GLBT Travelers - Southern Decadence and Katrina

We're booked into MSY 9/1 for Decadence and I'm beginning to think Katrina is likely to seriously mess things up for this year. Curious who else is going and what you're thinking/doing at this stage. Talked to a friend who has decided to cancel everything now. Airlines will issue "weather waivers" so not to concerned about that. Our hotel however is partially prepaid and not sure how cancellations/refunds would be handled should the French Quarter be under 20 feet of water for Labor Day weekend, or worse. Am sure the good Rev. Storm will take delight if "God's revenge" actually wipes out SD for this year.

This is a Cat 5 headed that way and I bet that city will be a mess whether the storm dies down or not. It still will get flooded etc. I wouldnt want to be flying into NOLA during all of this. I checked both of the "official Southern Decadence" websites and they both do not mention this yet.

I would recommend going to the party in Austin this year instead for Labor Day.

It gets more ominous by the hour:

Urgent Weather Message from NWS New Orleans

WWUS74 KLIX 281550NPWLIXURGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA

1011 AM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005


DEVASTATING DAMAGE EXPECTED

HURRICANE KATRINAA MOST POWERFUL HURRICANE WITH UNPRECEDENTED STRENGTH...RIVALING THE INTENSITY OF HURRICANE CAMILLE OF 1969. MOST OF THE AREA WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS...PERHAPS LONGER. ATLEAST ONE HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL FAILURE. ALL GABLED ROOFS WILL FAIL...LEAVING THOSE HOMES SEVERELY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WILL BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL.PARTIAL TO COMPLETE WALL AND ROOF FAILURE IS EXPECTED. ALL WOOD FRAMED LOW RISING APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE DESTROYED.


CONCRETE BLOCK LOW RISE APARTMENTS WILL SUSTAIN MAJOR DAMAGE...INCLUDING SOME WALL AND ROOF FAILURE. HIGH RISE OFFICE AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL SWAY DANGEROUSLY...A FEW TO THE POINT OF TOTAL COLLAPSE. ALL WINDOWS WILL BLOW OUT. AIRBORNE DEBRIS WILL BE WIDESPREAD...AND MAY INCLUDE HEAVY ITEMS SUCH AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND EVEN LIGHT VEHICLES. SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS WILL BE MOVED. THE BLOWN DEBRIS WILL CREATEADDITIONAL DESTRUCTION. PERSONS...PETS...AND LIVESTOCK EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH IF STRUCK. POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR WEEKS...AS MOST POWER POLES WILL BE DOWN AND TRANSFORMERS DESTROYED. WATER SHORTAGES WILL MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING INCREDIBLE BY MODERN STANDARDS.THE VAST MAJORITY OF NATIVE TREES WILL BE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. ONLY THE HEARTIEST WILL REMAIN STANDING...


BUT BE TOTALLY DEFOLIATED. FEWCROPS WILL REMAIN. LIVESTOCK LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL BEKILLED.AN INLAND HURRICANE WIND WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS NEARHURRICANE FORCE...OR FREQUENT GUSTS AT OR ABOVE HURRICANE FORCE..

MSNBC is reporting with a direct hit as a cat 5 it will be weeks IF not months before New Orleans is back to normal. In fact some are saying the french qtr could be wiped out. Just think Andrew in 1992 and Camille in 1969. We are watching history and not the good kind.

admittedly its bad but i seriously dont see how that was a national weather service warning.

admittedly its bad but i seriously dont see how that was a national weather service warning.

Yes, it doesn't really come close to matching the NWS site:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/WTUS84-KLIX.shtml

but i wanted to go see all the shirtless men in the streets....how dare a hurricane ruin my plans for a fun weekend.... :D

I have a friend that worked at the National Hurricane Center and he says its definately going to cause devastating damage to the area like no one has ever seen in this part of the country. We just better hope the path of the storm changes in the next few hours because we may longer have a city called the big easy. :(

Also if you plan to goto any events in Houston or Austin this weekend make sure you book now because I heard that hotels from San Antonio to Houston are booked or hard to find.

but i wanted to go see all the shirtless men in the streets....how dare a hurricane ruin my plans for a fun weekend.... :D


Maybe you can go help with the cleanup efforts... I'm sure there'll be plenty of shirtless men there too. :rolleyes:

Sorry but this is pretty serious, folks.

admittedly its bad but i seriously dont see how that was a national weather service warning.

This was lifted directly from the National Weather Service's New Orleans station. Local stations can report on damage impacts more than a national/central report.

Maybe you can go help with the cleanup efforts... I'm sure there'll be plenty of shirtless men there too. :rolleyes:

Sorry but this is pretty serious, folks.


of course my comment was all in jest -- i truly do hope everyone in the storm's path is safe

As Shepard Smith (in New Orleans) said in the 11 AM CDT hour on the Fox News Channel, "I'm looking down Bourbon St. and I don't see any major damage. So I guess the party will be on again next week..."

And that is how my friends and I are taking it. We're packing now and will be flying to the Big (maybe not so anymore) Easy on Thursday for S.D....

Great headline on the New York Post site today about New Orleans...
www.nypost.com

With all their utilities being underground in the FQ and CBD, you know they'll have them up again later today or tomorrow...

Cell phones never went down but both the power and landlines are currently down. And the highrise hotels (the Hyatt, Marriott and Sheraton for three) seem to have sustained the most damage with blown out windows and rooms ravaged by the pressure, rain and winds.

I hate to be the one to burst your bubble. Latest update on FOX at 1345 EDT. "750,000 w/o power. Could be over a month before power is restored."

I can imagine the creatures that are floating around the FQ/NOLA now; snakes, alligators, etc. Not the time to go. At least for the next week or even the month.

Two chances of SD happening this weekend; slim and none.

Go to this link http://www.nola.com/weblogs/nola/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_nolaview/archives/2005_08.html#074761

As Shepard Smith (in New Orleans) said in the 11 AM CDT hour on the Fox News Channel, "I'm looking down Bourbon St. and I don't see any major damage. So I guess the party will be on again next week..."

