News …

Jon Stewart, Lily Tomlin and Denis Leary among comedians who honored George Carlin at Kennedy Center – Associated Press

Study suggests children who play musical instruments surpass those who don’t in academic studies – LiveScience.com

You weren’t just imagining it. IPhone now outsells Motorola’s RAZR in the U.S. – Computerworld / Macworld

How big is Andre Rieu’s stage? It’s sooo big … The Age (Australia)

Saul Williams executes a perfect Q&A – Wired / Listening Post

Remembering Miriam Makeba – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Views …

Nine Inch Nails in Worcester, Massachusetts – “For two hours at the DCU Center Sunday night, NIN mastermind Trent Reznor dug deep into a catalog that still speaks to generations of casual rock fans and disillusioned outsiders alike.” The Boston Globe

Buddy Guy in Victoria, British Columbia – “For the sold-out Royal Theatre crowd of 1,400, the night was obviously a love affair.” – Times Colonist / Canada.com

TV On The Radio in San Francisco – “The constants throughout the show were its high energy level and the smooth meshing of the lead singer, Tunde Adebimpe, and backup man Kyp Malone.” – San Jose Mercury News (registration may be required)

Conor Oberst And The Mystic Valley Band in New York City – “His face obscured by a fedora pulled low over his eyes, Mr. Oberst was betrayed by his body at every turn; he was having fun.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Hot Chip in London – ” … watching them go about their business, you were moved to realise all over again what odd pop stars these musicians make.” – The Times Online U.K.

Wolf Parade in Madison, Wisconsin – “Opening with ‘You Are a Runner and I Am My Father’s Son,’ the Montreal quintet played similarly rhythmic material – enough to quickly set the crowd bouncing in time with that first song’s pulsing beat.” – The Badger Herald

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

Jonathan Winters is 83

Mose Allison is 81

Narvel Felts is 70

Vince Martell (Vanilla Fudge) is 63

Paul Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 56

Andy Partridge (XTC) is 55

Marshall Crenshaw is 55

Dave Alvin is 53

Ian Craig Marsh (The Human League; Heaven 17) is 52

Scott Mercado is 44

Jonathan Pretus (Cowboy Mouth) is 27