Katrina, the Gulf Coast, and New Orleans...

During the last hurricane, there were news stories about welders and welding distributors donating generators to help with the situation. What they're facing in Missisipi, Louisiana and Alabama is such an unspeakable disaster that I don't think anyone knows how to proceed yet. It's one of those problems so huge that you can't start to get your mind around it-- any step seems pointless given the destruction.

Yet, a few generators can maybe make a positive difference for some people. Welders were generous for Andrew. Let's hope we can be so for this unimaginable disaster.

Speaking of that, Northern Tool has established a hotline for generator users during hurrican season. For those who might need assistance on their generators, it's a good place to start. Call (800) 214-8921 toll-free if you need it.