Sadness: Brendan Burke Killed in Auto Accident

Joe.My.God just reported that Toronto Maple Leaf GM Brian Burke's (above right) openly gay son Brendan Burke was killed in a storm-related automobile accident in Indiana.

You may remember my post from November when the elder Burke publically and vocally supported his gay son's "coming out" in the press.  It was a heartwarming father-and-son story in a world where too many of those situations turn out horribly.

And now this.  I am just so incredibly saddened by the news.  And what's worse is the fact that some right-wing Christofacist will proclaim that Brendan was struck down by God for being a wicked Gay.

Rest in peace Brendan.  You touched so many of us by sharing your story - and you left this world a better place.  I was proud to have you on my team.

Brittany Murphy Dead at 32

Brittany Murphy, 32, the actress many know from the movie Clueless - died of cardiac arrest  early this morning (according to TMZ).  So tragic.

OK - here is some BASELESS SPECULATION AND GOSSIP - so take it with a grain of salt.  I have always heard that Brittany had an enormous drug problem, and I'm wondering if her untimely death was drug related.  Regardless - no matter how she died it's still sad.

Artist Jeanne-Claude Has Died

Environmental artist Jeanne-Claude died yesterday as a result of complications from a brain aneurysm. She was 74 and is survived by her artist husband/partner - Christo.

This gives me the sads in a major way. I had the privilege of enjoying their "The Gates, Central Park" project back in 2005 - an art installation which blew me away by its massive scale and simple beauty.

Jeanne-Claude seemed like one fierce French biatch - and the world is a little less colorful now that she is gone.

Breaking: Walter Cronkite Dies

The most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite, DIED TODAY at the age of 92. "And that's the way it is"...

Farewell "Uncle Walter".