What makes someone a New Orleanian? Being born here is surely one definition of a New Orleanian.  Some people live here for decades, but are not true New Orleanians because they do not “get it.” Although they reside here, these people fail to grasp what makes our city special and unique. However; occasionally, someone who has lived here for a very short time “gets” New Orleans in the same way that natives do. Thomas Cole is such a person; he understands the value of people, time passing, and sacred