Anderson,
You have got to to ask the viewers about the following question–viewers will respond like crazy. I am a student at the Wharton School of Business, and there is something dragging down the economy that needs to be address: Mike Huckabee. See my question below, and please read it on air; I think it will generate some actually insightful, subtle dialogue, and that is what we need right now.

Why does nobody speak of Mike Huckabee’s hypocrisy in continuing to accept money from Americans who sorely need it (and who he appeals to as their devout advocate it)? I respect his prerogative to stay in the race, but for him to tout how much money he is collecting for a Campaign to Nowhere is absolute hypocrisy, and one that I am completely flabergasted by: how can he reach out to blue-collar Republicans and what is morally (and by God’s word) “right” while he continues to collect money in what is obviously a selfish endeavor by a man without a job (read: FORMER Gov. Huckabee) and nothing to do but brag about collecting money for a campaign that simply cannot (that word is essential: cannot mathematiccaly occur) succeed. Why has CNN, so often a bastion of critique and free-speech, continued to condone such behavior that is taking millions from hard-working, mostly Southern Americans. Shame on you, Mike.

We here at the Wharton School of Business (where I am a student) certainly DO NO like Mike. His campaign should stop accepting donations–if he did that, then all would be fine, but he is flouting virtue by continuing to take money from a country in need by politicking for his own amusement. He must be one bored former politician.

I enjoy the online blogging - It seems like there’s more of a connection with the show. It’s fun to ask questions and read everyone’s posts.

I suppose that means there will be no acknowledging any requests for a follow up on what we say about the candidates, our actual feelings of them … or the reaction (the “arousal factor”) people had to you while moderating the Rep debate a few weeks ago?

(Sorry, I only become deranged when sitting in an office on a beautiful spring-like day (even though it is still winter in some parts of the country) when I’d rather be outside. Gotta love California!!!!)

Anderson - two questions. What determines how many and where exit polls are taken in a given state on an election day? And, will you be moderating the Dem’s debate next week? Hope so. See you tonight.

Shawn in Pa

Anderson, I love the live blogging. I think it is a FANTASTIC idea. I like the interaction, and being able to discuss the porgram with others. You must be a very fast reader…LOL!!! I think you are doing a great job with responding to the comments. I appreciate all you do for your viewers. Thank you!!!

See you tonight!!!

Anderson,
Thanks for clearing some of the unanswered questions up. I never thought it was you moderating but glad to know who it is now. I think that the live blogging is OK even if we can’t get on all the time. But that does make it hard to carry on a conversation. But I guess it is what it is huh!?

Sorry that you are getting alot of nutty comments! I figured you would get ALOT of them that is how it goes when you try to live blog. Guess those few nuts spoil the whole dang thing for the rest of us. Maybe if you all came up with some sort of system as to who can blog with you that night, maybe like a rotating list or something, of people that you know you can trust, then you could be less strict with the comments. Who knows? But I guess it’ll have to do for now!

Thanks for clearing things up!

C-Ya Tonight.

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

Anderson,
The blogging idea is a good one. It’s cool to get to talk to other people about issues that are so important and affect all of us. As far as not getting comments posted, I guess it is one of the pitfalls of modern technology.
Thanks for all that information the other night on Superdelegates. I had never heard of them before! Have they been this important in other recent elections?

Dear Anderson,

Thanks for clearing up the concerns that we have been having about the live blog. I doubt that anyone thought that you were the moderator. I think that some of us who try to send you thoughtful comments and serious questions thought we were being ignored in favor of some of the, let’s say, less than thoughtful or serious comments and questions and we felt like we were wasting our time.

I absolutely understand why you have a moderator! Unfortunately, I would not cringe at some of the comments you get. I have read some of the comments posted on other blogs and you are right there are some deranged people out there and their inclusion would seriously hamper the mostly intelligent dialogue that you have been getting on the live blog.

I did see the baseball hearings this afternoon and Gary’s excellent coverage of them. I am not a fan of commercialized sports, but I know enough about it to understand what is going on in the hearings. It basically boils down to which of the two liars you believe. The only reason I would lean towards McNamee is because of the testimony of Andy Pettitte and the fact that Clemens contacted the nanny before he gave her name to government officials.

I am going to give the live blog another try tonight.

See you then,
Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

Anderson, that sounds pretty scary!
But I’m not one bit surprised. The anonymity that the internet provides, encourages people to be inappropriate and to lie about everything.
That’s why I’ve gotten annoyed with people not using real names, but silly handles on your live blog. That seemed to have stopped. ( I hope!)

