Open Threads

Not unexpected, but sad nontheless:

Leroy Sievers, a National Public Radio commentator who turned his battle with cancer into a popular and touching radio and online series, has died from his disease. He was 53.

Larry Sievers covered more than a dozen wars during his time with ABC, CBS and NPR.

Sievers died Friday at his home in Maryland, NPR announced Saturday in a statement.

He was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001. In 2005, the disease returned as a brain tumor and lung cancer.

A report on his own chemotherapy treatments in February 2006 was broadcast on “Morning Edition” and prompted an enthusiastic response from the audience.

It eventually became a regular series and feature on the network’s Web site.

I’ve heard every one of his “diaries” for the past couple years, so like a lot of people, I felt like I knew him a little. Definitely one of NPR’s more interesting features.

RIP: Leroy SieversPost + Comments (4)

The chairman of the Arkansas Democratic party was killed today:

Bill Gwatney, the chairman of the Arkansas Democratic Party, was shot in his office in Little Rock Wednesday morning and died a few hours later, police officials said.

The officials said a single gunman fired three shots at Mr. Gwatney, a former state legislator, in the party’s headquarters a few blocks from the state Capitol and then drove away.

Mr. Gwatney was rushed to the medical center of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, but a friend of the Gwatney family, who asked not to be identified, said doctors determined that his wounds were inoperable. He died several hours later, police officials confirmed.

No real idea on motive yet, but it sounds like a disgruntled employee from what little I have heard on tv. Gwatney looked really young in the picture at the Times.

This Is NutsPost + Comments (38)

All things end:

One of the largest and most photographed arches in Arches National Park has collapsed.

Paul Henderson, the park’s chief of interpretation, said Wall Arch collapsed sometime late Monday or early Tuesday.

The arch is along Devils Garden Trail, one of the most popular in the park. For years, the arch has been a favorite stopping point for photographers.

Before:

After:

Larger versions here. Your time is gonna come, too.

Borrowed TimePost + Comments (25)

First, a belated shout-out to readers who answered my post about eating in New York. We had boudin noir at Florent, Mario Batali’s pizza at Otto (you’d be crazy not to try the olive oil gelato), quiche lorraine at Cafe D’Alsace, wild boar at Sfoglia, bagels & lox at Barney Greengrass. Sunday brunch at Prune was as unreal as several people said it would be. My only regret is that Momofuku closes between lunch and dinner so I had to try some sushi across the street instead. While the wife took some time to shop I basically walked laps of lower Manhattan looking for food. It was a blast.

Now a tip from me to you: if you’re in New York, Boston or DC take an hour to check out Best Cellars wine shop. Where most wine stores offer hundreds of mostly uninteresting choices, Best Cellars stocks what owner Joshua Wesson considers the best grape available for under $20. There are maybe a hundred different bottles that cover most varietals, I’ve had them fill up four cases blind and nearly every one has impressed. The DC branch is just off DuPont Circe on CT Ave, the New York branch is near 87th and Lexington.

With that done, here’s your latest assignment: if you only had a few days in England to visit York and a few more to see Stratford-upon-Avon, where would you stay? What would you eat? Let’s assume that you like bed and breakfasts and you’re not looking to dress up or spend too much on food. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Bleg 2: The BleggeningPost + Comments (18)

Bernie Mac has died at the age of 50 from pneumonia, which just seems insane.

I guess there will be no Ocean’s Sixteen.

*** Update ***

Small world. Skippy worked with him.

The Obama Death List GrowsPost + Comments (19)