About this blog
From Sept. 22-27, the posts in this blog about Rita's evacuation and devastation were reported and photographed by Bob Sullivan and Andrew Locke. Sullivan, 37, is MSNBC.com's technology and consumer fraud reporter. Locke, 34, in charge of MSNBC.com's editorial strategy, was on his second hurricane blog tour.
From Sept. 18-22, the posts in this blog, examining Katrina's impact on the environment, were reported and photographed by Miguel Llanos and David Friedman. Llanos, 45, is MSNBC.com's environmental reporter. Photojournalist Friedman, 35, is a multimedia producer at MSNBC.com.
From Sept. 10-16, the posts in this blog were reported and photographed by Kari Huus and Jim Seida. Huus, 43, has been a journalist for 20 years and a reporter with MSNBC.com since 1996. Seida, 39, has been a media editor with the Web site since 1996.
From Sept. 2-9, the posts in this blog were reported and photographed by Mike Brunker, left, and Andrew Locke. A journalist for 25 years, Brunker, 49, is MSNBC.com's West Coast news editor. Locke, 34, has been a journalist for 17 years and is currently in charge of MSNBC.com's editorial media strategy.
A hitch in the Miss Kitty saga
TRACKBACKS
What a wonderful story of people helping others, even strangers. Thank you for sharing, as it gives us all hope that there are good people in this world. Hope you are all going to be okay through Hurricane Rita and if this one does not weaken the damage is miniamal. Likely there will be flooding and damaging winds, so our prayers that people everywhere will lend a hand to help those in need. And please people, if you have not evacuated yet, and if you have transportation please help your neighbors and their pets to get out. Thank you and Assalamu Alaykum (Peace Be With You) All of you, prayers for you.
The Harlow's, San Diego, California (Sent Sep 22, 2005 1:05:44 PM)
The Hills are a fine example of the true Human Spirit; the men staying in their home seem to be good guys also. Their actions and behaviors are good points to make when teaching our children how to be good citizens. Thank you!
earl dillard, Auburn, Ca. (Sent Sep 22, 2005 1:19:18 PM)
Good luck guys and please be safe out there!
Theresa Mack, Germantown, MD (Sent Sep 22, 2005 1:20:22 PM)
As my daughter is in the process of evacuating her home in Houston, Texas, headed to Austin, it has taken her 4 hours to move 15 miles. I am praying that the same kindness she extended to those in the Astrodome by babysitting and giving underwear in 2 sizes to boys and girls will be extended to her in the heavy traffic as she tries to approach Austin.
Susan Dunn (Sent Sep 22, 2005 1:39:06 PM)
Why hasnt there been a freeze on gas and oil prices?Why take advantage of the sitation or should I say Situations ? Seems to me that it might be Presidentual payback,a President from an oil background,a V. P. once connected,Ha Ha, to a mega company that is supplying large amounts of material here and oversea(iraq)...Its so clear.....Now,it is terrible that this has happened,Dont screw with Mother nature, buy it sould not be a reason to let the rich cats sitting on their stacks of blood money to get even richer...Yours truly,Brink
Brink Brydon,Redondo Beach,Cal. (Sent Sep 22, 2005 1:40:06 PM)
My prayers go out to all of the journalists who keep us informed on the aftermath of such a tragedy! Here in Texas we have been told we will never know what we have done to help all of the refugees. I do not think journalists get the recognition they deserve for leaving their own families to keep the public informed. Keep up the good work and may God Bless You!
Lisa Smith, East Texas (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:00:54 PM)
MSNBC has been our lifeline out here in NM (our family is from the east coast but has relatives all over the south). We appreciate all your hard work and with you and the wonderful couple The Hills all the best! Let's hope and pray that Rita winds up being a dud!
Ali Zecco (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:13:51 PM)
good luck to you all god is on yor side
Tress williamsST Maarten Netherland Antilles (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:15:47 PM)
When our hope is dim, people like June and Jim come to the rescue! It is awesome to know that there are still people out there who care for others and want to make a difference. And to help out those trying to bring us all the news they can - they put their lives in danger so many time. My family prays for their protection. Bless you folks.