And that is how my friends and I are taking it. We're packing now and will be flying to the Big (maybe not so anymore) Easy on Thursday for S.D....

Great headline on the New York Post site today about New Orleans...
www.nypost.com

With all their utilities being underground in the FQ and CBD, you know they'll have them up again later today or tomorrow...

Cell phones never went down but both the power and landlines are currently down. And the highrise hotels (the Hyatt, Marriott and Sheraton for three) seem to have sustained the most damage with blown out windows and rooms ravaged by the pressure, rain and winds.

Good to hear!!! I have been on pins and needles since last night. I guess it is still a go. I will try to get in a day early just in case there are delays at the airport. I am staying at the Marriott so I am hoping that my room wasn't damaged. They had expected Bourbon Street to be flooded so I am amazed by the news from Shepard Smith...

I imagine things will be cancelled. Too many hotels have sustained major damage to support travelers. Things are going to be a mess for some time. Hopefully, things will be back to normal for Halloween!

With all their utilities being underground in the FQ and CBD, you know they'll have them up again later today or tomorrow...


Catastrophic power failure (http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_Times-Picayune/archives/2005_08.html#074817)

The region's electricity system suffered catastrophic damage Monday from Hurricane Katrina. Entergy customers should be prepared to be without power for a month or more, said Amy Stallings, Entergy spokeswoman.

Severe damage apparently occurred to all elements of the power grid, from the plants that generate electricity to the big transmission lines that carry power to communities to the distribution lines that connect to homes and businesses.

I just viewed new footage on CNN from New Orleans. They were showing Canal Street flooded and a lot of debris blowing around, windows out, some buildings damaged. Then it appeared they went into the French Quarter, although at first I could not tell exactly where they were. At one point they were showing a somewhat familiar looking old brick building on a corner, the front half of which had collapsed into a pile of brick. The camera then panned down to the flooded street in front of the building, showing a downed and partially submerged street sign...."Burgundy". If what they showed is the current state of affairs along Burgundy Street, I'm almost certain there can be no Southern Decadence this year unless they can mount a Herculean clean up and restoration within a few days. I will remain hopeful however.

Looks like it will be atleast 48 hours before
the city will let in residents.
http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWL082905trapped.6dc737a.html

Also,
-> Parts of Interstate 10 seem to be under water
-> From other posts, it sounds like there will be no electricity
in most areas for days, if not weeks
-> High rise hotels have wind damage, shattered windows and
might not be open for guests

Looks like I may have to start canceling reservations :(
NOLA... our prayers are with you!

From cnn.com:

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- Louisiana evacuees should stay away for at least a week to avoid "a wilderness" without power or drinking water that will be infested with poisonous snakes and fire ants, state officials warned Monday.

Doesn't sound good for S.D. Should probably let the people get their lives back together. Then come back and spend your dollars to bring back the city!

It's really bad, but I think it could have definately been worse.

I hate to be the one to burst your bubble. Latest update on FOX at 1345 EDT. "750,000 w/o power. Could be over a month before power is restored."

I can imagine the creatures that are floating around the FQ/NOLA now; snakes, alligators, etc. Not the time to go. At least for the next week or even the month.

Two chances of SD happening this weekend; slim and none.

Go to this link http://www.nola.com/weblogs/nola/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_nolaview/archives/2005_08.html#074761

You need to watch the Fox Report with Shepard Smith right now (6PM CDT). They expect power to be restored in the FQ by tomorrow.

Restoring power in all of So. Louisiana will take a month or more but NOT in the FQ.

I fully expect SD to go on....

Looks like it will be atleast 48 hours before
the city will let in residents.
http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWL082905trapped.6dc737a.html

Also,
-> Parts of Interstate 10 seem to be under water
-> From other posts, it sounds like there will be no electricity
in most areas for days, if not weeks
-> High rise hotels have wind damage, shattered windows and
might not be open for guests

Looks like I may have to start canceling reservations :(
NOLA... our prayers are with you!

People are already out in droves on Bourbon St. (watch Fox News they are broadcasting FROM Bourbon St.).

Wake up, people. This is New Orleans. Do you think they will let $1 in tax money be lost?

I just viewed new footage on CNN from New Orleans. They were showing Canal Street flooded and a lot of debris blowing around, windows out, some buildings damaged. Then it appeared they went into the French Quarter, although at first I could not tell exactly where they were. At one point they were showing a somewhat familiar looking old brick building on a corner, the front half of which had collapsed into a pile of brick. The camera then panned down to the flooded street in front of the building, showing a downed and partially submerged street sign...."Burgundy". If what they showed is the current state of affairs along Burgundy Street, I'm almost certain there can be no Southern Decadence this year unless they can mount a Herculean clean up and restoration within a few days. I will remain hopeful however.

I guess you've never been to Mardi Gras? The aftermath of that looks worse than this.

Canal St. is NOT flooded. None of the FQ or CBD had any flooding. Period.

The last CNN I saw had reduced it to a CAT 4,but there are reports on the Hyatt board the Hyatt NO has lost windows.

The last CNN I saw had reduced it to a CAT 4,but there are reports on the Hyatt board the Hyatt NO has lost windows.

I'm watching Fox News and the sun has even come out a little. This storm is gone. It's no where near New Orleans now.

The Hyatt lost windows in about 100 rooms. But the Hyatt isn't the only hotel in town....

Well I canceled my ressies.Even if it is not a total closure it will be a mess on top of a mess.Just too much to go wrong and,to me at least,not worth it for a long weekend.
So heres hoping for Halloween.

I See here that there is a Yahoo Group for more information:

http://boifromtroy.com/archives/004467.php

(Yeah, I know I have to pimp my own blog...)

... This is New Orleans. Do you think they will let $1 in tax money be lost?

No, they won't want to ... but the question is, will they be able to accept it.

Heck, I'm up for a great party as much as the next guy, but I don't think you folks truly grasp the havoc a storm of this magnitude brings. Why would one make it even worse by straining the system even more?

My advice? Take some of the money you were planning to spend partying in the FQ and send it to the Red Cross. I'm sure some of those poor souls on the flooded 9th ward still waiting to be rescued from their roofs will appreciate it.

