A heavy heart, a blank screen

We watch soaps to provide ourselves with a little escape from the sometimes dull routine of our daily lives.

That is what I faced this afternoon when I sat down to my laptop to create this week's Scoop. I am sure it goes without saying that I speak of this past week's tragedy in the Gulf Coast states due to Hurricane Katrina. Like much of America, I have been glued to my TV and Internet news sites all week to watch events unfold. Even as I watched The Bold and the Beautiful this week, I found myself switching to CNN or MSNBC during every commercial, hoping for some better news, but regrettably did not see much until just yesterday.

However, as I tried to think of what I would write about, I found myself at a bit of a loss for words as the wild and crazy goings-on in the soap world seem so small compared to what that region is going through now and is faced with in the coming months. With images throughout the week of children starving and the elderly dying before my eyes, suddenly the question of "Who should Nick be with?" seemed a bit meaningless. More than once this week, I found myself crying at these images much like I did when we experienced the horror of 9/11. It's unimaginable what these people are dealing with and a true catastrophe of a great American community. Many readers I have heard from over the years are from the Gulf States, including several from New Orleans and Biloxi in particular. I hope and pray they are safe and that I may hear from them again in the future.

I know that we watch soaps to provide ourselves with a little escape from the sometimes dull routine of our daily lives. I know that I am lucky to have many readers who enjoy my sarcasm and twisted sense of humor and look for a laugh each Monday morning to start off their week. Whether you agree with my views or disagree, I have always said I have fantastic followers of my column. But this week, folks, my heart was just not in it. Given that fact, I'm sure you will all understand why I will keep the focus of this week's column very simple.

It's been said throughout the week that we all should reach deep down and contribute whatever we can to the relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I have done so through a collection at my job, and I urge everyone to find some way, no matter how big or small, to help. The Salvation Army and the Red Cross are two of the more reputable and trusted relief organizations where the funds will help immediately. Their websites and phone numbers are all over the TV and the Internet.

Though I am several states away from the affected areas of this tragedy, I feel like we are all in this together, and I ask that all my readers, no matter where you may be in this world, keep the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama in your thoughts in these coming weeks and months. Their struggle to rebuild their cities and their lives will not be an easy one, but if they know they have the support of the American people, it can likely provide a sense of hope, and for many, hope may be all they have left in the world.

The Scoops will be full-throttle next week, rest assured. Enjoy your Labor Day Holiday, and everyone be safe. Who's on the Soapbox? Merriellen writes... '...remember the scene where Bridget fins out she's pregnant? She didn't show the stick to Stephanie-that's the normal thing to do...I think she came up with an elaborate ploy to finally get back at her mother.'

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Mandi writes... '...Bridget may have been a little misguided in lying about the abortion but Brooke always steals her men in some weird way or another.'

Until next week, stay in touch with your thoughts...it's the best part of my week when I hear from everybody!

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