Luke_Wilbur

A bizarre but well-established aspect of quantum physics could open up a new era of electronic detectors and imaging systems that would be far more efficient than any now in existence, according to new insights by an MIT leader in the field. MIT Professor of Mechanical Engineering Seth Lloyd has found that a peculiar quantum-physics property called entanglement can be harnessed to make detectors--similar in principle to radar systems used to track airplanes in flight or ships at sea--that are as much as a million times more efficient than existing systems. In addition, beams of entangled light could be swept across a scene to reconstruct a detailed image, with a similar improvement in efficiency. The new findings, being reported this week in the journal Science, are purely theoretical, but Lloyd says that laboratory experiments have already proven the feasibility of both the light sources and the detectors needed for such a quantum-based photodetection system, so he anticipates that within a year it should be possible to build a laboratory-scale system to demonstrate the new concept. "It should be possible to have at least a proof-of-principle demonstration within six months to a year," Lloyd said. For example, military applications could include improved night-vision systems, which send out beams of infrared light--invisible to the unclothed eye--to sweep across a scene, and then use an infrared detector to reconstruct an image from the light that is reflected back. A more efficient system, using the quantum-entanglement effect, would make it much more difficult for an adversary to detect the fact that such a system was being used, because there would be so much less infrared light needed to provide the illumination. Theoretically, such a system could be used to allow medical diagnostic systems such as CT scans to work with a vastly reduced X-ray output, thereby making them much safer for the patient, but such applications would be much further in the future. It could also someday be used for safer microscope imaging of living organisms. Entanglement is a strange property that was deduced theoretically on the basis of the laws of quantum physics, and has been demonstrated over the last several years in a variety of laboratory experiments. Under certain circumstances, when an atom gives off two photons of light at the same time, the two are "entangled" even as they go off in different directions, so that anything that changes one of the photons simultaneously changes the other as well. This odd property makes it possible to perform seemingly impossible feats such as "quantum teleportation," in which all of the properties of one subatomic particle are recreated in a different particle some distance away. It has also been demonstrated as a way of producing seemingly foolproof encryption systems for data transmission. But explanations of exactly what underlies the entanglement phenomenon remain controversial. Lloyd says that he cannot provide a simple, intuitive explanation for why the quantum illumination system described in this report actually works, but is certain that the theoretical calculations demonstrating it are correct. "It is as if the two entangled photons retain a memory of each other long after any such memory should have faded away," he said.

A bizarre but well-established aspect of quantum physics could open up a new era of electronic detectors and imaging systems that would be far more efficient than any now in existence, according to new insights by an MIT leader in the field. MIT Professor of Mechanical Engineering Seth Lloyd has found that a peculiar quantum-physics property called entanglement can be harnessed to make detectors--similar in principle to radar systems used to track airplanes in flight or ships at sea--that are as much as a million times more efficient than existing systems. In addition, beams of entangled light could be swept across a scene to reconstruct a detailed image, with a similar improvement in efficiency. The new findings, being reported this week in the journal Science, are purely theoretical, but Lloyd says that laboratory experiments have already proven the feasibility of both the light sources and the detectors needed for such a quantum-based photodetection system, so he anticipates that within a year it should be possible to build a laboratory-scale system to demonstrate the new concept. "It should be possible to have at least a proof-of-principle demonstration within six months to a year," Lloyd said. For example, military applications could include improved night-vision systems, which send out beams of infrared light--invisible to the unclothed eye--to sweep across a scene, and then use an infrared detector to reconstruct an image from the light that is reflected back. A more efficient system, using the quantum-entanglement effect, would make it much more difficult for an adversary to detect the fact that such a system was being used, because there would be so much less infrared light needed to provide the illumination. Theoretically, such a system could be used to allow medical diagnostic systems such as CT scans to work with a vastly reduced X-ray output, thereby making them much safer for the patient, but such applications would be much further in the future. It could also someday be used for safer microscope imaging of living organisms. Entanglement is a strange property that was deduced theoretically on the basis of the laws of quantum physics, and has been demonstrated over the last several years in a variety of laboratory experiments. Under certain circumstances, when an atom gives off two photons of light at the same time, the two are "entangled" even as they go off in different directions, so that anything that changes one of the photons simultaneously changes the other as well. This odd property makes it possible to perform seemingly impossible feats such as "quantum teleportation," in which all of the properties of one subatomic particle are recreated in a different particle some distance away. It has also been demonstrated as a way of producing seemingly foolproof encryption systems for data transmission. But explanations of exactly what underlies the entanglement phenomenon remain controversial. Lloyd says that he cannot provide a simple, intuitive explanation for why the quantum illumination system described in this report actually works, but is certain that the theoretical calculations demonstrating it are correct. "It is as if the two entangled photons retain a memory of each other long after any such memory should have faded away," he said.

I heard that mushroom spores can survive in space.

