How do you write about New Orleans and convey the full sense of the city, its condition and what we experienced? I can show only a tiny part of that elephant so please draw no certain conclusions from my words.
And, the same can be said about how the media represents post-Katrina New Orleans. Last night there were scenes on ABC News showing the progress or lack thereof. They showed some of the worst sections of the city for maximum impact. It is about the only way they can begin to convey the devastation. I saw many similar conditions but I also saw parts of the city that had minimal hurricane damage and are nearly complete in their recovery.
Those in our party that had been to New Orleans last September seem to have the same impressions as I. First, it is a city in recovery that is finally pulling itself together. Infrastructure is becoming evident. Trash that lined the curbs is gone – waste disposal trucks now routinely pick-up garbage. School busses are back on the streets. Some trolley lines are running and others being repaired. And, one of my companions noted; on the last trip they only saw one squad car during their entire visit, this time many were very seen. Squad cars are staged at many supermarkets and restaurants.
Having said that, there are still large swaths of devastation. FEMA trailers are sprinkled through the city with homeowners endeavoring to rebuild their homes. I saw several housing developments closed and permanently shuttered.
It is routine to see homes with discolored lines around their exterior – “high water” marks. I learned that the high water marks on the homes actually showed the level to which flooding initially receded and not the actual flood height that was generally 2 feet higher yet.
In addition to the physical destruction there are multiple issues related to rebuilding and restoration. ABC News said that of the 110,000 applications for Road Home Finds, only 10,000 have been granted. That is another side of the story. For many reasons the delays are endless – some legitimate and others self-serving if not outright reprehensible. The front page of the Times-Picayune is still dominated by reports of committee meetings, decisions and postponements.
The Land Acquisition and Disposition Committee reported back to the blue ribbon Redevelopment Authority that they had no updates for the meeting – again, no action and further delay. Efforts are virtually moribund in a mix of issues reflecting such things as the complexity of the problems, lassitude, posturing, political maneuvering and of course economic interests. Should certain areas be opened to redevelopment? What type of redevelopment will be permitted? Who will do it? What are the zoning requirements?
I think, however, one of the most favorable signals of recovery is the many “Now Open” signs I saw hanging outside businesses. Businesses are reopening and that means jobs, products and services becoming available.
Even though the images may be somewhat distorted, I’m glad that the media is not ignoring New Orleans. The city is entering dangerous times. On many levels it is coming together and it gets easier to forget and move on. Unfortunately there is a large population of people that are not in their homes yet and face a huge amount of work and sacrifice to return. Think how you would feel a full year and a half after losing your home and still living in a trailer and with no immediate prospects that you will be in a home for another year, or two, or even longer. How do you continue to Hope?
If our work provided some of that hope then it is very well worth the expense, time and effort. This is aside from the physical contributions we made toward restoring their homes.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Three Hated Words
This morning was very pleasant as I sat on our newly screened porch, drinking a cup of coffee and reading a golf magazine. I was scanning an article about tournament play and was reminded of the three words I've grown to hate..."IN THE HOLEEEEEEE!"
Presumably the fans at the Masters Tournament were asked not to shout "In the Holeeee" but there were still a few persistent fans. It doesn't matter that the pro is teeing off on a par 5 600-yard hole that even Tiger Woods could never reach, the shout still goes up.
Maybe the phrase was clever when someone first shouted it but if I were a pro player I think I would reach a point where I would coin my own three words, matching action with words as I swung my golf club..."AROUND YOUR HEADDDDD!"
Why have I written about this? Misery loves company and now that I've made this point you might agree and be as annoyed as I am. See you on the course. hahahahaha
Presumably the fans at the Masters Tournament were asked not to shout "In the Holeeee" but there were still a few persistent fans. It doesn't matter that the pro is teeing off on a par 5 600-yard hole that even Tiger Woods could never reach, the shout still goes up.
Maybe the phrase was clever when someone first shouted it but if I were a pro player I think I would reach a point where I would coin my own three words, matching action with words as I swung my golf club..."AROUND YOUR HEADDDDD!"
