WRITING IN A TIME OF DISASTER

We don't know Matthew Brown of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, but we sure like his writing chops.

Brown has a story on the NOLA site about the joy of ice in hot, humid New Orleans. It's all a good read, but the kicker is especially marvy and seems to sum up the spirit of Louisiana survivors:

"You sure you don't want something? Beer? Coke? Kentwood water?" Slim Christen asked a visitor. "I've finally got ice and I'm not jealous with it. I'll share with anybody."

Without a living city to cover, the Times-Picayune still churns good copy. A helluva way to win a Pulitzer, but there it is.