MIT Institute Professor John Deutch stressed the importance of pursuing every available avenue on energy, in testimony Friday before the U.S. Senate's Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Deutch, who has served in major roles in several administrations including director of energy research under President Carter and undersecretary and deputy secretary of defense as well as director of central intelligence under President Clinton, said "the fact is that the United States has not been, and is not now, on a path to a secure and sustainable energy future." The nation's overall importation and consumption of fossil fuels is projected to go on increasing, he said. While there are several factors that have prevented the adoption of a sustained national energy policy, he said, the key cause is that "political leaders find it difficult to speak the truth about energy matters." The reality, he said, is that progress will be slow because of the magnitude of the problems. Deutch offered seven recommendations, and emphasized that these represent not a menu of choices, but a package of actions that are all essential in order to reach a sustainable future. First, he said, charging for greenhouse gas emissions is essential, whether in the form of a direct carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system. Second, a major 10-year program to demonstrate carbon sequestration is essential to make clean coal a reality. Third, a push is needed to improve the efficiency of energy use in buildings, cars, and appliances. Fourth, much more research is needed on potential energy solutions. This requires at least a doubling of federal research funding, the creation of a new energy innovation council to develop a multi-year research strategy across all government agencies, and an energy technology corporation to manage demonstration projects, he said. Fifth, there should be an expansion of domestic oil and gas production, which he said is important to add credibility to US efforts to encourage other nations to increase their production. Sixth, commercial nuclear power should be expanded, although this requires addressing issues of cost, waste management, and nuclear weapons proliferation. Finally, Deutch said, there must be improvements in the coordination of energy policy across multiple government agencies, by creating an energy coordinating council. Deutch rejected calls for an energy research program akin to the Apollo program or Manhattan Project. Unlike those focused government programs with very specific, clearly defined objectives, he said, "here, we're talking about having a technology deployed in the real economy, and the issues are much more complex." After a question and answer period during which each of the 20 senators on the committee expressed their views, Deutch said "I'm impressed that all of you are saying that we need to do 'all of the above'" -- that is, that every possible alternative should be aggressively pursued, as he recommended. Given that support, he then asked, why isn't it happening?

I really think the hate has to end. Their needs to be some type of election ethics rules put into place by each state that has to be signed by each candidate before their name appears on the ballot.

That was definitely cool. We several thousand ip no.s we have blocked now. Spammers are nuts. I think many publications are afraid of Google's power. They do not want to say anything bad, because they might get penalized. At this point I can say that is not the case. And they still have the best search around.

Tonight's forum was both enlightening and a relief of the political bantering Americans have watched this last few weeks. Both candidates took the high road and commended each others service given to our nation. McCain the legendary war hero and Obama the civil servant. Both candidates believe that an incredible opportunity was missed by President Bush to rally our country post 911. Instead of telling Americans to go out an shop President Bush should have encouraged volunterism in the military and civilian sectors. McCain and Obama spoke of the benifits of our Peace and America Corps. I was not born during World War II, but I cannot stop thinking about "Its a Wonderful Life." When World War II erupts, George Bailey leads the can food and material drives and his brother Harry becomes a Navy pilot and is awarded the Medal of Honor for shooting down 15 enemy aircraft. Each one served our country with honor. Obama and McCain played simular roles in their service to our country. Today, I walked down to see the new Pentagon Memorial. Like many Americans I watched the smoke bellow out of the headquarters of our Defense Department on September 11, 2001. I was shocked, horrified, and felt a huge fustration that I could not do anything to help. Their was a call for blood, so I went down and donated some. I brought my camera and took some pictures for DCpages. It was the hardest photo assignment I probably will ever have. Every time I peered through the camera lense I could not stop crying. The week following September 11, 2001, I went to the prayer service at the National Cathedral and left for New York. It was worse. The 'Big Apple' was quiet and a haze cloud was over Manhatten. I looked up at the tall buildings next to me trying to imagine the collapse of the Towers. Words written in dusty window panes looking for lost friends, hundreds of people crying and praying at Liberty Square. It was heart wrenching. I then got the opportunity to visit crash site near Shanksville in rural Somerset County, Pennsylvania. September 11 changed my life. I realized how mortal I was and how large this event was. I remember putting out candles for the victims of this tragedy. I wanted to do more. So did the rest of the world. Our allies sent planes to protect our skies. I cried a silent thank you. I remember President Bush's speech that we were going to get Osama Bin Laden dead or alive. I was happy to put links to Armed Forces recruitment sites. It was something our publication could do to help. One of our staff decided to join the military. Rob ended up in Afganistan. I could not tell you how proud I was for him. I prayed to God that he would not get in harms way. I got caught up in the patriotism. Mayor Guilani visited Washington and got I went to see him at the Verizon Center. So many good things were happening. But, then Iraq came along. We all heard that Al Queda was working with Saddam in attacking America and they were building nuclear weapons. At first I thought our country needed to attack Iraq to protect ourselves, but I wondered why many of our allies were not supporting us. I also noticed our President was not telling us to donate our time and our goods for the war effort, but to go spend money at our supermarkets. Then the Downing street memo leaked out and America became confused. Resentment began to build when we did not find weapons of mass destruction and word spread that we did not finish Osama Bin Laden at Torra Borra. Our prewar intelligence investigations started and the blame game commenced. The lines became more blurred when the fire fighters who volunteered in New York started getting lung ailments and our government was not paying the tab. We all know the story. Finally, both parties are admitting this disgraceful act. I personally felt duped and got even more angry at what was transpiring. Both senators Obama and McCain were instumental in letting Americans know the mistakes our government made. Today was a blessing to me. The dedication ceremony for those that lost their lives on September 11 are for a brief period the center of national attention. I respect both Senator McCain and Senator Obama on their opinion of the future. They are not much different. But, Obama is George Bailey in my eyes. He sees that we have to have government to get people jobs and a sense of American Pride. John McCain believes that our government should work closer with companies like Target and Walmart. They have the logistics to help get aid to people faster. John McCain is weary of expanding our civilian sector in the government. Obama knows that this is the time that we really need it. I think every American needs to get inspired and lend a hand on getting the best nation back on its feet. On this issue I side with Obama. I hope that Barack Obama chooses to take up John McCain on his challenge to join him in a town hall meetings accross our country.

