Updated 5.9.13 10:20 a.m.

The New Orleans Police Department is investigating an unknown device that was deemed suspicious in the Warehouse District. The device was found on the side of the National World War II Museum, near the corner of Calliope St. and Magazine St.

Today, Twilight actor Gavin Bristol hosts a special comedy night at The New Movement a holocaust survivor comes to the National WWII museam and a mixture of synth, brass, gypsy jazz comes to local clubs. On this day in Louisiana history, jazz pioneer Charles “Buddy” Bolden was born (1877). Considered by many to be the originator of jazz, he was once described by Jelly Roll Morton as “the blowingest man since Gabriel”! Here's how we talk up today:

by Cate Czarnecki

What with Bastille Day celebrations and that yearly San Fermin fete, the city literally ran wild this past weekend. Time to get your head right with a few healthy, holistic activities that require a little more mental floss than sprinting through the French Quarter in an oversized men’s white button-down and red sash. The docket is chock-full of films, author readings and lectures this week, including the New Orleans premier of Bill and Turner Ross’ documentary film Tchoupitoulas outside at the Old U.S. Mint on Friday. Plus, there's food, feminism and a couple Kims. Break out the popcorn and prescription glasses and we’ll see you in the streets.

by Cate Czarnecki

In New Orleans, it's all about the places you'll go. Whether it be a theoretical journey into the use of space in communities, a physical trip to discuss the new Tulane on-campus football stadium, or even a coroner's experience with the Great Beyond, go forth this week and explore your literal and metaphysical environments. There is also a Winston Churchill symposium. 

by Leon Perniciaro

As the streets heat up, the sidewalks are expanding. Same goes for your brain matter. This week, the local lecture circuit is brimming over with offerings. It’s Pride Week, with the Contemporary Arts Center showing a pair of films on LGBT history and hilarity. On the author aisle, there's a prominent columnist presenting a novel, one of the great Southern food writers talking trucks and, as ever, a Chocolate City reference. There’s also myriad panels and plays, so take your pick:

by Shay Sokol

Today is the 68th anniversary of D-Day and the 12th birthday of the National WWII Museum. The invasion of Normandy marked a turning point in World War II that will never be forgotten. So, in 2000, New Orleans opened a museum to ensure that the nation had a repository where Operation Neptune would not fade from view. Later, the CBD space took on the whole war as its subject, but from the Higgins Boat in the lobby to the Normandy liberty bell that is rung on solemn occasions, the museum's view remain oriented toward the French coastline. A full slate of activities is lined up today for the dual comemmoration.

by Leon Perniciaro

Our sunburns might be fading, but our need for quality brain stimulation never will. After a brief, Jazzfest-hangover-related hiatus, NoDef SpeakEasy returns with all of this week's lectures, presentations and other mind-requiring activities happening around the city. his week, check out the New Orleans Fringe Fest’s discussion on theatre as a social tool, hear a lecture on Ethiopia and World War II, and, in case you're ever not hungover, learn how to make New Orleans brunch.

by Leon Perniciaro

All eyes might be on Jazzfest this week, but while you're stimulating your ears, don't forget your brain gets hungry too. Check out this week's collection of panels, book signings, readings and more. This week, get your blood boiling with a talk at Tulane on the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, hear an eminent cotillion dress designer discuss her newest book at the Louisiana State Museum, and watch a Persian-Language drama at Loyola about the plight of women in Iran. Enter the NoDef Speakeasy by clicking on "Read More." Just don't tell them we sent you.

Though CNN says there have been many since, tomorrow marks the 70th anniversary of the Day That Will Live in Infamy. With nary a Tweet nor 14-part-message for warning, Japanese bombers struck the American Naval Base at Pearl Habor, Hawaii, simultaneously inflicting tragic losses and galvanizing American public support for entering World War II. As history and tragedies pile up, it can perhaps be difficult to commemorate each anniversary with the appropriate gravity. Luckily, NOLA has a museum for that.

by Brad Rhines

New Orleans chef-lebrity John Besh steps out of the kitchen and into the limelight today with the release of his second tome on local cooking, My Family Table.  Besh will be making the rounds to promote his new book through the end of the year, starting with a few signings and appearances around town this week before making stops in New York, Texas, and Alabama, with a heaping helping of TV appearances undoubtedly thrown in along the way.