Katrina (2 Viewers)

[The_Hunchback]

Quick question:

I just read that they think the death toll is going to be in the thousands. Meanwhile Hurricane Camille which hit basically the same area with the same power only killed 256. With the newer technology and medical breakthroughs and evacuations, my question is why?

This storm was bigger and dropped more rain.

and hit more of new orleans than camille did. plus, the lake got filled by storm surge. It all boils down to just how big Katrina got.

And this wasn't even the "worst case scenario." I know you and everyone else that's ever lived in close proximity to NO knows this:#1 Katrina jogged to the east, not passing directly over the city. (Surely everyone following this situation knows this).

#2 The "worst case scenario" has a big storm heading straight into New Orleans on a NW track, not really passing over any land before hitting the city and basically right along the Alabama and Mississippi coasts. Heck, then it most likely heads up the Mississippi as it heads north and into the usual weather pattern turning east depositing even more rain that will eventually make it back into the city through the river.

This was far from being the one that everyone has always feared and it's STILL completely horrible.

This was as close to worst case as it could get. The complete size of the storm is what made it so horrible. The storm getting smaller just before it struck really didn't matter because of how far out the strom reached. I mean we are talking hurricane type conditions for about 200 miles compared to the more normal about 50 miles. I read about this in the morning at work and don't know where right now but will see if I can find it.

 

[Drifter]

On a lighter note, where are the Saints going to play this year?

San Antonio probably for their first game or two so I've heard.

Does SA have large outdoor venue? I can't think of what colleges are there.

Alamodome. Saints played a preseason game there a couple of years ago.

Hmm. Interesting. I knew it was the largest indoor NBA arena, holding 35k+ for basketball games. The thing is that they will likely have to take out the entire lower level to accomodate a football field, reducing the capacity to around 20k (just a guess). Pretty small by football standards, but I guess they probably aren't expecting a huge attendance anyway.

I think for basketball games they basically only use half the space and the other half is given over the a practice court and other things.

 

[Big Blue Wrecking Crew]

On a lighter note, where are the Saints going to play this year?

San Antonio probably for their first game or two so I've heard.

Does SA have large outdoor venue? I can't think of what colleges are there.

Alamodome. Saints played a preseason game there a couple of years ago.

Hmm. Interesting. I knew it was the largest indoor NBA arena, holding 35k+ for basketball games. The thing is that they will likely have to take out the entire lower level to accomodate a football field, reducing the capacity to around 20k (just a guess). Pretty small by football standards, but I guess they probably aren't expecting a huge attendance anyway.

Here ya gohttp://www.sanantonio.gov/dome/Football.asp

 

[culdeus]

Is operation blessing religious? I'd rather not send money to any religious group or the red cross after the 9/11 debacle. No, I'm not providing a link.

Is your issue that the Red Cross used the money above and beyond what they felt was needed for 9/11 for other needs?

Basically. NTM that they continued to ask for $$ well after they decided they had enough. I know they put in checks and balances, but once is enough for me.

 

[Sidewinder]

This was as close to worst case as it could get. The complete size of the storm is what made it so horrible. The storm getting smaller just before it struck really didn't matter because of how far out the strom reached. I mean we are talking hurricane type conditions for about 200 miles compared to the more normal about 50 miles. I read about this in the morning at work and don't know where right now but will see if I can find it.

Yeah, I think the only thing about this that didn't conform to the "worst case" scenario is that it actually moved northward at a fairly rapid rate. Ever time an emergency manager talked about worst case, they would say a "slow moving Cat 3 or higher" storm.The 17th Street canal levee (actually floodwall) break is what has made this so bad, causing all the flooding in the city now.

 

[Drifter]

Is operation blessing religious? I'd rather not send money to any religious group or the red cross after the 9/11 debacle.  No, I'm not providing a link.

Is your issue that the Red Cross used the money above and beyond what they felt was needed for 9/11 for other needs?

