Thursday, August 10, 2006
Resurrection
The long, strange resurrection of New Orleans
Hurricane Katrina was the biggest natural disaster in US history - and its aftermath became the biggest management disaster in history as well. A year later, Fortune lays bare this surreal tale of incompetence, political cowardice...and rebirth.
Long, but great article. thanks to YRHT.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Thanks, Katrina
Katrina has pushed one more citizen over the brink.
A man who police said was depressed after he found out he didn't have enough insurance money to rebuild his Katrina-ravaged New Orleans home was arrested Tuesday after trying to get police to shoot him to death, New Orleans police said.
Here is the complete story.
John McCusker
photographed the aftermath of Katrina and lived in complete misery since the storm.
From the NY Times,
"The public unraveling of such a well-known local photographer shined light again on the troubled state of mental health in New Orleans, where the struggle to return to normalcy has produced an epidemic of post-traumatic stress and depression and where psychiatric help is extremely limited." read the rest of the story here
This is an extremely stressed out portion of the country. It's difficult to concentrate on anything else on some days. Katrina still lingers.
A man who police said was depressed after he found out he didn't have enough insurance money to rebuild his Katrina-ravaged New Orleans home was arrested Tuesday after trying to get police to shoot him to death, New Orleans police said.
Here is the complete story.
John McCusker
photographed the aftermath of Katrina and lived in complete misery since the storm.
From the NY Times,
"The public unraveling of such a well-known local photographer shined light again on the troubled state of mental health in New Orleans, where the struggle to return to normalcy has produced an epidemic of post-traumatic stress and depression and where psychiatric help is extremely limited." read the rest of the story here
This is an extremely stressed out portion of the country. It's difficult to concentrate on anything else on some days. Katrina still lingers.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
ACLU & The Parish
Per the requests from residents of St. Bernard Parish, welder Vincent Labruzzo of Arabi is fabricating
a stainless-steel cross which will be 13 feet tall and 7 feet wide and will be lighted.
St. Bernard Parish President "Junior" Rodriguez and others like the idea of putting the monument along the banks of the MRGO, because that waterway is widely blamed in the parish for accelerating the deadly flooding that accompanied Katrina. Over the years erosion has widened the outlet, so the bank on which the cross will be erected is on privately owned land, Rodriguez said. He added that the parish is researching who owns the land on which the stone monument bearing the names of the victims will sit, but he thinks that it is also privately owned. Rodriguez said the memorial is being financed with donations, so it's legal.
Alarmed by newspaper reports that a hurricane memorial in St. Bernard Parish will feature a cross bearing a likeness of the face of Jesus, the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana is reminding parish officials of the Constitution's separation of church and state.
Never one to back down, Parish President Henry "Junior" Rodriguez has a simple reply: "They can kiss my ass."
The parish states that the memorial is being done outside government's auspices, but the ACLU seems unconvinced. Click here for the full story.
a stainless-steel cross which will be 13 feet tall and 7 feet wide and will be lighted.
St. Bernard Parish President "Junior" Rodriguez and others like the idea of putting the monument along the banks of the MRGO, because that waterway is widely blamed in the parish for accelerating the deadly flooding that accompanied Katrina. Over the years erosion has widened the outlet, so the bank on which the cross will be erected is on privately owned land, Rodriguez said. He added that the parish is researching who owns the land on which the stone monument bearing the names of the victims will sit, but he thinks that it is also privately owned. Rodriguez said the memorial is being financed with donations, so it's legal.
Alarmed by newspaper reports that a hurricane memorial in St. Bernard Parish will feature a cross bearing a likeness of the face of Jesus, the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana is reminding parish officials of the Constitution's separation of church and state.
Never one to back down, Parish President Henry "Junior" Rodriguez has a simple reply: "They can kiss my ass."
The parish states that the memorial is being done outside government's auspices, but the ACLU seems unconvinced. Click here for the full story.
Katrina Rememberence
Katrina: Nine Lives
Listen on Tuesday night, August 29th - at 7:30 for "Katrina: Nine Lives" - the story of Katrina as experienced by New Orleanians Germaine Bazzle, Jacqueline Bishop, Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Susan Roesgen, Chris Rose, Bob Rue, Hank Staples and Ronnie Virgets. Hosted and produced by Fred Kasten, "Katrina: Nine Lives" will also include commentary and analysis from John Barry, Bill Borah, Jed Horne, Ray Nagin, Tom Piazza and Michael Sartisky.
That's radio station WWNO, 89.9 FM
Listen on Tuesday night, August 29th - at 7:30 for "Katrina: Nine Lives" - the story of Katrina as experienced by New Orleanians Germaine Bazzle, Jacqueline Bishop, Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Susan Roesgen, Chris Rose, Bob Rue, Hank Staples and Ronnie Virgets. Hosted and produced by Fred Kasten, "Katrina: Nine Lives" will also include commentary and analysis from John Barry, Bill Borah, Jed Horne, Ray Nagin, Tom Piazza and Michael Sartisky.