Tensions are getting worse. http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/...uela/index.html Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers landed at Venezuela's Libertador military airfield and "will spend several days carrying out training flights over neutral waters, after which they will return to the base," Interfax reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. Col. Alexander Drobyshevsky, a ministry spokesman, told Interfax that NATO fighters followed the bombers on their 13-hour flight over the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic. "All flights by air force aircraft have been and are marked by strict conformity to the international rules on the use of air space over neutral waters," Drobyshevsky told Interfax. The U.S. will monitor the Russian training, said Pentagon officials who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak on the information. On Monday, Russia announced it might hold joint naval maneuvers with Venezuela in the Caribbean. The declaration came in the wake of increased tension between Russia and the United States over Russia's invasion last month of the former Soviet republic of Georgia, a U.S. ally that aspires to join NATO. Russia on Monday denied any link between that announcement and the conflict in Georgia, although Russia has criticized U.S. support for Georgia, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has long antagonized Washington. Earlier this month, Chavez said Venezuela would welcome the Russian air force, according to Russian news agency Novosti. "If Russian long-range bombers should need to land in Venezuela, we would not object to that either. We will also welcome them," Chavez said on September 1, according to Novosti.

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSK, CMCSA), the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications, today announced that they are working with Intel Corporation to bring Internet Protocol (IP) based applications to the television experience set using a new technology co-developed by Intel and called the Widget Channel framework. This technology, previewed today at Intel’s Fall Developer Conference, is an open software development framework that enables the ability to combine Internet-based applications with a TV experience through a widget-based user interface that can be easily accessed while watching television programs. The Widget Channel framework’s graphical user interface will let consumers click an onscreen widget to access and view a variety of Internet-based applications or content such as weather updates, news, games, and other -interactive applications on their TV. Comcast and Intel expect to begin integration testing of The Widget Channel framework in the first half of 2009 on Comcast’s interactive program guide using tru2way™ technology, a Java-based platform with open API specifications, that’s being built into televisions, set-top boxes, and other devices. Tru2way technology enables application developers to “write” interactive applications once and see them run successfully on any cable television system or device that supports the specification. “The Widget Channel enables interactive applications and tru2way technology has opened the door for these types of innovations to work in the cable industry,” said Tony Werner, chief technology officer, Comcast Cable. “We’re looking forward to working with Intel as we continue to bring our customers new features and services that further enhance their viewing experiences.” “The success of the Widget Channel framework relies heavily on the support of industry-leaders like Comcast,” said Eric Kim, Intel Corporation senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Digital Home Group. “We feel this support will foster innovation and help bring new and exciting Internet widgets to millions of television sets across the country.” This announcement marks another important milestone in the evolution of the tru2way ecosystem. The Widget Channel framework will complement tru2way technology and the companies expect it will broaden the developer community and enhance the user experience.

Ford Motor Company really gets my goat. In the worst economic crisis since the great depression, Ford comes up with a green car that cannot be sold in the United States. Fiesta ECOnetic's launch at the 2008 British Motor Show brings the title of the UK's greenest car to Ford. Ford's range of fuel efficient ECOnetic models are leading the company’s bid to cut UK CO2 emissions by over 80,000 tons. The eco motoring website, http://www.cleangreencars.co.uk, calculated the environmental effect if all Ford buyers switched to the lowest CO2 model in the current range without downsizing, and lists three Focus models in its top five small family cars based on eco friendly credentials. The 44 mpg Kuga, with 169g CO2, is named its cleanest, greenest 4×4 and the Mondeo ECOnetic is shortlisted as an eco large family car. The new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic joins the Focus ECOnetic, which went on sale earlier this year and achieves CO2 emissions of 115g/km and fuel consumption of 65.6mpg (combined cycle). The Mondeo ECOnetic went on sale this month and offers large car comfort combined with fuel economy of over 53mpg and CO2 of 139g/km. Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "In the first half of this year, we have seen a 38% rise in sales of all Fords achieving under 120g CO2. Thanks to Clean green cars we’ve seen what could happen if this swing continues within each of our model ranges." Look for a less efficient gas powered version to be sold in the United States. I guess their philosphy is make money with no loyalty to country.

Former Sen. Fred Thompson's Speech energized the crowd tonight. He threw out a some funny lines like how Sarah Palin "is the only nominee in the history of either party who knows how to properly field-dress a moose ... with the possible exception of Teddy Roosevelt." He then gave a biography about John McCain. He then had people laughing when he stated that the early years in John McCain's life during flight school in Pensacola, the young soldier drove a Corvette and dated a girl who worked in a bar as an exotic dancer under the name of Marie, the Flame of Florida. Thompson got serious about how a P.O.W survived the horrors of prison camp. The cameras panned out to people crying as they listened to the story. His strongest remark came when he said, "The respect he is given around the world is not because of a teleprompter speech designed to appeal to American critics abroad but because of decades of clearly demonstrated character and statesmanship." For those of you that did not get to watch or listen to the speech here is the transcript:

I think it is funny how the news is reporting how the media should not be reporting this personal story every half hour all day long. This election should not be on race and teen pregnancy. Stick to the issues.

