It's down to the home stretch now, what with 2 and 3 am nights, gathering up stories, photos, .wav files and really thinking out THE LOOK of Southern Fried.

I'm sure you'll let me know what you think on Tuesday, October 31! This will be a Halloween I won't soon forget. Though I'm sure that there will be much evolution during the next few months, I really love this baby.

Speaking of babies, voila Mr. Jefferson of Virginia, my mixed terrier from the pound. He was found with Martinsburg, West Virginia tags two years ago...but Martinsburg, he's all mine now! I like to think that he is from the old Faulkner family mansion there. However, he is missing several teeth and was really a nut job when I first got him, so he probably had less auspicious beginnings. He also starts frothing, growling and barking if he smells anyone smoking pot. Robbie calls him "Ashcroft".

Other than his Confederate bandana, you may be wondering why I have a picture of Mr. Jefferson up. Well, to tell the truth, it's because my mom likes to see pictures on web sites, not through e-mail. So, here's Mr. Jefferson for her viewing! One day, we will wean her off AOL, to be sure.

Something that I am really looking to do for the next issue is to have a section especially for the Southern college scene. So, if you are attending school in Dixie, let me know what's up -- the bands, the parties, the radio stations, everything! Along with (mere) instant celebrity, we'll cook up something to show our appreciation. Send me the 411 along with a jpeg of yourself and your full contact information.

So, is it gonna be tricks or treats? I think it can be both...
- Tamar