This picture

makes me feel happy and right with the world.

A deer and a bunny. Snorgling.

Awwwww...

Yum.

Stir-Fried Sweet Potatoes With Brown Butter and Sage

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 to 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and grated, 4 to 6 cups
Salt and pepper
1/2 stick butter, more to taste
4 cloves garlic, crushed
20 sage leaves.

1. Put oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add sweet potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring only occasionally, until they change color and begin to brown, then stir more frequently until they are tender but not at all mushy.

2. Meanwhile, heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sage; shake pan occasionally. When butter turns brown, turn off heat.

3. Use tongs to remove sage and garlic from butter. Serve potatoes drizzled with butter and garnished with a few sage leaves. Garlic can be served alongside, though it will not be super-soft.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

National Trust's Lindisfarne Castle on Lindisfarne or Holy Island, Berwick-upon-tweed, Nortumberland

National Trust's Lindisfarne Castle on Lindisfarne or Holy Island, Berwick-upon-tweed, Nortumberland, originally uploaded by iboogaloo.

Dedicated follower of fashion.

Dedicated follower of fashion., originally uploaded by CMP73.

Random ten

1. Run For Cover- Sugababes
2. Lost Art Of Murder- Babyshambles
3. Vacation- The Go-Go's
4. I'll Give You Sympathy- The Rascals
5. Christmas Time Is Here- Vince Guaraldi Trio
6. Ain't No Way- Aretha Franklin
7. Stronger- Kanye West
8. Albion (Live at The S.E.C.C.)- Babyshambles
9. Over The Rainbow- Eva Cassidy
10. Why Can't This Be Love- Van Halen

Bonus-
11. Have a Nice Day- Stereophonics
12. Shine- Laura Marling

Cranking up

'Good Boys When They're Asleep' RIGHT NOW.

Alright, I know it's often a mistake to revisit past glories, and they'll be missing Ronnie Lane, but Rod still sounds great.

Now, if they can just keep Mr. Ron Wood away from barely legal Russian girls and the drink, we'll be in business!

The Faces are set to reunite for rehearsals with a view to a full reformation.Frontman Rod Stewart told Raysgigs.com that all the original members aside from late bassist Ronnie Lane, who died in 1997, were set to reconvene on Monday (November 17) to run through their old hits.

Can't argue

with the top ten entries on Rolling Stone's list of "greatest singers of all time"-

1. Aretha Franklin
2. Ray Charles
3. Elvis Presley
4. Sam Cooke
5. John Lennon
6. Marvin Gaye
7. Bob Dylan
8. Otis Redding
9. Stevie Wonder
10. James Brown

Okay, I can argue a little bit. Bob and John should NOT be ranked higher than Mr. Redding. Period. Or Stevie and J.B.

Amazing lyricists, yes. Better singers than Otis, Stevie or The Hardest Working Man In Show Business? No.

Fierce

Gonna be CRAZY.

A documentary tracing the life of Grace Jones over the past "four or five" years is set to be released, the singer/actress has revealed.

The star, who released her latest album 'Hurricane' on November 3, told BBC 6music that British filmmaker Sophie Fiennes was behind the project, but admitted that a mammoth editing job was ahead of her before the film could be released.

Want.

this Marc Jacobs bag.

PIER HEAD LIVERPOOL

PIER HEAD LIVERPOOL, originally uploaded by T & G Photos.

Hi-larious

My family gathered this weekend to "clean up" the timber (forest on our land) for deer hunting season, which begins in December. Since half of us are pinko Commies and the other started-shitting-themselves-on-September-11-2001-and-have-yet-to-stop-Republicans, well... just say we Trotskyites were really, really, REALLY looking forward to this weekend.

Several things-

1. The aforementioned Repubs walked into the dining room wearing t-shirts saying "Palin 2012." I don't know what reaction they were expecting, but I don't think it was hysterical laughter.

2. One of my cousins (insane) was spouting the party line about how Obama was going to take everyone's guns away. One of my other cousins (non-insane) told him,

"If at the end of Obama's second term, gun ownership is illegal, I WILL GIVE YOU A THOUSAND BUCKS."

THIS.

Cousin Bill for the win.

Rosace

Rosace, originally uploaded by Ariane Gaudefroy.

