There's a humorous article on "SpongeBob" on the front page of today's Wall Street Journal, column 4, second article down. Did you guys see it?
I read Guns of the South thought it was quite good in a lot of ways, "alternative history" strikes me a little odd, though. However, I think Turtledove is a decent writer. I haven't read the ones you mention though, ksen.
Thanks for the input on Turtledove guys. I'm gonna try and stick this one out. I'll let you know how I end up liking the whole thing. ;^)