

Birthday Greetings! ReX says Thank You!

My Birthday Party

Come one and come all! ReX, Magister to NoLA Rising, invites you all to celebrate NoLA Rising on the occasion of His REBIRTHday Party TODAY, Friday, November 9th at Finn McCool's in mid-city...Around 9 p.m. Finns is at the corner of Banks and Telemachus. Come pass a good time with us!

Celebrate NoLA RISING - Finn McCool's - November 9th

Come one and come all! ReX, Magister to NoLA Rising, invites you all to celebrate NoLA Rising on the occasion of His REBIRTHday Party TODAY, Friday, November 9th at Finn McCool's in mid-city...Around 9 p.m. Finns is at the corner of Banks and Telemachus. Come pass a good time with us!