Random ten

1. A Thousand Trees- Stereophonics
2. Who's Got A Match?- Biffy Clyro
3. Stormy Weather- Billie Holiday
4. Cologne Hotel- Helsinki
5. All You Need Is Love- The Beatles
6. Strict Machine- Goldfrapp
7. Reason Is Treason- Kasabian
8. U Got the Look- Prince
9. Biology- Girls Aloud
10. My Way- Aretha Franklin

Bonus-
11. Son of a Preacher Man- Aretha Franklin
12. Come Together- Primal Scream

HELLS YES

Mom and I openly wept during our new President's speech. And when I say openly, I mean freely and with lots of Kleenex.

And this family.

THIS FAMILY.

Awesome

Jim Bowman, a Tuskegee Airman from World War II, is also 86. He voted early, almost a month ago, he was so eager to vote for Obama.

“I haven’t cried in a long time,” he said, “but just thinking about it brings me to tears.”

Bowman had a father who told him he was going to college, and that was that. It was pay as you go, but he made it through and eventually became a war hero and, as Dr. James Bowman, became the assistant superintendent of the Des Moines Public School system.

“To see this happen,” he said, “is one of the greatest blessings I’ve had. I don’t take lightly the progress we’ve made in this country. I’m thrilled with it. But there are barriers still. I hear people say they just don’t think they could ever vote for a black man — for some offices, maybe, but not this one. Well, I can’t help thinking the good Lord is working overtime on some folks.”

Hmmm

When I go to vote in about an hour, I'm thinking I'm going to bawl all over the ballot.

*shakes Magic 8 Ball*

Yep, looks likely.

God, I'm a sap.

Tomorrow

Well, today first.

We've started the "floor move" at Iowa's Coolest Flower Shop AKA setting up for Christmas open houses (which start this weekend). It's a time-consuming and painstaking process, so naturally we chat quite a bit during this.

Since tomorrow is the election, it unfortunately came up. I say "unfortunately" because, let me put it this way, 4 of us are placing our votes for the next President of the United States, and 2 for the also-ran.

An argument ensued, causing me to exclaim the following to deflect the tension-

"Oooo, look at the sky!" (it was 8 o'clock)

"My GOD, would you look at that. There's GLITTER all over the floor."

"Holy shit, it's the Pope!"

"LOOK OUT, I HAVE A LIVE HAND GRENADE."

Okay, I just came up with the last two, but still.

Anyway.

Tomorrow.

I'm all choked up over what (hopefully) will happen, so much that I can't express myself in my usual semi-incoherent fashion.

But what TBogg said.

I'm just thinking about all my former students in Houston, the vast majority who were of color, and what they must be feeling right now.

The kids that initially assumed that since I was white, that I must be racist, due to some asshole teachers they had in the past. That couldn't believe that I was "cool."

That they now know that they can achieve whatever they set out to. The yes, hope for a better future.

And then I cry.

So tomorrow, I'm casting my vote in honor of all my kiddos. And everyone who laid the groundwork for this historic, amazing event.

Awwwwwwwwww

Our next president (please, Jesus) takes wee Sasha trick-or-treating.

And for more SQUUUEEEES,

Lacroix, sweetie darling

LOVE.

Gorgeous

picture of Montenegro in the Telegraph

Sacré Coeur

Sacré Coeur, originally uploaded by Diles.

Random ten

1. I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor- Arctic Monkeys
2. Night Lights- Paul Weller
3. Have You Met Miss Jones?- Robbie Williams
4. I'm So Bored With the U.S.A.- The Clash
5. F*ck Forever- Babyshambles
6. Out Of The Sinking- Paul Weller
7. Fingertips (Part 2)- Stevie Wonder
8. Stuntman-Kasabian
9. Ooh La La- Stereophonics
10. Kings Of The Wild Frontier- Adam & The Ants

Bonus-
11. Like A Star- Corinne Bailey Rae
12. Misty Mountain Hop- Led Zeppelin

Awwwww

My ovaries. They just twinged.

The idealism on these kiddos faces. Oh my. SO AWESOME.

oo7

Among all characters in film, I most associate James Bond with my childhood. Nearly every other weekend, the other kids and I would sit around the teevee with Dad, and watch at least one Bond flick.

(And usually a Mel Brooks production, but we're not discussing my love for 'Blazing Saddles' here at this very moment, so stay on topic, eh?)

I remember giggling with my cousins about 'Octopussy' and various other (bad) double entendres in the films. Oh, and 'Jaws' the henchman. He kicked all sorts of ass.

In more recent years, my mom*, sister and I have grown closer because of 'Casino Royale' and our shared Thing for Daniel Craig.

We do love a bit of Northern rough. See Bean, Sean.

