When Top 40 radio in 1988 was playing George Michael, INXS, UB40, and Tiffany . . . these guys were making music 20 years ahead of their time. This sounds as good and fresh today as it did then. Name another band that 20 years later still can claim that their music sounds new and not worn.

Plus a little secret/confession of mine. I used to have a mad crush on the Deal sisters from their days in The Breeders.

A bizarre former pop star who lived in a decadent NeverLand and sought eternity through countless additions of plastic to his face . . .

A former cover girl whose claim to fame is that America thought she looked good in a bathing suit, a had nice rack and who capitalized on that body to make money . . .

For all of that we mourn.

For all of that we weep.

For all of that we turn our attention for a week.

For all of that we start Facebook groups.

For all of that we devote 24/7 news coverage.

For all of that we give our allegiance to our heroes.

Meanwhile, quietly and subtly, the simple march on.

To You Billy Mays!

To You Michael Jackson!

To You Farah Fawcett!

Thank you for contributing something good and wholesome to the world in your short time. Thank you for living for the good of the world. Thank you for giving us examples of what we could and should be.

To think that you can buy a Product RED gift bow that is Made In China by labors who are paid and treated sub-standardly seems only fitting. What better way to top a bunch of paper wrapped around a consumeristic gift than a gift bow made by laborers in China being made less than a dollar a day. Way to go America. Way to change the world.