Chin Cello

Lawrence Power is my new favorite string player. OK, Lynn Harrell will always really be my favorite [shown here grilling his manager about this "Lawrence Power" guy], but among instruments one can play under one's chin, Power's got the prize for now. This is probably because he makes his viola sound like a cello in depth and character, yet he has the controlled articulation and dexterity of a great violinist.

Welcome to the Future

The NY Philharmonic has finally entered the 21st century, and is allowing ticket-buyers to design their own subscriptions, combining any performances, any dates, and any price ranges, as long as you see three or more things. I've been waiting for this for about 12 years, which is how long it's been since I last subscribed to the NYPhil.

Just now I purchased a ticket to each of four things that I definitely want to see, at times when I can definitely go, yet I am considered a subscriber. How civilized!

In Flip-Flops on Fifth Avenue

Happy Birthday, Rufus! Looking forward to your next 35 years of songs, albums, concerts, operas, musicals, filmscores, and whatever else you'd care to try your hand at. Wishing you nothing but health and happiness, sparkles and stars!

The Engine Driver

During a pre-Brits interview, the band called The Editors arrogantly described Mika's music as "like driving into a pile of marshmallows." Now Mika has won the Ivor Novello for Songwriter of the Year. Odd, The Editors were not mentioned at this year's Ivors... And I'll bet none of them is cool enough to wear a watermelon hat.