That's radio station WWNO, 89.9 FM
Monday, August 07, 2006
Support
We've been caught up with Katrina-related things for the last 350 plus days. It consumes us, it's there all the time.
Prior to the storm, I was in contact with our troops stationed across the war zones, sending postcards, letters of support and care packages. There are some kids over there who never hear from anyone.
Whether you agree with the reason why they are where they are or not, they are still our fellow countrymen/women and deserve to receive some kindess. Imagine yourself or your kids in their shoes. I certainly wouldn't want to be!!!
So, if your Katrina'd out and need a little diversion, send a letter to our troops. You can choose either a single soldier
or a whole platoon to support.
Here are some great links.
Any Soldier dot com
This site lists names of active soldiers who are in contact with the site administrator.
By clicking on a soldier's name, you will get info about where they're from, where they're
stationed and items that the soldiers wish to receive. It's an active website, so you will
know the items will get to the people you've chosen.
Forgotten Soldiers dot org
This site allows you to write letters electronically, which they will include in a care package
sent to the troops. Hell, you don't even have to buy a stamp!!!
America Supports You dot mil.
Here's another site where you can sent letters/notes of support online.
Another way to support our troops is to contribute to the USO. You can simply go to their website and make a donation. In addition to sponsoring celebrity visits to the troops in the field, they have welcome centers at the Baltimore and Atlanta airports, which are the two airports our troops pass through when returning to the US from the Middle East. They also give the troops free calling cards so they can call home.
The USO has been support our troops since WWII. It is not a US federal agency and relies very much on volunteer contributions.
Prior to the storm, I was in contact with our troops stationed across the war zones, sending postcards, letters of support and care packages. There are some kids over there who never hear from anyone.
Whether you agree with the reason why they are where they are or not, they are still our fellow countrymen/women and deserve to receive some kindess. Imagine yourself or your kids in their shoes. I certainly wouldn't want to be!!!
So, if your Katrina'd out and need a little diversion, send a letter to our troops. You can choose either a single soldier
or a whole platoon to support.
Here are some great links.
Any Soldier dot com
This site lists names of active soldiers who are in contact with the site administrator.
By clicking on a soldier's name, you will get info about where they're from, where they're
stationed and items that the soldiers wish to receive. It's an active website, so you will
know the items will get to the people you've chosen.
Forgotten Soldiers dot org
This site allows you to write letters electronically, which they will include in a care package
sent to the troops. Hell, you don't even have to buy a stamp!!!
America Supports You dot mil.
Here's another site where you can sent letters/notes of support online.
Another way to support our troops is to contribute to the USO. You can simply go to their website and make a donation. In addition to sponsoring celebrity visits to the troops in the field, they have welcome centers at the Baltimore and Atlanta airports, which are the two airports our troops pass through when returning to the US from the Middle East. They also give the troops free calling cards so they can call home.
The USO has been support our troops since WWII. It is not a US federal agency and relies very much on volunteer contributions.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Idiots among us
From the Times Picayune.....
Man burns car and himself, cops say
Attempt to torch stolen car backfires, they say
Saturday, August 05, 2006
By Paul Rioux
Inspired by the TV show "CSI," a Covington man tried to torch a stolen car to cover his tracks but spilled gasoline on himself and burned his arms and hands, police said.
Joe Brumfield, 20, suffered second-degree burns and will be booked with auto theft upon his release from the Baton Rouge Burn Center, Covington police Lt. Jack West said.
He doused a 2002 Ford Taurus with gasoline early Wednesday on Louisiana 59 north of Abita Springs, drenching his arms in the process, West said. He then lit a match and set both the car and his arms on fire, police said.
Brumfield tried to call 911 on a stolen cell phone, but could not grip it with his burning hands, West said.
Brumfield managed to extinguish the flames on his arms, and a passerby drove him to the LSU Medical Center in Bogalusa, where doctors notified authorities, West said.
During questioning by police, Brumfield admitted setting the car on fire so it could not be traced to him, a tactic he said he had picked up while watching "CSI," West said.
The phone, which had been stolen in New Orleans, was found next to the burned-out car, which had been reported stolen in Covington a few hours before it was torched, West said.
"I never want to wish anyone harm, but you've got to admit that trying to dial 911 with flaming fingers must have been quite a spectacle," he said.
. . . . . . .
Paul Rioux can be reached at prioux@timespicayune.com or (985) 645-2852.
.
Man burns car and himself, cops say
Attempt to torch stolen car backfires, they say
Saturday, August 05, 2006
By Paul Rioux
Inspired by the TV show "CSI," a Covington man tried to torch a stolen car to cover his tracks but spilled gasoline on himself and burned his arms and hands, police said.
Joe Brumfield, 20, suffered second-degree burns and will be booked with auto theft upon his release from the Baton Rouge Burn Center, Covington police Lt. Jack West said.
