Still in business...

I'm going to get back to daily postings once I get back to college. In the meantime, they will take days to update.

I saw Sky High on Tuesday as a sneak preview and I enjoyed the film. I was profiled in the latest release of the Bridge, an email listserv offered by Dr. Ted Schlecter dealng with Kentucky politics. Last night, I met Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer. He gladly posed for a picture. The Republican is better known for his days as a member of the Kentucky basketball team from 1988-92. Jonathan Miller was profiled in Pat Crowley's blog. In the meantime, I am waiting to get my latest shipment of music of...Coldplay.

Boston has used 40 players this season. They also went 98 games without going into extra innings until this past Monday. Johnny Damon has either had a hit or run in 40 games.

John Gall was called up to replace the injured Larry Walker. St. Louis has scored 500 runs in 100 games this season. Last night, they almost got their first game in 40 years with a run in each inning.

Cam Kerry may be making a run for Secretary of State in Massachusetts and you can bet right now that he's got my endorsement!

Apparently, insurance scams are common per one Jonathan Miller.

Members of the left plan to show we have religious values over the next few elections.

“It’s easier to come out as gay in Boston than as religious in the Democratic Party,” said the keynote speaker, Rev. Jim Wallis, a well-known progressive evangelical Christian and the author of the best-selling God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It.

Wallis, who has just wrapped up a 47-city book tour, told the crowd that many Americans consider themselves people of faith but don’t feel the religious right speaks in their name.

"The religious right think they own God," he continued. "They think there are only two moral issues: abortion and gay marriage."

Instead, he said, ending poverty should be the highest priority of a faith-based politics. "Now that’s a moral value," he stated.

Yes, the latter is why Live 8 happened, well, the original one. But still poverty is wrong no matter where you live.

The couch is history but will someone please bring it back?

Seth Meyers pitches Key Party to Paramount.

Is Jim Belushi singing the blues?

Tom Petty is planning to become a music mogul.

Rocker TOM PETTY is planning to set up his own independent record label because music executives take too long to release his albums.

The FREE FALLIN' singer wants to return to the days when bands like the BEATLES put out three albums a year.

He says, "I like the idea of having an independent label because it reminds me of the early days of rock 'n' roll when there were a lot of independent labels, and they were actually driven by people who liked music.

"They were music people, not lawyers or accountants or whatever you have running the music business now."

Shabbat Shalom.

Downloading illegally is wrong

Now for the public service announcement of the month, downloading illegally traded songs is wrong. It's called stealing. Artists do not get royalties off of Kazaa or Limewire. They get royalties when songs are played on the radio or when someone purchases their CDs. I don't download at all, unless it's a freeware program.

Another thing that downloading causes: less space on the hard drive. You might wonder how I know this? Because I didn't want to haul up my CD collection with me to college. However, it took up too much space so all those files were deleted and they were never shared with anyone, not even my roommate.

The recording industry says that peer-to-peer file-trading services have cost the recording industry more than 20 percent of its business over the past five years and that the lawsuits are necessary to help stamp out online music piracy.

"This behavior is stealing," said Jenni Engebretsen, a spokeswoman for the recording association. "And it's illegal."

But several Louisville residents facing lawsuits said they feel unfairly singled out by claims they can't afford to challenge.

All said the real culprits are their children or grandchildren, who were just doing what millions of other kids -- and adults -- around the world have been doing for years, without consequences.

"Teenagers just don't regard this as a crime," Brown said. "It's like us swapping records when we were kids."

The recording industry doesn't see it that way.

Since September 2003, the recording association has filed 12,500 lawsuits nationwide against individual file sharers, Engebretsen said.

Among the eight cases already decided in Louisville, settlements with the recording industry have ranged from $2,750 to $6,800.

Default damages of $7,500 and $8,250 were awarded in two cases where defendants didn't respond to the lawsuits.