Belle Chasse, LA- The water levels around the Caenarvon Diversion and Scarsdale Levees are falling some and it appears the sandbagging effort is making a difference. Parish President Billy Nungesser says, “We have stopped the bleeding…and I am very encouraged by what we are seeing.” Additionally, permission has been granted by the State to reverse the Caenarvon Diversion Siphon to allow the water to drain into the river which could greatly aid in the effort. “This could not have been accomplished without the incredible support of St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens and Parish President Craig Taffaro. They sent manpower and sandbags and were just a huge help. We also are grateful to the parish employees and many volunteers who came out to help…also for all the support and help from Governor Bobby Jindal, Garret Graves with the Governor’s office and Col. Jeff Bedey with the Army Corps of Engineers,” says Nungesser. Crews are continuing the sandbagging efforts. Nungesser says they will not give up and will continue the fight as long as it takes to save the East Bank’s Braithwaite area. So far no homes have flooded. Meantime, there is some overtopping on the Citrus Lands Levees on the westbank…there is work underway to flood fight in that area as well. However, the water is not threatening Highway 23. The water had been rising in the Myrtle Grove area as well and is being monitored very carefully. So far no serious flooding has been reported.

New Orleans waits for landfall Sept. 1: As the storm takes aim at Louisiana almost exactly three years after Hurricane Katrina, NBC reports from New Orleans.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, are urging residents who will need assistance to evacuate from New Orleans to register for the City Assisted Evacuation Plan. The City estimates that 30,000 people will need evacuation assistance because they do not have vehicles, cannot afford to evacuate on their own, or have special medical needs. Below is key information about the program: * Register by calling 311 or (504) 658-2299 * Citizens also may register in the Office of Public Advocacy, * Citizens will board RTA buses at 17 pickup sites once the CAEP is initiated. Each site has special signage. * Citizens should identify the closest pick-up site now. * People who have not registered may still show up at one of the sites. * ID will not be required in order to board a bus. * Buses will transport citizens to the Union Passenger Terminal. From there, they will be transported to a shelter outside the New Orleans. * Bring luggage similar to what would be taken as a carry-on for an airplane - one medium-sized bag and a personal bag, such as a purse or laptop bag. * Maps are available online at http://www.cityofno.com Citizens with special medical needs * Residents with special needs are urged to evacuate with a family member or friend if possible. * Registration is critical for those with special medical needs who may need to be transported by ambulance or who may require other special care. * Residents with special medical needs who have been pre-identified will be transported from their homes. * Citizens with special medical needs should plan to bring one attendant with them. Pets * Citizens may bring their pets

New Orleans Mayor Announces Mandatory Evacuation Mayor C. Ray Nagin has announced a mandatory evacuation for the City of New Orleans beginning Sunday. Mayor Nagin called for a mandatory evacuation on the West Bank of New Orleans beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday. The mandatory evacuation is set to begin at noon on the East Bank. The Mayor said Hurricane Gustav is likely to be larger and stronger than Hurricane Katrina. The City Assisted Evacuation Plan will continue until midnight on Saturday and from 6 a.m. until noon on Sunday to provide transportation for citizens who cannot evacuate on their own. Those who need transportation should go to one of 17 designated pick-up sites. Residents who have special medical needs should call 311 for assistance. Mayor Nagin urged tourists to leave the city immediately. According to Mary Beth Romig of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors’ Bureau said local hotels will heed the evacuation order and close for business. She further urged citizens to depart from the city. Travelers who have airline reservations may board a shuttle at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown New Orleans. Travelers must have proof of a reservation in order to board. The City is paring down its staff to a skeleton crew. Mayor Nagin said he will trim the staff from approximately 200 people to 50 people. The New Orleans Police Department may also have some officers evacuate from the city. Most other city agencies are evacuating their entire staffs. Mayor Nagin urged that the West Bank may be most severely impacted by the hurricane and storm surge. He reiterated that the area’s storm protection system is not adequate to protect the New Orleans area in the face of the anticipated storm.

3800 Gulf Coast Oil Platforms are being evacuated. It is going to be a very rough Monday.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: * Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation * Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food * Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both * Flashlight and extra batteries * First aid kit * Whistle to signal for help * Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place * Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation * Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities * Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) * Local maps http://www.washdc.com/emergency-supply-kit

