I am so ashamed to be a resident of Louisiana today. I love New Orleans so much, but I've always been ambivalent about the state itself. But, realistically... is there a state in the union today where we are not so hated that a similar ban would not pass?

Hate... that's what it's about. And fear. I'm feared and hated by the majority of the people I pass in the street every day. Nice...

I'm sitting here drinking grapefruit vodka and 7-Up, slightly freaked out because I've decided to stay in New Orleans for Ivan. 90% of my friends have left for Texas, but I feel weird work and dog responsibilities that keep me here. And I just don't think that we're probably going to get the worst of the storm.

Of course... if I'm wrong... I could find myself underneath 20 feet of water around 30 hours from now... but... I guess we'll see...

Kind sirs, be assured I am alive and well. Of late I find myself quite discouraged at the thought or producing any discourse of note. However, I feel impelled to make a brief appearance to point out at the most interesting occurence... Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is currently residing as the #2 bestseller on Amazon and the #3 bestseller on Barnes & Noble.com.

Don't be left out... get a first printing while you can still find one in the stores...