[mhlandry]

Ehhhhhh. I live in St. Charles parish, about 20 miles east of the city and we barely got any damage compared to the city, but things are just barely starting to get to normal even around here.

As far as opening Harrahs goes, I'd be surprised if they're not opened for limited operations within the next month. There actually was a few feet of water on Canal Street
(think streetcar, palm trees, saks fifth avenue--you may have seen it on tv), but I think I remember the main floor of the building being five or so feet above ground level. The underground parking garage and tunnels may need some work, but that won't prevent them from opening. Another question is whether any looters broke in and ransacked the place (it's right across the street from the convention center). I have to imagine that Harrahs did everything they could to protect their property though.

The main problem, I think, is going to be staffing the joint. So many homes aren't livable. So many people are scattered everywhere. They're just now letting people back into New Orleans. Water still isn't drinkable. Every single open store (more and more are opening up each day!) has help wanted/now hiring signs out front.

On an anecdotal note, they were building a hotel across the street for the casino. I've never seen a building go up so fast. They had people working on that thing around the clock. Lesson: money talks. If there's going to be a business open, its going to be Harrahs.

So if you've planned a trip, keep an eye out. We can sure use the business.

- Matt