Don't say what's wrong is right because what's wrong is plainly wrong. It's that simple. Don't download songs on the internet. If it's the hits you want, then wait til they release the greatest hits album but stealing is dead wrong.

Coldplay: The Next U2

Chris Martin is the next coming of Bono of U2. Make no mistake about it. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is an advocate for fair trade. Plus, they both performed at Live 8 in London's Hyde Park (not together of course). Martin, like U2, has spoken out against the war and endorsed Senator Kerry for President last year.

Coldplay is the real deal just like U2 and Green Day. They are here to stay. Expect Coldplay to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame come 2025. I'm not saying they will replace U2 just like no one will ever replace the Beatles! In terms of advocating for causes, then they are becoming the next U2.

I must admit that, so far, there is only one band that I own all the CDs of (okay--almost all the CDs) and that is The Beatles. Coldplay is going to be the next band that I plan to purchase all their albums. They are that good! It must be something about the British sound that I like.

Facebook users beware

Sorry for the delay, with work and everything, I needed an extended break but I'm back.

According to this article, Facebook users are unaware that their privacy rights are being violated and that some of the donors deal with the CIA.

Also, of note, an amendment to extend daylight savings time by two more months went unreported in the Louisville Courier-Journal this past week. The amendment stayed in during the negotiations with the House-Senate conference comittee. This is bad not just because electronics will be messed up but because Jews will not be able to get to work on time if they attend morning minyan since those prayers cannot be recited until after sunrise. See this article here.

Calling all fans of the Beatles! Let it Be is finally coming out this September on DVD!

According to Beatles Anthology director Bob Smeaton, the Let It Be DVD, punched up with "remarkable bonus material," will be released in September. Smeaton told a Denver, Colo., radio station that the DVD release had been delayed due to the sheer volume of film stock shot, and colour restoration issues.[...]

Also on the reissue front, George Harrison's 1971 Concert For Bangladesh on both remastered CD and DVD will be released Oct. 25.[...]

Finally, Sir Paul McCartney will be touring this fall behind a new release, his first since 2001. Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard, said to be "a return to basics" for McCartney, will debut Sept. 13.

I know what I want for my birthday.

Evan Bayh campaigns in New Hampshire. While it is not definitive yet, I definitely would say he is running.

The merit scandal is getting a lot of notice on political blogs. How bout Fletcher be one and done?

Nickolas says blogs have become popular both nationally and in Kentucky because "there is a general distrust of the media in covering the important news." His site can also be a medium for stories that the "mainstream media is not writing about," Nickolas said.

Information can also make it onto a blog fairly quickly, Nickolas said. "It may be a little bit more vocal on the blog because we're not constrained by news editors."

Mark brings up a good point--when will the DST bill be covered by the Courier-Journal? I heard it on 84 WHAS locally and checked online. Nothing in the local papers then.

Ken Livingstone of Londons needs to think before he speaks. Equating a terror attack there to Israel is just wrong!

Note to Jon Stewart: Bring back the couch please!

Natalie Portman got interviewed at Comic Con.

IGNFF: Do you feel like for you, with your status, do you feel pressure to not be political?

PORTMAN: Well, I think a lot of people don't… people give actors and actresses a hard time when they get involved politically. They say, "who are they to try and mold our opinion?" and then no one cares if we're promoting makeup or whatever. But it's like, if you're promoting an idea you believe in… But I also hate proselytizing in any form, you know, thinking that you know better than anyone else. But you always have the right—I mean we're living in a free country—to say your opinion, and I think all people should exercise that right. We also have the right to not listen, so as long as we can all exercise those. But, yeah, it can be. You can come under a lot of criticism for that.

IGNFF: Have you ever?

PORTMAN: Yeah, I mean, listen… If you're being political about one thing and someone disagrees with you, they say, "She doesn't have the right to say it." But it's fine and I respect people's beliefs. Most beliefs. I don't think, you know… There are certain things I think are wrong, obviously.

[At this point five jet planes fly overhead and completely drown out the conversation. We watch them pass.]

