I Have to Share This Little Fella With You

Found at ffffound.

Behind the Scenes of Leverage - The Writer's Room

I wrote a couple days ago about my new fave show, Leverage. I found this writer's room spoof on Nikki Finke's excellent Deadline Hollywood Daily blog.

My dream of writing for a TV show is renewed. Eliot fights a bear! Whizzer!

I realize this is a bit of a lazy post, sorry, but I'm at work (shhh! Don't tell anyone I'm blogging at l'office).

What I'm Listening to Right This Very Second - Jacob Golden "On A Saturday"

I'M SO SENSITIVE!!!!

But seriously... I love this song.

He did my LP Questionnaire. I don't know why I never posted it here.

Nancy Pelosi Is Getting On My Nerves

Some random thoughts from President Obama's Presidential Address to Congress...

I wish I could turn Nancy Pelosi's jack in the box routine into a drinking game. I would be so very drunk right now.

But alas, I do not drink... so am relegated to being merely annoyed that she keeps jumping up to give Obama standing ovations every five seconds. I'm also worried about her face. She looks like claymation. Please, Nancy, just age gracefully. That Botox isn't helping.

I feel lame that it's my first post after eulogizing my friend Melissa and I'm being a biyaatch (do people still use that word?) about Madame Speaker, but it's 800 degrees here in Austin... in February... and heat always makes me cranky.

Michelle Obama looks amazing, though, in her purple frock and matching purple eyeshadow. I'm so glad that color is back. It reminds me of being 12.

I'm looking at the MSNBC Audience Reactometer, and he's off the charts with McCain voters. In fact, he's doing better with McCain voters than his own. I think that's telling and tells what we all thought, really, that he's a centrist in liberal's clothing.

Okay, I have to go back to work now. I hope you're all having a happy Tuesday. I'm sad the Leverage season finale is tonight. I've really been enjoying that show even though Christian Kane's hair is truly tragic.

Nighty night.

Duke Energy - Remembering Melissa Duke

As I write this, my friend Melissa is being eulogized hundreds of miles away in Nashville.

It's been four days, and I still can't believe she's passed, though it's setting in, that truth. Never in a million years did I ever imagine that she, so full of life, would be gone at the age of 41... but fate is strange, right?

I took this picture back in 2003 while on tour to send to her. If anything epitomized Melissa Duke, it was energy. A self-proclaimed "whirling dervish," she was, at the time of her passing, working on an ABC's of Rock book, raising two kids, and working on press junkets for films. When I met her she was a publicist at a major studio, a burlesque dancer with Velvet Hammer, and the singer in a band. She accomplished more in the nine years I knew her than most will in a lifetime and all with an easy smile, bright laugh and spirited grace.

Though I confess to being a little weirded out by the Facebooking of one's death, Melissa had 493 FB friends and I think every single one of them left a comment on how much she meant to them. It's great to see that she was as loved as the big love she doled out on a regular basis.

I may never understand why someone like Duke had to go so early. Perhaps her generous nature was needed somewhere else in the universe, but it's hard to comprehend her having to leave Mooney, Nola and Lu behind.

In two short days, bacterial meningitis took her life. I encourage everyone to read up on it and take preventative measures if you can.

I don't want to go on and on, but I did want to share with you a bit about what a special person she was. Few friends encourage my writing as much as she did. I will miss all the light she brought into the world and I'm so grateful to have known her.

Rest in peace, Duke. You were one of a kind.

In My Absence... A Dog Riding A Bike

Sorry for the lack of postings. T and I drove down to Austin on Sunday and now I'm sicker than a dog riding a bike.

Regular programming will resume when worship of the porcelain god has ceased. TMI? I'm so delirious I can't even tell.

In the meantime, please enjoy this l'il video. I know that I, in my fevered state, sure did.

Happy Valentine's Day From NBC

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

NBC wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day courtesy of an exclusive interview with Drew Peterson and his... is that daughter? No, fiancee? Drew Peterson and his next wife (victim), Christina Raines.

Stay classy, NBC. Although, to be fair, they aired this yesterday on the Today show so maybe they were celebrating Friday the 13th, which is way more fitting.

And, of course, I'm the goob who's posting this crap, but only because I'm being bombarded by it on MSNBC right now so... why not spread the joy.

Valentine's Day is a made up ridonkulous holiday, anyway, right? My worst Valentine's Day? When I got fired from a job and my ex dumped me the week before... then tried to give me the present he'd bought me, anyway. My best? Well, that would be with Tom, of course, as V-Day is our anniversary. Six years. LORDY. That is a long time for yours truly and yet somehow it's flown by. He's a keeper, that TB, and that's as mushtastic as I'll ever get.

Happy Heart Day to you and yours.

Bill Maher on Larry King Live

27 minutes worth... I'm sorry I just took some melatonin because I only slept for three hours last night so this is ALL I GOTS.

Rediscovering Old Loves - New Moon On Monday

Duran Duran - New Music - More Music Videos

Okay, I'm being lazy this morning because how can I rediscover Duran Duran when I STILL LISTEN TO THEM ALL THE TIME!

