For the first time in NFL history, Payton is the first head coach suspended by the league for any reason, accused of trying to cover up a system of cash incentives to players for performance within a game – what has become named a bounty system: extra cash for players who deliberately take an opposing player out of the game. While similar systems have existed in a shadowy form in several teams, as well as several other sports, this was the highest profile revelation of such a practice, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appears to be making the New Orleans Saints the example – by dealing out the harshest punishment to a team in NFL history.

Not only was the head coach, Sean Payton, suspended for a year without pay, the former defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, completely banned from the league, a $500,000 fine was issued to the team, their second-round draft picks were also taken away, and the Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis was banned for the first eight regular-season games next season, and the assistant coach Joe Vitt has also been banned for the first six games. This again set a new precedent – it is believed that this was the first time a general manager was suspended by the NFL. All of this, in the coming year – in which the Super Bowl is to be held in the city of New Orleans, the Saints’ home city.

This overwhelming and crippling decision to completely eviscerate a NFL football team is an attempt to show other teams how serious the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, is taking this issue – yet, the ruling is being discussed across the nation as a whole, and will have a ripple effect in the Nation Football League. Continuing discussions go on as the commissioner also determines a pending punishment for players as well – and this is being reviewed by the NFL Players association.

This all comes as another major blow to the city of New Orleans, after several hits have impacted the city in past years. Natural disasters such as Katrina, oil spills in the Gulf, the entire rebuilding process, the mass exodus and return of citizenry to the area – and now this almost fatal blow to one of the spiritual hearts of the city – the New Orleans Saints. Even in the harshest times, and the most depressing years of recent history, the people of New Orleans have rallied behind their home team with an almost religious fervor – every time a game is played, the city is dressed in the famous black and gold to celebrate and share in the games.

Even now, the citizens of the city are not taking this news lightly. This week, as the news was made public of the harsh treatment of the city’s home team and its coaches, many of its citizens are bringing out the black and gold to show support for the city and its team. Where you would normally see the transformation of the city on game days, now you can see the black and gold colors being raised and worn throughout the city at all times – a sign of the city’s resilience and unbreakable spirit.

Billy Schell, of NOLA Shirts commented on the emerging trend: “When the times get rough, this city does not give up – not on its team, not on its people. We stand together – and have pride in who we are, what we have been through, and what we will continue to accomplish as a city – and while we may be punished to serve as an example to the other cities teams, you will be surprised at how the New Orleans spirit reacts – it will only get stronger and more determined. We are already seeing a huge increase in the sales of black and gold hats, shirts and the like – people here want to show that we are not going give up – and we will come back from this stronger than ever.”

NOLA Shirts continues to provide awareness for the Crescent City – through its hardships, and its celebrations. The subtle message of pride and hope have helped it to become a quiet success story in the midst of all of the turmoil, and the future continues to look brighter – both for the city, and its recovery from recent times, and for its residents – like Billy Schell, who decided that even in the worst of times, showing some civic pride and his love for the Crescent city, he would create a way to allow others to embrace New Orleans soul and spirit – with style.

About NOLA Shirts:
NOLA Shirts is the proud provider of high quality shirts, hats, and apparel embroidered with the many symbols of New Orleans spirit and soul – the Mardi Gras Crown, the famous Pelican, and the venerable Fleur De Lis. These products were designed to help others show their love of one of America’s most authentic cities, but to also represent and embody the resilient spirit of the people and culture of New Orleans. To learn more about NOLA shirts, you can visit their website at http://www.nolashirts.com – or contact Gretchen Zito, director of marketing, at (601) 955-0225.

News Source: NOLA Shirts LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

He wanted the shirts and apparel to allow those who left the city, or had visited the city to show their support for the recovery, and for the spirit of the people in midst of rebuilding their lives.

He sold these products by hand, going to various local shops and store owners, asking them to join in the effort, and help him promote the idea. The idea caught on, and several local locations began carrying the apparel, along Magazine Street, and Prytania Street, as well as in Metairie. He also was happy to his shirts become a regular item at the Hilton at New Orleans Airport, a very busy location during the recovery and rebuilding process.

