WHEN I HEAR THE MUSIC, I GOT A PLACE TO GO: Took a solo trip down to HOB last night to see one of my favorite bands, Rancid.

No ticket, and sold out to boot. Crap. Hadda shell out $45 to get in.

("Hey, who's the old guy over there leaning against the bar, nursing his Budweisers?")

Well worth it! Man, these guys have to be one of the most underrated live acts around. Every time I see 'em I have fun, but last night was special, essentially a greatest hits set that found the boys sounding great, playing with spirit, and leading a frenzied crowd in what amounted to a two-hour singalong. From the "Roots Radicals" opener through the "Ruby Soho" encore (which was preceded by a truly special acoustic version of "Fall Back Down," especially poignant on the fifth anniversary of 9/11), the crowd was on its feet and in full voice.

Tim Armstrong is still a magnetic presence onstage, and one wonders if/when we'll see him onscreen. Matt Freeman must be one of the best live bassists around -- maybe only Mike Watt can touch him, and Flea looks like a pussy next to Freeman.

A night that reminded me of how much fun live music can be. It's been a while!

ANOTHER DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD: Should I be proud or ashamed of myself...that I've clearly created another Cub fan? 

WHEN LOVE MEANS LETTING GO: Come election time, it's quite possible I'm going to be aligned with Christopher Buckley and six other conservatives, who feel that the best thing for the future of the conservative movement is "a session in the "time-out" chair."

Of course if it ends up McCain vs. Clinton...hell, anybody vs. Clinton...all bets are off.