However, I've had some fond reminiscing with my friend Dom recently about our experiences on the Seven and the Ragged Tiger tour, and I know I've told you guys about how awesome it was when John Taylor sent me flowers (although not as awesome as if it had happened when I was 13 instead of 30).

Then there's Paula Yoo's completely adorable, well-written and funny YA novel, Good Enough, where a D2-esque band features prominently. I read this on the flight to LA last week, and "my heart burst into confetti."

Anyway... with their silly cinematic videos with cheesy overwrought plots, golden English beauty, and dreamy songs, Duran Duran epitomize all that was simply dandy about the 80s. How I miss those innocent days.

Grammys pt 4 - Check Out These Handsome Nominees

I'm trying to decide if the picture above is hilarious or adorable. Probably both. This article certainly is. For the record, Tom's suit is Lad Musician and was purchased at the coolest store ever, Opening Ceremony.

I'm home. I'm home on the couch watching the Grammys telecast.

Some things I've noticed with the benefit of closeups:

The Jonas Brothers really really really are a scourge. I'm trying very hard to repress the memory of Stevie Wonder performing with them. As I mentioned, I thought it was the end of the world. Seriously, I was waiting for the four horsemen to storm the Staples Center.

Katy Perry seems to hate her song "I Kissed A Girl" as much as we do. The response at the end was rather tepid. She looked a bit lost at the lack of applause and went back to her banana. I suspect Katy might be a cool girl, though, and hope she comes up with something soon to erase the taste of cherry Chapstick.

I quite like this Estelle/Kanye West song. It was probably some huge hit, and I heard it for the first time last night. That's how lame I am. Kanye could not have looked less excited to hand Adele (and her gum) the award for Best New Artist.

Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland reminds me of Kirsten Dunst (she probably hears this all the time). It was just as cute on TV when she thanked Paul McCartney as it was at the show.

Foolishly forgotten on my list of highlights:

Radiohead. I wish you could have heard the sound of the USC marching band a bit better on the telly. How psyched were those kids?!! Thom Yorke remains one of the most fascinating dudes in music.

And The Four Tops tribute... it was a real treat to see Smokey Robinson and Duke Fakir. I think I'm still on a high from seeing Neil Diamond. NEIL DIAMOND! Okay...

As far as audience shots go, I've seen Tom's head, and the woman who sat to my left and repeatedly flipped her hair all over me. I did not, however, catch any glimpses of myself. Relief!

We had dinner after the madness at an awesome restaurant called Home in Silverlake. I wish it had been there when I lived in LA. Yummo!

Speaking of home... there's no place like it.

Now I must go unpack. And sleep... and sleep some more.

Grammys pt 3 - I HEART NEIL DIAMOND

We're at dinner after the endless day and eve.

Highlights:
Adele performing "Chasing Pavements."

MIA in her totally kickass maternity outfit.

Neil Diamond defining showmanship with a killer rendition of "Sweet Caroline."

Lowlights:
Jonas Bros with Stevie Wonder (the world just ended... seriously).

MMJ not winning (although is losing to Radiohead really losing?).

Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus singing some ridonkulous song about being 15. (I don't think being 15 was that stupid. Or maybe it was and I've blissfully forgotten. In that case, thanks for reminding me, girls!)

Okay, my food is here... so very hungry... the only thing I ate today was concession stand nachos... toxic orange sludge mixed with unsalted tortilla chips. Tragic.

Grammys pt 2 - Hunger and Loss

MMJ didn't win Best Alternative Album. Radiohead did.

Tom and I are in line to buy a giant pretzel.

Heavy D performed "Now That We've Found Love"

That is all... for now.

Grammys pt 1 - Tia Carrere Edition

Lila Downs opens the Pre-Televised Awards Ceremony show with "Black Magic Woman." I have no idea who she is...

And thus the 51st Grammy Awards has begun.

I totally wanted to sit next to the Best Hawaiian Album noms and we are. They're wearing leis.

I am definitely the most underdressed person here... but I am not the worst. I somehow suspect I may be the only gal wearing a top from the Gap sale rack.

Tia Carrere is singing, "It's gonna be a nice day." I sure hope so.

I'm Annoyed So I'll Spread the Joy

Of course I'm also spreading the terror...

The people at this hotel have found my last nerve and now they're grating away like it's cheese on an order of nachos supreme.

Obvs I am beyond tired.

Osteria Mozza here we come!! Catatonic Park and Jet Lagged Blankenship, table for two, please!

So Very Full, So Very Tired

I know I said I would be back with awesome cool pics and stuff, but I had a run ragged day sprinting around LA in the rain. Did get a chance to go to one of my favorite places in the world, though, so that was nice.

In the meantime, here's a pic of Tom hanging out with what appears to be a mouse playing a horn (does anyone know what this is?) that Jim sent me today.

I hope the boyos are traveling safely and all. I almost feel jet lagged for them.

Apologies for the tiny excitement, but the sleep gets in the way.

(photo by Jim James)

ps. Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica was purty good, purty good. Today's eats also included Martha's in Hermosa Beach, Little Doms in Los Feliz and Lamill Coffee in Silverlake (whose desserts are done by the pastry chef from Providence in Hollywood). I GET AROUND, PEOPLE!! I also weigh about 500 lbs at this point. No cupcakes, though.

pps. It's technically Tom's birthday so Happy Birthday, dude.