When the BP Horizon Deepwater oil spill disaster also struck a staggering blow to New Orleans, Billy included a new symbol in his apparel – the Pelican. This symbol, along with the national concern about the oil’s effect on the wetlands, drew more attention to the area, and NOLA Shirts became a rallying point for many peoples concern and pride in the New Orleans community. Former alumni, and past residents who had been forced to leave alike, began wearing the shirts, to show their support, and the love for the city’s unique way of life, and attitude towards the continued recovery efforts.

This became even more apparent when New Orleans resident, and political contributor for CNN, James Carville, often referred to as the “Ragin’ Cajun” appeared on John King’s television program sporting a NOLA shirt. Since then, several celebrities and supporters of the New Orleans soul and spirit have been spotted sporting the NOLA Shirts apparel – both in the city and abroad. Recently, Will Ferrell, who was in the Mardi Gras Celebration this year as King Bacchus, and Matthew McConaughey were provided with NOLA shirts apparel as an appreciation for participating in the New Orleans festivities.

“We wanted to give the people who have experience the vibrant culture and soul of the city of New Orleans a way to show support and appreciation of the New Orleans way of life. New Orleans truly is a city like no other in the United States – known for its unique architecture, laissez-faire attitude, amazing foods, and historic tradition that exist no where else,” said Billy Schell, owner of NOLA Shirts. “There is a magical aspect to New Orleans; once you have experienced it, you realize how special the city truly is – and this clothing line was setup to allow people to show their love of it.”

NOLA Shirts continues to provide awareness for the Crescent City – through its hardships, and its celebrations. The subtle message of pride and hope have helped it to become a quiet success story in the midst of all of the turmoil, and the future continues to look brighter – both for the city, and its recovery from recent times, and for its residents – like Billy Schell, who decided that even in the worst of times, showing some civic pride and his love for the Crescent city, he would create a way to allow others to embrace New Orleans soul and spirit – with style.

About NOLA Shirts LLC:
NOLA Shirts is the proud provider of high quality shirts, hats, and apparel embroidered with the many symbols of New Orleans spirit and soul – the Mardi Gras Crown, the famous Pelican, and the venerable Fleur De Lis. These products were designed to help others show their love of one of America’s most authentic cities, but to also represent and embody the resilient spirit of the people and culture of New Orleans. To learn more about NOLA shirts, you can visit their website at http://www.nolashirts.com – or contact Gretchen Zito, Marketing Director at (601) 955-0225.

No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

News Source: NOLA Shirts LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“There’s a lot of talk about community, but I think small businesses have the resources to really help out more in our local community,” said Pennino. A certified Master Electrician with over 15 years experience, Pennino said it’s often easier to write a check than to give of your time.

“When I met Mr. and Mrs. Smith I could discern a real need. They were real genuine people that I just felt compelled to help. They’ve been displaced since Katrina. It’s a real sad story. A lot of us have moved on since Katrina, however they’ve been trying to get in their home. They also have aluminum wiring that they’ve had some problems with. So we’re here to be a blessing to them and try to get them back into their house.”

Ronell and Sylvia Smith were displaced from New Orleans and stayed with friends in Albany, Georgia after the storm. While they’ve been working their way back home since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a bout of illness and lay-offs delayed their progress in renovating their home.

“A lot of times we could do things for ourselves,” Ronell Smith shared. “We used to do everything. But now we’ve gotten a little older and we’ve slowed down and things are not as easy as they used to be. We knew we were out of our league trying to get something like this done. We needed to get someone who could get it done and trust God.”

Pennino, an aluminum wiring specialist, seemed to fit the bill as he regularly consults homeowners on their options to eliminate electrical issues caused by aluminum wiring.

While aluminum wiring is not the only reason Pennino ends up on service calls, he believes homeowners are foregoing routine maintenance far too often. “The Safety Foundation International recommends a full blown safety inspection for any home that’s 40 years old, that’s had a major renovation, that’s changing hands from one owner to the next, or has had a major appliance added.” When summing up the number of houses that fall into at least one of these categories, Pennino says almost every homeowner is in need of a routine safety inspection.