How does one moderator manage to read everything? That poor thing!
Unlike you, I don’t manage to read all the posts at all. I’m such a slow reader !
Anyway, in the end, the live blog, just like this one, is a cool thing and it’s interesting to read what the other viewers think.

They shouldn’t show you the deranged, perverted stuff, Anderson! Doesn’t serve you, you know?

Have a safe trip to New Orleans tomorrow!

Hi Anderson,

Thanks for taking the time to talk about the live-blogging. There are some aspects about it that I enjoy, such as learning from people who have opinions that are different from mine. When I live-blog though, I feel as if I should send my comment in a hurry, or it might not get through. I’m sure you feel some pressure on your end when you live-blog because there’s a lot going on, but there are pressures that the viewer feels as well, IMO only.

I also want to say that I’m OK with just the regular blog. With the regular blog, I can take the time to gather my thoughts and write them in a clear and concise manner. I don’t feel as rushed. For this reason, I don’t feel a great need for the live blog, but I can’t speak for everybody…to each their own.

That’s my 2 cents. BTW, I will not be able to live-blog tonight; I’m going out for an early Valentine’s Day dinner.

Thanks again, Anderson. Any kind of blogging that works for you and your staff is fine with me.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

I’m really surprised that ppl actually believed that you’d have the time to read, moderate and answer every question during live blogging. Having staff to help out is just a given. You all do a great job, the live blogging is just another step above other blogs. Kudos to you Anderson and to all behind the scenes as well.

Hey Anderson,

Don’t worry about the people who are upset because their comments are not posted - The way I look at it is - A faith based way - those whose comments are posted are the one’s who are suppose to get posted at that moment and those that are not - well, there is a reason why not. CNN is the most trusted name in news - I trust it.

Thanx for everything. Karen

Anderson - I can see why you need to moderate the comments on the live blog as some of them on that first night were way out there! I mean, there were at least three people playing “Marco Polo”! I’m not sure I agree with you about the deranged people knowing who they are though. Some folks just think it’s the rest of the world who are crazy. Hopefully the weird ones will give up after awhile and that’ll make moderating faster and easier for the rest of us “normal” people to get on.

To Scott above about Huckabee. I am not a supporter of his, but perhaps he is not really in the race to win the nomination. Instead he may be thinking that he can influence the platform at the convention and maybe get himself a cabinet seat. He is also building an organization for a possible future bid for the White House. No one is forcing anyone to donate to him.

Thanks for moderating, I would rather not see the messages from the creepy people out there. I’m new to this business of blogging and finding out what it’s like to be an addict, I can’t wait to read the latest blogs and the opinions of other viewers, only to realize they think like I do………or I think like they do!!!

Love the show!

Well I’ve been called a lot of things, but “deranged” is a new one for me.

I received an interesting email from Rep. Wexler this afternoon. Apparently the Clemons steriod hearings weren’t the only thing that took place during the Oversight Committee meetings today. I’m sure as a source for NEWS, CNN will be giving some time to Wexler’s confrontation of Condoleeza Rice on her role in the lies, exaggerations, and misdirection that led us into the Iraq war. Also, Wexler is strongly urging Congress to hold Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten in contempt of Congress for their failure to respond to congressional subpoenas. I’d be happy to forward Wexler’s email to you, if you would like.

I make no apologies for my active involvement in wanting to know what my representatives may or may not be doing. I make no apologies for taking an active voice for those who are suffering or have been disenfranchised. And if I’ve been flagged by this blog, there are many other ways to be heard. I just don’t have the means of the same platform as you.

Anderson,
Thanks for let me write you, I love your blog so great!! I am begining understand your producers really busy to read the blog. I tried twice 360 beat one afternoon. they didn’t show up my blog. I can do it my best to write any blog. I really grateful for cnn and you. I love your show and watch you evernight. It was great to see you last night! I couldn’t wait see you tonight and tomorrow in New Orleans. that will be good show tomorrow night. See you tonight! lol!
Megan
Shoreline, Wa

I think it’s great your able to do the live blogging. I think people will feel a closer connection to you and your staff.
Is the number of deranged people 4444?
Smile!
You said “A NUMBER”
It would probably need a few zero’s.