So this discussion of the best Bond theme songs was quite interesting to me. I personally am a Bassey purist** (as are the Arctic Monkeys), but one of my favs is 'You Know My Name' by Chris Cornell for the aforementioned 'Casino Royale.' It's stirring, sexy and vaguely dangerous-sounding.

Perfect for James.

*my mother*** may have a picture of Daniel in his blue swim trunks hanging in her office. My dad pretends not to notice.

**mostly due to my high school choir director's influence. We sang A LOT of Bassey tunes. Yes, the thought of corn-fed Iowa girls belting out 'Big Spender' is fucking hilarious, why do you ask?

***When Jeffery Wright appeared onscreen in 'Casino Royale,' my mom breathed, "HELLO, FELIX." Her older brother, my uncle Don, had all the Ian Fleming novels...

Stanage Edge (August 2008 #2)

Stanage Edge (August 2008 #2), originally uploaded by Lazlo Woodbine.

The girls

Girls Aloud, that is.



Nadine is lovely, Nicola adorable, Sar and Kimba fierce and Chezza cute as hell.



Gorgeous.

WANT.

I MUST OWN THIS T-SHIRT.

That is all.

Dare I say

Our Kid's sunnies are positively Coxon-esque.

*backs rapidly away from the Gallagher*

I feel the sudden need

to mess up my hair and apply (more) eyeliner-

The Cure are set to be crowned Godlike Geniuses at the Shockwave NME Awards in February.Robert Smith and co will receive the award and play live at the awards ceremony, which is set to take place at London Brixton Academy on February 25.

Stairway to heaven

Stairway to heaven, originally uploaded by gms.

"You're gonna make me, make me love you"

Girls Aloud have claimed the number one spot in the UK charts with The Promise, the group's first in four years.

And this is just too cool-

All of the group's 18 singles to date have made the UK top 10.

Brilliant

via everywhere

*sighs*

Love Young Master Turner and Young Miles.

Turner and Kane played four covers in the set, the first of which was The Beatles' 'I Want You (She's So Heavy)' from the 1969 'Abbey Road' album, to the delight of the Liverpool crowd.

What Mr. Gunn says

Holy hell

That's a whole lot of tickets to move in one day. FOR ONE ACT.

Oasis have since added third nights in Manchester (June 4) and London (July 9) at the same venues.With tickets going on sale at 10am(BST) this morning (October 24), the band had sold half a million tickets by 3pm. Oasis co-promoter Chris York of SJM Concerts speculated that "this has to be the most tickets ever sold by an artist in the UK in one day".

Please, Jesus

let this happen...

Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt, aka Vince Noir and Howard Moon, are sat backstage at Brixton Academy surrounded by gifts from fans, Pot Noodles and sweets.

They've just begun a massive three-month tour round England, Scotland and Wales but they're already thinking about the next step.

The duo say breaking the States is definitely high on their list.

Random ten

1. Sister Rosetta (Capture the Spirit)- Noisettes
2. Who'll Stop the Rain?- Stereophonics
3. Supersonic- Oasis
4. Country Girl- Primal Scream
5. Shotgun- Junior Walker & the All-Stars
6. 16 Days- Whiskeytown
7. I'm Scared- Duffy
8. DARE- Gorillaz
9. Round Round- Sugababes
10. Police On My Back- Lethal Bizzle

Bonus-
11. Thick As Thieves- The Jam
12. Happy Jack- The Who

*smiles*

Regarding

my new obsession with Protea, my mom commented-

I'm a little worried about your attraction to protea...although if it were antherium...florist joke..

This is an Antherium, generally referred to in Iowa's Coolest Flower Shop as "little boy flowers."











Yes, I crack peen jokes with my mom. Isn't life grand?



(it really is)

Okay,

so the other day, I was driving through town when I noticed an unusual amount of blue hairs at the town hall. Flu shots were being offered there.

Some codger in a Lincoln nearly nailed me backing out of a parking stall. He had bumper stickers on the battered fender. One was McCain/Palin. The other read "I'll Fight For Freedom."

I thought, "Shit, hoss, you ain't fighting for nothing but position at the buffet line."

By all means, let's elect another one, because the last 8 years have been so fucking wonderful.

Hee hee. Go Chuck!

If the election were held today, veteran lawmaker and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said Democratic candidate Barack Obama would win.

"Maybe two weeks from now, I may be saying the same thing, Obama's going to win, and could win with 100 electoral votes to spare," Grassley said in a noon visit with the Lion's Club.

If a flower could be a Panda,

it would be a "Pink Mink" Protea. Cuddly, soft, fuzzy and adorable.

I'm in love.

