Hi there. Have you been wondering where I am? No, probably not. But look, I was gone: to New Orleans, with the rest of the EchoDitto crew for our annual retreat, which this year happened to coincide with the beginning of Mardis Gras.

Prior to this trip all I knew about New Orleans came from Hard Target and that one Radiohead song with the clarinet. Both proved to be reliable guides, although anyone preparing for a similar trip would also do well to review the scene at a frat party — ideally one attended by several hundred thousand people.

I have lots of stories to tell (two!), and will get to them as soon as I can. At the moment I'm too busy grappling with the fact that I enjoy and am inspired by something affiliated with the Black Eyed Peas; also, pleasant exhaustion.