Famous among dozens
Results are in for The Morning News Tournament of books! You can read my review of An Unfinished Season by Ward Just and The Dew Breaker by Edwidge Danticat. The last round came down to Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell versus The Plot Against America by Philip Roth.
Last week was so hectic that I forgot to link to my latest At Auction piece for the Times, “Cocktail Sets the Rat Pack Would Love” it appeared in the Circuits section last Thursday.
A word to the wise, gentlemen. If you’re in line for a unisex bathroom, and you’re flirting with the young lady in line behind you, don’t leave the toilet seat up.
He’s blogging professionally now. If you read his stuff, you too can be the boss of him by throwing a little grocery money his way.
I subscribe to a newsletter called TrendCentral, and one of last week’s newsletters contained the following blurb:
“Musical Roads: In Japan, the Hokkaido Industrial Research Institute has embedded grooves into sections of roads, which boom a tune up through cars. They’re in the process of planning different melodies for different locations, picking songs that are somehow associated with the locale.”
In a related program, the tollbooth operators are passing out complimentary pieces of chewing tinfoil and bamboo slivers just big enough to fit under drivers’ toenails.
Jen just posted another song for Arlo from Uncle Liam. We heart Uncle Liam!
This man on the corner stands with his feet apart, hands on hips, his chin tilted up. He is waiting for the light to change. He is waiting to defend justice.
Last week, my niece tested for her blue belt in Tai Kwan Do. I’m pretty sure it’s the only time I will ever hear an adult prompt a child by saying:
“William! Mindy is confused because you are not kicking her in the head.”
When each of the children was asked why he or she wanted to get a black belt, one of the ten year olds responded, “So I can get into a good college, Sir!”
Bryan: What are you guys talking about?
Rachel: Ryan Cabrera
Bryan: Who’s that?
Me: Ashlee Simpson’s boyfriend.
Bryan: I’m already forgetting that.
Me: RYAN CABRERA!
Rachel: Ryan Cabrera.
Me: Ryyyaaaan Cabrera.
Bryan: Shit.
-I could do this with my hands tied behind my back.
-You think?
-No, I’m saying that’s how I’d improve upon it. Do it with my hands tied behind my back.
-Ah. You could charge more.
At the bar, someone mentions the possibility of the pope dying, and Rachel crosses herself.
Me: What was that last thing you did? After you crossed yourself?
Rachel: I was trying to clasp my hands in prayer, but the beer got in the way.
Mighty Girl 