Thursday, August 31, 2006
weather.com - Hurricane Central
weather.com - Hurricane Central: "Bands of heavy rain have already inundated parts of southeastern North Carolina as Tropical Storm Ernesto nears the coast. Maximum sustained winds are just below hurricane force at 70 mph. Wilmington, N.C., has already picked up over five inches of rain and more heavy rain is on the way. Flash flood watches and warnings have been posted across the Carolinas up into the Mid-Atlantic. An additional 4 to 8 inches of rain is possible over parts of South and North Carolina overnight and into Friday. To the north, some river systems over New York and Pennsylvania will likely move above flood stage during the holiday weekend as heavy rain spreads to the north. "
Charlie Daniels Band coming to 'Goula
Charlie Daniels Band coming to 'Goula: "PASCAGOULA -- The Charlie Daniels Band will rock the Flagship City on Oct. 5, the night before the first Zonta Festival in Pascagoula in two years.
Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pascagoula and other businesses, along with Clear Channel Radio, are helping bring the legendary Southern rock band to Pascagoula.
There will be no admission for residents, but there could be a new free toy requested at the door."
The Devil Went Down To Georgia
Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pascagoula and other businesses, along with Clear Channel Radio, are helping bring the legendary Southern rock band to Pascagoula.
There will be no admission for residents, but there could be a new free toy requested at the door."
The Devil Went Down To Georgia
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Chicago Group Promises Relief For Pass Christian Firefighters
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Chicago Group Promises Relief For Pass Christian Firefighters: "Frank Slove has a better picture of what his relief group needs to do.
'What we want to do is come and help you guys rebuild your homes,' he told a group of Pass Christian firefighters.
If Slove can hook up Chicago area firefighters with the Pass Christian first responders, or Illinois teachers with Mississippi teachers, he thinks the United Relief Foundation can help coast hurricane victims.
'A brother firefighter hearing about this can relate to it, not only relate to it, but he's more apt to help,' Slove said."
'What we want to do is come and help you guys rebuild your homes,' he told a group of Pass Christian firefighters.
If Slove can hook up Chicago area firefighters with the Pass Christian first responders, or Illinois teachers with Mississippi teachers, he thinks the United Relief Foundation can help coast hurricane victims.
'A brother firefighter hearing about this can relate to it, not only relate to it, but he's more apt to help,' Slove said."
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Mississippi Still Fattest State In Nation, New Study Says
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Mississippi Still Fattest State In Nation, New Study Says: "Mississippians are still the most obese people in the nation and are more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes and hypertension, according to a new study released Tuesday."
I blogged this because I feel that we are not just fat people, we are survivors. Superficial never wins out over "true grit"!!
I blogged this because I feel that we are not just fat people, we are survivors. Superficial never wins out over "true grit"!!
FOXNews.com - Tropical Storm Ernesto Hits Florida Without Power Once Feared - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News
FOXNews.com - Tropical Storm Ernesto Hits Florida Without Power Once Feared - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News: "KEY LARGO, Fla. — South Florida residents breathed a sigh of relief early Wednesday after Tropical Storm Ernesto lumbered ashore well below hurricane strength and caused little damage."
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Just one more short post as I am all Katrina-ed out. Done in, tired, ready to drop. I am happy to say that today was a major turning point in our lives here. We are ready to go forward and rebuild our homes and town. Many things will be different but all the things that we knew will always be a part of Pascagoula's history.
At 6PM this evening we gathered at Beach Park to hear Governor Haley Barbour speak to us. His speech was very commendable. I took a picture as he arrived. Was a bad time of day to take pictures and most were blurry. I was on the side of the big guy you see taking a picture too... I think he was the press but that didn't bother me. The Governor was dressed casually as we all were. He is the man in red.
Patrice Clark from WLOX was there covering the occasion. It might be my imagination but I think I got a don't come any closer look from her.
Well that's about all I have to close the day except maybe something I thought amusing and endearing at the same time. The Red Cross was set up on the grounds and offering us ice cold water. And just one more thing, Dave and Anita received the packet from the grant system and now they can start repairing their home. It was a great ending to a wonderful day!!!
At 6PM this evening we gathered at Beach Park to hear Governor Haley Barbour speak to us. His speech was very commendable. I took a picture as he arrived. Was a bad time of day to take pictures and most were blurry. I was on the side of the big guy you see taking a picture too... I think he was the press but that didn't bother me. The Governor was dressed casually as we all were. He is the man in red.
Patrice Clark from WLOX was there covering the occasion. It might be my imagination but I think I got a don't come any closer look from her.
Well that's about all I have to close the day except maybe something I thought amusing and endearing at the same time. The Red Cross was set up on the grounds and offering us ice cold water. And just one more thing, Dave and Anita received the packet from the grant system and now they can start repairing their home. It was a great ending to a wonderful day!!!
On August 28, 2005, in preparation for a hurricane that was in the Gulf, I left my home to go stay with a daughter and her family that lived about 1/2 mile from the beach in Pascagoula. I could have stayed at home but I chose to be with them rather than staying barricaded (plywood on windows ) in the house waiting to see what was going to happen. Well, most of you know what happened ..... we were to be participants in the fury of a storm named Katrina. The night before the storm none of us slept very well and were already exhausted the next morning when Katrina was going to pay us a very unexpected visit.
I am almost ashamed to say that we were heckling the hurricane and saying it probably was all a bunch of hype. My daughter and son in law were not born when Camille hit the Gulf Coast but I was. I resided in Gulfport at that time and had already experienced the unexpected and the unprecedented but somehow the old cliche "experience is the best teacher" didn't hold true for my not forcefully suggesting that we leave.
It was about 930AM when this fast moving water started rolling down the street, filling the yards very quickly and continued rising to frightening heights until it seems it was in the house in a matter of minutes. God was definitely with us as the plywood on the windows prevented glass breakage and the raging water from rushing inside and possibly collapsing the house. Had that happened, we have no doubt that we would have died that day. We huddled in an upstairs hallway at the top of the stairway with the four little children, a dog and five cats (four newborn kittens). We had seen the neighborhood houses, when looking out an upstairs window, with water reaching their roofs and their cars parked in driveways completely submerged as was the son in laws truck.
After no response from 911, we began praying without cessation. We learned later that what we each asked for was that the children's lives be spared. We remained in a state of terror until finally the water began to recede and we felt that we were going to survive. We didn't know then the extent of the widespread destruction all along our coastline and that the aftermath was going to take a lot more courage to survive than the actual storm.
So here we are one year later. We have cried, we have despaired, we have had many struggles but, you know what, we are going to make it!!
