How Did It Get To Be Friday?

Time flies when you're not paying attention. Actually, it flies regardless, but it seems particularly airborne when you're occupied elsewhere. So what's happened in the last few days? Let's see...

The queen turned ninety. Apparently a big deal, but I can't imagine why. I mean, ninety is impressive and all; and everyone should have a happy birthday; but let's not go overboard.

Prince passed away. As a sophomore in high school when Purple Rain came out, I'll admit to feeling the loss. But most of what I'm feeling at the moment is curiosity. It's been striking just how much press space has been devoted to his career, and I'm trying to figure out why. It can't be just that he was talented; lots of talented people have passed away without this kind of attention. It can't just be that he was young; plenty of younger people have died. It might be that he was transformative -- as one article I read argued, pretty much everything we hear on the radio now owes some sort of debt to Prince -- but, again, other transformative artists have passed away without this much attention. It could be the combination of the three, but I almost wonder if this doesn't have as much to do with the journalists writing as it does to Prince himself. In any case, may he rest in peace.

Former wrestler Chyna passed away. Again, can't say this impacts me much, but it was kind of an object lesson on the power of the news cycle. A word to the wise: if you're famous and want to be broadly mourned when you die, don't do it on the same day as Prince. And one more time, rest in peace.

I'm sure the clown show that is the US presidential primary season continued marching forward (in its big red shoes), but I'm trying to limit my exposure to such things -- you wouldn't think insanity is communicative, but the evidence of this election season so far suggests otherwise -- so I can't address any specifics. 

Finally, some friends threw a painting party, so I have a few more squares. I left them behind to dry, so I can't post more detailed pictures now, but I'll update the periodic table once I get them back. 


And with that, I think we're more or less caught up.