I was struck by how sad I was today when I heard about the passing of Robert Altman. He directed my favourite movie (Gosford Park), and since Short Cuts, I'd considered him one of the most unique directors I'd encountered. I haven't watched any of his other movies, but I plan to, over the course of time.

In a way he reminds me of an older relative. He had grown frail in the last few years, and though I knew he was ailing, I expected him to always be there. And I know I should have paid more attention to his stories while he was still around, because now that he's gone, there will be no more long family sagas told over a game of cards in the dining room. His voice is now gone forever.

Rest in peace, Robert.

Whoda thunk that the death of an anchor from a network I never watched would cause me sadness? Is it just morbid curiosity? Is it the strange juxtaposition that made the man reporting the news such a big part of today's headlines? Is it the Canadian camaraderie? The national pride of hearing that one of the most trusted American news icons was always referred to as a Canadian by his colleagues?

Whatever it is, I spent a lot of time today reading about Peter Jennings, his life and his passing. Lung cancer. What a way to go.

Jennings one of a pack of celebrities killed by smoking, from the Boston Globe
 
I am listening to: Many things. I acquired several new albums this weekend, including two albums from Deerhoof (Apple O', etc.); Metric's Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?; and Mirabilis, from one of my favourite bands, the classical-choral chick-band The Mediaeval Baebes. So far I'm digging Metric and really digging my baebes.
 
I am watching: Tonight's Daily Show, the only nightly newscast I watch, to see Jon Stewart's response to Jennings' passing. Otherwise, I'm watching Game Show Network's repeats of the first few seasons of The Amazing Race.
 
I am reading: Nothing at the moment, but I'm about to start Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street, in honour of this weekend's Fergus Highland Festival. (More on that later.)