Hi Anderson, I understand you'll have a show tonight. I'm actually travelling; I'm in a room where there's no TV, so I won't be able to watch, but I'm praying for all the residents there. Hope they'll all get to evacuate and be in a safe place. They shouldn't take any chances. Stay safe please, all of you. Take care,

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

I look forward to seeing your on air coverage. Stay safe.

I know people are allowed to bring their pets but I hope if you guys see strays or ones left behind, I hope you scoop them up and get them somewhere safe. It was heart breaking to see all the dogs and cats and animals stranded last time.

Much love, stay safe.
♥♥♥♥♥♥
xoxoxoxo

Why do you guys get out there in the storm and warn us to take cover and protect ourselves and our property, and none of you wear any hear or eye gear to protect yourselves? Isn't this a little hypocrical and insane?

Anderson,

May you be kept safe throughout the storm, and may God bless you for being willing to report when so many others are not.

We are praying for you and for everyone in NOLA, may God be with you.

Anderson, I hope you and the CNN crew stay safe during this stom. Hopefully the residents of NOLA took the warning and left.

Hey Anderson,

It's a good thing indeed that most people have been evacuated and that lessons have been learned. Let's hope those people can come back to their homes still standing and dry!!

I hope the show will be on CNN Int. too, but it's great to get updates from this blog if they don't scedule it.

Stay save!!! Kristien

It's really tiring watching all that is going on down in the Gulf Coast, but not as tiring as trying to get out of the city before Gustav comes a calling. There was a Q&A in the NYTimes Magazine this morning with Gov Bobby Jindal and the man is so on top of things its amazing. Hopefully Gustav will decided to downsize before he makes landfall. The city really can't afford any more problems.

Anderson did you have hushpuppies with those crab cakes?

Hi Anderson,

I hope you stay safe down there! I have friends in Lousiana, who have seen many hurricans, but I don't remember them ever being as nervous about a hurrican as they are now about Gustav...
I hope and pray that Gustav will loose power before landfall

Anderson,

Thanks for letting us know what is going on. They really do seemed more prepared this time around. I just hope all the people have heeded the warnings and have gotten out.

I am glad there is a plan in place for the pets to be evacuated this time. I imagine you are thrilled with this as well, seeing how bad that was handled before.

Also glad to hear that you and the CNN team have stalked out some places to stay safe as you can during the storm.

I am sure most of us will be watching your coverage tonight and throughout this ordeal.

I also like the idea that the RNC is thinking of turning their convention into a telethon.

Please all of you stay safe.

Godspeed.

Anderson:

Thanks for covering the storm.

Good luck guys and stay safe.

It should be easy to build a temporary road to connect the 2 sides of the outbound freeway from New Orleans to help with the traffic jam. The news reports show that one side of the freeway is empty and the other is packed. The military knows how to build temporary runways fast. A small road connecting the 2 sides should be easy. Where is the planning? Why another outbound traffic jam? At least they realized that registering people before allowing them to get on outboard transport was dumb. It looks like things are going pretty well but still a bunch of dumb admin stuff. For what the planning guys get paid it doesn't look like we get our moneys worth.

Touching article. God save New Orleans.

Mr. Cooper,

I admire your dedication in bringing up to date news from New Orleans. I am infuriated at the assistance New Orleans is receiving, while those in Central Florida continue to suffer with flooding. The St. John's hasn't crested and it continues to rain. Central Florida residents was denied FEMA help, unless one owned a government business. Granted, we only experienced a ?Tropical Storm", however the damage is still massive to those flooded by her waters. Everyday it rains worsens our flooding. Why should New Orleans be treated better than other cities who are often devastated by hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. I hope everyone in New Orleans gets out safely, then I hope it falls deep in the ocean. I am sick of all the "Special Attention" New Orleans gets. This city is no more special than any other. And FEMA, where are our Visa Cards?

Okay, you are nutty for being down there but I understand that this is also pretty personal for you too and I was so impressed with your reporting during Katrina. With that, stay safe and have the poboy next time. It's fabulous.

Anderson and crew... Thank you for being in NOLA to help make sure mistakes are not repeated... I had hoped this wasn't going to happen again to NOLA quite so soon after Katrina, but all we can do is pray the lessons were learned the first time...
Stay safe, let nature take it's course, and be sure to get out of the way...

Be safe Anderson. Looking forward to your always amazing coverage.

Hi Anderson,

What is it with news anchors and hurricanes? Are you guys thrill seekers or just insane? You should spend a week with a group of storm chasers in the Midwest, now that's insane!

Its nice to see that some lessons were learned after Katrina. I just hope that things continue to go smoothly. Good Luck New Orleans and everyone along the Gulf Coast!

Good Luck and Godspeed to you Anderson and your valiant crew, stay safe and thanks for keeping the rest of us informed!

Keep up the good work!

The defiance of the storm could be many things but a part of me would like to think it's that enduring pioneer spirit Americans seem to have....God bless New Orleans.

I've been thinking a lot today about the victims and the heroes of Katrina/Rita. Gustav must be causing terrifying flashbacks for all of them and the first responders.
Stay safe.

Thanks for reporting on the storm, yet still as much as the public need's & wants to know, it still isn't worth your life... Please take care, as for all the other reporter's, police, firefighter's etc. who are there, as well as those who wish to (no pun) weather this storm out.

Take care. You are all in my thoughts.

While I appreciate the spirit of the restaurant not closing in spite of the warnings issued by state, local, and federal officials, I wonder what could be driving them to stay open...until...they get tired. Greed? Ignorance?

I think it would be smart for them to pack up, put the crabcakes and gumbo aside temporarily, and just...go. Get out.

Wasn't Katrina enough of a wake-up call for area residents (including restaurateurs)? I'm writing this from the safety of the desert out here in Arizona, but I cannot forget the images from three years ago during this time on my little black and white TV; I was in disbelief at the devastation caused by Katrina, and I pray to our Maker that New Orleans is spared this time around.

Bless you all, and please keep safe, Mr. Cooper!

I'm watching the exodus from New Orleans and see incoming lanes with a couple of cars on it. WHY? They only need one lane for cars to enter the city and they can make the other lanes available for those leaving. As an Engineer, I wrote evacuation procedures for Nuclear Power Plants, they always included changing traffic patterns to accomodate the people evacuating an area. I don't see the logic in having empty lanes available and so many people practically at a standstill; it must be frustrating.
Rosemarie

The first time I remember seeing you on TV, you were being blown sideways during a hurricane... please be careful. We know it's raining and windy X 1,000,000 – you don't need to stand in the middle of it for us to understand.

Stay safe.

BARB

Anderson,
Hi! It must be strange to be in New Orleans with nearly everyone leaving or gone. Be careful! It's never been easy watching you broadcast during a hurricane.
I'm glad the people began evacuating early in preparation for the storm. Too much of Katrina was the unexpected weakness of protection–from the levees failing to the lack of adequate response. I'd still hope Gustav would lessen in intensity before it reaches the Gulf Coast–though that doesn't seem to be happening. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I look forward to seeing you later.

hey Anderson, i hope everyone gets out of there safe and thank you so much for all the hard work you do. It takes a special person to put themselves in harms way. We are watching and waiting for this huge storm, hope everything turns out ok, we are praying for everyone in its path. Stay safe, why dont you have a hurricane too with the crabcakes.

Anderson, Please be careful, we like watching you. I went through Gilbert in the Yucatan 20 years ago. The howling is incredible, but the water corosion is worst. Please stay safe. I'll be watching...

God love you, Anderson, for what you and your crew are doing. You are amazing to watch and learn from. Where will you be staying while there? We're always interested in the "behind the scenes" details.

Your trust level with us is 100%. Thank you and stay safe.

I knew you would be one of the first people there. Please stay safe, Anderson.

Keep your strength up Anderson. Don't play hero know you can't beat mother nature, just be damn careful.

Geez Coop,

You've got a regular love-fest going on in here! Except for Sherry Davidson.

Ms. Davidson, I can only imagine how frustrated you are at the situation that has befallen you, but is it really necessary to wish that kind of ill will and contempt to an entire area and its citizens? I wish you the best, and hope for you to have a quick resolution to your problems.

Coop, you and the crew keep your heads on a swivel. Everybody stay alert and stay safe.

Anderson,

I know you don’t really drink, but in this case I couldn’t really blame you.

Yesterday Gary mentioned in his blog that there was a “creepy feeling of déjà vu in the city. I understand what he is saying; I have that same feeling sitting here hour after hour watching the reports on Gustav come in.

For the most part Governor Jindal sounds like he has everything under control, but Mother Nature is unpredictable and she may find a way to thwart his efforts.

I was so relieved to hear about the provisions being made for the pets this time around although I heard that one of the bus drivers refused to allow a woman on the bus with her large dog. I hope she was able to find a place for him.

Is it true that only 20% of the work on the levees has been completed? Why is that? The levees should have been top priority! This is a hell of a way to test them.

Hopefully the locations you “staked out” prove to be safe. I will definitely be watching all night.