“Our goal is to keep families and businesses safe,” Pennino revealed. “At the end of the day, my company is about safety and the community and we’re blessed because of it.”

Trinity Electric is a family owned and operated Christian company based in the greater New Orleans metropolitan area. Goldman Sachs recently selected Trinity Electric, LLC to participate in its 10,000 Small Businesses initiative in the metro-New Orleans area. Small business owners accepted into the program study accounting, human resources, negotiation, and marketing and gain access to practical business and management education, potential capital to expand, business and alumni support services.

More information: http://www.TrinityElectricLLC.com (redirects to straightupllc . com).

News Source: Trinity Electric, LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Big changes for this year’s events include a Wine Dinner and a new starting venue and route.

THURSDAY JULY 7 – 6:30 p.m.:
Marques de Caceres Wine Dinner at Rambla, 217 Camp Street in the International House Hotel. Sangria reception followed by dinner paired with 5 wines from the famed Rioja winery. Special guest from the winery, Luis Burgueno, will be on hand to lead you through the wines.

FRIDAY JULY 8 – 6 p.m.:
El Txupinazo (choo-pee-NAHT-so) will start the weekend festivities off at The Chicory (610 S. Peters St.). Ven Pa Ca will perform flamenco music and dance at this Fund-Raising event. Tapas from Vega Tapas are the fare and sangria, Marques de Caceres wines, Stella Artois beer, and cocktails are the libations. The popularity of this event has grown from its inception in 2008 and will grow again.

FRIDAY JULY 8 – SATURDAY JULY 9 – 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.:
Following El Txupinazo will be an all night fiesta, the 12 Hour Countdown at the 12 Bar (608 Fulton St.). Doors open at 8 p.m. and will remain open throughout the night and into the morning.

SATURDAY JULY 9 – 8 a.m.:
The featured event, El Encierro (Running of the Bulls), will again commence at precisely 8 a.m. on Saturday July 9 at Ernst Cafe (600 S. Peters Street). This is a NEW starting point, so please plan accordingly. This FREE EVENT will feature hundreds of Roller Bulls from around the country led by our own Big Easy Roller Girls who will chase down and “gore” thousands of corredores (runners) dressed in the traditional white clothes with red sashes and neckerchiefs (traditional clothes not required, but encouraged).

El Encierro is a “run at your own risk” event. All ages are welcome, but participants under 12 and participants with strollers ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE SIDEWALK. Arrive early to view the Procession of San Fermin at 7:30 a.m.

Following El Encierro will be the Post-Encierro Fiesta at Ernst Cafe (600 S. Peters St.) and 12 Bar (608 Fulton St.), featuring Latin food, sangria, Marques de Caceres wines, Stella Artois beer, refreshments, DJs, and live music by Vivaz. This event is also free and open to the public.

SATURDAY JULY 9 – 8 p.m.:
La Fiesta de Pantalones cranks up at 12 Bar (608 Fulton St.) with Dr Gumbo’s Spanish Soundsystem followed by winner of the 2011 Big Easy Awards Best Latin Band Los Poboycitos.

SUNDAY JULY 10 – 12 p.m.:
El Pobre de Mi closes out SFNO 2011 with a tapas brunch, and specialty cocktails. The featured Ernest Hemingway Contest will once again be produced by NOLAFugees.

Discounted hotel accommodations are available the New Orleans Hotel Collection properties, including Bourbon Orleans, Dauphine Orleans, Hotel Le Marais, The Saint Louis, and the Wyndham Riverfront.

Information for all events is available at www.nolabulls.com and www.facebook.com/nolabullsllc .

The Nola Bulls will be making a donation with part of the proceeds to two entities. Once again we will make a donation to Animal Rescue of New Orleans for their continued care and devotion in finding permanent homes for lost and abandoned animals. The second great charity for 2011 is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Louisiana Chapter. The National MS Society: Louisiana, founded in 1972, is a not-for-profit agency serving nearly 4,000 people with MS and their families living in the 64-parish territory of Louisiana.