I am almost ashamed to say that we were heckling the hurricane and saying it probably was all a bunch of hype. My daughter and son in law were not born when Camille hit the Gulf Coast but I was. I resided in Gulfport at that time and had already experienced the unexpected and the unprecedented but somehow the old cliche "experience is the best teacher" didn't hold true for my not forcefully suggesting that we leave.
It was about 930AM when this fast moving water started rolling down the street, filling the yards very quickly and continued rising to frightening heights until it seems it was in the house in a matter of minutes. God was definitely with us as the plywood on the windows prevented glass breakage and the raging water from rushing inside and possibly collapsing the house. Had that happened, we have no doubt that we would have died that day. We huddled in an upstairs hallway at the top of the stairway with the four little children, a dog and five cats (four newborn kittens). We had seen the neighborhood houses, when looking out an upstairs window, with water reaching their roofs and their cars parked in driveways completely submerged as was the son in laws truck.
After no response from 911, we began praying without cessation. We learned later that what we each asked for was that the children's lives be spared. We remained in a state of terror until finally the water began to recede and we felt that we were going to survive. We didn't know then the extent of the widespread destruction all along our coastline and that the aftermath was going to take a lot more courage to survive than the actual storm.
So here we are one year later. We have cried, we have despaired, we have had many struggles but, you know what, we are going to make it!!
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula: "Katrina: One Year Later
Patrice Clark Reports On Pascagoula's Rebuilding & Recovery
Pascagoula is well on its way to recovery. Katrina hit the area hard 12 months ago, flooding more than 90 percent of the city. Now after a year, Pascagoula officials say they see a bright future. Patrice Clark talked with Mayor Matthew Avara and City Manger Kay Kell about Pascagoula's progress post-Katrina."
Patrice Clark Reports On Pascagoula's Rebuilding & Recovery
Pascagoula is well on its way to recovery. Katrina hit the area hard 12 months ago, flooding more than 90 percent of the city. Now after a year, Pascagoula officials say they see a bright future. Patrice Clark talked with Mayor Matthew Avara and City Manger Kay Kell about Pascagoula's progress post-Katrina."
The Sun Herald | 08/29/2006 | Barbour proclaims mourning period through Sept. 1 Flags to be flown at half-staff
The Sun Herald | 08/29/2006 | Barbour proclaims mourning period through Sept. 1 Flags to be flown at half-staff: "WHEREAS, at landfall the brunt of the hurricane's destructive force was unleashed on the Mississippi Coast, wiping out more than 80 miles of coastline and leaving in its wake 70,000 uninhabitable, often obliterated homes and destroying thousands of small businesses, schools, public buildings and infrastructure such as highways, ports, railroads, and water and sewer systems; and
WHEREAS, the storm continued inland for more than 150 miles, changing forever the State's physical landscape; and
WHEREAS, the level of devastation to human life and property was unprecedented with more than 230 Mississippians losing their lives to the fury of the storm; and
WHEREAS, the anniversary of the first year since Katrina is an appropriate time to memorialize the lives lost; and
WHEREAS, the prayers of the people of the State are with the families and friends of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, by the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the State of Mississippi, do hereby proclaim a period of official mourning in the State of Mississippi and do hereby order all flags of the United States of America and the State of Mississippi be flown at half-staff on all buildings and grounds of the State of Mississippi and all areas under its jurisdiction beginning August 29, 2006, and ending September 1, 2006."
WHEREAS, the storm continued inland for more than 150 miles, changing forever the State's physical landscape; and
WHEREAS, the level of devastation to human life and property was unprecedented with more than 230 Mississippians losing their lives to the fury of the storm; and
WHEREAS, the anniversary of the first year since Katrina is an appropriate time to memorialize the lives lost; and
WHEREAS, the prayers of the people of the State are with the families and friends of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, by the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the State of Mississippi, do hereby proclaim a period of official mourning in the State of Mississippi and do hereby order all flags of the United States of America and the State of Mississippi be flown at half-staff on all buildings and grounds of the State of Mississippi and all areas under its jurisdiction beginning August 29, 2006, and ending September 1, 2006."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Katrina: One Year Later
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Katrina: One Year Later: "Katrina killed 231 people in Mississippi and wiped away whole communities. Stately homes that once fronted the beach and apartments blocks inland were swept away by a wall of storm surge that gutted glitzy casinos and propelled several of the hulking barges ashore.
A year later, most of the debris is gone and humid air is filled with sounds of recovery.
On the town green in Biloxi about 500 yards from the shore, several hundred people gathered among live oak trees for a commemoration service.
'The sun is shining on us today and you know a year ago, we would've been treading water right here,'' said U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., who commended state and local officials for their part in the recovery efforts."
A year later, most of the debris is gone and humid air is filled with sounds of recovery.
On the town green in Biloxi about 500 yards from the shore, several hundred people gathered among live oak trees for a commemoration service.
'The sun is shining on us today and you know a year ago, we would've been treading water right here,'' said U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., who commended state and local officials for their part in the recovery efforts."
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Sun Herald | 08/29/2006 | Sounds, sights of building, rebuilding refresh our spirit
The Sun Herald | 08/29/2006 | Sounds, sights of building, rebuilding refresh our spirit: "By the afternoon of Aug. 29, 2005, it was clear the Mississippi Coast had been obliterated. Thousands of structures had been washed away in the great surge that destroyed so many homes, businesses, landmarks, personal treasures and lives.
But Hurricane Katrina did not destroy the hopes, dreams, memories or the will to survive that has sustained coastal Mississippians through the centuries.
Despite total devastation - the worst natural disaster in American history - no one, at least no one who knew these Mississippians, doubted they would rebuild and in time triumph, even in the face of Katrina's terrible toll."
But Hurricane Katrina did not destroy the hopes, dreams, memories or the will to survive that has sustained coastal Mississippians through the centuries.
Despite total devastation - the worst natural disaster in American history - no one, at least no one who knew these Mississippians, doubted they would rebuild and in time triumph, even in the face of Katrina's terrible toll."
The Sun Herald | 08/28/2006 | THANKS, Y'ALL
The Sun Herald | 08/28/2006 | THANKS, Y'ALL: "Seemingly before the wind stopped, certainly before power was restored, they began arriving.
The initial wave brought the food, the drink, the clothing, the gasoline to get through those first desperate, chaotic days."
The initial wave brought the food, the drink, the clothing, the gasoline to get through those first desperate, chaotic days."
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Yesterday got off to a rainy start but the weather cleared rather quickly giving way to blue skies and white puffy clouds. In retrospect, I was sorry that happened because it gave me an excuse to not go to the planned block party. We (the daughter and family) decided to ride around and see what was going on in Pascagoula. Beach Park was empty. We then rode to I. G. Levy Park where we had been just days earlier and we found no one there. Our next stop was to a park located in the Lake Avenue area ...
