The Iran story is interesting, because it is not a popular revolution, but it is highly publicised because they are ‘on our side’, and they are the educated and the progressive aspects of Iranian culture. But it doesn’t seem to have taken off. It’s still very much in the news, there just isn’t that much to say at this point. It sounds like the first step toward something, toward a vocalisation of difference rather than any kind of overthrow. And for Iran or any country, living with that kind of dissonance in society, and dealing with it, is an ongoing process. The way that news arcs go is that there is an urge for an ‘end’ or resolution to the story, which is just not going to happen here, so it’s likely to peter out, naturally, and submerge back into the noise of world news, to be listened for by those who care.

Some of the grief “news” is the desire to be “seen” making a gesture of grief because they believe it is expected. It’s like the old ladies that you would hear about that just spend thier days going to funerals crying even if they don’t know the person.

Grief of a death allows us an “approved” way to cry and beat our chests in public. The thing they are could really be grieving is the loss of thier youths. The loss of dreams or even the fear that when they die no one will grieve.

I do find sadness in Hunter S. Thompson’s death. I was sad that he would do something that hurt his family and friends so incredibly deeply is sad and the loss to the world of more of his view on life.

You should not have to applogize or feel bad for not really having his death be a blip on your emotions. And we should not judge those that are rageing in grief if it is what they need to do they aren’t hurting anyone so let them cry, lord knows with everything going on in this world right now they very likely are crying out some other things they have needed to cry out.

PS. Wonder how many calls E got lastnight since the Chelsey Lately was taped earlier in the week and they were cracking on the news that had come out earlier in the week about Lou Ferigno was going to be training MJ for his tour. Sorry But it was funny and those that were freaked out by it being aired lastnight need to think about how hard they would have been laughing had MJ not died.

Trying to figure out what it is I am trying to tell y’all.

Watch this space.

None of us will live to see if he stands “the test of time.”

Rick, for me, he IS the test of time. No other artist in my lifetime achieved such dominating success for so long. I won’t be around in 100 years to see how history judges him. And honestly, I don’t care how subsequent generations judge him- he was my pop hero, and not everyone has to love him.

Another thing I’ve been wondering: did Elvis fans have to justify their mourning the way Michael Jackson fans seem to? I think Elvis had a fantastic fall from grace, but it seems like the pernicious mean-spirited tabloids were really at their worst with Michael. Maybe this has something to do with why my mourning is sprinkled with weird apology.

Also, as an unashamed and professional-amateur rug-cutter, I still know Michael Jackson as every DJ’s A-game. It’s played when the precise critical mass has hit the floor, and everyone is given permission to just go crazy. Whether you own the record, or are indifferent, if you like to dance, you know that moment. The moment when dance floor catharsis is experienced en masse. It’s a beautiful moment, everyone in the room seems to sing with energy. Right now, that’s going on non-stop all over my city, and I kind of love it. I can literally dance in the streets.

None of us will live to see if he stands “the test of time.” Elvis is still with us. But we have only 32 years to measure his contribution by. A hundred years, or further, hence, will either be remembered? Time will tell.

Oh God that is so it, Mary. That is so fucking it.