You need to watch the Fox Report with Shepard Smith right now (6PM CDT). They expect power to be restored in the FQ by tomorrow.

Restoring power in all of So. Louisiana will take a month or more but NOT in the FQ.

I fully expect SD to go on....

If it does go on, great! Good for them to get things back up, but doubt they can do it in three days. It's hard to get into that party mood when you see the devastation. It just puts a damper on things. Personally, I'd make a donation to the local red cross, wait for things to get back in order, and then help out the local economy by paying a visit (do a little mileage run).

I like a good party as much as the next person but I think that the emergency personnel need to get in - it will take days for the Red Cross and electrical workers, etc to get in and established. They need to get in to do their job and tourists need to stay out of the way.

So what if the FQ has electricity....there won't be potable water for a while.

Sorry if I sound negative - just seeing the massive damage and peoples houses under water (or on fire) makes me want to stay away and let them try to get out of this.

I agree with a previous poster - a donation to the Red Cross would mean more than me buying a few drinks.

Look, I've been in many disasters. I live in the city where disasters are made, Los Angeles. Earthquakes, floods, mudslides, fires, and riots. I've seen them all and lived through them all. They don't shut down an entire city. Life and business goes on.

Once the power is back on, they will allow deliveries back into New Orleans. They live on one thing there, the tourist. Note NOT ONE OFFICIAL has told ANYONE today to cancel their future plans.

Note on the Hyatt. The reason it has so many windows out is because the tiles from the Superdome became projectiles into the building (and a few other neighboring buildings). Only one side of the Hyatt has 95% of the damaged windows.

By Friday, you can expect New Orleans will be welcoming tourists back. The hotel workers are REQUIRED BY LAW to stay and work in the hotels during an emergency period (you are welcome to check that fact out). They are already doing the best they can to prep the hotels with no power.

The FQ will party as those in the poor neighborhoods suffer with 9 feet of water. Just a New Orleans fact of life...and corruption.

I like a good party as much as the next person but I think that the emergency personnel need to get in - it will take days for the Red Cross and electrical workers, etc to get in and established. They need to get in to do their job and tourists need to stay out of the way.

So what if the FQ has electricity....there won't be potable water for a while.

Sorry if I sound negative - just seeing the massive damage and peoples houses under water (or on fire) makes me want to stay away and let them try to get out of this.

I agree with a previous poster - a donation to the Red Cross would mean more than me buying a few drinks.

You are wrong. The best thing you can do to support those in New Orleans is give them work. And that means tourist dollars. Otherwise, you make them suffer even more. PERIOD.

Catastrophic power failure (http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_Times-Picayune/archives/2005_08.html#074817)

Wrong again. Not Downtown New Orleans or the French Quarter.

I've lived through earthquakes where parts of the city didn't have power for weeks but I got my power back the same day. Why? I live in an area that counts. Just like the FQ and the CBD.

You people need to get a grip on what the news services are feeding you. I work in the media. I know how they make a DRAMATIC story.

The reports showed the die-hard residents in the FQ who stuck around through the storm. They were anxious to get out on the streets and get things cleaned up in time for Labor Day weekend but the police were complicating things with a curfew to prevent looting. It is mostly debris and a broken water line. Power should be up shortly. Here are my concerns:

1) Will my hotel still be open when I get there and honor my reservation? Currently the windows and curtains are missing.
2) Will MSY airport be fully operational?
3) If they do not allow residents in for 48 hours, this gives them very little time to get things ready before everyone arrives.
4) Will attandance be down because of all this which would certainly effect the fun level?

Any way you look at it some people have cancelled WAY too soon. There is no benefit to cancel now versus closer to this weekend. At least wait to see if things are up and running again by this weekend. My travel companions keep calling to remind me that they are STILL packing as if to question New Orleans' ability rise up from this adversity.

P.S. I don't see anyone getting any refunds for party passes as insurance never covers "acts of God."

I suggest to all you naysayers to watch ON THE RECORD with Greta Van Sustern tonight (it reapeats on Fox News Channel overnight). Watch them all partying in the FQ bars...WATCH the top of her show and stop reading the nonsense you are posting here.

The reports showed the die-hard residents in the FQ who stuck around through the storm. They were anxious to get out on the streets and get things cleaned up in time for Labor Day weekend but the police were complicating things with a curfew to prevent looting. It is mostly debris and a broken water line. Power should be up shortly. Here are my concerns:

1) Will my hotel still be open when I get there and honor my reservation? Currently the windows and curtains are missing.
2) Will MSY airport be fully operational?
3) If they do not allow residents in for 48 hours, this gives them very little time to get things ready before everyone arrives.
4) Will attandance be down because of all this which would certainly effect the fun level?

Any way you look at it some people have cancelled WAY too soon. There is no benefit to cancel now versus closer to this weekend. At least wait to see if things are up and running again by this weekend. My travel companions keep calling to remind me that they are STILL packing as if to question New Orleans' ability rise up from this adversity.

P.S. I don't see anyone getting any refunds for party passes as insurance never covers "acts of God."

Thank you for a post that finally MAKES TOTAL SENSE.

You must be staying at the Hyatt. It is the only hotel with any major damage.

No one is obeying the curfew in the FQ btw...police can't enforce it. Too many people. They are only looking for looters at this point. And Kenner has had the most looter reports.

I haven't heard if the airport is open yet or when it will open. Only that it did not sustain much damage..

Hey CalItalian - lighten up. We are all allowed our opinions. Maybe your's is wrong, at least in my view.

Have a good time and I hope it relaxes you.

Boy, CalItalian seems to be an expert in just about everything... the media, hospitality law, public utilities, meteorology, taxation, poverty.... everything!

That guy is intense!

I'm devastated and depressed. I so want to go to NOLA. I'll not cancel just yet and wait until later in the week to see how things play out. But, I'm not very optimistic. Those people have better things to do than to deal with us.

Probably too late to make a Plan B at this point. But damn, this sucks....

I found a website at SouthernDecadence.net that links to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Southern-Decadence-New-Orleans/

Its funny that the other "official" SD.com site does not mention Katrina at all.