My Morning Jacket in Japan - LP in LA

My Morning Jacket say sayonara to Japan and hello Los Angeles today (or tomorrow, but it's Saturday over yonder already). Here they be standing in front of an advert for Soft Bank. I hope Tom is bringing that doggie home.

I'm sad to report that they'll be saying hello to a cold and rainy LA. I can't believe this. It's probably going to rain as much in the four days I'm visiting as it did in the eight years I lived here! Boo!


Still... at least there are cupcakes... these being courtesy of Cake in Manhattan Beach. I just ate a carrot cake cupcake for breakfast. I think I'm going to hell.

Don't tell anyone I took this while driving, but here's a random shot of yesterday's sunset over the ocean. I swear I kept my eyes on the road the whole time, thus the results.

I have a busy day ahead trying to find a slightly more acceptable top to wear to the Grammys, lunching with a friend and coffee with some old Viper Room pals. I'll be dining tonight at Rustic Canyon, the restaurant started by the old Spago chef. Sounds yummy. I'll let you know.

I'll be back later with final shots of MMJ overseas, but in the meantime, I think you might like these shots of the puppy/kitten store, Eric Mayers doing his best Shining impersonation at the puppy/kitten store, and interesting pet disposal options.




I hope you've enjoyed these little travelogues, and as always you can catch up with all of them here.

Okay, the sugar is making me funny in the head. Time to look for more reasonable brekkie alternatives. I think they have eggs in California. Why, I'm sure they do!

(photos by Tom Blankenship, Eric Mayers and yours truly)

My Morning Jacket in Japan - Standing Sushi Edition

Due to pilot error I think the pics in the post below weren't visible for a while. So, to make it up to you, please enjoy these pictures of Tom and co. at the standing sushi bar where you make your own green tea. Or, that's what T told me, anyway.

I hear the show in Tokyo went well last night. The audience participated with copious amounts of synchronized clapping and a mosh pit yet were quiet and attentive, as well. Gosh, I love Japan.

I'll try to get one more post in before I head off tomorrow, but if taking out the trash takes longer than I expect, I'll return from the City of Angels.

(photos by Eric Mayers)

My Morning Jacket in Japan - Sky Hole Edition

It sounds like the guys had an adventurous first day in Tokyo, in and out of Shibuya, an area as alive and vibrant as I've ever seen.

Here they be hangin' out at My Sky Hole 85-2 by Bukichi Inoue outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

I've been inundated with hilarious Japan shots so I'll be back in a few with some more. As always, keep up with all the tour wackness here.

I have to wake up at 5 am tomorrow to go to Los Angeles to see some pals, eat some cupcakes and go to the Grammys where I sincerely do hope my hubs wins one. However, jet lagged and all, I think we'll have a good ol' time watching JoBro whether they take home the prize or not.

(photos by Tom Blankenship)

Bill Hicks on Letterman - Better Late Than Never

Bill Hicks' banned Late Show with David Letterman set from October 1, 1993.

Kinda cool for Letterman to air it finally. I still miss Mr. Hicks. Such a genius comedian. I saw him perform in Austin a zillion years ago. I feel lucky.

My Morning Jacket in Japan - Where's Waldo Edition

Now the guys know how I feel EVERY DARN DAY! Hee hee hee.

More in a bit...

You can keep up with other MMJ travels here.

(photo by Eric Mayers)

Song For A Day - Silent Lucidity

Queensryche - New Music - More Music Videos

I can't believe it's snowing again. I mean, I knew it was going to snow but not like all blizzardy and stuff! Anyhoo, my favorite thing about the snow is the silence it offers. The lovely hushed tones, annoyances dampened, temporary purity.

In honor of the quiet, today's Song for a Day is Queensryche's "Silent Lucidity." For some reason everyone I know has been talking about this song lately, and I don't remember it at all. I think I must have blocked it out because apparently it was a huge hit.

I will be back later with Eric Mayers' first images of My Morning Jacket in Japan. They are goodies!

Song For A Day - Coming In From the Cold

I'm sitting here watching The Craft (Fairuza Balk = super creepy) and working in the cozy confines of my office at home. I'm still relishing the joy of electricity, even turning on a light feels luxurious and magical.

The Australian Open men's final was an exciting few hours of my yesterday, and I'm thrilled that Rafael Nadal has his first hard court Grand Slam win but sad that Roger Federer was denied equaling Pete Sampras' 14 Slam titles. This is mostly because I can't stand Pete Sampras, I will freely admit. He once nearly mowed me over at a party and I just... haven't been able to move past that. Just kitten. Though that story is true, what really bothered me about Sampras was his robotic roboticness and lack of personality. Anyway, I hope Fed can pick up Wimbledon or the US Open this year... or even the French so he can get a career slam, but I don't have much hope for him there.

Anyway, to celebrate my good fortune (and the fortune of all of us with power - my thoughts go out to those of you surviving without!), here's a Song for a Day... fittingly... The Delgados' "Coming in from the Cold."