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with numerous federal agencies and voluntary organizations to support state and local authorities in their early response to Hurricane Gustav. President Bush has issued pre-landfall Emergency Disaster Declarations for Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi which enables federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts The initial focus is on helping to coordinate evacuations and preparing for the response in the immediate aftermath of the storm. To date, shelters have opened in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. The 69 open shelters have the capacity to house 30,836 evacuees, though currently there are only 2,343 occupants. In an example of interagency coordination: the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury delivered Railroad Retirement, Office of Personnel Management, Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Administration (SSA) checks on Friday and Saturday across the Gulf Coast region. SSA will issue an on-the-spot replacement check at relocation centers for individuals who may have evacuated prior to the weekend. While the primary focus is on the preparations and response to Hurricane Gustav, FEMA also has an interagency planning team working with states on the Atlantic coast to prepare for Tropical Storm Hanna, which could impact Southeastern or Gulf Coast states later in the week. FEMA encourages all residents in the region not in the areas immediately being evacuated to make final personal preparations to be able to meet their basic needs for 72-hours after landfall. Information is available at www.Ready.gov on how families and individuals can best prepare before the storm. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) * FEMA has the lead in coordinating the plans and preparatory activities numerous federal agencies are taking. FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center and Regional Response Coordination Centers in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, are operating around the clock, coordinating the prepositioning of assets and responding to state requests for assistance. DHS/FEMA continued * FEMA’s emergency teams and resources are being deployed and configured for coordinated response. FEMA has pre-staged life-saving and life-sustaining commodities such water, meals, and tarps in various strategic locations to be made available to residents of affected areas (see attached slide with the most current data), including millions of meals and bottles of water, nearly 500 emergency generators, and hundreds of thousands of tarps, blankets and cots. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) * USCG units within the projected landfall are taking actions to ensure personnel are ready to evacuate in time to avoid the storm, while simultaneously relocating personnel to continuity of operations locations to maintain situational awareness, command and control, and to ensure a seamless transition from preparedness to response operations. * The maritime community and boating public are strongly urged to track Gustav’s progress and take early action to protect themselves and their vessels. Extremely high seas, heavy rains and damaging winds that accompany tropical storms and hurricanes present serious dangers to mariners. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) * ICE's top priorities in any emergency are life-saving and life-sustaining activities, preventing the loss of property to the extent possible, and assisting with a speedy recovery of the affected region * There are no immigration enforcement operations, and there are no immigration enforcement checkpoints associated with the evacuations. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) * CBP is providing 20 law enforcement personnel to conduct and help protect Search & Rescue efforts as well as to help with evacuation and contra-flow traffic issues. * CBP will provide aircraft reconnaissance and imagery to improve situational awareness. Department of Defense (DOD) U.S. National Guard Bureau (NGB) * Approximately 7,000 National Guard members have been called up and are working with civil authorities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to assist displaced citizens and to prepare for hurricane landfall. * Nearly 400,000 National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and –Airmen, including nearly 110,000 in the Gulf Coast region, are trained and equipped to help save lives and ease suffering. * The Texas National Guard is sending 10 rotary wing and six C-130 aircraft to Louisiana to extract nearly 1,000 special-needs people from the New Orleans area. U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) * NORTHCOM, working with U.S. Transportation Command, has provided contracted airlift and begun to move up to 16,000 general population passengers and cargo. The airlift is moving passengers from New Orleans to Nashville, Tenn.; San Antonio, Texas; Louisville, Ky.; and Ft. Smith, Ark. * Department of Defense aeromedical evacuation capabilities have begun for evacuations for up to 1,000 patients for Louisiana and up to 500 patients for Texas. * Department of Defense medium and heavy lift rotary wing aircraft are conducting movement of personnel and supplies in support of disaster operations. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) * USACE has alerted and begun deploying to the Gulf Coast both local and regional teams from across the nation to assist in debris removal, commodities procurement and delivery, temporary emergency power, temporary housing, temporary roofing, infrastructure assessment, and support to urban search and rescue missions. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) * DOT deployed team of transportation experts to assist states with their evacuation procedures and produce bus and rail car safety inspections as needed. * Air traffic control is working to support air evacuations, with standby mobile air traffic control equipment on standby in Houston to serve as back ups in case storm damages equipment. U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) * Treasury is working to expedite check and direct deposit payments in the affected areas for certain federal benefits that are scheduled for regular delivery in the first week of the month. * Treasury, through the Federal Reserve, has requested that financial institutions in the Gulf Coast states honor the paper checks and consider making Direct Deposit payments available. U.S. Postal Service (USPS) * USPS is working closely with various federal agencies to support state and local authorities with their evacuation efforts. * USPS delivered Railroad Retirement, Office of Personnel Management, Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Administration checks Friday & Saturday for the Gulf Coast areas from Tallahassee Florida to McAllen Texas. * On Friday August 29, and Saturday August 30, monthly benefit checks for customers in potential Hurricane impacted areas were processed and delivered. Nearly 400,000 people in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have received their Social Security checks rather than on September 3rd, the regularly scheduled payment day. * USPS has procedures in place to help customers reestablish connection with their lives through the mail. Customers are encouraged to file change of address cards as soon as they have relocated. Filing can be done in three ways: on-line, at www.usps.com; in person at any post office, station or branch; or by phone at 1-800 ASK USPS (1-800-275-8777). * USPS is working closely with the Social Security Administration and other agencies to continue disbursing checks that have not been received. Customers are encouraged to go to the Social Security website, www.ssa.gov and click on the Hurricane Gustav link for more information. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) * DOE has activated its Strategic Petroleum Reserve Emergency Operations Center for 24-hour operations in Monroe, Louisiana. It will coordinate any distribution from the Reserve. * DOE has 15 responders deployed to the FEMA National and Regions Response Coordination Centers. Staff are also deployed to Pennsylvania in preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) * NOAA’s National Hurricane Center is continuing to monitor the track and intensity of Hurricane Gustav. The center will issue watches and warnings to affected areas as needed. * NOAA aircraft are flying missions into Hurricane Gustav providing data on the storm for research and operational forecasts. NOAA’s geostationary and polar orbiting satellites are also providing valuable data to hurricane forecasters. * NOAA post-landfall functions such as navigation response teams, hazardous materials incident scientific support are being staged and prepared for deployment. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) * USDA responded to a state request and funded the purchase of infant formula and baby food that will be delivered on Aug. 31 to the two large shelters set up in Alexandria and Shreveport. * The State of Louisiana requested a waiver for early issuance of food stamp benefits which USDA approved on Aug. 30. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) * More than 600 SBA disaster personnel are standing by to deploy into the disaster impact area. An additional 500 disaster reservists are prepared to staff the agency's Disaster Loan Processing and Disbursement Center in Ft. Worth, Texas, and the Disaster Customer Service Center in Buffalo, NY * The SBA coordinates with federal and state emergency management agencies in the initial post-disaster damage assessment, and works with federal and state partners to provide information about disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes. The majority of disaster loans approved by the SBA--about 80%--go to homeowners and renters. Department of Justice (DOJ) * DOJ and federal law enforcement agencies are carefully monitoring the path of Hurricane Gustav and making appropriate preparations in order to respond to the storms landfall. * Federal Law Enforcement Agencies are setting up command posts and positioning appropriate response teams. Currently, 2,700 interagency personnel from federal law enforcement agencies have been placed on standby. These resources consist of uniformed officers with marked vehicles, criminal investigators, and tactical teams from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshal Service, and Customs and Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FPC, Drug Enforcement Agency, Office of Personnel Management’s Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General, and U.S. Mint Police. U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) * DOI’s U.S. Geological Survey is deploying temporary storm surge sensors in New Orleans, La. * DOI has deployed 30 Search & Rescue boat units from the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. * DOI’s Minerals Management Service has activated its "Continuity of Operations Plan" team to monitor activities of Gulf of Mexico offshore oil and gas operators American Red Cross (ARC) * This is the largest Red Cross relief effort since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Red Cross has stood up relief operations in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. ARC’s first priority during this disaster is to provide people with food, shelter and emotional support. As people leave their homes, ARC staff are on the receiving end to provide shelter and to make them as comfortable as possible in our shelters. * ARC is prepared to shelter more than 150,000 people in the four affected states, as well as those states that have agreed to host evacuees. Together, with its partners, ARC has the capacity to provide nearly 650,000 meals per day post-landfall. * ARC is reaching out to underserved communities with partner groups, including: the NAACP, the National Immigration Law Center, the Southern Baptist Convention and Catholic Charities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) * In response to a possible activation for oil and hazardous materials response, EPA’s Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been brought to a heightened state of alert. EPA has personnel at the FEMA Regional Response and Coordination Center in Atlanta and is providing staff to the Mississippi EOC and the Alabama EOC. * EPA regional water program offices are coordinating with states in preparation for potential support should the storm impact the water sector and overwhelm local and state capabilities. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) * NRC dispatched additional staff to nuclear power plants in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. One plant, Waterford about 20 miles west of New Orleans, planned to shut down late Sunday as the storm approached. * NRC requires plants to shut down if winds hit hurricane strength. They may not restart without permission from the NRC and assurance from FEMA that evacuation routes are open. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) * HHS agencies continue to work closely with federal, states and local agencies to coordinate the public health and medical response. * HHS has activated the National Disaster Medical System, a federally coordinated operation that can assist state and local officials in dealing with major disasters. HHS also is working with FEMA and the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to provide air evacuation of 500 medical patients in Texas and an estimated 500 by air from Louisiana. * HHS has placed Federal Medical Stations, each with a 250-bed capacity, in Texas and Louisiana to provide low-critical care to residents during the emergency. HHS has caches of medical supplies in place in the Gulf region, with additional caches ready to deploy. * Teams from HHS human services agencies will work with special needs populations. For instance, the Administration on Aging has been facilitating discussions with directors of state agencies that aid the aging, to help coordinate preparation to ensure the needs of the elderly are met. Liaisons from the Indian Health Service are working with state officials and tribes to ensure state requests for assistance are met. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. For more information on FEMA activities visit www.FEMA.gov and for more information on personal preparedness see www.Ready.gov.

USTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has ordered additional state resources to support evacuation efforts from the southeast Texas coast and Louisiana prior to the landfall of Hurricane Gustav. According to the National Weather Service, Gustav is currently a Category 3 hurricane with winds at 120 mph and potentially strengthen before making landfall on the Gulf Coast. "I urge Texas residents to heed the warnings from local leaders to keep their families and themselves safe as this hurricane heads toward the Gulf Coast," Governor Perry said. "Texas has pre-deployed substantial resources and stands ready to respond to either a direct hit or serious flooding as a result of Hurricane Gustav. We will continue to work with our local leaders, federal partners and neighbors in Louisiana throughout this storm." Today, Gov. Perry joined President George W. Bush, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour on a video teleconfercence to discuss preparations for Hurricane Gustav. A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remains in effect from west of Cameron, La., to just east of High Island, Texas. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours. The state of Texas assisted local leaders and emergency responders in successfully evacuating and sheltering nearly 10,000 special-needs Texans from Chambers, Orange and Jefferson counties. Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties have issued mandatory evacuations, which include the cities of Beaumont and Port Arthur. Following the mandatory evacuation of the city of New Orleans beginning at 8:00 a.m. this morning, Texas state resources began mobilizing aerial resources and personnel to support the evacuation of an estimated 1,000 medical special needs evacuees from Louisiana to Texas. Currently, 27 buses transporting Louisiana residents who cannot evacuate themselves are en route to shelters in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. Texas is also preparing for an estimated 45,000 general population evacuees to Texas from Louisiana. The Emergency Management Council and State Operations Center are fully activated. The State Operations Center is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Gustav and holding twice daily conference calls with federal, state and local officials, private industry partners, volunteer organizations and the National Weather Service. To date, Texas has taken the following actions: Texas Military Forces: Up to 7,500 guardsmen, 15 aerial resources, and six C-130 aircraft have been activated, some of which have begun deploying to transport medical special needs evacuees from New Orleans to Austin today. Texas Engineering Extension Service: Texas Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2 are preparing assets and will be mobilized today to provide search and rescue capabilities as needed. A team of 40 members of Texas Task Force 1 are deploying to Louisiana today to assist evacuation efforts. Department of Public Safety: Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers have inspected buses that are being used for evacuations. Texas Department of State Health Services: The agency is providing oxygen tanks at each of the temporary fueling stations in East Texas for evacuees. A respiratory therapist is at each of the stations. DSHS is providing health-related evacuation suggestions on its website (www.dshs.state.tx.us) Health and Human Services Commission: The state's 2-1-1 information and referral network has responded to thousands of calls for information about shelter locations and evacuation routes. Department of Family and Protective Services: The agency has provided information to foster parents in the evacuation areas and activated a hotline, 800-252-5400, where caregivers can report their new locations once they reach a safe area. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: Hurricane housing resources for communities are on the agency's website (www.tdhca.state.tx.us). TDHCA is reminding all affordable housing rental owners statewide to keep their apartment vacancy information current as they supply information to TDHCA. TDHCA will contact community action agencies in the projected path of the storm and advise them that they may be called upon to serve additional persons based on the events transpiring. Texas Department of Criminal Justice: The TDCJ LeBlanc Unit in Beaumont completed the evacuation of 1,100 inmates to units in Huntsville and Livingston. TDCJ Gist State Jail in Beaumont also completed the evacuation of 2,080 inmates to units in the Palestine and Huntsville areas. Texas Department of Agriculture: The agency has identified commodities that are available for distribution, and is coordinating with the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Texas Animal Health Commission: TAHC is coordinating with its member agencies and other animal care agencies to shelter animals. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: TCEQ is authorizing fuel waivers as necessary and is prepared to respond to impacts from Hurricane Gustav. A strike team capable of handling hazardous materials is on standby. TCEQ is working with local agencies to be prepared to address any environmental impact issues that may result from Gustav. Texas Public Utility Commission: The Public Utility Commission is prepared to coordinate a significant response into potential affected areas in order to restore power in a timely and effective manner. Texas Education Agency: School districts in the interior part of the state are making preparations to open as shelters, if needed. The TEA webpage, www.tea.state.tx.us/gustav/, is providing school officials with the latest school-related hurricane information. Texas Department of Information Resources: A DIR Texas Computer Security Incident Response Team remains on standby. Texas Department of Insurance: TDI continues to monitor Hurricane Gustav and remain in contact with its insurance stakeholder group, the Texas State Disaster Coalition. TDI is also encouraging Texas consumers to prepare for the storm and offering insurance tips (www.tdi.state.tx.us). TDI has contacted the Louisiana Department of Insurance to begin coordinating assistance to Louisiana insurance consumers who may be heading to Texas. Texas Department of Transportation: Previously planned lane closures for I-10 in the Houston area have been cancelled through Monday, Sept. 1. All previously planned lane closures in the Houston and Beaumont area are currently suspended. Major construction on U.S. 59 entering the city of Lufkin from Houston has been suspended. Dynamic message signs are being used to urge residents along the coast to fuel up their vehicles. TxDOT personnel are also sweeping roadside shoulders and patching pavement along potential evacuation routes. Fuel Team: The Fuel Team has ensured the availably of fuel in the evacuation areas and potential impact areas of Gustav. Volunteer organizations throughout Texas are working with local officials to shelter evacuees from Texas and Louisiana. For more information on hurricane preparedness and Hurricane Gustav please visit www.governor.state.tx.us