I hope you enjoyed your crabcakes; it sounds like it is going to be a long night!

Take care,
Jo Ann

Anderson you are just as foolish as can be.

You will do anything for ratings and photo ops and whatever happens to you is your own fault.

If the poor folks of NOLA clinging to their rooftops during Katrina received no sympathy from Republican America, then neither should you when Gustav hits.

You are their for propaganda and sensationalism ONLY.

Anderson,

I'm glad to see that the people of New Orleans are taking this storm seriously. I have plenty of family in that area and I am hoping and praying that they make it out of there safely. I don't think you need to be in the middle of it to report on it, though. Good luck!

Anderson: How appropriate that you are in New Orleans during Southern Decadence. Having fun?

Hi Anderson,
Thanks for the coverage. Most of all you and your crew stay safe.

Just saw our Katrina hero,Gen Honore,I sure hope he is the next boss of Homeland Security,I don't care if he's a Dem or Rep. Gen Honore's down-to-earth,get the job done,"don't be stuck on stupid"approach is just why we're voting McCain/Palin08.

I was watching CNN and just said outloud, where is Anderson?
then checked your blog and got the answer!! You are amazing with your comittment.. Hang on tight. Look forward to seeing you tonight.
God keep you and your crew safe.

I was just wondering if we can do something to stop or at least lower the strenght of the hurricane. My idea is to launch a missile remotely operated directly to the twister, and it would at least lower it's momentum from category 3 to category 2 then to 1 then to zero. this is possible since we will lauch the attack on the ocean and will just harm the fishes but not the people and property.

Stay safe. Your reporting is my favorite to watch.

God bless and may NOLA be spared a direct hit. I have never been there but after watching the devastation of Katrina no one deserves to go through all that again. I have always loved your reporting. You bring a personal touch to every story you cover. May you stay safe and well fed

Looking forward to seeing your reporting Anderson.

I know you will stay safe as you know you won't hear the end of it if you don't.

There's a possibility that the storm weakens to a 2 before hitting (I heard earlier). Hopefully it won't be as menacing as it appears to be right now.

Hi Anderson.

Please be careful and thank you for your great reporting.

Hi Anderson,

I'll be watching you as usual. Somehow I am not surprise you'd be
there, doing what you do best, always.
Crabcakes sound good but try fresh oysters with salt & pepper and a little bit dash of lemon. Delicious!!!
I hope the storm lose its power on landing. Please take care.
God bless you all.

glad your there... please tell my brother-in-law Mark Penton to leave..

good luck and stay safe

Dave

I can't find the words to say how I feel. When I saw the resturant sign I was stunned and then started crying. I just know that not all the levees are fixed and the ones that are, are not strong enough. In my heart I feel that Katrina was not the storm of the century that she was a warning of what is to come. Even if every single person and animal was evacuated from there, it is still so heartbreaking to have that livelihood and heritage destroyed.

My thoughts and prayers with you all

Coop,

The comment made by a Mrs./Ms. Sherry Davidson, kind of upset me a little bit. In her comment she is upset about New Orleans getting all the attention. Yes there are several places that are getting hit by tropical storm and hurricane weather. For example NC has a lot of flood areas due to the tropical storm that left tons of rain last week. I was in Hurricane Floyd and Hugo and our state did a fantastic job helping those people out as well as our Federal goverment. In NOLA the reason why CNN and th media pays so much attention is because of the thousands of people killed and the hundreds and thousands of people misplace. Sherry instead of asking Anderson Cooper why he is down there you sould be sending out prayers that no other city in Amrica will have to deal with what happened in NOLA. Just a thought... Be safe Anderson, we will be praying for you.

Thanks

Anderson,

It is good to see someone who cares down there once more. I do hope that New Orleans does not get the brunt of this hurricane so they can continue to heal and you continue to keep watch over it. I was saddened and embarassed by our own countries response time to Katrina and then to watch our response time to the Tsunami in Sri Lanka and how well we took care of them and forgot about our own.
I watched you cover Katrina 3 years ago and saw your raw emotion as you went through that city afterward and reported the devestation.
Keep an eye on those that didn't leave and be safe and keep reporting just as you always have, straight to the point with no punches held back when they are well deserved.
It seems this time that LA has a much better plan than they did 3 years ago and that people are listening. I just hope that if it misses New Orleans that people don't become passive because one storm misses them and they refuse to leave when the next one comes their way.
I'll be watching safely from Indiana. We don't get Hurricanes here and obviously one of the many reasons I love this state.

"I'm sitting at a bar."

Love it.

Have a drink, Honey. You're gonna need it.

Bars do have the best food, don't they?

Stay safe, take care, get a good meal in you because goodness knows when you're going to get another...

Hey Anderson,
As a reporter, I guess you are right where your supposed to be to get the story. My prayers are with you and all of those in the path of this hurricane. Take care and stay safe.

Hi Anderson,
I hope all the people are able to get out safely and that Gustav causes less damage than anticipated. Stay safe!

for the entire CNN crew, stay safe, rest when you can, and stay positive for the residents of NOLA. crossing my fingers that anderson will not have to grill any politicians about why there are dead people floating in the streets. jindal is mobilizing NO like he has some sense.

Ahhh, that's so like Louisiana people... there are always those who will stay in harm's way to help others. My mom is not evacuating because she is a Registered Nurse and feels she can be helpful during the triage stage, and my dad helps to maintain a fleet of med-evac helicopters. I love and miss this state (and my folks) so much!

Danielle L.

Vandenberg AFB, CA

Anderson, we love you here in New Orleans, but next time you want to visit, let's hope it's not during another hurricane.

Anderson,

At least we know we'll get competent AND compassionate reporting since you are there. The two are not mutually exclusive, as you and Solidad proved during your Katrina reporting. I'm not religious, but we all need to pray the levees hold. God Bless New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf coast...

Jules

This is in regards to a comment here from RATNA,NEW YORK,NY,3:14 pm:

"'dont' drown,otherwise the 6 bag lady will be left widowed before marrying you......"

well,that was a charming comment!

IS THAT A SICK ATTEMPT AT HUMOR OF SOME KIND?

It is tasteless,humorless,tacky,insensitive,and wrong.....not to mention stupid.......

could you simply not say....''stay safe,and take care of yourself" perhaps??

And,I doubt that IF Anderson were reading the comments today,HE would find it very amusing,either......

I am sure YOU thought it funny......

I for one,am not amused.......

Anderson, it's good to hear that NOLA is better prepared for this storm and that more has been done to provide transportation to get people out of harms way. I saw some reports awhile ago about the state of the levees which didn't leave me feeling too confident about their strength, but hopefully they will hold. I hope you and the CNN crew stay safe down there.

So...How were the crab cakes?

Goodness gracious. I had this “feeling” that somehow you would have remained there after your show this past Friday, which was superb! Being in a storm of such strength is no joke. I truly hope the places you guys select are safe enough and the storm spares the town as much as possible. I’ll be glued to the tv screen tonight in anticipation of your special show and I am praying for your safety and everyone else’s. Please be safe and know that our thoughts and prayers are with the entire town and with you all. xoxo – Gloren

Sherry Davidson, New Orleans isn't getting "special attention", they're getting attention they deserve and were once neglected of. If Florida isn't getting proper care, it shouldn't get it at the cost of another area, thats a quite childish and hateful idea. Both should get help, ideally.

Thank you Anderson for your coverage of New Orleans, and for being dedicated to what you do, you actually make me enjoy the news!

Anderson,

I am glad you got something good to eat today. Please be sure to stay hydrated to. I appreciate you and the rest of the 360 crew so much for keeping everyone informed during this uneasy time. Please be sure to take care of yourself- so many people count on you.

I wonder if our Wonderful Government will bail out other states as well,when a natural disater is BEFORE striking???It's a sad time when people can not take responsibility for their own safety! It appears that the Government and LA state felt these people were not smart enough to save their own life.I would feel ashamed if I were in those shoes,but then again I doubt they are ashamed of too much.This is pitiful to say the least.Even putting them on planes..ppppfffttt.

Anderson Cooper,

You must understand that if anything bad happens to you, millions of women will die of grief. I, however, expect you know that as long as you stay in New Orleans, you are solely responsible for whatever ills visit you. That of course is true any time one goes to New Orleans, which is why people should–as a general rule–stay the hell out of New Orleans.

In conclusion, Anderson Cooper, I will say "godspeed," and hope that neither strong winds nor stray bullets strike you down in NOLA.

Anderson and crew,

Your coverage of Katrina made me proud to be a journalist. Truly amazing work. Crossing my fingers for you that you stay out of harm's way. I'll definitely be watching tonight. Best of luck.

good on you, anderson.
stay safe.

i wish i could have a pre-disaster crabcake too!!!!

I don't know who is using "Debbie in Arkansas", as that is MY user name! I did write a comment yesterday, saying that Anderson, and the other CNN reporters, need to 'be careful', and I DO like watching CNN...but I have NEVER been to the Yucatan...so I have no idea about the 'howling winds' there...further, I DID say, that Anderson's Mom probably has to pray a LOT for him as travels the world bring news to us...and he needs to remember to..."Call your Mother!"...and I will keep watching...but , get it right...and to ALL, take care.

