“He's just the greatest on the keyboards that I've ever seen. I know I'm partial, but he's really great, and I'd say the consummate musician and a real decent person. Snappy dresser. And he has a great record collection...So there's your Ben for you. Benjamin Montmorency Tench.“
-Tom Petty
Join us in wishing Benmont Tench a very happy birthday!
[Polaroid courtesy of Stan Lynch/Clay Hill Studios LLC]
Some people put their ideas out in the world and hope they catch on. Not Gloria Steinem.
Through her writing, her speeches, and her organizing, she demanded that the world pay attention to all the ways that women had been — and in some cases, still are — treated unfairly. And she helped awaken us to problems like domestic violence, the lack of affordable child care, and unfair hiring practices that had too often been ignored or overlooked.
Gloria really was larger than life. Today, generations of women are walking a little taller and aiming a little higher because of what she fought for and achieved. Michelle and I are thinking of her family today, and everyone — women and men — who were inspired by her towering example.
Anger may seem to be a source of energy, but it’s blind. It causes us to lose our restraint. It may stir courage, but again it’s blind courage. Negative emotions, which often arise from a spontaneous impulse, cannot be justified by reason, whereas positive emotions can. Scientists suggest that constant anger and hatred undermine our immune system. Compassion, bringing inner strength, is good for our health.
Yesterday at Glen Hansard’s send-off at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Bono played a voice message from Patti Smith… her first reaction to hearing the news of Glen’s passing. It’s a lullaby for Glen’s family… which was followed by Beautiful Day rewritten by Bono and Edge for Glen……
“See those eyes flashing landing light blue
Seven towers holding up the sky for you
Arrivals and departures, this is what we do
You write your life ‘til the story becomes true
Ginger cake smile, a movie star too
If the street be your stage how come there’s thousands in the queue
McDaid’s feels like a stadium but there’s only me and you
You left a hangover from hell, of this there is no doubt
But as you wake up in heaven, all the angels will shout“
Painting by @colin_davidson
Happy birthday, @BarackObama! 65 never looked better. Every day, you make me a better person, and I’m thankful for all the ways you show up for our family and our country. Love you. ❤️
“Apparently there are still people who get a kick out of killing things and taking the lives of others, which is something I find incomprehensible” ~ Sir David Attenborough.
#DavidAttenborough 💯.