Tuesday With Remy And His Towel

Deckhand

Monday's Pit Stop

Signs Of Ike

Did I Tell You I Love Fresh Peaches?

Another Weekend Project Done

I'd like to do a project/repair at home, or on my vehicle for that matter, and be able to say afterwards. "Boy. That was easy." I don't believe it has happened yet though.
I got my new hot water heater installed and operating over the weekend. Not after several trips to the hardware store though. I put in new water and gas lines, very phallic don't you think, and a new shut off valve. It did not go smoothly. The new tank although the same capacity was 6 inches shorter and fatter than the old one. As a result the water lines were too short so I had to build up the platform another 6 inches or more. I sat this one in one of those flimsy aluminum overflow pans with a drain in case I'm still here the next time it starts to leak. Maneuvering the big mother fucker was not easy by myself but I made it. As I said though, it is fatter and sits too close to the back wall I fear. I'm not sure it would pass inspection in that regards. Nothing ever goes as planned.

As I said, I replaced the shutoff valve. I could not get the water shut off completely due to corrosion. Also, you can see that the water flow was restricted as a result of the mineral deposits inside.

It looks good for now anyway. Hey, and no leaks!

That's The Way To Leave A Room

Astros catcher Brad Ausmus hit a two-run home run off Braves starter Mike Hampton, a former teammate, in the third inning. This was quite a feat since this was Ausmus last game with the Astros.
Brett Coomer/Chronicle photo

Severe Gardening

My brother and his wife gave me these plants, plus a ficus and something else that bit the dust years ago, when I moved here in January of '85. I can't believe they have survived extreme heat, a time indoors, an occasional freeze, and much more over 23 years. I have pruned them before and they recovered so I couldn't stop myself this weekend when I started trimming.

These yuccas? had a huge root ball and shaft that I had a difficult time getting out of the pots since their roots had grown up under the lip of the pots.

I will let you know if they come out of this latest sever pruning I gave them.

Black Eyed Susan?

A transvestite takes part in the Gay Pride Parade in dowtown Montevideo on September 26, 2008.

You Can Look Good And Still Lose

Texans kicker Kris Brown connected on a 47-yard field goal with only seconds remaining to send Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars into overtime, tied at 27. The Jaguars, however, won 30-27 on Josh Scobee's 37-yard field goal.
Karen Warren/Chronicle Photo

Cool Hand Luke Dead At 83

Paul Newman died of cancer yesterday. The first movie I recall seeing him in was Cat On A Hot Tin Roof with Elizabeth Taylor and I was crushing bad. And the thought he was mourning the loss of a male friend/love interest was even more to my liking.

Friday's Debriefing

Bummed Out

I haven't had Internet service the last 36 hours or so. I have DSL through the phone company and the land line phones have had trouble with all the repairs after the storm. You never know how inconvenient or how much you miss something til it's gone. So maybe I can stay on track now. If I'm incognito again just consider what the area has been through and hang tight.
Although, I came out of the hurricane relatively unscathed except for a fence down and a few tree limbs it seems I have the opportunity to do some home repairs after all. Now my hot water heater has gone out and the faucets are leaking all of a sudden. The water around here is just like Jeff Stryker, so damn hard. It takes it's toll on the plumbing. So I went to Lowe's this evening after work and got a new heater and some cartridges for the faucets. Hey it's better than still being out of power or worse not having a roof over my head. I know what I'll be doing this weekend though. :(

Wednesday's Ass Of Worship

I Didn't Know

That mopping the floor with vinegar would cause the tile grout to deteriorate. I swear I read to do so as one of those helpful hints to make my floor and house smell like a freshly douched vagina. But. . .after close inspection of my tile job that I done myself 10 years ago I see grout missing. Now I learn that vinegar could be the culprit. Me no like re grouting.

That 70's Show

That Reminds Me

I have laundry to do.

Don't Forget

To clean your faucet's aerator of all these little gems.

Do You Suck Face?

You Know You Have

I Loved Hazel When I Was A Kid

I didn't know till recently that the actress playing Mrs. Baxter was Meredith Baxter Birneys' mother.

I didn't know as a child that Shirley Booth, who played Hazel, was an Oscar winning actress for her role in the film Come Back Little Sheba pictured above with Burt Lancaster and below.

