Bullock blamed inexperienced federal leadership. She noted that Chertoff and FEMA Director Michael Brown had no disaster experience before they were appointed to their jobs.

As far as I can see, they don't have any experience handling one now, either. Asshats.

all the sick will be dead by that time. there aren't any hospital ships closer?

For those with Tulane connections, from the university's emergency Website:

We have scheduled a conference call for 2 p.m. today to discuss how universities and colleges around the country might offer help to our students in the event there are no classes held on Tulane’s campus this fall.

Can anyone help me find line drawings (preferably period) of medieval men's clothing?

As far as I can see, they don't have any experience handling one now, either. Asshats.

Somewhere I read that they were friends of Bush, or politically connected to him or something.

I know - shocking, huh?

how long will it take the ship to arrive?

Just in time for a nice juicy photo-op I'm sure.

I'd put a "@@" in there, but this has gone so far beyond eye-rolling that I'm looking like Daddy Warbucks.

Fred,

I am far north of NO, but several universities around the area are welcoming NO area students if they can get up here!

It will take the USNS Comfort (the baltimore based navy hospital ship) 6 days to get down there. As noted, scheduled to leave today.

I am outie. Have a good and safe long weekend for those who get one.

ita, I'll be thinking of you as I watch Serena and Federer tonight. This year I remembered my camera, so I might get pics,

a quick google suggests that the current generation of hospital ships travel at about 17 knots/20MPH

To give an idea: Expedia says it should take 18 hours to drive from Baltimore to NOLA. And that's a far more direct route than a ship would have to take.

In better news, the intercom is announcing that the office is closing at 2.