AC rocks ....... and pays his bar tab ( crabcakes !!!! ..... be honest, you have to have cold beer with crabcakes .... even as a disaster looms )...... keep safe and good luck ..... Esquire had a story ( fiction ) a few years back about this guy floating out to sea while holding on to a wooden Jesus statue ..... totally sureal ...... God Bless

Please, protect yourself and stay safe.

Anderson and CNN thanks for all the hype on the storm its really going to help make gas prices higher, CNN richer, and most of us (your customers) miserible.

I won't be watching CNN.

Hi. Hope you'll weather the storm well.

I come from New Orleans, and most of the hurricanes that looked like they were going to hit the city head on actually turned to the North and East, sideswiping the city. I'd hate to see the gulf coast catch it again, but I hope it misses New Orleans.

Best of luck on your coverage. Crab cakes sound good, even in the face of disaster. I grew up in Puerto Rico, so I understand all too well, what it is like to face a massive storm, while keeping up with life as usual. You yearn for normalcy and a sense of being. Leaving "home" is incredibly difficult. I not for once question people who decide to stay. I think you just want to be there for it all...even it it means the end. It is, after all, your story.

I am a native of Louisiana and I will always miss it.
The best part of this article are the last four lines.
That is so typical of the way my Cajun friends talk!
Perfect!!

Anderson,
Be so very careful. I admire the work you are doing! Sending prayers for every ones safety your way. Erin

Hey, Anderson. Just wanted to thank you for your dedication to always getting the story right. Take care of yourself, be careful–we'll be watching in admiration.

-Alyce, Ohio-

Crab cakes at Oceana's, I love that place. Anderson and crew stay safe. So far local community, state and federal officials have done an excellent job working together. Same with the universities in the area in communicating with students and getting them safely evacuated. All in all at an individual level folks did a good job preparing and evacuating in an orderly, calm fashion. God bless the Gulf Coast. Our prayers are with everyone.

AC-I am so happy you are there to give us the real story.
Please stay safe & have a crabcake for me.

At the risk of being random and somewhat insensitive, good writing Anderson! Succinct yet wonderfully descriptive. Anderson Cooper, the Ernest Hemmingway of bloggers...

Anderson,

Thanks for your great coverage on Gustav. I was in NO on business during Katrina and fortunately had a rental car to get out of town. We did not get to see actual coverage on Katrina until 5 days later when we finally got to the Dallas/Fort Worth airport.

Stay safe, look forward to your show later today.

I feel sad for New Orleans, but not for the Republicans. If there is a testament that their message and brand has been rejected, this is it. Nature has rejected their message and so has God. This is a huge sign. This is Urim and Thummim at play here. In their case, this is Thummim. If we are really christians as we profess to the world, we must heed this warning. Hurricane is disastrous and symbolises disaster; and the deeper meaning of this sign is we should watch out in this election to make the right choice. The wise men located Jesus through signs and all thru the old testament, the use of signs abound and never failed to come true as predicted. This is a bad omen and we have been forewarned. Students of mystical kabbalah I am sure, will concur.

Please be careful Anderson. Make sure whatever is tying you to the floor is knotted tight and duck when you see debris flying. Stay safe.

Puts a lot into perspective dosn't it.

I really admire the spirit of the bar owners. It sounds a little like London after the July 7 bombings. The day after the attack the streets were empty, the tourists left and the only people milling about were those that had to get to work.

Keep safe and we all know you and the team will do a great job in reporting what happens.

With prayers for you and others there in the state, stay safe.

Holly-

I’m sitting at a bar.

I know, I know, there’s a massive storm coming. Don’t worry, I’m not drinking...

Under the circumstances, perhaps you should be drinking.

Hey Anderson,
I'm trying to complete a report for work and it's hard for me to concentrate because I keep watching the coverage of this hurricane and the GOP's response to it. I'm riveted and yes, I guess one could argue that I am a geek I am an administrator in my profession and I must say I'm impressed by the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina and the coordination of services of all government officials lead by Gov. Jindal.

Like you, I will do anything for crab cakes They are my favorite seafood. Be careful.

Anderson and crew, please be careful. I 'll stay tuned and continue to pray for those people who didn't leave and you brave reporters.

Anderson:

Keep safe and keep 'em honest!

Anderson,
Wish you were with Wolf in MSP preparing for the RNC-your group did a fanastic job at the DNC!

Your reports from NOLA are greatly appreciated. Thank you for keeping our nation in touch with Gustav. Please be safe and my thoughts and prayers are with you, your crew, and all whose lives are in the path of the storm.

God Bless, Nancy

Anderson, you are the best, please be careful, I will be watching your show tonight as always (((HUGS))) Ricki

Hey AC,

I work at an army depot along the Texas coast and i can honestly say any Labor Day Bar-B-Que parties have been cancelled. I see Coast Guard and Navy personnel checking and double checking gear and heli's. Just call if you need a lift out of there my prayers are with you and your crew, as you once again bring us current coverage and keep them honest.

Anderson:

I watched you cover Katrina and you became my inspiration when you called out Mary Landrieu for her excessive praise of what was being "done"...My students have read your book in my composition class, and we all agreed you were the one who did the best coverage of that storm in 2005.

Please Anderson..although you explain yourself VERY well in your book, it is incumbent upon me to remind you that there are a host of people in this world that need your presence on the airwaves, long after this storm is in the history books. So do take care of yourself, and remember there is nothing, not one thing that important to risk your life for!

Sending lots of love and light to you in this stormy time!

Hi, In response to those who have mentioned the traffic backup on the freeway, as of 4am this morning I-55 out of Louisiana, and I-59 out of the Mississippi Gulf Coast have had both sides of freeway open to northbound traffic only to help relieve some of the congestion. I live in Madison Mississippi just north of Jackson and I have seen MANY Louisiana license plates up here so it is great to see that so many people are taking action and getting out of harms way. Stay Safe!!

Stay safe and thank you for your continued coverage.

I have to admit I laugh as I read these comments. It seems I am not the only lady with a crush on Anderson. It's okay, my husband just laughs too.

Now I am hungry from some crab cakes.

BTW, our four year old soon is named Cooper.

Apparently I am a journalism super fan.

Hi Anderson,

I was in New Orleans for the first time in my life just a couple of months ago. In June. I was attending a National Charter School Conference. I am so sad to think the progress the city has made thus far will be set back yet again. Some haven't even recovered from Katrina.
My thoughts are with all the families in the south as they brave yet another possible life changing event.

Stay Safe all!

Anderson,
When everyone is leaving trust you to be running towards the hurricane! You're my hero Anderson!! By the way, I hope you enjoyed the crabcakes. I look forward to your special, but I you I don't need to remind you to please stay safe Anderson! I pray for all of those in the path of the hurricane.

Anderson:

I hope all of you will be safe.......

please be careful........and take care of yourselves...

AND......

let us hope that lessons WERE learned from Katrina....for now,it is about to be put to the test.

thoughts and prayers to all the Gulf Coast in the days ahead......

Anderson & Crew–

I know you and your crew have been through this before, in the same city. It must be like a bad deja vu. That said, please do not become complacent. I have been watching CNN and CNN.com most of the day for updates on this "storm of the century". I am so proud of the way these evauations have been handled this time around. Mayor Nagin has done an outstanding job. I think everyone learned their lesson during, and after, Katrina. Too bad it took something like that to make them proactive instead of reactive. I look forward to your coverage tonight of Gustav and hope you are able to stay on the air throughout this ordeal.

That said, please be careful and I will be praying for everyone still in NOLA.

Thanks for your reassuring remarks about New Orleans. It's good to hear that it seems that lessons have been learned from the lack of preparedness with Katrina. The true definition of success is learning from past failures and not repeating them, but only focusing on those things that will bring betterment to any situation in your own life or in the lives of others. Failure is a good way to find success as long as we can turn it around for good. I keep hearing so many great things about how the gulf cities have truly made great advances in correcting the past mistakes of the Katrina time. Your article confirms these stories and it is such a good feeling for Americans to hear about how we, as citizens, working with government agencies, city agencies, and non-profit agencies can make such a difference for our communities and for our future. Thanks Anderson for covering this story by staying in the middle of the storm. Prayers and blessings to all the Gulf Cities!

One very imp't reason to have good coverage of these situations from the "inside"; is so the rest of us in America can see if our gov't is truly prepared for disasters; and how well (or how poorly) the different branches of gov't and charitable org's work together. Mother Nature and terrorism can hit you anywhere you live, and I depend on people like Anderson to show us what's really going on; like they did during Katrina. If not for the news coverage of Katrina, I don't think we'd be seeing the response we are seeing now for Gustav. Thanks Anderson; you're the best.

Anderson,

Stay safe as always. where do you plan on being and how will your crews get information from other crews in the field.