Best Drag Performance?

I've never liked her. She's always seemed arrogant, bitchy, or something. No it wasn't Fatal Attraction that turned me against her either. Would you hold it for me while I give my speech. Geezzzzz Actress Glenn Close poses with the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Damages" at the 60th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.

Monday's Pit Stop Is Now Open

Here's To You Hollywood

And to you Alex in Arizona for the idea. I know it's sad to save such crap. It's the reason I don't carry my fat wallet. I can't get half the drawers open around here either and it's not because of the humidity. I guess the really sad thing is I don't have a clue as to what some of these were about.

Why?

Does this move me so?

What A Hamm!

Actor Jon Hamm arrives at the 2008 Primetime Emmy Awards Nominees for Outstanding Performance reception in Los Angeles on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008

Marines Have Landed

A U.S. Navy Beach Group attached to the U.S.S. Nassau lands on the beach to help with Hurricane Ike recovery September 18, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Most of the island remains without running water, electricity or gas since the hurricane hit in the early morning hours of September 13.

Raising The bar

James McCormick (R) has a drink at Robert's Lafitte bar following Hurricane Ike September 17, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. The bar has been open for breakfast for people in the neighborhood, but has had to close by the 6 p.m. curfew. Most of the island remains without running water, electricity or gas since the hurricane. Fifty deaths nationwide have been attributed to the storm, with five occurring in Galveston.

Yeah Baby! It's Friday's Debriefing

Hey! I said "debriefing" not ass chewing.

I've Missed You!

My girls would never sit still for a stunt such as this but I thought it was cute. I sure have missed reading my favorite blogs and leaving smartass comments. The best part of your blog is for me to see what's happening in your part of the world and how you live. If I learn something or feel all tingly down there as a result then "it's a good thing". So welcome back to my blog, so to speak, as I try to get some kind of routine going again.

My Baby Knew Something Was Up

The girls would sit in the yard and look upward as the winds started gusting mid day Friday at least 12 hours before the eye would come ashore.

On The Clean Side

My girls love the new community yard since Ike took care of the fence. I only had fences and tree limbs down. No structural damage to my house was a great relief. I was without power from 10:00 pm Friday, a good 4 hours before the eye of the storm made landfall, till just after midnight Saturday. Yeah for underground utilities!

Last Saturday's Stroll

After the wind and the rain stopped, I walked around the hood last Saturday. It was a bit creepy. There were a lot of people out assessing the damage and cleaning the streets to maybe avoid any flooding due to the heavy rains predicted for Sunday as a cool front approached. Yet it was very quiet. I guess the lack of electricity and very little traffic.

People seem amazed to see trees uprooted. You make such an effort to get some shade and relief from the Texas sun to loose it all at once. There would have been many, many, more if it had not been so dry here on the west side of Houston for much of the summer.

The neighborhood associations had replaced so many fence pickets before the start of the school season.

Some Thoughts

Although I thought the roof was coming off my home during the storm it was really nothing since I was so sick. I don't know if I had food poisoning or a stomach virus but geeeeez. The good news is I think I lost about 20 pounds.

I DO NOT KNOW HOW PEOPLE LIVE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING!!! I was only without power for just over 24 hours and I could not sleep 5 minutes.

I HATE hearing about a storm days upon days in advance of it even getting close to shore. I know it's a good thing but man it gets old. Then they are not sure where exactly it will hit till just a few hours in advance.

I HATE seeing people being air lifted after they have been told and told to EVACUATE!

I HATE that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is like Woody Allen's Zelig. She's at every news conference and photo op but never says anything new. Just repeats what's been said by all the others.

I think Mayor of Houston, Mark White, will run for Governor of Texas and would make a good one.

Yesterday, I passed out water and ice at Mercer Stadium here in Sugar Land. I DID NOT LIKE giving these items to people driving Escalades and other $50,000 cars. God Forgive Me.

I was at work this morning for 4.5 hours. My first day since Wednesday, September 10th. God Forgive Me but I like not going to work and getting paid.

God Forgive Me for getting tired of hearing about people's loss of their $300,000 plus Galveston Beach House which is their second home in most cases.