PORTMAN: I think we're invading Mexico. [Laughs]

IGNFF: I think we are actually.

Obama passes on Daily Show for now.

How does Evan Bayh feel about John Roberts (not the anchor)?

"Any comment at this time would be premature. This is an appointment of tremendous magnitude, and we need to take our time to make sure we get it right."

Ashlee Simpson forgives Avril Lavigne (the better singer).

St. Louis Cardinals News:
Scott Rolen was named the American Legion Graduate of the Year. Jason Isringhausen tied Bruce Sutter for 3rd all-time for Cardinal saves. Albert Pujols moved into fourth place with regards to Busch Stadium home runs. Larry Walker is close to 1,300 RBI's. John Rodriguez was called up to replace the injured Reggie Sanders. Sanders is close to becoming the 4th player in the 300-300 club. Chris Carpenter is the first Cardinal since John Tudor in 1985 to have 4 complete game shutouts. St. Louis reached 60 wins this year faster than any other in the franchise history. The August 14th game is now an evening game so that ESPN can air it.

Boston Red Sox News:
Boston was 1st during the all-star break for the 1st time since 1995. On the 64th anniversary of Joe DiMaggio setting the new record, Johnny Damon had is 28th consecutive game with a hit. He ended up with 29 consecutive games with a hit. Only 30 players have had over 30 consecutive games with a hit. He has Boston's fourth-longest hitting streak. Manny Ramirez is Hall-bound as he will most likely join the 500 club next season. He has over 414 home runs and passed up Darrel Evans on the all-time list. Curt Schilling went 13 years and 77 days between saves. Bronson Arroyo's Covering the Bases started out it's first week of release by cracking the Billboard Top 200 at #123. Gabe Kapler, on the DL, has joined the Red Sox again. Adam Stern became the quickest Boston player to hit a home run in his first season when he hit one out of the park for his 6th at bat.

Also, I am compiling a list of statues at Major League Ballparks. If you know of any, please let me know.

Great to be back in business!

Back from vacation

Blogging will resume later this week. I'm still catching up on things.

Weekend Update

Jim Edmonds for NL Gold Glove. His web gems this week will show why he will soon be in the Hall of Fame.

Johnny Damon has a 24 game hitting streak. That is pretty impressive. He'll need 33 consecutive games with a hit if he wants to break Joe DiMaggio's record. The Sox record is 34, set by Dom DiMaggio in 1949.

Improv celebrates 50 years by going back to where it all began.

Actress couldn't say no to Yes.

Live-8 was a success as the G-8 voted to relieve the debt and increase aid by 2010. Unfortunately, one member refused to get on board with the Kyoto Protocal to decrease vehicle emissions. That one person: George Bush. That shows how much of a corporate sell-out he is and how he cares more about oil than animals. Polar bears are going on empty. One-hundred million people will be forced out of their coastal homes as the sea rises approximately 3 feet.

Gary Sinise joins the ranks of Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Russell Crowe, Bruce Willis and many more.

Add to the list Steppenwolf Theatre Company co-founder and current CSI:NY star Gary Sinise. The acclaimed actor plays bass guitar for the Lt. Dan Band, performing tonight at Casino Rama, near Orillia, Ont., north of Toronto, with Nova Scotia pop singer Melanie Doane.

Sinise confides that he won't be trading in his acting career for music any time soon. "It's all for fun," he says. "Look, there are musicians who end up acting in movies. Why can't movie actors play in bands?"

St. Louis now has 3 pitchers with wins in double digits (Mulder, Morris, Carpenter). Jason Marquis and Jeff Suppan have 8 each now. The Cards lead the MLB in starting pitchers with wins (49).

Conan's legacy is apparent...I think.

Ben Stiller's friends party on.

