I've been a miner for a pot of gold

Ever since the Grace Mansion was struck by lightning a few months back, a small army of workers has been milling about the property as they gut and rebuild the top floor. In keeping with most post-Katrina phenomenon, this has brought about all new 'highs' and 'lows' for neighbors like myself who were unaffected by the fire but still live with its effects several months later.

The most notable benefit thus far was when they hired a 24/7 private security detail, presumably to protect their normally vacuum-sealed property from all the comings and goings of strangers, and the officers -- most of them off-duty cops -- set up their post in front of my house. A few cookies later -- "Hungry officer? I had some extra..."-- and I'd never felt safer the entire time I've lived in this city.

But now the security detail is gone, and there's a "Pot of Gold" port-a-john parked in its spot.

Evidently, it's never locked.

You'd be amazed at how many people will make use of a free port-a-john parked on the sidewalk.