What it is: 5/12/08

What I’m reading: Lush Life, by Richard Price.

What I’m listening to: Rain, by Joe Jackson. I’m 37, and I’ve been listening to Joe Jackson for 26 years, when Steppin’ Out was a single. That’s a long time. Anyway, this new record is eschews the big production of his previous album, Volume 4. It’s just a trio: Joe on piano and vocals, bassist Graham Maby and drummer David Houghton. It sounds a lot like his Summer in the City live record, which featured a similar trio. His lyrics are still alternately witty and a little awkward, but he’s still got some delightful melodies in him. This record’s enough to make me forgive him for Night & Day II.

What I’m watching: More NBA playoffs and the third season of The Wire

What I’m drinking: Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale.

Where I’m going: Nowhere!

What I’m happy about: That lunch on Friday still seems pretty awesome to me.

What I’m sad about: That I had to mute the broadcast of the Lakers-Jazz game on Sunday after Mike Tirico had to deliver an extended shill for the new installment of High School Musical . . . and two of its stars happen to be sitting right next to us at courtside! Great corporate synergy, DisneyABCESPN. You probably managed to ensnare a whole new audience for High School Musical: you know, hardcore hoops fans who blew off Mothers Day to watch an NBA playoff game.

What I’m pondering: A whole ton of gardening/landscaping issues, now that the tree removal guys have done their business.