It was a melancholy ride as we drove into the various neighborhoods in Pascagoula and found no get-togethers .... our silence, of course, broken by the fussing of baby Emily. On returning home, we did not attend the block party. We ate boiled shrimp, talked awhile longer and I left to go back to my home where I closed the blinds, cranked down the a/c, went to bed early and hoped, like Dorothy, that I might wake up in the Land of Oz!
It was a melancholy ride as we drove into the various neighborhoods in Pascagoula and found no get-togethers .... our silence, of course, broken by the fussing of baby Emily. On returning home, we did not attend the block party. We ate boiled shrimp, talked awhile longer and I left to go back to my home where I closed the blinds, cranked down the a/c, went to bed early and hoped, like Dorothy, that I might wake up in the Land of Oz!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Today is to be a neighborhood block party in the previous area I lived in just a short time ago but after waking up to a downpour, I am not too hopeful that it will happen. Of course, we have our own plans should that not take place. "Yes", we do make plans and "Yes" we do have rooms booked should Ernesto come our way. If there is one thing we have learned, it is that hurricanes are no longer typical but have changed so much that they now defy physics. Meaning can't happen, shouldn't have happened ... but it did.
If we do have to leave, we object to being called evacuees, worse yet, refugees. We are people first and foremost. I won't tell you the price for our rooms but it is very steep. It can only be called price gouging after a disaster so the hotels and motels seemed to have wised up and raised the prices before the disaster occurs. At almost $3.00 a gallon for gasoline, we will be paying a high price to get to hopefully a safe haven.
If Ernesto makes Mississippi his target, my suspicions of what has happened down here and continues to happen, will only grow. How can they not with the threat of terrorism all around us?
If we do have to leave, we object to being called evacuees, worse yet, refugees. We are people first and foremost. I won't tell you the price for our rooms but it is very steep. It can only be called price gouging after a disaster so the hotels and motels seemed to have wised up and raised the prices before the disaster occurs. At almost $3.00 a gallon for gasoline, we will be paying a high price to get to hopefully a safe haven.
If Ernesto makes Mississippi his target, my suspicions of what has happened down here and continues to happen, will only grow. How can they not with the threat of terrorism all around us?
GCN - General News Update
GCN - General News Update: "All eyes are on Tropical Storm Ernesto currently in the Caribbean. The storm is forecast to develop into a hurricane while on its track toward the Gulf of Mexico. Coast residents, already battle wary, are talking about the storm and emergency management officials are urging residents to consider their hurricane plans and note evacuation routes if it becomes necessary to leave. The Coast is clearly not able to handle even a minor hurricane and with the Highway 90 bridges out, any evacuation will be difficult. The thousands of residents in FEMA travel trailers are especially vulnerable. The trailers cannot be moved, says FEMA. The past year has been a nightmare for many Coast residents and fear over any tropical system is palpable in the region."
Friday, August 25, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video: "ABC's Brian Ross Talks About State Farm Investigation"
Breaking news here folks! After clicking on above link, scroll through the videos to find appropiate video.
Breaking news here folks! After clicking on above link, scroll through the videos to find appropiate video.
I drove down to the Beach Park in Pascagoula this past Wednesday to check on the progress in preparation for the upcoming anniversary of Katrina. It is very clean now but barren. There was a work crew putting together a playground for the children. Work on the pavilion has not begun but there are supplies that look like prefab and should go up quickly. A large crowd is expected on the 29th when a memorial will be unveiled in honor of those we lost. As the date draws nearer to mark the one year anniversay, maybe many of us can lay the horror of that day to rest and find a way to go on with our lives. As always the biggest problem is the great number of our citizens still living in Fema trailers. Until the housing and insurance problems are solved, they can't step forward. On August 29th, I ask that you take a moment to remember us in Mississippi.
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home: " Marcia Hill Reports On Katrina Fraud Arrests"
Thursday, August 24, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: WLOX's Doug Walker Talks With President Bush About Mississippi's Recovery
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: WLOX's Doug Walker Talks With President Bush About Mississippi's Recovery: "Doug Walker: There's a feeling, a growing feeling, of discontent in Mississippi that the lion's share of the attention has been going to New Orleans - As is evident today on the front page of USA Today with only one mention of Mississippi. Is Mississippi being forgotten by the government and the nation?
President Bush: I don't know, I can't speak for a factor of the nation, you know the people that print the news. But I can tell you about the government, and the answer is absolutely, 'No.' This government is focused equally on Mississippi as it is on Louisiana. And one reason why we, of course, have remained focused is you got a governor who's got a lot of influence up here, and senators who've got influence up here. And so our efforts are equal in trying to help people recover. And I've got to applaud Mississippi because they have developed a plan, which was approved quickly, that will enable money to get out the door to helping individual homeowners rebuild."
President Bush: I don't know, I can't speak for a factor of the nation, you know the people that print the news. But I can tell you about the government, and the answer is absolutely, 'No.' This government is focused equally on Mississippi as it is on Louisiana. And one reason why we, of course, have remained focused is you got a governor who's got a lot of influence up here, and senators who've got influence up here. And so our efforts are equal in trying to help people recover. And I've got to applaud Mississippi because they have developed a plan, which was approved quickly, that will enable money to get out the door to helping individual homeowners rebuild."
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Rebuilding Work Begins On Beach Boulevard In Bay St Louis
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Rebuilding Work Begins On Beach Boulevard In Bay St Louis: "Nearly a year after it was destroyed, the long awaited reconstruction work on Beach Boulevard in Bay St. Louis has finally started. Phase one is building a temporary road.
'You've got to start at the ground up when something this bad happens,' County Engineer Geoffrey Clemens said. 'This is the first building block to get to the ultimate goal to having a restored downtown and residential area on the beach.'"
'You've got to start at the ground up when something this bad happens,' County Engineer Geoffrey Clemens said. 'This is the first building block to get to the ultimate goal to having a restored downtown and residential area on the beach.'"
Southern Comfort: Unique Mississippi
Southern Comfort: Unique Mississippi: "Unique Mississippi
'To understand the world you must first understand a place like Mississippi'
-William Faulkner
I absolutely love this quote. To me this quote epitomizes Mississippi, which if many of you know is a very complicated place. If anyone is unfamiliar with Mississippi let me give you a brief rundown of the diversity of the different regions of MS."
