Here's a possible bright side.....

[WaltonUndercurrent]

Kurt, I'm reposting this on a new thread so it doesn't get lost....

Having a home in the French Quarter just off Bourbon, New Orleans is like our second home (was going to move there eventually). There's no other place like it - the diversity, the history, the traditions like Mardi Gras and gumbo that we've all adopted. I'd like to encourage everybody that can help in some way when this is over to do so. The people of LA and especially NO love life, are fantastically unpretenious and generous, and we should respond the way we did for 911 and the tsunami. Volunteering, contributing, whatever. We're all New Orleanians now and as bad as the 911 tragedy was for New York, this will affect a population with far fewer resources. Let's use this as an opportunity to focus on helping people without the artillery. Maybe this will allow us to find the culture of compassion and caring that's been so smothered by war, suspicion, political and cultural division over the past several years.

We can't "smoke mother nature out of her hole" - so let's focus on helping the ones that have been attacked by her.

[kurt]

Red Cross Seeks Disaster Volunteers

The Red Cross depends on volunteers to provide disaster services to the community - before, during and after a hurricane.

The American Red Cross of Northwest Florida is seeking volunteers from
the community to assist with shelter operations in the aftermath of
Hurricane Katrina.

"Additional local volunteers will be needed to support the relief effort
in Northwest Florida. We anticipate providing shelter and meals for
storm evacuees in the days following Katrina's landfall," said Rosanne
Kelly, Senior Director of Volunteers.

The Red Cross will provide free on-the-job training with an experienced
shelter manager.

Those interested in becoming a disaster volunteer should call their
nearest Red Cross office:

Escambia County - 850.432.7601
Santa Rosa County - 850.626.7333
Okaloosa County - 850.682.3356
Walton County - 850.892.6297

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by
voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can
help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and thousands of other disasters
across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American
Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide
shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call
1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the
Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross
chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC
20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting
www.redcross.org (http://www.redcross.org/).

[Miss Kitty]

You got it MB...I'm on board.

[WaltonUndercurrent]

Thanks Kurt. It won't be just NO that needs help, but there are 1.5 million people in that area and the pictures of those poor people lined up - IN THE RAIN - with sacks and coolers waiting to get into the Super Dome is a heart breaker. Before we fix the world, the let's fix our families.

[WaltonUndercurrent]

I just gave online...anybody else???

[Smiling JOe]

As I posted on another thread:

I hope everyone with rentals in SoWal will reduce their prices, or perhaps waive the rental fees for people from New Orleans and surrounding areas who need shelter. We could be great neighbors to the states to our west. Please at least consider doing this. Please, these folks need our help.

Blood banks are going to be very low after this storm. Remember that giving blood is another way to help these victims of Ma Nature. I am sure there will be numerous ways in which we can help, and I, too, urge each and every one of you to give to these people in some meaningful way. We may be in need one day too. Give with all your heart can afford.

(Thanks for bringing this up, WU.- any way to edit your thread title to something refering to giving?)

[WaltonUndercurrent]

I tried to change the thread name - maybe Kurt can keep it permanently at the top with a different heading. This is going to be the worse disaster to strike the US this century - more than 911. These people are water lovers, like ourselves, they are southern, like many of us, it's as "pure" an American city as Boston or New York with the oldest architecture and history that you'll find in our country - maybe more so because it's always represented the brighter, happier side of life. It's been an escape and welcome 24-7 cocktail party for so many who are suffocating from the tensions of war, jobs, and the "crystal white powdered sand" that's just, well, crystal white .

[BeachDreamer]

My husband and I are born and raised Louisianians, and your compassion is very touching. I plan to get involved. We have a lot of family in South Louisiana, and we are praying for everyone in the path of this terrific and terrible storm.

[WaltonUndercurrent]

If we still have a place there, we'll scrape out the mud when we can and anyone from the area that wants to help will have a place to stay - on the floor and maybe without power - as long as we have room.

[WaltonUndercurrent]

Spoke with a neighbor of ours, Michael, about thirty minutes ago. He's 21, delivers food by bicycle for the Verti Mart, a small deli in the French Quarter. He has no car, rents a small apartment and has no way to leave. He's been in line to get into the Super Dome for over three hours - part of the time in the dark and most of the time is a small drizzle to pouring rain with no cover.