Basically. NTM that they continued to ask for $$ well after they decided they had enough. I know they put in checks and balances, but once is enough for me.

They learned their lesson. After the Tsunami they stopped accepting donations meant for that pupose when they reached a level they thought was adequate.

 

[Genedoc]

I haven't seen this anywhere else, but give some kudos to the mayor and the people who busted #### all day Sunday to get as many people as possible OUT of town. Imagine how bad this would be if nobody had evacuated. Also, I work for a division of the National Institute of Health. We just got an all points email asking how many of the MDs and RNs that work here would/could volunteer to help staff the refugee camps they are setting up all over the Gulf. Help is on the way!

 

[Smoo]

Not sure what they have to do to configure for football. They do play a college bowl game there (can't remember the name).

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess the Alamo Bowl.

 

[FatMax]

On a lighter note, where are the Saints going to play this year?

San Antonio probably for their first game or two so I've heard.

Does SA have large outdoor venue? I can't think of what colleges are there.

Alamodome. Saints played a preseason game there a couple of years ago.

Hmm. Interesting. I knew it was the largest indoor NBA arena, holding 35k+ for basketball games. The thing is that they will likely have to take out the entire lower level to accomodate a football field, reducing the capacity to around 20k (just a guess). Pretty small by football standards, but I guess they probably aren't expecting a huge attendance anyway.

I think for basketball games they basically only use half the space and the other half is given over the a practice court and other things.

You're right. I forgot about the giant curtain on one side of the court.

 

[apalmer]

Quick question:

I just read that they think the death toll is going to be in the thousands. Meanwhile Hurricane Camille which hit basically the same area with the same power only killed 256. With the newer technology and medical breakthroughs and evacuations, my question is why?

This storm was bigger and dropped more rain.

and hit more of new orleans than camille did. plus, the lake got filled by storm surge. It all boils down to just how big Katrina got.

And this wasn't even the "worst case scenario." I know you and everyone else that's ever lived in close proximity to NO knows this:#1 Katrina jogged to the east, not passing directly over the city. (Surely everyone following this situation knows this).

#2 The "worst case scenario" has a big storm heading straight into New Orleans on a NW track, not really passing over any land before hitting the city and basically right along the Alabama and Mississippi coasts. Heck, then it most likely heads up the Mississippi as it heads north and into the usual weather pattern turning east depositing even more rain that will eventually make it back into the city through the river.

This was far from being the one that everyone has always feared and it's STILL completely horrible.

I can't imagine it being much more horrible than this -- I wonder how things would be different had the storm headed straight into New Orleans? Deeper water, more land surface area covered? More casualties I guess? :(

Worst case scenario would have burst the levees and carried in storm surge all at once, I imagine. More or less the same end result, but the water would have accumulated all at once instead of at a foot an hour (I'm picturing a tsumani style wave rather than the river-like flow from the leak). There also would have been significantly more wind damage (look at Gulfport)--houses, etc would have been blown apart and there wouldn't have been anyone left to rescue.

 

[jplvr]

Quick question:

I just read that they think the death toll is going to be in the thousands. Meanwhile Hurricane Camille which hit basically the same area with the same power only killed 256. With the newer technology and medical breakthroughs and evacuations, my question is why?

This storm was bigger and dropped more rain.

and hit more of new orleans than camille did. plus, the lake got filled by storm surge. It all boils down to just how big Katrina got.

And this wasn't even the "worst case scenario." I know you and everyone else that's ever lived in close proximity to NO knows this:#1 Katrina jogged to the east, not passing directly over the city. (Surely everyone following this situation knows this).

#2 The "worst case scenario" has a big storm heading straight into New Orleans on a NW track, not really passing over any land before hitting the city and basically right along the Alabama and Mississippi coasts. Heck, then it most likely heads up the Mississippi as it heads north and into the usual weather pattern turning east depositing even more rain that will eventually make it back into the city through the river.

