[Dog Gone]

Nita, I don't want to start the numbers guessing game for how many lives will be lost in this storm. It's going to rip through Mississippi tomorrow after doing its deed on New Orleans.

I think an estimate of hundred is far too low. It depends on how many idiots like my wife's cousin think the levees will protect them.

I really haven't been this upset in years. I need to turn off the computer and television and go for a run or something. My head is about to explode, and I don't even have a headache.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Predictions:
Fatalities in the 1000 range.
Superdome structure intact, few if any fatalities inside from unrest/panic/stress. Stories from dome are mostly uplifting tales of survival, faith, prayer, and song.
Some areas of NO never rebuilt. (But the tourist areas will live again).
Oil released from strategic reserves to reduce price spikes.
The cost dwarfs that of Andrew.

[Nita Nupress]

It depends on how many idiots like my wife's cousin think the levees will protect them.

Oh, man. Yeah, if I had someone I knew who was staying out of pure stubbornness and/or ignorance, I'd be livid. It's one thing to not have transportation or be an invalid or be responsible for someone who is, but these people staying for no good reason are nothing but possible future Darwin Award recipients.