Friday Linky Love

Like that absentee father who substitutes his presence with presents (did ya like that? just came up with it--that's how i roll ), I was fully intending to give you a really long and heartfelt Where I Am Right Now (WIARN) update. But work prevails, and the trevails of my employment must take precedence over the joys of the online world.

So, in my absence, some lovely linky-dinky distractions:

• The real reason Phil Ritchie got the boot from "Rock Star" may be because he mouthed off to the press.
• By the way, the Rock Star Week 4 elimination episode vids are on YouTube, including the encore, given to my darling Storm, who tore it up. Check 'em out.
• This guy is following Sal Paradise's route in "On the Road." Dig that crazy literary scene, man. [h-t: Pop Candy]
• In the words of that fated prince, "I declare there shall be no more marriages!" Okay, maybe one more. Congrats, Stace.
• Speaking of couples, for those of you (us) in the market for half of one, here are the top ten cities for singles.
• Interesting article about Cubs fans' tendency to pin their hopes on one person.
• Ever wonder what roles your favorite actor turned down? Here ya go.
• Two words: Irish punk-rock.
• Great Pyro article about the boldness of young believers.
• Want refrigerator magnets?
• He's like the Christopher Columbus of the scientific world. Except he's really really misguided. And incorrect.
• And in World Political News, "Claude Raines" Edition: "I'm shocked--shocked!--to find a terrorist leader here!"
• ATTENTION GEEKS: MST3K LIVES! Okay, not really "lives," but Mike Nelson is podcasting audio tracks for movies. So it's like one-third of MST3K lives, but on life-support... Or, "The Brain That Wouldn't Die," in other words.
• ATTENTION BROWNCOATS (OR, MORE GEEKS): Need some motivation at work or school? How about some "Firefly" motivational posters? [h-t: Rhesa]