Two Off-Topic
— A quick personal story: My mother is a classical music fan. Thus, the early years of my life — before I discovered other forms of music in my tweens — were dominated by opera, symphonies, and chamber pieces. I didn’t go to see the Rolling Stones, I went to the Met. Thus, my first meeting with a “celebrity” singer wasn’t Mick Jagger or the like, but Beverly Sills.
It was backstage after a performance, and I remember being completely overwhelmed by the action — chaos, even — that she seemed to reign over. Came away with an autograph, though, on a Playbill I’m sure I’ve lost in the interim.
Beverly Sills died tonight, aged 78. Rest in piece, Bubbles.
The NYTimes has more info in their four-page (!) obit, including the photo above.
— While absolutely not a surprise, I have to admit shame regarding the state of Washington today. W’s proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that he’s deserving of only one thing: impeachment and removal. (Cheney’s been past that point for some time now, IMHO.)
It’s time this country think seriously about a change in leadership. Preferably before the ‘08 elections.
Of the articles I’ve seen so far, the NYTimes editorial tonight sums it up best:
Presidents have the power to grant clemency and pardons. But in this case, Mr. Bush did not sound like a leader making tough decisions about justice. He sounded like a man worried about what a former loyalist might say when actually staring into a prison cell.
A thought for Independence Day. Have a good holiday, everyone.
