This week I bought Van Morrison's new CD "Magic Time". I agree with many music critics who say that it's his best recording in several years. He's one of my all-time favourite singer/songerwriters.

It's the birthday of Terence Rattigan, born in London (1911), a popular British playwright in the '40s and '50s. He said he wrote for the common theatergoer, whom he called "Aunt Edna."

Terence Rattigan said, " A novelist may lose his readers for a few pages; a playwright never dares lose his audience for a minute."

It's the birthday of novelist and short story writer, James Salter, born in New York City (1925). He's the author of The Hunters, The Arm of Flesh, and many Hollywood screenplays as well. James Salter said, "In the richness of language, it's grace, breadth, dexterity, lies its power. To speak with clarity, brevity and wit is like holding a lightning rod."

It's the birthday of the man who wrote so many classic songs: "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home to," (his first big hit, in 1928), and "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love," among many others. Cole Porter was born in Peru, Indiana (1893).

I just watched "The Hours", which I borrowed on video from the library. It was wonderful. I also recommend "Cinderella Man", which David and I saw at the Pacific Cinema yesterday afternoon.

I'm returning to work on a play that I had begun and put aside a long time ago. Now I have some very different ideas for it that are exciting. I hope it turns out well. For a while I was wondering if I'd have the inspiration to write again. My mental and physical states haven't been good for several months, but I think things are starting to get better.