Full-scale war has begun between The Tides and The Palace. The new owners of each business have unleashed every weapon against each other, to the amusement of all watching in the safety of a bunker.

This is a city where money just doesn't talk, it screams, and The Tides feels that if their guests are paying $1,000 and up (way up) a night, they shouldn't be annoyed by loud music, drag queens, and crowds clogging up the sidewalk, on which they now have set up tables. I would be the first to point out to The Tides that their neighbor was serving up burgers and drag queens when it was a crumbling crack den, but much in South Beach has "turned" to the dismay of old guard that brought life back to the near-empty town. But, money has flushed the town with new ideas and new, more conservative owners; sad, but the way of the world. In the old days, I would have mounted a massive counter-attack, but those times are long gone; the only hope is some sort of mutually agreeable relationship, but don't expect "Peace in our time" soon.

And dear Ruth Remington (the power behind the Dachsund Fest) sent me this note: "For all fans out there, even with this post and photos, Alexis is being VERY modest. People stood on line throughout the 'fest and long after it ended. I told a friend to try Guess Your Age and his response: "But we'll lose our place in line!" I don't know what Alexis tells the dogs, but everyone is mesmerized. He IS "The Weenie Whisperer". " That's sweet of her, but I don't know what really has been happening with that strange little act; perhaps it is the deep love of dogs that binds us, but I have somehow become the Walter Mercado of the canine world.