Radio actor and sound-effects man; one of the leading lights of "Prairie Home Companion" -- via the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Proved that radio is alive and well and hilarious in the proper hands!
Interesting, overlooked, and significant obituaries from around the world, as they happen, emphasizing the positive achievements of those who have died. Member, Society of Professional Obituary Writers.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Jimmy Savile aka Sir James Wilson Vincent Savile
Legendary broadcaster -- via the BBC. "There's nothing wrong with a bit of fun."
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Be prepared: BBC practices for death of Queen Elizabeth II
Well, here's a bizarre story. Evidently, when the Queen Mother died on March 30, 2002, the BBC was roundly criticized for the fact that the newsman announcing her death was wearing a gray suit and a burgundy tie at the time. This was perceived as being intensely disrespectful. De rigeur for Elizabeth II's inevitable death announcement: dark suit, black tie, white shirt. (Also learned a new British-English folk expression meaning to die via a comment on this story -- "pop her clogs." Lovely.) Let us hope that all decorum is observed when it is time to deliver the obsequies. And such. Via the Daily Mail.
Antonio Cassese
Expert in international criminal law and supporter of human rights -- via the New York Times.
John McCarthy
Computer scientist -- via the New York Times. He coined the concept and phrase "artificial intelligence."
Friday, October 28, 2011
Walter Muller
Inventor of the MIDI wind controller (futuristic harmonica) the Millioniser -- via createdigitalmusic.com.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Freddy Ferrera
Baritone with Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Del Satins -- via voy.com.Brooklyn Bridge's biggest hit was theri cover of Jimmy Webb's "The Worst That Could Happen"; the Del Satins sang backup for Dion on "Runaround Sue" and "The Wanderer."
Jerzy Bielecki
War hero -- via the Washington Post. He smuggled a Jewish girl he fell in love with, Cyla Cybulska, out of Auschwitz. They separated and lost track of each other, and built new lives. Reuniting after 39 years, they remained great friends.
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