So... Hi.

Long time no speak.

Oh, hey. Madonna is going on tour. "The re-INVENTION Tour" kicks off in Los Angeles on May 24 and will visit North America (including Toronto), Europe, and possibly Israel. Visit Madonna.com for the scoop on when the tickets go on sale. (Highest ticket price in the U.S.? A low, low $300. Bah!)

Sorry, I haven't been really keen on updating lately. Since we last spoke, the "American Life" album debuted at No. 1 around the world (including the U.S. -- making it her fifth No. 1 here). She did gobs of press and TV (even though she doesn't watch TV) and her "American Life" single tanked. (A No. 37 placing on The Billboard Hot 100 is a disaster for the lead single from a Madonna album -- trust me.)

… So, on to the second single, eh? It's "Hollywood" and it was already sent to radio. It should pop on to the various airplay charts very soon. A video for the single was recently shot in Los Angeles. I'll check back in once I feel motivated.

Oh hi, how are you? Been awhile, hasn't it? … So what has Madonna been up to lately? Well, the new album is out April 22. That same week, she'll hit a zillion TV shows to promote the disc. Her appearances that week include: a one hour concert/chat special on MTV at 10 p.m., interviews on both "Today" and "Dateline" (all on April 22), "Live with Regis and Kelly" (April 23), a guest role on "Will & Grace" and a performance on "The Late Show with David Letterman" (both April 24).

Earlier this month, Madonna pulled her "American Life" music video from media outlets, stating: "I have decided not to release my new video. It was filmed before the war started and I do not believe it is appropriate to air it at this time. Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video." A planned DVD single commercial release of the video has been cancelled.

Meanwhile, the CD single of "American Life" was released in the U.S. on April 8. The B-side of the single is the Calderone & Quayle Afterlife Mix of "Die Another Day." (The "Life" single, with assorted remixes, will be released in the U.K. on April 14.) A CD-maxi single for "Life" will be released in the U.S. on April 29. It will include mixes from Missy Elliott, Peter Rauhofer, Felix Da Housecat and Paul Oakenfold.

You can pre-order a "digital download" of Madonna's new single via her Web site. The mp3 only costs $1.49 and will be delivered to your email account on March 24 (or if there is a radio leak earlier than that, it will arrive in your inbox on the day of the leak). There are no restrictions to the mp3 -- you can burn it, email it, whatever. And yes, for you chart-watchers out there, these sales will be reported to SoundScan, and therefore impact The Billboard Hot 100.

More news: Three clips of her new "American Life" single are streaming on her official Web site … the April issue of "W" will have 44 pages devoted to Madonna, including an expansive photo layout … the tracklist for her "American Life" album has been posted at her Web site. The set will be released on April 22 and will be available in three versions: single disc explicit, single disc edited, and a limited-edition CD/DVD combo … the single's official "add date" at U.S. radio is March 25 … the music video is supposedly going to premiere on AOL on March 10 (though that could be wrong)