How do you compare this to Katrina so far...and what do you expect to see compared to what you saw moments before Katrina hit last time

Stay safe Anderson, dont do anything crazy just for a story. I dont know what i would do without this blog and your show God bless

Anderson,
I am glad that a "majority" of the people decided to leave. I do question the reasons of why anyone would want to stay in the way of this beast after Katrina. To think after this people will be sitting on their roofs asking to be saved because they waited. These people are putting countless lives on the line due to their stubborness or ignorance..I hope you and the crew remain safe throughout your coverage good luck and may the lord take you all into his mercy.

Anderson, Be safe we will be watching you. Take care, Carol

Please stay safe! We'll be saying a special prayer for you; look forward to seeing the 2 hour special tonight.

We in Antigua have experienced many bad storms. We understand the devastation that can occur to lives and property.

P.S. Were the crab cakes good?

It looks like Mother Nature is going to slam us again. My thoughts and prayers will be for zero loss of life. It will be a time when all of America will be needed to help where we can.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

To everyone still in New Orleans, for whatever reason......be safe.....
Melva

I don't know if you're brave or crazy for being there..does that tell us the brunt of the storm is going south west from where you are? .I admire your desire to keep us inform. I wonder, when Jesus returns will he get the same coverage?
Aside from that, if this turns into the whopper I think it may be... you'll need some prayer coverage for you, and your coworkers, so we'll do our best at home to keep all of you in our prayers, and for Mr. Gore as well. God's speed to you for safety and well being.

I like the fact that you guys are brave enough to broadcast during the storm. Anderson, when people see you in town to cover a storm story, they know it's serious and they get out.

But more importantly PLEASE BE SAFE!!!

I'm in Baton Rouge and I'll be watching your coverage tonight.

PS – If you and your crew want an adrenaline rush that doesn't involve weather watching or wearing a bullet proof vest, go to an LSU football game in Tiger Stadium. Go early in the day, get in on the tailgating and see what southern pride and hospitality are all about.

Hi Anderson:

I will be looking forward to tonight's show. Please stay safe.

Please don't do the stupid "Look at me! Look at me! I'm standing outside in a hurricane" bit. It's such a cliche in journalism.

Anderson –

Smart thinking to be where the real news is taking place but, aren't you coming to Saint Paul ?

Dave in Saint Paul, MN

I really enjoy your programs , and i will be watching tonight Please be safe. I know how hard it is to do the job you do and i applause it . My son is studying Journalism at UT Austin and he really loves it . BE SAFE

Be Safe Anderson.

Take cover, and be safe Anderson. We are watching here in Canada, and praying for all those on the gulf coast.

AC

Stay safe, I evacuated the W hotel around the corner from Oceana (those Crabcakes are good) on Saturday morning. They were very organized and calm. The city had a buzz around it and even as I partied for Decadence for two nights prior you could feel the defiant tension. People danced and cried, every now and then stopping to look at each other and hug. Gustav was on everyone's mind. It was like an unspoken vow between everyone on Boubon Street to keep the spirit of New Orleans alive until the second we had to evacuate.

And we did....

Im glad I made those memories and I hope everyone still there is safe and sound.

See you back at the gym here in NYC soon Anderson!

My warm thoughts and prayers for the folks in Gustav's path. No matter that some dont have the $ to leave. Go now ! ...leave...scoot..... vamoooooose .... LEAVE NOW!

I am certain you that you can get to a shelter & be cared for. Leave now & be safe !

And please God .... look after the cats 'n dogs and birds and critters.
I pray that shelters will take in the residents & their pets.

Thanks Anderson for being there ( for us) Stay safe & dont risk anything...

Cath, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Anderson, Your desire to bring the news sometimes trumps your common sense. Just the same, stay safe because we need people like you to bring the full story to the rest of us normal people. Anderson, in my family you are known as "The Man". Good luck.

Hey Anderson – Stay safe

J'anita's on Magazine is open. Breakfast, BBQ and More. 1906 Magazine (Walmart is a few blocks behind them). 504-373-5337

Tell Craig Brenda from FWB sent you.

Anderson, Please be safe, we absolutely love watching your show. Also wanted to tell you that you are by far the best news TV personality in the World. Keep up the outstanding work you are always doing! We will be praying for you and the people of NOLA.

It must be so scary to have to leave your home not knowing if it will be there when you come back.

This whole situation is tragic, especially when you start to think that evacuations and danger will probably plague this area indefinitely. I sympathize with all those who live in and love this area, but the federal dollars that have and will continue to have to pour into this area is massive. All this money pouring into this small area, and with global warming bringing higher sea levels, what is the solution for a city that is already below the current sea level? It is such a terrible situation for everyone.

I hope everyone is safe.

Anderson and the CNN crew, please be careful. I've heard Gustav will be worse than Katrina. I look forward to seeing you this evening.

Semper Gumby, Anderson. "Always Flexible."

Keep you people as safe as you can as you do such an important job. These are times where the Founding Fathers did it right by recognizing the Fifth Estate

Hi Anderson; I hope and pray that you will be O.K. i am sitting here and enjoying the fine sunshine and the nice weather. I guess we are lucky that we have not had a bad storm. THE BEST LOCATION IN THE NATION. brettelllucius@yahoo.com

Hi Anderson,
Well here we go again. ;-( I'm here in Nacogdoches,TX. where The first hurricane that ever hit this oldest town in Texas was Rita. Now Gustav is promising to hit Nac with hurricane force winds.
I'm glad you are there to cover New Orleans. Do you feel a little de ja vu-doo? YIKES!
Take care and take cover Anderson. I knew we could count on you to be in NOLA!
Let's all be careful out there.
Godspeed~
XXOO

Hey Anderson,

Wow, I cannot believe you are staying there through the storm, but at the same time, I am extremely proud of you for doing so. When Dolly hit us earlier this year, it was frightening. I can only imagine what the people of NOLA feel like right now.

If you see any stray animals, please find a way to get them to safety, too!

Please be careful, and stay safe..all of you.

Love, Nai

I bet those crabcakes were good, stay safe!

Hi Anderson

Please stay safe, I love watching your coverage
you are the Best on CNN - I love your
commentary and your delivery. Please stay safe
and be careful -
I will be watching your show tonight
I love Anderson Cooper - I am so glad CNN gave
you your own show

Take care, Nikki in California

Stay safe Anderson.

Anderson,

As the Hurricane bears down on the Gulf Coast we are once again reminded of Katrina and while we are all lost in all these and making comparisons, let's not forget that the christian religion teaches that we shouldn't wish ill upon our brothers and sisters. It wasn't too long ago that some conservative christian group begged for people to pray for it to rain during the DNC convention. It now seems the RNC convention is in a mess because of GUSTAV. While their prayers were answered it seems to me that the good lord decided to wait untill a few days later. Lessons Learned or NOT!!!

Anderson,

WIth Gustavo going on, I would be surprises if you were anywhere else! STAY SAFE!!!
We are praying for the best for New Orleans, and your safe return!

Hey Anderson, very little coverage of Decadence! If any other group had 100.000 people, saying right up to the last minute they weren't leaving, wouldn't we have heard something

Have the revellers decoded to leave?

Stay safe dude, I will be riding it out in Baton Rouge. Looking forward to watching your reports at least until we lose power.

P.S. Do you think we are experiencing global warming much?
PIP!!!!!!!

Mr. Anderson:

Your covering of Katrina made me believe a newsperson could actually be capable and competent and indeed make a huge difference for the good. Thank you for all you did then and are donig now for NOLA and the whole area.

My brother was there with his dog last time and – having worked all this time to help rebuild this special drowned city - is there this time with his dog.

My gratitude is with you - my prayers are with him, his dog, you, and everyone else.

May the county's love surround you with safety.

mn

Anderson, thank you for all of your dedication and hard work on NOLA, Gustav, and Katrina.

Please remember, though, that NOLA is by far NOT the only place affected by this and other hurricanes, and mention of them now and again would be appreciated. Having spent time in Biloxi helping to rebuild homes there, it is wonderful to know and meet so many thankful people there.

Anderson,

As a Florida resident, we are use to evacuations and storm preparations as well as the impact of these storms. I am glad to see that people have indeed evacuated from the area. Stay safe and I hope you and the other CNN folks stay safe. I will keep you guys in my prayers as well that rest of the Gulf Coast.

Anderson,
I hope you will be safe. I remember well your willingness not to be polite (in fact, you were angry) with Senator Landrieu when she thanked other President Bush and other politicians for what they were doing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Took some guts. I have admired you since.

I evacuated out of New Orleans, also on a Sunday, before Katrina hit on a Monday three years ago. I remember it well. So much that went wrong in all of it – when some of it didn't need to happen.

Anderson, keep them honest and be safe.

