The Independence Day holiday is a time for Americans to do what we do best -- laze around, eat grilled meats, go to the movies, and shop. And it looks like some of our big retailers have a funny grasp of the "America" concept -- here's Target's inventory (Foo Fighters? All right!), WalMart of course, and good old Sears. Rock on, America. Rock. On.

I'd heard about this, and thought it must be a hoax. But no, David Lynch, yes, that David Lynch, reads the weather report daily on his website! *whistles Twin Peaks dwarf song here*

Heigh ho, SilverBat, awayyyy! -- Chuckleworthy collection of goofy knockoff toys. The aforementioned is basically Batman sitting on the Lone Ranger's horse. Hiyaa!

"That wave of compassion did not stop millions voting for right wingers like Thatcher, Bush and Kohl in subsequent elections. Today, Africa is, if anything, worse off." -- One BBC music critic will not be watching the Live 8 concerts tomorrow. What might they accomplish? Check it out for yourself; see also The One Campaign, the J8 initiative, and the official G8 Summit site. And take a stroll down memory lane with some "Then and Now" comparisons of the big Live Aid stars -- oh Bono, how your fashion sense has evolved.

"What are we to make of this phenomenon of our times? All of us dressing, it appears, as teenagers; all of us, apparently, sounding like them too." -- Interesting article on our adolescent-obsessed music culture, i.e. breathy teenagers but no Frank Sinatra.