San Francisco, Ca

ANDERSON; FHANKS FOR CLEARING UP SO MENY QUESTLONS WE HAD ; I AM NEW AT THIS BUT ENJOY IT A LOT I READ MORE THAN TYPE. HAVE BEEN RETIRED FOR GOT SOME OF MY TYPING SKILLS .WILL BE WATCHING TONIGHT JEAN ; LOUISIANA;

live blogging is a fantastic idea and the bumps will smooth out over time. you’re a busy man and we all understand that. even to get a bit of you is good enough. plus this helps all us bloggers make friends and talk to each other. hehe good times all around. take care hun. =)

Anderson, no conspiracy theory here! What you wrote makes a lot of sense, it also clears the air for those who don’t know. Great job!
P.S. My wife is always “trying” to make me jealous when we watch your show, with the ” AC” looks really handsome comments”. So for every one of those she gets two of this, “hon’, I really like Erica Hill’s smile, isn’t it beautiful?”. LOL!There’s nothing like using our favorite journalist to get each other a little bit jealous.

Keep up the excellent work, Ciao!
LCF

Anderson,

Thanks for taking the time to clear this up for everyone about the live blogging. I am sure everyone appreciates it.

I think everyone is looking forward to your return trip to New Orleans.

Jana
Terre Haute, IN

Anderson,

Have not missed a night of your live blog show since the night that you had this
brilliant idea. I am too tired to think of something brilliant to blog, but I sure do
enjoy reading everyone else’s comments.

Last night, I was blown away by Obama and his wins. I guess I am a
Obamacan as I seem to be one of the few republican/independent
watching the show and waiting to see who i will vote for in November.

So Thank you and keep up the great reporting.

Anderson, What happened to Ms Connie and Abu since you found them on the first anniversary of Katrina?

When I was in the car this afternoon my grandfather had the radio on C-Span…that was as much of the hearing I could take.
When I was a kid I went to Yankee games with my grandfather and I still do. I remember I loved Clemens and Pettite, and it is truly a shame to see them go down like this but you also have to wonder, doesn’t the government have better things to do? Aren’t we in the middle of a war?

Hi Anderson,

I really think the live show blogging is an excellent, fun idea. But I’ve noticed that these comments are too long to read and it should be short and simple as possible for you or either the moderator or producer or even us to read it. Otherwise, that would save time.

I understand that you are very busy but perhaps you can ask the staff if possible. Does anyone have any information about closed captioning on CNN? Being hearing impaired, I’ve noticed that it hasn’t been on since several weeks.

Anderson Cooper on Extreme Challenges - - -
I heard your new program “Extreme Challenges”.
WOW! What a brilliant idea!

Extreme Challenges had two intellegent and informed guests, Fareed Zakaria and David Gergen, having an discussion clarifying Issues that affect all American Citizens need to understand.

Please host a Round Table Discussion on Extreme Challenges. Include Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Invite Fareed Zakaria and David Gergen to lead the discussion.

How does democracy survive? How can a free press facilitate this? This election process is just getting serious. Raise the level of discussion to inform us about Extreme Challenges.

Please offer us serious forward looking ISSUES discussed intellegently and factually.

ASK THE CANDIDATES WHAT THEIR SOLUTIONS ARE.

We know nuclear technology is sixty years old and we have a nuclear arms race? How do we stop it?

We know how Bush lead us into the Iraq war. How do we create a peaceful situation in Iraq’s neighborhood. What historical evidence guides the candidates thinking? How can we bring (ALL) of our troops home?

How would the candidates use DIPLOMACY?

Jean/Netty
Wisconsin

Anderson it all boils down to a few bad apples, I love the live blogging, sure it could be more conversational but it’s still interesting and i’m glad poeple are finally talking about the show. I just wish i were really in front of my PC while watching. I have commented a few times but i usually don’t get to come back and see it until the next day. I think it’s a great dynaic to the show and am impressed how CNN and especially 360 tries to make us more a part of what we are watching.

(you did go to MS today right?! Tell me you did!)

Will Erica man the live blog tonight?!

Marcy,
Mobile, AL

Hey Scott

Leave Huck alone I am thrilled he hasn’t thrown in the white towel. I have in the past given him money and believe me it wasn’t because of the 30 e-mails in a week that I was getting, it was because I really believe in him. For the first time since I have been able to vote I was actually able to vote FOR someone as opposed to against another. He’s not forcing people to give him money, I think the fact he’s still gaining so much support proves why he’s still in this race that’s going nowhere.

That said, yeah AC take some of the comments from the nightly blog and talk about them on air, or at least share them. I miss the on the radar segments.

