Steve On Broadway (SOB)

To Quote "Annie"

To Quote "Annie"

"The sun'll come up tomorrow."

Well, actually on Monday. But after three long weeks, Steve On Broadway (SOB) will really be back. Betcher bottom dollar.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Special Messages

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Friday, September 05, 2008 1 comments links to this post

Political Theatre, Part II

Political Theatre, Part II

Folks, as I said last week, I haven't forgotten about you or Steve On Broadway or live theatre.

But I offer a reminder that aside from theatre and traveling, my other great passion in life is politics. So just as I got caught up in last week's Democratic National Convention, please forgive me for watching the drama unfold at this week's Republican National Convention.

Regardless of which party has the floor, I believe it's our responsibility as Americans to listen in to both political conventions to know what each candidate for the highest office -- along with all their surrogates -- is saying.

Hopefully, you're every bit as interested in the future direction of our nation and are tuning in to both.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Elections, Special Messages

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Thursday, September 04, 2008 2 comments links to this post

Rick Duplantier Finally Responds Via BlackBerry

Rick Duplantier Finally Responds Via BlackBerry

As you may recall from my posting on Sunday, I was still awaiting word, any word, that my college friend Rick Duplantier was safe.

Little did I know that he would be weathering Hurricane Gustav from his home in New Orleans -- the same home that was severely damaged by the flooding from Hurricane Katrina. I guess if I had remembered he had posted the above sign on his property, I should have known where he'd be.

Rick texted me via his BlackBerry this morning:

Working with a blackberry battery that is going to run out. Yes, I stayed in my house and it was a very interesting event. We built this new house to make stand and we did.Plan to help with clean-up today so we are back to normal by Wednesday.

I am in the City of New Orleans. No real damage, and although there is wind and tree damage it appears minor. Our evacuation procedures and levees worked as planned. The only issue now is minor inconveniences of clearing debris and lack of power.

Our office should be up in New Orleans tomorrow, but all other offices fully operational. You can try and reach my via blackberry which seems to be working now but will be volunteering so may not have time to respond right away.

Go Saints!!

While I'm not sure I would or could have made the same decision to stay, I'm beyond relieved he is safe. And my hat is off to him for already plunging headlong into volunteer efforts. In case you haven't already figured this out, Rick is quite a guy.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Hurricane Gustav, New Orleans, Rick Duplantier, Special Messages

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Tuesday, September 02, 2008 1 comments links to this post

WHEW!

WHEW!

As Hurricane Gustav gave way to Tropical Depression Gustav, that huge collective sigh America heard was one of immense relief that New Orleans didn't experience a catastrophic repeat of Hurricane Katrina.

The levees held, even as water sloshed over their tops, and while the worst of the storm has passed, flood watches along Lake Pontchartrain remain in effect until 10 a.m. CDT.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has promised that "re-entry is only days away, and not weeks."

UPDATE (9/2/08, 12:50 p.m.):
MSNBC is reporting:

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said he has received reports of widespread damage across three parishes — Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary — near where the eye of the storm hit. Helicopter crews were expected to search the area for anyone injured or killed.

With millions still displaced from their homes, as well as damage in the wake of Gustav requiring attention, including from relief agencies like the American Red Cross, I strongly encourage you to join me in giving to this organization. To donate, simply click here.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Charitable Organizations, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Special Messages

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Tuesday, September 02, 2008 0 comments links to this post

Where Are You, Rick Duplantier?

Where Are You, Rick Duplantier?

Much to my relief, one of my dear friends from New Orleans, MB, commu-nicated with me last evening, even as Hurricane Gustav comes barreling toward the southwest of the Big Easy as a Category Three storm. She reassured me that she was to board a flight to Atlanta today.

But I'm still waiting to hear from my college friend Rick Duplantier, who rebuilt after Katrina. Rick, if you're out there and read this, please let me know you're OK!