Hey Buddy, take care and PLEASE be safe. When Katrina came through those in control were NOT taking responsibilty for handling the problem in such a bad way. I loved how you handled Mary Landrieu. Please do not let these politicians get away with it. You did not last time and I know you will be on your toes and call those out who try to justify themselves. You are "real" and you truly care about others. Never let that change about you. I will be watching. THANKS!
Derek

Anderson:
I'm hoping that the people (and pets) get evacuated and I'm praying that everyone else staying to cover the hurricane remains safe and the levees don't break. Thanks for giving us a show tonight so we can be informed. CNN = Hurricane Headquarters!

Jolene, St. Joseph, MI

Hey, I didn't know you've become a WEATHERMAN since I moved to Europe!

Do you want to do something really dangerous? Go and report from the GOP, with all the gun owners, war mongers, oil suckers and tax dodgers who mess up the country.

Hope the crab cakes were good.!

Praying that all of those still in the area will remain safe. We do appreaciate the reporting that you and your crews do.

Godspeed to all of those remaining to protect and serve in the area.

Mona

Hey Anderson-
Just wanted to say thank you for your great work. I am very concerned about everyone's safety down there-yours included. Please take care of yourself during this awful storm. I wish I could help, but can only watch this unfold. Thanks again for all you do.

Anderson,

Keep safe and keep your head down! Enjoy the crabcakes, and all of us in Canada are praying for everyone to get out safely, let's not have a repeat of the loss of life from Katrina.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN NEW ORLEANS! We are praying for everyone, including you Anderson!

Matt Tremblay
Niagara Falls, Canada

Will you please just come back to NY so we know you are safe!!!
There are plenty of places to get crab cakes here!

Anderson, I wish I was as brave as you. I don't think I'd ever have the courage to do what you do. I hope you and everyone there stays safe, good luck!

Anderson;

First of all, our prayers are with all the folks across the Golf coast. Secondly, to everyone staying behind and putting themselves in harms way...stay safe! Covering these storms seems to come naturally to you now. What kind of preparations does your production crew go through? I find it fascinating that how you have covered these natual disasters. My family and I will be watching.

Thank You Mr Cooper for continuing to cover our city through Katrina and now through Gustav. My city is a family place and we all are loyal to most and you Mr. Cooper are a part of our family. I currently live in the ninth ward and plan on returning when everything is over. I pray that FEMA will support all states involved from Florida to Texas and whoever else is affected by any disaster. We are as strong as New York and California and will rebuild and start over as many times as we need to. Please world don't judge us or the husband who lost his wife because he chose to ride the storm, just pray that God will see him through this because God already knows his plan.Stay safe and Thank God for Mr Cooper.

Hope that everyone fares better this time, especially including dogs & cats & all other critters.

Thanks for being there - at least you're well fed (hope those crab cakes were served with caper sauce).

Anderson, stay safe and may god bless you guys for a well done job. May god also bless everybody from the city of New Orleans. CNN Rules!

Andie,
I appreciate all the efforts of you and your crew.I know that you will do what you do( being best as always ),but for God's sake take care of yourself!
This time,hopefully, New Orleans residents will be safe and sound after this hurricane..
Bless you all..
Amy

hey i agree with sherry davidson. i too live in fla. i guess we floridians just know how to take care of ourselves. we certainly did not get any national coverage of this sort last week when fay hit. i really don't even remember being mentioned at all during the DNC. what is so special about new orleans?

Thanks for keeping us informed, Anderson. Your story is really great, & makes us feel like we are there. Stay safe, & try not to get blown sideways again! Please be careful.

To all CNN reporters, Gary, Don, Ali, etc., be safe & be careful as you can.

Looking forward to your show. Again, take care.

PS. Just read the rest of the stories-really good coverage!
Stay safe & be careful Drew, Kay, David, Jim, & Ric, too.

Anderson,

Thank you so much for covering this scary storm. Our prayers will be with you and the folks on the gulf coast! Stay Safe!

Julie and Oliver

Anderson,

Thank you so much for covering this scary storm. Our prayers will be with you and the folks on the gulf coast! Stay Safe!

Julie and Oliver
Carlsbad, CA

Anderson,

Stay safe and thanks for your reporting!

Hurricanes won't stop hitting New Orleans.
Sea levels are rising. All the experts new the a hurricane like Katrina would eventually hit the city and flood it. And experts knew another hurricane like Gustav would come again.

It's not a secret that New Orleans will be flooded over and over during the decades to come. But, people don't want to hear that they should relocate.

Tell people what they want to hear & you get elected. Tell them the truth and you save lives. It's obvious what is important to our politicians.

I pray for the safety of the people of New Orleans and all affected by Gustav.

Anderson and everyone at CNN....

You guys have been amazing and a blessing to watch on tv. I honestly wonder if Wolf Blitzer gets food and sleep with as much as I have seen him on tv during the DNC and now this hurricane mess. The way things are shaping up, Gustav is going to be a worse hurricane than Katrina. I am not sure how much more devastating it could be, but I try not to think that way. Lots of women I talk to say they love Anderson Cooper. I love Anderson, but not because of the reasons many women talk of, but because Anderson and all of CNN are really great reporters and broadcasters. Many other networks and local affiliates need to learn what it takes to put on a great broadcast.

Now while I sit back and drink some suds, I am pondering if the RNC will even begin tomorrow...

Anderson,

I heard and I am sorry to say I forget which network(I was listening to the news on Sirius).I heard that the homeless have been denied evacuation out of N.O. because they had no identification. Could you please find out if this is true. I hope it's a incorrect report. People involved with the evacuation need to remember that there are people who are homeless living in NO. It's time for compassion. Please find out if it's true and if it is if the officials have found a way to help these people. Just because they are homeless doesn't make them bad people.

Stay safe Anderson and all of you. Be careful. Reporting isn't worth your life. All of you at CNN are the best!

Anderson,
Looking forward to the show tonight. It's nice to see that lessons have been learned, but I do have to say, I am wondering where they are putting all these people that have been evacuated, and if the devestation is as bad as they think it will be, how long with the "govenment response" last? We all know how much was still left undone from Katrina.
On an up note, hope the crab cakes were good. Keep safe, and keep writing. I'm thinking you might have more "dispatches from the edge" in you after this one.

Hi, Anderson!

This is why I love this City- unwavering faith in what was, what is, and what is to be no matter what that turns out to be. This wonderful place has more heart than any other place I know and will always stand in some way, shape, or form, storm battered or rebuilt 3x over.

To my beloved NOLA, Godspeed and take care of each other out there.

Now I need to go find some of those crabcakes here in D.C. You got me craving!!

~P

Thank you to you and your crew for putting yourselves in harm's way. Be safe. It's not like we need to see how long you can stand against the wind again. It's the progress of the storm, and especially it's aftermath, that will help us all find a way to help, even from the distance.

I think it was a reporter in London who said that Katrina exposed the underbelly of the United States. Hopefully, with all the agencies better prepared, America will do a better job this time.

Anderson

When do you sleep? Being where you are now is a big change from last week. Thanks for the hard work you do....I bet Wolf wishes he was with you.....Stay safe!

Even way up north at the top of the country, I will be riveted to my television watching your coverage. It is so difficult to know that such devastation is happening right here in the US, while we are so far away and feeling so powerless. Thank you for bringing us there to see it firsthand. Stay safe Anderson and crew!

Hi Anderson,
I'm glad you are in New Orleans.

Got a question : has anybody looked after the homeless people??
Many of them are mentally ill, and shouldn't be on the street to begin with. It breaks my heart to think some might die, just because they don't understand what's going on. Were social workers deployed to collect the homeless and bring them to a shelter?

Looking forward to your special tonite.

Where do you stay during the storm?

Hello Anderson. Although I am both impressed & grateful for the courageous on-the-spot coverage you provide during disasters, your safety & that of your CNN crew concerns me. You have become like family to those of us who have watched you over the years. I hope that you will not take unnecessary risks just for the sake of a story during this horrible storm.

Your safety is worth much more than the story, Anderson. Stay well.

Anderson,

We are keeping the city of New Orleans and you all in our prayers. Thanks for keeping everyone on their toes and protecting this very important city. I have friends in the city and I know that they are safe in Atlanta. Please be safe as well.

Take care

Hey Anderson
Take care for yourself.you do a hard work.i watch what happen there.
i wish you a good night,from far away ingermany.

One more thing; before Katrina I and probably most of us in the U.S. had a false sense of security regarding our gov't's ability to respond, after all; it's our tax dollars and they have multiple agencies full of "experts" in emergency response. What we saw during Katrina was eye-opening for the nation. I've formed the opinion that newscasters on-site during these types of situations is critical to our country's continued safety and success. I'm not sure how many people realize the number of oil rigs and the importance of the Mississippi River for barge traffic; which for example moves coal to heat & cool homes from Louisiana to Chicago. NOLA is much more than jazz and gumbo. We have to fight to make sure that government does not forbid these guys from being present; which they might like to do in some situations to prevent us from knowing the whole story. Thanks.

Hi Anderson,

Thank you for all you do. Stay safe.

Hi Anderson,

I’ve been keeping better track of Gustav than Katrina. When Katrina hit and the people didn’t leave I thought they deserved what they got. I felt ashamed after see the pics and realizing how many people don’t have cars and were unable to leave. I was also furious after watching hundreds of school buses wading in water.