[Smiling JOe]

Spoke with a neighbor of ours, Michael, about thirty minutes ago. He's 21, delivers food by bicycle for the Verti Mart, a small deli in the French Quarter. He has no car, rents a small apartment and has no way to leave. He's been in line to get into the Super Dome for over three hours - part of the time in the dark and most of the time is a small drizzle to pouring rain with no cover.
Tell him that he can stay with me for a while in SoWal if he wants or needs to.

[WaltonUndercurrent]

I still want to encourage everyone to put some of this real estate money to a good cause - the Red Cross. If you give, let us know so it will encourage more to do so. And thanks, Joe. If he can get out, I'll keep it in mind.

[jsabella]

I live in Baton Rouge, not that far from N.O. You care and concern is appreciated. Thanks.

[Smiling JOe]

... And thanks, Joe. If he can get out, I'll keep it in mind.

Just let me know. I have a bicycle that he can use to scoot around here, too. Let him know that I have two big dogs in the house.

[BeachDreamer]

Just let me know. I have a bicycle that he can use to scoot around here, too. Let him know that I have two big dogs in the house.

That's kind of you Joe. He will probably need a place to stay after Katrina is well past. Seeing these people stuck in NO with no transportation made me want to drive in with a semi and just load as many people as possible and start driving north. :( How frightening to be stranded there with no assurance of anything.

[WaltonUndercurrent]

And it's the massiveness of it all. Ivan was horrible, but taking that misery and its multipliers is heartbreaking for me. Here, it seems we've all been so caught up in real estate and appreciation and old vine reds that we're close to losing our souls (I'm counting myself too). Here's a chance to get them back and show why living on the coast isn't just about great views and days in the sand, but about people sticking together - just as much as New York.

[Smiling JOe]

That's kind of you Joe. He will probably need a place to stay after Katrina is well past. Seeing these people stuck in NO with no transportation made me want to drive in with a semi and just load as many people as possible and start driving north. :( How frightening to be stranded there with no assurance of anything.

I am good for housing a few guests in need for 2-3 months if that is enough to help them get back on their feet.

[kathydwells]

I am good for housing a few guests in need for 2-3 months if that is enough to help them get back on their feet.

You are a sweet, kind man SJ!!! I am so looking forward to meeting you in person some day!!!!

[Landlocked]

I am good for housing a few guests in need for 2-3 months if that is enough to help them get back on their feet.


SJ-

Its getting real bad here in Montgomery. I may have to come down and stay for a couple months okay?

[Smiling JOe]

SJ-

Its getting real bad here in Montgomery. I may have to come down and stay for a couple months okay?

Only, if you are truely in need, and take me fishing when you go.:lol:

[Landlocked]

Only, if you are truely in need, and take me fishing when you go.:lol:

Well y'all are gonna need all the cleanup help you can get. I'll help out and we'll go fishing.

[katie blue]

Bright sides?
I've been reading this board for a few years now. Ivan really brought this community together, and then I watched as each subsequent storm made us stronger, individually and collectively. If you go through enough of your worst fears, and live to tell, the blessing is that life just seems a bit easier going forward. Some folks who might have come down as investors only are finding that somewhere along the line, SoWal got into their blood, and that now they are part of a powerful place with real heart and soul. Without this board some of us may never have been able to feel the stength of this community, and without that it might have been too much to try hang through these crazy times alone. Thanks to all of you who donate so much time and energy to keep us all connected.

[Rita]

Bright sides?
I've been reading this board for a few years now. Ivan really brought this community together, and then I watched as each subsequent storm made us stronger, individually and collectively. If you go through enough of your worst fears, and live to tell, the blessing is that life just seems a bit easier going forward. Some folks who might have come down as investors only are finding that somewhere along the line, SoWal got into their blood, and that now they are part of a powerful place with real heart and soul. Without this board some of us may never have been able to feel the stength of this community, and without that it might have been too much to try hang through these crazy times alone. Thanks to all of you who donate so much time and energy to keep us all connected.


:bow: Thanks to Kurt and Graytonbeach.com and SoWal.com and all the people who post, lurk, and are making this community come alive.

[Miss Kitty]

:bow: Thanks to Kurt and Graytonbeach.com and SoWal.com and all the people who post, lurk, and are making this community come alive.

Yourself included!!!!