Why have I written about this? Misery loves company and now that I've made this point you might agree and be as annoyed as I am. See you on the course. hahahahaha
Global Warming Perspectives
I endorse efforts to green the planet on the basis that we treat our God given environment with respect and care. Whether our carbon dioxide emissions are the culprit is debated, and by top scientist. This web site has some excellent perspectives on global warming plus I think its design deserves consideration for a Webby award.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Why Go There? New Orleans
I’ve written about this impending trip to New Orleans. I knew that it was somehow going to help the residents but wasn’t exactly clear how it worked. I had been told that the most important aspect of our volunteering to go there was it inspired hope.
Until this trip the goal was to assist in gutting the 100,000 properties devastated by Katrina. Gutting a home consist of clearing out all the appliances and possessions, stripping sheetrock off the walls and ceilings and ending with a home composed of framing, base floors, exterior walls and roof. The purpose was to ascertain whether the structure could be rebuilt or needs to be leveled. If the house could be rebuilt, the owner might qualify for “Road Home” funds from FEMA – up $105,000 if not covered by insurance. These funds are outright grants.
Of the initial 100,000 properties, it was estimated at the time of our trip that at least 90% had been gutted. The government had announced that if the residents didn’t immediately return to have their home gutted, in a couple weeks they would be razed. Not all owners could be located – there is no national registry or other means of contacting them other then the media. A few had gotten the word so that represented the bulk of any properties now being cleared.
Our group worked under the direction and coordination of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana (EDOLA). Volunteers come from throughout the country. We met each morning at St. Andrews parish house (near Tulane University) and received our job assignments. During the week I was there, groups came from Atlanta, Chicago, Washington state, Cincinnati, Vermont, and more. Monday I counted about 56 volunteers.
EDOLA has gutted over 800 homes. Other churches had similar programs, Methodists, Unitarian, Baptist, etc. In addition to the churches, Habitat for Humanity is a huge player. And, for those that could afford it, private contractors would clear a home for $5000-$7000 (and I understand the costs would be higher for a complete gutting like ours).
Ours was one of the first groups to start rebuilding for EDOLA. At the end of our week we had a meeting to provide our insights to Katie, the young woman directing all this work. Suggestions such as standardizing the paint color available to the homeowner – white, no crown molding, and limited floor selection to simplify the task and get as many back in their homes quickly and with the least costs. Also better equipment such as more powerful shop vacuums, portable band saw for floor laying, and safer ladders were our feedback.
EDOLA estimated that for $6000 they can hang sheetrock, prime and paint, lay new floors, install basic appliances, and so on – enough for the owner to again live in the home. I think this number is for a small one story (1400 sq. ft.) home. The $6000 is an interest free loan to the owner to be repaid when they receive their Road Home funds, and if they don’t or for some other reason cannot repay, the loan will be forgiven. So the rebuilding begins and I suspect most owners will not be in their homes until sometime next year at the earliest.
There is much more to tell but this blog is already long so will stop now before I overtax my readers.
Until this trip the goal was to assist in gutting the 100,000 properties devastated by Katrina. Gutting a home consist of clearing out all the appliances and possessions, stripping sheetrock off the walls and ceilings and ending with a home composed of framing, base floors, exterior walls and roof. The purpose was to ascertain whether the structure could be rebuilt or needs to be leveled. If the house could be rebuilt, the owner might qualify for “Road Home” funds from FEMA – up $105,000 if not covered by insurance. These funds are outright grants.
Of the initial 100,000 properties, it was estimated at the time of our trip that at least 90% had been gutted. The government had announced that if the residents didn’t immediately return to have their home gutted, in a couple weeks they would be razed. Not all owners could be located – there is no national registry or other means of contacting them other then the media. A few had gotten the word so that represented the bulk of any properties now being cleared.
Our group worked under the direction and coordination of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana (EDOLA). Volunteers come from throughout the country. We met each morning at St. Andrews parish house (near Tulane University) and received our job assignments. During the week I was there, groups came from Atlanta, Chicago, Washington state, Cincinnati, Vermont, and more. Monday I counted about 56 volunteers.
EDOLA has gutted over 800 homes. Other churches had similar programs, Methodists, Unitarian, Baptist, etc. In addition to the churches, Habitat for Humanity is a huge player. And, for those that could afford it, private contractors would clear a home for $5000-$7000 (and I understand the costs would be higher for a complete gutting like ours).