'To understand the world you must first understand a place like Mississippi'
-William Faulkner
I absolutely love this quote. To me this quote epitomizes Mississippi, which if many of you know is a very complicated place. If anyone is unfamiliar with Mississippi let me give you a brief rundown of the diversity of the different regions of MS."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Bush: Support, Not Symbolism, Best Way To Remember Victims Of Katrina
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Bush: Support, Not Symbolism, Best Way To Remember Victims Of Katrina: "**WLOX's Doug Walker is in Washington, D.C. today for a one on one interview with President Bush about Mississippi's Katrina Recovery. Watch for his exclusive interview Thursday on WLOX News at Six, and of course, right here on WLOX.com!**
President Bush cautioned against placing too much importance on the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's Gulf Coast strike, saying Wednesday it will take a long, sustained effort to rebuild the area.
'It's a time to remember that people suffered and it's a time to recommit ourselves to helping them,'' Bush said. 'But I also want people to remember that a one-year anniversary is just that, because it's going to require a long time to help these people rebuild.''"
President Bush cautioned against placing too much importance on the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's Gulf Coast strike, saying Wednesday it will take a long, sustained effort to rebuild the area.
'It's a time to remember that people suffered and it's a time to recommit ourselves to helping them,'' Bush said. 'But I also want people to remember that a one-year anniversary is just that, because it's going to require a long time to help these people rebuild.''"
Block Party
Hey!!! This is great!!! I lived on Gallery Street with my daughter and her family when I moved back to Pascagoula for two years before I moved in May 2005 to my present home. This will be my chance to meet more of the neighbors. Ironically, I had mentioned in a post dated August 14th that I wish neighborhoods would have block parties. We all have something in common .... surviving Katrina!
GCN - General News Update
GCN - General News Update: "As the anniversary date for Hurricane Katrina nears, news reports from around the nation are growing. Most of these stories reviewed by GCN are about the problems in New Orleans, however, there are some reports about the Mississippi Coast. Most reports are acknowledging that the Coast is far from recovery but progress is being made, although very slowly. GCN will continue to post some of these stories on its main page as we have done throughout the period. Local officials say they have been bombarded for weeks from reporters nationwide."
Monday, August 21, 2006
I found myself hesitating before writing this post as I have been reading such hateful comments from people. It is obvious that some have been restraining themselves for almost a year. They are tired, as they say, of our whining, laziness and, most of all, their thinking that we are living off the government....high on the hog! Most of the derogatory comments are directed at New Orleans because Mississippi still doesn't get coverage in major newspapers or magazines. New Orleans did suffer damage from the storm but the major disaster for them was the levees breaking. We are americans regardless of our race, religion or political views. As americans, to hear a fellow countryman speak so indifferently and callously about their own is disheartening.
Try imagining that you awaken one morning and the life you were living was gone. No shelter, no food and just the clothes on your back. What would you do? How would you feel? I can tell you what you would do. You would reach out to others and plead for them to help you. You would feel helpless, hopeless and dead inside. The damage to lives and property couldn't have been any worse had a bomb been dropped on us. The people do not have the big dreams the city planners do. They just want a chance to rebuild or repair a home for their family.
True, there will always be those who will lie, cheat and steal but the majority are honest people who took a terrible beating from the storm and are grateful for the help they receive. There has been a lot of talk about all the fabulous casinos and condos that are coming to the areas but to the homeless people that means very little. To them... "There Is No Place Like Home".
Try imagining that you awaken one morning and the life you were living was gone. No shelter, no food and just the clothes on your back. What would you do? How would you feel? I can tell you what you would do. You would reach out to others and plead for them to help you. You would feel helpless, hopeless and dead inside. The damage to lives and property couldn't have been any worse had a bomb been dropped on us. The people do not have the big dreams the city planners do. They just want a chance to rebuild or repair a home for their family.
True, there will always be those who will lie, cheat and steal but the majority are honest people who took a terrible beating from the storm and are grateful for the help they receive. There has been a lot of talk about all the fabulous casinos and condos that are coming to the areas but to the homeless people that means very little. To them... "There Is No Place Like Home".
The Sun Herald | 08/21/2006 | Historian tells the stories of Gulf Coast hurricanes
The Sun Herald | 08/21/2006 | Historian tells the stories of Gulf Coast hurricanes: "Hurricane Katrina is one for the history books, but Mississippi Coast historian Charles L. Sullivan insists that each of the 32 storms that struck here with hurricane-force winds is for the books. Each has its own distinction and lesson to learn.
Sometimes, huge gaps lulled the citizenry between storms, with good examples being no hurricanes between 1860 and 1893, and none between 1916 and 1947. Those are more than 30-year gaps and between the two worst storms of the 20th century - Camille in 1969 and the '47 storm - there were two quiet decades."
Sometimes, huge gaps lulled the citizenry between storms, with good examples being no hurricanes between 1860 and 1893, and none between 1916 and 1947. Those are more than 30-year gaps and between the two worst storms of the 20th century - Camille in 1969 and the '47 storm - there were two quiet decades."
SI.com - Writers - Peter King's MMQBTE: Readers e-mails on draft, the truth about New Orleans - Tuesday May 2, 2006 1:07PM
SI.com - Writers - Peter King's MMQBTE: Readers e-mails on draft, the truth about New Orleans - Tuesday May 2, 2006 1:07PM: "I know you come to this column to read about football, sports and other things. I'll get to the regular Tuesday fare, your e-mails, in a few paragraphs. First, there's something a little more significant to discuss.
I sense that we in this country have Katrina fatigue. The New York Times reported as much recently, saying that people in some of the areas that welcomed Katrina evacuees last September are sick of hearing about the hurricane, the flooding and the aftermath.
Well, my wife and I were in a car last Wednesday that toured the hardest-hit area of New Orleans, the Lower Ninth Ward. We worked a day at a nearby Habitat for Humanity site on Thursday, and we toured the Biloxi/Gulfport/Long Beach/Pass Christian gulf shore area last Friday. And let me just say this: I can absolutely guarantee you that if you'd been in the car with us, no matter how much you'd been hit over the head with the effects of this disaster, you would not have Katrina fatigue.
What I saw was a national disgrace. An inexcusable, irresponsible, borderline criminal national disgrace. I am ashamed of this country for the inaction I saw everywhere."
I sense that we in this country have Katrina fatigue. The New York Times reported as much recently, saying that people in some of the areas that welcomed Katrina evacuees last September are sick of hearing about the hurricane, the flooding and the aftermath.