Question: What do you think of being called the frat pack?
Answer: It's a little bit constructed to be honest with you...The big common denominator to the whole thing is Ben Stiller, the guy that gave opportunities to a lot of us. He put Will Ferrell in Zoolander, put Owen in a bunch of stuff, he fought for me to be in Dodgeball. The only movie I've done with Will really is Old School, and then we both were in Starsky. I did a cameo for him in Anchorman, he did something in this, but this is Owen and my first movie together. We were both in Starsky, we didn't have much to do together. And I've never even been in a scene with Jack Black, the only movie I've been in with Luke is Old School, and we both did a cameo for Will in Anchorman.

Q: Do you see any similarities between your group and the Saturday Night Live/Second City comedians of the '70s who made films together, such as John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Chevy Chase?
A: No, those guys all started off with Second City, then they went to Saturday Night Live together. Will (Ferrell) was a Groundlings actor, Ben started off doing The Ben Stiller Show. Owen (Wilson) came out of Texas really, where he was doing those smaller movies. Me and (Jon) Favreau (who co-stars with Vaughn in The Break Up) met on a movie called Rudy and made Swingers and then we made Made together and pursued independent lives as well. I have respect and think all those guys are talented and I have enjoyed working with them, but it's not like it's an organized group saying, 'What's our next move?'

In other movie news, Natalie Portman says her haircut has caused her to be suspected as a terrorist.

Natalie Portman says her shaved head makes her a target. The actress, who shaved her head for a movie role, suspects she was stopped by police near the Midtown Tunnel because she looks like a terrorist. Portman told Newsweek, "My registration was expired because I had been out of town...They wouldn't let me go in. But he said to take the bridge instead. And I didn't understand that logic. If you're a suspect, don't take the tunnel, take the bridge?" The other question is why did cops let her drive off without proper registration?

In other news, I will be on vacation til next Monday.

Life Must Go On

As we continue to process the events of yesterday, live goes on. In America. In London. Spain. Israel. Around the world. We will win the fight. We must. It would be a tragedy not to.

This blog will return to normalcy most likely after my vacation next week.

Now I know why The Daily Show is on reruns. They are getting a new set and location.

The studio is the old Food Network studio, and when the show comes back on July 11, Stewart's couch will be gone and the studio changed a bit. Stewart will have big TV screens behind him and now the guest will have their own giant desk to sit at too.

More people were indicted in the merit hiring probe.

Live 8 was just a beginning to help the poor and hungry.

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner talks about 2008.

Alan Zweibel writes a new book.

The Blues Brothers perform at Atlantic City's House of Blues this Sunday.

Need a liberal dose of humor?

Congrats to Jason Isringhausen for reaching 200 career saves on July 6, 2005.

Stand with Britain

Instead of my normal blogging, tonight's blog comes with sad news. Our friends in London were attacked this morning by terrorists. Nothing I write tonight can change the events of this morning but we must Stand with Britain as they did with us on 9/11/01. London was attacked because of fools who think that supporting Israel is wrong (according to one article I read). My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by today's tragedy.

Paul McCartney was in New York City on 9/11 and he wrote a song shortly thereafter called "Freedom." He debuted that song at The Concert for New York City, a concert that was actually his idea to begin with. London might need something similar next month as the town heals and returns to normalcy. I send my thoughts and prayers to our friends across the pond and I am thankful that my cousins in England are safe and sound.

I really hate to use a Bush quote here but I feel it sums up some of my thoughts: "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."

Today, July 7, 2005 (also Ringo Starr's birthday), our resolve has never been higher. Justice will be served. I hope, soon, that we will live in a peaceful world. As four lads from Liverpool once said, "All you need is love."

Around the World

London 2012! London was my second choice as I would have preferred New York City. However, I'm glad it was not Paris.

Albert Pujols keeps hitting the ball. So does Johnny Damon.

