Topic: New Orleans Update

[bud750]

Hey Guys,
Just a quick note to let you know about my situation and New Orleans:
Hey Guys,
My good friend and FBI SWAT leader made a tactical entry into my building with three other FBI SWAT team members after I gave him the 4-digit code to the front steel door.  Evidently, I have electricity at my warehouse.  They entered and swept the entire building for anyone that might have been in there.  The building did not flood, even saw dust on the floor was dry.  There was some VERY minor water damage on the stairs leading to the upper apartment.  And most importantly the building had NOT been looted.  Nothing was touched and all the bikes and equipment are fine.  So, I am truly one of the lucky people from this stupid hurricane. 
  I am now formulating a plan how best to spend this 3-month paid vacation.  The recommendation from my trusted friend/mentor was to to have fun.  So, I think I will hit the road, either to L.A. where I have friends, and Mark, or I will go find the woman I live with in Europe and spend some time with her until she is due back in the US Oct. 15.
  On the other topic thread of the hurricane, one member said New Orleans was gone, let it go, destroyed - let me tell you something, New Orleans will come back, I for one will be there, that's my home.  Don't discount how the redneck cajuns can get stuff done when needed.  That was an uncalled for statement.

Bud

[Buffo]

I am happy you and your material possessions are in good standing.

by the way the MAYOR of New Orleans said on CNN and whatever other news stations picked up his speach 2 days ago- "New orleans is TOTALLY DESTROYED"

Of course they will rebuild...I just have to ask the question "is it in the best intersts of the american people?" will the government have to bail the area out again? should our tax dollars go to rebuild a city that should have never been built where it was in the first place?

[Dennis]

INCREDIBLE!!! 

Lucky man!!
If that isn't the best news you could get, I can't imagine what could be better.
And three months paid time off to go with it!!

ENJOY IT!!

And maybe you should buy a lottery ticket since you are so lucky.

[Buffo]

Bud, I am interested on when you left the area...did you leave on your own or did you wait for the maditory evacuation?

I live on a island 3 miles out in the gulf...I leave before they say we have to...It's easier to find a place to stay and not get the "in season" prices at the hotels

Don

[frostypuck]

Never mind all that...will the 7UP machine be stocked and ready to go by next Mardi Gras?
Chris in Boston

[Buffo]

i bet a lot of people will go to mardi gras this comming year...if nothing else to see the place...I bet it will be a big time for NO

[bud750]

Chris,
Hell yes, the 7up machine (or "coke" machine if youa re from the south) will be stocked.  Does that mean you are going to come down with Andy this year? 


Bud

[Kevin400F]

I just spoke to Bud today....he made his way into New Orleans today to personally check on his building.  Seems some of the earlier information was mistaken.  Apparently the initial inspection by the FBI crew was very cursory, and didn't notice a few things.  The outer roofing materials (tar paper and tin, apparently) were blown off, and Bud can see daylight through just about the entire warehouse roof.  The apartment roof is a separate section and fared better.  There was rainwater damage to the apartment hallway ceiling, as well as a warehouse area storage room and its contents.  Prior to evacuating, Bud had winched several bikes and his super-heavy-duty Davis & Wells table saw up off the floor and suspended them by ropes.  The bikes were all still hanging, but the ropes let go of the table saw and it crashed to the ground.  He's going to try and hole up there for another day or so to clean up as much as possible (refrigerator contents, etc) and salvage paperwork, clothing, etc.  I don't think he has had any electricity since the storm.  He may be able to move some of the bikes into the upstairs apartment which is still "dry", but not much can be done to protect the warehouse section from rain intrusion at this point.

Kevin Hunter

[MRieck]

Bud
  That's some great news! I've been in to see Dave Gilbert a few times since Katrina but have managed to miss him. I'm going to see him this friday(9/16) and I'll be sure to let him know how well things turned out for you.
  Mike Rieck

[Lumbee]

...good to hear u'r do'n Ok Bud.  Lemmie know if you need a hand with anything.  And enjoy some time off!!!