This was far from being the one that everyone has always feared and it's STILL completely horrible.

This was as close to worst case as it could get. The complete size of the storm is what made it so horrible. The storm getting smaller just before it struck really didn't matter because of how far out the strom reached. I mean we are talking hurricane type conditions for about 200 miles compared to the more normal about 50 miles. I read about this in the morning at work and don't know where right now but will see if I can find it.

Yes, but my point is that it did miss the city... the worst of it. And it's still a huge disaster. And the track it was on wasn't even the worst one it could take... probably the best one really, considering.It's bad... horrible. Words can't described, but I've only seen one report on the news in the past day or so acknowledging it could've been MUCH worse.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

Is operation blessing religious? I'd rather not send money to any religious group or the red cross after the 9/11 debacle.  No, I'm not providing a link.

Is your issue that the Red Cross used the money above and beyond what they felt was needed for 9/11 for other needs?

Basically. NTM that they continued to ask for $$ well after they decided they had enough. I know they put in checks and balances, but once is enough for me.

They learned their lesson. After the Tsunami they stopped accepting donations meant for that pupose when they reached a level they thought was adequate.

I hope there is such a day for this disaster that no more dollars are needed to help the victims....

 

[culdeus]

Are there estimates of how many NOLA residents are left in the city that probably shouldn't be there? Is it on the order of 100,000 or more like 20,000?

 

[yellowdog]

On a lighter note, where are the Saints going to play this year?

San Antonio probably for their first game or two so I've heard.

Does SA have large outdoor venue? I can't think of what colleges are there.

Alamodome. Saints played a preseason game there a couple of years ago.

Hmm. Interesting. I knew it was the largest indoor NBA arena, holding 35k+ for basketball games. The thing is that they will likely have to take out the entire lower level to accomodate a football field, reducing the capacity to around 20k (just a guess). Pretty small by football standards, but I guess they probably aren't expecting a huge attendance anyway.

Not sure what they have to do to configure for football. They do play a college bowl game there (can't remember the name).

The Alamo Bowl.

 

[jplvr]

The Ponch levee didn't even break really. It was a canal coming off of it. Couldn't imagine the destruction if it gave way.

 

[Mrs. BSR]

People are frantically asking the news crews to let them tell their families that they are ok. So many of them look so defeated. I've been holding back tears all day. The videos aren't helping.

 

[whoknew]

Link

‘Concert for Hurricane Relief’ to air Sept. 2

Tim McGraw, Wynton Marsalis, others to perform

Artists with ties to America's Gulf Coast will participate in a live benefit special, "A Concert for Hurricane Relief," to air on Sept. 2 on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC.

(MSNBC is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC.)

Musicians appearing will include Tim McGraw, Harry Connick Jr., and Wynton Marsalis. Non-musical artists, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and others, will also participate. The hour-long music-driven special will air at 8 p.m. ET live on the East Coast, tape-delayed on the West.

"Today" show host Matt Lauer will host the telethon portion of the programming from NBC's studios in New York. All viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in support of hurricane relief through its Web site and donation hotline (www.redcross.org or 1-800-HELP NOW).

The fund helps the Red Cross provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those suffering from the hurricane and other disasters.

A spokesman for NBC says "The humanitarian needs from this catastrophic hurricane are immense and will continue to emerge over the next weeks, months and even years.

 

[Statorama]

On a lighter note, where are the Saints going to play this year?

San Antonio probably for their first game or two so I've heard.

Does SA have large outdoor venue? I can't think of what colleges are there.

No chance they play these games at Tiger Stadium (LSU?)

 

[Drifter]

On a lighter note, where are the Saints going to play this year?

San Antonio probably for their first game or two so I've heard.

Does SA have large outdoor venue? I can't think of what colleges are there.

No chance they play these games at Tiger Stadium (LSU?)

Chris Mortenson was on Dan Patrick today saying that he wouldn't be surprised if the NFL made an effort to get some games into Tiger stadium eventually.

