Had a good chat with Jen this morning at the train platform. For years I've been lazily lobbying for an Aloud podcast, but the big mystery is this: what the hell would it be about? We concluded it would be great/appropriate to do a series on the next tour.

Been mostly avoiding any in-depth reading of news lately—particularly about our wonderfully productive political process. It's depressing the piss out of me. Trying to stave off the rot of cynicism as I age, as well as the urge to move to Canada, so tuning out for a spell seems necessary. (I doubt the planet will miss yours truly anyway.)

Halfway through this book by the late John Jerome called The Writing Trade. It's mainly his journal entries for the whole of 1989. He talks a lot about the weather and walking his dogs, but there are interesting nuggets in there about writing. Primarily, I'm enjoying the time capsule element of this book. Computers weren't ubiquitous and were almost novelty then. A writer had the option of using other methods of getting his work done. He dedicates a couple paragraphs to describe what I can only assume is Lotus Notes. It's interesting, and it makes me want to head on over to the typewriter shop, though—like the aforementioned podcast—I'd have little idea what to actually do with it.

Also started reading some Dostoyevsky. I may actually finish it.

Off running errands (Jesus H, do I *hate* malls), but here are three things that did pop up on my radar that I want to comment on (and you can't stop me):

- Further proof that it's possible to be both spineless and a bully: Google's 2010 Blogocide. Speaking of, after decades of their dickery, the RIAA may want to consider going the MTV route of becoming a recursive acronym (lest the public be confused they have anything to do with music).

- Further proof that Sarah Palin is a phony: her vacuous speech at the Teabagger's convention.

- Further proof that John Mayer is a douchebag: his recent spate of classy interviews. (I've been saying this guy's a douche for years. Nice of ya'll to finally catch up. :)

No studio this weekend. Would like to catch up on years of lost sleep, but I know this shan't happen. Tomorrow: crepes, window shopping for new amps, and a movie.

Henry's phone