Here's a list of some of the great places in New Orleans to take a Yoga class.

The very first reported Louisiana Bicentennial Baby, born today on Louisiana's 200th statehood birthday, is Isaiah Harvey. He was born just after midnight at 12.02 a.m. at the L.S.U. Medical Center in Shreveport.  Caleb's birth statistics are: 6 pounds and 19 inches.

At least one New Orleans Bicentennial Baby was born today in New Orleans (at Touro Hospital):  Caleb William Snider.  The Bicentennial Baby status and gift initiative is on this list of Louisiana Bicentennial things.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 200th  LOUISIANA!!!  Actually Happy 200th Statehood Birthday --- Louisiana, the original big version, existed long before there was a Louisiana state in the United States.

On April 30, 1812,  the anniversary of Louisiana Purchase, the U.S. Congress turned the  former "Territory of Orleans" into a full fledged American state - the 18th state.   And if you think we're unique in 2012, you should have seen Louisiana back then.   There was no other state that compared with its diversity, history, and culture.  And it was the only state ever admitted that had a majority non-English speaking population.

Check out this list of "Louisiana Bicentennial Stuff" that includes an official Louisiana music CD, a  documentary film, a legal history website, a stamp sporting a CC Lockwood photograph, a special license plate, and an assortment of memorabilia including Louisiana Bicentennial guns .  And if you happen to know a baby that's born today,  he or she will receive a special medal as a Bicentennial Baby.

1812 was a very big year, especially for New Orleans.  In addition to becoming a state, the first steam river boat came down the river creating a 2-highway that would help create the heights of economic prosperity in New Orleans.  And as commemorated recently here during New Orleans Navy Week, it was the start of the War of 1812.  As we all know, the final battle was the Battle of New Orleans a few years later.

Many think the banding together of everyone in New Orleans to defend the city and defeat the British was when Louisiana truly became part of the United States.   With the recent events, the old Battle of New Orleans song has been heard again around town.  For lagniappe, here are the Battle of New Orleans lyrics.  Stay tuned, it will no doubt be heard more and more often as we near the Battle of New Orleans bicentennial year.

Meanwhile,   The State Legislature is having a special joint session in Baton Rouge today to commemorate this historic day.   I know of nothing specific to the Bicentennial in New Orleans today.  I guess poor Louisiana was crowded out by the  New Orleans Jazz Fest and the  Zurich Classic golf tournament.

If you're not Jazz-festing tomorrow (Sat., April 28, 2012) and are up for a short road trip, there's a slightly early  celebration of Louisiana's 200th statehood birthday in Baton Rouge.

A Bicentennial Family Celebration includes culture, food, music,  arts  while promising to highlight all regions of Louisiana.

It's on the State Capitol Grounds in Baton Rouge, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.