Dave's version of the Night before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, let me give you the scoop.
Not a creature was stirring, cause they all fled the coop.
No G-Ma in Lakeview, no Joe in Chalmette,
No Towanda on St. Claude, no one's heard from her yet.
No Boudreaux in Waveland, no Jacque in Grand Isle,
No Jean in Slidell, man that girl makes me smile.
The place it was emptied by Katrina's great tide.
They all headed north, now they're spread far and wide.
As I sat there alone, I wondered out loud,
What Christmas would bring without the usual crowd.
And I questioned how Santa would find all my friends,
Now they're gone cross the country from beginning to end.
So I sat at my desk, which was no more than a book,
Cause all of my stuff damn Katrina done took.
And I wrote me a letter, crafted with care,
Made my list for St. Nick, a New Orleans prayer.
I start, "Pere Noel, you know times are hard,
And I guess fun and laughter, well they're not in my cards.
But I have a few favors to ask on this night,
And perhaps you can help before morning's first light.
I ask for good weather, so all of these crews
Can give lights to the city, before this year's through.
Bring water and gas to all of the houses,
And to Rite-Aide, and Popeye's, and Frost Stop and Rouse's.
\nA shopper or two, and a "We\'re Open" sign.\nAnd the schools sitting empty, now void of all noise,\nA teacher or two and some girls and some boys.\n \nFor those who lost loved ones, I ask that they find\nSome love in their hearts and some peace in their mind.\nAnd for those who were lost who had no one to cry,\nFamily in heaven to sit by their side.\n \nTo the four legged creatures, and the ones who have wings,\nA backyard to run in…a big cage with a swing.\nFor the people who found them, and fed them, I pray \nThat their own little companions never wander or stray.\n \nFor the young men and women who protected our streets,\nWho gave ice and gave water, and something to eat.\nMay the heavens look down and see all that you\'ve done.\nAnd bless you and your families for lifetimes to come.",1]
);
//-->
And for all of those businesses, once doing fine,
A shopper or two, and a "We're Open" sign.
And the schools sitting empty, now void of all noise,
A teacher or two and some girls and some boys.
For those who lost loved ones, I ask that they find
Some love in their hearts and some peace in their mind.
And for those who were lost who had no one to cry,
Family in heaven to sit by their side.
To the four legged creatures, and the ones who have wings,
A backyard to run in…a big cage with a swing.
For the people who found them, and fed them, I pray
That their own little companions never wander or stray.
For the young men and women who protected our streets,
Who gave ice and gave water, and something to eat.
May the heavens look down and see all that you've done.
And bless you and your families for lifetimes to come.
\n \nAnd as long as I\'m asking these favors of you,\nThere is one more thing that I wish you would do.\nIn the Dome let the Saints win just one more game,\nWhile those two words, New Orleans, are still in front of their name.\n \nBut mostly the reason I\'m writing today,\nIs for something we both know won\'t fit on your sleigh.\nFor all of the people who wander and roam,\nFor the New Orleans natives from Houston to Nome.
\n \nA place to come back to, with family and friends.\nThe knowledge that soon their long journey will end. \nFor all of those people in shelters and trailers,\nA place to call home, oh, and no levee failures.\n \nSo when you head South on your sleigh ride tonight,\nYou may find very few people, and fewer bright lights.
And as long as I'm asking these favors of you,
There is one more thing that I wish you would do.
In the Dome let the Saints win just one more game,
While those two words, New Orleans, are still in front of their name.
But mostly the reason I'm writing today,
Is for something we both know won't fit on your sleigh.
For all of the people who wander and roam,
For the New Orleans natives from Houston to Nome.
A place to come back to, with family and friends.
The knowledge that soon their long journey will end.
For all of those people in shelters and trailers,
A place to call home, oh, and no levee failures.
So when you head South on your sleigh ride tonight,
You may find very few people, and fewer bright lights.
\nSo shout "Merry Christmas New Orleans, wherever you are
But the spirit is here, sent back home from afar.
So shout "Merry Christmas New Orleans, wherever you are."
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
'Twas the Night Before Katrina (cajun style)
'Twas de night before Katrina,
when all tru da state
Not a gas pump was pumpin',
Not a store open late
All da plywood was hung,
on de windows wit care,
Knowing dat a hurricane,
Soon would be dere.
Da chilren were ready wit deir flashlight in hand
While rain bands from da hurricane covered over our lan
And Mom wit her Mag-lite, and me wit my cap
Has jus filled da battub for flushing our crap..
When out on de lawn, there arose such a clatter
I sprang from da closet to see what was de matter
The trees on da terrace, and de neighbor's roof torn,
We feared we'd be dyin' in dis terrible storm.
Wit a little wind gus, so lively and quick,
I membered quite clearly our walls was not brick
More rapid than Eagles, her courses they changed!
And she whistled and wafted and surged all the same.
Off shingles! Off sidings! Off rooftops! Off power! Down trees! Down fences! Down trailers! Down towers!
On da street of New Orleans, s
he continued to maul,
Screaming Blow away! Blow away! Blow away all!
As \n da wind ripped and tossed da debris tru de sky,
I peeked out the \n shutters at the cars floatin\' by.
So go to the attic my family did do,
\n With a portable radio and some batteries too.
And den \n in a twinkling, I heard on da set,
The end was not coming for a few \n hours yet!
As I calmed down da kids and was turning around
Tru de \n window it came with a huge crashing sound A tree branch it
\n was all covered in soot De wind blew it smack-dab on top of my foot!
\n A bundle of twigs now lay in a stack And my Livin\' Room looked
\n like it was under attack. De wind how it howled, de storm
\n very scary, Myself and my family were all too unwary.
Da dangers \n of hurricanes are serious ya know, Dey are taken for granted as Betsy
\n did show. Wit da winds dying down and da danger beneath,
\n I noticed my tool shed was missing its sheath So I grabbed my last
\n tarp, and nailed it on down, Den I got in my car and drove into town.
\n Da traffic was awful and stores had no ice, My 5-gallon
\n cooler would have to suffice Generators was scarce, not one left in \n town, Dere was trees on the roads and power lines down.
\n FEMA was ready wit people to work, Electrical companies came in \n from New York. I sprang to da car, and gave my family a whistle,
\n Den away we all went like a Tomahawk missile! You could \n hear us exclaim as we drove out of sight, "The heck wit dis place, \n Texas seem just right!"
//-->
Screaming Blow away! Blow away! Blow away all!
As da wind ripped and tossed da debris tru de sky,
I peeked out the shutters at the cars floatin' by.
So go to the attic my family did do,
With a portable radio and some batteries too.
And den in a twinkling, I heard on da set,
The end was not coming for a few hours yet!
As I calmed down da kids and was turning around
Tru de window it came with a huge crashing sound
A tree branch it was all covered in soot
De wind blew it smack-dab on top of my foot!
A bundle of twigs now lay in a stack
And my Livin' Room looked like it was under attack.
De wind how it howled, de storm very scary,
Myself and my family were all too unwary.
Da dangers of hurricanes are serious ya know,
Dey are taken for granted as Betsy did show.
Wit da winds dying down and da danger beneath,
I noticed my tool shed was missing its sheath
So I grabbed my last tarp, and nailed it on down,
Den I got in my car and drove into town.
Da traffic was awful and stores had no ice,
My 5-gallon cooler would have to suffice
Generators was scarce, not one left in town,
Dere was trees on the roads and power lines down.
FEMA was ready wit people to work,
Electrical companies came in from New York.
I sprang to da car, and gave my family a whistle,
Den away we all went like a Tomahawk missile!
You could hear us exclaim as we drove out of sight,
"The heck wit dis place, Texas seem just right!"
when all tru da state
Not a gas pump was pumpin',
Not a store open late
All da plywood was hung,
on de windows wit care,
Knowing dat a hurricane,
Soon would be dere.
Da chilren were ready wit deir flashlight in hand
While rain bands from da hurricane covered over our lan
And Mom wit her Mag-lite, and me wit my cap
Has jus filled da battub for flushing our crap..
When out on de lawn, there arose such a clatter
I sprang from da closet to see what was de matter
The trees on da terrace, and de neighbor's roof torn,
We feared we'd be dyin' in dis terrible storm.
Wit a little wind gus, so lively and quick,
I membered quite clearly our walls was not brick
More rapid than Eagles, her courses they changed!
And she whistled and wafted and surged all the same.
Off shingles! Off sidings! Off rooftops! Off power! Down trees! Down fences! Down trailers! Down towers!
On da street of New Orleans, s
he continued to maul,
Screaming Blow away! Blow away! Blow away all!
As \n da wind ripped and tossed da debris tru de sky,
I peeked out the \n shutters at the cars floatin\' by.
So go to the attic my family did do,
\n With a portable radio and some batteries too.
And den \n in a twinkling, I heard on da set,
The end was not coming for a few \n hours yet!
As I calmed down da kids and was turning around
Tru de \n window it came with a huge crashing sound A tree branch it
\n was all covered in soot De wind blew it smack-dab on top of my foot!
\n A bundle of twigs now lay in a stack And my Livin\' Room looked
\n like it was under attack. De wind how it howled, de storm
\n very scary, Myself and my family were all too unwary.
Da dangers \n of hurricanes are serious ya know, Dey are taken for granted as Betsy
\n did show. Wit da winds dying down and da danger beneath,
\n I noticed my tool shed was missing its sheath So I grabbed my last
\n tarp, and nailed it on down, Den I got in my car and drove into town.
\n Da traffic was awful and stores had no ice, My 5-gallon
\n cooler would have to suffice Generators was scarce, not one left in \n town, Dere was trees on the roads and power lines down.
\n FEMA was ready wit people to work, Electrical companies came in \n from New York. I sprang to da car, and gave my family a whistle,
\n Den away we all went like a Tomahawk missile! You could \n hear us exclaim as we drove out of sight, "The heck wit dis place, \n Texas seem just right!"
//-->
Screaming Blow away! Blow away! Blow away all!
As da wind ripped and tossed da debris tru de sky,
I peeked out the shutters at the cars floatin' by.
So go to the attic my family did do,
With a portable radio and some batteries too.
And den in a twinkling, I heard on da set,
The end was not coming for a few hours yet!
As I calmed down da kids and was turning around
Tru de window it came with a huge crashing sound
A tree branch it was all covered in soot
De wind blew it smack-dab on top of my foot!
A bundle of twigs now lay in a stack
And my Livin' Room looked like it was under attack.
De wind how it howled, de storm very scary,
Myself and my family were all too unwary.
Da dangers of hurricanes are serious ya know,
Dey are taken for granted as Betsy did show.
Wit da winds dying down and da danger beneath,
I noticed my tool shed was missing its sheath
So I grabbed my last tarp, and nailed it on down,
Den I got in my car and drove into town.
Da traffic was awful and stores had no ice,
My 5-gallon cooler would have to suffice
Generators was scarce, not one left in town,
Dere was trees on the roads and power lines down.
FEMA was ready wit people to work,
Electrical companies came in from New York.
I sprang to da car, and gave my family a whistle,
Den away we all went like a Tomahawk missile!
You could hear us exclaim as we drove out of sight,
"The heck wit dis place, Texas seem just right!"