Nola Bulls, LLC was founded in 2007 and is a provider and promoter of entertainment and cultural events in the New Orleans area. “Improving New Orleans Culture One Festival At A Time.”

- RSS news feed for Nola Bulls, LLC: http://send2pressnewswire.com/author/nola-bulls-llc/feed .

- Image Caption: People smiling with fear as a Roller Bull bears down. Credit: photo by Jared Howerton.

News Source: Nola Bulls, LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

FRIDAY JULY 9TH – 6-9 p.m.:
El Txupinazo (choo-pee-NAHT-so) will kick off SFNO on Friday July 9th at The Chicory (610 S. Peters St.). Live music and flamenco dancing from Ven Pa Ca are the featured acts. Tapas from Barcelona Tapas, Cafe Grenada, Rambla, Pamplona Tapas Bar and Vega Tapas Cafe are the fare and sangria, Marques de Caceres and Dona Paula wines, Stella Artois beer, and cocktails are the libations. The popularity of this event has grown from its inception in 2008 and will grow again. Tickets are available at www.nolabulls.com .

SATURDAY JULY 10TH – 8 a.m.:
The featured event, El Encierro (Running of the Bulls), will again commence at precisely 8 a.m. on Saturday July 10th at the Three Legged Dog bar (400 Burgundy St, at Conti). This FREE EVENT will feature nearly 300 RollerBulls from around the country led by our own Big Easy Roller Girls who will chase down and “gore” thousands of corredores (runners) dressed in the traditional white clothes with red sashes and neckerchiefs (traditional clothes not required, but encouraged).

El Encierro is a “run at your own risk” event. All ages are welcome, but participants under 12 and people with strollers are required to use the sidewalks. Arrive early to view the Procession of San Fermin which begins at 7:30 a.m.

Following the El Encierro will be the Post-Encierro Fiesta at Ernst Cafe (600 S. Peters St.), featuring Spanish tapas, sangria, Marques de Caceres and Dona Paula wines, Stella Artois beer, refreshments, DJs, and live music by Javier Gutierrez and Acoustic Swiftness. This event is also free and open to the public.

SATURDAY JULY 10TH – 8 p.m.:
SFNO’s second Fiesta de Pantalones (Pants Party) will be Saturday evening at 12Bar (610 S. Peters). A live music concert featuring a local Spanish or Latin band and Dr Gumbo’s Spanish Soundsystem will revive the weary with doors opening at 8 p.m., and the show starting at 9 p.m. Spanish food by Chef Daniel Esses will also be available. For tickets go to www.nolabulls.com .

SUNDAY JULY 11TH – 11 a.m.:
Finally, in collusion with the NolaFugees, the Pobre de Mi will close out SFNO 2010 with its second Hemingway Contest at The Chicory/Ernst Cafe (600-610 S. Peters St.) at 11 a.m. Sip Hemingway inspired cocktails and enjoy Spanish tapas by Vega Tapas Cafe while watching the contest. The Pobre de Mi will roll directly into a viewing of the World Cup Championship game at 1:30 p.m. This event is also free and open to the public.

For more information on all events, visit www.nolabulls.com .

The Nola Bulls will be making a donation with part of the proceeds to two entities. Once again we will make a donation to Animal Rescue of New Orleans for their continued care and devotion in finding permanent homes for lost and abandoned animals. Also, the recent oil spill has reinforced the necessity of supporting a cause that has long been overlooked. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation’s “Save Our Coast” efforts are sure to be as successful as their “Save Our Lake” initiative, and so we are also donating part of the proceeds to assist in rebuilding and saving the Louisiana Gulf Coast.

Discounted hotel accommodations are available at The Maison Dupuy as well as the New Orleans Hotel Collection properties, including Bourbon Orleans, Dauphine Orleans, St. Ann/Marie Antoinette, The Saint Louis, and the Wyndham Riverfront.