The City of New Orleans is stating tonight that perhaps 80% of the city is under water to an extent, and a levee on Lake Pontchartrain has a 2-block long breach this evening, causing more flooding.

40,000+ homes in St. Bernard Parish alone are under water up to the roofs. Too much pain, suffering, and death to make me feel comfortable partying (even by NOLA standards).

Here's a link with pictures of MSY taken after the hurricane. I don't think there will be a full schedule of commercial flights anytime soon. The pictures say it all.

:(

http://www.flymsy.com/images/Katrina/Gallery.htm

The City of New Orleans is stating tonight that perhaps 80% of the city is under water to an extent, and a levee on Lake Pontchartrain has a 2-block long breach this evening, causing more flooding.

40,000+ homes in St. Bernard Parish alone are under water up to the roofs. Too much pain, suffering, and death to make me feel comfortable partying (even by NOLA standards).

Yup Levee broke last night. Most of the city and roads are under water. MSY airport is not expected to open untill next week. A friend at the FAA said it is under water and damaged. The terminal so I hear is damaged extensive.

You are wrong. The best thing you can do to support those in New Orleans is give them work. And that means tourist dollars. Otherwise, you make them suffer even more. PERIOD.

You know, everybody's certainly entitled to an opinion; but I find your comments on this matter somewhat distatesful and extremely selfish.

I know some folks -you do too- who are in Houston right now, having endured a 12+ hour drive to get there, sitting on pins and needles wondering what's become of their life all of a sudden. They're well off and should not have problems dealing with this moving forward but their anguish is certainly understandable.

These folks also need our empathy. Cancelling reservations or other long-ago made plans is a minor nuisance compared to what a lot of these folks you want to put to work for you right away may have to contend with first.

I know the show must go on and I truly hope everything is back in place for the party this weekend -not that it impacts me, since I never planned on going in the first place- and that you have a great time, if it comes to that. But, under the circumstances, it should be reasonable to accept that not everybody is in a party mood.

Hey CalItalian - lighten up. We are all allowed our opinions. Maybe your's is wrong, at least in my view.

Have a good time and I hope it relaxes you.

Hey, he keeps posting clips from FOX News. I can see how it might be a bit difficult for him to relax :p

There is an AP report just out saying that the Governor of LA is urging people to stay away until at least Tuesday.

I found a website at SouthernDecadence.net that links to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Southern-Decadence-New-Orleans/

Its funny that the other "official" SD.com site does not mention Katrina at all.

I just go an email from that yahoo group..

"The devastation to the greater New Orleans area resulting from
Hurricane Katrina is significant. At this time, substantially all of
the metropolitan area is without power, communication and sanitation.
The focus is currently on search and rescue. There is no estimate
regarding when services can reasonably be expected to resume. People
are not being allowed into the city. In fact, anyone remaining in the
city is being urged to make every effort to leave if possible.

Regarding Southern Decadence, it is inconceivable that any events will
take place. Please check back to this Yahoo! Group often.
Information will be posted and updated just as soon as it becomes
available."

Posted Tuesday, August 30, 2005
9:45AM CDT

Well... Here is an idea.

Once this is all sorted out why not schedule a charity Gayla to bring our tourist dollars to MSY?

Well... Here is an idea.

Once this is all sorted out why not schedule a charity Gayla to bring our tourist dollars to MSY?


...or better yet, why not donate directly to a cause (https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp) that will immediately benefit the victims. ^

...or better yet, why not donate directly to a cause (https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp) that will immediately benefit the victims. ^

Oh, of course, of course, of course....But the economy will need $$$ for rebuilding!

I'm cancelled now as well, the airport isn't due to open till Friday at least.

Fox News obviously is not showing you the Canal Street and how the flood water can get into the streets. S. Smith is where its safe but the flood waters can get into the French Quarters they are getting worse by the minute!!

They are not letting people into NOLA. You would be completely insane to visit there unless you are going there to help the survivors of this tragedy.

Wrong again. Not Downtown New Orleans or the French Quarter.

I've lived through earthquakes where parts of the city didn't have power for weeks but I got my power back the same day. Why? I live in an area that counts. Just like the FQ and the CBD.

You people need to get a grip on what the news services are feeding you. I work in the media. I know how they make a DRAMATIC story.

And I worked in media and know how fox news covers lots of things up!

I would definately turn to many media outlets including online news sources before making any decisions.

And Yes It is possible for the FQ to be flooded especially Canal street which is where all the hotels are downtown!!

...or better yet, why not donate directly to a cause (https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp) that will immediately benefit the victims. ^
Great suggestion and you reminded me of what I wanted to do today! Done. Thank you!^

Priceline just sent me e-mail (without me asking) cancelling my hotel (the Hyatt) and said my cc will be refunded. Now I gotta deal with DL.

but i wanted to go see all the shirtless men in the streets....how dare a hurricane ruin my plans for a fun weekend.... :D


At least we don't have to face the crazy megaphone shouting protesters. I swear! Last year I vowed that I would bring my own megaphone this year and give everybody a shot to say what they had to say right back at them...but louder!

NW would not cancel our air for 9/1 flight to MSY without penalty because, under the terms of the "weather waiver" the flight has to be cancelled. As of this morning our flight was still scheduled. This afternoon I got an email cancelling the 9/1 flight and moving us to 9/2. Again I called NW and kind of got the same run around. I ended up quoting the NOLA mayor who had earlier announced that NOLA was "closed" and everyone should stay out. I said there was no way we were going to MSY anytime soon and after consultaions they cancelled and refunded our ticket without penalty.

Hotel is another story. We're booked in St. Pierre in French Quarter, have prepaid a deposit and several nights. No way to contact them and no booking agency involved. If they vanish without refunding my only recourse is to dispute charge with credit card, which has a 6 month limit, and I'm already beyond that.

Good news is we're off to Palm Springs instead!

At the risk of veering this thread seriously off-topic, for which I apologize in advance, I'd just like to state my surprise at so many references on these pages to Fox News. Given their political agenda, I'm surprised so many folks on this board 1) watch them and 2) give their broadcasts credibility.



