It was kind of shocking, ... There were plans for him to come on campus for a particular event. When it came through he had resigned, we were all a little stunned.

It's our signature event this year and what a great way to end the meet.

I like that particular kind of attention. People don't know what it's like standing up there onstage, when you have a wall of people smiling at you.

With (Katrina), it's almost like the sequel that doesn't live up to the original. It's certainly a shocking event and a tragedy, but somehow as a big event it doesn't seem to carry as much weight with the public as 9/11 did.

The best thinking right now is 8 to 15 inches. We make a forecast for the most likely event happening.

I know the mayor is really excited about the event. He couldn't make the first one but he plans to be there this time.