s market

Live Nation's stock rose 28% a few weeks ago after the company reported razor-thin profits that actually beat market expectations. That jump increased the company's market cap by $262.5 million. In the days after, the stock rose as much as 8.2% (it has since dropped a bit). Why?

Today you’ll encounter a new byline on Bites, as Nicki Wood joins us as a regular contributor. Of course, Nicki’s byline isn’t new to food journalism. She was a longtime food critic for the Nashville Banner (may it rest in peace) and has contributed to the Scene and Fine Cooking, among other publications.

Not in a long time have I done so much cooking and had so little to show for it as last night. You know the feeling?

Snaps gets her groove back…

• Microsoft's Xbox will sell Warner Music Group vidoes for $1.99 apiece. Sony BMG already sells videos via Xbox for the same price. (AP)

The kids and I went to the East Nashville Farmer's Market tonight. I hadn't been to that part of town yet and I loved it. Lots of old houses and cool restaurants. I bought some raw mild sharp cheddar, some delicious yellow tomatoes that I almost finished off on the drive home, some bell peppers, and squash.

In trying to eat a more sustainable diet, I’m trying to eat more fish from lower on the fish chain. Sardines and mackerel instead of tuna and cod. Skate wing is pretty sustainable — it’s easy to catch, and best processed by the person fishing for it, and right away. It’s a little unusual in stores because most boats aren’t looking for skate.

So we went to the Farmer’s Market.

Bloomberg's Don Jeffrey has an excellent article on Napster's low stock price and financial woes. The company's market cap is so low -- currently about $18 million less than its cash holdings -- that it has become a prime target for a takeover.

Blueberries for sale at Farmer's Market, Nashville.