Messages From Ground Zero

I found a blog (well, actually I read about it over at Dubious Quality) being kept by a bunch of people who have themselves holed up in a data center in downtown New Orleans. They have kept their servers running with a diesel generator and have been providing constant updates since before Katrina hit the coast. Since then, the author has given a very detailed first-hand account of the chaos going on in the city. It is disturbing and sobering and interesting all at the same time. Unfortunately, it sounds like they may not be posting much longer as their data provider is about to run out of fuel and new diesel shipments have not been coming.

What is going on in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast right now is nothing short of an utter tragedy. I do not understand how things could get as bad as they have. I did not think any part of our country could descend into such a state of desperation and chaos. I am not a religious person, but I ask that you send your prayers to the people stranded there. They need help.

If you feel so compelled, here is also a link to some general advice on giving donation and a list of reputable charities involved in the relief effort.