[Smiling JOe]

Back on target, the phone number to donate to the RED CROSS, is 1-800-HELP NOW. The web address to donate online is www.redcross.org

[ladybug8876]

I love Sowal and reading this thread makes me want to be apart of it even more.

[Landlocked]

Back on target, the phone number to donate to the RED CROSS, is 1-800-HELP NOW. The web address to donate online is www.redcross.org

I watched a red cross volunteer being rudely declined in his request for help from the WalMart in Montgomery yesterday. He was wearing Red Cross garb and was very professional when he asked the manager if she could donate some WalMart grocery sacks for the stuff they'll be handing out when they get to the disaster area. I'll remember that. Hope you do too. I don't know if they are providing any other aid but that one woman's actions just did it for me..

[Miss Kitty]

I watched a red cross volunteer being rudely declined in his request for help from the WalMart in Montgomery yesterday. He was wearing Red Cross garb and was very professional when he asked the manager if she could donate some WalMart grocery sacks for the stuff they'll be handing out when they get to the disaster area. I'll remember that. Hope you do too. I don't know if they are providing any other aid but that one woman's actions just did it for me..

Remember...don't kill the messenger! I bet she was following co. policy. Personally, I do not need anymore reasons not to shop at Walmart...TARGET RULES!

[Landlocked]

Remember...don't kill the messenger! I bet she was following co. policy. Personally, I do not need anymore reasons not to shop at Walmart...TARGET RULES!

If this lady's behavior was company policy, the messenger should be killed...

[mkm19602000]

I watched a red cross volunteer being rudely declined in his request for help from the WalMart in Montgomery yesterday. He was wearing Red Cross garb and was very professional when he asked the manager if she could donate some WalMart grocery sacks for the stuff they'll be handing out when they get to the disaster area. I'll remember that. Hope you do too. I don't know if they are providing any other aid but that one woman's actions just did it for me..
Now that just toasts my *ss. (I used to be a disaster worker for the ARC, I cannot do it anymore because of health reasons, if not for them I am sure I would be loading up to go.) When I worked in assitance centers. I would estimate at least 5 of every 10 DO's, the Red Cross version of purchase orders for individuals affected by the disaster, were written to Wal-Mart. Nice move Wal-Mart. If you are able, please volunteer in your location the Red Cross will train you for disaster services and there are other opportunities than shelter management if that does not appeal to you.

[JB]

This is not the reason I have boycotted Wal-Mart for the last three years, but it sure gives me motivation to continue said boycott.

In short, Wal-Mart is evil. :twisted:

[Smiling JOe]

I know there are better ways for Walmart staff to handle approaches by charities. If a store manager does not have the decision power to handle such things, the obvious reply should be to kindly direct them to the right person. I was not there, so I don't know the conversation from a first hand point of view.

FYI - Walmart just announced that they were giving $1,000,000 to the Salvation Army to help with the storm victims.

I am not trying to defend Walmart, but I think you guys should know that at a corporate level, they are giving a little something. By no means am I suggesting to support or boycott Walmart based on this. You guys are smart enough to make your own decisions.

[Landlocked]

I know there are better ways for Walmart staff to handle approaches by charities. If a store manager does not have the decision power to handle such things, the obvious reply should be to kindly direct them to the right person. I was not there, so I don't know the conversation from a first hand point of view.

FYI - Walmart just announced that they were giving $1,000,000 to the Salvation Army to help with the storm victims.

I am not trying to defend Walmart, but I think you guys should know that at a corporate level, they are giving a little something. By no means am I suggesting to support or boycott Walmart based on this. You guys are smart enough to make your own decisions.

I'm thrilled they made that donation, but considering what they have done to some small businesses, there ought to be a few more zeros on that number.

[OhioBeachBum]

I'm thrilled they made that donation, but considering what they have done to some small businesses, there ought to be a few more zeros on that number.
Well, if you start going down that path, the list starts to get pretty big (Ace Hardware, etc.)...

[Landlocked]

Well, if you start going down that path, the list starts to get pretty big (Ace Hardware, etc.)...

Yeah I know. The do employ a bunch of people though. It just drives me crazy to see small town stores boarded up.

[Smiling JOe]

Well, if you start going down that path, the list starts to get pretty big (Ace Hardware, etc.)...