Well, my wife and I were in a car last Wednesday that toured the hardest-hit area of New Orleans, the Lower Ninth Ward. We worked a day at a nearby Habitat for Humanity site on Thursday, and we toured the Biloxi/Gulfport/Long Beach/Pass Christian gulf shore area last Friday. And let me just say this: I can absolutely guarantee you that if you'd been in the car with us, no matter how much you'd been hit over the head with the effects of this disaster, you would not have Katrina fatigue.
What I saw was a national disgrace. An inexcusable, irresponsible, borderline criminal national disgrace. I am ashamed of this country for the inaction I saw everywhere."
Saturday, August 19, 2006
I'll Take The Ducks!!!
Yesterday I went with daughter and family to Scranton's Nature Museum located in the I. G. Levy Park in Pascagoula. We got off to an early start as the weather was a scorcher. So early, that we were eating hamburgers at 10AM It is a small museum filled with stuffed wildlife such as a boar hog, a deer, a mink, racoons, to name a few. The first thing to greet me was a stuffed diamondback rattlesnake in a striking position. The curator offered an apology that they didn't have the live reptiles back yet as the others didn't survive Katrina. Gee! Like I cared.
The pavillion was nice and the scenery was very pretty but, what I liked, were the ducks. They were everywhere. There were geese too but they kept their distance and so did I. Years back, I tried rescuing a drowning goose after he got tangled and broke my fishing line. I had a skiff so I got to him quickly. I pulled him out of the water and the fishing line was choking him. I snipped and snipped and as soon as he was free, he turned on me. I am sorry to say that in defending myself from this wild goose I had to beat him off me with an oar. I am happy to say that both he and I survived.
Everything was good about the day but the exhausting heat. I am ready for Fall!
A Jetty
I have no doubt that many of you reading this have seen or at least heard about the catastrophe that befell the Mississippi Coast and the thousands of homes destroyed. After the homes have been demolished and the debris is cleared, what do you do with the remaining slabs? A jetty extends out into a body of water using pilings or rocks to influemce the current or tide or to protect a harbor.Pascagoula used the slabs of the destroyed homes.
The aerial view taken after the storm shows the jetty on the right with lesser roundness at the tip. On the left is part of Northrop Grumman Shipyard.
I thought you might find this of interest. In a disaster there are countless things that most of us would never think of. This is one of them!
Pictures courtesy of my daughter
Friday, August 18, 2006
The Sun Herald | 08/18/2006 | FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY Honoring the unknown
The Sun Herald | 08/18/2006 | FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY Honoring the unknown: "GULFPORT - Hurricane Camille long stood as the benchmark of storms for South Mississippi. The benchmark changed with Hurricane Katrina last August.
On Thursday, the monster Camille was remembered, 37 years after it changed South Mississippi.
Those who lived through Camille have had to relive the experience through Katrina. Lives were forever altered and lives were lost during these two terrible hurricanes. Collectively, thousands died and were laid to rest."
I lived in Gulfport, MS when Hurricane Camille came ashore!
On Thursday, the monster Camille was remembered, 37 years after it changed South Mississippi.
Those who lived through Camille have had to relive the experience through Katrina. Lives were forever altered and lives were lost during these two terrible hurricanes. Collectively, thousands died and were laid to rest."
I lived in Gulfport, MS when Hurricane Camille came ashore!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Mississippi Sound Holds Assorted Debris
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Mississippi Sound Holds Assorted Debris: "They look like contraptions from a giant Erector set. But the versatile vehicles with mechanical rakes play a key role in cleaning the Mississippi Sound.
'We call it the Water Bug. They actually made it to lay out astro turf in the Astro Dome. And they put these buckets on it for Katrina,' said Perry Cowart, who operates one of the giant rake devices."
'We call it the Water Bug. They actually made it to lay out astro turf in the Astro Dome. And they put these buckets on it for Katrina,' said Perry Cowart, who operates one of the giant rake devices."
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Mental health concerns continue to rise in county
Mental health concerns continue to rise in county: "Two major Katrina issues for people, he said, are that they are rebuilding their homes but also rebuilding their spirits. Yancey said victims are exhausted and experiencing memory loss.
'There's not a quick fix. We just really weren't prepared for this,' Yancey said."
This is true folks, it has happened to me. I had an appointment with a doctor today and I couldn't answer any of his questions.. the words just wouldn't come. He gave me a anti depressant to help me cope. I didn't lose my home or possessions so imagine how the people who did are feeling.
'There's not a quick fix. We just really weren't prepared for this,' Yancey said."
This is true folks, it has happened to me. I had an appointment with a doctor today and I couldn't answer any of his questions.. the words just wouldn't come. He gave me a anti depressant to help me cope. I didn't lose my home or possessions so imagine how the people who did are feeling.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Well, I just came through a severe storm that seemed to come out of nowhere tonight. It came in with a blast of wind, terrible lightning and a downpour. My power went off three times and even though I anticipated power failure, I didn't bother to get the oil lamp. I had a candle burning and decided that would be enough. I actually am not frightened of the weather anymore. I realize that I may be displaying abnormal behavior but this is honestly the way I feel. I am in a state of resignation.... Que Cera Cera!!
I wonder if others feel as I do? As time marches on to a year since the storm devastated our lives, the thought of evacuating and enduring more discomfort and upheaval in my already chaotic existence, has become almost a certainty that, if I have a choice, I will not leave. Stupidity you may say.... No! .... exhaustion. I think that it is more mental exhaustion than physical. Because we don't have enough physical diversions, we dwell on the magnitude of the problems we have and thus experience the emotions of hopelessness and helplessness. Of the two emotions mentioned, helplessness is the one that is distressing to me because it is the opposite of what I and many people were before Katrina. Helpless, according to the dictionary, means incompetent, incapable and dependent on others to take care of you.
We, the people, are not in the position to make the rules. Officials are making them for us. I have said before, that if we, the people, had been allowed to rebuild our homes to the specifications of our choice, much more progress would have been accomplished and we would have been on our way to recovery. I hope there is still freedom of speech!
I wonder if others feel as I do? As time marches on to a year since the storm devastated our lives, the thought of evacuating and enduring more discomfort and upheaval in my already chaotic existence, has become almost a certainty that, if I have a choice, I will not leave. Stupidity you may say.... No! .... exhaustion. I think that it is more mental exhaustion than physical. Because we don't have enough physical diversions, we dwell on the magnitude of the problems we have and thus experience the emotions of hopelessness and helplessness. Of the two emotions mentioned, helplessness is the one that is distressing to me because it is the opposite of what I and many people were before Katrina. Helpless, according to the dictionary, means incompetent, incapable and dependent on others to take care of you.
We, the people, are not in the position to make the rules. Officials are making them for us. I have said before, that if we, the people, had been allowed to rebuild our homes to the specifications of our choice, much more progress would have been accomplished and we would have been on our way to recovery. I hope there is still freedom of speech!