Ours was one of the first groups to start rebuilding for EDOLA. At the end of our week we had a meeting to provide our insights to Katie, the young woman directing all this work. Suggestions such as standardizing the paint color available to the homeowner – white, no crown molding, and limited floor selection to simplify the task and get as many back in their homes quickly and with the least costs. Also better equipment such as more powerful shop vacuums, portable band saw for floor laying, and safer ladders were our feedback.
EDOLA estimated that for $6000 they can hang sheetrock, prime and paint, lay new floors, install basic appliances, and so on – enough for the owner to again live in the home. I think this number is for a small one story (1400 sq. ft.) home. The $6000 is an interest free loan to the owner to be repaid when they receive their Road Home funds, and if they don’t or for some other reason cannot repay, the loan will be forgiven. So the rebuilding begins and I suspect most owners will not be in their homes until sometime next year at the earliest.
There is much more to tell but this blog is already long so will stop now before I overtax my readers.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sanjayas Gone
As you may know from an earlier blog, I was no fan of Sanjaya. My views are shared, their is a poll on a New Orleans web site that had 60% Jumping for Joy; 27% felt it was OK, time for him to go; 5% wanted Lakesha to go; and only 1.7% wanted him to stay.
I think Howard had some real impact on earlier voting.
I think Howard had some real impact on earlier voting.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
New Orleans #4
Started out today for New Orleans. I'm riding in a 14 passenger van rented for the trip. We are towing a large covered trailer full of our tools, clothing and linens. The day was uneventful. The first couple hours we got to know our seat mates, at least those close enough to comfortably hear over the road noise, then the reading materials came out.
We left Southport at 8 am and arrived at our motel in Anniston, Alabama around 5 pm. We are sharing a room so went into the motel and sort of looked around at each other and rather arbitrarily connected. The fellow I connected with, had been sitting further forward in the van so I hadn't had a chance to talk with him - probably why he agreed to room with me. I introduced myself and he asked if I snored, I told him I had never hear me. Wonder who I'll room with next?
We left Southport at 8 am and arrived at our motel in Anniston, Alabama around 5 pm. We are sharing a room so went into the motel and sort of looked around at each other and rather arbitrarily connected. The fellow I connected with, had been sitting further forward in the van so I hadn't had a chance to talk with him - probably why he agreed to room with me. I introduced myself and he asked if I snored, I told him I had never hear me. Wonder who I'll room with next?
Friday, April 13, 2007
New Orleans #3
Found this on a blog by the Musicians Releif Fund. Their blog started: "This is by a slideshow by Jake. He's 11 and for his 11th birthday asked for $11 donations to the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund instead of replacing the train he lost to Katrina because that's the kind of kid he is."
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Root Canal
Had a little time to kill today so decided to get a root canal. All my life people have cringed and said "root canal" in fearful hushed tones. This is the second one I've had and I have to say they are over rated. The only pain was a brief jab of the needle as the dentist numbed my mouth.
I thought the metaphor of a miner going for a vein of gold worked well. The miner started by reinforcing the cave entrance with a block of rubber, used water drills to cut the shaft and, in my case drilled a side shaft to reach the vein since I already had a crown on the tooth which he didn't want to remove. I have to admit the noise of the drill and the suction drowned out the podcast I was listening, that was a little disturbing.
The dentist was low key, quietly directing his assistant saying things like "20, 25." I have no idea what he was talking about, maybe basketball scores. He was good. He used a laser dill in part of the operation and, unique for me, a micro-processor chip. He put the small microprocessor on my left lip (the problem tooth was in the upper right of my mouth). Using the chip he was able to probe into the tooth and determine when he encountered a nerve by a tone being emitted. In electrical parlance, a continuity check. Cool.
My thoughts went back to the old dental equipment we found in the upstairs over the town library. I'm not sure how old I was, maybe 10 or 11. Today those tools would be in a museum. What came to mind was the foot powered drill. I first thought of the slow speeds generated and poor anesthetic...ouch. Then it occurred to me that it was probably best to visit the dentist early in the day before his leg got tired.
Dentistry sure has advanced and I admire the technology if not always the dentist.
For those in the know, dental work is subtle tattoos for the sophisticated. Nothing overt, no loud garish statements, just quiet, understated sexuality. Man am I hot!
