The good news is I won't talk about politics today. The bad news is who cares? (In case you were wondering, self-deprecating humor is an essential part of every Morrissey fan's arsenal. Ha.)

I played my first paid gig today - a wedding out ... somewhere off the highway ("Is the place really that important?" I like to ask myself this question whenever I realize I don't know the names of any places around here). It was fun, if a bit windy and overcast. I wore a black shirt and pants with a white necktie - I wanted to crack jokes about the Hives all day, but nobody I was with knew who they were. (That's the definition of "nerd" if there ever was one.) Anyway, I guess I'm going to be playing a lot of weddings, like it or not. I just never expected to land gigs on viola, or rather, I was hoping I could land gigs on guitar. But hey - whatever pays the bills.

My roommate (I'll call him "the Mayor" or possibly "Hizzoner") played me some Brand New Heavies today. I was vaguely aware of their existence, but I always thought they were some sort of techno outfit. Maybe that's not the best way to explain it - I'll just say I never really knew what kind of music they put out. It's some pretty cool stuff. Of course, I wish I knew more about the music scene in Britain so I would understand the terminology (acid jazz, rare groove, acid house). But even if I don't understand the music or the references, I'm glad I have the Streets to listen to.