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
News from LA Roots
N A T I O N A L I S S U E S:
Let's FLOOD WASHINGTON - Demand a Commitment to Louisiana's Coast andCommunities with the Gulf Restoration Network's quick link petition
An excerpt from Aaron Viles' message "New Orleans and South Louisiana must haveCategory 5 hurricane protection. This protection must integrate an effectivelevee system with marsh restoration and protection of coastal forests (that arethe first buffer from storms' impact). If businesses are to have the confidenceneeded to return and revitalize the city that gave the world Louis Armstrong,seafood gumbo, and America's best Mardi Gras, we must give New Orleans theprotection it deserves." http://healthygulf.org
THE LEVEES:
GOVERNMENT ENGINEERS CONFIRM the findings of LSU Team Louisiana engineersshowing that the 17th Street Canal levee pilings were "short-sheeted" - drivendown only 10 ft below sea level, instead of the 17.5 ft that the Army Corpsdesigns required. The Corps has not been able to explain the difference betweentheir levee designs and the levee construction. Team Louisiana engineers notethat even a depth of 17.5 ft would have proven inadequate, since the canalbottom is 18.5 ft and basic engineering principles dictate driving the pilingsdeeper than the canal bottom. While private engineering firms also participatedin construction studies, the Army Corps has oversight and bears ultimateresponsibility.Neither the design of the levees or their construction met the HurricaneCategory 3 protection that American citizens paid for and were promised.
http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWL113005tests.26f96425.html
American Red Cross estimates 250,000+ homes were lost from Hurricane Katrina,but 100,000 families lost homes, neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, churches,and businesses, not from Hurricane Katrina, but from the Katrina Disaster causedby bureaucratic and corporate bungling, at the least.
DEMOCRATS BRING DNC SPRING MEETING TO NEW ORLEANS:
DNC Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement and revealed hisunderstanding of the challenges we face: "...I am pleased to announce theDemocratic Party's small effort to help rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coastregion. I look forward to joining Democrats from all across the country in arevitalized New Orleans for the 2006 DNC Spring Meeting."Democrats are committed to rebuilding the Gulf Coast, and to rebuildingAmerica's sense of community. Our nation was founded on the notion that we havea responsibility to each other, a shared investment in one another and thebelief that we should leave no one behind. The American people are heroes forcoming together the way they did after Hurricane Katrina, and beingextraordinarily generous in a time of crisis. We are honored to be a part ofthat. Together, America can do better."This Spring Meeting in New Orleans will be held April 20-22, 2006 at theSheraton, overlooking the Mississippi River. It is the first to be held outsideof Washington DC and is the first convention in the City since the KatrinaDisaster. Announcement of the DNC Meeting heralds the rebirth of New Orleanstourism. Visit www.democrats.org and read how the DNC is involved in focusing national attention on the KatrinaDisaster.
LOUISIANA-to-the-NATION letter-writing campaign hit a high note in TheWashington Post's publication of "Do Not Forsake Us," from Times-Picayune editor, Jim Amoss,http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/25/AR2005112500963_pf.htmlPlease continue to send letters to newspapers and influential Congressionalleaders. For committee members contact information www.LaRoots.net/picayune_editorial.htm
R E G I O N A L I S S U E S:
EDUCATION PROGRESS: NOCCA/Riverfront is currently looking for new students for the spring semester,beginning in January. High school students who are interested in auditioningfor the spring semester (January 9 - May 12) are asked to bring a completedapplication to Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies, 201 Metairie Road,Saturday, December 10 or January 7 at 1 pm. NOCCA/Riverfront faculty willaudition students for dance, media arts, music, theatre arts, visual arts andcreative arts programs, and walk-in applicants are welcome at the MetairieAcademy audition site. Applications are available via the website or can befilled out before auditioning. Interested parties are encouraged to monitorwww.nocca.com for information. Understanding that the process of repairing andupdating NOCCA/Riverfront's current facilities will take some time, the facultywill offer arts instruction at various satellite sites in Greater New Orleans. Please contact Communications Coordinator Brian Hammell 225-342-8209 or504-473-4047 (cell) (NOCCA/Riverfront accepts students from across LA)
DEMOCRATS IN BLUE JEANS:
Excerpts from a message by Baton Rouge activist Barbara Nielsen...For many NewOrleans residents, "Home for the Holidays" means ripping out buckled wallboard,pulling up moldy carpet, and sifting through ruined belongings. Theseheartbreaking tasks can be overwhelming, especially with Christmas approaching.That's why, in the spirit of giving, we're organizing logistics for "Democratsin Blue Jeans" (because) just this past week residents were finally allowed toreturn to their flooded homes...Mid-City needs YOU to be its Christmas gift this year. The neighborhood'sfamilies are in the early stages of dealing with their loss and they needhelping hands and the knowledge that someone cares.If you can spare a few hours, a day, or several days to help with lightcarpentry, painting, hauling trash, cleaning yards or even just using your phoneand electricity to contact Entergy and Bell South on their behalf. Tell us whatyou know how to do. Whatever it is, it will make the perfect gift for someone inMid-City.Working together we will help others and remind ourselves of what is truly meansto be a Democrat.
G R E A T E R N E W O R L E A N S:
RECYCLING:PAINT & CLEANING SUPPIES: The EPA requests that residents put paint andcleaning materials out for weekly curbside pickup, separated from householdgarbage and construction debris, or drop it off this weekend only, Saturday andSunday, 9am-3pm at Samuel Square on the corner of Napoleon and South Salcedo,Broadmoor neighborhood.
ELECTRONICS & COMPUTERS: Ruined electronics are being collected this Saturday(only) at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner from 9am-3pm.BEWARE:Architectural theft is occurring in damaged neighborhoods, particularly HolyCross. Flooded homes are being stripped of cypress windows, cornices, and otherarchitectural accouterments. Please be aware of this black market when shoppingfor renovation and rebuilding materials. Board-up and monitor vacant propertyand report all incidents of looting to police district commander and appropriatecity councilperson.
MID-CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION is sponsoring a party on Saturday, December 3from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Mid-City Lanes Rock and Bowl. Residents andneighborhood business owners are invited to an afternoon of music, refreshments,fun and friendship. Artist Linda Berman has created an original piece to beraffled to benefit area artists and musicians. Contact Email:administration@mcno.org
GENTILLY CLEAN-UP: Saturday Dec 3 8am-Noon, Meet at Chapel of the HolyComforter, 2200 Lakeshore Drive. Call Dr. Vera Triplett 504-919-0451, CouncilDistrict D office 504-658-1040 orhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/gentilly_after_katrina/
PONTCHARTRAIN PARK MEETING: "Residential Aim to Rebuild" Saturday Dec.3 11amCity Council Chambers. Pre-submit questions by emailing Councilwoman CynthiaMorrell's office at ptriley@cityofno.com
MARDI GRAS SCHEDULE 2006:Mardi Gras in New Orleans will have parades on the St Charles Avenue routebeginning February 18 and 19 (the first weekend) and resuming on February 23rd,continuing through Tuesday February 28th - with all usual festivities, includingthe 29th Annual Noon March through the French Quarter of the Krewe of KosmicDebris. A quick search on Hotels.com revealed hotel room availabilitybeginning at $123 per night for the first weekend. Make plans now toparticipate in the 150th Anniversary of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. A new season kick-off is THE QUEENS' PARTY on January 7th (the day after AllKings' Day) which will take place at The Maple Leaf, featuring the music ofJohnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. The joyous Queens attending include reigningsovereigns from Krewe of Dreux, Krewe of Oak, Krewe of MOMS and Krewe of KosmicDebris and invite loyal subjects and Mardi Gras celebrants to this seasonkick-off, costumes preferred, naturally.
Let's FLOOD WASHINGTON - Demand a Commitment to Louisiana's Coast andCommunities with the Gulf Restoration Network's quick link petition
An excerpt from Aaron Viles' message "New Orleans and South Louisiana must haveCategory 5 hurricane protection. This protection must integrate an effectivelevee system with marsh restoration and protection of coastal forests (that arethe first buffer from storms' impact). If businesses are to have the confidenceneeded to return and revitalize the city that gave the world Louis Armstrong,seafood gumbo, and America's best Mardi Gras, we must give New Orleans theprotection it deserves." http://healthygulf.org
THE LEVEES:
GOVERNMENT ENGINEERS CONFIRM the findings of LSU Team Louisiana engineersshowing that the 17th Street Canal levee pilings were "short-sheeted" - drivendown only 10 ft below sea level, instead of the 17.5 ft that the Army Corpsdesigns required. The Corps has not been able to explain the difference betweentheir levee designs and the levee construction. Team Louisiana engineers notethat even a depth of 17.5 ft would have proven inadequate, since the canalbottom is 18.5 ft and basic engineering principles dictate driving the pilingsdeeper than the canal bottom. While private engineering firms also participatedin construction studies, the Army Corps has oversight and bears ultimateresponsibility.Neither the design of the levees or their construction met the HurricaneCategory 3 protection that American citizens paid for and were promised.
http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWL113005tests.26f96425.html
American Red Cross estimates 250,000+ homes were lost from Hurricane Katrina,but 100,000 families lost homes, neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, churches,and businesses, not from Hurricane Katrina, but from the Katrina Disaster causedby bureaucratic and corporate bungling, at the least.
DEMOCRATS BRING DNC SPRING MEETING TO NEW ORLEANS:
DNC Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement and revealed hisunderstanding of the challenges we face: "...I am pleased to announce theDemocratic Party's small effort to help rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coastregion. I look forward to joining Democrats from all across the country in arevitalized New Orleans for the 2006 DNC Spring Meeting."Democrats are committed to rebuilding the Gulf Coast, and to rebuildingAmerica's sense of community. Our nation was founded on the notion that we havea responsibility to each other, a shared investment in one another and thebelief that we should leave no one behind. The American people are heroes forcoming together the way they did after Hurricane Katrina, and beingextraordinarily generous in a time of crisis. We are honored to be a part ofthat. Together, America can do better."This Spring Meeting in New Orleans will be held April 20-22, 2006 at theSheraton, overlooking the Mississippi River. It is the first to be held outsideof Washington DC and is the first convention in the City since the KatrinaDisaster. Announcement of the DNC Meeting heralds the rebirth of New Orleanstourism. Visit www.democrats.org and read how the DNC is involved in focusing national attention on the KatrinaDisaster.
LOUISIANA-to-the-NATION letter-writing campaign hit a high note in TheWashington Post's publication of "Do Not Forsake Us," from Times-Picayune editor, Jim Amoss,http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/25/AR2005112500963_pf.htmlPlease continue to send letters to newspapers and influential Congressionalleaders. For committee members contact information www.LaRoots.net/picayune_editorial.htm
R E G I O N A L I S S U E S:
EDUCATION PROGRESS: NOCCA/Riverfront is currently looking for new students for the spring semester,beginning in January. High school students who are interested in auditioningfor the spring semester (January 9 - May 12) are asked to bring a completedapplication to Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies, 201 Metairie Road,Saturday, December 10 or January 7 at 1 pm. NOCCA/Riverfront faculty willaudition students for dance, media arts, music, theatre arts, visual arts andcreative arts programs, and walk-in applicants are welcome at the MetairieAcademy audition site. Applications are available via the website or can befilled out before auditioning. Interested parties are encouraged to monitorwww.nocca.com for information. Understanding that the process of repairing andupdating NOCCA/Riverfront's current facilities will take some time, the facultywill offer arts instruction at various satellite sites in Greater New Orleans. Please contact Communications Coordinator Brian Hammell 225-342-8209 or504-473-4047 (cell) (NOCCA/Riverfront accepts students from across LA)
DEMOCRATS IN BLUE JEANS:
Excerpts from a message by Baton Rouge activist Barbara Nielsen...For many NewOrleans residents, "Home for the Holidays" means ripping out buckled wallboard,pulling up moldy carpet, and sifting through ruined belongings. Theseheartbreaking tasks can be overwhelming, especially with Christmas approaching.That's why, in the spirit of giving, we're organizing logistics for "Democratsin Blue Jeans" (because) just this past week residents were finally allowed toreturn to their flooded homes...Mid-City needs YOU to be its Christmas gift this year. The neighborhood'sfamilies are in the early stages of dealing with their loss and they needhelping hands and the knowledge that someone cares.If you can spare a few hours, a day, or several days to help with lightcarpentry, painting, hauling trash, cleaning yards or even just using your phoneand electricity to contact Entergy and Bell South on their behalf. Tell us whatyou know how to do. Whatever it is, it will make the perfect gift for someone inMid-City.Working together we will help others and remind ourselves of what is truly meansto be a Democrat.
