I just got back from a few days in New Orleans where I caught a portion of the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival.  The fest features famous writers, actors and authors (this year including Piper Laurie, Amanda Plummer, and playwright John Guare)  performing and discussing their work and that of Tennessee Williams.  Touring around the city, I was amazed to see New Orleans’s huge comeback after Katrina.  I thought I would see areas that still looked demolished, but with a few exceptions the city is back in shape and New Orleans tourism has hit the level it was before 9/11.  Beyond that, the city is as crazy as ever, with an above-average level of drinking.  As an example of “only in New Orleans” behavior, I offer the Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest, which caps off the Tennessee Williams Festival.  Click on the following link and watch the video that appears at the end of the page.  It’s just great. www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/photos_and_video_stella_and_st.html