I loved Biloxi, Mississippi before Katrina, and I’ll probably love it after. The casinos are already re-building and some expect to be open before the new year, albeit in extremely temporary quarters.

But, most if not all, will be building on land, within 800 feet of the coast. Before Katrina, they were allowed to be built only over water, which meant they had to be set atop barges.

Walking into one always made me feel like a riverboat gambler, like Maverick. I entered with a crooked smile and the certain knowledge of my own destiny. Plus, I liked the way certain angles of the floor changed with the tide; I was stumped many a time during late-night binges.

Incidentally, the lyrics of Maverick, starring James Garner, just came wafting back to me after decades. Here they are, for your amusement and pleasure:

Riverboat, ring your bell
Fare thee well, Anabelle,
Luck is the lady that he loves tonight
Natchez to New Orleans
Living on jacks and queens
Maverick is the legend of the West

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