Yes, that’s a new photo on the left. Thanks to Mark Jaquith, my web guru, for putting it up and thanks to Maureen Walsh for taking the shot.

And yes, it’s really me. No Libertarian Girl or Hot Abercrombie Chick stunts here.

Why the photo change? The previous photo, taken for the book flap of Invasion, was from three years ago. Thought it was way past time for an update. Besides, it’s fresh fodder for my good friends at Wonkette and Gawker, who have provided such constructive comments about my hair.

In addition, I’ve gotten polite and not-so-polite feedback about my highlights, buck teeth, flat nose, crooked/cross/bug eyes, big forehead, and big lips. Good thing my skin is thicker than Kevlar–because even my pigment has been subjected to vicious commentary and Photoshopping.

Now you know why I only feel like getting a new publicity photo taken every three or four years!

Update: Gawker takes the bait. [1020pm. Woops wrong link. Here's the right one.]