Can't tell you how much I love Jimmy Fallon right now. His opening to the Emmys was nothing short of brilliant. Loved it. Loved it. Check it out below...

And then there was his "show in memoriam" moment, which was so funny, that later, when Jewel started her song which was the 'actual' in memorium moment, I thought to myself, "I wonder if this is a parody too?"

I don't know why I love a comedian who excels in parody songs. I guess I'll never know. Anyway, here is his send up of 24, Law and Order, and LOST. Good stuff. Enjoy!

Last night I went to see RUN RUN RUN, an alternative indie rock band, play at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. I know of this band because its lead singer and chief songwriter, Xandr Smith, is a friend of mine dating all the way back to kindergarten. We have known each other for many years! In high school we were in a band together, and in college we toured coffee shops in Los Angeles as a sort of Simon and Garfunkel acoustic group.

It was great to see him, and his band was great! I got to hear about their recent adventures, which were fascinating. Apparently, they had an opportunity to tour Russia with a Russian band called Mumiy Troll. (Mumiy Troll was there last night as well.) As you might expect, if this is the first time you've heard of RUN RUN RUN, well, you're not alone. Breaking into the mainstream of pop culture can be complicated and difficult. But here they are, touring alongside this fairly well known Russian band, and playing these packed stadiums with thousands and thousands of people there going crazy. Pretty surreal for them.

RUN RUN RUN is coming back to Chicago on September 15, at Schubas. You can check out their music here, and below you'll see some highlights from their Russian tour. My friend is the one rocking the 'stache circa 80s Oates...

A couple of noteworthy music news items:

Bob Dylan is staging a concert in San Francisco, and the tickets are being sold at $60 each, at the door only, cash only, one per customer, and when you buy it you must enter the venue. Take that Ticketmaster, Stub Hub, and everyone else who uses ticket vending as a profit venture...

Pink Floyd's post "Dark Side of the Moon" catalogue is now "out of print", because their deal with EMI expired in July. This means that you can't buy "The Wall" anywhere, unless the CD has already been printed, as it is also pulled from iTunes. It's sure to be rectified soon, I just find it odd that in the age of digital, the concept of "out of print" lives on...

This morning I golfed with a Buddhist. I rarely golf, and I rarely find myself hanging out with people who aren't Christians. Mark Dwyer has started a Missional Community through three different golf courses in the Suburbs here. And today, I played the "Divine Back Nine", and met a cool dude who can golf, and who is a Buddhist. Very cool to be providing a way to connect with others through a common interest. I hope he teaches me about how to golf - he's good! And I hope I get a chance to teach him about Jesus - 'cause he's good! Great job Mark for casting a vision and inviting and including everyone.

That is all.