Dag, people. All talky and making me meara.

Mustang Sally's is OK? I'm sometimes in that area.

It's just regular, bon. Good for a burger or whatever, nothing to go out of your way for.

I'm with those who rather enjoy Olive Garden but won't call it genuine Italian food.

I've never actually been to an Olive Garden, but I have this issue with a variety of things -- I like the cheesy mass-market version, I like the fancy "real" version. Not because they are similar, but because they each have something to recommend them. It's somewhat related to my popcorn thing. I love popcorn in all its forms -- homemade on the stove, microwaved, in a plastic bag at the deli, at the movies. I don't even feel like they are the same food, but I love them all!

But my work always seems to amount to naval gazing: This is what I did, what I saw, and how I feel about it. It's candid and confessional in nature.

But, like others have said, you're writing about really interesting stuff. And you're a really interesting writer. If your next book is about the trials and tribulations of your day job, I will be slightly more skeptical, but I bet even that wouldn't be this jackass "OMG my shit smells like roses!!!" stuff that seems to be so popular.

My rule is, if it's important enough to reach me, leave a message.

Right the fuck on. The only time I've regularly called someone back who didn't leave a message was my exboyfriend. What were the messages going to say other than, "Hi, I'm calling you, call me back." No need.

- I like the cheesy mass-market version, I like the fancy "real" version.

Right. Just like I love English curry and Southern "country captain" as well as real Indian. The riffs can become standalone tunes.

And you're a really interesting writer.

And I'm really marking that post for the next time I need a hair pat.

Thanks!

Anytime, mang. But you better believe that when you're rich and famous and come out with "WOE! My driver is slightly shady! And my diamond shoes are too tight!! NO ONE HAS EVER SUFFERED LIKE THIS!!" that we will be here to smack you right back into place, too.

I don't blame you being concerned, Allyson. I was, um, sort of worrying about the same thing.

I don't blame you either, Allyson--it sounds like pretty much what I went through this weekend when some of the people on my Regency board were being anti-gritty and anti-commoner heroes.

But yeah, your essays are good.

It's almost 8pm and I'm still at work. I need to go home now.

The President of the US is announcing his nominee to the Supremes.

DAMMIT! They're doing a special report on the Supreme Court nomination. I was settling down to watch Hugh Laurie snarking away on "House" and instead I get a news report.

Any idea if this is going to take the full hour?

I'm sure the analysis will.

Do think CBS think it's funny to have John Roberts (though he'll always be J.D. to me) covering the Nomination of John Roberts?