PS: The posts suggesting dollars that would have been spent at SD instead be donated to charity are inspiring. I wasn't going to go to SD, but it's spurred me to make a donation.

At the risk of veering this thread seriously off-topic, for which I apologize in advance,. . .



PS: The posts suggesting dollars that would have been spent at SD instead be donated to charity are inspiring. I wasn't going to go to SD, but it's spurred me to make a donation.

I guess I am surprised at the lack of sensitivity by many people on this thread. BTW - I too have lived through several earthquakes - they are NOTHING compared to what they are showing in MSY and the rest of the south that has been devastated. 80% of the city under water, looting, carjackings, etc. Why would you WANT to go there right now? People have lost their homes, their lives, their way of life. And yet there are some who are bothered because they can't go to a party? Sorry. . .I don't "get it" I guess. :confused:

1K-SFO.. I applaud your comment regarding the previous seemingly "rose colored" FQX-News "inspirations" some previous posters had..

I would question any media report, not only FOX-News, as to certain "spin" they put on things.

I work in the Media myself.. and can only tell you that one of the most "telling" videos brought in today was of Louisiana and Mississippi based National Guard Troops watching helplessly the Katrina Flooding and Devastation in their home region from Baghdad and other places in Iraq, via FOX and CNN Satellite Coverage.. can you imagine how they must have felt?

So why are they in Iraq and not home where they are needed?
Hundreds of poor neighborhood residents in New Orleans are and were stranded on their rooftops and in their attics (partly suffocating).. no National Guard helping there in masses to help until later today. 80 Percent of the city is flooded and looting has set in as well.

Anyway.. just sad what is happening.. anyone who still thinks Southern Decadence is still a "good idea" seems out of their mind in my book.

Donations are the way to.. thanks for those previous suggestions.. :)

With clients in the area, I'VE been on the cell and some radio links for much of the day.

The bottom line.....

Don't plan anything in NOLA until Christmas Eve at the earliest (and even that could be risky in several big hotels).

Effectively, as I write there are some 500,000 "refugees" most of whom live hand to mouth anyhow (or at best paycheck to paycheck). The oners from NOLA will be unable to return for a mont or so (and many will have nothing to return to). An example: NOLA has an enormous public housing program, some of it the worst in the nation, none of it above marginal. It's uninhabitable and will be for several weeks and maybe more. Public housing residents don't carry Visa/Amex or MC to float motel stays, even at the Do-Drop-Inn or the No-Tell Motel. We're looking at at least 50,000 "displaced persons" with assets equal to the poor of Calcutta and less constructive and self-supportive attitudes. After all the loot has been looted, and the last of the beer, wine and hardstuff are gone from liquor and convenience store shelves, I don't want to be around as they begin to turn on each other. As bad as the local young desperados might conduct themselves under "normal" conditions, with school cancelled for a minimum of two months, their conduct could drop from reprehensible to terrorists-in-training.

FEMA has no method or aseets by which that number of people can be sheltered, and local conditions are such that they cannot stay in place for health reasons. Nor with the afternoon monsoons of September approaching can they be sheltered outiside in tent cities. Fort Polk and Camp Shelby might offer some capacity, but not enough to begin to address the situation.

Those unfamiliar with NOLA can't even begin to imagine the number of rats, snakes, frogs and other fauna cruising about tonight. Most have seen pictures of NOLA's scenic downtown above ground cemeteries. Imaginbe the number of old crypts in which the rising waters have eaten away the old mortar and begun to send floating bits of the occupants out of the gates. Is Canal Street under water? Its name gives you a good answer, yes, for it was a canal....

I suspect that the casinos of Biloxi/Gulfport will be quickly put in order, but the state of the infastructure in surrounding communities will make visits worse than depressing.

Can you iamgine how many restaurants, even well known ones, will not make it through a lengthy hiatus? How many hotels will go into foreclosure? What Harah's will do with that enormous casino downtown, already a giant white elephant?

.....and the Saints will be a permanent road team.

Things continuing to deteriorate down there...
The storm continued up throught the Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, and is still dumping plenty of water through the Ohio Valley. Where do all these "valleys" drain? Right into the Ole Miss'.
Rescuers are still pushing bodies out of the way to get the living out.
Evacuees are watching their neighborhoods on TV as they are looted.
It took a few days to realize the full devastation of Andrew and the Banda Aceh tsunami...I think the same will happen here. This is a big one.
The weather, although clearing, is looking like it will be hot, humid and steamy with no power, no AC, no ice, no food, no water, until it is brought to them. They can't get out because of the water. And the water is rising, not receding.
Martial law declared in some areas.
Hundreds of thousands now homeless, not because they're drunks or poor, but because their home, their family heirlooms, pictures, and all material possessions are scattered over three states.
Sorry for the gloom and doom, but these folks need help.

Ick factor:My grandparents lived in Lake Charles during Camille...Gramps said his strongest memory of the event was that the storm surge went into the swamps, and the salt water drove the snakes (water moccasins, etc.) out onto the pilings and roadways so much that you couldn't drive a car across the causeway...

This is a big one...

This is THE big one. It's becoming painfully clear, especially with the failing levees, that NOLA is well past the tipping point of no return for the city to not emerge from this a totally different place than we knew it.

I just saw an interview with a man who is completely in shock after his wife slipped off their roof into the water, along with other menbers of his family. Although he knew where he was, all he could say at the end of the interview was "I'm lost. I'm lost."

I love New Orleans (and who doesn't, in some form?). I have always carried a special place in my heart for this city. The first time I fell in love was in New Orleans twelve years ago when I stopped a guy riding his bike down the street to ask directions, and we ended up in a relationship.

I love the rich tapestry of people who live there, how fiercely proud they are, and how warmly they open their city up to visitors. How we choose to work together to rebuild it physically and spiritually will determine what it will be like in the future.

Everyone will be remembered, and all those in the affected areas are in my thoughts and prayers...