Remember all the ones that are suffering today and will be for days and months to come. The poor and the elderly are always the ones that suffer most. Our cool front in the city is leaving and the heat and humidity returns making it more difficult for those without power and those working to restore power and clean the city. Flies, mosquitoes, and fire ants, are everywhere.

I'm WEAK as water.

Bar Scene

James McCormick (R) has a drink at Robert's Lafitte bar following Hurricane Ike September 17, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. The bar has been open for breakfast for people in the neighborhood, but has had to close by the 6 p.m. curfew. Most of the island remains without running water, electricity or gas since the hurricane. Fifty deaths nationwide have been attributed to the storm, with five occurring in Galveston.

Thank You And Have A Good Weekend

I wanted to take the time to thank those of you that took the time to email expressing concern about me. I know as in most instances for every act of kindness there’s another person feeling the same sentiment but never does act. That’s like me. I could be more aggressive in my thoughtfulness.

I was off line at home till yesterday really, despite being one of the first areas in southeast Texas to get power. My phone was out all week and thus my DSL. I could have got on line sooner at work but I try not to play at work. I try and set a good example. Of course, I have glass all around me so I would hate for someone to see a big hard cock on my screen as they pass. Someone is always watching it seems. There’s one woman that stops and opens my door far too often telling me to stop biting my nails. I tell her I’m building up my immune system. At any rate, I don’t like to see others abusing the web at work myself. I’m a tyrant! ;)

I’m feeling good starting this weekend and I hope you are as well. A big difference from a week ago tonight. I just wish there was a hint of fall in the air. This time of year always reminds me of cooler weather and the county fair from my youth. Oh and lots of hot guys wearing oh so tight jeans. J But alas another 6 to 8 weeks of warm muggy days for us. Have a good weekend!

Thank You and Such

First of all, I appreciate all the emails from you expressing concern. I also realize that many were concerned or interested in my well being and like me, never take the time to express it. But a special thanks to those that made the effort and did so. I'm not really a regretful person but I could certainly be more thoughtful of others.
If any of you took the time to read my earlier posts today you would know that I was lucky to have my power restored after Ike in a relatively short time. One of the earliest in southeast Texas. In part due to the fact we did not have as much devastation and Sugar Land being a reasonably new development all the utilities are under ground. But for some reason I did not have phone service and thus my DSL through the phone lines so no Internet. I could have got on line at work but I try to be good and I know there's software to track our every move.rr I need to set a good example.;)
I'm wondering if any of you guys have some 4x4 treated posts and about 200 6 inch cedar pickets laying around you don't need. If so pick up some margarita mix and steaks and head my way. :0 There's not a chance in hell there will be any supplies around here in months. Ahhh, really the only reason the fence is an issue is because my neighbors and me both have precious dogs. It would be interesting to know the price of such lumber in other parts of the country just to see how bad we will be getting price gauged.
I hope your having a good weekend. I'm feeling cozy and comfy all things considered? I wish I lived where there was a hint of fall in the air. But alas we will have another six to eight weeks of warm humid weather.

As Most Of You Know:It Started Last Friday

The storm surge got an early start last Friday surprising many that waited till the very last minute to leave the island. Not only was the gulf churning but my big tummy was as well. My brother tells me it was my nerves. I say BULLSHIT! I didn't piss for the next three days. I was going at both ends and had a fever. I felt so sorry for myself. Traffic drives through debris along the seawall as waves crash in from Hurricane Ike, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, in Galveston, Texas.