 

[Brock Middlebrook]

Link

‘Concert for Hurricane Relief’ to air Sept. 2

Tim McGraw, Wynton Marsalis, others to perform

Artists with ties to America's Gulf Coast will participate in a live benefit special, "A Concert for Hurricane Relief," to air on Sept. 2 on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC.

(MSNBC is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC.)

Musicians appearing will include Tim McGraw, Harry Connick Jr., and Wynton Marsalis. Non-musical artists, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and others, will also participate. The hour-long music-driven special will air at 8 p.m. ET live on the East Coast, tape-delayed on the West.

"Today" show host Matt Lauer will host the telethon portion of the programming from NBC's studios in New York. All viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in support of hurricane relief through its Web site and donation hotline (www.redcross.org or 1-800-HELP NOW).

The fund helps the Red Cross provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those suffering from the hurricane and other disasters.

A spokesman for NBC says "The humanitarian needs from this catastrophic hurricane are immense and will continue to emerge over the next weeks, months and even years.

where are Springsteen, McCartney etc.?

 

[jplvr]

Link

‘Concert for Hurricane Relief’ to air Sept. 2

Tim McGraw, Wynton Marsalis, others to perform

Artists with ties to America's Gulf Coast will participate in a live benefit special, "A Concert for Hurricane Relief," to air on Sept. 2 on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC.

(MSNBC is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC.)

Musicians appearing will include Tim McGraw, Harry Connick Jr., and Wynton Marsalis. Non-musical artists, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and others, will also participate. The hour-long music-driven special will air at 8 p.m. ET live on the East Coast, tape-delayed on the West.

"Today" show host Matt Lauer will host the telethon portion of the programming from NBC's studios in New York. All viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in support of hurricane relief through its Web site and donation hotline (www.redcross.org or 1-800-HELP NOW). 

The fund helps the Red Cross provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those suffering from the hurricane and other disasters.

A spokesman for NBC says "The humanitarian needs from this catastrophic hurricane are immense and will continue to emerge over the next weeks, months and even years.

where are Springsteen, McCartney etc.?

Lousiana was a red state.

 

[Zapato]

Link

‘Concert for Hurricane Relief’ to air Sept. 2

Tim McGraw, Wynton Marsalis, others to perform

Artists with ties to America's Gulf Coast will participate in a live benefit special, "A Concert for Hurricane Relief," to air on Sept. 2 on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC.

(MSNBC is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC.)

Musicians appearing will include Tim McGraw, Harry Connick Jr., and Wynton Marsalis. Non-musical artists, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and others, will also participate. The hour-long music-driven special will air at 8 p.m. ET live on the East Coast, tape-delayed on the West.

"Today" show host Matt Lauer will host the telethon portion of the programming from NBC's studios in New York. All viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in support of hurricane relief through its Web site and donation hotline (www.redcross.org or 1-800-HELP NOW). 

The fund helps the Red Cross provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those suffering from the hurricane and other disasters.

A spokesman for NBC says "The humanitarian needs from this catastrophic hurricane are immense and will continue to emerge over the next weeks, months and even years.

where are Springsteen, McCartney etc.?

Lousiana was a red state.

Springsteen's best album is named after a red state.

 

[Zapato]

Good to see the wackos coming out with the "The Hurricane was sent by God" line.

 

[Rev. Jim]

Good to see the wackos coming out with the "The Hurricane was sent by God" line.

Especially ones who register an alias today to do so.

 

[Mrs. BSR]

If they actually do bring in the military to help keep the peace and relieve the coast guard and reserves to rescue survivors, how will they get in? Is there still roads to get in and out or will they have to come in via helicopter?

Does anybody know?

 

[Tiger Fan]

Tipsy, TF, Squirrels, Dome Patrol and all NO FBGs...

Just wanted to say hang in there and I hope things work out for the best for all of you.