Oooo

I want these earrings from Topshop, and could actually afford them. However, I have a severe nickel allergy, and would feel like moles were burrowing under my skin if I wore them.

Damn my tendency to be a delicate flower.

Today at work,

we were discussing my many fears. Heights, spiders, driving when it's raining, and most the most odd one- nubby-textured things.

I freaking cannot handle textured things, such as the grapevine wreaths that have the ends trimmed so that there's a cluster of sharply cut ends... *shivers*

I'm also not crazy about crocodile skin-patterned things. Icky.

And this costume of Lovefoxx CSS's... eek.

Had to share. Sorry.

Lovely

The 'Phonics on Live Lounge. God, Kelly is fine.

Hilarious

Actual quote in Q from Noel Thomas David Gallagher-

"It was genius," he says of Jay-Z's response. "It had turned into a moral issue, like I was some kind of musical racist. But I actually like Jay-Z. Look, his profile went through the roof, Wonderwall went back in the charts, everyone's a fucking winner."

Oooo

Matt Taibbi has a blog? With post titles like-

Wall Street: Less Responsible Than a Coked-Out NFL Running Back

SCORE!

'From Despair To Where'- Manic Street Preachers

1. Sean's gloves. Cool.
2. Nicky's sunnies. Cool as hell.
3. Richey is beautiful. Full stop.
4. James. My Lord. Is un-BELIVEABLE.

Even cooler

Um, this one made me tear up. The sheer joy on these kiddos faces...

So cool

Speaking of Burt,

Baby girl Adele will be performing with him at the Electric Proms on Wednesday.

Legendary American songwriter and performer Burt Bacharach opens this year's BBC Electric Proms at the Roundhouse in London. He performs with the BBC Concert Orchestra accompanied by guest vocalists, Adele, Beth Rowley and Jamie Cullum. Burt's unparalleled six-decade career has defined romantic song with cherished hits such as Walk On By, The Look of Love, and I Say A Little Prayer.

Rock on,

Burt Bacharach...

"I was never political, not until George W got in office and the way the election was stolen from Al Gore. I've got these two young kids and I'm worried about the world they're growing up in. I'm scared to death now. I wish that England and France and Germany and Italy could vote. I want Obama to win so badly. I don't understand what's going on with Palin who is against abortion; against abortion on incest, against abortion on rape. I just can't understand how you could feel that way."

And he's so right- Aretha Franklin's take on 'Say A Little Prayer' is far superior to Dionne Warwick's (which is brilliant).

Holy crap!

Not having endorsed a Dem since LBJ, the Houston Chronicle endorses Obama/Biden.

The incoming administration must immediately focus and engage on so many fronts. The tasks at hand will require stamina, creativity and leadership abilities to replace partisan gridlock with a national consensus on what is best for the American people. The new leadership team must have the intellect and temperament to tackle complex issues with equally sophisticated solutions. The current go-it-alone mentality in the White House on foreign policy must give way to an effort to work in concert with our allies while engaging our enemies at the negotiating table as well as on the battlefield.

After carefully observing the Democratic and Republican nominees in drawn-out primary struggles as well as in the general campaign, including three debates, the Chronicle strongly believes that the ticket of Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden offers the best choice to lead the United States on a new course into the second decade of the 21st century.

I saw this at Target tonight

and said, "WANT."

Then I saw that Sigerson "freaking" Morrison is also doing a capsule collection at Target.

Oh. My. Baby. Jesus.

High Faaaaaashioon I can afford.

Made. Of. Awesome.

montmarte

montmarte, originally uploaded by holmespun.

Oh holy Jesus

I would kill, KILL, to be at the Heaton Park gigs.

No, actually, I wouldn't.

No, I totally would.

Oasis have announced details of the summer UK dates for 2009 this afternoon (October 16) at Wembley Stadium.After a quick photocall on the pitch, the band's leader Noel Gallagher hosted a question and answer session at the English football stadium confirming the band will play that venue twice, along with two special hometown gigs at Manchester's Heaton Park next year.Support at the shows, which also include the already announced show at Slane Castle, will come from Kasabian and The Enemy.

Random ten

1. Molly's Chambers- Kings Of Leon
2. Gang Of Gin- Babyshambles
3. Where Angels Play- The Stone Roses
4. So Far Away- Carole King
5. Carpetbaggers- Jenny Lewis
6. The Masterplan- Oasis
7. Gimme A Sign- Ryan Adams
8. 2 Hearts- Kylie Minogue
9. I've Just Seen A Face- The View
10. Umbrella- Manic Street Preachers

Bonus-
11. Last Nite- Adele
12. Me Plus One- Kasabian

His name is Earl

The parentals new kitteh, Earl.

