A Toast to Champagne

Most of the time I try to keep this blog focused on certain subjects: politics, sociology, the odd fanatical statement. But every once in a while I must post about humanity. Because, after all the bickerings about ideology and perspective and moral understanding, everything comes down to being human. Being human means relationships, connecting with other souls in this life that sometimes seems so long but is so short; that we seem so busy in our propensity to run the world as if it were a machine and to never have enough time for other animals that actually colour our lives (and by this I mean humans). So with these thoughts in mind I note that Vince Champagne passed away yesterday. I did not know him well, having only met and spoken with him a handful of times. But this occurred within the second year of his lung transplant, which I have firsthand knowledge of. And I must respect him as a person of integrity, having never seen or heard him do any wrong, because his strength and dignity in the face of such hardship deserves recognition of sorts. This picture is the only one I have. Although I was more an acquaintance than a friend, he deserves my minute of silence -- at the very least. And even though only a handful of people will read this post, I believe it's inclusion deserves merit. To learn more about Vince, learn about cystic fibrosis, or donate to the cause, visit the website he created two years ago by clicking here. RIP, Vince.

Pinstripes?

Jack White is a heavenly creature, that's all I have to say. Caught the White Stripes concert, but the free show at Eastview Bowl earlier in the day was even better (their link includes pics!). Long may you run, Jack and Meg.