One of my favourite authors, Wilbur Smith, passed away aged 88. Bestselling author Wilbur Smith dies aged 88 | Wilbur Smith | The Guardian
Yes Wilbur Smith was arguably the best all around author in my opinion. I don’t think anybody could put a story together like he did. Certainly there are others that have special talents and have produced more significant work but not on such a consistent basis. His craft and experience shone through. RIP Wilbur Smith.
Bob Dole has officially left politics for good. https://nypost.com/2021/12/05/tributes-pour-in-for-bob-dole-following-his-death-at-98/
Glad I found this thread. Sometimes I don't know where to share my thoughts, and facebook is now pretty much a garbage heap. Bob Dole and Edward Shames. I learned about both of their death last night. Shames was the last surviving member of Easy Company, which was portrayed in Band of Brothers. I don't remember him from the show but I certainly remember the show. One article I saw was about how he used Brandy he stole from Eagle's Nest to toast his son's Bar Mitzvah, which is something I loved. I grew up with horrible stories about that dark era, and these little victories mean a lot. Then there is Bob Dole. I was a teenager when I lived in the US for a while, and I have begun to follow politics, though not closely. While many were watching SNL back in the day (where Norm McDonald played Dole), I watched the hilarious Dole ads and Dole-Clinton debates on Mad TV, and recently had a chance to find some of that stuff online as well. (David Herman as Dole and Brian Callen as Clinton, btw) Dole's greatest weakness to me was also his most endearing quality. He always tried to sound so hip and cool and trendy, sort of "hello fellow kids". I know that he has a rich history both in war and politics, but as a teenager who knew nothing, this is who the guy was for me. David Herman from Mad TV knew how to use it. Oh, and who could forget the amazing Halloween episode where two aliens impersonated Clinton and Dole in the hopes of controlling the planet after the election? Classic. I don't have a lot of nostalgia for people I knew, but I have a lot of nostalgia when it comes to the shows I used to watch and the books I used to read. Bob Dole is a reminder of how once I lived in a place I loved, and not one that I hate. It reminds me of how in the past comedians joked about politicians for the humor of it, and not for a mean-spirited, bad faith, North Korean style political attacks. I know some of you may disagree with my last point. RIP Edward Shames, RIP Bob Dole, RIP Norm McDonald.
I think Bob Dole’s biggest mistake was when Bob Dole started speaking of Bob Dole in third person. He was less animated, and less passionate when he spoke; to the point people used to joke about his being a real person or not. But wether they liked him or disliked him, nobody could deny he put in the work.
I still quote that one. When the Clinton alien gives the speech and finshes with "End Communication." I could watch that every day and still laugh. To me it's always funny.
Ah, sorry, the previous paragraph referred to MadTV, so I thought that was your connection. Anyway, great episode.
bell hooks. Was going to drop a quote of hers in here, but I am 100% positive that doing so would just result in a new Debate Room thread. So I'll refrain.
Leonard Hubbard, the original bass player with The Roots died at 62 of multiple myeloma. I’m sure that cigar he always had in his mouth didn’t help matters. https://nypost.com/2021/12/17/the-roots-bassist-leonard-hub-hubbard-dead-at-62/
The last of the Micheal Vick dogs died this past week. Johnny Justice died Tuesday, the 14th, and Fredo on the 18th. Both dogs lived out their lives as loved members of a family.
Joan Didion died. It was a definite holy shit moment reading that. I thought she was like Groot; they’d just plant a cutting and grow a new Joan. But that didn’t seem to work this time. https://nypost.com/2021/12/23/joan-didion-legendary-american-writer-dead-at-87/
