Random Notes

- Jackson Browne has a new album coming out on October 9, "Time the Conqueror." Based on some of the song titles - "The Drums of War," "The Arms of Night," "Going Down to Cuba," "Far from the Arms of Hunger" - it sounds like it might be another political album, which may or may not be a good thing. Personally, I don't think Jackson's political songs (as a whole) are his strongest; I think he's usually sharper when focusing on matters of the heart. But on the other hand, there's "Live Nude Cabaret," which certainly seems worth a listen. And the album cover is certainly notable, sporting Jackson with a gray beard that makes him look every bit of his nearly 60 years.

- Peter King had an interesting column yesterday, noting that if Brett Favre had followed Roger Goodell's advice and waited until after the season began to sign on with a team, he might be preparing right at this very moment to become the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. As it is, he has to settle for another Sports Illustrated cover, and preparing to play the New England Patriots.

- It's difficult to imagine at this juncture that the tone of the presidential campaign can become any more juvenile than it's been in the last week, but I have faith that the brilliant men and women behind the campaigns of the two candidates can find ways in the next six weeks to turn more voters off, create more cynics, and generally debase the entire concept of democracy. A pox on all their houses.

- Lipstick on a Pig. Hmm...I just wanted to see what would happen.

- The ads for the new Samuel L. Jackson movie "Lakeview Terrace" are in heavy rotation right now, and I have to say that it looks like an absolutely horrendous piece of film-making. I honestly don't understand how anyone can consider the premise of a man terrorizing his neighbors to be entertainment, but I'm sure the presence of Jackson alone will guarantee that the movie makes some money.

- Never let it be said that the California Legislature did not achieve something in this dark month of September. Nicole Parra, the exiled Assembly Member from the Central Valley, has been named the 4th hottest politician on the planet. Can a run at the Speakership be around the corner? [and yes, I know she's termed out].