I'm sending positive thoughts and vibes your way.

Thanks bro

 

[Tiger Fan]

If they actually do bring in the military to help keep the peace and relieve the coast guard and reserves to rescue survivors, how will they get in? Is there still roads to get in and out or will they have to come in via helicopter?

From what I am hearing, the looters are shoooting at the coast guard helicopters

 

[Mrs. BSR]

If they actually do bring in the military to help keep the peace and relieve the coast guard and reserves to rescue survivors, how will they get in? Is there still roads to get in and out or will they have to come in via helicopter?

From what I am hearing, the looters are shoooting at the coast guard helicopters

Really? How sad and disappointing.

 

[Brave Sir Robin]

If they actually do bring in the military to help keep the peace and relieve the coast guard and reserves to rescue survivors, how will they get in? Is there still roads to get in and out or will they have to come in via helicopter?

From what I am hearing, the looters are shoooting at the coast guard helicopters

Really? How sad and disappointing.

They are just tryin' to survive. Good Times. Ain't we lucky we got 'em?

 

[Tiger Fan]

Guys - For anyone who has doubts about how bad this thing really is, I'm about to post 3 emails that eventually made it to me through people I know

Dear Friends: There are about 1300 people here who need help. Iwould appreciate it if you could forward thisinformation to federal and state authorities and pressin the US and in Louisiana to make sure these sickpeople are cared for. Some had transplant surgerythis AM! I am in Memorial Hospital on Napoleon Avenue inNew Orleans. We have nearly 200 very sick people,hundreds of staff andhundreds more families. The hospital has some basicelectricity but many rooms have no electricity andmany stairwells have no electricity/ There is no a/cand no external windows. Some windows blew out in thestorm. We cannot phone out and canreceive few incoming calls. The water is rising (overthe mailboxxes on the sidewalk right now) andthe hospital is already surrounded by water. Thebasement is full and Once thewater hits the first floor, the computers, the email,all intercoms, and all internal communication insidethe hospital will cease. =20 Our phones do not work so this is the only way Ican reach out. This is not official but what I havebeen able to find out from listening to many, manypeople here. The City of New Orleans is completelyoverwhelmed. No electricity. Incredible wind damageand now a broken levee that is flooding the city evenfurther. Please make sure that someone is working to makesure these sick people and their families are helped.=20They need care. For hours they have been announcingthat patients are going to be medivaced (is this aword?) to other hospitals and shelters. But littlereal action so far. I know there is much, much to do out there, butthese sick people need attention asap. Please reach out in whatever way you can to makesure these folks are cared for.Peace and love,

 

[Hammered Finz]

If they actually do bring in the military to help keep the peace and relieve the coast guard and reserves to rescue survivors, how will they get in?  Is there still roads to get in and out or will they have to come in via helicopter?

From what I am hearing, the looters are shoooting at the coast guard helicopters

shoot back and save the time and effort of saving their pathetic asses later

 

[Tiger Fan]

A HUGE thanks goes to CGRdrJoe. I only know Joe through :11: - but for those who don't know, Joe is in the Coast Guard and is in Alexandria at the Coast Guard Command Center.

Today, my wife got a call from one of her good friends. Her father and 4 members of her family are trapped in the 2nd floor/attic of their house.

Here is a link of her father waving a t-shirt out of the house (3rd picture down)

I called Joe and gave him the address of our friend and he asked me to obtain other critical information and he forwarded it on to the proper people in New Orleans. I'm not sure what will come out of it, but I really appreciate everything that Joe did.

 

[cosjobs]

They declared marshall law in Jefferson earlier. Any word on houses being looted?

Million Dollar houses on St. Charles were being looted.Karma is a ##### - especially when those looters will all either (1) drown or (2) have some nasty diseases (dissentary) over the next few days.

One can only hope.