... People have lost their homes, their lives, their way of life. And yet there are some who are bothered because they can't go to a party? Sorry. . .I don't "get it" I guess. :confused:

Thank you. I was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong with me for not being so selfish and think of something other than how this storm has impacted me and my plans.

The reports showed the die-hard residents in the FQ who stuck around through the storm. They were anxious to get out on the streets and get things cleaned up in time for Labor Day weekend but the police were complicating things with a curfew to prevent looting. It is mostly debris and a broken water line. Power should be up shortly. Here are my concerns:

1) Will my hotel still be open when I get there and honor my reservation? Currently the windows and curtains are missing.
2) Will MSY airport be fully operational?
3) If they do not allow residents in for 48 hours, this gives them very little time to get things ready before everyone arrives.
4) Will attandance be down because of all this which would certainly effect the fun level?

Any way you look at it some people have cancelled WAY too soon. There is no benefit to cancel now versus closer to this weekend. At least wait to see if things are up and running again by this weekend. My travel companions keep calling to remind me that they are STILL packing as if to question New Orleans' ability rise up from this adversity.

P.S. I don't see anyone getting any refunds for party passes as insurance never covers "acts of God."


Whatever newsreport your referring to is pure b/s . The French Quarter is a suesspool - the streets are flooded with sewage water that is infested with feces and who knows what else. Since the levees broke the water has been rising steadily. There is chaos ,looting and lots of damage and mandatory evacuation of the city has begun so SD being cancelled is a mute point ,every labor day event regardless is cancelled ,noone is getting into the city except the red cross, the national guard and medical personnel. So those posters who are saying otherwise your full of it. I'd cancel any plans on going to New Orleans for at least the next month or longer.The way they are talking , they are not going to let people back into the city for a long time ,maybe a month.Its really bad. My prayers go out to those needing help and those who have lost a loved one. God Bless

Whatever newsreport your referring to is pure b/s . The French Quarter is a suesspool - the streets are flooded with sewage water that is infested with feces and who knows what else. Since the levees broke the water has been rising steadily. There is chaos ,looting and lots of damage and mandatory evacuation of the city has begun so SD being cancelled is a mute point ,every labor day event regardless is cancelled ,noone is getting into the city except the red cross, the national guard and medical personnel. So those posters who are saying otherwise your full of it. I'd cancel any plans on going to New Orleans for at least the next month or longer.The way they are talking , they are not going to let people back into the city for a long time ,maybe a month.Its really bad. My prayers go out to those needing help and those who have lost a loved one. God Bless

The broken levee and the looting have happened only recently. The FQ WAS relatively unscathed right after the hurricane compared to rural New Orleans and Mississippi but that has all changed in the past 24 hours. American Airlines has posted that no flights will get in and out at the very soonest September 5. I have of course cancelled my plans and those that already cancelled on Sunday and Monday got a jump on everyone else in making new plans. This does sound like one of those disasters where the consequences and human toll and suffering just balloons like the Tsunami last December. I think it is too soon to say that New Orleans will NEVER be the same but like NY after 9/11 they will rebuild with the help of the whole country.

I don't think it is too early to say that NOLA will never been the same. You have a city in which the houses are primarily wood standing in 10+ feet of water for several days if not weeks (since all the pumps are failing after the levee breaks). Entire wards will have to be rebuilt. The best information can be found on the Times-Picayune blog: www.nola.com

The death, destruction, and displacement are on a quite different scale than 9/11 New York. It's apples and oranges...

Just a thought folks...

What if the folks who were going to attend the Southern Decadence got on the Yahoo Site and created a relief drive for the people in this region.

If all of the attendees just sent 10% of what they would have spent, you would be heard and appreciated. ^

Wrong again. Not Downtown New Orleans or the French Quarter.

I've lived through earthquakes where parts of the city didn't have power for weeks but I got my power back the same day. Why? I live in an area that counts. Just like the FQ and the CBD.

You people need to get a grip on what the news services are feeding you. I work in the media. I know how they make a DRAMATIC story.

:rolleyes:

What say you now???

Wrong again. Not Downtown New Orleans or the French Quarter.

I've lived through earthquakes where parts of the city didn't have power for weeks but I got my power back the same day. Why? I live in an area that counts. Just like the FQ and the CBD.

You people need to get a grip on what the news services are feeding you. I work in the media. I know how they make a DRAMATIC story.


Would you like some humble pie? I've been through the Northridge quake and it's nothing compared to what the people of NOLA are going through! Can't even compare it!

I just started reading this thread and I'm amazed that some people are still thinking that everything in the FQ will be ready for action in just a few days. Whatever you may think of sensationalism in the media, it doesn't take much to figure out that there won't be much partying in the Big Easy for a while! Even if the FQ is not (yet?) under several feet of water, how would you suggest that you would get there? The airport is closed (one report I read said that the airport won't be open for weeks). Major bridges are destroyed. Other roads in and around the city are flooded. Even if you can get to the FQ, do you think that other necessary services like food delivery trucks for the restaurants will make it?

Man, I love that city so much and have had such good times there, but it's gone now.

There is serious discussion in the media today re: the pros and cons of simply abandoning New Orleans for good as a going concern. Insurance will be impossible to get after this, and without insurance there's no financing, and therefore not much rebuilding. Maybe the free market will shut down New Orleans.

I have heard more than one psychic/medium/remote viewer predict that New Orleans will be "virtually abandoned" by the middle of the 21st century owing to natural disasters and rising water levels. It always sounded fanciful until today.

Just a thought folks...

What if the folks who were going to attend the Southern Decadence got on the Yahoo Site and created a relief drive for the people in this region.

If all of the attendees just sent 10% of what they would have spent, you would be heard and appreciated. ^

I agree. Besides its money spent anyway.

NW would not cancel our air for 9/1 flight to MSY without penalty because, under the terms of the "weather waiver" the flight has to be cancelled. As of this morning our flight was still scheduled. This afternoon I got an email cancelling the 9/1 flight and moving us to 9/2. Again I called NW and kind of got the same run around. I ended up quoting the NOLA mayor who had earlier announced that NOLA was "closed" and everyone should stay out. I said there was no way we were going to MSY anytime soon and after consultaions they cancelled and refunded our ticket without penalty.


