Katrina and the Waves

At this time of year in Minnesota I should be enjoying Indian Summer, that magical time of year when summer evolves into our "fifth season" before Fall/pre-Winter but unfortunately it is cold, rainy, and six inches of snow are expected this weekend in the Dakotas to the west of us. Clearly I am not "Walking on Sunshine" at present but the cup is half full since I own snow shoes.

Speaking of sunshine and the 1980's (okay, okay I am still stuck on the "Chapstick in Belarus" theme) one casualty of the Cold War was the band, Katrina and the Waves (http://www.katw.com/) which formed in 1981 but disbanded in 1999 -- 1999? that reminds me of another 80's icon, the Purple One himself , "Prince", but I digress.

Hopefully this year's "Katrina" will be another one hit wonder so that our Gulf Coast citizens avoid being hit with another devastating hurricane. Based on what I have read it appears most Gulf Coast citizens have the basics of food, water, and clothing primarily due to the efforts of "greedy capitalists" like Wal-Mart not due to the government bureaucrats at all levels. Now that basic human needs have been met the "second wave of assistance" is arriving in the Gulf Coast due to the kindness of strangers.

One such kind stranger is Kailey Becker, a member of her school's marching band in Lakeville, Minnesota who has organized a charity drive for donated musical instruments to send to the residents of New Orleans. In launching her project Kailey stated, "I hope it will bring lots of joy and bring back the soul of New Orleans."

If you are interested in donating an instrument or just sending words of encouragement and related advice please contact:

Kailey Becker
bbecker48@netzero.net
http://www.mhopus.org -- the organization working with Kailey

Oh when the saints going marching in, oh when the saints go marching in..................

Todd