Hurricane Katrina

* Hurricane Katrina bears down on the Gulf, and it's incredible watching the footage. I can't believe the number of folks that stayed behind to weather it out.

* The big US infrastructure issue with Hurricane Katrina is the impact on our oil supply. I read that 25% of the domestic oil production comes through that area. The US uses 20 million barrels of oil a day. 12 million of that is imported, and 8 million is produced domestically. So, we're talking around 2 million barrels of crude a day will be affected by this hurricane. What do you think that will do to your energy and fuel bills?

* If you were watching Hurricane news over the weekend, you caught the story about coffee being the top antioxidant source for Americans. No doubt, this will justify (to many) their pot-a-day habit. Unfortunately, I didn't read anything in that article about how caffeine affects folks. And say, isn't high blood pressure a problem in America?

"I've got some good news, and some bad news. The good news is that by drinking all that coffee, you're consuming antixoxidants which help prevent cancer. The bad news, is your blood pressure readings. Although, the drug companies consider that the good news as they can now sell you expensive drugs to treat that condition for the rest of your days."

* In CA, there is SB 1, a senate bill that would make CA a leader in solar energy. Unfortunately, Dim-bulb Dems may send solar bill to its demise. This really frustrates me, because I think we should be looking at alternative energy. What could be better than solar? Clean air and water! No mess to dispose of like in nuclear. But, looks like the Democrats are going to kill it.

SB 1 now goes to the Assembly floor, so there is still time to amend the bill. Yet if it passes in its current form, remember these names: Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and his deputy on this bill, Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys. Instead of thinking globally and acting locally, they revealed why Democrats are a faltering party, more interested in licking boots than in leadership.

* The stock market seems to be shrugging off hurricane Katrina. Now, it is getting towards the end of the month, and we normally get end of month strength as the 401(k) contributions hit and buy stocks. In addition, there may be some "Labor Day Rally" influence. I'd have to consult my Stock Traders Almanac, but I believe the market tends to rally around Labor Day. Of course, August and September are historically the two worst performing months of the year.

* Is football un-Islamic?

* Oil above $70? You know, there is lots of chatter about conservation, but nothing ever seems to happen. People still have to get to work and take the kids to soccer practice. None of that changes. Instead, if people are spending more at the pump, that means they're spending less at the malls and restaurants. Say, what's happening to those stocks lately? YUP. Selling. There is also a lot of talk about alternative energy, but that's been going on since 1973 and STILL there isn't much we can point out as an alternative energy achievement. Then you have the Democrats in CA who seem opposed to alternative energy, as I noted above. Strangely, they're also opposed to drilling for oil. I guess they're just opposed to energy, period. Live like the Amish, people!

* Do movies suck? I think so. I feel like I've been ripped off when I go to the theater. Like the column says, Netflix probably has something to do with the movie slump. I'd rather pay $17 a month than $9.50 per ticket. Know what I mean?

* What are friends and coworkers saying? "The hurricane Katrina news at least blew Cindy Sheehan out of the headlines." Agreed.

* I haven't heard the news, but I read on Michelle Malkin's site (a daily read) that President Bush may release some oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Yeah, if not now, when? That is for emergencies and a 25% hit to domestic production would qualify. (I'd think).

* I doubt any teens will be tearing down their posters of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders or the Oakland Raiderettes to put up a poster of the Islamic football team cheerleaders.