Thanks for that info. I was waiting to see if NW changes the waiver policy posted on the website before my flight on Friday, but sounds like they are being somewhat flexible. Given the conditions, I don't see how they cannot be.

Looks like I am stuck at home for the long weekend. Let's hope New Orleans does return to its previous self, as so many of us have expressed such fond memories of our visits!

OK - people - a reminder not to discuss / attack other posters regardless of their views (much as we disagree with them).

Thanks,

peteropny - co-moderator - GLBT

PS - my thoughts are also with the people of New Orleans.

Just ran across an article from PlanetOut, "Katrina's devastation includes gay tourism" (http://news.yahoo.com/s/po/20050831/co_po/katrinasdevastationincludesgaytourism) dealing with the subject of this thread.

"An e-mail statement claiming to be from the party organizers said, 'It is inconceivable that any events will take place.'"

Article also discusses refunds for flights, hotels, etc.

I just started reading this thread and I'm amazed that some people are still thinking that everything in the FQ will be ready for action in just a few days. Whatever you may think of sensationalism in the media, it doesn't take much to figure out that there won't be much partying in the Big Easy for a while! Even if the FQ is not (yet?) under several feet of water, how would you suggest that you would get there? The airport is closed (one report I read said that the airport won't be open for weeks). Major bridges are destroyed. Other roads in and around the city are flooded. Even if you can get to the FQ, do you think that other necessary services like food delivery trucks for the restaurants will make it?


this thread was started before the massive damage begun in N.O. after the hurricane passed it appeared N.O. was spared -- even the mayor said we dodged another bullet. everything appeared to be fine monday night in N.O. other than some minor damage. many people went to bed thinking that. then over the course of monday night the levies broke which flooded the city. that destruction did not begin until tuesday morning. so you have to take into account when you read some of the comments. the FQ, which was spared from damage by the direct hit of the hurricane, felt the overall effects of the storm.

...or better yet, why not donate directly to a cause (https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp) that will immediately benefit the victims. ^

Is there a cause that will direct money only to folks who are on our "side" when it comes to civil rights? Seriously, do you think a single one of "them" would open their hearts and wallets if Chelsea was destroyed by a bomb or West Hollywood by an earthquake? Was this a sign from a greater power aimed at 3 of the reddest states in the nation? What goes around comes around? Deny us our rights and livelihoods and the same shall be done unto you? Or should we take the moral high road? Seriously, I'm struggling with this one...

The American Red Cross is completely non-sectarian, but seriously, donate to anyone who will help. 80% of New Orleans is underwater. I remember feeling the same way about something much more minor (where to donate used clothing and other goods in NYC). I wanted to donate to a non-sectarian goup, but the churches were the ones really going out and getting their hands dirty. There are people desperate for assistance - take the high road. I'm trying to decide between the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity because of all the people needing new homes.

As of right now, 85% of the city is under water. The mayor has stated that it would be at least 12-16 weeks before residents of NOLA can go back to their homes. Question I'm interested in getting a response to. Will New Orleans ever be the same again? Will there be a Halloween Party, Mardi Gras, Southern Decadence, in the future?

I think it'll never be the same (which I hope not). Every building, home, etc., will be uninhabitable due to water damage. Would you rebuild your home knowing that this could happen again?

The people that have been away for 12-16 weeks, I'm pretty sure aren't going to be able to support themselves for 3 months without work. People have to make a living. If they find a job outside NOLA, do you they go back?

I was lucky to be there this past Thursday through Saturday. I think of the locals that I encountered on this trip; the Airport Shuttle driver, the oyster schuker at Acme Oyster Bar, the bartenders at The Parade, the concierge at the Intercontinental. I wonder what happened?

Hopefully, NOLA will rise back. I certainly hope that wasn't my last time to the Big Easy.

There are people desperate for assistance - take the high road. I'm trying to decide between the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity because of all the people needing new homes.

I hadn't thought about Habitat for Humanity. I know the Red Cross does honorable work, but I do have some issues with some of their policies and the salaries of their top administrators.

Nevertheless, according to Charity Navigator (http://www.charitynavigator.org) Habitat for Humanity spends over 75% of its income on fundraising, while the Red Cross spends over 90% of its donations on charitable work. So I guess I'll donate to them, despite the fact that their CEO makes over $450,000 a year.

Some random thoughts, just venting, mostly. I just returned from delivering some blankets and bottled water to our local collection center. We are most definitely a blue state, the wealthiest in the country, but people streaming in appeared to come from all ethnic, economic backgrounds, and political persuasions. Very touching.

Nevertheless, should I be appalled that there's a thread currently going on right here about where to make hotel reservations for New Year's Eve in New Orleans? Perhaps the hotels will be open by then, and if so they'll certainly need our buisness, but discussing whether or not a hotel room in New Orleans has a flat screen TV without a mention of the current devastation just mystifies me.

The entire Gulf Coast will certainly never be the same. I certainly hope that the polititicians take an altruistic stance, for a change, and do what is best for the survivors.

Is there a cause that will direct money only to folks who are on our "side" when it comes to civil rights? Seriously, do you think a single one of "them" would open their hearts and wallets if Chelsea was destroyed by a bomb or West Hollywood by an earthquake? Was this a sign from a greater power aimed at 3 of the reddest states in the nation? What goes around comes around? Deny us our rights and livelihoods and the same shall be done unto you? Or should we take the moral high road? Seriously, I'm struggling with this one...

If you have to struggle, then your capacity for judgement rates as clouded. Take a look at the TV images. The overwhelming majority of folks who have lost all and are suffering are poor (and mostly Black). Louisiana, one of your "Red" states, has at last look, a Democrat as Governor, and both Senators are Democrats, as are several Congressfolk.

Most of the "pleasure boats" in Louisiana are owned by Rednecks, Cajuns and retirees (except for the Really Big Ones which belong to lobbyists). Those groups tend to vote for Democrats (or in the case of lobbyists, buying trips and dinners).

:p TMO

Louisiana, one of your "Red" states, has at last look, a Democrat as Governor, and both Senators are Democrats, as are several Congressfolk.