G R E A T E R N E W O R L E A N S:
RECYCLING:PAINT & CLEANING SUPPIES: The EPA requests that residents put paint andcleaning materials out for weekly curbside pickup, separated from householdgarbage and construction debris, or drop it off this weekend only, Saturday andSunday, 9am-3pm at Samuel Square on the corner of Napoleon and South Salcedo,Broadmoor neighborhood.
ELECTRONICS & COMPUTERS: Ruined electronics are being collected this Saturday(only) at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner from 9am-3pm.BEWARE:Architectural theft is occurring in damaged neighborhoods, particularly HolyCross. Flooded homes are being stripped of cypress windows, cornices, and otherarchitectural accouterments. Please be aware of this black market when shoppingfor renovation and rebuilding materials. Board-up and monitor vacant propertyand report all incidents of looting to police district commander and appropriatecity councilperson.
MID-CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION is sponsoring a party on Saturday, December 3from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Mid-City Lanes Rock and Bowl. Residents andneighborhood business owners are invited to an afternoon of music, refreshments,fun and friendship. Artist Linda Berman has created an original piece to beraffled to benefit area artists and musicians. Contact Email:administration@mcno.org
GENTILLY CLEAN-UP: Saturday Dec 3 8am-Noon, Meet at Chapel of the HolyComforter, 2200 Lakeshore Drive. Call Dr. Vera Triplett 504-919-0451, CouncilDistrict D office 504-658-1040 orhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/gentilly_after_katrina/
PONTCHARTRAIN PARK MEETING: "Residential Aim to Rebuild" Saturday Dec.3 11amCity Council Chambers. Pre-submit questions by emailing Councilwoman CynthiaMorrell's office at ptriley@cityofno.com
MARDI GRAS SCHEDULE 2006:Mardi Gras in New Orleans will have parades on the St Charles Avenue routebeginning February 18 and 19 (the first weekend) and resuming on February 23rd,continuing through Tuesday February 28th - with all usual festivities, includingthe 29th Annual Noon March through the French Quarter of the Krewe of KosmicDebris. A quick search on Hotels.com revealed hotel room availabilitybeginning at $123 per night for the first weekend. Make plans now toparticipate in the 150th Anniversary of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. A new season kick-off is THE QUEENS' PARTY on January 7th (the day after AllKings' Day) which will take place at The Maple Leaf, featuring the music ofJohnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. The joyous Queens attending include reigningsovereigns from Krewe of Dreux, Krewe of Oak, Krewe of MOMS and Krewe of KosmicDebris and invite loyal subjects and Mardi Gras celebrants to this seasonkick-off, costumes preferred, naturally.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
On our own
It's been three months now since we lived in our own apartment. It's a hard concept for those not in this situation to grasp. It sounds fun and romantic to be vagabonds, but in truth, we are mostly homeless. Now we are back in our hometown. It's a small town without the conveniences that those in metro areas are used to, but it has its own charm.
NBC Evening News has had a few segments on New Orleans and the Biloxi areas. Interesting to watch. Please continue you interest.
NBC Evening News has had a few segments on New Orleans and the Biloxi areas. Interesting to watch. Please continue you interest.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving
Greetings.
It's been two weeks with Internet connectivity, so I'm thrilled to be writing on Thanksgiving.
We haved moved off of Lake Michigan and back to my hometown. It's great to be in a familar place and kind of strange too. I wanted to thank all you have who have provided items to us. Now that we are in our own apartment, we are using everything that was provided. We didn't get hit as badly as some, but we lost all our furniture including bedroom suites. That means we have new furniture! That's not a bad thing. We managed to salvaged some wood and metal items, like tables, and brought them up here. Sure enough, the mold DID freeze!! Just like I predicted. ;-) So now our stuff has more character and history.
We are a few steps away from being where we were before this happened, so that is encouraging. I am stilling for employment and, yes, I do miss the warm weather. I plan to go back down in Mid-December to see what is what.
Many thanks to all (I haven't had a chance to thank Lisa Caldrone-Stewart). You have all been great and gracious. Your giving without question has been inspirational.
And to those who haven't given me advice: THANK YOU!! I am really thankfull for that.
Peace and my best to you and your on the precious day and in days to come.
God Bless. Stay warm.
It's been two weeks with Internet connectivity, so I'm thrilled to be writing on Thanksgiving.
We haved moved off of Lake Michigan and back to my hometown. It's great to be in a familar place and kind of strange too. I wanted to thank all you have who have provided items to us. Now that we are in our own apartment, we are using everything that was provided. We didn't get hit as badly as some, but we lost all our furniture including bedroom suites. That means we have new furniture! That's not a bad thing. We managed to salvaged some wood and metal items, like tables, and brought them up here. Sure enough, the mold DID freeze!! Just like I predicted. ;-) So now our stuff has more character and history.
We are a few steps away from being where we were before this happened, so that is encouraging. I am stilling for employment and, yes, I do miss the warm weather. I plan to go back down in Mid-December to see what is what.
Many thanks to all (I haven't had a chance to thank Lisa Caldrone-Stewart). You have all been great and gracious. Your giving without question has been inspirational.
And to those who haven't given me advice: THANK YOU!! I am really thankfull for that.
Peace and my best to you and your on the precious day and in days to come.
God Bless. Stay warm.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Two months ago today
November 7, 2005
Dear Friends,
Two months ago today, we arrived in Wisconsin. To be certain, we never expected such a wild ride. On Sunday, August 28, 2005, we drove from our home in the suburbs of New Orleans to what we expected to be part of the accepted routine of hurricane evacuation. We left, along with many others, in an orderly fashion on Louisiana’s premiere use of the contra flow, a method of travel in which all lanes of the interstate are turned outbound. We moved slowly and silently, only the vast expanse of red taillights ahead of us. It is a visual that haunts my memory.
My mother, dog, and I were taken in by a dear friend in Chicago the first week. The following week, we headed North. We’ve been very fortunate to have many dear friends these days to take us in. Many others offered homes, storage, gifts, clothes, furniture, food and support. It’s all been so overwhelming. And so appreciated.
When we arrived, we weren’t certain what happened and what the future would hold. There is a passage in the Scriptures about taking up another’s burden, which is what you have done for us. In a time when shock and despair are the only emotions we felt comfortable with, you allowed us that luxury while limiting impending anxieties. You gave without question, without recognition, without asking for anything in return. Indeed, I certainly appreciate your offer of respect and humanity, not advice.
We are strangers, yet you have made us your neighbors. At this time, as I go through the lovely items, gifts, and other donations, I am continuously touched by your humanity. I appreciate your understanding, your kindness, your generosity, your respect.
Dear Friends,
Two months ago today, we arrived in Wisconsin. To be certain, we never expected such a wild ride. On Sunday, August 28, 2005, we drove from our home in the suburbs of New Orleans to what we expected to be part of the accepted routine of hurricane evacuation. We left, along with many others, in an orderly fashion on Louisiana’s premiere use of the contra flow, a method of travel in which all lanes of the interstate are turned outbound. We moved slowly and silently, only the vast expanse of red taillights ahead of us. It is a visual that haunts my memory.
My mother, dog, and I were taken in by a dear friend in Chicago the first week. The following week, we headed North. We’ve been very fortunate to have many dear friends these days to take us in. Many others offered homes, storage, gifts, clothes, furniture, food and support. It’s all been so overwhelming. And so appreciated.
When we arrived, we weren’t certain what happened and what the future would hold. There is a passage in the Scriptures about taking up another’s burden, which is what you have done for us. In a time when shock and despair are the only emotions we felt comfortable with, you allowed us that luxury while limiting impending anxieties. You gave without question, without recognition, without asking for anything in return. Indeed, I certainly appreciate your offer of respect and humanity, not advice.
We are strangers, yet you have made us your neighbors. At this time, as I go through the lovely items, gifts, and other donations, I am continuously touched by your humanity. I appreciate your understanding, your kindness, your generosity, your respect.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Numbers and other items
It's been over 2 months since Katrina changed the country. Have you been watching CNN? Today they visited Pass Christian, MS, the town where we were to vacation on August 29 (the day katrina hit). I can't imagine what would have happened had we followed the advice of the vacation property manager rather than our own guts and the news. The town is almost completely wiped off the map.
OTHER PERSPECTIVES: Taking offense at comments by Gov Jeb Bush and because of numerous comparisons between our Louisiana experiences and circumstances in Florida or New York City, below is a list gathered from several sources that underscores the extent of the Katrina disaster compared to other hurricanes, including 1992's Florida Hurricane Andrew, formerly considered America's most destructive. All disasters are horrible, all hurricanes frightening, and each death is a tragedy in that family. Every effort to present an accurate picture was made, however one consistent problem has been an inability to nail down firm numbers.
No statistics could be found for those still missing since Katrina, or those who died after evacuation to other areas.
Katrina 1,302 lives lost
Rita 119 lives lost (6 directly)
Wilma 47 lives lost (21 directly)
Andrew 65 lives lost (26 directly)
Katrina 250,000 to 350,000 homes destroyed
Rita 10,000 homes destroyed
Wilma 150 homes destroyed
Andrew 25,000 homes destroyed
Katrina $130,000,000,000 projected
Rita 8,000,000,000
Wilma 15,000,000,000
Andrew 25,000,000,000
Katrina disaster assistance from Feds lowers to 75% after November 26Andrew disaster assistance from Feds was 100%September 11th disaster assistance from Feds was 100%Katrina SBA loan approval rate: 1.6%Over 500,000 out of workCustomary SBA loan approval rate: 40-55%
OTHER PERSPECTIVES: Taking offense at comments by Gov Jeb Bush and because of numerous comparisons between our Louisiana experiences and circumstances in Florida or New York City, below is a list gathered from several sources that underscores the extent of the Katrina disaster compared to other hurricanes, including 1992's Florida Hurricane Andrew, formerly considered America's most destructive. All disasters are horrible, all hurricanes frightening, and each death is a tragedy in that family. Every effort to present an accurate picture was made, however one consistent problem has been an inability to nail down firm numbers.
No statistics could be found for those still missing since Katrina, or those who died after evacuation to other areas.
