My sister Kathy and her family, as well as other friends live in Lafayette, LA so are fortunately going to be (hopefully) a fairly safe distance from full brunt of Katrina, though they're prepared for whatever evacuation orders may come their way. My brother in law works for a large helicopter maintenance company which transports workers to/from the gulf's oil rigs, and concurs with DonM that US oil prices nationwide will soar far higher than it already is as a result of this disaster.

The historic New Orleans French Quarter has been a longtime favorite travel destination of mine for years, from attending annual Mardis Gras, Bourbon St clubbing, Jackson Square, walking the beautiful historic narrow streets of building laced with wrought iron, taking in the music at the Preservation Jazz Hall, Music at Snug Harbor, and coffee & beignets at Cafe DuMonde. I fear now that all this may only remain a distance memory after Katrina hits, burying this jewel of a historic city under 28 feet of water. Realizing that mass desvastation and death are emminent, I send my prayers to New Orleans and all the people of the region. I'm afraid the long term consequences of this disaster is going to affect all of us. - Scott