I should mention I got close to the print-room and bindery, and overheard three unconfirmed rumors “from a source who refused to be identified,” before I was ushered out…let’s face it, I clearly looked like I didn’t belong among the Armani suit’s and power-cologne:

1) Nader was caught at the three fingered tavern, and loving a “rewarding” novel like the rest of us, threatened to unleash some spoiler alert plot lines to the faithful, so he has been banned from the shop.

2) Word is Sidley may be at the book signing and answer the question all longs on this board have been debating: “cake or pie.” It might be the final word, them being lawyers and all, I am confident they have argued the merits and rendered a definitive judgement.

3) You are right Respert, the atmosphere was electric in the back room, I heard and I quote “These book sales are going to go to the moon!”


Mark it, the ink is wet but it is drying, can’t wait to get my copy!

N.B. The story of the whale-ship Essex was known to every school kid in the latter part of the 1800’s, today kids are too busy trying to figure out how to work their commodore 128 or worry about their future as an image consultant. Back then kids understood it for the cautionary tale it was, the raw, horrifying consequences of unchecked greed and obsession. A lesson we should remember today.