I hate to admit how much i want those #######s to die. I'm supposed to be a liberal, but now I want them all to die somehow. The women cops filmed looting a WalMart should be publicly flogged...William Wallace style. Its bad enough worrying about damage, and now I can only picture some ahole stealing whats left of my house & restaurant. Of course, i would be pilfering bottles of wine & booze from the restaurant too...but I have keys.

YOU LEFT THE WINE AND BOOZE?!?

 

[Tiger Fan]

Per Mrs. TF's uncle (New Orleans cop) - people are getting shot all over the place by the looters. They have to leave the people who are shot b/c they will have passed away by the time they can get to the nearest hospital.....in order for them to save people who have a chance.It is truely worse than any movie I've ever seen - and I'm just hearing things.It is 100x worse than what is being broadcast on tv and radio.

 

[Joe Bryant]

A HUGE thanks goes to CGRdrJoe. I only know Joe through :11: - but for those who don't know, Joe is in the Coast Guard and is in Alexandria at the Coast Guard Command Center.

Today, my wife got a call from one of her good friends. Her father and 4 members of her family are trapped in the 2nd floor/attic of their house.

Here is a link of her father waving a t-shirt out of the house (3rd picture down)

I called Joe and gave him the address of our friend and he asked me to obtain other critical information and he forwarded it on to the proper people in New Orleans. I'm not sure what will come out of it, but I really appreciate everything that Joe did.

CGRdrjoe. Thanks for sharing Tigerfan. Hang in there.J

 

[Tiger Fan]

This has truely been the worst day of my life. Everything keeps gettign worse by the minute. Just found out that 3 people who hang out in our group didn't evacuate and we haven't heard from them yet.

 

[CaptainHucklebuck]

This has truely been the worst day of my life. Everything keeps gettign worse by the minute.

Just found out that 3 people who hang out in our group didn't evacuate and we haven't heard from them yet.

Keep hope, TF. It could be awhile before you hear from anyone - even if they were in the Superdome and being evacuated to the Astrodome, you wouldn't be able to hear from them yet. Good luck.

 

[Zapato]

Mexican Joe is alright for a Halos fan. I just heard on a radio show some guy who called in and said he's been listening to New Orleans radio stations via the Internet (www.infinity.com, www.clearchannel.com are the two sites he gave out) that are still broadcasting. He says it's been insane, but it gives one a good idea of what's going on at the ground-level. I'm gonna check it out right now...

 

[Mr.Happy]

A HUGE thanks goes to CGRdrJoe. I only know Joe through :11: - but for those who don't know, Joe is in the Coast Guard and is in Alexandria at the Coast Guard Command Center.

Today, my wife got a call from one of her good friends. Her father and 4 members of her family are trapped in the 2nd floor/attic of their house.

Here is a link of her father waving a t-shirt out of the house (3rd picture down)

I called Joe and gave him the address of our friend and he asked me to obtain other critical information and he forwarded it on to the proper people in New Orleans. I'm not sure what will come out of it, but I really appreciate everything that Joe did.

The Mex.....a hero?Awsome. Keep up the good work Mex, we're all rooting for you!

 

[Zapato]

Mexican Joe is alright for a Halos fan.

I just heard on a radio show some guy who called in and said he's been listening to New Orleans radio stations via the Internet (www.infinity.com, www.clearchannel.com are the two sites he gave out) that are still broadcasting. He says it's been insane, but it gives one a good idea of what's going on at the ground-level.

I'm gonna check it out right now...

Check here, couldn't get through because of components I don't have: http://www.sportsradio1280.com/wodtlistenonline.htmlNo idea what's on this station, FWIW.

 

[jplvr]

Damn TF... I still can't remember what hospital she's at, but I'm sure they're in the same situation there.Big props to the Mexican. I know for a FACT (at least they told me when I sobered up) that he's a life saver.I'm heading to Biloxi tomorrow as I told you in chat. Was heading down there by myself to handle my friend's ####, but now he's flying in tomorrow to here. It's not like I can just file for him with FEMA. Anyway, looks like we're heading down together tomorrow taking his mom supplies and going to try see what we can salvage from his house which had 2 feet of water in it.Supposedly they're saying Biloxi won't have power for 3 months. Not sure what they're going to do... I mean, they have a good business there, but really they don't anymore.Anyway, best wishes to all those affected by the storm. I guess I'll be back sometime this weekend.

