For Our Gulf Coast Readers

I'm sitting here watching news footage of Hurricane Ike pounding into the shores of Corpus Christi, flooding the streets of Houston, and slamming giant waves against the side of a building in Galveston. The storm surges on this thing will likely be catastrophic. Please, folks, if you're down there right now, take the advice of emergency services personnel, and get out. Pack up your pets, take your prized whatevers, check on your elderly neighbors, and go while you can.

My thoughts are with all of you down there. Please try to stay safe, and check in with us to let us know you're okay.