Katrina 1,302 lives lost
Rita 119 lives lost (6 directly)
Wilma 47 lives lost (21 directly)
Andrew 65 lives lost (26 directly)
Katrina 250,000 to 350,000 homes destroyed
Rita 10,000 homes destroyed
Wilma 150 homes destroyed
Andrew 25,000 homes destroyed
Katrina $130,000,000,000 projected
Rita 8,000,000,000
Wilma 15,000,000,000
Andrew 25,000,000,000
Katrina disaster assistance from Feds lowers to 75% after November 26Andrew disaster assistance from Feds was 100%September 11th disaster assistance from Feds was 100%Katrina SBA loan approval rate: 1.6%Over 500,000 out of workCustomary SBA loan approval rate: 40-55%
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Happy Halloween
Today, I'd like to thank Marcia Baird and Frannie Glossen.
Probably the strangest thing I'm doing these days has to do with garbage. As you may know, we are staying at someone's cottage located on the Lake. Since it is that kind of scenerio, there is no garbage pick up. I'm the one you'll notice lurking near any store's trash can. Each day I take a Target bag (or Walmart or whatever) full of trash, put it in my car and when I go to a store I take my trash with me and put it into the outside garbage can. SO the next time you are woofing about taking out the trash to your curb, trash shoot, or dumpster, just think of me. Do you know where You would put YOUR garbage? What would kind of trash would you feel comfortable getting rid of at the local Walmart? What would you do with your recycling?
Another convenience that we take for granted.
Probably the strangest thing I'm doing these days has to do with garbage. As you may know, we are staying at someone's cottage located on the Lake. Since it is that kind of scenerio, there is no garbage pick up. I'm the one you'll notice lurking near any store's trash can. Each day I take a Target bag (or Walmart or whatever) full of trash, put it in my car and when I go to a store I take my trash with me and put it into the outside garbage can. SO the next time you are woofing about taking out the trash to your curb, trash shoot, or dumpster, just think of me. Do you know where You would put YOUR garbage? What would kind of trash would you feel comfortable getting rid of at the local Walmart? What would you do with your recycling?
Another convenience that we take for granted.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
You know you're from New Orleans...
You know you're from New Orleans and have survived Hurricane Katrina when....
1. pre-K has nothing to do with the year before Kindergarten.
2. The flies are bigger than your Chihuahua.
3. Your bank, dry cleaner, and grocery store are closed but your bar is not. (thank you, Cooter Brown's)
4. You judge your elevation by the brown horizontal line in the city.
5. You have to show an ID to get into your neighborhood.
6. Your neighborhood has no children, so you actually start to miss the little boys across the street who used to throw rocks onto your roof.
7. You go to Sam's Club, but instead of coming home with a case of poptarts, you buy masks, bleach, rubber gloves, and baking soda in bulk.
8. You know five remedies to get the smell out of your refrigerator.
9. You spend a lot of time talking with your friends about the five remedies to get the smell out of your refrigerator.
10. Ice becomes more precious than gold.
11. Your office goes from 40 employees to 5.
12. Living in a house with twelve other people is not a sign of how poor you are, but how rich you are with friends and family.
13. You know what a double-evacuee is. (Damn you, Rita!)
14. FEMA means "failure to effectively manage anything" and hearing the words "Red Cross" makes your blood boil.
15. You get sick of hearing people from Baton Rouge tell you how bad the traffic is now. You remind them that Baton Rouge traffic was terrible before ther were 200,000 more people in town.
16. The strip clubs on Bourbon Street have power before your house does.....
17. The salvation army, a firefighter from Michigan, and cops from Wauconda show up at your house to make sure that you are OK.
18. There is a pirogue on your roof.
19. You return to your home and all of your belongings fit into two boxes.
20. Contraflow just doesn't seem so bad.
21. You have to purchase hip boots to walk in your neighborhood.
22. You pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.
23. Lakeview becomes Lake.
24. The crosses on your wall and kitchen counter top remain despite the five feet of water in your house.
25. You know what it truly means to miss New Orleans!
1. pre-K has nothing to do with the year before Kindergarten.
2. The flies are bigger than your Chihuahua.
3. Your bank, dry cleaner, and grocery store are closed but your bar is not. (thank you, Cooter Brown's)
4. You judge your elevation by the brown horizontal line in the city.
5. You have to show an ID to get into your neighborhood.
6. Your neighborhood has no children, so you actually start to miss the little boys across the street who used to throw rocks onto your roof.
7. You go to Sam's Club, but instead of coming home with a case of poptarts, you buy masks, bleach, rubber gloves, and baking soda in bulk.
8. You know five remedies to get the smell out of your refrigerator.
9. You spend a lot of time talking with your friends about the five remedies to get the smell out of your refrigerator.
10. Ice becomes more precious than gold.
11. Your office goes from 40 employees to 5.
12. Living in a house with twelve other people is not a sign of how poor you are, but how rich you are with friends and family.
13. You know what a double-evacuee is. (Damn you, Rita!)
14. FEMA means "failure to effectively manage anything" and hearing the words "Red Cross" makes your blood boil.
15. You get sick of hearing people from Baton Rouge tell you how bad the traffic is now. You remind them that Baton Rouge traffic was terrible before ther were 200,000 more people in town.
16. The strip clubs on Bourbon Street have power before your house does.....
17. The salvation army, a firefighter from Michigan, and cops from Wauconda show up at your house to make sure that you are OK.
18. There is a pirogue on your roof.
19. You return to your home and all of your belongings fit into two boxes.
20. Contraflow just doesn't seem so bad.
21. You have to purchase hip boots to walk in your neighborhood.
22. You pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.
23. Lakeview becomes Lake.
24. The crosses on your wall and kitchen counter top remain despite the five feet of water in your house.
25. You know what it truly means to miss New Orleans!
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Photos of Katrina's New Orleans
http://spaces.msn.com/members/lightshadowss/
Before beginning your journey, I would ask that you take a look at the map of New Orleans. You will see the three major levee breaches that allowed the streets to fill with water. The areas covered by the grayish/blue grid are, for all intents and purposes, dead zones. Downtown New Orleans, home to the Superdome and the French Quarter, and the location most featured on the news during the ordeal is currently functional, as are portions of the Garden District, Audubon, and East Carrollton.
Much more of the city is empty, having sat in anywhere from 6 to 15 feet of water for as long as two weeks. Central City, Mid City, Gentilly, Lakeview, New Orleans East, Bywater, the 9th Ward, Lakeshore, and West End are all lost. Arabi, Meraux, Hopedale, Kenilworth, and Chalmette in neighboring St. Bernard Parish are as well. There are people trying to clean up…trying to rebuild…but what they face is total and absolute devastation. I can’t stress that point enough. Thousands and thousands of homes, businesses and schools have been destroyed. The scenes on television did not, and do not do the situation justice. This is very, very bad.
The reason I want so badly for everyone to understand the gravity of the situation is so that when the rebuilding effort is complete…when the city once again hosts a Sugar Bowl, or a Super Bowl…when Mardi Gras floats once again roll down Canal Street…when you can once again go to a Bucktown restaurant, order a platter of crabs or crawfish, and eat your entire meal without referring to “The Storm”….the feat that these people will have accomplished will not be underestimated.
Dave
Metairie, LA
http://spaces.msn.com/members/lightshadowss/
Before beginning your journey, I would ask that you take a look at the map of New Orleans. You will see the three major levee breaches that allowed the streets to fill with water. The areas covered by the grayish/blue grid are, for all intents and purposes, dead zones. Downtown New Orleans, home to the Superdome and the French Quarter, and the location most featured on the news during the ordeal is currently functional, as are portions of the Garden District, Audubon, and East Carrollton.
Much more of the city is empty, having sat in anywhere from 6 to 15 feet of water for as long as two weeks. Central City, Mid City, Gentilly, Lakeview, New Orleans East, Bywater, the 9th Ward, Lakeshore, and West End are all lost. Arabi, Meraux, Hopedale, Kenilworth, and Chalmette in neighboring St. Bernard Parish are as well. There are people trying to clean up…trying to rebuild…but what they face is total and absolute devastation. I can’t stress that point enough. Thousands and thousands of homes, businesses and schools have been destroyed. The scenes on television did not, and do not do the situation justice. This is very, very bad.
The reason I want so badly for everyone to understand the gravity of the situation is so that when the rebuilding effort is complete…when the city once again hosts a Sugar Bowl, or a Super Bowl…when Mardi Gras floats once again roll down Canal Street…when you can once again go to a Bucktown restaurant, order a platter of crabs or crawfish, and eat your entire meal without referring to “The Storm”….the feat that these people will have accomplished will not be underestimated.
Dave
Metairie, LA
http://spaces.msn.com/members/lightshadowss/
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Song for the ages?
http://www.filmstripinternational.com/index.php?play=asshole
Go to this site for a little tongue in cheek humor...OK, it's anti-Republican so don't blame me if you are offended. Speaking of Republicans, did you catch Sen. Shayes (?) from Connecticut on CNN today stating how embarrassed he is of the way Republicans are behaving these days. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Yah think! I can't believe I'm craving the Newt Gingrich days!
Go to this site for a little tongue in cheek humor...OK, it's anti-Republican so don't blame me if you are offended. Speaking of Republicans, did you catch Sen. Shayes (?) from Connecticut on CNN today stating how embarrassed he is of the way Republicans are behaving these days. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Yah think! I can't believe I'm craving the Newt Gingrich days!