I thought the metaphor of a miner going for a vein of gold worked well. The miner started by reinforcing the cave entrance with a block of rubber, used water drills to cut the shaft and, in my case drilled a side shaft to reach the vein since I already had a crown on the tooth which he didn't want to remove. I have to admit the noise of the drill and the suction drowned out the podcast I was listening, that was a little disturbing.
The dentist was low key, quietly directing his assistant saying things like "20, 25." I have no idea what he was talking about, maybe basketball scores. He was good. He used a laser dill in part of the operation and, unique for me, a micro-processor chip. He put the small microprocessor on my left lip (the problem tooth was in the upper right of my mouth). Using the chip he was able to probe into the tooth and determine when he encountered a nerve by a tone being emitted. In electrical parlance, a continuity check. Cool.
My thoughts went back to the old dental equipment we found in the upstairs over the town library. I'm not sure how old I was, maybe 10 or 11. Today those tools would be in a museum. What came to mind was the foot powered drill. I first thought of the slow speeds generated and poor anesthetic...ouch. Then it occurred to me that it was probably best to visit the dentist early in the day before his leg got tired.
Dentistry sure has advanced and I admire the technology if not always the dentist.
For those in the know, dental work is subtle tattoos for the sophisticated. Nothing overt, no loud garish statements, just quiet, understated sexuality. Man am I hot!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Happy Feet
Hazel and I watched Happy Feet last night. Hazel enjoyed it as I knew she would and I liked some of the music. As far as the rest of it, not that good. I had the feeling that they slapped a lot of it together, threw in the environmental message to dredge up a plot, and did the animation on a tight budget. I now wonder what all the buzz was about - just shrewd Hollywood marketing?
Maybe Maya and Tyler will like it though.
Actually when I got the movie I thought it was a story about a podiatrist.
Maybe Maya and Tyler will like it though.
Actually when I got the movie I thought it was a story about a podiatrist.
Porch is Done
I finished the screened porch last week. So here again is a before shot of the porch...
The Photoshop version to see how the remodel would look.
And the actual finished porch.
And Koko approves.
Yes, I'm changing the color and now have to paint the rest of the house which is a work in progress. Going to add kickboards to the steps to dress them up a little.
The Photoshop version to see how the remodel would look.
And the actual finished porch.
And Koko approves.
Yes, I'm changing the color and now have to paint the rest of the house which is a work in progress. Going to add kickboards to the steps to dress them up a little.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
New Orleans #2
Saturday I leave for New Orleans. Last week I attended the second and final planning meeting. At that time it looked like there would be only 8 or 9 of us going but since then more have signed up to make it 12.
We will travel together in a van, staying overnight in a motel on the trip down and on the return. We will share a room with another to minimize expenses. The van will be towing a trailer laden with our tools and gear.
At the meeting it was expected that we would be engaged in demolition work and talk centered about some of the conditions we would encounter. The work will probably be so hot and dirty that we would be forced to wash our clothes daily - the smell making it impossible to store them for even a day.
Another warning was to never, never open refrigerators. Last year the routine was to tie the door shuts but in one house this couldn't be done due to its position against the wall. As they wrestled the refrigerator from the wall the door popped opened dumping black smelly sludge on the floor. Forcing everyone out of the house to escape the stink.
Last year the crew would gut 1 to 2 houses each day. Tearing out drywall, trashed appliances, carpets, and so on. The trash would be hauled to the curb - sorted into piles (hazardous, appliances, construction waste, etc) which usually resulted in a shoulder high pile of debris stretching across the front of the property. A service then came by and removed the debris - one of the recovery procedures that is working well.
I got an email a few days ago with the good news that we would be doing some remediation work. Installing drywall, flooring, painting, etc. There may be some demo work but if so not a entire week.
I'm now busy planning on the tools I'll take and thinking about packing. I hate packing for a trip because you have to make decisions. So, like any good decision maker, I procrastinate until the day prior. Not all of retirement is fun and games.
Wonder if I should take my AARP magazines? Maybe John can advise.
We will travel together in a van, staying overnight in a motel on the trip down and on the return. We will share a room with another to minimize expenses. The van will be towing a trailer laden with our tools and gear.
