En memoriam

Yes. Memorial day. Though I understand that technically speaking, this holiday is meant to be one of remembrance for veterans, and it is tempting for me to pontificate on the war and my sense of patriotism, I can't help but think of dead folks in general... Dead folks that I wish weren't dead. So -- here it is: Mardou's list of "People who I really wish weren't dead":

Jeff Buckley : Interestingly enough, yesterday marked the 8th anniversary of his passing. Jeff was a remarkably talented singer/songwriter and the son of '60's folk singer Tim Buckley. He drowned in the Wolf River in Memphis, Tennessee while there to record his second major album, "For My Sweetheart the Drunk" which was released posthumously under the title, "Sketches for My sweetheart the Drunk," due to its unfinished nature. This album, along with his earlier album, "Grace," may constitute two of the greatest albums ever made. I encourage one and all to check him out.

Jack Kerouac : Everyone knows of him, but so few know about him. Although it's controversial, I consider Allen Ginsberg's long life and inclusion in so many literature anthologies to be two of the greatest injustices perpetrated by God and the literati, respectively. Interestingly, were he alive today, Ginsberg would likely agree with me. Jack was considered, among his friends and fellow "beat" writers -- to be the heart, soul, and compassion of the entire movement. Ginsberg has said that Kerouac was the greatest writer among them. Although best known for his autobiographical prose and novels, Kerouac's poetry is also fascinating, and inexplicably, largely ignored. I recommend Pomes All Sizes, Mexico City Blues, and The Subterraneans.

Hunter S. Thompson : The man survived decades of alcoholism and drug use just to off himself when his life finally became somewhat sane? How anti-climactic. Damned shame. My plug here? The Rum Diary. Although it was the first book he ever penned, it was not published until recently. It contains all the trademark humor and wry outlook, but precedes his adventures into absolute absurdity and political punditry (it's a word now, dammit).

Virginia Woolf : She's just here because I'm curious to know what here opinion would be about the current state of feminism. I'd like to know if she'd be as shocked as I at the way it seems to be folding in on itself... Defeating it's own purpose, so to speak. A Room of One's Own was the work that hooked me.

Brandon Lee : No link, but let's face it. The guy was just really, really, really hot. Anyone who's seen "The Crow" knows that.

For some reason, that's all I can think of right now. Apparently, I am stuck on authors. I'm sure there's more, but I want everyone else to share their, "People who I wish weren't dead" lists. If I think of any that I've missed, I'll edit...