RIP Gil Scott Heron

Saw Gil Scott Heron some time back in the '80's. Steel Pulse opened for him. He wrote songs with fantastic social commentary, catchy lyrics and a message, sometimes embedded in real poetry. Arguably his best known title, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised", is proving prescient, if narrow-focused on "his people's experience" in the still struggling with it -- in spite of a black president -- United States. I am glad the USA has come as far as at has and refuses to say it is over.
 Reading a recent New Yorker profile of him it seems like this might be the release from pain he has been chasing for awhile. Regardless, his voice, mind and passion will be missed.

RIP Marilyn Chambers

I guess this happened awhile ago. I remember some great nights watching her perform on the big screen, years ago. She recently did a commentary track for the "Definitive" version of "Insatiable", which was a delight to see again after all these years. The Ivory Snow girl was 56 when she died.

RIP Bernie Mac

As my sister once said, "Bernie Mac is one funny motherfucker."
"Kings of Comedy" was the movie we were discussing. Bernie Mac, bigger than life with a bigger heart. He will be missed -- and I don't like comedy. We could talk about his show, we could talk about the smartfellas trying to find a place for this very funny guy -- from his TV show to the "Transformers" and yeah "Charlie's Angels 2". That list should let you know just how hard they tried and failed to contain/showcase his talent.

RIP: Thomas Disch

A suicide along the lines of Spaulding Gray perhaps? Done on July 4th, so perhaps a touch more pointed, but Disch was a poet. He was also a science fiction writer.
I found him after reading a blurb from him on the back cover of Theodore Sturgeon's "More than Human."
Follow the journey, pick up a copy of "Camp Concentration." This is not your father's Space Opera.

R.I.P. Sydney Pollack

Dammit.
Actor/Director
Spot on in Michael Clayton, Eyes Wide Shut and damn near everything else...
Directed a movie that actual changed the course of my life: "Absence of Malice".
That wasn't hyperbole -- that film ended my budding journalism career. Track that one down, it is still relevant today!
We lost a powerful talent today. Reflect for a moment.

RIP Arthur C Clarke

Childhood's End
Islands In the Sky
2001
Rendezvous with Rama

These are some of his novels that brought joy to my mind way back in the days before things got hectic. More than that they shaped my worldview into something a little more hopeful. Special 2001 showing on movie night this week.
He will be missed.

RIP Kurt Vonnegut Jr

A writer that shaped yours truly.
"Deadeye Dick"
"Slaughterhouse Five"
"Mother Night"
"Breakfast of Champions"
"The Sirens of Titan"
"Cat's Cradle"
"Player Piano"
"Harrison Bergeron"
May the shotgun of Diana Moon Glampers be frozen in a heavenly block of Ice 9.
Yeah, I brushed me teeth with warm water today.
He will be missed.

James Brown Dead.

I was reading an article about the Brits raiding a police station in Iraq. Various thoughts of right and wrong and anarchy and the now "better off Iraq" were cut short by the blurb on the left: Godfather of Soul dead.
This blog has not marked many deaths.
I am at that age when people I have admired are starting to go in larger numbers. I remember Lennon dying when I was 17 or so and not understanding Captain Kelloway being so broken up by it. 17 and blind of course. I'm 43 now, and I think I get it.
Mourning on Christmas morning.
The "Godfather of Soul" had a good run through turbulent times.
RIP

RIP Cox Bros BBQ

Best BBQ in Manhattan succumbs to market pressure and another great resource leaves the city. First to leave was "Say Cheese", the cheese vendor/italian bistro in the center of Aggieville. Now the only two places to buy anything better than Kraft is the gourmet shop...
The Cox Bros brought not only a terrific menu and great attitude to Manhattan they hosted live music nearly every month. Never saw a bad band there either. Must be that $3.00 cover!
How good was the BBQ? Well, the BBQ was the third restaurant in Manhattan whose menu is filled with their recipes. The "Texas Star/Hibachi Hut" and "Coco Bolos" are both Cox Bros menus. "Coco Bolos" is foo foo Tex-Mex with great atmosphere and a spirit of invention to the specials. Looks like rather than compete against the encroaching chains littering the new sprawl here they will open another "Coco Bolos" in KC or Lawrence.
Good Luck with their new venture!