He doused a 2002 Ford Taurus with gasoline early Wednesday on Louisiana 59 north of Abita Springs, drenching his arms in the process, West said. He then lit a match and set both the car and his arms on fire, police said.
Brumfield tried to call 911 on a stolen cell phone, but could not grip it with his burning hands, West said.
Brumfield managed to extinguish the flames on his arms, and a passerby drove him to the LSU Medical Center in Bogalusa, where doctors notified authorities, West said.
During questioning by police, Brumfield admitted setting the car on fire so it could not be traced to him, a tactic he said he had picked up while watching "CSI," West said.
The phone, which had been stolen in New Orleans, was found next to the burned-out car, which had been reported stolen in Covington a few hours before it was torched, West said.
"I never want to wish anyone harm, but you've got to admit that trying to dial 911 with flaming fingers must have been quite a spectacle," he said.
. . . . . . .
Paul Rioux can be reached at prioux@timespicayune.com or (985) 645-2852.
.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Relief Camp
Happened upon the website of the Bayou Liberty Relief Camp this evening.
In their words, it's " an operational base for gulf coast hurricane recovery volunteers by providing secure housing and nutritional meals, coordinating with other hurricane recovery and relief organizations that utilize volunteer services and engaging in direct community service in the greater New Orleans/Slidell area."
Whew.
What an awesome bunch!
If you're down and feeling low, read this website.......
or this one. It may renew your faith.
We all need to do that these days, don't we?
In their words, it's " an operational base for gulf coast hurricane recovery volunteers by providing secure housing and nutritional meals, coordinating with other hurricane recovery and relief organizations that utilize volunteer services and engaging in direct community service in the greater New Orleans/Slidell area."
Whew.
What an awesome bunch!
If you're down and feeling low, read this website.......
or this one. It may renew your faith.
We all need to do that these days, don't we?
Katrina's Dead
Margaret Saizan of Katrina dot org is remembering those who died as a result of Katrina. From July 29 - August 29 she is listing names of those who lost their lives.
To read this list, go here.
A list of Katrina's victims
Thanks, Margaret.
"Mortui Vivis Praecipiant" - "Let the dead teach the living"
To read this list, go here.
A list of Katrina's victims
Thanks, Margaret.
"Mortui Vivis Praecipiant" - "Let the dead teach the living"
A change in plans
Hmmm....seems that city hall has rethought their Katrina "celebration" a bit.
Originally, the city was commemorating the one year anniversary of the killer storm by planning fireworks and a comedy show.
according to the Times Picayune, Ray Ray's newest appointee said that " logistics couldn’t be worked out" for these two items. Riiiight.
Another item — a “masquerade gala” — was never in the works, though one was listed in the City Hall announcement. " according to Mizz Ceeon Quiett.
Who's checking these press releases anyway?
more on this subject
Originally, the city was commemorating the one year anniversary of the killer storm by planning fireworks and a comedy show.
according to the Times Picayune, Ray Ray's newest appointee said that " logistics couldn’t be worked out" for these two items. Riiiight.
Another item — a “masquerade gala” — was never in the works, though one was listed in the City Hall announcement. " according to Mizz Ceeon Quiett.
Who's checking these press releases anyway?
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Chris
Chris is keeping people along the gulf coast alert today. Actually, we
won't know until this weekend what direction Chris will go (ocean or gulf?), but people
are interested in the potential that this storm will enter the Gulf of
Mexico.
Fingers are crossed and people are checking their plywood and battery inventories.
At this point I don't think anyone that was hit by Katrina can take even a cat one. Things
are very fragile,thousands of homes are still untouched in Katrina's wake
Arghh!!! I wish a ridge of high pressure would park itself from Galveston to Pensacola and stay there till November.
Not exactly the bible, but here's a prediction from the Weatherunderground:
Path of Chris (Dr. Jeff Masters - Weatherunderground Founder)
The recent record heat wave over the Eastern U.S. means that the Bermuda High is extending further west than usual, creating a blocking ridge of high pressure that will prevent Chris from recurving to the north in the next five days. The GFS, NOGAPS, UKMET, Canadian, and European models all agree on a west-northwest track taking Chris north of the Dominican Republic and Cuba, into the Bahama Islands, then into Florida or just south of Florida by Sunday. The lone outlier model is the usually reliable GFDL, which takes Chris into the Dominican Republic. For now, NHC is discounting the GFDL. I would not cancel any travel plans for Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic this week, but those of you planning on visiting the Bahamas may want to rethink those plans.
It now appears likely that Chris will enter the Gulf of Mexico early next week and be a threat to the Gulf Coast. There is a trough of low pressure that will be moving across the Eastern U.S. on Monday that may turn Chris more to the north; high pressure is then forecast to build in on Tuesday and force Chris back to the west-northwest. Given this forecast, there is no region of the Gulf Coast that can assume Chris will miss them.
Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.
Og Mandino
1923-1996, American motivational author, speaker
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