We are happy to bring you the good news that our good friends and business associates Ken Smith (blackjacktournaments.com) and Henry Tamburin (smartgaming.com and prolific author), both residents of the Gulf Coast area, are reportedly fine and well, though suffering personal property loss to be expected after something as devastating as Hurricane Katrina.

Not wanting to bother anyone during the initial aftermath, I finally got in touch with Ken today, who assures me that he is fine and he and his family are stockpiling supplies for the trip back home. I couldn't reach Henry myself, but Ken had spoken with him the other day. It's so very strange to think that I just saw Ken less than a week ago, and cannot even begin to imagine what he and others in the area are experiencing.

To our customers in that area (to remain nameless, of course), we hope that you are all well and just know that our thoughts are with you.

Best wishes,
Bettie and Viktor