Source: Chin Music Press

Lee Azus, owner of Get Lost, a travel and bookshop in San Francisco, has been a big supporter of all things New Orleans (he's one of the sponsors of the book fair) and is a kindred soul. He invited us into his warm little bookstore last night for the final reading featuring the first edition of our book Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?

Get Lost is a bookstore dedicated to getting lost around the world, but what makes it unique is Lee's love of literature, travel, art and his eye for the quirky (I picked up some very quirky Japanese stationery featuring a bald salaryman with a comb-over who's holding a rose). All this comes together in what should be a model for other small bookstores, especially those stores that just keep stocking the same old best-sellers and standard fare. New Orleanians should flock here when they're in San Francisco.

The reading went well, taking place just up the street next to a strong police presence. They were out in force yesterday because it was the fifth anniversary of that sordid military adventure in Iraq. While the press noted that there seemed to be more cops than protesters, and the protesters tried to put a positive spin on their small showing, I saw it as a sign of how law enforcement is getting increasingly skittish, like they know something bigger is coming but just don't know when.

Dave Rutledge, also pictured here, did the reading in fine fashion, describing Professor Stevens' approach to Mardi Gras and also Dave's exit from the city on the Saturday before Katrina hit. The highs and lows were apparent. The smattering of listeners were all treated to Mardi Gras beads, and in first-rate Frisco fashion, the first set of beads snatched up bore marijuana leaves. Dave was left to wear the SF Giants beads — either readings don't bring sports fans or the city of San Francisco knows their team too well.