Marcy, Mobile, AL

Anderson,

I was wondering if there is any way that a question could be asked to the presidential candidates on what is their position on the free trade agreements with Latin America, specifically with Colombia. I have watched many of the debates, but none of the questions address this issue. I truly think that it is an important issue because it sets a precedent as to what will be the policy towards Latin America, specifically Colombia. Colombia is a strategic ally of the US and it is a country that is being assaulted by President Hugo Chavez and his leftist views and friends. It would be very interesting to find out what the presidential candidates’ position on this issue is. Thanks for your great work! Maria

Anderson,
thanks for setting the record straight about the live blogging. It’s terrible to think that some individuals spoil it for others. I will continue blogging and hopefully I’ll say something interesting enough for a comment. I’ll log on again tonight and wait for an opportunity to jump in! Thanks again Andy!

Glad you are returning to New Orleans this week to see how little has changed down there. The homeless people have their own little city under Interstate 10 now, and I’m sure you will shine the big spotlight on that. A lot of heroic people are trying to help them find housing. Although Mardi Gras was great this year (bigger crowds at the parades), New Orleans has made little progress in getting back–many streets need repaving, the Ninth Ward is still pretty much a shambles, and the other affected areas are little better.
Thank you for going back. America needs to know that help is still desperately needed down there. And New Orleanians are afraid they will be forgotten.

Yes - I’d like to hear more on Maria’s question. I thought I heard Mike Huckabee make a reference today that Barack Obama is NOT in favor of NAFTA. Is that true?

Hello,

I live in China. Your popular candidate´s speeches are very similar to our´s in the past in 1956. Very populistic at first. Do you know that?

Ana

Blogging is new for me and I tried it once a few days ago.

Thanks for the explanation Anderson. Be blessed

Greetings and Salutations Anderson,
My comments haven’t made it on the live blog yet. I find that by the time I have single fingerly pecked out half a thought, I have lost the …..Dang it– There it goes again.
Just kidding. It’s good brain excercise to try to keep up with the newscast, read the blogs, come with something intellectually stimulating to say, check the spelling, and send. By the time I’ve done all that, 20 new blogs have appeared and I have seemingly missed the point. I know– it’s 40 bazillion times more intense for you. That’s why I blog from my living room and you blog from the CNN anchor desk. (Where the heck is the smiley face button on these things?)
So, hopefully someday soon I’ll pull it all together and make it to the big blog where all the action is.
Also, where’s today’s beat 360 pic? That’s my favorite game.

Anderson,

I applaud your efforts on this blog thing. It’s seems like a very ambitious endeavor. But I like that you allow your viewers to be a part of your show. Keep up the great ideas. Oh yeah, Mr. Huckabee lives in a free society where he has more than earned the right to campaign. I’m sure he’s seen the numbers. I admire him. And no, I am not a Republican. If anything, he can inspired the front runner to raise his game a notch or three.

Two things:
1) I completely agree with Scott Stevenson. John King (he rocks) is on right now and said that there is NO WAY Huckabee will get the nomination (heavy sigh of relief). Give it up already.
2) I don’t know if I like this live blogging because it kind of distracts me from the actual show. I feel like there’s this race against time to get my comments posted (and they usually aren’t) and I get too involved with reading all the other comments. And my wrist hurts after an hour of this anyway. So, it seems like a novelty now and maybe the allure will wear off. I do seem to see alot of the same names posted so unless there is something earth shattering happening and I just can’t contain myself, I think I will stay off of the live blog for a while. The same people get their comments posted continuously whether they’re vapid or not.

And Mr. Cooper, please try to bring us at least A LITTLE BIT of good news about New Orleans. Surely there isn’t only horrible news to report. What about what Brad Pitt has contributed to NOLA??? You’re obviously crazy about his girlfriend, (the ad nauseum interviews with Ms. Jolie) but Mr. Pitt has done alot for that city. I would like to know more about it as well as many others.

Hey Anderson…

How do you feel about covering the Clemens story? Why are Congressional hearings continuing over whether a bunch of lunkheaded jocks took steroids or not? Who cares? Shouldn’t we, and Congress, be spending our time discussing more relevant issues to the country? I believe this is yet another example of America’s consuming obsession with the cult of celebrity.

Anderson,

As far as the Roger Clemens thing is going, I think he is his own worst enemy. If he would have let his pride go from the start, maybe there wouldn’t be such a big investigation into this involving so many major public figures. Others who have been charged with this have just blown it off. Maybe he should have done that, and maybe then others wouldn’t have challenged him as they have. Thoughts?

