FYI Karl and I attended the Ocean Springs. MS Hamfest on Saturday, November 18, 2006. This is their first hamfest since 2004, due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. It continues to be a problem there on the Gulf Coast as hams are rebuilding their lives. To put it short and to the point, they are at "Gound Zero". It is not only hams at "Ground Zero", all the citizens on the Gulf Coast area. We heard so many complaints! Karl and I talked on the telephone on Sunday night about the issues and we are following up. As I was driving South of Hattesburg, MS, I heard the annoucement on a commercial radio station ask or requesting the people from New Orleans to "come home"! If the living conditions are as bad in New Orleans as in Mississippi, it is very, very bad! It has to be equal bad or worst in New Orleans! Karl is combining our notes to allow us to work through some of the issues confronted us at the hamfest. I am very, very glad there was not another hurricane in the area this season. To make it short, it will be years before the Gulf Coast and New Orleans be the same level of living as prior to Hurricane Katrina and Rita. 73, Henry - WD4Q