News …

L.A.P.D. started planning Britney strategy on Monday, spent an estimated $25,000 for pop star’s latest ride to the hosital – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

$44.6 billion! Now that’s something to Yahoo about! – Associated Press

Paul McCartney steps up for seals – The Press Association

Police-Man Andy Summers’s photography exhibit Down Under – The Sydney Morning Herald

Mary J. Blige – “I saw my life going down a drain” – The Guardian Unlimited U.K.

Talib Kweli on Talib Kweli (and Notorious B.I.G.) – “I love Biggie. He’s in my top five. He could still be considered the best, because he was so talented” – The Aspen Times

Jared Leto talks about juggling his acting career, his music career and his dating beautiful women career – Belfast Telegraph

Views …

Jonas Brothers in Phoenix – “This is a band that has the makings of being around a spell, if you judge solely by the crowd’s reaction” – Arizona Daily Star

The Mars Volta in Irvine, CA – “When this SoCal rock team plays live, it’s out of the box” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

“Winter Jam” in Indiana – “offered a big bang for the modest $10 admission price” – Evansville Courier & Press (registration may be required)

Reba & Kelly in Kansas – “The show was at its best when the two were harmonizing” – The Wichita Eagle

Blue Rodeo in Montreal – ” …last night’s expertly calibrated show ranks near the top of the list” – Montreal Gazette

Michelle Shocked in Glasgow – “there is no denying Shocked’s passion for, and enjoyment of, her music” – Glasgow Herald

They Say It’s Their Birthday … (Or so says Associated Press)

Don Everly is 71

Ray Sawyer is 71

Joe Sample is 69

Del McCoury is 69

Terry Jones (Monty Python) is 66

Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) is 54

Dwayne Dupuy (Ricochet) is 43

Lisa Marie Presley is 40

Pauly Shore is 40

Patrick Wilson (Weezer) is 39

Big Boi (Outkast) is 33