Monday, October 17, 2005
The Washington Post
October 3, 2005
9th Ward: History, Yes, but a Future?;Race and Class Frame Debate on Rebuilding New Orleans District
BYLINE: Ceci Connolly, Washington Post Staff Writer
No one here wants to say it aloud, but one day soon the bulldozers will come, shoving away big hunks of a neighborhood known for its poverty and its artists, its bad luck and its bounce-back resilience.It is likely to be the largest demolition of a community in modern U.S. history -- destruction begun by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and finished by heavy machinery. On Saturday, firefighters put red tags on hundreds of homes deemed "unsafe," the first step in a wrenching debate over whether the Lower Ninth Ward should be rebuilt or whether, as some suggest, it should revert to its natural state: swamp.A neighborhood tucked into a deep depression between two canals, railroad tracks and the Mississippi River, New Orleans's Lower Ninth has spent more of the past five weeks underwater than dry. Entire houses knocked off foundations. Barbershops and corner groceries flattened. Cars tossed inside living rooms. What remains is coated in muck -- a crusty layer of canal water, sewage and dirt. Mold is rapidly devouring interiors.The question now is whether the Lower Ninth Ward, which was devastated 40 years ago by Hurricane Betsy, should be resuscitated again. The debate, as fervent as any facing post-hurricane New Orleans, will test this city's mettle and is sure to expose tensions over race, poverty and political power. The people willing to let the Lower Ninth fade away hew to a pragmatist's bottom line; the ones who want it to stay talk of culture and tradition.The flooded sections "should not be put back in the real estate market," said Craig E. Colten, a geography professor at Louisiana State University. "I realize it will be an insult [to former residents], but it would be a far bigger insult to put them back in harm's way."The notion is not without precedent. In the 1800s, cities such as New York, Boston and Chicago rebuilt on filled-in marsh. More recently, the federal government has paid to relocate homes destroyed by the Mississippi River floods of 1993; the Northridge, Calif., earthquake; and the Love Canal environmental disaster in Upstate New York.But never on the scale being contemplated here. And never in a predominantly black, low-income community already smarting from previous wrongs, perceived or real."This is a natural disaster; it's nobody's fault," said Lolita Reed Glass, who grew up in the Lower Ninth with her parents and 10 siblings. "My daddy worked. He did not sit on his bottom. You're not giving us anything. What we rightfully deserve as citizens of this country is the same protection we give to other countries."Of the 160,000 buildings in Louisiana declared "uninhabitable" after Katrina, a majority are in the New Orleans neighborhoods that suffered extensive flooding. Mayor C. Ray Nagin, an African American who worked in the private sector before entering politics, has spelled out plans to reopen every section of the city -- except the Lower Ninth. His director of homeland security, Col. Terry Ebbert, said in an interview that most homes in the Lower Ninth "will not be able to be restored." Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson told the Houston Chronicle he has advised Nagin that "it would be a mistake to rebuild the Ninth Ward."The mayor himself has spoken ominously about the need for residents to come in, "take a peek," retrieve a few valuables and move on. Historic preservation advocates fear that the city will capitalize on a program run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that pays to tear down damaged buildings but not to repair historic private properties."There is a built-in incentive to demolish," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "The first instinct after natural disasters is almost always to demolish buildings. It is almost always wrong."New Orleans, with 20 districts on the National Register of Historic Places covering half the city, has the highest concentration of historic structures in the nation, Moe said. That includes the Lower Ninth's Holy Cross section, with its shotgun houses and gems such as the Jackson Barracks, the Doullut Steamboat Houses and St. Maurice Church.In a news conference Friday, Nagin was noncommittal about the future of the Lower Ninth, noting that portions are still flooded, there is a "significant amount of debris and mud," and environmental tests must be conducted."I am sensitive to the Ninth Ward and people talking about it like it's not people's homes," he said. "If we do have to do any mass demolition in the Lower Ninth Ward, I hope we figure out proper compensation" for property owners, he added.Although it is less than two miles northeast of the French Quarter, the Lower Ninth Ward is far removed from the money and clout pulsating through downtown. From the high ground along the banks of the Mississippi River, the ward gradually slopes down. Closest to the river, the flood was five or six or seven feet deep; farther down into the neighborhood -- away from the river -- the water lapped at rooftops.Firefighters, called in by the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits to help decide what should stay and what should go, peered up at those ruined roofs over the weekend. They left behind the fluorescent red warning tags on the worst hulks."If you go in the house, you are entering at your own risk," said Jamie Grant, area leader for the Buxton, Maine, fire department, one of several out-of-state teams brought in for the unpleasant task. City Attorney Sherry Landry said "full structural assessments" have not been conducted on the tagged houses, but the damage appears so severe it "could make occupancy dangerous."Originally a cypress swamp, the community of 20,000 is overwhelmingly black; more than one-third of residents live below the poverty line, according to the 2000 census. The people of the Lower Ninth are the maids, bellhops and busboys who care for New Orleans tourists. They are also the clerks and cops now helping to get the city back on its feet. The ward is home to carpenters, sculptors, musicians and retirees. Fats Domino still has a house in the Lower Ninth. Kermit Ruffins -- a quintessential New Orleanian trumpeter whose band likes to grill up some barbecue between sets -- attended local schools. About half the houses are rentals."It's a scrappy place where people don't take a lot of guff, but a place where people really respect each other," said Pam Dashiell, president of the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association. "It has heart and soul and beauty."Dashiell is annoyed by comments by House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and some developers suggesting there is no point in restoring the most flood-prone parts of the city -- the Lower Ninth, everyone knows, even if it is not mentioned by name. She wants "an independent expert who can be trusted" to assess the condition of buildings there and a hefty investment in levees that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane.Yet even some liberal activists, people who have worked to buoy the fortunes of the Lower Ninth, are beginning to talk favorably about clearing it away -- if residents are well compensated and given suitable housing elsewhere."It would be negligent homicide to put people in the Lower Ninth," said Russell Henderson, a veteran community organizer who has formed the Rebuilding Louisiana Coalition. "If you put people back in there, they're going to die."But scraping away the Lower Ninth would most certainly change the already delicate equations of racial and economic politics in one of America's poorest cities, a city that was 67 percent black but is likely to have a smaller black majority once it is resettled. LSU's Colten fears middle-class Gentilly and wealthy Lakeview -- just as prone to severe flooding -- will nevertheless be rebuilt, while the Lower Ninth is abandoned.The temptation will be to "open up spaces where there has been a lot of poverty," similar to the urban renewal projects of the 1960s, he said: "Those were seen as a way of cleansing a problem. It didn't eliminate poverty; it just moved it."Lolita Reed Glass is suspicious that property owners such as her mother will be offered $5,000 for land that is resold for $500,000. Dubbed a "Betsy baby" because she was born nine months after that hurricane brought water to the eaves in the Lower Ninth in 1965, Glass grew up hearing how her mother and seven older siblings punched a hole in the roof to escape the deluge. When they returned, her father added three bedrooms, a bath and laundry onto the pale-blue shotgun house to accommodate his growing family."We weren't rich; we weren't poor," she said, but those things did not seem to matter to the family. All they knew was what they had. The day before Katrina swept through, Glass evacuated with her husband and three children, her mother, six siblings and an aunt. More than a month later, they are waiting to go back."My mother's thoughts and prayers are that she can go home," Glass said. But if that is impossible, she at least wants to give her goodbyes to a structure built in part with her father's own hands. "I've not seen my history, not seen where I come from," she said. "We need to have an opportunity to do that."Katrina ripped off the front porch and laundry room. The floodwaters tossed the contents like a salad, still moist. The house next door floated away. But 1939 Lamanche St. is there. And for now at least, without a red tag.
9th Ward: History, Yes, but a Future?;Race and Class Frame Debate on Rebuilding New Orleans District
BYLINE: Ceci Connolly, Washington Post Staff Writer
No one here wants to say it aloud, but one day soon the bulldozers will come, shoving away big hunks of a neighborhood known for its poverty and its artists, its bad luck and its bounce-back resilience.It is likely to be the largest demolition of a community in modern U.S. history -- destruction begun by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and finished by heavy machinery. On Saturday, firefighters put red tags on hundreds of homes deemed "unsafe," the first step in a wrenching debate over whether the Lower Ninth Ward should be rebuilt or whether, as some suggest, it should revert to its natural state: swamp.A neighborhood tucked into a deep depression between two canals, railroad tracks and the Mississippi River, New Orleans's Lower Ninth has spent more of the past five weeks underwater than dry. Entire houses knocked off foundations. Barbershops and corner groceries flattened. Cars tossed inside living rooms. What remains is coated in muck -- a crusty layer of canal water, sewage and dirt. Mold is rapidly devouring interiors.The question now is whether the Lower Ninth Ward, which was devastated 40 years ago by Hurricane Betsy, should be resuscitated again. The debate, as fervent as any facing post-hurricane New Orleans, will test this city's mettle and is sure to expose tensions over race, poverty and political power. The people willing to let the Lower Ninth fade away hew to a pragmatist's bottom line; the ones who want it to stay talk of culture and tradition.The flooded sections "should not be put back in the real estate market," said Craig E. Colten, a geography professor at Louisiana State University. "I realize it will be an insult [to former residents], but it would be a far bigger insult to put them back in harm's way."The notion is not without precedent. In the 1800s, cities such as New York, Boston and Chicago rebuilt on filled-in marsh. More recently, the federal government has paid to relocate homes destroyed by the Mississippi River floods of 1993; the Northridge, Calif., earthquake; and the Love Canal environmental disaster in Upstate New York.But never on the scale being contemplated here. And never in a predominantly black, low-income community already smarting from previous wrongs, perceived or real."This is a natural disaster; it's nobody's fault," said Lolita Reed Glass, who grew up in the Lower Ninth with her parents and 10 siblings. "My daddy worked. He did not sit on his bottom. You're not giving us anything. What we rightfully deserve as citizens of this country is the same protection we give to other countries."Of the 160,000 buildings in Louisiana declared "uninhabitable" after Katrina, a majority are in the New Orleans neighborhoods that suffered extensive flooding. Mayor C. Ray Nagin, an African American who worked in the private sector before entering politics, has spelled out plans to reopen every section of the city -- except the Lower Ninth. His director of homeland security, Col. Terry Ebbert, said in an interview that most homes in the Lower Ninth "will not be able to be restored." Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson told the Houston Chronicle he has advised Nagin that "it would be a mistake to rebuild the Ninth Ward."The mayor himself has spoken ominously about the need for residents to come in, "take a peek," retrieve a few valuables and move on. Historic preservation advocates fear that the city will capitalize on a program run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that pays to tear down damaged buildings but not to repair historic private properties."There is a built-in incentive to demolish," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "The first instinct after natural disasters is almost always to demolish buildings. It is almost always wrong."New Orleans, with 20 districts on the National Register of Historic Places covering half the city, has the highest concentration of historic structures in the nation, Moe said. That includes the Lower Ninth's Holy Cross section, with its shotgun houses and gems such as the Jackson Barracks, the Doullut Steamboat Houses and St. Maurice Church.In a news conference Friday, Nagin was noncommittal about the future of the Lower Ninth, noting that portions are still flooded, there is a "significant amount of debris and mud," and environmental tests must be conducted."I am sensitive to the Ninth Ward and people talking about it like it's not people's homes," he said. "If we do have to do any mass demolition in the Lower Ninth Ward, I hope we figure out proper compensation" for property owners, he added.Although it is less than two miles northeast of the French Quarter, the Lower Ninth Ward is far removed from the money and clout pulsating through downtown. From the high ground along the banks of the Mississippi River, the ward gradually slopes down. Closest to the river, the flood was five or six or seven feet deep; farther down into the neighborhood -- away from the river -- the water lapped at rooftops.Firefighters, called in by the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits to help decide what should stay and what should go, peered up at those ruined roofs over the weekend. They left behind the fluorescent red warning tags on the worst hulks."If you go in the house, you are entering at your own risk," said Jamie Grant, area leader for the Buxton, Maine, fire department, one of several out-of-state teams brought in for the unpleasant task. City Attorney Sherry Landry said "full structural assessments" have not been conducted on the tagged houses, but the damage appears so severe it "could make occupancy dangerous."Originally a cypress swamp, the community of 20,000 is overwhelmingly black; more than one-third of residents live below the poverty line, according to the 2000 census. The people of the Lower Ninth are the maids, bellhops and busboys who care for New Orleans tourists. They are also the clerks and cops now helping to get the city back on its feet. The ward is home to carpenters, sculptors, musicians and retirees. Fats Domino still has a house in the Lower Ninth. Kermit Ruffins -- a quintessential New Orleanian trumpeter whose band likes to grill up some barbecue between sets -- attended local schools. About half the houses are rentals."It's a scrappy place where people don't take a lot of guff, but a place where people really respect each other," said Pam Dashiell, president of the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association. "It has heart and soul and beauty."Dashiell is annoyed by comments by House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and some developers suggesting there is no point in restoring the most flood-prone parts of the city -- the Lower Ninth, everyone knows, even if it is not mentioned by name. She wants "an independent expert who can be trusted" to assess the condition of buildings there and a hefty investment in levees that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane.Yet even some liberal activists, people who have worked to buoy the fortunes of the Lower Ninth, are beginning to talk favorably about clearing it away -- if residents are well compensated and given suitable housing elsewhere."It would be negligent homicide to put people in the Lower Ninth," said Russell Henderson, a veteran community organizer who has formed the Rebuilding Louisiana Coalition. "If you put people back in there, they're going to die."But scraping away the Lower Ninth would most certainly change the already delicate equations of racial and economic politics in one of America's poorest cities, a city that was 67 percent black but is likely to have a smaller black majority once it is resettled. LSU's Colten fears middle-class Gentilly and wealthy Lakeview -- just as prone to severe flooding -- will nevertheless be rebuilt, while the Lower Ninth is abandoned.The temptation will be to "open up spaces where there has been a lot of poverty," similar to the urban renewal projects of the 1960s, he said: "Those were seen as a way of cleansing a problem. It didn't eliminate poverty; it just moved it."Lolita Reed Glass is suspicious that property owners such as her mother will be offered $5,000 for land that is resold for $500,000. Dubbed a "Betsy baby" because she was born nine months after that hurricane brought water to the eaves in the Lower Ninth in 1965, Glass grew up hearing how her mother and seven older siblings punched a hole in the roof to escape the deluge. When they returned, her father added three bedrooms, a bath and laundry onto the pale-blue shotgun house to accommodate his growing family."We weren't rich; we weren't poor," she said, but those things did not seem to matter to the family. All they knew was what they had. The day before Katrina swept through, Glass evacuated with her husband and three children, her mother, six siblings and an aunt. More than a month later, they are waiting to go back."My mother's thoughts and prayers are that she can go home," Glass said. But if that is impossible, she at least wants to give her goodbyes to a structure built in part with her father's own hands. "I've not seen my history, not seen where I come from," she said. "We need to have an opportunity to do that."Katrina ripped off the front porch and laundry room. The floodwaters tossed the contents like a salad, still moist. The house next door floated away. But 1939 Lamanche St. is there. And for now at least, without a red tag.