MONTGOMERY-Governor Bob Riley today declared an official state of emergency due to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Gustav. The emergency declaration enables the Governor to invoke various emergency preparedness measures. “The tracking of Hurricane Gustav indicates that Alabama is at risk to sustain damage from high winds, heavy rains, and possible tornadoes,” said Governor Riley. “I am again urging everyone to take the necessary precautions to ensure your and your family’s safety. Because of the high possibilities of damage, it is extremely important to have a declaration in place.” The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has been directed to make appropriate assessments of damages and seek the necessary state and federal assistance for the affected areas, if necessary. Governor Riley has already put 3,000 Alabama National Guardsmen on alert, and the Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are also preparing to re-route traffic on I-65, should it become necessary. The Governor is keeping in close contact with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, as well as local emergency management officials. The declaration also allows the Governor to invoke Alabama’s price gouging law, which applies during times of a state of emergency issued by the Governor.

Governor Riley Orders Evacuations for Parts of Mobile and Baldwin Counties CLANTON - At the request of local emergency management officials, Governor Bob Riley on Sunday ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents of low lying and flood prone areas of southern Mobile County and Baldwin County due to the threat posed by Hurricane Gustav. The evacuation order, which went into effect at 7 a.m. Sunday, applies to all residents of Mobile County in Hurricane Evacuation Zone 1, which is south of Interstate 10 and includes areas such as Fowl River, Coden and Bayou La Batre, and all Baldwin County residents on Fort Morgan Peninsula, Plash Island, and areas south of Fort Morgan Road in the city of Gulf Shores. “I’ve discussed this with local officials and we’re in agreement this evacuation is necessary to protect the lives of these residents,” said Governor Riley. The current track of Hurricane Gustav indicates the primary threat posed to Alabamians is going to be flooding in these areas.” The 3,000 Alabama National Guard troops the Governor activated earlier remain on alert, and the Alabama Department of Transportation continues to have staff propositioned along Interstate 65 and are ready to reverse lanes if and when that becomes necessary. Alabama State Troopers also remain deployed to assist the flow of evacuation. spacer gif

More than 40 shelters are open throughout Mississippi PEARL – As of 6 p.m. more than 3,400 Hurricane Gustav evacuees were listed in shelters throughout Mississippi. There are 42 shelters open in the state at this time. The list of open shelters will be updated regularly by MEMA. Call the following numbers for the most recent information: 1-866-519- MEMA, 1-800-Red-Cross, 2-1-1 or 1-866-472-8265. Currently, shelters in Mississippi can accommodate up to 192,143 evacuees. People who plan to stay at a shelter should bring the following:  Clothes for three to five days Medications Blanket, pillow Personal hygiene items Identification Accommodations for children (personal items, entertainment, toys) For more information call MEMA’s Public Information Line at 866-519-MEMA or the Media line at 866-920-MEMA or visit http://www.msema.org.

