"The best way to predict the future is to make it." Ahmet Ertegun

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"When we hear news we should always wait for the sacrament of confirmation." Voltaire

The folks at JWT/Detroit working on the Ford Edge account hired David Mamet to direct a new TV campaign. Smart, very smart. Can't wait to see them now that I know Lewis Lazare grades the creative an A. More from Lew here.

MarketWatch writer Jon Friedman has decided to feature observations by "America's class wits" each Friday of this month's Media Web column. Today he brings on Andy Borowitz. Thanks Jon. Very cool idea. Check it out here. Andy's The Borowitz Report is always a fun read here.

Should Rupert get his way it seems obvious he will use the WSJ brand for his cable biz news channel. What happens to the said to be long term CNBC agreement with Dow Jones? Stay tuned.

Speaking of the obvious this year is shaping up to be one of dramatic change. My sense is M&A will rock at the "11" setting. Lots of assets in play. Incredible opportunities. Some players cashing out, new players coming in (including some coming back). On balance, it is a great year to be in the media bidness. It's a safe bet the Microsoft - Yahoo talks are on again.

Next Tuesday - Chicago's Music Row: Heard from the amazing Paulie Gallis and it sounds like next week's gathering is going to truly be one of a kind. Just about everybody from Chicago radio, records and music - past and present - is coming. Thanks to Paulie for organizing this very cool event. Don't miss it if you can. See you there! Details here.

Congrats & cheers: Senator Obama has requested the DNC protect the Democratic Presidential debates using a Creative Commons license - bravos! Lawrence Lessig has posted Obama's letter to Dean here. This should be a no-brainer for the DNC and RNC.