Ann Osborne, Coos Bay, Oregon (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:31:22 PM)
As both of you know, I'm sure, a picture is worth a thousand words. Just looking at the Hill's you can see that they are wonderful, giving people who love one another and I think is awesome that you had the chance to meet them, and they you! BEST of Luck in Houston - or wherever you may land. God Bless people like you and the Hills!
Karen Schwab, South Padre Island, TX (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:40:46 PM)
good bless all th people and please open your ars to all the people who need some place to be safe.
Rene Lopez , Atlanta , georgia.) (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:45:39 PM)
Stay safe and always be carefull!
I wish you well and luck!
Melissa (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:46:13 PM)
The worst of times brings out the best in people and the Hill's are surely an example of generosity and the human spirit. What a wonderful 'port in the storm' for you weary travelers!
Lisa Jensen Cook Sacramento, CA (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:53:57 PM)
Perhaps some good does come from tragedy....people are now aware that we are all in this together. We must pull together for the sake of saving our nation.
Divided we will surely fall.
Jo Ann Deal Adamsville, TN (Sent Sep 22, 2005 2:58:05 PM)
May God bless the Hill's for their act of kindness. There are good people out in the world after all! If their were more people in the world today like the Hill's; the world would be a better place.
Janice Nelson Pasadena, MD (Sent Sep 22, 2005 3:19:04 PM)
I wonder why people are not using modular homes for shelters. Even trailers would make good temporary living quarters. Couple modular homes with large tents and the people along the coast could begin living normal lives again.
Peter (Sent Sep 22, 2005 3:22:51 PM)
God Bless and keep you all safe. I hope the damage is minimal; better yet, the storm veers away from landfall (one cna only hope).
Rose Schroyer, South Park, PA (Sent Sep 22, 2005 3:23:38 PM)
Instead of sweet names like 'Katrina 'and 'Rita',
Hurricanes should be named after ferrocious animals (like "Huirricane Jaguar") to prompt a quick evacuation.
Rohan Joseph, Staten Island , New York. (Sent Sep 22, 2005 3:37:51 PM)
NEW ORLEANS, LA. MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA....WE ARE THINKING AND PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU! GOD BLESS AND STAY SAFE! WITH LOVE FROM MINNESOTA!
NANETTE Motley Mn (Sent Sep 22, 2005 3:47:18 PM)
My maiden name is Hill. So it does not surprise me that this good couple was also named Hill. That is what we do. Thanks goodness, in times like these there are many good people like them. Our prayers go out to everyone in Rita's path.
Susan Baxter (Sent Sep 22, 2005 3:58:46 PM)
What a great example that there are still good people out there. The events of the last few weeks have been a real eye opener for alot of people, I know I take alot for granted. We should all take this time to reflect on our lives. God bless you all ;)
The Thompson's - Salt Lake City - Utah (Sent Sep 22, 2005 3:59:50 PM)
I wish the best to you and yours and thank god for people like the Hills that are willing to open their home!I just hope that everyone that is in a situation where they need to evacuate does so. These people who refuse to leave are risking the lives of others that later have to come in and rescue and even worse recover bodies of those who did not heed the warnings of evacuation.
Cindy Reiff, Rock Island, Illinois (Sent Sep 22, 2005 4:01:32 PM)
how many people have been victims of snake bite and gators when they were washed out of the bush and swamp into town?
norm colson (Sent Sep 22, 2005 4:04:39 PM)
To people like the Hills who know that a true successful life includes servicing others. To all the TEXANS who have opened their homes, wallets and heart to the people of Louisiana. Thanks to all who have shown the world what true Texans will do for their neighbors in times of crisis! McKinney, TX firefighters, churches, city officials and Texans jumped in and provided housing and supplies needed so quickly and effortlessly. Now here comes Hurricane Rita knocking at the door and we are all hunkering down here. Peace and God's love to all. We will be ready to help again if its needed :)
camille and christine
Camille and Christine, McKinney, TX (Sent Sep 22, 2005 4:13:48 PM)
It's certainly wonderful to see that in times of trouble, people can come together and help one another. I pray for all those that have been affected by these storms, and for all those helping others.
Roni Cancino, Austin, Tx (Sent Sep 22, 2005 4:54:11 PM)
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