Nola Bulls, LLC was founded in 2007 and is a provider and promoter of entertainment and cultural events in the New Orleans area. “Improving New Orleans Culture One Festival At A Time.”

News Source: Nola Bulls, LLC :: This press release was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Saints Black & Gold Blend will be launched this Sunday in the Super Dome during the NFC Championship game. Through a season-long partnership, PJ’s Coffee is already the preferred coffee of the New Orleans Saints and is exclusively served in the Super Dome.

“Like the Saints, PJ’s Coffee is a New Orleans original. Both are beloved icons in the city, and we are delighted to co-brand with PJ’s to offer a unique Saints coffee custom blended for our fans,” said Rita Benson LeBlanc, Saints’ Owner/Executive Vice President.

Saints Black & Gold Blend will be available in area PJ’s Coffee locations beginning Monday, January 25. Fans attending the game this weekend can show their game ticket beginning Monday, January 25 at area PJ’s Coffee locations to receive a $1.00 discount on a bag of Saints Black & Gold Blend.

PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans uses hand-selected, premium Arabica beans which are slow-roasted in small batches at its New Orleans roasting facility. PJ’s Coffee was established in 1978 and began franchising in 1995. Today there are 63 PJ’s locations in seven states.

For more information, visit www.pjscoffee.com or www.neworleansroast.com .

News Source: PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans :: This press release was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

On July 10th, 2009, the third annual SFNO will commence with El Txupinazo (pronounced choo-pee-NAHT-so) at Rio Mar Seafood Restaurant at 800 South Peters St., from 6-9 p.m. The guest list for this event has been expanded to 300 in order to accommodate the growing popularity of the event. Tickets are expected to sell out, so attendees are encouraged to reserve them early. Email info@nolabulls.com for more information.

Saturday’s encierro begins precisely at 8 a.m. as in Pamplona and will once again feature the Big Easy Rollergirls as the bulls. This year also includes rollerbulls from leagues in Baton Rouge, Houma, Houston, TX and Jacksonville, FL. It will begin at the corner of Conti and Burgundy in the famous French Quarter. After gathering at the Three Legged Dog Bar at 6:30 a.m. for instructions, over 70 rollerbulls will be unleashed upon the runners (corredores). While death is highly unlikely, there’s always the threat of being battered by a foam-core bat or spraining an ankle! Either way, it will be “run at your own risk.” This year’s attendance is expected to grow significantly from the nearly 1,000 participants at last year’s encierro on July 12th, 2008.

After the encierro, the party continues at the Gazebo Cafe, located at 1018 Decatur Street. Tapas style food, sangria, Marques de Caceres and Dona Paula wines, Stella Artois beer, Old New Orleans Rum and Port of Barcelona Gin drinks, Obsello Spanish Absinthe, Cult Energy Drink and live music and DJ’s will be on-hand for all to enjoy.

SFNO 2009 will also introduce two new events. Saturday night’s Fiesta de Pantalones (Pants Party) at Chickie Wah Wah (2828 Canal St.) features Los Po-boy-Citos and Dr Gumbo’s Spanish Soundsystem, with doors opening at 8 p.m., and the show starting at 9 p.m. Sunday’s Pobre de Mi (Poor Me) at 12 p.m. will close the festival at a soon-to-be disclosed venue. Revelers will have a chance to relive the glory of SFNO 2009 and watch or participate in a Hemingway Contest. For more information on all events, visit www.nolabulls.com.

A part of the proceeds for SFNO 2009 will go to Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), an organization created and dedicated to the rescue and aid of abandoned and homeless animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi, including responding to the immediate needs of those animals in need of medical care, or who have been neglected, abused and deprived of love. ARNO promotes the foster, adoption, and reunion of pets with caretakers, as well as spaying/neutering of all companion animals.

Nola Bulls, LLC was founded 2007 and is a provider and promoter of entertainment and cultural events in the New Orleans area.

News Source: Nola Bulls, LLC :: This press release was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2009 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.