I am currently without non-work access to the internet, so postings here will be suspended for at least another week or two. I am currently talking with the only broadband gang here in Tallahassee, Comcast. Their prices are inflated exponentially, so I am going to talk to them in person and try to seal a better deal.

As a quick update to you all, both the work and living situations are quite excellent right now. Honestly, I could not be happier. Big things I cannot talk about on here are in the works and the people that I live with — in the same small apartment complex I live in that is, as I have a nice and large two bedroom to myself — are quite awesome, not to mention hospitable.

I am moving into my new apartment this weekend so the site content drought will continue for a bit longer. Have a great weekend.

Since it was released two weeks ago, I have been using Google Talk as my primary instant messaging client. I have to say that after using this newly developed and still beta application, it will be difficult for me to use another client.

The interface is very clean and minimalist, containing only required features, buttons and other graphical elements. While offering quick and easy text chat capabilities, Google Talk also boasts what I consider to be revolutionary duplex voice. The pure digital format means that when connected to another user the audio is better than any analog or digital telephone, landline or cellular. The compression rate was such that only occasional disruptions and digital noise are present. Even then, it was only an issue when more than human vocal data is being transmitted — such as music or a television in the background. And finally, I would like to note that the installer for Google Talk beta is only 900 kilobytes and while running and active, the client itself uses a measly 2.5 megabytes of memory.

Given I am such a fan of Google Talk, it is now the only chat client I am using. And since Google Talk uses a Google Mail account for authentication, Gmail users are ready for Google Talk immediately. You can add me as a friend — see contact — and chat today. Or if you need a Gmail account I have hundreds of invites available so you do not have to go through the mobile SMS verification in place now. Just let me know.

I am pleased to be able to post this update to my family's request for information about missing relatives due to Hurricane Katrina.

Bless you Michelle in Texas for calling me, not once but twice, to make sure I received the message my family in Ocean Springs was fine. Amidst all this tragedy there are good people who go the extra mile to help someone else. I hope you find your loved ones soon. Thanks to your message I was able to help Linda's family in England via e-mail.

Many Thanks,

Carol in Florida

My mother asked me to post the following in the hope we may reconnect with missing family who live in the areas effected by Hurricane Katrina. UPDATE

I am looking for my family in Ocean Springs and Biloxi, Mississippi. In Ocean Springs, Frieda and Bill Orsi on Audrey Circle and cousins Dan and Linda Richard on Woodland Circle. In Biloxi, cousin Suzanne Palfreyman on McDonnell.

I ask that they or anyone with news or information about their status contact me either by telephone (407.766.2058) or e-mail (carolATmtsutro.com). Also, if you have been in either of these two areas, I would appreciate an e-mail to let me know the condition.

Thank You,

Carol Nichelson

I have submitted this request to Craig's List: New Orleans Lost and Found (post) and The New Orleans Times-Picayune Missing Persons Forum (post). Please feel free to link to this entry or reproduce it on any additional mediums that may increase visibility.

I would additionally like to add that I will be donating goods during a local collection campaign tomorrow and encourage you to do the same in your area. And if you have the means, the American Red Cross could use your financial support.