I hope you enjoyed the crabcakes. My best to you and your crew.

I started to watch and you were gone. GET OUTTA THERE!!

I admire the spirit and the humor of New Orleans residents. I'll pray for their safety and hope that all of my favorite places are still there when I next visit! Stay safe...

You Cooper are a brave man.

Hello Anderson,
When you reported on Hurricane katrina three years ago, I remember you saying that the leveys were being repaired to pre- Katrina Status. If they were not strong enough to hold the water back during a Cat 3 storm, then they will not be strong enough for a Cat 4 or 5. In a conversation with one of your experts we learned that it is indeed possible to build the leveys strong enough to hold the water back and it all comes down to money. If we can spend billions of dollars in Iraq, then surely we can make one of our cities safe by spending whatever it takes to make it safe during a hurricane.. This is a question that I would like to see given to each of our presidential candidates.
Thank you for doing a great job reporting on Katrina and now Gustav.

Anderson,
God Bless you for your dedication to news coverage and the City of New Orleans. Hold tight, stand strong, and may Godspeed.

So, how were the Crab Cakes?

Good luck to New Orleans!

Anderson: WEAR A HELMET and a PFD when reporting. You could even make it a helmet camera to look like you are still macho and not trying to really protect yourself. Set a trend. be a leader in the safety department. You could even put the CNN logo on the camera and maybe some other sponsors too, like home depot. These other affiliates follow your lead. The pFD will keep you warm and shield your torso from debeis. You could wear it under you rain gear. Be safe! WEAR A HELMET!
Hugh Keough, ESQ.
Davie, FL

Anderson, my mom who loves you and calls you her boyfriend ( even though she and my dad have been married for 33 years) told me to tell you to be careful and safe. We are from New Orleans. She is a nurse who had to stay at the hospital for 10 days during Katrina, so she knows.

Be safe!

It's good that many have left but I wonder how anxious they must be, wondering what happens to what they left behind. What will they come home to? And when?

There's something weird about watching the hurricane on tv. If it feels strange to me, how must it feel for residents of Louisiana watching from a hotel or listening from a shelter?

Take care, Anderson and crew

May God watch over all the CNN staff in New Orleans, my prayers are with all of you. Stay safe Anderson.

There are few places more hospitable than New Orleans, but I pray everyone stays safe and hunkers down through this massive looking hurricane. Anderson, there's dedication to one's job and then there's YOU. Truly one of the hardest working journalist I've ever seen. I have CNN on practically 24/7. Take cover and stay safe.

Anderson, Just like our up and coming next President, Barack Obama you share that same kind of gift... My God continue to bless you because you have so much more to share with the world....

Our Country needs more amazing human beings like you and Barack Obama.... People 1st!

Thank your mama from me, 4 u...

Apolonia

Hey Anderson – Crab cakes! How lucky are you??

So I was listening to Wolf in my car this afternoon talking about how the RNC may be shortened as a result of the storm; I can't help but think that if the republicans wanted to let the US know that they were on a different wavelength then Bush, they just shoulda had the convention down in NOLA instead of in Michigan. Definitely would have given you guys more helping hands if you needed 'em.

I bet McCain's got a pair o' sea boots!

Be safe Anderson (and you're crew), Y'ALL ROCK!! ya hear me?
Love,
Not-going-to-the-covention-Zen

Anderson, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you there in New Orleans...thank you for reporting the news so well and so fairly...
stay dry and know that everyone is keeping you in their thoughts.

I lived in New Orleans for 4.5 wonderful years. I had never cried as hard as when Katrina almost destroyed my N'awlins completely. Please Lord, not again.... New Orleans is a jewel which cannot be replaced....

Cooper and crew stay safe.

Godspeed Big Easy!!

I'm watching the coverage and grateful that you are there. You will cover the story like no one else. I hope NOLA is better prepared and the levees hold this time. This is the last thing this area needs, with the price of oil and NOLA trying to get back on track. Please be safe!

Anderson:
I live in Denham Springs, 12 miles from Baton Rouge. I'm terrified right now. We are under a tornado warning. My dad and aunt had to leave Iberia Parish last night-mandatory evacuation. They arrived here around 8:30 pm. Everyone out there, please pray for us. And thanks to CNN and the Weather Channel for being here with us through this difficult time.

Anderson,
Thank you for the awesome coverage of the storm. I have been to New Orleans three times since Katrina to volunteer and to help rebuild. All of the residents that I met their struggles and stories that I have heard are on my mind. I just hope that when I do return to New Orleans, that it is to take a vacation, and to connect with the people that I had helped.
Stay safe!
-Ann

Hey Anderson,

like all the others here, i too will keep you and NOLA in my prayers......i do believe that people have learned there lesson from Katrina....the massive evacuation going on is historic its self....i live in the Alabama where i attend a two year college and we are taking people who are being evacuated by the storm... i remember, after Katrina hit, how many people came here......not knowing what happened back home......the damage that was done.......not know if they would be able to rebuild.......or even if they will return back home.....it was really sad and something thing i could not imagen happening.....so I hope you and your crew stay safe.......by the way you are awsome.....just wanted ya to know that....awsome...

OK Anderson,

You heard the Mayor. Obey the curfew and stay out of trouble. I am glad you will be reporting tonight. Rick Sanchez was driving me crazy last night with his broad misstatements re how messed up things were, only to be contradicted by the reporter on the scene. It was like he wanted things to be going badly and reporting it that way made it so. Remember–fair and balanced.

I was just in NOLA this June and the thought of all that hard restoration work going under again is heart breaking. If you are out and about, one of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the WWII Museum near the Convention Cengter. Have they battened down the hatches OK there? The docents told visitors not only about their experiences during WWII but how they lost everything to Katrina. I bet those vintage volunteers will be back at their posts before anyone
else.

Stay safe. As I strolled the Farmer's Market after church this morning, I thought of all those resiliant New Orleanians who were having quite a different Sunday morning than myself. God bless them and keep them safe from harm.

Charlotte D, Stockton Ca
PS: And I love crab cakes. I bet yours were yummy.

Hi Anderson I was in New Orleans last year and ate at the Oceana
The crab cakes were fabulous.
I was in New Orleans in the spring following Katrina to and it was so sad.
I can't imagine the residents having to go through this again
My daughter Sabrina and i are watching you.
Keep safe
Pat

I understand why you are there.
Life pummels all of us.
It's part of the learning curve and increases our depth.

Hey Anderson stay safe please! I am a Loyola alumni from Puerto Rico. Please keep us informed about volunteering after the hurricane. I am willing to go there. thanks

I really can't believe another storm of this magnitude is going to hit the Gulf. It does look like the city is taking better efforts to get people evacuated. Let's hope the flooding is not as bad, we can only hope...

Stay safe AC and CNN crew and I hope the officials who are staying, police, firemen, etc also stay safe..

I wish we could wake up tomorrow morning to nothing but good news about the Gulf Coast and one of the most unique cities in the world. Take care, and please, please, take care of the strays.

Hi Anderson!

Thanks for the coverage. I will be intently watching the outcome of this hurricane.

Be safe!

What are you guys crazy. New Orleans should have never been rebuilt. It is a city built 9feet under sea level. Was Katrina not enough of a show of mother natures force for people understand that you should not try and live under water level in an area wear storms can come in with little notice?

Anderson,

I really enjoy your coverage of Hurricane Gustav and admire your bravery to be standing in the path of what could be a devastating storm. I really hope everyone evacutates New Orleans and southern parts of Louisiana and I pray that everything will be okay once the storm makes landfall. Until then I'll be watching what unfolds...

I lived in new orleans while working on the Katrina Aid Today project post Katrina. While I had mixed feeling about the city while living there, I am saddened that the city must endure this whole process again. It is almost not what will happen, but the fact that as I watch Anderson's newscast I realize that America has no real concept that the city is still not recovered. The number of people who cant afford insurance, are still rebuilding, and are still grieving is astronomical. It is so much more than just New Orleans too. Every parish in the surrounding areas is still struggling. I hope that there is a real process in place to take care of these people when this is over. The case management of these people will be essential. Watching the relief work on t.v. is easy. The govt does not want to look bad twice. But the follow-up of what happens 90 days, 6 mos and 1 year from now is what we need to be looking for. It will be just like Katrina after November 4th. Out of site, out of mind. Thanks, Anderson, for trying to keep this topic in the news.

Dear Anderson,

I stay up until stupid o'clock in the mornings (here) to watch your show. I guess you might call me a fan.

Godspeed to you and your colleagues this night. All of your courage, and dedication, to bring the reality of Gustav into the homes of people all over the world, is most laudable. Most laudable, indeed. Possibly reckless and foolhardy, (not words I ever associated with Ali Velshi before ) but truly laudable.

It was good to see the evacuation and so forth, moving efficiently.

