I've got a lot to catch up on! So here it is, fast and furious.

- Manderlay was just great. Lars Von Trier once again holds America's feet to the fire, turning the mirror on aspects of our society we'd just as soon ignore/forget. Dogville was a more general indictment of how we as a nation take advantage of each other, while Manderlay focused on race relations specifically. The stark landscape (symbolizing the starkness of the American soul... Sue me. I was an Engish major) was a wonderfully effective tool once again, and Bryce Dallas Howard's turn as Grace rivaled Nicole Kidman's. It was a brave, stirring performance of disturbing, resonant material.

- A second trip to the Kerbey Lane Cafe was splendid. The Cobb sandwich was delightful, and A-Game's quiche strata thingy was great as well. If I were ever to move to Austin, I'd start my home search in cocentric circles with Kerbey Lane at the epicenter.

- A-Game is visitng the Austin Record Convention today, and his occasional returns to the room bearing dozens of records are highlighted by his "little kid at Christmas" facial expressions. After a week of watching me go to and from films, I'm glad he finally gets to feed the media monkey on his back.

- I've spent the last couple of days trying to get caught up on work. I'm behind, but gaining. It's such a blessing to have so much work! And stressful. Stressful Blessing would be a good name for a rock band. Whoever uses it, I want free tickets to all your gigs. Gina gets first dibs.

-The traffic laws in Austin (perhaps all of Texas) appear to be, in their entirety, thus:

As long as nobody dies, don't worry about it.

And yet, there are approximately 4 cops per 10 people in town at any given time. Note: The Alamo was lost (at least in part due to its lack of a basement), but the Mexican-American War was won. We can chill out on the constant patrols.

- Looks like we'll be pulling out of Austin tomorrow, headed home. I miss my dog, and need to get on the ball with regards to catching up on all this work that's coming in.

- I am thinking of taking up smoking. I figure I have plenty of nice pink lung tissue to spare, I'll lose weight, and let's face it, smoking is cool. It's the coolest. It's bad for you and makes you cool. Kind of like dressing up like a bat and fighting crime. Hear that, kids? If you want to be as cool as Batman, start smoking.

- My friend Marcello called to send his good wishes for the return trip. Marcello is a superstar. All praise Marcello. He has also offered to treat A-Game and myself to a final meal at Kerbey Lane. I intend to accept his generous offer. Any excuse to enjoy Austin's best eatery. If for no other reason, it's not buffet style. Seriously, what is up, The South? How many steamtables full of macaroni and cheese does one region of the country require?

- Jon and I have somehow started to write the most racist country song ever. When it's finished, I won't share it with anyone, probably. It's inappropriate enough any time, but the same week as Rosa Parks dying? The worst. But it's mighty funny. We could run for the state legislature of Arkansas based on this song alone.

Speaking of Ms. Parks, don't you think the mortuary should make an exception this once and let her ride in the front of the hearse?

- Back to work! Thanks to all who have been checking in. In the coming months, various blogs will be popping up on Diversion Surplus, as well as other creative endeavors by my brothers and me. Stay tuned.

I'll likely be coming at you from the road next time. East bound and down!