Originally Posted May 10, 2022

My mom was certainly a unique individual. I know, I know, we all probably say the same thing about each of our parents. Hear me out just this once.

I was born the fourth child of my family. As the youngest, my mother really doted on me and had a special bond that I cherish to this very moment -- and always will. She had such a magnificent personality that could magnetize even the most stalwart souls. An infectious sense of humor combined with quick wit and omniscient wisdom from decades of experience honed her into the finest woman I'll ever have the privilege and pleasure of meeting.

Those of you who got to know her already know these things. You're already keenly aware of what a special and beautiful soul she had. You were blessed to share her company and can only wish you got to experience life with her as I did.

Her passion, intellect, charisma, and character all contributed to her wonderful presence. I sincerely wish that many of you could have met her and smiled alongside her. The world truly is lesser without her.



Originally Posted Jul 25, 2020

I only very recently learned of the passing of Ennio Morricone from a very dear friend of mine. With all the hectic happenings going on these days, this very tragic news nearly slipped on by.

When it comes to composing musical scores for cinema and television, there's simply no equal to the maestro himself. Ennio's work was instrumental to the success of the Spaghetti Western era. With Sergio Leone's visionary directing and the acting tour-de-force of movie icons like Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef, Ennio's stardom became immortalized. The Ecstasy of Gold is a fitting magnum opus work for Sergio's third and final installment in the equally revered Dollars Trilogy.

Ennio was a musical savant and created many of my own favorite pieces. When people like prolific director Quentin Tarantino and legendary modern composer Hans Zimmer pay you homage and respect... you know you've hit the big time.



Originally Posted Jan 26, 2020

It has, thankfully, been some time since I have had to write up one of my little eulogies. Alas, that window closes today....

Kobe Bryant was recently reported dead at the age of forty-one alongside his daughter. While I may not be a "sports nut" or a diehard fan of any stripe, Kobe has been my favorite basketball icon for as long as I can remember. Cool, calm, and collected -- he brought a skill level comparable to LeBron "King" James to their beloved Lakers team, alongside a beautiful soul and pleasant demeanor. He will be greatly missed but continually admired indefinitely.

My condolences go out to his wonderful family. He shined like a beacon to inspire not only them, but all of us, to be our best. Rest in peace, Kobe.



Originally Posted Nov 12, 2018

Stan Lee passed today.

I've been a passionate comic book super hero fan for some time. My love of DC and Marvel Comics has been instrumental in forming my mind and soul. My years invested in City of Heroes and then Champions Online simply would not have occurred without his creative gifts. Jack Kirby and Stan Lee developed significant characters that still exist and thrive today thanks to new generations of audiences and older enthusiasts alike.

He will be greatly missed. Excelsior!



Originally Posted Jan 14, 2016

Yeesh... I was hoping not to have to type up another one of these so soon....

Yesterday, sadly, was another day of mourning. We lost Alan Rickman, best known for "hitting the ground running" with his breakout role of Hans Gruber in Die Hard, among playing Severus Snape and other defining characters. I'm sad to say that I did not appreciate Alan all my life, but I can say that I have tremendous respect for the impact he has had on cinema.

He played the sarcastic and melancholy genius of Dr. Lazarus in my favorite movie of all time: Galaxy Quest. That is one of many reasons why I pay my respect to the legendary actor here and now.

By Grabthar's hammer.... You will be missed!



Originally Posted Jan 11, 2016

Today, I regret to say, marks the loss of another legendary figure.

I think we've all heard some of David Bowie's magnificent songs. He has an eloquence both with word and rhythm. I'm sure I had heard him often in my youth, but the first time I ever really got hooked was the first time that I heard Golden Years. What an excellent song with a moving experience from both start to finish. Compelling, to say the least.

These same words: "moving", "experience", and "compelling" are all synonymous both with regards to his music and to the man himself. David Bowie rode the "highs and lows" of a storied six-decade career that ushered in some of my favorite musical masterpieces.

I seldom wish to use the word genius... but in this exception, I will dub Sir David Bowie... a musical genius.



Originally Posted Feb 28, 2015

Damn. I am going to miss the hell out of Leonard "Mr. Spock" Nimoy.

We lost a legend yesterday. He was a television, cinema, photography, and poetry juggernaut. He moved people in a plethora of ways in every thing that he did. Both he and his titular character believed that mankind had an incredible capacity to promote and do good. He also believed that mankind is destined for the stars: truly going where no man, or woman, has gone before. He was an incredible man in life and has transcended into legend. Alas, Scotty has beamed him up one final time, and we are lesser in his absence.

Spock, live long and prosper. Nimoy, forever be a wonderful man.