Katrina updates
In a few weeks, it will be two months that we've arrived at this lovely home. We are very grateful to have a place that we could use. Particularly the first month when we were still in the throes of post Katrina trauma. It was wonderful to have one less thing to worry about.
Well, the city (New Orleans) still isn't as up to speed as the press makes you think. Some folks are finally returning to their homes while others don't have much house to return to. My friend is living on the westside of Baton Rouge and comes into NO as best as he can. That's like commuting from the westside of Madison to Milwaukee.
I am trying to find a hotel room so that I can go back down between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Thanks to Sidna and Marvin Bookout and the Slinger Brownies and Girl Scouts.
Well, the city (New Orleans) still isn't as up to speed as the press makes you think. Some folks are finally returning to their homes while others don't have much house to return to. My friend is living on the westside of Baton Rouge and comes into NO as best as he can. That's like commuting from the westside of Madison to Milwaukee.
I am trying to find a hotel room so that I can go back down between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Thanks to Sidna and Marvin Bookout and the Slinger Brownies and Girl Scouts.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Thanks Update
This week, I need to thank Ewa Barczyk, St. Robert's Catholic School, and Scott Temperly, again. If I was a better person, I'd get that letter of to the Slinger School District, they have adopted us, in a way.
Other information: I spoke today with a friend who has a comparable job to mine with the New Orleans School District. His house was underwater to the ceiling and now the mold is thick. When he got in, he was smart enough to take down the drapes to make sure the mold didn't grow into his second story. He said it was eerie to go to the second floor after seeing the first floor destruction. The 2nd is virtually unscathed and looks the same as when you return from a long weekend. The first floor, however, is something else. Besides the mold, everything was turned upsided down by the water's current. The refrigerator was on its side. As you may have heard, the School District laid off more people and he is among them. In the interim, he is trying to find work as videographer. As you can imagine, there isn't a lot of work for video people in New Orleans these days! Sadly, the projects he will be working on is documenting the demise and rebuilding of the city.
I asked him about the politics in the city. He said that things have gotten worse instead of better. In a time when you'd think everyone would come together, it seems as though everyone is clamoring for their own piece of the pie. Trust me, it was that way when I was there, so I can't imagine how much worse it could be. I suppose instead of being selective who council members exclude, now they must be excluding everyone. I wouldn't want Mayor Nagin's job, for certain. An interesting aside is that he is worried he won't get elected if the African-Americans don't get back in the city. There is some interesting speculation about his re-election to be sure. I can almost guarantee that Gov Blanco is out of there. She projected a really ineffective response, regardless of the reason. And my guy, Aaron Broussard, president of Jefferson Parish (aka the "crier" from Meet the Press), is supposedly in hiding because he told the staff of the pumping stations to evacuate, and, therefore, didn't have employees to turn on the pumps to get the water out.
Lots of brilliance and blame to go around.
Other information: I spoke today with a friend who has a comparable job to mine with the New Orleans School District. His house was underwater to the ceiling and now the mold is thick. When he got in, he was smart enough to take down the drapes to make sure the mold didn't grow into his second story. He said it was eerie to go to the second floor after seeing the first floor destruction. The 2nd is virtually unscathed and looks the same as when you return from a long weekend. The first floor, however, is something else. Besides the mold, everything was turned upsided down by the water's current. The refrigerator was on its side. As you may have heard, the School District laid off more people and he is among them. In the interim, he is trying to find work as videographer. As you can imagine, there isn't a lot of work for video people in New Orleans these days! Sadly, the projects he will be working on is documenting the demise and rebuilding of the city.
I asked him about the politics in the city. He said that things have gotten worse instead of better. In a time when you'd think everyone would come together, it seems as though everyone is clamoring for their own piece of the pie. Trust me, it was that way when I was there, so I can't imagine how much worse it could be. I suppose instead of being selective who council members exclude, now they must be excluding everyone. I wouldn't want Mayor Nagin's job, for certain. An interesting aside is that he is worried he won't get elected if the African-Americans don't get back in the city. There is some interesting speculation about his re-election to be sure. I can almost guarantee that Gov Blanco is out of there. She projected a really ineffective response, regardless of the reason. And my guy, Aaron Broussard, president of Jefferson Parish (aka the "crier" from Meet the Press), is supposedly in hiding because he told the staff of the pumping stations to evacuate, and, therefore, didn't have employees to turn on the pumps to get the water out.
Lots of brilliance and blame to go around.
Friday, September 30, 2005
still looking
Everyone has been really great contributing money, time, and items:
Many thanks to Jim Young & Ewa Barczyk
We are still need of an iron, ironing board, and coffee grinder
Many thanks to Jim Young & Ewa Barczyk
We are still need of an iron, ironing board, and coffee grinder
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Quotes from a friend
Pain nourishes courage. You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you.-
Mary Tyler Moore
Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get.
-Ray Kroc
All beginnings require that you unlock a new door.-Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav
He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he who loses his courage loses all.-Miguel de Cervantes
Mary Tyler Moore
Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get.
-Ray Kroc
All beginnings require that you unlock a new door.-Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav
He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he who loses his courage loses all.-Miguel de Cervantes
Monday, September 26, 2005
Letter
This is not only a "low income black people" hurricane. There are about 1.1 million people in the metro New Orleans area. Many like me, loaded up their vehicles and drove into the contraflow, an eerie and haunting visual. I drove to my support system, family and friends, in Wisconsin. We loaded up our cars with our belongings and have been loading up our credit cards ever since. Many are going through their life savings while they wait to return.
It's not a black/white issue completely; it's not that only the white folk got out, but it is probably one of economics. One of my points is that if you do the math around the demographics for the city of New Orleans you will find a solid middle class of African-Americans. There are black attorneys and judges, presidents of universities, and successful blacks at every level and occupation in the city. (Let's try to do the math: if 70% of the population is African American and about 28% of the city is at poverty level that does not equate to all African Americans being poor.)
For some reason, this is hard for some Midwesterners to understand. I'm sure this entire ordeal is hard for those outside the region to comprehend, I was even convinced that I'd have something (I lost EVERYTHING that I didn't bring here with me). I'm tired of flippant comments who don't want to understand a very old city with very old problems. I am not writing to tell my story; there are 1.1 million stories out there although I do wonder why I haven't heard more of those stories. I am writing because I'm tired of of the misconceptions. Sure, in about a year or so from now, people in my class structure--black and white-- will be fueling their SUVs and probably get back to some sort of normalcy. Right now, however, that seems like a very, very long time from now.
It's not a black/white issue completely; it's not that only the white folk got out, but it is probably one of economics. One of my points is that if you do the math around the demographics for the city of New Orleans you will find a solid middle class of African-Americans. There are black attorneys and judges, presidents of universities, and successful blacks at every level and occupation in the city. (Let's try to do the math: if 70% of the population is African American and about 28% of the city is at poverty level that does not equate to all African Americans being poor.)
For some reason, this is hard for some Midwesterners to understand. I'm sure this entire ordeal is hard for those outside the region to comprehend, I was even convinced that I'd have something (I lost EVERYTHING that I didn't bring here with me). I'm tired of flippant comments who don't want to understand a very old city with very old problems. I am not writing to tell my story; there are 1.1 million stories out there although I do wonder why I haven't heard more of those stories. I am writing because I'm tired of of the misconceptions. Sure, in about a year or so from now, people in my class structure--black and white-- will be fueling their SUVs and probably get back to some sort of normalcy. Right now, however, that seems like a very, very long time from now.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Devastation
We are on our way back to Wisconsin today (Saturday). We left on Thursday, so we've been through a lot in a few days. We stopped over night in Memphis. It was a hard trip on many levels. The weather was bad and I lost most of everything.
I'll write the details later this week, but I wanted to update you.
I'll write the details later this week, but I wanted to update you.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Many thanks and other things
Sorry it's been awhile since I have written. I have limited access to the Internet these days, so this a real treat to be able to type!
First of all, many thanks to those who have stepped up to the plate for me. Amazement, relief, and joy doesn't begin to express my feelings toward strangers and friends who have helped me.
I also appreciate the phone calls. If you know my mom, she'd love to hear from you. As you can imagine, this is a relatively traumatic event for someone who is 86. She's doing a valient effort of keeping it together although, honestly, we've both had more than a few meltdowns.
Before I forget, here are some MORE people I need to thank:
Carol Hale
Cobbie Behrend
David Stack
Scott Temperly
Catherine Kearn
Patricia Hicks
Linda Czernicki
St. Vincent Depaul Society (Dr. Kearn's chapter)
Slinger School District (again!)
South Div. High School
My apologies if I have left you off the list.
And the answer to the big question: We are going down to Louisiana this week.
Again, thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
First of all, many thanks to those who have stepped up to the plate for me. Amazement, relief, and joy doesn't begin to express my feelings toward strangers and friends who have helped me.
I also appreciate the phone calls. If you know my mom, she'd love to hear from you. As you can imagine, this is a relatively traumatic event for someone who is 86. She's doing a valient effort of keeping it together although, honestly, we've both had more than a few meltdowns.
Before I forget, here are some MORE people I need to thank:
Carol Hale
Cobbie Behrend
David Stack
Scott Temperly
Catherine Kearn
Patricia Hicks
Linda Czernicki
St. Vincent Depaul Society (Dr. Kearn's chapter)
Slinger School District (again!)
South Div. High School
My apologies if I have left you off the list.
And the answer to the big question: We are going down to Louisiana this week.
Again, thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
kind of a rough way to come home
We are now two weeks after katrina. I went to the Red Cross last week, which was suprisingly dignified. For those of you who have asked how we are holding up, well, we have good days and bad days. The day we found out we got hit and maybe looted was a bad day.
More thanks:
Cobbie Berhand, Red Cross, UWM
It sounds like we can get our stuff about the last week of Sept/early Oct.
Every day is fluid.
More thanks:
Cobbie Berhand, Red Cross, UWM
It sounds like we can get our stuff about the last week of Sept/early Oct.
