Hey folks. Smaller issue this time, which is ok because I've had to deal with a backed-up sewer line in my back yard. Almost makes me long for our apartment days. Yuck.

Shorter doesn't mean a lack of quality writing, however. This time around we open with Chuck deVarennes' homily to James Dickey and some fine work from Perry Thompson on being displaced in our age. We then welcome Suzanne Fortin back to Gravity (see the first issue) and hear from Fanny-Min Becker on life in the pubs of Duesseldorf.

Dave Gitomer presents a new voice to these pages and Dancing Bear, strong in his imagery as ever, rounds out Act 8. Pretty tasty issue.

If you need me, I'll be out back fighting a rear-guard action against the shits.

Peace,

J.C. February 18, 1997