Paulette and I had a terrific time last night- I was invited to speak to the annual meeting of the Friends of the Victoria Public Library.  I had spoken once before, in the Fall of '04, and they were kind enough to remember me favorably and invite me back for another go at it.

I gave a version of my friend Hershel Parker's "Damned By Dollars" paper, which chronicles the incredible struggles that Melville faced after the publication in England of a critically flawed version of what later became (in the US) MOBY-DICK.  At the request of the audience, I also retold the story of my World Trade Center experience.

They could not have been more receptive, attentive or polite. South Texas folks are simply the best there are on the planet.  We would go back and do that gig again, in a heartbeat. 

The local television station even covered the event and that report along with video can be found here.