Every day is fluid.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
what we need two weeks out
Does anyone have connection to Uhaul or Penske? I want to get my stuff out of Metairie ASAP. This is probably about 2-3 weeks away.
Also, if jobs aren't available, perhaps there is a volunteer opportunity for me to retain or gather new strenghs.
Thanks,
susan
Also, if jobs aren't available, perhaps there is a volunteer opportunity for me to retain or gather new strenghs.
Thanks,
susan
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
We took water
A week and a half after Katrina hit, we are still safe. We didn’t have email for about three days, but we are up and running and couldn’t be more thrilled to be here.
Here’s the update: We pretty much lost everything. Well, I’m not sure what happens to furniture that stands underwater for days, but everything else is wet or not of any use. We have dead fish in our apartment, mold on the walls, yuck.
Here are our immediate needs:
Cash,
oil change,
gas cards,
canned food,
diet soda,
bottled water,
dog treats,
and dog “housekeeping” pads.
If you are creative, feel free to add. I just can't think anymore. I'm going to the Red Cross today. Better days are coming.
Many thanks to Chris Marshall, Carol Hale, Catherine Kearn, Ed Morrison, and the Slinger School District.
Address is 10010 W Schlinger Ave
C/O Dave Janzer
Milwaukee WI 53214
Here’s the update: We pretty much lost everything. Well, I’m not sure what happens to furniture that stands underwater for days, but everything else is wet or not of any use. We have dead fish in our apartment, mold on the walls, yuck.
Here are our immediate needs:
Cash,
oil change,
gas cards,
canned food,
diet soda,
bottled water,
dog treats,
and dog “housekeeping” pads.
If you are creative, feel free to add. I just can't think anymore. I'm going to the Red Cross today. Better days are coming.
Many thanks to Chris Marshall, Carol Hale, Catherine Kearn, Ed Morrison, and the Slinger School District.
Address is 10010 W Schlinger Ave
C/O Dave Janzer
Milwaukee WI 53214
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Diatribes
Diatribes started because of my lack of understanding of the whole evacuation thing. It's been way too bizarre of a ride, kinda like seeing the boys dressed like girls on the far side of Bourbon St. and pretending that you are too jaded to turn around and stare although that's all you REALLY want to do. You can SEE the Adam's apple! And they are way too hairy and square to be even European.
To get some background, please try the Oct. 2004 missive in the archive.
Evacuating three times in 1.5 years is too much for this dairy princess. Hey refer my CV to your boss!
To get some background, please try the Oct. 2004 missive in the archive.
Evacuating three times in 1.5 years is too much for this dairy princess. Hey refer my CV to your boss!
damage
From the satellite photos and the reports I can gather, it looks like we took a minimum of damage. In relative terms that probably means about 2 -3 feet, which would be much better than underwater!
This means I lost most of my soft goods and all my pet stuff, books, pictures, photos, my Canon GLX digital camcorder (not that I'm bitter that I forgot to move it), all my shoes (sob! my shoes!), dog medicine, etc.
Anyhoo...we did rather well. Now comes the dreaded "go down and access it phase." Anybody got a gun? There is a brief window to go down there and "git yer stuff."
So...anybody have off this week? Interested in a little adventure? Got some extra gas and a big truck?
I have no earthly idea what I will do. Ideas are always appreciated...
This means I lost most of my soft goods and all my pet stuff, books, pictures, photos, my Canon GLX digital camcorder (not that I'm bitter that I forgot to move it), all my shoes (sob! my shoes!), dog medicine, etc.
Anyhoo...we did rather well. Now comes the dreaded "go down and access it phase." Anybody got a gun? There is a brief window to go down there and "git yer stuff."
So...anybody have off this week? Interested in a little adventure? Got some extra gas and a big truck?
I have no earthly idea what I will do. Ideas are always appreciated...
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Things to consider PT III
I hope you don't think I am too flippant. I am just SOOOOO happy to be out and to be safe. There is a sense of disconnect. Therefore, it's easier to assume the best!
A few points of interest for those who aren't familiar with the underpinning of the area:
1. This is NOT Mayor Nagin's fault.
2. Those of means got out; those without did not.
3. Your assumption of the lack of response because of racism would be more true than not.
4. When you see the I-10 staging area on the news (Metairie) they are showing my exit to my apt. If I were standing on the Interstate for five days, you can bet I'd go into the neighborhoods and forage for food.
Write somebody. Let them know that this isn't the way to handle things, that Americans should never be treated this way, that the victims that have been abandoned pay taxes and fully participate in the American process. This is an embarrassment to all we purport to be.
There are thousands of people like me, that had the means to abandon their homes and lifestyles. The middle class can only assume that in a year we will be in a better place, resilient, and moving forward. I shudder to think what will be the disposition of the people that have been left behind.
A few points of interest for those who aren't familiar with the underpinning of the area:
1. This is NOT Mayor Nagin's fault.
2. Those of means got out; those without did not.
3. Your assumption of the lack of response because of racism would be more true than not.
4. When you see the I-10 staging area on the news (Metairie) they are showing my exit to my apt. If I were standing on the Interstate for five days, you can bet I'd go into the neighborhoods and forage for food.
Write somebody. Let them know that this isn't the way to handle things, that Americans should never be treated this way, that the victims that have been abandoned pay taxes and fully participate in the American process. This is an embarrassment to all we purport to be.
There are thousands of people like me, that had the means to abandon their homes and lifestyles. The middle class can only assume that in a year we will be in a better place, resilient, and moving forward. I shudder to think what will be the disposition of the people that have been left behind.
Friday, September 02, 2005
things to consider Pt II
Next week we will probably move out of my dear friend's home in Chicago. I think putting up with us for a week qualifies him for sainthood! We should have a semblance of normalcy by the end of next week. I will post a mailing address and probably a phone number. I have to get a cell phone that works...mine has a New Orleans area code. I also need to find my health insurance and get an address change card in place. I must be giving people the wrong phone number here in Chicago. Phone calls are very important: 708-488-1235.
Many very kind people have asked how they can help. I really, really appreciate it. Instead of telling you what size underwear to send...ugh! I don't even want to think about it. Instead, perhaps you might consider those little gift cards...you know $5 gift cards from Target kind of thing. Am I too tacky? I stupidly took two bad pair of pants (you know, I had a lot of clothes, so I could have just been smarter). One pair is worn out, could I be more brilliant!
Right now what I need is a way to communicate...cell phone, Internet connection, etc. If you have those types of services at your fingers, I would be so thrilled.
Next time, I want to tell you about the contraflow...something I've never experienced.
peace,
Many very kind people have asked how they can help. I really, really appreciate it. Instead of telling you what size underwear to send...ugh! I don't even want to think about it. Instead, perhaps you might consider those little gift cards...you know $5 gift cards from Target kind of thing. Am I too tacky? I stupidly took two bad pair of pants (you know, I had a lot of clothes, so I could have just been smarter). One pair is worn out, could I be more brilliant!
Right now what I need is a way to communicate...cell phone, Internet connection, etc. If you have those types of services at your fingers, I would be so thrilled.
Next time, I want to tell you about the contraflow...something I've never experienced.
peace,
Things to consider
We were very lucky. We made it out 24 hours before Katrina hit. Unfortunately, we made it out with about 4 days of clothes, provisions, etc. The media and the city, parish, state ALWAYS tell you to take enough for 4 days. I brought my travel case in fact. We left everything else, from the beautiful marble tables of my grandmother to a brand new TV. Thank God I just had my contact perscription renewed!
Please consider calling my mom, she feels disenfranchised and loves to talk! This would be the biggest gift to me!
Seriously, whatever you can think of is greatly appreciated. If we can't use it, I'd guess my coworker and his extended family (about 10 people) could. Big Cute clothes appreciated. 8-) Please gather up and I will let you know how to proceed.
I worked 1-2 blocks away from the Convention Center. I ate lunch at the Riverwalk. It's now filled with people sufferering, hot and without dignity, dieing, rotting. my thoughts, my prayers are with the city of NOLA.
Please consider calling my mom, she feels disenfranchised and loves to talk! This would be the biggest gift to me!
Seriously, whatever you can think of is greatly appreciated. If we can't use it, I'd guess my coworker and his extended family (about 10 people) could. Big Cute clothes appreciated. 8-) Please gather up and I will let you know how to proceed.
I worked 1-2 blocks away from the Convention Center. I ate lunch at the Riverwalk. It's now filled with people sufferering, hot and without dignity, dieing, rotting. my thoughts, my prayers are with the city of NOLA.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
We've got phones!
As we sit here wondering what to do, we'd love to hear a familiar voice. It might be very comforting. Send an email to me and I will give you the latest phone number. I don't want to put it here or send it out as a mass email.
susan.simkowski@gmail.com or mainstreet921@hotmail.com
Thanks to all those who responded.
Susan
susan.simkowski@gmail.com or mainstreet921@hotmail.com
Thanks to all those who responded.
Susan
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Made it out of New Orleans
Greetings,
This is a relatively quick note to let you know that we are fine. My 86 year old mother, my dog, and I evacuated from the New Orleans area on Sunday morning. We left at 5 am and wound up in Chicago at 8:30 at night.
The biggest irony was that this is my week of vacation and we were going to spend it in Pass Christian, MS, just about where Katrina hit landfall. The area was underwater for awhile and I can only assume that we would not have survived had we gone there. Initially, we were going to wait out the storm in Oxford, MS, about 2 hours south of Memphis. At a Sunday 10:30 am press conference, the mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, told citizens to mandatory evacuate and not to return for five days. That was enough for us; we called a good friend in Chicago and found out how long it would take to get there. We are now safe and comfortable and plan to go to Stevens Point for the next month or two while we try to regain control. To be honest, this is still beyond my comprehension. I’m sure once I actually know more about my apartment, I’ll either break down or know how to handle this. Right now, you just don’t know…
Although I can assure you that this means we will not try to rebuild our lives in Louisiana. Instead, to me, my thoughts are—at least at this moment—we will remain in the Midwest and try to rebuild our lives here. We have only been there a little over a year and have not really put down roots, so I’d prefer to be where we really do belong (in spite of the cold weather up North!).
How you can help: If by chance you have access to information, I’d really appreciate you forwarding it to me. It is really, really difficult to find out details. We are assuming we are underwater, but I’d love some more knowledge. Specifically, we lived in Metairie, Jefferson Parish (county), between Cleary and Clearview on Lake Villa Dr., one block from Veterans Parkway. I’m five miles between the City proper and the Airport. I keep hoping to recognize something with the fly-over shots from the national press.
Moreover, before you give those household appliances, TV sets, etc. to the Salvation Army, please consider hanging on to it for a month or two. We don’t know if we own anything anymore and may need your compassion, but I am holding out hope that at least some of our family mementos have been spared. Probably the only thing I am hoping for is that my Diploma for my Doctorate survived. BTW, we don’t have flood insurance.
Again, many thanks for those of you who have tried to call us. The phones are out and access to any basic service in the NOLA area is, at best, limited. I do have access to my email accounts, mainstreet921@hotmail.com and susan.simkowski@gmail.com so feel free to touch base.
I really appreciate your concern and prayers on our behalf. Keep us in your prayers.
Susan M. Simkowski
This is a relatively quick note to let you know that we are fine. My 86 year old mother, my dog, and I evacuated from the New Orleans area on Sunday morning. We left at 5 am and wound up in Chicago at 8:30 at night.
