Bushed!

Ike Aftermath Video

FEMA Watch: Operation Ike

From the Dallas Morning News

Hurricane Ike evacuees began applying for assistance Tuesday to move to hotels and motels after the Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a transitional sheltering program.

The FEMA program will pay for eligible evacuees' lodging through Oct. 14.

More than 180,000 had registered by 11 a.m. A more recent figure was not available.

Officials urged evacuees to register online if possible because of long waits on the 24-hour hotline.

Register online??? These people have no electricity. I'm sure their computers were washed out to sea!

Good Gravy!

The temporary housing program is available to evacuees whose home is in a county that has been designated as a disaster area and whose home is inaccessible or uninhabitable because of damage or lack of power.

FEMA also must be able to verify the evacuee's identity.

Kenny Shaw, director of Dallas' Office of Emergency Management, said he had heard reports of people showing up at hotels without authorization.

He expressed concerns that the FEMA program will not pay for evacuees' food, transportation or incidental expenses.

"If they don't have money for food or anything else, that leaves them out," he said.

This story is not being followed in the media like Katrina was, due to the upcoming presidential election. What a shame. These people deserve better.

Full Story

Politics, Politics everywhere, but don't forget the aftermath of Hurricane Ike!

From NPR:

Hunt Is On For Generators, Gasoline In Houston

Basic necessities are still out of reach for many people in Houston in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Few stores are open, and those that are have long lines of customers. One Home Depot that was open had people swarming for generators and other supplies.

— Listen to full story.

You Tube and Black Monday

I haven't heard anyone call it "Black Monday" ... YET, however, I checked my stock portfolio and see sound investments slowly sinking, but nothing has gone down the drain. Texas is still looking for FEMA who keeps saying that it is only a couple of hours away and news this morning of school systems paying parents to come to the school to talk about their children's education while paying the students to do well on their tests have me VERY concerned. All this and more bombarding the air waves creates a very sad day here in the Good old U S of A.

So, I'm taking a YouTube break while all this bad news sinks in and letting you in on the ride.

Next of this rollercoaster ride: One of my favorite segments of that political comedy show on HBO, Real Time with Bill Maher. The New Rules segment at the end of every show not only makes me laugh, but makes me think. This YouTube video is no exception. It may be from last season, but it still rings true today, so I'm putting it here.

So, until later today, or more than likely early tomorrow, when I post again ... remember to just keep smiling; people will wonder what you are up to.

New Rules: THE MOVIE Part I

Things that make you go HUH?

Hurricane IKE is at least 3 days away from the Texas/Mexican shore and all Texas counties that have shorelines have already been declared National Disaster Areas.

Seems to me that distinction should be given only when an area really IS a disaster area.

This is yet another example of the authorities jumping the gun. The last was earlier this morning when the order to evacuate the Florida Keys was lifted and people could return before the Hurricane watch was lifted.

Busy Weekend

Had a very busy weekend finishing up some projects and starting new ones.

Looks like I've neglected my blog. Let me see what I can do about that.

It is quite breezy this am with Hurricane Ike traveling through Cuba. I talked to D&D and J this weekend and we all agreed that we have really lucked out so far this hurricane season.

Hanna Spawns Rain and Wind in Hollywood

Raining heavily this morning, with very gusty winds. Here is a snapshot forecast of Hanna leaving and Ike arriving.

And yes, the pink dot is Hurricane IKE as a Cat. 4 storm.

Storms Rolling in off of Hanna

An early night fall tonight as storm clouds roll off of Hanna.

Our biggest concern, however is Hurricane Ike. This powerful hurricane has his sights on the Miami/Ft Lauderdale Metro Area.

Keeping a sharp eye on Hanna & Ike

Looks like Hanna might make it up to parched NC & VA.

Hurricane Ike looks like it will probably hit South Florida.