Sentential Links #175

Links for the link-hungry:

:: It was a surprising loss of an icon that many of us grew up with. And, for better or worse, when those things that connect us to a happier past are gone, it makes us feel a little more removed from that past. Of course I know that there are more important issues to worry about. But, as a human being, I am capable of caring about more than one thing at a time.

:: We would still need to have conversations about our argument, we would need to apologize and let go, and talk about it ... but the real forgiveness began with no words, barely any eye contact even, dancing around to "Man in the Mirror" in the men's dressing room.

:: I choose to remember Michael as this force so powerful that on the Motown 25 special, he performed two non-Motown songs, mesmerizing the audience with his moonwalk, and forever stamped his ticket as a pop legend.

:: One could argue that just as the words, the text, can (and should) stand alone, the songs, the performances, can. (Amen.)

:: My heart goes out to the family and fans of Michael Jackson. His death was indeed tragic. But it was hard to watch the media coverage and not be struck by the absurdity of it all. Here are a few things I observed.

:: Farrah was a true American success story. From humble beginnings to a seasoned and respected actress. I loved her. I emulated her. Every generation has their icon and Farrah, for me, was mine. Marilyn was before my time, and I grew up watching and idolizing Fawcett. To watch her go from child-girl, to woman was life changing. And the last moment of her life, to be filed with that much power, and hope and strength went right through me. Farrah was more than just a great actress, she was a great human being. I’ll miss you Farrah. You inspired me. And I’m certain that wherever she is, somewhere off in the distance she can hear:

“Good morning, Angel.”

:: Is it worth saving dolphins, who were not and are not endangered, at the expense of sea turtles, sharks, and many other fish species who are endangered? (Older, but fascinating, post that brings up some issues of which I'd been unaware. via.)

:: It's my belief that private industry is usually able to deliver more efficient outcomes to the consumer than the government could.

But usually isn't always. And health insurance, as Will seems to admit, is one of those exceptions.

:: A few trillion (more actually) to kill a bunch of foreigners in a couple of wars that have yielded almost nothing but instability and suffering? It would be unpatriotic to bring up the price tag.

A couple of trillion in tax cuts for the insanely wealth heir and heiress set? Opposing them would be class warfare.

$1.8 trillion to cover American citizens who (frequently) must choose between food and medicine, their kids welfare and medical treatment, life and death…?

Well, that is a lot of money. Government needs to be more fiscally responsible. Let’s not get carried away. Looks like socialism to me. Just think of the deficits. Does David Broder think the bill is bi-partisany enough?

:: In true MGM studio form, there’s no shortage of talent involved: the physically magnificent ensemble; Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett’s script and Johnny Mercer’s songwriting that do their best to sell frontier chauvinism with ruddy charisma; Cedric Gibbons’ vibrant sets. And of course, the groundbreaking choreography of Michael Kidd, most notably in the immortal barn raising sequence, where he orchestrates an unprecedented display of footstomping physicality into a harmonious symphony of force and grace. But it’s Donen’s endless playfulness with space that animates all these pieces into magical motion. (Ayup. I love me some Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.)

:: There was a period in the mid- to late-80s when adolescent boys everywhere had a collective crush on Elisabeth Shue. (I love me some Karate Kid too. And yeah, Elizabeth Shue....)

All for this week.