Anxious & Rambling

We didn't have to go in to work today or tomorrow so I'm pacing the floor. This is to help those that plan to take part in the mandatory evacuations or to prepare for the storm and it keeps us off the free way too. I thought I'd go to the movies here in Sugar Land but the theatre is closed. I don't have cable. :( There is non stop coverage on all the local stations. The coverage gets very annoying at this point with these slooooooooooooow moving storms. This one weatherman gets so excited he has to stop to swallow he almost gets choked as if he was Dawson in Dawson's Fifty Load Weekend. I made the mistake of stopping at Kroger early this morning, just 2 miles from my home, and the place was packed. There were no shopping carts so I had to stalk a shopper as they left. (Oh no there's a big bear following me) The store was already out of peanut butter, bread and many other sensible items. We are such an affluent people. The potato chips were all gone. Hey that's an essential food group and they won't spoil if by chance we don't have power for a couple of weeks or more.
NO POWER? Damn. I hadn't really thought of that. That makes me sweat just thinking about it. I haven't really gone through this here. Sure I have lived in Houston/Sugar Land since 85 but where I live has always been spared. I've waded water over my knees due to flooding but that was at work in town. More often than not there can be flash floods in town and Sugar Land gets little or no rain.
At any rate, I'm anxious, bored, tired, at a lost of what to do at this point. I have boards but why board windows if my roof could blow off? I guess like they say just 'hunker down" and "shelter in place".

Be Thankful

Be thankful your not in the path of a hurricane this upcoming weekend as we apparently will be. As is always the case, for some across the country it will be business as usual but for others it will be a time of stress and turmoil. Remember the elderly, the poor, and those alone as they evacuate or hunker down.The National Guard was at Tully Stadium to help coordinate bus traffic and fueling to support joint operations with DPS agents and other agencies for evacuations. Photo by:Eric Kayne

Army National Guard soldiers load water onto a truck during staging in Houston this morning. Photo by:Sharon Steinmann

Some of the 45 dogs that were evacuated from the Brazoria SPCA to the Houston SPCA look out from their kennel. Photo by:Melissa Phillip

Then there are show offs like this, that drive around in jacked up 4 wheel drive trucks (yes I drive a small truck) and fill more cans with gas for generators. Meanwhile people trying to leave the Gulf Coast areas are already facing fuel shortages at area gas stations.
Photo by:Melissa Phillip: Chronicle

Thursday's Briefings

Ike & Tina To Hit Houston

Tina Turner is expected to hit town on October 27th for a concert at Toyota Center.

But Ike is planning to make landfall this weekend. No silly you. Not that Ike. He's dead.

Hurricane Ike has got the Texas gulf Coast in it's sights. Well at this point that is how it looks. At 4:00 AM this morning it was still heading to just southwest of Houston. That puts us on the dirty side. Most of you know that I have shown a fondness for the dirty side but not in this instance. But really it seems too early to say just where it will hit. They change course within hours of landfall. Keep us in your thoughts.

Lil Brother

NEW YORK: Actor Mark Indelicato attends the Betsey Johnson Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Tent in Bryant Park.

Don't You Wonder?

Don't you wonder why this sight is in this state of progression 7 years later?Traffic passes the foundations for the Freedom Tower, lower center, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 in New York on the seventh anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Why?

When I moved to the big city of Houston, I was somewhat of a culture vulture and wanted to see and do everything. Sure, I was younger then but now I have little more than a passing interest. But hey, I'm off topic. Why do I save crap like ticket stubs? I suppose it makes one feel that you've lived but I think it's the pack rat in me. I just can't turn lose of the clutter. I used to save receipts too but now the dirty bastards have all switched to fax paper that fades in a short time. I've heard the one with the most toys lives forever. Does that apply to crap? I got the idea of scanning ticket stubs from Alexander quite a while back. Tomorrow maybe I'll share my movie ticket stub history.rrr I know you'll be waiting anxiously. My brother came over when I was scanning the other day and said the sad thing isn't so much I saved the tickets but that I was taking the time to scan them. lol

Jeff Koons

U.S. artist Jeff Koons' sculpture titled "Michael Jackson and Bubbles" is displayed at the Chateau de Versailles (Versailles Palace) near Paris, September 9, 2008. The exhibition opens on September 10 and runs until December 14, 2008.

Artist Jeff Koons' sculpture titled "Balloon Dog".

Simon Tham

Hump Day's Ass Of Worship

Oh Come On Roger

You act as if you just won the US Open tennis championship.Roger Federer, of Switzerland, celebrates after defeating Andy Murray, of Britain, in three sets to win the men's finals championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008. AP photo by: Charles Krupa

Serena You Soooooo Fine!

Serena Williams was looking damn good on the early talk show circuit yesterday.U.S. Open champion and world number one Serena Williams of the U.S. talks to New York City police officer Chris Vital (L) as she poses with her trophy in New York's Times Square, September 8, 2008 a day after defeating Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the women's tennis finals.

