The LNR Diary takes a look at Martin Amis’s Yellow Dog and concludes it’s not as bad as everyone made it out to be, although Paddy Bullard’s more mystified by why it isn’t more impressive more than anything.

Martin Amis’s The Information? Stephen King’s Bag of Bones? Charles Frazier’s advance for the Cold Mountain followup? They ain’t got nothing on Alicia Keys.

Salman Rushdie says that pornography is vital to freedom. His views are to be published in a book called XXX:30 Porn Star, which features photos of porn stars and will come with a complimentary roll of toilet paper.

Kurt Vonnegut believes that his America can be found in libraries.

I snapped it with my camera, but didn’t cite the source
And so my facts are proven. I’m right, you’re wrong. Of course!
I’m the king of all the bloggers. I’m the lord of your remorse
You didn’t dig the dirt, my bitch. Matt Drudge will be my horse.

That Kerry liar’s a Commie, he fudged a minor fact
Politicians should be truthful, or show a little tact
I can post more column-inches. I can have some more impact
Then the Post, the Times, the WSJ, even if I don’t retract

You can call it speculation. You can call me Ego One.
But I’ve got a Canon camera. ‘Cause the terrorists have won.
It’s a time for being fearful. Let the rage flow over the sun.
I’m a humorless libertarian. When the government’s gone, I’m done.