I love the news. Especially during a disaster or any breaking news story. It’s raw and it’s real, and usually pretty funny.

I found this on CNN’s website in the hours before Hurricane Katrina came in, destroyed most of New Orleans, and instantly shot gas prices up to six bucks in some places.

In New Orleans, which lies below sea level, gas and diesel tanks are all located above ground for the same reason that bodies are buried above ground. In the event of a flood, “those tanks will start to float, shear their couplings, and we’ll have the release of these rather volatile compounds,” van Heerden added.

Because gasoline floats on water, “we could end up with some pretty severe and large — area-wise — fires.”

“So, we’re looking at a bowl full of highly contaminated water with contaminated air flowing around and, literally, very few places for anybody to go where they’ll be safe.”

He went further.

“So, imagine you’re the poor person who decides not to evacuate: Your house will disintegrate around you. The best you’ll be able to do is hang on to a light pole, and while you’re hanging on, the fire ants from all the mounds — of which there is two per yard on average — will clamber up that same pole. And, eventually, the fire ants will win.”

Fire ants?!? Funny, we heard about broken levees, floating bodies, looting and almost unbelievable devistation… but never fire ants. Guess they were making sure they had fear covered in case the hurricane flopped. Isn’t the news GREAT!

Author: frenchy

One Response to “No News Is Good News – September 13, 2005”

1. Aunt Connie says:

   October 2, 2005 at 6:49 PM

   Marc…change the blue paragraph to another color…it is hard to read for old folks like me.

   Reply