There was an article in Scientific American in 2001 that predicted exactly what would happen. The local press has been running stories about the problem since at least 1987.
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What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Was it predictable? yes
Was it preventable? Likely, yes.
Was it affordable to implement better prevention/protection? Yes.
This is one of those cases where it will take a 1000 times the cost of the prevention to effect the cure. If you think a hurricane like this is something that comes along every 2-300 years, that's still something you do.
I think an interesting question regarding the rebuilding of NO is posed by the problem that even if they decide on one of the programs to protect against the next f3-f5 hurricane, it could take years to implement it. Do people risk their necks for 5-20 years it takes to upgrade the levies/restore the wetlands, etc? I don't think I would.
Randy
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What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
For anyone who would like to help out, Initiative for Affordable Housing is providing housing for 25 families left homeless by Katrina. Initiative is a non-profit organization in Decatur which provides housing and social services for homeless families (my girlfriend Lisa Wise is the Executive Director, and I work part time there). Initiative is providing 3 months free rent at one of their apartments complexes for these 25 families and is asking local churches, businesses and individuals to provide the utilities and other needed help. The utilities for 3 months should be about $1,000 and furniture, clothing, food and other assistance will be needed. If you, your church or business would like to make a donation or sponsor a family, or for more information, please contact Lisa Wise at
or 404-299-9979. Their website is http://www.affordablehousingatl.org. Tax deductible donations can be sent to :
Initiative for Affordable Housing, Inc.
1429 Scott Blvd, Suite 200
Decatur, GA 30030
Gene - You guys and Lisa are great! I would have preffered to donate locally than what we did for the Salvation Army. But, they did have their act together compared to others. I will share this with Sabine and we will keep this in mind. - Richard
There was an article in Scientific American in 2001 that predicted exactly what would happen. The local press has been running stories about the problem since at least 1987.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Was it predictable? yes
Was it preventable? Likely, yes.
Was it affordable to implement better prevention/protection? Yes.
This is one of those cases where it will take a 1000 times the cost of the prevention to effect the cure. If you think a hurricane like this is something that comes along every 2-300 years, that's still something you do.
I think an interesting question regarding the rebuilding of NO is posed by the problem that even if they decide on one of the programs to protect against the next f3-f5 hurricane, it could take years to implement it. Do people risk their necks for 5-20 years it takes to upgrade the levies/restore the wetlands, etc? I don't think I would.
Randy
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
For anyone who would like to help out, Initiative for Affordable Housing is providing housing for 25 families left homeless by Katrina. Initiative is a non-profit organization in Decatur which provides housing and social services for homeless families (my girlfriend Lisa Wise is the Executive Director, and I work part time there). Initiative is providing 3 months free rent at one of their apartments complexes for these 25 families and is asking local churches, businesses and individuals to provide the utilities and other needed help. The utilities for 3 months should be about $1,000 and furniture, clothing, food and other assistance will be needed. If you, your church or business would like to make a donation or sponsor a family, or for more information, please contact Lisa Wise at
or 404-299-9979. Their website is http://www.affordablehousingatl.org. Tax deductible donations can be sent to :
Initiative for Affordable Housing, Inc.
1429 Scott Blvd, Suite 200
Decatur, GA 30030
Gene Mathis
Gene Mathis
Gene - You guys and Lisa are great! I would have preffered to donate locally than what we did for the Salvation Army. But, they did have their act together compared to others. I will share this with Sabine and we will keep this in mind. - Richard