Broadwater Angel
I have had the "scruffy" but adorable angel for over thirty years. It came from the once swanky Broadwater in Biloxi, Mississippi. Many of our office Christmas parties were held there. The lobby was always decorated beautifully and the ornaments on the tree were always special. One year all the ladies, me included, helped ourselves to the ornaments. We didn't get in trouble as the Manager was present and he said, "Go for it ladies" and we did. I also have a mouse and two doves made from the same plaid fabric. I am especially sad as I know there are many others on the coast that would have had these mementos of a wonderful past.
It was a fun era on the coast and enjoyed by so many people. Yet another landmark will disappear from the landscape but we will remember the Broadwater.
Article On The Broadwater
Monday, August 14, 2006
Boredom
I am sure all of you at one time or another have experienced boredom. Right? You thought of maybe going to a movie just to get out of the house. Maybe you did a little shopping and bought something frivolous to cheer yourself up. Right? I used to do that but let me tell you something about what it's like here ... and getting worse. I was an early riser, now I sleep very late and feel a little irritated if I should awaken too early. Sleeping is my way of shortening what I have learned will be a very boring day. There is no entertainment in Pascagoula at this time. Of course, there will be in the future. Many things are promised all around the coast for an unspecified time in the distant future, unfortunately, we live in the present.
I wish the people in neighborhoods would have block parties. Now that would make the wait for progress a little more bearable. That doesn't happen either. When I first moved into my present home fifteen months ago, I met a total of four people and haven't seen them since. I read the same articles that you do about people coming together and helping one another and I am not saying it doesn't happen with some people, it just hasn't happened for me or anyone that I know. Which reminds me of the grant letters going out, not any of the people I know have received the letter. What are the chances of that?
It is raining here again and it is thundering and lightning. I am not scared of the weather anymore. I guess I should be, but Katrina seems to have scared me so much, as it did thousands of other people, that I don't feel fear anymore. See, that isn't natural, is it? Or maybe it is a blessing. "There is no fear but fear itself".
Another daughter from Gulfport came for a visit recently and she brought me up on the news there. Things are just the same in that area, no progress. We are all wallowing, not in a state of pleasure but in a state of stagnation.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
083005.pdf (application/pdf Object)
083005.pdf (application/pdf Object)
This is a full readable edition of The Mississippi Press dated August 30, 2005. To read the paper click on the above link and scroll to read. .
This is a full readable edition of The Mississippi Press dated August 30, 2005. To read the paper click on the above link and scroll to read. .
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: ABC Soap Stars Help South Mississippi Rebuild
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: ABC Soap Stars Help South Mississippi Rebuild: "The stars joined forces with Home Depot and Kaboom! to restore an historic structure and make make way for a new playground at Beck Park, which will be built on August 29."
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Happy Birthday Emily and Dave!!!
My little granddaughter, Emily, celebrated her birthday today. She was only 17 days old when Katrina came ashore last August. She shares a special birthday with her father. Happy Birthday Emily and Dave!!!
The Sun Herald | 08/12/2006 | Grants will go out in August, Barbour says
The Sun Herald | 08/12/2006 | Grants will go out in August, Barbour says: "BILOXI - Most homeowner grants will be distributed in August, Gov. Haley Barbour said Friday at the opening of his three-day Recovery Expo. He said although a computer glitch put the Mississippi Development Authority four or five days behind, most grants will still go out this month."
AND THE PENDULUM SWINGS!!!
AND THE PENDULUM SWINGS!!!
Looking Back......
Although I have entitled this post "Looking Back", the memory of what happened that fateful day in August will be with me for the rest of my life. That day and all the days, weeks and months that followed have now become two weeks short of a year later. It has been a very long year full of struggles and depression. At times we find humor in something and we laugh but there are, I think, more tears than laughter. All the landmarks or a favorite place to eat are no longer there. It has already become difficult to remember what once was on a certain property.
The debris removal was a tremendous job and has been cleared making the areas clean but barren. I wonder if anyone has thought of the debris as being more than just a mess to clear. It was a special debris as it contained people's homes, furniture, clothes, jewelry, photos of their familes, all of their kitchen appliances, washers and dryers, heirlooms, paintings, toys, treasured keepsakes handed down from their parents, high school and college diplomas. There was much more than I have listed. What about smaller items like measuring cups, utensils, pencils, pens, needles and thread. I think you see my point so if you should see a picture of "debris" from Katrina, I hope that you will see what I have spoken of and think of the heartache that still abounds.
I was with my daughter, her husband and their four children during the storm. For obvious reasons, we didn't take many pictures as the water rose quickly and was coming into the house. The last two pictures were taken from second floor.
The debris removal was a tremendous job and has been cleared making the areas clean but barren. I wonder if anyone has thought of the debris as being more than just a mess to clear. It was a special debris as it contained people's homes, furniture, clothes, jewelry, photos of their familes, all of their kitchen appliances, washers and dryers, heirlooms, paintings, toys, treasured keepsakes handed down from their parents, high school and college diplomas. There was much more than I have listed. What about smaller items like measuring cups, utensils, pencils, pens, needles and thread. I think you see my point so if you should see a picture of "debris" from Katrina, I hope that you will see what I have spoken of and think of the heartache that still abounds.
I was with my daughter, her husband and their four children during the storm. For obvious reasons, we didn't take many pictures as the water rose quickly and was coming into the house. The last two pictures were taken from second floor.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Chron.com | (PZ) TASER Device Prevents Post-Katrina Suicide Attempt
Chron.com | (PZ) TASER Device Prevents Post-Katrina Suicide Attempt: "According to news reports from The Times-Picayune, a New Orleans man was arrested Tuesday night after attempting to commit suicide and begging officers to shoot him to death. According to James Arey, commander of the police negotiations team, John McCusker, a Times-Picayune photographer, set out to kill himself after becoming depressed about not being able to financially rebuild his Katrina-devastated home. McCusker was spotted driving erratically near Napoleon Avenue and Baronne Street just before 7:30 p.m. and struck several parked vehicles before finally complying with officers' requests to pull over. An officer then approached McCusker's car with a gun and asked him to step out of the vehicle while a second officer posted behind the car. McCusker refused and instead rolled down the window and asked repeatedly to be killed before putting the car in reverse, pinning the second officer between McCusker's vehicle and the patrol car. Two shots were fired but missed the tires of McCusker's car as he sped off."
NOLA.com: Search
NOLA.com: Search: "A man who police said was depressed after he found out he didn't have enough insurance money to rebuild his Katrina-ravaged New Orleans home was arrested Tuesday after trying to get police to shoot him to death, New Orleans police said.