During Katrina, I was dumb and useless, in Denver. My blood is apparently counterfeit, as no blood bank has ever accepted it. I have skills they needed, but it was too late, by the time I was trying to sign on.

Now, I watch from Liverpool, and consider the melting Arctic, and the port-cities of Britain. I fret pointlessly about the millions of flood victims in Bihar.

Mostly, I watch you, and look at my still-valid CO driver's licence, ;'( wishing I were there... to help in any way I could.

Be safe. Thank you all.

Uma Devidatta,
Liverpool, UK

Dear Anderson and CNN Crew:

I hope you all get a little rest tonight. In anticipation of a storm of this magnitude, sleep will probably not come easy. Please be safe and may God Bless you and all who reside in the path of this storm. I am so glad the good folks at the Oceana Grill fed you (crabcakes, yummy).

Anderson,
Are we really doing this again? I can't believe this is happening.....Be careful, stay safe. Thanks for not only covering the storm, but also not letting us forget after the storm. We're watching you and waiting to see if we'll be needed in the aftermath...I pray we're not.

Bless you...
Sarah

Anderson, all is not well with the evacuation. Family members are on I-59 now (9:40 p.m.) – they left Gretna LA at 6:00 a.m. and have not even reached Hattiesburg MS. All exits are closed off. The southbound lane that was open to northbound traffic has now been reversed. Maybe you need to report on that... find out what can be done to improve that situation. As I said, all is not well as one might think or as you have reported. Please help, if you can. Thank you.

Hello to Mr. Anderson Cooper. I first noticed you in the coverage of Katrina. I was very impressed and try to watch everything you cover.
I actually was surprised to see you on 60 min. tonite!
You are a great reporter, and show an interest in what you are covering....a genuine interest.. Thank you.
I am keeping you all in my prayers from Tallahasse Florida.
I noticed you already got a proposal! So, I won't go there. LOL
I will wait and meet you first.
God be with you!
Cindy

Be safe, I cannot imagine Wolf turned loose without your thumb on the facts!!

Anderson,

We love you on Canada's far east coast.

Stay safe and please, keep doing what you and your fine crew do best.

Hi Anderson,

I love the way you cover a story...the human side. Please be safe.

hi,
I've been watching CNN's coverage of the national convention(s) & of the coverage of Hurricane Gustav. It's habit, I come home from work & I have to watch CNN.

I was watching your broadcast at 8pm tonight, & I don't think that the actual gravity of the situation that you, your colleagues & those who stay actually hit me until your signal was lost. I mean, I know that hurricanes & high winds are devastating. But the little glimpse that I had when the weather moved in so fast & your signal was lost really hit home. Where I live we have snow storms, and if we have one that's really bad, we can put the snow in dump truck and truck it away. Whereas with storms such as hurricanes, it leaves behind destruction and damage and WATER. What can you do with the water? You can't drink it, you can't use it for any reason really. We are at the mercy of how fast the water recedes before decisions can be made about rebuilding or moving.
All those that live in NOLA, all the police & security personnel and those like yourself, that will put their lives in danger so that the rest of the world can have a bird's eye view are in my thoughts & prayers this evening.
Be safe! We like seeing you every night. I personally know I speak for many when I say that the world wouldn't be the same without you here.
Take care & I look forward to seeing you on Monday. ...:)

Hi Anderson and the Best Political Team in the world. I am originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Gulfport, Mississippi, and I went through Hurricane Katrina. While we all appreciate CNN's coverage of Hurricane Gustav and so much media coverage in New Orleans, I am asking that CNN also provide sufficient coverage on the surrounding cities in close proximity. You, Wolf Blitzer, and other members of the CNN media team, keep saying that Hurricane Gustav will hit either southwest Loiusiana or south Louisiana. Please let the nation know what cities and towns make up Southwest and Southern Louisiana – those cities that are south of New Orleans – Houma, Morgan City, and other towns. Everyone is aware that New Orleans will be affected by Hurricane Gustav, but it is only fair to let the world know about the other cities and towns that may be affected by Hurricane Gustav more so than New Orleans. The way that CNN is covering the Hurricane, It looks like New Orleans is the only city on the Gulf Coast. I love New Orleans, and I love CNN. Thanks.

Dear Anderson,

Of course I'm a fan! ;-D

Your 'reporter's notebook' entries are some of the most beautiful, effective, evocative, potent, poetic uses of the English language that I've run across in *any* medium. You paint mind-pictures with the finest calligraphy strokes. Your gift with language is beyond exceptional. I do not praise people often, for the sheer elegance of their writing. Alas, there is all too little to praise.

Your prose/poetry is like finding a hand-loomed Persian rug, in an ocean of wall-to-wall carpeting.

That's why I stay up for your show.

Be safe. Thank you.

Anderson,

I hope you got some of those crab cakes to go! I also hope you have a nice supply of PowerBars for the days ahead. Bless you for staying with the story - stay safe.

Susan Lemarie, Fairfax, VA

anderson and 360 crew. please be safe as you give us honest reports as to what is happening. anderson you are my and my grandchildren's favorite news person. you have a special gift of compassion, humility and most of all you give us the truth. stay safe as you keep us informed.
teri and grandchildren
windsor;ontario

Hi Anderson,
Glad to hear you were able to enjoy a good meal before the storm. I'm sure that would make your Mom happy. You are reporting that the people are able to take their pets with them but another report showed some birds that had to be left behind at the airport because people were told not to bring their pets. I also saw a report that fees were being lowered for anyone interested in adopting pets from the evacuaton. So do these folks get their pets back if they leave with them? How is the system for evacuating pets working? I'm sure there are still many people who will not leave without their animals. Stay safe Anderson and company.

Hi Anderson,

Please stay safe, I look forward to your reports you always do them so well, don't put yourself in any danger just for a good story.

Lynne Watson
Canada

Anderson,
A long time ago there was a Man who knew a storm was comming.
He told his neibors as He made preperations- His neibors didn't listen & when the storm came he was the only one ready- He & his wife & his 3 sons & their wives survided.- Does the name NOAH ring any bells?
A wise man learns from the past- the fool does not learn & does the same things done in the past expecting different results.
When the Governor says " GET YOUR BUTT OUT NOW" It does not mean sit there & ride out the Storm or cover the news NO story is worth a life, no property is worth a life.Things can be rebuilt & replaced- PEOPLE cannot be.

Anderson,

I'm an ex New Orleanian watching from Chicago. As you well know, you can leave the city, but it remains in your heart forever. This is surreal.

Thank you for your always thoughtful coverage of 'home'.
Be safe and well. We need you in one piece!

GOD SAVE NEW ORLEANS.

P.S. Wellington & Co. is about 20' to the left of where you're broadcasting... it belongs to friends of mine... keep an eye out for it???

Anderson,
My family stopped to have a moment of silence and send our prayers to all the potential victims. As a Nurse Practitioner, I am very concerned as to the triage system for evacuation with Gustav. How did they determine who was unable to move? The sickest patients require the most technological intervention. And what about their families. Did we learn enough to train them in how to fully participate or are they alone in their dual anxiety. I hope we gained some insight for these patients' cared if a post Katrina scenario ensues. Could we here from Dr Gupta on these challenged and vulnerable folks.
GOD BE WITH YOU ALL!
Carolyn
Miami,FL

Excellent post Sherry Davidson. We here in Florida are still getting the outer bands of this storm despite not being in cone, we're getting the feeder bands on the east coast at that and still have Hanna to contend with. I think of Mississippi also, lost many lives, you don't hear about them much either. I think it's time for CNN to Keep New Orleans honest.

Anderson & the CNN Crew,

This is exactly how I first got started watching CNN, when I was glued to the screen during Katrina. Three years later and 6 months spent in the Gulf Coast through AmeriCorps, I can't tell you how much it means to me personally that, through it all, you guys never forgot the people down there.

Keep up the good work, keep us posted and stay safe.

I'll be back with the first wave of rebuilders. See you then.
Thanks again.

Anderson:

Thank you for being there and reporting. I know–not easy. May God protect you and the crew. Take care!!

Luis

Hey...

I just saw your broadcast. Please, please stay safe. I sort of figured you'd be there covering this natural disaster.

Hi Anderson and all the staff down there with you, Keep up the great reporting and coverage, Anderson you do such a good job you really get to the human side of each story we need more reporters like you! Please stay safe, and keep wearing those black t-shirts. This is for the blooger who thinks the RNC is in Mich. it's in St.Paul Minn.! Anyhow stay safe we need you in this world!! Godspeed AC!

To Jim:

I don't really think this is the appropriate forum for you to bash New Orleans, but since you brought it up...my ancestors were KICKED out of Cananda and forced to find places to live after many of them were killed. What the Cajuns endured was what we now call ethnic cleansing. As a direct descendent of the Acadians, I take offense at your suggestion that New Orleans shouldn't have been rebuilt. And by the way...you obviously haven't been there lately otherwise you'd alter your opinion of what is considered to be " rebuilt." The Cajuns made a life out of nothing in South Louisiana and this is OUR HOME. How dare you minimize what NOLA has gone through. You wouldn't recognize empathy if it bit you on the butt.