As noted above, MB sent me a quick e-mail, reassuring me:

After massive search and many calls, found two Sunday tickets to Atlanta on AirTran -- too much money, but it was that or drive or bail! With the traffic, it would have been 24 hours, I'm sure.

But our concerns about a trip are miniscule. I don't know how my many friends -- and thousands of others -- who lost everything last time are coping now. I'm emotionally fragile, and I can just imagine how they feel.

At least this time, people are getting out of town. Now.

Maybe it'll miss us. But then again, that means it's going to hit someone else. Then again, where is safe? Sacramento has the same levees we do; California has the earthquakes, midwest the storms, east coast the hurricanes.........

Too many musings, back to work, then to pack!

I'm hoping her flight made it out as scheduled.

As I noted yesterday, while it may not be much, I donated to the American Red Cross in recognition that they're already hard at work in preparing for the eventual disaster relief they'll be providing in Gustav's aftermath. Additionally, as my friend Alicia reminded me , another key way to help is to donate blood.

I strongly encourage you to to what you can. To donate, simply click here.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Charitable Organizations, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Special Messages

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Sunday, August 31, 2008 2 comments links to this post

New Orleans: Déjà Vu All Over Again?

New Orleans: Déjà Vu All Over Again?

After having just been in New Orleans at the beginning of the week and departing the city's Louis Armstrong Airport as the remnants of Fay were blowing through, I am absolutely heartsick that the Big Easy -- so ravaged by Hurricane Katrina three years ago yesterday -- is now bracing for Hurricane Gustav.

Unlike Michael Moore, I'm not laughing and find it repulsive that anyone would use such a devastating event to score cheap political points when so many lives have already been lost in this hurricane's wake.

While I'm awaiting word from my friends who live in New Orleans -- hoping they're in a safe place, and if not, wishing them Godspeed -- the seeming inevitability of Gustav striking Louisiana and Texas has me wishing I could do something. Anything.

And while it may not be much, I've just donated to the American Red Cross in recognition that they're already hard at work in preparing for the eventual disaster relief they'll be providing in Gustav's aftermath.

I strongly encourage you to join me by doing the same. To donate, simply click here.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Charitable Organizations, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Special Messages

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Saturday, August 30, 2008 4 comments links to this post

Political Theatre

Political Theatre

Folks, I haven't forgotten about you or Steve On Broadway or live theatre.

But aside from theatre and traveling, my other great passion in life is politics. So forgive me for getting caught up in the drama of the Democratic National Convention this week.

Regardless of which party has the floor, I believe it's our responsibility as Americans to listen in to both political conventions to know what each candidate for the highest office -- along with all their surrogates -- is saying. So chances are, as I watch this real-life drama continue, my posts may be sparse right through next week Thursday.

Hopefully, you're every bit as interested in the future direction of our nation.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Elections, Special Messages

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, August 27, 2008 2 comments links to this post

Back From New Orleans

Back From New Orleans

After spending most of the last week in New Orleans, I'm happy to be back at home, especially as Fay was starting to shower the city.

Don't get me wrong, being in New Orleans was exhilarating, including my opportunity to join with over 210 other volunteers in the ongoing clean-up of a pocket of the Big Easy. While the city still has a long way to go before it's completely recovered, it is as vibrant as ever, and most certainly open for business.

This got me to thinking about the double-edged sword of the news media and the inevitable coverage you can expect this week on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Most of the national news coverage I've ever seen paints a truly negative, nearly hopeless picture. And while I believe it's crucial for the American public to understand that so much remains to be accomplished, the media coverage has undoubtedly also made many potential visitors rethink their trips because they have the mistaken impression that the city is in no condition to welcome them.

Tourism is the blood that keeps New Orleans pulsing. So without the visitors -- despite the astounding strides they've already achieved in rebuilding and repairing -- the city remains in guarded condition.

If you've ever thought about visiting New Orleans, the time is now. And every dollar you spend there helps contribute to the local economy at a time when it's most needed.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Special Messages

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Monday, August 25, 2008 1 comments links to this post