August 29, 2005 - Hurricane Katrina Destroys Louisiana and Mississippi !

August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi and nearby states, killing 1600 people, devastating and flooding everything in her path. Having been through Hurricane Andrew myself, I can tell you that pictures and video can't come close to describing the chaos and turmoil that comes not only with the storm itself, but the feeling of isolation and despair that accompanies a hurricane.

The catastrophic storm battered the Gulf Coast in the early hours and the levees that keep New Orleans dry, gave way, floooding eighty percent of the city. The ensuing pandemonium and chaos, combined with nearly non-existent local, state or federal help, created a scenario that even Hollywood film makers couldn't imagine or produce.

New Orleans itself, a city that is mostly below sea level, didn't stand a chance. Engineers and flood experts had predicted for years that a catastrophe like this would happen because of the poor condition of the levees. The constant new construction in an area that was rife with faults and failing infrastructure spelled doom for the residents. If the levees are not repaired and shored up in this city before the next hurricane hits, you will see death and devastation beyond your wildest inagination.

It's Hump Day, the oasis of the work week, and generally an excuse to slip over to Lakes Cafe and Pub to socialize with the inhabitants of AREA 51. Tonight's the dart league, so everyone who's not in the league will be donning protective glasses and flak vests as a precaution. It could be worse because back in the day, they used steel tipped darts. Somehow, Steel tipped darts and cocktails, doesn't seem to be a good idea, but that's just me. Danny finished the new bar and the new bar stools came in so the place is getting nicer by the day. Hope to see you all there tonight !  

The Pictures: The destruction of the City of New Orleans and the devastation. chaos and looting that ensued.

This Date In History: 1831; Michael Faraday discovers electromagnetic conduction, the principal of the electric generator. 1842; China cedes Hong Kong to Britain. 1966; The Beatles play their final concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. 2005; Hurricane Katrina devastates Louisiana, Mississippi and surrounding states, killing 1600 people.

Birthdays: Ingrid Bergman, memorable actress and co-star with Humphrey Bogart in the film, Casablanca (1915), Charlie Parker, jazz saxophonist (1920), John McCain, Vietnam War veteran and politician (1936), Michael Jackson, child molestor (1958).

The Hits Just Keep On Coming:

A priest dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a man with a loud shirt, sunglasses, a leather jacket and jeans.

Saint Peter addresses the man, "Who are you, so that I may know whether to admit or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?"

The man said, " I am Ralph Wilson, a retired pilot from American Airlines."

Saint Peter consults his list, smiles and says, "Taken this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom." The pilot goes into heaven with his robe and staff.

The priest is next, steps forward and says, "I am Father John, pastor of Saint Mary's in Pasadena for 43 years." Saint Peter checks his list and says, "Take this cotton robe and wooden staff and enter the Kingdom."

The good father says, "Wait a minute ! This guy was a pilot and gets a silken robe and golden staff, and I get a cotton robe and wooden staff? How can this be?"

Saint Peter replies, "Up here, we go by results. When you preached, people slept; When the pilot flew, everybody prayed."

That's it for today, my little wine drinkers. See you tonight at Lakes Cafe and Pub ! More tomorrow.

Stay Tuned !

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