Important phone numbers and information: * Public Information Line: 866-519-MEMA. * Media Information Line: 866-920-MEMA. * MDOT: 866-521-MDOT (6368). * Volunteer information: 1-866-472-8265. * Safe and Well: click here * Hurricane Preparedness Number: 1-866-458-4948 * Mississippi Department of Health: http://www.HealthMs.com. * Hotel accomodations are extremely limited in both Jackson and Memphis. Shelters for Gustav evacuees: Call 211, or 1-866-472-8265 or, Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767), or click here Alabama Emergency Hotline for Shelters: 1-800-206-0816.

Governor Bobby Jindal held a press conference along with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to give an update on state and federal preparedness measures surrounding the impact of Hurricane Gustav on Louisiana. Governor Jindal said, "Our most up to date information from the Hurricane Center shows that the storm did not reorganize as well as it could have, which is good news; but, again, we expect tropical storm force winds overnight tonight and as early as late this evening. St. Bernard, Plaquemines, and Terrebonne Parishes will get tropical storm force winds by midnight. Those areas at the mouth of the Mississippi River will get hurricane force winds early Monday morning. The Hurricane Center said hurricane wind warnings will stretch from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge. "The eye of the storm is expected to hit midday tomorrow, and the storm is predicted to leave the state before it stalls." The Governor added that Baton Rouge and central Louisiana should be aware of possible 70 to 80 miles-per-hour winds as the hurricane comes through the state, which will likely cause power outages and downed trees. The Governor said that he visited Lakefront Airport earlier today to thank the National Guard for their support in evacuating medical patients out of South Louisiana. Additionally, the Governor said that this afternoon he signed a memorandum of understanding between Louisiana and Missouri and Tennessee for the use of their National Guard forces assisting evacuation and response operations. SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTERS UPDATE: The Governor announced that the state has worked with several states to identify shelters for special needs individuals, including 53,000 spots in eight states. The Governor said that there is currently no wait for non-critical patients for air evacuations, and the state has extra air capacity available. The Governor said that region 1 (New Orleans) is done evacuating homebound patients and the city is currently evacuating their 73 remaining patients from hospitals now. Region 3 (Houma) - homebound and nursing homes are evacuated, and hospitals who wanted to evacuate have done so. Region 5 (Lake Charles) has reported one nursing home that now needs to be evacuated and the state is working to assist them. Currently, 84 out of 115 nursing homes in impacted areas have evacuated - which is around 8,000 individuals (at least 27 with state assistance), and 27 hospitals have had full or partial evacuations. Governor Jindal also spoke about the risk of evacuating critically ill patients from hospitals and said that there are reports of three unconfirmed deaths that occurred during evacuation efforts. The Governor said that the state continues to help hospitals, nursing homes, and local officials work to evacuate people out of harm's way and his prayers go out to the families of those who have been lost. EVACUATION SUPPORT UPDATE: Governor Jindal said that seven states are helping Louisiana to shelter more than 29,000 citizens at 107 shelters. Texas has offered to shelter several thousand patients, Oklahoma has agreed to accept 4,000 general evacuees, and 150 medical patients from southwest Louisiana hospitals are expected to arrive at the Oklahoma Air National Guard Base at WillRogersAirport in Oklahoma City today. More than 25,000 citizens are currently sheltered in Louisiana in 120 Red Cross shelters. Four state-run Critical Transportation Needs Shelters are full (10,000 capacity), two FEMA/Red Cross Critical Transportation Needs Shelters are full (5,500 capacity), and the five Medical Special Needs Shelters across the state still have several hundred slots remaining (649 patients currently sheltered there). Additionally, Louisiana continues to work with AL, AR, TX, OK, MO, KY, GA, and TN to provide additional shelter space for thousands of residents, as needed. Buses will arrive in Ascension and Lafayette once evacuations are complete for search and rescue operations, and more than 400 buses are still available in New Orleans. The Governor said that 123 general population shelters are open in Louisiana and the local OEPs and Red Cross workers continue to take in those citizens seeking shelter. Governor Jindal said that utility teams including 11,000 utility workers from out of state are staged and standing by to help turn back on utilities after the storm passes, and they will start working on the essential functions of hospitals, fire service, water, and sewer systems. The Governor said that around six to seven hours after landfall the state will start surveillance efforts to identify damaged areas. Additionally, the Governor announced that 96 percent of oil and 82 percent of natural gas in federal waters in the Gulf is currently shut in, in preparation for the storm. Louisiana State Police estimates that 95 percent of the two million people expected to evacuate have done so, accounting for a total of more than 1.9 million people evacuating the coast - the largest evacuation in the history of the state. SEARCH AND RESCUE UPDATE: Governor Jindal said that the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will work alongside the Coast Guard and FEMA and the National Guard during search and rescue operations. SAR operations will be based at three locations, and have determined three other forward-leaning bases, including: West Bank, Abbeville, and Nicholls State University. The Governor said that 300 people with 200 boats plus 500 people with equipment from the federal government and other states will support SAR operations after the storm and for example California is now also supporting SAR operations by sending 100 people with 16 boats. New York and Michigan are also sending additional support units. There are already people staging at Camp Beauregard and there is capacity for 700 people at Lamar Dixon. Additionally, Mississippi has three 100-member search and rescue teams, which may be freed up to help Louisiana's efforts. Governor Jindal closed by encouraging all media and residents to visit www.emergency.louisiana.gov for most updated information on storm.