It's Just My Point Of View

Where's The Men In Your Life?

Victoria Beckham,left, and Jennifer Lopez attend the Marc Jacobs 2009 Spring Collection during fashion week in New York on Monday, Sept. 8 , 2008.

Straight Guys

Kitchen Help

Pop The Hood; It's Monday's Pit Stop

First I'd Like To Thank My Dear Friend Mel

Britney Spears poses with her awards for Video of the Year, Best Pop Video and Best Female Video for "Piece of Me" at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles September 7, 2008.

Do You Roll Your Own?

Or does your lover do it for you?

He's Got Tight Pants

My brothers are eight and ten years older than me. In all the fami8ly pictures of them they were wearing these tight ass pants. We never wore levis/jeans. I caught the tail end of the bell bottom era but I never wore peg leg pants like the ones pictured above. But I will look forward to seeing this trend repeat itself.

What's Growing On?

I guess my garlic is no longer good?

Serena's Night

No! No! Not My Tommy!

What the hell was going on in football today? Okay. I'm a bit of a pessimist so I wasn't totally crushed from the Houston loss but geeeeeez. What's up San Diego? Indianapolis? It's going to be a great season but not for Tom Brady.New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady lies on his back as he is attended to by team personnel after being hit in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, in Foxborough, Mass

.Tom is finally helped off the field with the help of trainers.

Houston Loses Season Opener 38-17

Texans defensive end Mario Williams (center) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (right) with defensive end Anthony Weaver trailing during the 2nd quarter.
Texans' quarterback, Matt Schaub, was sacked five times and the Texans allowed five touchdowns in a 38-17 loss to the Steelers. It's going to be a great season!

You Gonna Sleep All Day?

Unfortunately, I might since I'm still up at this hour. Hey! The old grey mare ain't what she used to be. (No not me in picture)

About Last Night

Had some of the guys over last night. After dinner we gathered around the old piano and sang show tunes.

The Only Hint Of Fall In The South

University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow (C) celebrates Florida's victory over the University of Miami following their NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Florida September 6, 2008.

Fashion Week

Beyonce and Justin Timberlake perform during the 2008 Fashion Rocks concert to begin the 2009 Spring/Summer Fashion Week in New York September 5, 2008.

A model presents a creation at the Rock & Republic Spring 2009 collection during New York Fashion Week.

The Lacoste Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

Actors Mary-Kate Olsen (2nd L), Jessica Szhor (2nd R) and Chace Crawford (R) watch models present creations from the Rock & Republic Spring 2009 collection during Fashion Week in New York September 6, 2008.

Good Boy!

Jake McConnell, 7, carries his dog Bozo through a flooded street after Tropical Storm Hanna made land fall in Cherry Grove, South Carolina September 6, 2008

NYC

Pedestrians hide under umbrellas as the remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna drench the city of New York September 6, 2008.

Friday's Debriefing

28 Days

People look at the largest mosaic made of corks created by Albanian artist Saimir Strati in Tirana September 4, 2008. Strati glued 229,764 corks of various shapes and colours over a plastic banner measuring 12.94 metres by 7.1 metres to make the artpiece "Romeo with a crown of grapes playing the guitar while dancing with the sea and the sun". He worked 14 hours a day for 28 days and completed his project on Thursday.

Are You A Sucker?

Barcelona Fashion

Models present creations from Petar Petrov during the "080 Barcelona Fashion" show September 4, 2008.

Towel Boys

Aren't Hurricanes Expected?

The space shuttle Atlantis leaves the vehicle assembly building on its way to launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida September 4, 2008

What A Dick Head

Thursday's Briefing

Outdoor Shelter

I got Shelter on DVD last weekend. It was alright. As I have said before, I love to see people in misery or turmoil. (Only in the movies or novels. Don't color me bad) I thought it was a bit hokey but I liked the cinematography and anytime I can see two guys showing affection for one another it's fine with me. I could have been dealt some more nudity like a butt shot or hey, even a full frontal. But I'm perverted like that. The two leads, pictured above, are Brad Rowe at left and Trevor Wright, but the guy that caught my eye is the character Gabe. He's got such an awesome smile and all I could think about was Bill Clinton every time he was on screen. That's just me though.