 

[Tiger Fan]

From inside the LSU Athletic Dept

Little did I know what I would be doing following Hurricane Katrina's aftermath but as I type right now, there won't be a more gratifying or more surreal experience I went through tonight. We went up to the office today and held a press conference regarding the postponement of the game and it was the right decision. As the PMAC and Field House are being used as shelters we decided as an office to do everything we could to help the situation. At first, we were just supposed to make copies of this disaster relief form for all of the people. The copiers will never print a document more important than that. It's weird. Nearly 12 hours ago we were running off copies of game notes for a football game that is now meaningless. We printed the copies and carried them over to the Field House at 6:30 p.m. I wouldn't leave the area for another 8 hours. On the way back to the PMAC in a cart, it looked like the scene in the movie Outbreak. FEMA officials, U.S. Marshalls, National Guard, and of course the survivors. Black Hawks were carrying in victims who were stranded on roofs. Buses rolled in from N.O. with other survivors. As Michael and I rode back to the PMAC, a lady fell out of her wheelchair and we scrambled to help her up. We met Coach Miles and Coach Moffiit in the PMAC to see all the survivors and it was the view of a hospital. Stretchers rolled in constantly and for the first time in my life I saw someone die right in front of me. A man rolled in from New Orleans and was badly injured on his head. 5 minutes later he was dead. And that was the scene all night. What did we do, we started hauling in supplies. And thousands of boxes of supplies. The CDC from Atlanta arrived directing us what to do. One of the U.S. Marshalls was on hand so the supplies could not become loot. I asked him what his primary job was. He serves on the committee of counter terrorism, but once he saw of the disaster, he donated his forces to come help. He said the death toll could be nearing 10,000. It was sickening to hear that. After unloading supplies, I started putting together baby cribs and then IV poles. Several of our fball players and Big Baby and Tasmin Mitchell helped us. At the same time, families and people strolled in. Mothers were giving berth in the locker rooms. The auxiliary gym "Dungeon" was being used as a morgue. I couldn't take myself down there to see it. I worked from 8 pm until 2:45 am. Before I left three more buses rolled in and they were almost out of room. People were standing outside, the lowest of the low from NO. The smells, the sights were hard to take. A man lying down on a cot asked me to come see him. He said,"I just need someone to talk to, to tell my story because I have nobody and nothing left. He turned out to be a retired military veteran. His story was what everybody was saying. He thought he survived the worst, woke up this morning and the levees broke. Within minutes water rushed into his house. He climbed to the attic, smashed his way through the roof and sat there for hours. He was completely sunburned and exhausted. Nearly 12 hours later a chopper rescued him and here he was. We finished the night hauling boxes of body bags and more were on the way. As we left, a man was strolled in on a stretcher and scarily enough he suffered gunshots. The paramedic said he was shot several times because a looter or a convict needed his boat and he wouldn't give it to him. Another man with him said it was "an uncivilized society no better than Iraq down there right now." A few minutes later he was unconscious and later pronounced dead. I then left as they were strolling a 3 year old kid in on a stretcher. I couldn't take it anymore. That was the scene at the PMAC and it gives me a new perspective on things. For those of you who I haven't been able to get in touch with because of phone service, I pray you are safe. Send me an email to let me know. God bless.

 

[jplvr]

Per Mrs. TF's uncle (New Orleans cop) - people are getting shot all over the place by the looters. They have to leave the people who are shot b/c they will have passed away by the time they can get to the nearest hospital.....in order for them to save people who have a chance.

It is truely worse than any movie I've ever seen - and I'm just hearing things.