Anderson,

It is great to see Joe Johns, haven’t seen his face in a while. I like Amy, but am getting tired, she is on everything. Ooops, but perhaps the Republicians don’t have any other strategiests besides her and Mary M.

The Congressional hearings re: Clemens are a waste of our tax dollars and our representatives time. Much more important things in the world!

OK, so you just had the title Political Analyst under Amy’s name— thought she was a Republican Strategist– give her a few nights off— she’s ok, but need a fresh face.

Hey Anderson,
What’s this big thing about steroid use. There are lawyers, a lot of raucous coverage, paparatzzi just like the Barry Bonds fiasco- books written, and above all money made.
Legal analyses and medical analysis and nothings done about it. What’s this? Fodder for the press? This always hogs up publicity- I’ve always been bored by the intrigue. The focus should be on the youth around the game and the prime perspective on the parents focussing on the trend of steroids and the future of baseball or for that matter any other national league.
Some of these baseball league heroes are obsessed about fame, money and power they just forget who they are, honestly! Its honestly pathetic but as I said before the basic issue is not being given major coverage that should catch the public eye.
Dumping someone from wheelchair to floor- is that a joke??

Rekha

We all keep hearing about the 2025 delegates required for the nomination, but didn’t Florida and Michigan loose there delegates?

Anderson: I am not familiar with this blogging stuf but will give it a try tonight. I’d like to comment on the primary elections/race. My husband and I have found it quite fascinating this year; he more than I. I am thankful that we have such a heated primary in the Democratic camp and that we have some controversy in the Republic Camp (i.e. why is Huckabee hanging on?). I’d like for you all (CNN) to do more in line with telling us more about the history and background of the candidates. I heard that there are some things in Mrs. Clinton’s closet from here early start-up days that don’t look so “Democrat”. Some of the things I have heard and read about Obama have already been refuted, but I’d still like to know more about his roots. You all may not think this type of stuff is news worthy but I believe it is more so “news worthy” than the talking heads you have on there who are trying to spin the news so that people can lean towards the candidate they want to win. The spinning is ridiculous some times, it liteally becomes a joke. The sad truth is that everyone can’t see through the meida rhetoric; some fall for it. I must say that this type of behavior has not infiltrated your program as much as some others, but it can if you are not careful. Thanks for the opportunity to participate.

Barb in Kentucky

Hi Anderson,

One quick comment about todays circus at Capitol Hill not only is it shameful congress is wasting tax payer dollars and time conducting hearings concerning steriod use in MLB but one thing you failed to mention is ESPN reported 6 FBI agents were in attendance of todays herrings! How about keeping the FEDS honest Anderson on what feds should and should not be investigating! Maybe its just me but to spend over 50 million dollars in an investigation that proved nothing more than heresay is terrifying!

Hey, I take offense to the word “deranged”… I prefer “socially-differently-abled”

It’s too bad that Democrats and Republicans can’t work together on this Clemens issue. I say a good compromise is to give Clemens the Congressional Medal of Freedom and 5-to-10.

It really depends on whether or not Roger becomes a “super delegate”

Robert
Jakarta

the live blogging is awesome but maybe leave it open through the 2nd hour of the show… I think i missed posting a sweet comment by about 1 minute

Jen Garvin live blog update: I didn’t make it folks. It all happened so fast, the phone kept ringing, the dog wanted out, the dog wanted in, I got eye strain from looking across the living room at the T.V. then trying to adjust to the computer screen right in front of me, my wrist hurts from typing something brilliant then deleting it cuz its stupid, I have a headache, my dog wants out. The cheezy music makes me smile. (sigh) I’ll see y’all tomorrow.

Anderson,

I think that as time goes by and you become more experienced at live blogging, you will be able to easily respond to more questions and comments faster.

I still remember one of my college English classes in which the professor suddenly decided do a live chat. Well, on the first chat session, she had a diffcult time keeping up with the students. We students were able to keep up the discussion amongst ourselves, but she was overwhelmed. She got better as the semester progressed, though.

There were about 30 of us in her class, so you can just imagine the high volume of text scrolling on the screen!

Has anyone else noticed that Anderson’s constant badgering of the new and ever classy Erica Hill really reeks of his insecurities (of her taking his job)?
It is sad as she doesn’t deserve it.

Hey Anderson,

Love your show and the live blogging!! You and Erica Hill are great together… much better than Regis and Kelly or the View! LOL Keep up the good work and give props to your team that keep you looking so HOT!

Will be watching you in LA. Have a good trip!