John McCusker, a photographer for The Times-Picayune, was taken into custody. Police said he will be charged, but were unsure what charges will be filed. He was being held under psychiatric observation."
John McCusker, a photographer for The Times-Picayune, was taken into custody. Police said he will be charged, but were unsure what charges will be filed. He was being held under psychiatric observation."
Before and After -- SunHerald.com
Before and After -- SunHerald.com
In remembrance of Katrina's anniversary, August 29, 2005, I have blogged the before and after pictures of the destruction of homes and more in our area.
In remembrance of Katrina's anniversary, August 29, 2005, I have blogged the before and after pictures of the destruction of homes and more in our area.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
AP Wire | 08/10/2006 | British: Thwarted plot involved 10 jets
AP Wire | 08/10/2006 | British: Thwarted plot involved 10 jets: "LONDON - British authorities said Thursday they thwarted a terrorist plot to simultaneously blow up 10 aircraft heading to the U.S. using explosives smuggled in hand luggage, averting what police described as 'mass murder on an unimaginable scale.'"
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home: "
U.S. Raises Airline Threat Level To Highest Level, First Time Ever
The terror scheme disrupted in London is 'suggestive of an al-Qaida plot,'' the Bush administration said Thursday as it issued its highest terrorism alert ever for commercial flights from Britain to the United States and raised the threat level for all domestic and international flights. All other flights, including all domestic flights in the United States, were put under an 'orange,'' alert - one step below the highest level."
U.S. Raises Airline Threat Level To Highest Level, First Time Ever
The terror scheme disrupted in London is 'suggestive of an al-Qaida plot,'' the Bush administration said Thursday as it issued its highest terrorism alert ever for commercial flights from Britain to the United States and raised the threat level for all domestic and international flights. All other flights, including all domestic flights in the United States, were put under an 'orange,'' alert - one step below the highest level."
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: South Mississippi Heroes
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: South Mississippi Heroes: "08/08/06 --- During the height of Katrina's landfall, the entire first floor of The Coast Inn in Waveland was under water. The hotel's owners took in dozens of frightened refugees. Many of them say they're alive today because of one very brave man, Howard O'Gwin. We have some amazing video of this South Mississippi Hero in action."
Click on the above and it will take you to the page that has the video of a true hero!
Click on the above and it will take you to the page that has the video of a true hero!
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: 3 Doors Down Surprises Fans In Jackson County
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: 3 Doors Down Surprises Fans In Jackson County: "Roberts says Resurrection Catholic High School in Pascagoula prepared him for life in the spotlight.
'It's where I graduated from high school,' said Roberts. 'You only graduate from high school once, and this happened to be the place. It was a good school. I had a great time here, and a lot of great memories'."
'It's where I graduated from high school,' said Roberts. 'You only graduate from high school once, and this happened to be the place. It was a good school. I had a great time here, and a lot of great memories'."
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Today was just an ordinary day, nothing major to report. But then maybe I am restraining myself trying to not be morose. When you live where I do, it's natural to talk about the problems we face from day to day. I decided it was time for me to take a break and find a way to make the day special. So I went to my daughter's and borrowed my two grandsons for a few hours. They have small digital cameras that take 20 pictures so they were more than willing to ride around with me to look and snap anything that was appealing to them. I won't know until later what they have but I can't wait to see because it went something like this. I would ask, "Boys are you taking any pictures?" George said, "I am trying to take one of the helicopter flying over." William said, Nothing yet, I don't see anything exciting." I wasn't taking any as I thought they would snap the places where furniture was piled at the curb for trash pickup or the blue tarped roofs. Surely they are noticing the houses that are raised high off the ground. I believe that what I will see is the back of my head and the interior of the car but that's okay. I decided to take two pictures just in case.
When we got to my house we had lunch and then watched TV. Cartoons, of course. Before returning them home we went to a Dollar General store and I bought them a few toys. They were thrilled! I thought how much better we all would feel if we could recapture some of the innocence we had as a child. The boys truly didn't see the destruction that was all around them, they savored the moment. They taught me a valuable lesson today. I will try to remember.
When we got to my house we had lunch and then watched TV. Cartoons, of course. Before returning them home we went to a Dollar General store and I bought them a few toys. They were thrilled! I thought how much better we all would feel if we could recapture some of the innocence we had as a child. The boys truly didn't see the destruction that was all around them, they savored the moment. They taught me a valuable lesson today. I will try to remember.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Mysterious skin ailment surfaces here
Mysterious skin ailment surfaces here: "PASCAGOULA -- A Pascagoula woman, who asked for anonymity, said she had never been sick a day in her life until a year ago when Hurricane Katrina struck.
Now the 55-year-old woman's body is plagued with a type of stringy-grayish parasite that continues to multiply within her body.
The woman's husband and family dogs also exhibit the same
signs."
Oh No!!! What is this?
Now the 55-year-old woman's body is plagued with a type of stringy-grayish parasite that continues to multiply within her body.
The woman's husband and family dogs also exhibit the same
signs."
Oh No!!! What is this?
Saturday, August 05, 2006
The Sun Herald | 08/05/2006 | Investors put their cash on Coast barrelhead
The Sun Herald | 08/05/2006 | Investors put their cash on Coast barrelhead: "BILOXI - Investors from across the nation went on a $116 million property-buying blitz in South Mississippi this week, snapping up 403 condominium and affordable-housing units.
Some properties were in such high demand a lottery had to be drawn for reservation rights and some of the 110 investors were wait-listed.
Pre-Construction Investing Tours' three-day circuit of South Mississippi development sites wrapped up Thursday at the IP Casino and Hotel when investors put down deposits of $2,500 to $10,000, said tour organizer Wendy Patton.
The properties sold included both luxury condominiums and affordable housing projects planned for construction. Rick Borst, vice president for Pinnacle Real Estate Group of Orlando, Fla., said presenting both types of properties is key.
'One without the other will not work,' said Borst.
Borst said the attractions that make South Mississippi such a great destination for tourists cannot function without places for employees to live."
Some properties were in such high demand a lottery had to be drawn for reservation rights and some of the 110 investors were wait-listed.
Pre-Construction Investing Tours' three-day circuit of South Mississippi development sites wrapped up Thursday at the IP Casino and Hotel when investors put down deposits of $2,500 to $10,000, said tour organizer Wendy Patton.
The properties sold included both luxury condominiums and affordable housing projects planned for construction. Rick Borst, vice president for Pinnacle Real Estate Group of Orlando, Fla., said presenting both types of properties is key.
