Not a huge fan of Salinger (actively dislike Catcher) but "Seymour: An Introduction" is just about the most perfect piece of short(ish) writing I've ever encountered. And I love much about Franny and Zooey.

Two great pieces of writing and one hugely successful item is more than most people can expect from life so it was a great one.

I missed the obit for Howard Zinn.
:(

John Murtha

John Murtha, what?

Oh, about 4 drachmas an hour.

No wait, about 3 pounds? I never remember the punchline to this one.

Bill Binder - former owner of Philippes

Phil Harris - captain of the Cornelia Marie on Deadliest Catch

Ah, I see Kevy got here first. RIP Capt Phil. He had a blood clot hit his lungs last season, so apparently he had more. My cheese is sad today.

A pretty cut and dried example of what smoking will do to you. Too bad he didn't quit.

I must admit that sadness outpouring over Phil Harris is confusing me even more than normal. I'd say this out loud but I don't want GC to punch me in the nose.

I think a lot of us that watched Deadliest Catch really liked him. He seemed like a good old salt of a captain and he was one of my favorites.