Check Him Out

I know most of you are familiar with the 1986 movie Parting Glances. It was one of those "independent films"that I fell in love with when I first moved to Houston and there was an abundance of indie films at the time. Of course, there were several venues for them to play at the time. Now, unfortunately, we only have the River Oaks 3, a Landmark theatre, and the Angelika to offer such films. Parting Glances was one of the first gay films I had ever seen and I loved the large cast.

But I digress, I wanted to tell you about actor/composer Richard Wall's blog Richwah's Blog. Richard played Douglas in the movie and was a hoot. He's pictured above/below in the red sweater. So check out this talented fellas blog, he's got a lot of stories to tell.

My piss poor attempt at screen caps.

Hump Day Got Here Quick

Even The Indoor Plants Look Sick

After four months plus of summer, the strains of the heat takes a toll on the lawn and shrubs. Watering is just not the same as a good soaking rain but even with rain the long days and warm nights seem to suck the life out of the vegetation both outside and inside. Of course, I never claimed to have a green thumb.

Peaches

It's Not Too Early Santa

If that ridiculous movie with John Travolta, Tim Allen, and Martin Lawrence didn't put you off Harleys forever, take the 2009 V-Rod for a test-drive. Its liquid-cooled 1250cc engine puts out a, yes, muscular 125 horses, and—just as notable—the bike eschews that Boomer-friendly retro styling for something that's borderline modern. We especially love the look (not to mention the sound) of the satin-chrome dual exhaust system. Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle, from $17,199.

That's Right

Wednesday's Menu

Thought I'd Throw You A Curve Ball

Nadal

Rafael Nadal of Spain raises his arms after defeating Sam Querrey of the USA at the US Open tennis tournament on September 1, 2008 at the USTA National Tennis Center in New York City.

Holiday Weekends Make Me Lazy

Sound Advice

Do You Ponder Your Wardrobe More After Labor Day?

Gustav Has Made Land Fall

Hurricane Gustav has made landfall in Louisiana as a category 2 storm. I can see the disappointment on the local reporter's faces. Houston has local news people there and as always in the most embarrassing scenarios. If they can find a limb or tree down they will stand by it and emphasize the damage that has been done by the storm. No doubt it isn't over and there will be flooding. I'm sure it is nerve racking for the people in the storm's path. But I think the media does a disservice for the community by hyping it up and all the evacuations by local government. You cry wolf enough and it will truly be devastating someday down the road when no one will heed the warnings. Just yesterday two media outlets here in Houston had reporters along I 10 covering the exodus from Louisiana. The camera showed the interstate bumper to bumper in a rather isolated area between Beaumont and Baytown but... only one network was honest enough to further elaborate that an eighteen wheeler had been in an accident and shut down the interstate leaving many stranded for hours as their cars overheated and ran out of gas. I guess this is how they do business. The reporters seem to thrive and some just can't catch their breath as they reveal the threat of doom and gloom.
Hopefully everyone will escape serious injuries, property loss, and financial hardship over this act of mother nature

No Poolside Bar be Que

Soldiers from the 256th Infantry Brigade of the Louisiana Army National Guard rest while hunkered down inside the Morial Convention Center during Hurricane Gustav September 1, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Morial Convention Center was where thousands of stranded Hurricane Katrina evacuees were taken. Hurricane Gustav, although still powerful, was downgraded to a Category 2 storm as it began to hit the Gulf Coast, with winds slowing to 110 miles an hour.

Wonder If She'd Smile After A Tree Limb Bashes Her Head

Margarite Salley fights the wind as she walks along the levee on the New Orleans lakefront in New Orleans, Louisiana on Monday, Sept. 1, 2008. The center of Hurricane Gustav came ashore as a Category 2 hurricane near Cocodrie, Louisiana, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said on Monday

Puppy Love

A puppy stands on a truck carrying people to be evacuated from the area in preparation for the approach of Hurricane Gustav in Batabano, on the southern coast of Cuba. Powerful Hurricane Gustav roared through western Cuba on August 30 with 125 mph (205 kph) winds and gained strength on its way to the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico after a deadly pass through the Caribbean.