(no subject)

A former deputy chief of FEMA told Knight Ridder Newspapers yesterday (Sept. 1) that there "are two kinds of levees—the ones that breached and the ones that will be breached." A similar aphorism applies to broadcasters: They come in two varieties, the ones that have gone stark, raving mad on air and the ones who will.

There is a video file, and also a transcript for us poor shmucks on dial-up, of an interview between CNN's Anderson Cooper and Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu that's worth watching.

Apparently there are sharks and alligators in the city, but that's nothing compared to the problem they're having with the rats.

Ways to help:

Habitat For Humanity
American Red Cross - I've heard several people speak against the Red Cross, citing corruption nd accounting irregularities. I've seen no evidence of this personally, but be aware.
Doctors Without Borders - not yet in NOLA, though there are rumors (but there are rumors about everything lately). This is a worthy charity regardless.
Volunteers of America - They call themselves a "spiritually based" charity, which may or may not appeal to you.

indigoskynet linked to a group collecting stuffed animals to donate to the Red Cross for the children in the affected areas. New or gently used stuffed animals can be sent to:

New Orleans Hugables
205 Moonshadow Ct.
Roswell, GA 30075

Or you can contact your local charity and see if you can donate them directly.

An official death toll has not been released as of yet, although rumors have the numbers placed as high as 10,000 - which I desperately hope to be a fabrication.

(no subject)

Some happy news for a change (what, you say? Kelly is being positive about something? Surely not!):

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Barnes & Noble sent trucks of water to the Gulf Coast on Thursday, and starting Friday shipped trucks full of diapers, soap, flashlights and batteries, lumber, powertools and food.

Of approximately 300 employees who live in the affected area, only 96 have as yet been located. B&N announced that their human resources department will remain open 24 hours a day over the holiday weekend, so that any employee who calls in looking for aid will find it. Hotel rooms, food and water, personal care items and financial aid are being provided for any employee left homeless or stranded after Katrina.

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And this is why I love this company.