Universal to release the Blues Brothers 25th Anniversary edition on DVD. The DVD will be released on August 30, 2005. Bonus Features include:

*Rounding Up The Band -- An original documentary about the pop culture phenomenon that began as a "Saturday Night Live" skit and became a national institution that's still going strong.
* Introduction to the film by Dan Aykroyd
* An All-Access Pass To The Blues Brothers -- Viewers get an all day access pass to a Blues Brothers concert at the House of Blues in San Diego, California.
* Keepin' The Mission Alive -- Highlights of the many spin-offs, tributes and merchandising developments, as well as stage shows, impersonators and everything else inspired by the film.
* Tribute To A Blues Brother -- Friends, family and co-stars share their personal stories about the late great comedian John Belushi.
* Production Notes

Eagle Joe Walsh plays a prisoner in the film.

Catching Up on News

Sandra Day O'Connor resigned from the Supreme Court. If Bush is wise, he'd pick a moderate to replace her rather than someone that is far off to the right. That's the logical thing to do no matter what party you come from. Bayh calls on Bush to nominate a moderate to the bench.

Email-wise, this post covers Friday through today. A lot of emails to take care of.

Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo's new CD should have hit the stores already or it will soon if it has yet to do so. He performs of cover of the Standell's "Dirty Water."

Chris Carpenter was very deserving of his All-Star selection. He's arguably the most dominant pitcher for St. Louis this past month. He recorded a 0.90 ERA.

Indiana natives react to Tim Roemer's possible candidacy for Senate. If Hoosier Democrats field anyone, let it be this guy. He may not be liked by those to the left of me, but remember, Indiana is a conservative state and Lugar is very popular!

Indiana's US Senate election 2006, a race, local republicans aren't worrying about for these reasons.

First they think Senator Richard Lugar has better name recognition throughout the state than Roemer. Second it would take upwards of $10 million to run a good campaign. And local republicans say Roemer wouldn't have the backing of Hoosier democrats.

"He would have to rely on Washington Pac money and it would be difficult to raise that money because he doesn't meet that profile of national democrat because he's pro-life and more moderate on some issues," said Faulkner.

Live 8 rocked the globe.

Organizer Bob Geldof promised to deliver "the greatest concert ever," broadcast live around the world on television and the Internet.

On Independence Day weekend in the United States, Will Smith, host of the Philadelphia show, said people had united for a "declaration of interdependence."

"Today we hold this truth to be self-evident: We are all in this together," Smith said. Via satellite, he led the global audience in snapping their fingers every three seconds, signifying the child death rate in Africa.[...]

Paul McCartney and U2 opened the flagship show of the free 10-concert festival in London's Hyde Park with a rousing performance of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." A thunderous roar erupted from the crowd of about 150,000 as the two iconic rock stars belted out the first line: "It was 20 years ago today..." - a nod to the mammoth Live Aid concerts that raised millions for African famine relief in 1985.

Bono, dressed in black and wearing his trademark wraparound shades, wrapped the crowd around his finger, enticing tens of thousands to sing along to the anthemic "One" and "Beautiful Day." The crowd cheered when a flock of white doves was released overhead.

"So this is our moment. This is our time. This is our chance to stand up for what's right," Bono said.

"We're not looking for charity, we're looking for justice. We cannot fix every problem, but the ones we can, we must."[...]

Geldof appeared onstage to introduce Microsoft billionaire and philanthropist Gates, whom the crowd greeted with a rock star's roar.

"We can do this, and when we do it will be the best thing that humanity has ever done," Gates said.

The crowd joined in as REM sang "Man on the Moon," then heard U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan declare: "This is really the United Nations."

"The whole world has come together in solidarity with the poor," Annan said.

The fans turned out for the sound check on Friday.

Going north to Canada, Neil Young returned to the stage for the first time since surgery for the Toronto Live 8 concert.

The artists, some 20 bands and individuals in all, signed off with Young's trademark "Keep on Rockin' In The Free world" before being joined by the crowd in the singing of "O Canada."

Canadian favorite Tom Cochrane kicked off Canada's Live 8 concert with "Life is a Highway" before 35,000 roaring fans, moving the global event into North America.[...]