(Dad wanted to name him Deuce, but Mom and I said "Nay nay Pompeii.")

He's a sweetheart, but Holden, the world's most pampered Persian, DOES NOT WANT.

More fleurs

from my girl Wen's wedding a few weeks ago. This is an example of the bridemaid bouquets. 'Orange Unique' roses, red mini Gerberas, orange mini Callas, chocolate Cosmos and Crespidia accented with Beargrass loops. I wrapped the stems in fabric from the dresses, and secured it with diamante pins.

Yeah, I brought the bling.

*groans*

My GOD

My mom just forwarded me an email containing an alarming, ALARMING image of Barack Obama carrying a book by Fareed Zakaria entitled 'The Post-American World.' Containing the phrases-

"...now that Ramadan is over"

"I really hope the american* people see this."

"...is reading 'The Post-American World'--it's a Muslim's view."

First of all, anyone who would get worked up over something by Zakaria is obviously crazy. You couldn't get more middle-of-the-road. The book is a discussion not so much of the decline of the American empire, but the rise of China, Brazil, Russia et al.

Secondly, who did she get this from? Most of our family and friends are dirty hippies like ourselves, except for...

Ah HELL, Uncle Steve... you've an education. How could you possibly buy into this? Other than you started pissing yourself when Clinton got elected, and haven't stopped since? (the shitting himself commenced on 9-11-01)

*not my mistake. Was not capitalized. The writer obviously HATES AMERICA.

I've never harbored

strong feelings about Hayden Panettiere (other than I think her boyfriend is too old for her, and kind of a cobag), but I have to say, I LOVE THIS GIRL.

See more Hayden Panettiere videos at Funny or Die

And this... OH LORD, SO FUNNY!



via

An open letter

to anyone who would be inclined to have the card read (on a floral arrangement you are ordering)-

"I had a great time last night."

You just announced to total strangers that you got laid. Last night, in fact.

You're welcome.

This is utterly delightful

Obama stencils for your Halloween needs. I LOVE it!

What is this site about?The presidential election is November 4. Halloween is October 31. We like carving pumpkins. Hence, YesWeCarve.com.

Oh, GRANDAD

Darling, one trainwreck per band. ONE.

Babyshambles guitarist Mick Whitnall was arrested yesterday (October 12) for suspected drug offences in Blackheath, London.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told NME.COM that a 39 year-old man was arrested at 4:20pm (BST) in a café/bar on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs thought to be crack cocaine.

I'm sure

this was the scenester scene from hell (ooo, must listen to The Cribs), but sounds like some cool stuff went on...

Mark Ronson, Supergrass, The View, Babyshambles' Drew McConnell and Patrick Wolf were among those who performed collaborations last night (October 11) at the London Matter venue as part of the Diesel xXx series of gigs.

and oh HELL YES.

McConnell's final collaboration came next, when he played guitar to accompany Lethal Bizzle, backed by The Noisettes' drummer Jamie Morrison.

One of my favorite

Mariella&Hirok-20, originally uploaded by Giusva Cennamo.

bits about weddings- the casual, non-posed shots. This pic from a wedding in Italy is so cool- you can tell that everyone is just so very happy with the moment. Or at least with the wine.

Gooooorgeous

pic of my girl, Adele.

Such a pretty kid.

GA

at the launch of their book, 'Dreams That Glitter,' something I NEED for Christmas.

L-R-

Love Kimba's dress, but am concerned about the size of her ginormous earrings.

Miz Harding=FIERCE AS HELL.

Nicola looks like a ginger Barbie. Love the fishnets, Miss Roberts.

Chezza=FIERCE AS HELL.

Nadine's skirt makes her look really short-waisted. Great gams, though.

Random

Fatboy blogging.

Yes, Holden, the world's most spoiled Persian, drinks from the sink. Thanks for teaching him how to do that, Dad!

*grumbles*

Amazing Graffiti by Banksy close to the Roundhouse - Camden Town, London

Amazing Graffiti by Banksy close to the Roundhouse - Camden Town, London, originally uploaded by canonsnapper.

Randon ten

1. From Despair To Where- Manic Street Preachers
2. For The Girl- The Fratellis
3. Does He Love You?- Rilo Kiley
4. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb- Spoon
5. Tangled- Maroon 5
6. Cold Shoulder- Adele
7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps- The Beatles
8. The Promise- Girls Aloud
9. Come On Come On- Jet
10. We Can Work It Out- Stevie Wonder

Bonus-
11. Man In the Corner Shop- The Jam
12. Too Many Sandwiches- Stereophonics

They just don't get it, do they?

