I just learned that Robert Altman, director of some of my favorite movies (The Player, Gosford Park), has died. He was 81.
For a while in the previous century I kept a memorable quotes collection on my computer — things that struck me as profound or funny, mostly. One of them was an exchange between Altman and an interviewer from Newsweek:
“Have you ever worked for a mogul whom you felt was a force for good?”
“Ummm, I don’t recall. There might be a benevolent despot or two, but their names don’t fall trippingly off the tongue. No, the best guy I’ve ever worked for is me.”
Rest in peace, you maverick, you.
Meanwhile, some people are busy getting born. One of them is my niece, Katelyn Leigh Dawley, who arrived on November 11th. Welcome, mini human! It may seem crazy now, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.
Aww. Congratulations auntie.