I am actually really surprised the program is able to do the live blogging. Certainly, there are some crazy people out there with terrible things they ought not type, so I applaud AC360 for doing as well as can be expected with this experiment. It’s a treat for the viewers, so we should be more respectful of this opportunity.
(Ya hear that, kids? At the very least- spell check!)

Hi Erica!
Glad to see you back again after the short break! did miss you on the show. But really happy to see you full time on the team of 360. In a few days time you too will be a pro at this live blogging thing! I’m sure of it. But i must say i really can’t imagine how you guys do it over there. with all the things happening around you, i just don’t know how anderson is managing to do that and stay focused on the topics. Yes, i know you get help from others to filter the blogs, but i’m sure you have to be pretty fast and sharp in order to do this live.
Anyways, but it sure does make a viewer like me, an ordinary housewife, with two little children, feel larger than the ordinary life i lead and part of something much bigger. I really can’t express how i feel when i see my comment come on the blog. The show and the blog allows a voice to even the most ordinary person who has a genuine opinion about the topics that come on AC360. It does make me feel like a global citizen. I say this because i am not an american nor do i live in your country, i am an Indian currently living in Singapore, and your show IS global!
By the way, though some do not approve of the “cheesy music” on beat 360, i sure think it is perfect for the part. Maybe if Fran’s intro comes before this segment and “what were they thinkin???”….It might feel complete. Just a thought!
bye for now,
Rekha Prem (Singapore)

I actually watched a whole hour of the show for the first time in two weeks last night, and the on-line blog is interesting. It does take a lot of time and attention (as all online chat does). I am glad the producers are moderating, though. I read some comments to other blogs and news articles, and deranged doesn’t even begin to describe what’s out there online. This blog has remained respectful and kind, as the world in general should be.

Anyway, I always knew LA and MS would take time to recover from Rita and Katrina, years. Major damage happened. What I never expected was that you all would still be having to come down to report on what isn’t being done to help people recover. But a promise is a promise, and it’s good to know people of integrity still exist. Thank you for still being our voice as it were.

Anderson writes:

“There are also a number of deranged people out there (you know who you are) and it’s better for all involved if they do not have access to the discussion.”

Give us the comments from the crazies. I, for one, enjoy the variety

But then again, I talk to schizophrenic homeless people on street corners.

You can learn alot from them sometimes.

Censorship on AC360….Hmmmmm? Does Murdoch own you guys too?

Ouch, he says.

Here’s the smell test: Is it libelous, pornographic, etc? If not, then it’s someone’s opinion and their reaction to your show.

Isn’t that what you were looking for?

That said, maybe the live blog is too big of an undertaking for a nightly live show. We’ve been doing it, what, a week or so, and already everyone is getting cranky about it. I’d rather see you get out in the field a little more and talk to your viewers versus trying to “connect” with them via typing into a little keyboard.

After all, “sane people” thought the Virginia Tech killer was a little nutso for choosing to sit in a room all by himself typing messages to people when he could have easily TALKED to them…

Double ouch

Thank you for going back to New Orleans. Are you going to be talking to my man, Brad P., about his project rebuilding the neighborhoods in New Orleans? Did he partner with Lowes, the building supply store, who has a Katrina Cottage Series of kit homes, designed by a local architect who knows the architectural vernacular, the unique weather building challenges, and the financial situation of the people affected by the disaster?

I read the LA Times article where Brad Pitt was working with architecture firms to come up with prototype houses, but they all seemed like Malibu beach homes to me. Best not to reinvent the wheel. The groundwork’s been done. Maybe Lowe’s would subsidize some of the reconstruction.

From Lowe’s website here’s the background on this project:
“Soon after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, architect and planner, Andres Duany developed the concept for a small, permanent home designed as a dignified alternative to the FEMA trailer. The first Katrina Cottage was designed by Marianne Cusato as affordable housing for displaced residents and emergency workers…”

Have a nice Valentine’s and give a big kiss to the people of New Orleans. They could use a hug and some love.

And don’t take my (or any of our comments) too personally. You know we worship the ground you walk on. We wouldn’t spend this much time “talking” to you, if we didn’t.

But if we don’t keep you honest, Andy, who will?

Anderson,

As long as you and your moderator are doing the best you can, that is all I can ask. I think the live blog is nice as long as it doesn’t detract from the great show. I hope to get more involved as I see someone that I think genuinly cares in you.

Thanks for all you do.

Mikey

P.S.

Whats it like working with Erica Hill? WOW!