Battle pics

First, the big news.

With people hunkering down at home and not evacuating New Orleans, grocery stores are selling materials folks will need to get through the Tropical Storm Isaac.

And that includes alcohol, which Meg Farris reports is selling at record rates for the downtown Rouse’s.

I happened to catch this report when Farris went live on the air with it this afternoon.  She had to stop and start over again after telling viewers, "We're at Wouses in the Warehouse..."  That bit has been edited out of the web video.

Anyway I got out this afternoon and took some pictures of New Orelans getting into "battle rhythm" There's less urgency than there would be with a bigger storm but people are boarding up nonetheless.

Commander's Palace was actually still open even with the boards on the windows.



The FunRockN on Magazine Street is taking things seriously.  That looks like, what, four whole sandbags in front of the door.



Quarter regulars will be relieved to know that Mr. Binky's Adult Superstore is being secured against Isaac.



Similarly it's good to see the Cabildo is protected against the storm.  And also against bicycles.



Anyway, the latest advisory is coming out just as I type this.  As of 4 PM on Monday, Isaac still hasn't reached hurricane strength.  As I said earlier today, it will be unpleasant but it won't be devastating.  The key will be in how soon the power comes back once it inevitably goes out.