One correction:

Sen. David Vitter is a a Republican.

Is there a cause that will direct money only to folks who are on our "side" when it comes to civil rights? Seriously, do you think a single one of "them" would open their hearts and wallets if Chelsea was destroyed by a bomb or West Hollywood by an earthquake? Was this a sign from a greater power aimed at 3 of the reddest states in the nation? What goes around comes around? Deny us our rights and livelihoods and the same shall be done unto you? Or should we take the moral high road? Seriously, I'm struggling with this one...

At a time like this, where misery, injury and deprivation are widespread and all encompassing, I cannot but think that it is morally bankrupt to consider the "merits" of the victims. If you have the ability to ease someone's suffering by personal assistance, donation of monies or services etc, I think it is a moral imperative that you do so. How can you struggle with such a thing? There is nothing "high moral ground" about that. It is basic humanity 101 in a cilvilised society and amongst decent people.

All right people - another warning - political discussion is not allowed in Flyertalk forums other than in OMNI. So please refrain from political discussions here.

Any further political discussion or commentary on other Flyertalkers will result in this thread being locked.

Thanks,

peteropny - co-moderator - GLBT

I can't believe that some Superdome refugees headed to the Astrodome in Houston are now being turned away...

There are some heroic stories coming out where hospital staff, private citizens with their own boats, families around the country offering to take in others, and many other countries now offering assistance.

A few hardy folks from directnic.com are holding down the fort in the CBD, and one of them has been maintaining a blog. See http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/ for up-to-date information on what's going on.

My take: you'd have to be completely insane to go anywhere near New Orleans at this point.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/hurricane-is-gods-work-christian-extremists/2005/09/03/1125302770141.html

As religious and political leaders offered prayers for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, some Christian fundamentalists suggested the storm was the work of an angry God bent on punishing a sinful nation.

In news releases and internet chat rooms, some fundamentalists said the hurricane was sent to punish New Orleans, a city known for Mardi Gras and other raucous festivals.

Others said the disaster, which may have killed thousands in Louisiana and Mississippi, was revenge for the United States' support of the removal of Jewish settlers in the Gaza Strip.

"Whenever this country encourages Israel to give up any part of their rightful God-given land we have suffered the consequences," wrote a discussion-board participant on the website of the Christian Broadcasting Network.

A Philadelphia group called Repent America said the hurricane was sent by God to prevent an annual gay pride festival that was due to take place this weekend.

A Philadelphia group called Repent America said the hurricane was sent by God to prevent an annual gay pride festival that was due to take place this weekend.

You had to know some fool was going to say something dumb like that.

So the writer seems to claim God is going to ruin everyones life just because gays organized an event in town? Seems like a mighty power like him could distribute punishment only to those who "deserve" it.

On TV I see children crying of starving, and elderly people in a panic without their medication and just don't see the Southern Decadence connection.

What a bummer for Southern Decadence....hopefully one day, I'll be able to get back into my house...if there is one....traveling these days is so easy, since I don't really have much with me anymore....

Seriously, please continue to donate money to relivent organizations such as the Red Cross. Be careful, there are lots of people trying to scam a few bucks on this tragedy as well. Also hold our officials (particularly at the National level) accountable for their actions and INACTIONS. The lack of appropriate responce is scary given the amount of warning that hurricanes give. What's going to happen when the big earthquake hits California for example? So sudden, so many more people....so many of my friends have had so many horror stories, which no one should go through.

NOLAnwGOLD --> LAXnwGOLD

In an AP story carried in today's SF Chronicle about counting the dead:

Amid the tragedy, about two dozen people gathered in the French Quarter for the Decadence Parade, an annual Labor Day gay celebration. Matt Menold, 23, a street musician wearing a sombrero and a guitar slung over his back, said: "It's New Orleans, man. We're going to celebrate."

I just saw this clip in the NY Times....
LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMP ROULER!!! Long live the spirit of New Orleans....

I heard a similar story on the BBC World Service driving home last night. Some French Quarter residents who decided not to leave had gathered at a bar on Bourbon St to celebrate Southern Decadence. Their main comment...foreign beer tastes much better warm than american beer.

Their main comment...foreign beer tastes much better warm than american beer.

Well duh! Foreign beers are good, American ones need to be cold so that you can't taste it! ;)

Nevertheless, should I be appalled that there's a thread currently going on right here about where to make hotel reservations for New Year's Eve in New Orleans? Perhaps the hotels will be open by then, and if so they'll certainly need our buisness, but discussing whether or not a hotel room in New Orleans has a flat screen TV without a mention of the current devastation just mystifies me.


KenCT - the post you reference was started by me (if that is the one - only one I see, but don't have my glasses on).

The thread was started well before any hint of the destruction there.

As for the trip - if the city is open to visitors, we will go. If they need help and we can do something, we will go. If we will get in the way, we will not.

So, don't be appalled.

Even though the thread was started pre-Katrina, it continued after and I agree with KenCT that there does seem something superficial about worrying about flat screens in such circumstances. Superficiality is a thing gay men have been accused of more than once. It may just be denial and substitution.

I remember being appalled by the sight of people having a party on the beach in Phuket, saying the tsunami had not spoilt their vacation, as bodies washed up 200 yards away.

But times change and I am now going back to Phuket for a vacation. Times will change too in New Orleans and flat screen TV's will soon again be an important factor. :)

In today's New York Times (Saturday, September 17, p. B7), there are detailed maps about the flooding and damage in New Orleans.

In the very detailed map of the French Quarter, the nightclub OZ is listed as one of three sites sustaining "Major" Damage (along with the Saks Fifth Avenue at the foot of Canal Street, and Mr. B's Bistro close to that).

Perhaps those lovely wrap-around balconies collapsed in the wind, but I am wondering why Oz would have "major" damage in the middle of the Quarter, and if anyone has any other information about what has happened to this building. Thanks.

(As an aside, I think it is outrageous that Mr. Bush proclaimed nobody foresaw the severity of the hurricane and the levees failing, despite the warning from the National Weather Service which I posted here in message #3!).