Folks:

I'm in the process of planning a major redesign for TTLB, and one component I simply can't do myself (due to lack of talent) is the creation of a new logo.

So, I'm looking for help. I am quite willing to pay real money (or provide TTLB advertising) for this work, but I want to ensure that I'm truly getting a product that both I and TTLB's users will be impressed with. Therefore: a contest.

I will be putting out a call for submissions of a new logo designed to my specifications this weekend, along with process details.

More will follow, but if you are interested in participating, or have an artist you would recommend I invite to participate, please drop me a line. Thanks!

I haven't had much to say on the selection of the new Pope. As a non-practicing agnostic, to me, the fanfare of the past few days has been roughly equivalent to learning that the Marlins have found a new star pitcher: it's not just that they're not my team, I don't even particularly follow the sport.

But that said, the course and fate of what is arguably the most successful organization in the history of humanity can't help but be important on a planetary scale, so I wish Benedict XVI the best, and congratulate Catholics worldwide. I also proffer two bits of advice for the new pontiff:

1) Get a new publicist, like, right now. We've all heard the expectation-setting pre-spin that you're not going to be as telegenic a Pope as JP was, but that doesn't mean you have to let people publish photos of you that make you look like a vampire.

2) If you see Andrew Sullivan, cross the street.

VATICAN CITY --- No new Pope. CBS dispatches Jeff Probst for impromptu Survivor spinoff "Survivor: Vatican City"; requests recasting Cardinal Ratzinger with Michael Chiklis to provide "edgier" feel to proceedings. Story at eleven.

Spirit of America's Michael Totten is blogging from Lebanon, and points out the the Lebanese Cedar Revolution now has its own blog.

Important stuff, and well worth your time...