You're not cool. You don't get the pop culture or the rock and rollers. Quit your whining and deal with it. Call Lee Greenwood. He doesn't have anything else going on, I'm sure.

Why does Dave Grohl "hate America?"

I love him more every day.

Another rock act has objected to the use of its music by Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign. This time it’s the band Foo Fighters, protesting the campaign’s use of its song “My Hero” at rallies. “ ‘My Hero’ was written as a celebration of the common man and his extraordinary potential,” the band said in a statement released on Wednesday. “To have it appropriated without our knowledge and used in a manner that perverts the original sentiment of the lyric just tarnishes the song.” Last month the band Heart demanded that the McCain campaign stop playing its song “Barracuda” at public appearances by Gov. Sarah Palin. And in August Jackson Browne filed suit against the Ohio Republican Party for using his song “Running on Empty” in a television commercial without his permission.

Hmmm

When being totally honest, everyone has something about themselves they'd like to change. Bad hair, foot odor, crap sense of humor, flatulence, et al...

Me? One would think I'd like to have a concave stomach or an actual arse (rather than have total flatness from the waist down), but you'd be wrong there.

I want to be a pretty crier. Someone who evokes sympathy, empathy, rather than "Dear GOD, how has her face swollen to that level? She's all blotchy and sneezy! And how can she keep her eyes open when they're so puffy?"

Seriously, I turn into Orry in 'North and South' when I cry.

I can't handle this

Today, I said goodbye to my dog, Daisy.

Dais AKA The Poodle is 13+ years old, and she's been sliding rapidly downhill for the past few months. She's so thin and ill, it breaks my heart to see her. We would have taken her to the vet today, to put her out of her misery, but it's rained a whole bunch this week, and we couldn't bury her. We've her casket ready. My cousin made it on Monday.

I just sat with her in the garage, weeping over her shivering body, placing an old flannel shirt beneath her head to comfort her. I told her that Duke, our late, lamented marmie, was waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge, and that we'd be along many years from now when they were both rested and strong. That we'd be looking for them.

I told her I wanted her to go to sleep, and not wake up. That I loved her. That I wanted her to be healthy again. To be whole again. To be able to run and play and swim and shake her wet self onto a human again.

I think she understood me, because she breathed deeply and fell asleep, not aware that her transition into another world was eased from the tears of a human that loved her. That loves her enough to tell her to let go.

You are a Good Dog, Daisy.

Seriously,

Tina Fey is so awesome, it defies description. And now she's writing a book. Which benefits school libraries.

Be still my heart.

But last month, everything changed. Tina Fey's newfound mega-celebrity may be the only good thing to have come out of Sarah Palin's V.P. nomination. When Fey returned to her old stomping grounds, "Saturday Night Live," to skewer Palin, the show's ratings shot up by 49 percent. And on Sept. 21, when she won no fewer than three Emmys, Fey gave the most inspiring acceptance speech I've ever heard.

You'd think, with so much going on, Fey would be tempted to rest on her laurels, at least for a month or two. Not so. This week comes word that she's writing her first book, which the New York Post reports will be a Nora Ephron-style essay collection.

Sweet Jesus,

I adore Shawn Johnson. The wee hippie wore her peace sign earrings to meet the chimp.

I'm guessing that

on the morning of the Q awards, Cerys Matthews woke up on the crazy side of the bed.

Too cool

On Saturday, Bruce Springsteen kicked off three days of Vote For Change concerts on behalf of Barack Obama with a powerful acoustic set that drew estimated 50,000 to the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Cutting a distinctly Woody Guthriesque profile in rolled up flannel, denim and tousled hair, Springsteen stood atop a 30 foot high stage emblazoned with the word “CHANGE” and belted out a seven-song, 45 minute acoustic set as a gift for Obama volunteers and a catalyst for the disengaged to register to vote. Plenty of people heard the call — according to the Obama campaign, some 21,000 new voters were registered as a result of the event.

Bouquet from this weekend

Gorg

'8 Dead Boys'- Babyshambles

Don't get me wrong, I love me some Grandad, but God, Paddy's a brilliant guitar player.

My work over the weekend

Fleurs for my girl's wedding in sweet home Chicago.

Very cool

Now this, THIS, is interesting...

Just imagine: the year is 1983, Blue Monday is storming the charts, and the band that recorded it are called ... the Radical Jesuits?

