Bill's Notes

"Judgment cannot breathe the same air as grace."

And I'm like, yeah, that's exactly the problem.

Gary Cooper, a photographer at the Bridgeton Evening News, died about two weeks ago. The story is here.

Several of my colleagues at the time were quoted in the article.

Named after a famous screen actor ... Cooper had a business card that read: "I'm Gary Cooper, are you famous, too?"

Not in the story, on the back of Gary's card was a picture of a dog peeing on a tree, and the caption read, "When all else fails ..."

He was a great character and a funny guy. He was one of those individuals who was eternally bemused at human folly, and he'd seen a lot of it at the Bridgeton Evening News. Sometimes, from me.

Two quick memories:

The morning after company Christmas party, Gary takes one look at me and says, "Close your eyes before you bleed to death."

Me: "Ack ... that's it ... I'm not going to drink any more."

Gary: "And you're going to drink any less, either."

*****

Me: Gary, "I've quit. I'm leaving the news."

Gary: "Good idea. You're far too smart to be a news media person."

*****

We didn't keep in touch much after the year I left, but I always remembered him fondly. A great guy. Rest in peace.

It's been a beautiful week ... warm and sunny, except for the wind, but it was a warm wind, so not too offensive.

That's all. Have a good weekend.

From what I understand, the Yankees initially approached Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax to shore up the rotation, but both men wanted too much ...

UPDATED: Omitted million added to headline. Thanks, Chris.