This morning I checked the library computer and found out I had seven books waiting for me. Lots of my requests came in around the same time, it seems! I've already read two of them (see my bookblog for details), and I'm working on a third. On returning from the Brew Shack with supplies for making hefe-weizen, I found a package from WHSmith at my doorstep. Eight new books in one day is a pleasant overdose. It's Nick Hornby's latest, scheduled not to appear in US bookstores until August. If I read the other seven books first, I may end up reading this one in August too! The Wyeast is so fresh (May 30th) that I've had to make the beer tonight -- I thought I could wait until tomorrow, but I'm afraid the bag will burst. Oh well, that only means it'll be ready that much sooner. Maybe I'll have time to make a second batch before my birthday party. I'm attempting to get my home reasonably tidy for what may be the last time; I'm adopting two cats. I haven't had a pet in many years, but I know already that I'll come to regard cat hair as a condiment, boxes as toys, and laser pointers as torture devices. They'll move in at the end of the month. One week later, I get a visit from Jodi, whom I've mentioned before. "Ain't life sweet. I feel better than James Brown." -- Was (Not Was)

Stuff that's been making me giggle:

• This page, and all the rest, of Leisure Town.
• Kevin and Kell.
• Steve Ballmer.

It occurs to me that there are a whole lot of hip-hop songs that cover or sample 80s music. The one that sticks in my head is "Ain't No Sunshine" by DMX, sampling Bill Withers' song of the same name. Then there's 2Pac's "Until the End of Time", taking a sample from Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings". And Shaggy's "Angel", with a sample from Steve Miller's "The Joker" and a tune from "Angel of the Morning" (which are actually not from the 80s at all). I know I'm overlooking lots of these, so if you can think of more, e-mail me!

Wacky idea of the day: Submit a proposal to the Federal Clown College asking that they auction off the spectrum in the range 430THz-750THz. (I better not give them any ideas.)