The biggest irony was that this is my week of vacation and we were going to spend it in Pass Christian, MS, just about where Katrina hit landfall. The area was underwater for awhile and I can only assume that we would not have survived had we gone there. Initially, we were going to wait out the storm in Oxford, MS, about 2 hours south of Memphis. At a Sunday 10:30 am press conference, the mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, told citizens to mandatory evacuate and not to return for five days. That was enough for us; we called a good friend in Chicago and found out how long it would take to get there. We are now safe and comfortable and plan to go to Stevens Point for the next month or two while we try to regain control. To be honest, this is still beyond my comprehension. I’m sure once I actually know more about my apartment, I’ll either break down or know how to handle this. Right now, you just don’t know…
Although I can assure you that this means we will not try to rebuild our lives in Louisiana. Instead, to me, my thoughts are—at least at this moment—we will remain in the Midwest and try to rebuild our lives here. We have only been there a little over a year and have not really put down roots, so I’d prefer to be where we really do belong (in spite of the cold weather up North!).
How you can help: If by chance you have access to information, I’d really appreciate you forwarding it to me. It is really, really difficult to find out details. We are assuming we are underwater, but I’d love some more knowledge. Specifically, we lived in Metairie, Jefferson Parish (county), between Cleary and Clearview on Lake Villa Dr., one block from Veterans Parkway. I’m five miles between the City proper and the Airport. I keep hoping to recognize something with the fly-over shots from the national press.
Moreover, before you give those household appliances, TV sets, etc. to the Salvation Army, please consider hanging on to it for a month or two. We don’t know if we own anything anymore and may need your compassion, but I am holding out hope that at least some of our family mementos have been spared. Probably the only thing I am hoping for is that my Diploma for my Doctorate survived. BTW, we don’t have flood insurance.
Again, many thanks for those of you who have tried to call us. The phones are out and access to any basic service in the NOLA area is, at best, limited. I do have access to my email accounts, mainstreet921@hotmail.com and susan.simkowski@gmail.com so feel free to touch base.
I really appreciate your concern and prayers on our behalf. Keep us in your prayers.
Susan M. Simkowski
Friday, July 01, 2005
Why the Democrats are Ineffective
Last night, I wasted my time waiting for Howard Dean to show up at an event. Now, I'm a hardcore Dem, but if the local and national talent can't determine an intinery for a 3 hour evening, how can they come up with a national agenda? There were no local stump speeches, no glad-handing, no brochures, and very little take away propaganda. It was very poorly run. Would it have been so hard for someone to create a flyer that indicated what was going on? Here's an example: 6-7, reception with open bar; 7-8, local politicians; 8-9, Howard Dean. I can hear those who like it loosey-goosey: "No one would show up until 8 pm if we told them what was going on." Maybe, but having 2 hours of drinking to rap covers of music from the '80s is a kind of purgatory--not a happening night out in the Big Easy. True, if there would have been an agenda, I may have not have showed up, but I would have gladly given my $50 as a donation. It's important that these events keep coming to the city. Instead, I'm so ticked off I can't see straight.
I love a good fund-raiser. Last year, I've even contributed the maximum allowed by law, but until there is a cohesive agenda that EVERYONE is aware of, I am keeping my money in my pocket.
I love a good fund-raiser. Last year, I've even contributed the maximum allowed by law, but until there is a cohesive agenda that EVERYONE is aware of, I am keeping my money in my pocket.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
My CV
Education: Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Learning, & Service, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Distance Education Administrator Certificate Program, West Georgia UniversityM.A., Communication, (theory & mass communication), University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, B.S., Radio-TV-Film major, English minor, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Written works:
Professional Employment Experiences:
Executive Director, New Orleans Educational Telecommunications Consortium, Inc. (NOETC), Presently employed. Responsible for day-to-day management of a nonprofit telecommunications consortium including securing external funding to advance technology integration for its member institutions, budgeting, and staff leadership. Also responsible for the integrity, security and fiscal stability of the organization, implementing new services (video bridge and media streaming) and to respond to the needs of its members.
School Instructional Technology Specialist & General Manager (WYMS-FM) for Milwaukee Public Schools, Department of Technology,
Leadership/Administration position integrating public radio, community access television, and closed circuit television for the learning community and outreach to the broader community. Oversee all business and operations activities including radio reading service, logistics, planning, budgets, training, supervision of support staff and students, performing some production work (Cool Edit) and Automation (BSI) scheduling, completing and submitting FCC and CPB criteria/communication, programming, etc. Other duties include managing applicable grants, collaborating partnerships, overseeing courses and policies, and technical involvement of every component of 55 video conferencing sites, 120 Instructional Television Fixed Service (“closed circuit”) sites (KHF-80), radio, satellite, and educational PEG access TV channel (80,000 households) Media convergence project integrating FM, IP video, cable, ITFS and web-course management tool (Prometheus).
Distance Education Manager for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Distance Learning & Instructional Support, Division of Outreach & Continuing Education. Duties included: Responsible for daily operations of distance learning programs, individual training & workshops to faculty on distance learning technologies. Initiate, consult, design, & coordinate faculty/staff development programs in technology use and integration of technology into the curriculum. Support staff liaison. Assessment of curriculum & performance. Budgets, negotiations, and other administrative duties including scheduling, supervising support staff, statistical analysis, coordination, development, and monitoring of course delivery. Specializing in distance learning technologies (synchronous & asynchronous) & audiovisual management. Video conferencing, satellite coordination, web-course management, etc.
Instructional Technology Specialist for Columbus State University in Columbus, GA, Department of Instructional Technology/Media Services, Simon Schwob Memorial Library,
Duties included: Coordinated & facilitated instructor technical training programs. Specialized in video production & distance learning technologies. Designed and conducted faculty and staff development seminars dealing with instructional technology (distance education) applications. Initiated and supported faculty instructional development activities. Consulted with faculty on instructional technology curriculum projects, managed project activities, & assessment of performance. Assisted faculty in developing course materials for distance delivery. Consulted and assisted in equipment and room design for technology classrooms. Supervised support staff. ALS (satellite) coordinator.
Marketing Coordinator for JHL Mail Marketing, Inc. in Stevens Point, WI, Duties included: Coordinated internal & external direct mail marketing campaigns. Writing Project. Created & designed company documents.
Senior Studio Manager for Lifetouch Portrait Studios in Milwaukee for a Minneapolis-based firm, Simultaneously managed all aspects of $1.4 million annual sales of 2 retail portrait studios.
Teaching Experience: Adjunct Communication Instructor for Mid-State Technical College in Stevens Point, WI, 1994-1995 Curriculum updated, implemented, & assessed in the following courses: Oral (Public Speaking) & Interpersonal Communication and Occupational Communication.
Communication Instructor- for Mid-State Technical College, Curriculum updated, implemented, & assessed in the following courses: Oral & Interpersonal Communication, Written Communication, Business Communication: Speaking & Writing, Business Communication: Grammar & Punctuation, and Occupational (Basic) Communication.
Adjunct Communication Instructor for Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, WI, 1994 Curriculum updated, implemented, & assessed in the following courses: Oral & Interpersonal Communication and Fundamentals of Speech
Employment while in Graduate School (M.A.): Television Production Assistant and Playback Technician for City of Stevens Point Telecommunications Dept. & Community Access Television in Stevens Point, WI, 1994-1995 Pre- & post-TV production for educational & governmental programming.
Control Board Operator for WSAU-AM in Wausau, WI, 1992 Announced & monitored control room board.
Licenses and Certifications: FCC Restricted, WI Technical College System (VTAE)
Written works:
Professional Employment Experiences:
Executive Director, New Orleans Educational Telecommunications Consortium, Inc. (NOETC), Presently employed. Responsible for day-to-day management of a nonprofit telecommunications consortium including securing external funding to advance technology integration for its member institutions, budgeting, and staff leadership. Also responsible for the integrity, security and fiscal stability of the organization, implementing new services (video bridge and media streaming) and to respond to the needs of its members.
School Instructional Technology Specialist & General Manager (WYMS-FM) for Milwaukee Public Schools, Department of Technology,
Leadership/Administration position integrating public radio, community access television, and closed circuit television for the learning community and outreach to the broader community. Oversee all business and operations activities including radio reading service, logistics, planning, budgets, training, supervision of support staff and students, performing some production work (Cool Edit) and Automation (BSI) scheduling, completing and submitting FCC and CPB criteria/communication, programming, etc. Other duties include managing applicable grants, collaborating partnerships, overseeing courses and policies, and technical involvement of every component of 55 video conferencing sites, 120 Instructional Television Fixed Service (“closed circuit”) sites (KHF-80), radio, satellite, and educational PEG access TV channel (80,000 households) Media convergence project integrating FM, IP video, cable, ITFS and web-course management tool (Prometheus).
Distance Education Manager for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Distance Learning & Instructional Support, Division of Outreach & Continuing Education. Duties included: Responsible for daily operations of distance learning programs, individual training & workshops to faculty on distance learning technologies. Initiate, consult, design, & coordinate faculty/staff development programs in technology use and integration of technology into the curriculum. Support staff liaison. Assessment of curriculum & performance. Budgets, negotiations, and other administrative duties including scheduling, supervising support staff, statistical analysis, coordination, development, and monitoring of course delivery. Specializing in distance learning technologies (synchronous & asynchronous) & audiovisual management. Video conferencing, satellite coordination, web-course management, etc.
Instructional Technology Specialist for Columbus State University in Columbus, GA, Department of Instructional Technology/Media Services, Simon Schwob Memorial Library,
Duties included: Coordinated & facilitated instructor technical training programs. Specialized in video production & distance learning technologies. Designed and conducted faculty and staff development seminars dealing with instructional technology (distance education) applications. Initiated and supported faculty instructional development activities. Consulted with faculty on instructional technology curriculum projects, managed project activities, & assessment of performance. Assisted faculty in developing course materials for distance delivery. Consulted and assisted in equipment and room design for technology classrooms. Supervised support staff. ALS (satellite) coordinator.
Marketing Coordinator for JHL Mail Marketing, Inc. in Stevens Point, WI, Duties included: Coordinated internal & external direct mail marketing campaigns. Writing Project. Created & designed company documents.
Senior Studio Manager for Lifetouch Portrait Studios in Milwaukee for a Minneapolis-based firm, Simultaneously managed all aspects of $1.4 million annual sales of 2 retail portrait studios.
Teaching Experience: Adjunct Communication Instructor for Mid-State Technical College in Stevens Point, WI, 1994-1995 Curriculum updated, implemented, & assessed in the following courses: Oral (Public Speaking) & Interpersonal Communication and Occupational Communication.
Communication Instructor- for Mid-State Technical College, Curriculum updated, implemented, & assessed in the following courses: Oral & Interpersonal Communication, Written Communication, Business Communication: Speaking & Writing, Business Communication: Grammar & Punctuation, and Occupational (Basic) Communication.
Adjunct Communication Instructor for Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, WI, 1994 Curriculum updated, implemented, & assessed in the following courses: Oral & Interpersonal Communication and Fundamentals of Speech
Employment while in Graduate School (M.A.): Television Production Assistant and Playback Technician for City of Stevens Point Telecommunications Dept. & Community Access Television in Stevens Point, WI, 1994-1995 Pre- & post-TV production for educational & governmental programming.
Control Board Operator for WSAU-AM in Wausau, WI, 1992 Announced & monitored control room board.
Licenses and Certifications: FCC Restricted, WI Technical College System (VTAE)
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
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