551. Part 2 of our conversation with Shane K. Barnard about his research into Tabasco Sauce and Bayou Teche. Holding a Ph.D. in history, Bernard has served as historian and curator to McIlhenny Company for over twenty-five years. He is the author of Tabasco: An Illustrated History and several books about Cajun and Creole history. Teche: A History of Louisiana's Most Famous Bayou. Recipient of a 2017 Book of the Year Award presented by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Shane K. Bernard's Teche examines this legendary waterway of the American Deep South. Bernard delves into the bayou's geologic formation as a vestige of the Mississippi and Red Rivers, its prehistoric Native American occupation, and its colonial settlement by French, Spanish, and, eventually, Anglo-American pioneers. He surveys the coming of indigo, cotton, and sugar; steam-powered sugar mills and riverboats; and the brutal institution of slavery. He also examines the impact of the Civil War on the Teche, depicting the running battles up and down the bayou and the sporadic gunboat duels, when ironclads clashed in the narrow confines of the dark, sluggish river" (Google Books).

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 2, 1981. Britney
   Spears born in Kentwood, Louisiana.


2. This week in New Orleans history. Jessie Hill (December 9,
   1932 — September 17, 1996), R&B and Louisiana blues singer
   and songwriter is best remembered for the song "Ooh Poo Pah
   Doo".
   
   


3. This week in Louisiana.
   
   Old World Christmas Lights Spectacular
   
   520 Broadway St.
   
   Minden, LA 71055
   
   Website
   
   There is a beautiful Christmas lights display each year in
   Minden, a small town with some strong German influence. Every
   year, the historic downtown area transforms into a winter
   wonderland with dozens of life-sized nutcrackers and thousands
   of twinkling lights. It's one of the most spectacular
   Christmas events in Louisiana.


4. Postcards from Louisiana. Shane Bernard's father Ron Bernard sings "Gimme Back my Cadillac" and "This Should Go on Forever."