Be well, my liege

Sir Paul McCartney has had secret heart surgery, it has been revealed.

The Beatles legend, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Heather Mills, is said to have recovered well after undergoing a coronary angioplasty at a private London hospital last autumn.

A source said: "Paul felt there was something not quite right and luckily sought some professional help. It's not something that can be left to chance. Thankfully the operation went well and Paul feels great."

The operation, which opens up arteries to increase the flow of blood, was performed after Paul, 65, saw a Harley Street specialist at the London Clinic.

The procedure involves surgeons passing a small tube through the groin to the aorta. A tiny balloon at the tip of the tube is inflated to crush fatty deposits clogging the arteries, allowing blood to flow freely. A stent - a short wire mesh tube - is often left in the artery to keep it open. Paul's spokesman said: "It was a routine medical operation."

Next month, Paul and Heather will attend a five-day High Court hearing in a bid to finally agree on a divorce settlement. Heather, 39, is set to be awarded more than £30 million following a four-year marriage to the musician.

Friday's Feast #28

Appetizer
When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it? In 2007 I found I was entitled to $25 as part of a class action suit.

Soup
If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be? "I like New York in June. How about you?"

Salad
Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry. Orange.

Main Course
Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own. By Eileen Fisher, it's a lightweight green sweater with a shawl collar.

Dessert
If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory? I've got a couple of very tempting answers, but instead I'll say that I don't want to erase any of it. You have to be who you were to be who you are, and I like who I am.

For more about Friday's Feast, or to play along yourself, click here.

Now it's historic for another reason

Tonight Barack Obama was the clear and convincing winner of the Iowa caucus. Congratulations, Senator!

He announced his candidacy at this train station in Springfield. It was from here that another of Illinois' favorite sons left to become President in 1861. I think that Abraham Lincoln would enjoy it that Obama, a man who preaches conciliatory governing, kicked off his White House run from this famous spot.