"Canadians care! Canadians care!" Host Dan Aykroyd cried to the fans before Cochrane took to the stage.

However, some of the events had some negative reaction.

But Simple Plan lead singer Pierre Bouvier seemed to make it his mission to singlehandedly change that perception. The band's performance got one of the biggest responses of the day.

He also reminded Live 8 revellers they had gathered for a reason.

"Please remember this day is more than just a concert," Bouvier told the crowd, which appeared to be made up largely of people in their 20s. "Don't forget about it tomorrow. Help out people who are in need."[...]

The exception was Celine Dion - who performed by satellite hookup from Las Vegas - and elicited boos from the audience in Barrie.

"No, no, no," scolded Aykroyd as the catcalls rained down. "Be proud of Celine Dion. She's here to help and entertain us. She's working hard, hard, hard."

In the 2000's, St. Louis is undefeated on the 4th of July. Johnny Damon and Albert Pujols have hitting streaks going for them: 15 and 14, respectively. Cardinal players David Eckstein, Scott Rolen, and Jim Edmonds will start the All-Star game. Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Jason Isringhausen are reservists for the game.

The GOP is worried about Fletcher. Meanwhile, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson has found himself on the short list for Vice President in 2008.

We have here some insight from the Indiana Daily Insight, an online newsletter about Indiana politics and business (www.ingrouponline.com), regarding Louisville's mayor and a certain senator: "Could we see a pair of Indiana University graduates team up on the national Democratic ticket in 2008?"

"U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) is already laying the groundwork for a run, and we wouldn't be surprised if another IU grad, Metro Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson (D) is considered for the vice presidency -- regardless of who tops the Demo ticket."

Insight pointed out Abramson two years ago was praised by Governing Magazine for his handling of the Louisville-Jefferson County merger.

"He was widely rumored to be a potential Clinton administration cabinet pick," Insight added, "and his presence on the ticket could help Democrats in Kentucky and the neighboring states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and other southern states."

Evan Bayh's introduction is just about the way he wrote it.

Fox News gave Live 8 an "A." It should be noted that Jimmy Fallon flew over just for the Pink Floyd reunion.

Geldof, besides raising international awareness about poverty and hunger in Africa, did something far more immediately important: He reunited Pink Floyd.

For the first time in a quarter-century, Dave Gilmour and Roger Waters not only played together, they actually broke bread.

On Friday night, all the members of Pink Floyd and their wives, etc., ate together at the famous Ivy restaurant. Roger made the initial call, an insider told me, leading to this unique gathering.

Now the speculation begins: a new album, a tour, is any of it possible? From the rousing reception they got, something tells me more is to come.

Mind you, this is where MTV's Van Toffler made a direct pitch to Roger Daltrey to sing with Green Day at the Video Music Awards in August in Miami.
Said Roger: "There would have to be a rehearsal. We could do one of theirs and one of ours."
Toffler: "That would be right."
Daltrey: "Green Day is the real thing. They're the kind of rock band that really bites it. The others just suck it. The Who bites it."

Fifty years of improv in Chicago.

Evan Bayh voted against CAFTA because it doesn't do enough for workers.

Natalie Portman has the last word.

Heal the World: Make Poverty History

Heal the World
Wriiten and Performed by Michael Jackson

There´s a place in your heart
And I know that it is love
And this place could
Be much brighter than tomorrow
And if you really try
You´ll find there´s no need to cry
In this place you´ll feel
There´s no hurt or sorrow

There are ways
To get there
If you care enough
For the living
Make a little space
Make a better place

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

If you want to know why
There´s a love that
Cannot lie
Love is strong
It only cares of
Joyful giving
If we try
We shall see
In this bliss
We cannot feel
Fear or dead
We stop existing and
Start living

Then it feels that always
Love´s enough for
Us growing
So make a better world
Make a better world

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

And the dream we were
Conceived in
Will reveal a joyful face
And the world we
Once believed in
Will shine again in grace
Then why do we keep
Strangling life
Wound this earth
Crucify its soul
Though it´s plain to see
This world´s is heavenly
Be god´s glow

We could fly so high
Let our spirits never die
In my heart
I feel you are all
My brothers
Create a world with
No fear
Together we cry
Happy tears
See the nations turn
Their swords
Into plowshares

We could really get there
If you cared enough
For the living
Make a little space
To make a better place….

