Return from New Orleans

I've just returned from a two-month stint as an embedded reporter covering the rescue efforts of Best Friends Animal Society. The rescues and the reunions of people with their pets are compelling stories. They're included at Best Friends news site and at Las Vegas CityLife. An agent is working on a book deal. I'm still coming down from being gone for so long. More later. ... Cathy

Volunteers deploy to flooded area

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (www.bestfriends.org) has sent its first team of volunteers to St. Francis Animal Sanctuary in Tylertown, Mississippi, about 100 miles from New Orleans, to help rescue and care for the pets of victims of Hurricane Katrina. I've volunteered to go -- but don't yet know when I'll be leaving -- and will keep a journal while I'm there.

Suge Knight Shooting

No hints of fresh bickering between rival rappers were observed before the early morning Sunday shooting of gangster rap producer Marion "Suge" Knight, Miami police have said. Suge was shot in the upper right leg at a party the day before MTV's Video Music Awards hosted by rapper Kanye West. Witnesses said Knight was shot while sitting at a table in the VIP room at the Shore Club when a man walked up and opened fire. But that's all witnesses are saying. They're not talking, reportedly because they don't trust the police. Suge's not talking either (no suprise there). And members of his entourage aren't talking (certainly no surprise there). No shells were found (but it's assumed people at the party trampled over them). Eventually it will come out as to who was behind the shooting.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I'll try to keep you posted on the goings on within the courts and also on the streets of Las Vegas. I'll take you behind the scenes of the glitz and the glamour. I'll also offer up my thoughts on trends within the publishing industry -- and inform you about news events that are turned into books -- both true and fictional. Please feel free to offer your opinion or send questions my way.