A forthcoming book of previously unpublished notes by the late Rob Gretton, former manager of Joy Division and New Order, reveals that New Order almost didn't become New Order. After the suicide of Ian Curtis, Joy Division compiled a list of potential new names. Alongside New Order, Gretton and the band considered monikers including Arab Legion, Voices Crying, Dharma Bums, the Radical Jesuits and Man Ray. They liked Man Ray so much they even highlighted it on the list.

The list of What Might Have Been appears as part of 1 Top Class Manager, to be released on October 7. The full-colour, 220-page paperback compiles diary entries, letters, to-do lists, posters and excerpts from 20 notebooks kept by Rob Gretton between 1978 and 1980.

Gretton died of a heart attack in 1999, but the collection was compiled by his widow Lesley Gilbert.

Random ten

1. Autumn Song- Manic Street Preachers
2. Distant Dreamer- Duffy
3. L.E.S. Artistes- Santogold
4. Antmusic- Adam & The Ants
5. If I Needed Someone- The Beatles
6. Just a Little Lovin'- Shelby Lynne
7. Come On Come On- Jet
8. Melt My Heart To Stone- Adele
9. Back To Black- Amy Winehouse
10. Fidelity- Regina Spektor

Bonus-
11. From Despair To Where- Manic Street Preachers
12. Respect- Aretha Franklin

Dear God

As I've mentioned, I'm doing the flowers for one of my best friends from college's wedding this weekend.

What I haven't mentioned is that I'm slowly losing my mind. I'm so distracted and stressed out, I've-

1. Set my iPod down somewhere in the house, and don't have a bloody clue where it is

2. Haven't been able to sleep (BOO!) or eat (YAY!) for the past week

3. Keep second (and third and fourth) guessing myself on the amount of fresh and supplies I'm going to need to schlep to Chicago for the blessed event

And today did not help. I-

1. Looked at the tab for the umpteen million mini calla lilies for said blessed event, and nearly died/crapped myself/passed out/combination of these things.

Two bucks more a stem than I quoted initially. Cost of fuel is impacting shipping costs. THANKS, CHIMPY! Lovely war we're having.

2. Upon running the new numbers in my head, I had a panic attack and broke out in hives. Seriously. I'm a nervous wreck on a good day, and this... this was not a good day.

3. Then my jeans fell down. See #2 on the first list. No, not the not-sleeping bit. The other one. Thankfully, I was alone in the shop/had cute knickers on.

The bleeding ulcer I've been working on for years is quickly becoming a reality.

I'm praying to St. Anthony (for the iPod) and St. Preston Bailey (for the flowers). Oh, and Jesus. Because that's how I roll.

I am so sorry for that last bit.

Hmmm

My reaction to the news of Dirty Pretty Things splitting up?

(in case you care)

"Damn it, Carlito just got fine again, and NOW they break up? CRAP!"

'Tis a sad day.

In an exclusive statement to NME.COM the four piece – Carl Barat, Didz Hammond, Gary Powell and Anthony Rossomando – announced the break-up of the band that formed in 2005 following the split of The Libertines.

Frontman Carl Barat explained that the members of the band would be pursuing new musical projects, but that these would not involve The Libertines.

Gah

This weekend, I am providing the wedding flowers for one of my best friends from college. Wen is very attached to Winnie the Pooh. No, I'm not sure why. She just IS, much like I'm very attached to various substance-addled British rock and rollers.

I thought it would be sweet if I found a wee Winnie charm to sew onto the fabric I'm wrapping her bouquet in- just so she could see it. However, my searching of SE Iowa for such a thing did not bear (groan) fruit.

I realized that I should give up when I caught myself muttering, "Jeez, how hard can it be to find something with Winnie the fucking Pooh on it?"

Mmmm....

*does the cha-cha*

Oasis have announced details of a new US tour to support their forthcoming new album, 'Dig Out Your Soul'.

The 11-date tour includes a rescheduled gig at the John LaBatt Centre in London, Ontario.

The gig was originally cancelled after Noel Gallagher suffered rib injuries after being attacked onstage in Canada earlier this month.

The tour will see the band return to New York's Madison Square Garden, a venue they sold out in 2005.

Oasis will play:

Oakland, CA Oracle Arena (December 3)

Los Angeles, CA Staples Center (4)

Las Vegas, NV The Pearl (6)

Denver, CO Broomfield Events Ctr. (8)

Minneapolis, MN Target Center (10)

Chicago, IL Allstate Arena (12)

Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills (13)

London, ON John LaBatt Centre (rescheduled 9/9 date)

New York, NY Madison Sq. Garden (17)

Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Ctr. (19)

Washington, DC GMU Patriot Center(20)

Ryan Adams and his band The Cardinals will support the band on all dates.