...Home Depot, Publix, Target, etc

[Dreamsicle]

HOAX

truthminers Target hoax (http://truthminers.com/hoaxarticles/target.htm)

Please don't litter the board with this sort of thing. Most of us are interested in reading about 30-A and SoWal, not your lies.

[Miss Kitty]

HOAX

truthminers Target hoax (http://truthminers.com/hoaxarticles/target.htm)

Please don't litter the board with this sort of thing. Most of us are interested in reading about 30-A and SoWal, not your lies.

Thanks for that!

[Smiling JOe]

These posts have nothing to do with the "bright side," so I created a thread (http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?p=19628#post19628) for you.

The bright side?
When people are forced to change, sometimes they find a better place in life. Change in our routine may bring a needed change of life, job, friends, addictions, etc. This storm could give many people a chance to shake up the cards in their deck of life. Maybe they feel others reaching out and see the importance of friends, even the importance of friends whom they will never meet face-to-face. As mentioned in another post, a sense of community, like no other, can be created. Imagine what people will be forced to do without having television available? The sky is the limit. Perhaps poeople will begin to think for themselves, instead of listening to all of the crap on TV. Get out and meet some neighbors. Do more than that, help their neighbors, the youth helping the elderly out of compassion. Live a bit. Celebrate life. Is it possible for people to stop thinking of only themself? Absolutely, it is possible. "Imagine," as John Lenon sang. Just imagine, and you will begin to notice the endless possibilities of bright sides of such a destructive & powerful storm. Maybe Mother Nature is trying to remind us of the things which are most important in life. See Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The need for community and belonging comes long before self-actualization. I think this sense of community is a key step that is missing from our lives all across America - I am talking about on local scale. We are too busy trying to look good, when we should be giving to our community. On this board, I realize I am preaching to the choir. I would not know this if I, too, had not at some point been focused far ahead of where I was at the time.

In summary, it is often difficult to see the good side of that which we perceive to be bad. If you are in space, on the dark side of the Moon, you will never see the other half which is glowing brightly. Likewise, the reverse is true. When we are so busy seeing only the bright side, we tend to forget that the dark side exists, yet it does.

[JC]

HOAX

truthminers Target hoax (http://truthminers.com/hoaxarticles/target.htm)

Please don't litter the board with this sort of thing. Most of us are interested in reading about 30-A and SoWal, not your lies.
Relax Dreamsicle :twisted:
First of all, I did not know it was a lie! Also, about a third of the post on this board could be considered "litter".
So chill out!

[JC]

Thanks for that!
Sorry for the post ...I guess it was kind'a stupid :wub:

[ktschris]

:clap_1: Well said Smiling JOe!!!

[Miss Kitty]

Sorry for the post ...I guess it was kind'a stupid :wub:

No worries...how could we stay upset at a face like that?!!

[seagrovelover]

These posts have nothing to do with the "bright side," so I created a thread (http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?p=19628#post19628) for you.

The bright side?
When people are forced to change, sometimes they find a better place in life. Change in our routine may bring a needed change of life, job, friends, addictions, etc. This storm could give many people a chance to shake up the cards in their deck of life. Maybe they feel others reaching out and see the importance of friends, even the importance of friends whom they will never meet face-to-face. As mentioned in another post, a sense of community, like no other, can be created. Imagine what people will be forced to do without having television available? The sky is the limit. Perhaps poeople will begin to think for themselves, instead of listening to all of the crap on TV. Get out and meet some neighbors. Do more than that, help their neighbors, the youth helping the elderly out of compassion. Live a bit. Celebrate life. Is it possible for people to stop thinking of only themself? Absolutely, it is possible. "Imagine," as John Lenon sang. Just imagine, and you will begin to notice the endless possibilities of bright sides of such a destructive & powerful storm. Maybe Mother Nature is trying to remind us of the things which are most important in life. See Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The need for community and belonging comes long before self-actualization. I think this sense of community is a key step that is missing from our lives all across America - I am talking about on local scale. We are too busy trying to look good, when we should be giving to our community. On this board, I realize I am preaching to the choir. I would not know this if I, too, had not at some point been focused far ahead of where I was at the time.

In summary, it is often difficult to see the good side of that which we perceive to be bad. If you are in space, on the dark side of the Moon, you will never see the other half which is glowing brightly. Likewise, the reverse is true. When we are so busy seeing only the bright side, we tend to forget that the dark side exists, yet it does.
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: SJ...things that make you go HMMMMMMM....