'One without the other will not work,' said Borst.
Borst said the attractions that make South Mississippi such a great destination for tourists cannot function without places for employees to live."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Gulfport Citizens In Uproar Over Public Housing Changes
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Gulfport Citizens In Uproar Over Public Housing Changes: "It's the number one topic of conversation at L.C. Jones Homes in Gulfport.
Residents at L.C. Jones in Gulfport, W.M. Ladnier Homes in Gulfport and Charles Warner Homes in Pascagoula all received letters from the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority stating they may have to move out within the next few months. "
Residents at L.C. Jones in Gulfport, W.M. Ladnier Homes in Gulfport and Charles Warner Homes in Pascagoula all received letters from the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority stating they may have to move out within the next few months. "
gulflive.com: Search
gulflive.com: Search: "The increase in the suicide rate here is alarming. There is a need to recognize the problem and address it individually as well as by the community."
Friday, August 04, 2006
What's Going On Here?
When Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, all of us were so busy and weighted down with one problem after the other that I don't think much thought was given to the long term problems that were going to arise in our area. Now.. you would have to be a "dummy" to not recognize that all the delays are putting tremendous pressure on us to make us ALL leave. Problem solved!!! We are being hindered from getting on with our lives. The elevation requirement will be to many people's detriment and prevent them from rebuilding their homes. Katrina was a "freak" storm that may not happen again but yet we are ordered to leave three days before a hurricane makes landfall if it enters Gulf waters. Do the authorities know something we don't? It has to be very serious to not take into consideration the impracticabilities that it all entails. Their attitude toward us is, in my opinion, inhumane. What about our two connecting bridges? We have to use the interstate and people have lost their lives on the only outlet for most of us. My husband's grave is in Gulfport and I haven't visited since last December because of all the fatalities.
People should have had the right to rebuild on their slabs instead of having to elevate to a heighth that meets the requirements but are not very appealing. A few people have lifted ranch style homes 16 ft..... imagine how that looks. Sadly, I saw one of those homes split in the middle. I wondered who was responsible for that particular home's demise. The link below is the determination of one homeowner. I will follow that story and hope they do not make her "bulldoze" it.
West Gulfport Home
Sure there have been thousands of volunteers coming to help but I, personally, have not seen any. I think they are a well kept secret directed toward a chosen few. I don't blame them, I blame the bureaucracy that point them in the direction THEY want them to go.
Yes Folks! We are a hurting people trying to survive against so many odds. The grant delay is going to cause an uproar. People are tired, beaten down and becoming more desperate every day. A year is a long time to have lived on promises made for our future and promises not fulfilled.
The Sun Herald | 08/04/2006 | Grant process will have multiple steps
The Sun Herald | 08/04/2006 | Grant process will have multiple steps: "Bob Strickland of Biloxi, an Isle of Capri employee, said he and fellow workers are waiting on pins and needles for the grant check.
He said Thursday he has not received the letter that will tell him whether he is approved . He was afraid the process would take longer than he was initially told.
'That's what's so frustrating,' Strickland said. 'We were told in February that we'd apply in March, then it was April. Then we applied in May and were told we'd get checks in August.'
He said, 'Nobody knows if we're even getting anything. It makes it very difficult to plan. Our houses are destroyed and we're waiting on the money that the governor assures us we'll get.
'I'm broke,' he said. 'I have a house, but I can't finish it. I have no other source of money to repair it. I'm doing it paycheck-by-paycheck now.'"
He said Thursday he has not received the letter that will tell him whether he is approved . He was afraid the process would take longer than he was initially told.
'That's what's so frustrating,' Strickland said. 'We were told in February that we'd apply in March, then it was April. Then we applied in May and were told we'd get checks in August.'
He said, 'Nobody knows if we're even getting anything. It makes it very difficult to plan. Our houses are destroyed and we're waiting on the money that the governor assures us we'll get.
'I'm broke,' he said. 'I have a house, but I can't finish it. I have no other source of money to repair it. I'm doing it paycheck-by-paycheck now.'"
Thursday, August 03, 2006
gulflive.com: NewsFlash - Guard dog destroys Elvis' teddy bear during museum rampage
gulflive.com: NewsFlash - Guard dog destroys Elvis' teddy bear during museum rampage
I awoke this morning expecting the usual gloom and doom when reading news articles on the internet. True, I found all that but there was one that made me laugh and brightened my outlook!
I awoke this morning expecting the usual gloom and doom when reading news articles on the internet. True, I found all that but there was one that made me laugh and brightened my outlook!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
A Wasted Year
It is now the first day of August, a month that I have never liked because that's when the southern heat is at it's worst. "Dog Days" as we call them. For me,the heat was always bearable as I knew that September was forthcoming and cool,if not cold days, would soon begin. There is no other place I would rather be in the winter months. Now...I have lost much of my happy anticipation for just about everything I once enjoyed after wasting an entire year of my life. A year of seeing nothing but destruction, very little progress and hearing all the rhetoric in the news about how well we are doing. A resilient people right? I used to be. I used to be a lot of things. I used to be a happy person, a very spirited lady but somehow Katrina is slowly squeezing the life out of me. In past years,I would begin Christmas shopping by mid August as I was convinced I was Mrs. Claus. I always had the tree decorated at Thanksgiving so we could look at the beauty of it while enjoying the meal I had prepared. Since the storm so much of that kind of celebration has passed us by.Last Christmas the daughter and her family were sick with flu like symptoms and a cough but there was a decorated tree for the children,the damage in the room was cleverly concealed by my daughter. They, me too, all had the cough for many months after the storm but the doctors "debunked" the notion that all the contaminants we had come in contact with was the cause. So many people had it that it became known as the "Katrina Cough".
We have been living in isolation for this period of time and never really knew what was going on in the other areas. Because of the enormous amount of videos that are out.... now we know. In our darkest hours, we had desperately needed supplies turned away from us. Why? A person without food can live longer than one without water. We have seen national guardsmen that were given orders to shoot another American if they didn't get out of their damaged houses in New Orleans. If this had happened to you, wouldn't you be frightened as we are? Mississippi's National Guard (40%) was deployed to Iraq shortly before Katrina. It was the biggest deployment in the State's history. They weren't here to get ice and water to us.I suppose it was an unfortunate coincidence.
Enormous amounts of debris has been picked up making the desolation at least a little cleaner.There are still homes with blue tarp on the roofs. There are many locally owned businesses that have given no sign that they will rebuild. Many streets in neighborhoods are showing signs of future collapse. Utilities are passing their losses to us in the way of estimation not actual usage.To live without a vision for a better future is not living at all. It is merely existing. .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