It is 100x worse than what is being broadcast on tv and radio.

Just ridiculous and sad.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Damn TF... I still can't remember what hospital she's at, but I'm sure they're in the same situation there.

Big props to the Mexican. I know for a FACT (at least they told me when I sobered up) that he's a life saver.

I'm heading to Biloxi tomorrow as I told you in chat. Was heading down there by myself to handle my friend's ####, but now he's flying in tomorrow to here. It's not like I can just file for him with FEMA. Anyway, looks like we're heading down together tomorrow taking his mom supplies and going to try see what we can salvage from his house which had 2 feet of water in it.

Supposedly they're saying Biloxi won't have power for 3 months. Not sure what they're going to do... I mean, they have a good business there, but really they don't anymore.

Anyway, best wishes to all those affected by the storm. I guess I'll be back sometime this weekend.

Brett - I'm going to call you. My grandmother is in Biloxi and we haven't heard from her since Sunday.

 

[TheLaw]

My friend just called me collect, crying, from Alabama. She is now going to an aunt's house in Kentucky for the next few months possibly. Everything is gone. She only took with her four changes of clothes and not much else. She and her family are OK, but I cannot even comprehend what she is and is about to go through to rebuild her and her family's lives.

 

[jplvr]

Damn TF... I still can't remember what hospital she's at, but I'm sure they're in the same situation there.

Big props to the Mexican.  I know for a FACT (at least they told me when I sobered up) that he's a life saver.

I'm heading to Biloxi tomorrow as I told you in chat.  Was heading down there by myself to handle my friend's ####, but now he's flying in tomorrow to here.  It's not like I can just file for him with FEMA.  Anyway, looks like we're heading down together tomorrow taking his mom supplies and going to try see what we can salvage from his house which had 2 feet of water in it.

Supposedly they're saying Biloxi won't have power for 3 months.  Not sure what they're going to do... I mean, they have a good business there, but really they don't anymore.

Anyway, best wishes to all those affected by the storm.  I guess I'll be back sometime this weekend.

Brett - I'm going to call you. My grandmother is in Biloxi and we haven't heard from her since Sunday.

Give me a call. My friend told me that his buddy (the guy currently living in his house) is in the National Guard, which is why he couldn't handle things at the house. Hopefully, if she's not where she's supposed to be, he can track her down.

 

[jplvr]

TF, leaving now to go buy some things so that we're not running around too much tomorrow... just getting on the road. Call or PM the info to me here or at the bus.Apparently the PM's really do work at the bus, even with the error message. I thought that was just schtick, but then Tat sent me a PM about me cancelling my WCOFF trip.

 

[Joe Bryant]

FOX repoter Jeremy Olshan is reporting gangs roaming the city with AK47's stolen from gun stores. Says in his opinion, police have lost control of the city.J

 

[dotman]

FOX repoter Jeremy Olshan is reporting gangs roaming the city with AK47's stolen from gun stores. Says in his opinion, police have lost control of the city.

J

Too bad innocent people are still there and we can't just let them all kill each other.

 

[Pigskin75]

Hey guys. Glad to be back with you all. As you know I was posting from home right up to the time I lost power. We still don't have power at home and this is my first chance to get back on and say hey.Other than the power/phone/cable outage at home, my family and I came out just fine. But as I'm sure you all know, New Orleans is in one hell of a mess. Here in Baton Rouge we've taken in many refugees and we'll be taking more as people leave the city.BR really got off easy with just some trees down and power outages. Our friends in NO, Mississippi and Alabama, who were on the east side, got hell. Some of the towns south of new orleans also took major hits. Seven people stayed on Grande Isle, a barrier island on the coast. The island is still there but not those 7. No one knows what happened to them. Washed out to sea I'm sure.There are many towns along the Mississippi river all the way down to the mouth. They took some bad hits as well.Keep the folks in New Orleans in your prayers and thoughts. It's going to be a very long recovery.