The Brothers Gallagher AND Ryan "not Bryan" Adams. Sweet Christ, my fangirl heart is all a-twitter. Tickets go on pre-sale tomorrow. OLE!

Girls Aloud- 'The Promise'

Cool vid. Sarah looks fierce, Nicola like a Barbie and Chezza is impossibly pretty. Kimba and Nadine look cute as well.



via

"Bono, the king of Ireland"

I'm not sure which is funnier- Fey's impersonation or Pohler's blinking...

Cool

profile of Jean-Paul Gaultier in the NY Times travel section.

Talking to Mr. Gaultier is like being with your favorite eccentric uncle, the one who bought you liquor in high school — his crystal blue eyes glisten with warmth and pop with curiosity; when he’s very excited, his left pinky twitches. He added, “I love postcard clichés. You have to be a genius to take a good picture of Paris. So many have already been taken.”

Côte d'Azur

Côte d'Azur, originally uploaded by robokow.

Random ten

1. Tempted- Squeeze
2. High Fidelity- Elvis Costello
3. Stop Me- Mark Ronson
4. Pass the Buck- Stereophonics
5. The Cedar Room- Doves
6. Walk On Gilded Splinters- Cher
7. Acid Tongue- Jenny Lewis
8. Dumb Dumb Dumb- Teenage Fanclub
9. Caught In A Moment- Sugababes
10. Since You've Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson

Bonus-
11. Satin Chic- Goldfrapp
12. Tommy Gun- The Clash

Can't argue with this

Mark Ronson's fantasy band. Mmmm, Jamerson. And hell yes to Levon.

Vocals - Stevie Wonder and Steve Winwood
Can I have two? Stevie Wonder is just the most amazing singer of all time so he has to be there. Steve Winwood was for me the first important white soul singer I ever heard and he blew me away. I think they'd work well together but Steve would probably modestly let Stevie take centre stage.

Guitar - Curtis Mayfield
Slash is probably my favourite guitarist but he wouldn't fit in this band very well so I'm going to go with Curtis Mayfield. He's known for his singing but he played soulful blues better than anyone.

Bass - James Jamerson
Jamerson was the original and great Motown session bassist. He created the bass on The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back". I basically rip off all his basslines.

Drums - Levon Helm
He's probably my favourite drummer just for the fact that The Band were so funky for a rock group. So many soul bands sampled the laid back patterns that he produced. On songs such as "Up on Cripple Creek", he played some of the funkiest grooves.

Word of advice

to the local business owner whose business bears their name-

when someone from the Obama/Biden campaign calls you-even if you don't intend to vote for that particular ticket- do not snarl "I won't be voting for THEM," then slam the phone down violently.

NOT a good business move.

Jackass.

'5 Rebeccas'

New single from The View, featuring brief nudity from an unnamed Wee The View lad and Owen Morris shooting off fireworks in his garden.

I initially thought it was cute indie pop, nothing memorable, then caught myself humming the chorus, oh, 15 TIMES this weekend...

Ahhhh

This sounds like such a wonderful evening-

Shelby's strategy on her Dusty covers is akin to the renovation of antique furniture, with the melodramatic orchestrations stripped away to reveal the bare emotional core of each song, whose clean surfaces are then given the thinnest waxing of subtle instrumental tints. "Just a Little Lovin'" is taken slow and soulfully, with several pin drop pauses, silent lacunae requiring Lynne's pitch-perfect re-entry on difficult notes, each of which she nails with assurance. For her final Springfield cover, Lynne asks the audience to sing along with her on "I Only Want To Be With You" but most of us are holding our breath so as not to break the spell cast by her own voice.

Shelby joins the list of "people I would happily listen to sing the phone book," which includes Adele, Corinne Bailey Rae, James Dean Bradfield, Natalie Maines, Jenny Lewis, Alicia Keys and Kelly Jones. In case you wanted to know...

Wonderful

I cannot recommend Jenny Lewis's new album, 'Acid Tongue,' more- it is wonderful. I especially love 'Carpetbagger,' which features Mr. Elvis Costello. I was going to say Mr. Declan MacManus, but I'm not actually a rock snob, I just occasionally play one on the Internet.

Go get it. It's lovely.

Lewis is indie rock's most sharp-elbowed songwriter, a crafter of taut meditations on love, sex and politics that are full of violent emotions and, occasionally, plain old violence.