I just watched this slideshow of photos taken by Robert Polidori in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The slideshow includes audio commentary by Polidori. It was interesting — for the most part, the photos struck me at first as aesthetically interesting, but then you stop and think (or the slideshow pans out on the photo) and realize that it’s not just a scene — it was someone’s life, and the whole thing becomes a bit disturbing. (For an example of what I’m trying to say, pay attention when you see the swimming pool.) Five of these are reproduced in the Jan. 9 issue of The New Yorker. Check that out, or view the slideshow (it was maybe 10 minutes? I didn’t think to time it). I will note, though, that his voice annoyed me a bit. I think it was the upturn on the end of most of his sentences.

*EDIT 1/5: I neglected to mention that the same issue of The New Yorker includes a great article by Dan Baum: Deluged: When Katrina hit, where were the police? It’s also available to read online, no registration required.*