rarely do i expect anyone to take me seriously on here but as a result of conversations with the few relatives I have heard from... I have to share my pain. I was born and raised in the murder capitol of the world, and I loved every momonet... I feel the fact that I survived growing up in new orleans made me appreciate the history of other languages and cultures, and gave me the depth of music appreciation that can only be found in New Orleans, LA. I am pleased I convinced my mother to leave but could not get my father & only living grandmother (who is almost 85) to evacuate before the storm. I have finally heard from my father who is alive but stranded on the 5th floor of his bldg. Many of my cousins and other relatives are M.I.A. I have not cried in over 10 years............ until today. the fact my mother is already looking for a home in TX or GA should give most an idea of how this hits home... Imagine even if you were lucky or smart enough to leave before desaster strikes, would you ever think you would have to abandon everything and never look back? I still don't have eletricity at my apt in Ft. Lauderdale, but I am no longer complaining about it.... I would happily sleep on my roof after seeing my home town and everything in it washed away and submerged by infested waters.... D.A.Y.