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All the media coverage of celebrity deaths in the last week, Michael Jackson's especially, made me think of something I had not thought of in a very long time.  I remember clearly that Jim Henson died on the same day as Sammy Davis Jr.  I also had the vague idea that it was close to my birthday.

I never bothered to do any research that either proved or disaproved this notion, but over the weekend I was talking to my parents and they both thought Davis had died much earlier.  I contended that they just didn't realize how long Jim Henson had been dead. 

So, today while I was waiting for my bosslady to get back from a meeting, I looked it up.  Jim Henson and Sammy Davis Jr. both died on May 16, 1990.  Which was also the day Marlon Brando's son shot his sister's boyfriend.

Also today, there was a little article on New York magazine online about celebrities who died on the same day or in the same week, one far overshadowing the other.  Obviously last week that was Michael Jackson, taking the attention away from Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon. 

I don't remember 1990 that well, though.  It was 19 years ago, I was younger then.   I remember that the trial of Christian Brando got a lot of attention, and being young I was very struck by Henson's passing.  Anyone remember which was the big attention getter then? 

I feel pretty well justified in saying that, seeing as I grew up in a house full of them.  I probably even qualified myself at one point.

Anyway, the Polish government attacked a bunch of nuns who'd been kicked out of  their order and took over their former convent.  I think.  This article has some huge holes in it, and it's not very clear.  The reporter seems pretty darn upset that they couldn't get inside to film or talk to people, and that must have distracted from actual information gathering. 

Either that, or the church doesn't want anyone to realize that this is the type of behavior that fanatical devotion inspires.

This doesn't come as much of a surprise to me, but some of you might find it interesting.  And, it's backed with science!

http://forums.treehugger.com/viewtopic.php?t=727

So, in not having a car and being a vegetarian of nine years, I'm doing pretty damn well on the 'saving the Earth' front.  Go me!  Thanks, Justin, for the article.

It was a nice weekend.  Fun was had by all, and I managed to get the lawn mowed!!!  Of course, that means I had someone mow it, due to continued absence of lawnmower, but it got done, which is a big step in the right direction.  Also makes it easier to find the broken glass in the ground.  At some point, there was a hell of a party in that yard.

Sunday,  mymagritteand I were supposed to go to the DC Tribal Cafe, and we both flaked.  Which was kinda nice, as neither of us was left wandering Dupont alone, wondering where the other was.  Bad, though, as no bellydancing, coffee, supporting local performers stuff happened. I did cut my hair, though.  Which, I know, I'm not supposed to do myself anymore.  I just can't seem to stop.

The Wireless connection at home was spotty all weekend, for some reason.  I kept wandering into the room where the modem is (roommate's room) and playing with it, wandering back to my computer and messing with it, wandering downstairs to check the cable TV, etc.  Can't figure it out.  It started working long enought for me to check the weather this morning, which was a nice freebie, but then it went off again before I left.

Evidently I missed a lot of activity in the news this weekend, due to the internet issues.  Although, as I avoid news like the plague, chances are I wouldn't have heard anything either way.  Part of Eastern Market burned. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/30/AR2007043000272.html?hpid=artslot   Very sad, I love that place.  Also, evidently part of the Bay Bridge in CA was destroyed by an exploding oil tanker.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/29/AR2007042900512.html  And, not so much a landmark, but there was evidently a factory/refinery fire in OK.  Sheesh.  Who designated this the weekend for landmarks burning?  Can I give them a vote of no confidence?

Oh, and we're having a luau!!!  Tentatively scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, but I think it'll be changed to the weekend after.  A friend, who offered to help with the cost of outrageous decorations, will be out of town for Memorial Day.  Would be very wrong to have her buy 200 leis (or however many we end up needing) and then hold the party when she can't be there.  So, much like the Toga Party last fall, chances are party prep will consume me through much of May.  Also, my birthday!!!!

To work now, TTYL.

Very quick entry, as there are many other things going on.

First, I started packing my books the other night, and realized exactly how many there are, which is always kinda scary.  If my bookshelves ever fell on me in an earthquake, I'd be dead.  Period.  No clue why that thought just popped into my head; guess I'm just feeling all morbid.

Second, the book I started for my Reader's Circle...You may remember me mentioning it; it's a 'gothic horror' classic.  It's kinda boring.  If I had to read it for class it would be one of those books I just shrugged at; didn't complain about having to read it, but likely would never read again.  As reading for pleasure, it's not so much pleasant.  Except, I almost never leave a book unfinished once I start, so I'll work my way through it.  Notable exceptions: Dracula and Moby Dick, which is odd as both figure into my TV obsessions.

Third, NEW ANITA BLAKE BOOK THIS SUMMER!!!  I'm still two books behind, and I committed to re-reading all the Harry Potter books after I finish the one I'm working on, so by the time I'm ready to read it, hopefully it will be out in paperback.

Fourth, a special bonus for the Reader's Circle members who are reading this.  Guess what showed up on my Amazon recommendation list: Crime & Punishment.