new orleans still kicks baton rouge's ass any day of the week and twice on sunday

where else can you, right now:

be in a major metropolitan area and actually see stars?

not have any traffic driving to work downtown?

feel like you actually are in a war-ravaged 3rd world country?

have perfect cell phone service since virtually no one else is on the network?

have almost no crime around you except for a few price gougers?

know that while the rest of the nation is believing in fear and doubt you and maybe 50-60 thousand others are standing for progress and enthusiasm for the future?

meet amazing people everyday, who, despite losing their homes or all their valuables and life's equity are getting up every day and chipping in to the effort to rebuild regardless of what sacrifices that may mean?

realize how much you love and miss your fiance' when she must be away from you for a month or two?

realize how much you love and miss your friends? (I really do miss you guys...even the ones I haven't seen since college or high school)

have a boss who was thrown in jail for a night after violating curfew?

watch your old bosses (who either laid you off or forced you to quit your job) self-destruct and go crazy because they are panicked, self-concious, conceited, and pessimisitc?

and, finally, realize everyday how lucky you are to be alive, to not have lost your life, a loved one, a home, or all your earthly possesions because it was just your sorry luck to be in the way of a pissed off mother nature?

so i know this might sound a bit self-righteous and a bit corny...but peace to all of you out there in the big pixelated cyberness...I miss all of my friends and wish them nothing but the best...I am going to have the biggest, huggest, sexiest, funniest christmas party at 1930 Milan this year...I hope to see you all there...