On a related note, you probably all know that a lot of the evacuees are here in Houston. There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from people, but we're being told that help is still needed. The director of the local chapter of the red cross suggested sending money because they can be much more efficient with the money than you can at the grocery store. That is, buying in bulk, and buying as the Red Cross gets more bang for the buck.

On a personal note, I'd like to add to what the director said by including some things you might want to avoid doing:

• Say you do come down to Houston and volunteer at one of the shelters, forming a gauntlet of applause for evacuuess to pass through on their way to pick out clothing may not be the most productive use of your time.
• Forming a gauntlet of applause for people dropping off supplies also may not be the most efficient use of your time. I would suggest walking 20 ft across the street and joining the gauntlet of people carrying the supplies into the shelter.
• If you are sending clothes, some things you may want to pull out of the bag to make room for other things include: t-shirts with such sweat stains that they have rotted large holes in the arm pits, underwear with such hersey stains that they have rotted out the bottom, your white fur-trimmed g-string, your collection of padded bras and bustiers, and your collection of Sea World Captain's hats.

Actually, I take that back about the g-string. It was clean, and I think everyone should get to feel sexy ... perhaps especially in times like these.