At the meeting it was expected that we would be engaged in demolition work and talk centered about some of the conditions we would encounter. The work will probably be so hot and dirty that we would be forced to wash our clothes daily - the smell making it impossible to store them for even a day.
Another warning was to never, never open refrigerators. Last year the routine was to tie the door shuts but in one house this couldn't be done due to its position against the wall. As they wrestled the refrigerator from the wall the door popped opened dumping black smelly sludge on the floor. Forcing everyone out of the house to escape the stink.
Last year the crew would gut 1 to 2 houses each day. Tearing out drywall, trashed appliances, carpets, and so on. The trash would be hauled to the curb - sorted into piles (hazardous, appliances, construction waste, etc) which usually resulted in a shoulder high pile of debris stretching across the front of the property. A service then came by and removed the debris - one of the recovery procedures that is working well.
I got an email a few days ago with the good news that we would be doing some remediation work. Installing drywall, flooring, painting, etc. There may be some demo work but if so not a entire week.
I'm now busy planning on the tools I'll take and thinking about packing. I hate packing for a trip because you have to make decisions. So, like any good decision maker, I procrastinate until the day prior. Not all of retirement is fun and games.
Wonder if I should take my AARP magazines? Maybe John can advise.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Bumper Sticker
Saw a bumper sticker this morning. It ssid, "Our German Shepard is smarter then your honor student."
What do you think Jax?
What do you think Jax?
Spring Festival
Friday, Hazel and I went to the annual Southport Spring Festival. Held in Franklin Square Park, the setting is beautiful with azaleas blooming around us.
The festival being located amidst the trees creates a bit of a maze but its fun to see the people and visit the booths.
I especially liked this lady in pink. I doubt she deliberately chose her setting to match her clothing.
Hazel bought some herbs and we considered the trip a success. Oh, and I bought two tickets for a boat raffle. You can never have enough boats.
On Being Retired
Today (Saturday) I was trying to hang a new shelf in the laundry room. It is one of those annoying projects I really don't want to do and partly for that reason it wasn't going well.
My stud finder tantalized me with errant beeps and buzzes that were unfailingly useless. I ended up hammering a small nail into the drywall in a regular path across the wall trying to find the studs, none of which seemd to be where I expected them to be.
Further, I had started with the rather grand idea of building something that would insure no socks would fall behind the washer/dryer. Of course I then had to plan on a way to access the water valves (you're supposed to turn the water off when being absent on trips - which I never remember to).
As I think about it, if I turn the valves off I'll forget to turn them back on and Hazel will come to me in alram because somethings wrong with the washer. Not really a bad thing because I'll get my toolbelt and putter around moment or two, turn the valves back on and declare it fixed. Hazel will then exclaim "my hero" and continue to worship my handyman skills.
Whats this got to do with being retired? Old habits of thought are slow to die, while feeling especially frustrated, the thought flirted through my mind that I was wasting my whole WEEKEND on that damn shelf.
My stud finder tantalized me with errant beeps and buzzes that were unfailingly useless. I ended up hammering a small nail into the drywall in a regular path across the wall trying to find the studs, none of which seemd to be where I expected them to be.
Further, I had started with the rather grand idea of building something that would insure no socks would fall behind the washer/dryer. Of course I then had to plan on a way to access the water valves (you're supposed to turn the water off when being absent on trips - which I never remember to).
As I think about it, if I turn the valves off I'll forget to turn them back on and Hazel will come to me in alram because somethings wrong with the washer. Not really a bad thing because I'll get my toolbelt and putter around moment or two, turn the valves back on and declare it fixed. Hazel will then exclaim "my hero" and continue to worship my handyman skills.
Whats this got to do with being retired? Old habits of thought are slow to die, while feeling especially frustrated, the thought flirted through my mind that I was wasting my whole WEEKEND on that damn shelf.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
News I Can Really Use
While watching the local news on TV I was motivated to start a blog series. Contributions from others are welcome and postings may be irregular but I'm sure more content will appear.
Today's post? I learned that if he were still alive today, Marlon Brando would turn 85. I'm so pleased they thought to include that in the broadcast because that is news I can really use!
Today's post? I learned that if he were still alive today, Marlon Brando would turn 85. I'm so pleased they thought to include that in the broadcast because that is news I can really use!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)