I asked Steve O'Keefe what we can do to help the people who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. "At this time," he replied, "I recommend donations to the Red Cross." He added, "...every state should ask what they can do *today* for the Gulf Coast."

Following are O'Keefe's top recommendations for online newsfeeds about New Orleans:

http://wdsu.com (good news blog)

http://wwltv.com (good news blog)

http://neworleans.metblogs.com/ (I've been blogging here, good integrator)

http://www.nola.com (has neighborhood blogs with good block-by-block info)

"Also let online communicators know that blogs have been a vital source of news and comfort for survivors and refugees!"

Dear Friends, Family and Associates,

Patron Saint Productions' New Orleans office is closed due to Hurricane Katrina. I have safely evacuated to Nashville, Tennessee, and am available via e-mail and cell phone (I have been told it is difficult to reach my cell). My cell phone number is 504-715-3051.

As near as I can tell, Patron Saint Production's offices and the homes of all our staff and family members sustained little or no damage. We evacuated enough computer equipment to operate out of Nashville for as long as it takes to safely return to New Orleans. Our New Orleans office will re-open as soon as possible.

I will post updates to the Patron Saint Productions home page on a regular basis. What is happening in New Orleans is truly heartbreaking. Thanks for your concern, your condolences, and your prayers.

STEVE O'KEEFE
Executive Director, Patron Saint Productions, Inc.
Bywater Tech Center, 538 Louisa St, New Orleans, LA 70117 USA
Voice: (504) 947-4994 Fax: (504) 947-4984 Cell: (504) 715-3051

I recently found that both his cell phone service and website were not available. If you wish to get a message to Steve, you can leave a comment here.

I had a long phone conversation with Steve just last Friday. He was back from his summer authors' video tour and was eager to resume contributing to IAOC's blog. He planned to assume responsibility as "program manager/producer" starting in September, and I expect he will be back with us as soon as circumstances permit.