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you cared enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

You and for me
You and for me
You and for me
You and for me
You and for me
You and for me
You and for me
You and for me
You and for me

To the leaders of the world, during every breath you take, we'll be watching you.

Happy 4th of July

The Kentucky Democrat is going on a short holiday hiatus that was scheduled to start yesterday. In all honesty, I was just dead tired when I got home yesterday which is why I'm posting now.

Reaching out to the world's Jewry? Conference attendees include Senator Lieberman, Steven Spielberg, and Michael Dell.

Will the world's musicians make a difference? I sure hope so.

Returning to stand-up comedy? Darrell Hammond is on tour.

The House of Blues in Atlantic City is making progress. It should be great like all the others in the chain. Happy Birthday to Dan Aykroyd today.

Buffalo Springfield and CSNY guitarist to appear at Live 8. Yep, Neil Young will be there.

Neil Young will mark his return on stage by performing at Canada’s Live 8 concert Saturday, three months after he was treated for a brain aneurysm.

Young will close out the show, accompanied by the Fisk University Jubilee Choir, organizers said this week. The free concert, one of nine to be held simultaneously around the world to raise awareness of poverty in Africa, will be held in Barrie, just north of Toronto.

The Toronto-born musician was part of the Live Aid show in Philadelphia 10 years ago. The 59-year-old rocker has been working on a new album, a follow-up to 2003’s Greendale.

Young was treated for the aneurysm at a Manhattan hospital in late March. His vision had become blurry after attending the March 14 induction ceremonies for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Buffalo Springfield's all-time greatest hit would have to be "For What It's Worth." That song is a classic and I am working on mastering the song on my guitar.

Bayh and Lugar are split on CAFTA. I'm not surprised.

It seems the good, they start young.

Jena Malone: Date of birth, Nov. 21, 1984: At just short of 21, it's probably too early to predict how her adult career will go. But she's ready to try her first costume drama in this fall's "Pride and Prejudice."

Natalie Portman: Date of birth, June 9, 1981: In her early teens when she first came on screen, Portman never did any very-young-girl roles. But she leapt into adult acting with a vengeance in last year's "Closer."

Jodie Foster: Date of birth: Nov. 19, 1962. Nobody did it better as a child actor. And it's been way too long since she was last on screen ("Panic Room" in 2002, to be exact.)

Anna Paquin: Date of birth, July 24, 1982: The second-youngest Oscar winner of all time (for her work in "The Piano"), Paquin's work as an 11-year-old justly received applause. She avoided overexposure (are you listening, Dakota?) and now is pursuing adult roles in movies such as "X2."

Drew Barrymore: Date of birth, Feb. 22, 1975: So dang cute in "E.T. the Extraterrestrial" and "Firestarter," it was heartbreaking when she went astray. Glad she came back - not glad enough to forgive her for "Duplex," but glad nonetheless.

Christina Ricci: Date of birth, Feb. 12, 1980: Starring with Cher isn't a bad way to start; avoiding being typecast as Wednesday Addams isn't a bad way to continue. After making an indelible impression in 2003's "Monster," she didn't appear in a single movie in 2004. We miss you.

Calling Michael Jackson! Live 8 wants you!

Hip-hop pioneer Simmons, who is the founder of the Def Jam record label, told the paper that he was working on a dream line-up for the finale: Michael Jackson, Prince, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Beyonce, all singing We Are the World, the anthem of 1985's Live Aid concert.

That song is a classic!

If this keeps up, than expect Michael to record a new album.

The winner of Ohio will be the fighter in 2008.