Let me commend you on your dedication to the story of New Orleans that began 3 years ago and is taking another turn with Gustav. Your coverage of the devastation and the devastating governmental response to Katrina has been exceptional. May things be much different this time.

You should have one of your editors listen to "If New Orleans is Beat" by the Tragically Hip. This song was released by the band the year before Katrina hit. It has a particular poignancy when listened to now and might be something worth using in one of your next pieces about this ongoing tragedy.

God bless.

BE SAFE ANDERSON!!

Hey-

I would begin by saying be safe, but I know you all will try to. I'm sure it must be exciting to be there and reporting the pre, during and post storm.

I wish well to the people of Nola.

best,

Ariston, Fl

Hi Anderson:

No one will cover this better than you and no one will show more compassion to New Orleans. Your coverage of Katrina was honest and moving. I'm a writer who was blessed with the opportunity to interview a family of 9th ward Katrina refugees in Alabama. I know you witnessed the horrors they experienced first hand and gave them a voice. Thank you for that!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the media in NOLA!
Be safe!

Anderson I have been watching your report and heard that gas prices may reach over 4.00 a gallon next week. When Katrina hit many churches including mine were there to help with food and money and supplies. Three years ago as I wasn't in the position to choose gas or food for my family with a winter heating bill coming that I am not sure how I will pay. I gave money to help victims of Katrina...I can't afford to help this time. I am sure I am not alone and it breaks my heart.

You (and your hard working crew) are the VERY reason I watch CNN... (I didn't want to say ONLY thought that might get edited out)

Stay safe... I can't imagine the news without you!

After reading the posts all I can comment is...wow.

Thanks to all of CNN for the continued coverage.

Anderson,

Forgot the most important thing of all. I want to say thank you to you and extend that to everyone who works with you on your program and at CNN. All of you are selfless people who provide us the home viewing and radio listening audience with important information and at the same time risking your own lives for us. So I say thank you and bravo for the incredible work you have and continue to do.Thank you for always showing the honest truth and not scripted drama for ratings. I know I have a better understanding and appreciation for all that is in involved before during and after a storm. I thank you again for the service you provide.Please stay safe tonight.

Anderson,

Just wanted to add to the many wishes for you and your crew to stay safe.

I cannot believe that the Gulf Coast is going to get battered once again. We are praying for all the residents in harms way tonight.

Take care,

Annette L in NJ

Are you kidding me? You and your crew are going to stay and be in the thick of this unpredictable hurricane? I'm lost for words.
When my sister and her family were still in Thailand recently amidst the protests and I wasn't sure whether they will encounter problems getting out on Saturday, I was worried. The people who care about each and everyone of you will worry. Some more, some less depending on how often you put them through these type of situations I guess. Does the word 'worry' exist in your vocabulary?
Anyway, the elderly gentleman came into mind and if I'm not mistaken, not long ago he brought his wife back home, right? If so, oh dear...now he and his wife have to leave again. I hope they are alright and his home will be too as well as for everyone who are affected by the storm.
New Orleans is not the only place that will be hit. What about the other areas? Are they equally equipped to face this storm?
Since the lot of you think it's worth your while to risk your lives reporting on this, do stay safe and we really would like to see you alive and well when the storm is over.
Take care.

Keep safe, 360 producers, cameramen, and Anderson. You're all doing great and important work.

Well it's good to know he's alive! Hahahaha... I got really scaried there when he got cut off the air! Jeez, those are some tough bartenders to still be down there. My be with all the people down there...

Just saw the show & your updates, Anderson. Looks like you guys & ladies have it covered all ways.
Good, also, to see you, Anderson, back doing what you do the best!
Again, be safe all of you...
PS-you look great, Anderson!-sorry, HAD to say it!

Watch out for flying debris!!! Remember that sign that came too close to you and the camera crew during Katrina?

Hey Anderson, CNN crew, and Nola. Anderson, I can't help but to keep thinking of excerpts from your book, and even though things are different this time around, I still got annoyed when I saw footage of everybody thanking each other this afternoon. It seems too soon to do that. I know all my New Orleans friends left already, but it's my Baton Rouge friends who are still there that worries me, with all the tornados and power outages. My friend Dustin said he was without power for 2.5 weeks during Katrina in Baton Rouge. I really hope that isn't even close to the case with Gustav. I hope ya'll aren't being too much of adrenaline-junkies, and will listen when you're told to leave too! Stay as safe as you can!

Hey Anderson and crew!
Please stay safe I've never really paid any attention to Hurricane coverage before but there's something about Gustav that gives me chills. Tomorrow's my 18th b-day but I don't think I can celebrate as happily knowing that my MOST FAVORITE POLITICAL TEAM ON TELEVISION is in NOLA. Take good care of yourselves guys and I'll be watching the amazing coverage on my TV. And to all those people above who "tease" you about being crazy for being there I disagree. I understand why you're there risking your life for a story it's important to tell and thanks for bringing it to us live.

Stay warm and safe,
Adana

You & your crew covered Katrina briliantly, but as most posts here have said, Take Care. We need you to keep them honest.

Dear Anderson,

I am thinking of you.

I hope you and your team's safety are not comprised.

I am praying that the storm will keep losing its intensity.

I am supporting you from afar.

Sincerely,

Lisa L
Sydney, Australia

Hey Anderson!

Stay safe out there! Cuz if u die who will i watch every night! There goes my social life!

Cheers!

Anderson and the CNN crew, stay safe and take care!

Interesting. I wondered why there were so many comments praising Anderson Cooper. I posted one that was a bit critical of him, and it never appeared.

whatever it takes to tell the world the story of survival and the amazing 'fight 'between nature and civilization. Stay safe to all.

Anderson,

Great reporting as usual. Hadn't seen you cover a hurricane for a while but I know that you'll highlight the human side of this storm. I hope the levees hold and I hope you and your crew and all the other CNN reporters will stay safe. After the storm has passed I'd love to know how Herman Gettering and his wife made out – or if they refugeed out if they still have the home Herman rebuilt to come back to. I keep remembering how long and hard he worked to come back (like all who came back) and hope that the work was not in vain.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

It's always nice to watch you (you handsome soul). Personally I would've gotten the crayfish dinner complete with salad and desert.

What's a little bit of wind and rain....there's always severe weather "somewhere" in the world, you can't really escape it. I have lived through several hurricanes (Bob, Gloria to name but two) and in 46 years have never had to be evacuated. In fact I have official DoD instructions on turning my basement into a nuclear shelter.

Please come to Massachusetts to cover one of our wonderful and exciting blizzards.

Give my regards to your mom.

Could you please let us know what has happened or is happening
for the men and women and youngsters who are in jails or prisons
in the storm's path? The stories of the abandonment of prisoners
and the abuse and neglect by guards during Katrina emerged long after the storm and were horrific. Prisoners are people, too, many still untried, and the majority are locked up for nonviolent crimes that,
were they people with resources, would land them in drug treatment instead of jail. Please let us know how they are and what is being
done for their safety.

STAY SAFE ANDERSON!

Great report, great job, but don't let the wind blow you away!

The coverage by Anderson is incredible as always. Please stay safe. That said, one of the cameras scanned around and there was a dog that was struggling to stand up and kept getting knocked down by the wind and rain. So incredibly sad and hoping that someone was close enough and able to safely help this struggling animal. He was trying so hard to survive. It appears that police and reporters are out cautiously and hoping someone was able to help him. I'm sure there are many more in spite of the animal evacuation plans but this one was heart breaking. Please help him someone down there if it can be safely done. Human life is the top priority as always and grateful so many got to safety... hoping most of the animals are also in safe place unlike this unfortunate soul who was left behind.
Blessings to all there and those who had to leave. We pray for a minimum of damage and loss of life and that New Orleans can recover from this quickly and with better organized help from ALL levels of government.

Anderson,

Don't worry about your hair. We know how you style it. You're in the middle of a hurricane. (although having it part on the other side may be a good thing-haha) It's more important to be safe that look good.

BUT I know that's not it. You are looking for a sense of normalcy.

Everyone stay save!!

Hi Anderson
Here we go again ! Another hurricane for you to report on I hope and pray that the damages are not as extensive as Katrina and that the levees stay strong. I aslo hope you stay safe and be carefull of the strong wind and rain .The forces of nature as taken it's tol on you in the past hurricanes please stay safe

Thanks for being brave and caring for the poeple of New Oreleans
Take care :Michelle D.

Anderson you and the entire crew are doing a great job covering Hurricane Gustav in New Orleans today. Stay safe and may God watch over all of the CNN crew. Sometime in the forseeable future perhaps the Louisiana Legislature, Governor Bobby Jindal, and the Mayor of New Orleans should establish a Levee Commission similar to the Lake Pontchartrain Commission to better understand the enginering system of New Orleans. May God be with you Anderson. Will the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway be clear to drive on tomorrow?

Anderson is AC/360 broadcasting this evening from New Orleans?