Just talked with a sports fan who was quite moved by the death of Kobe Bryant, not omitting the fact of nine souls gone. Kobe was many things and quite important to many people in his life which was well lived in not too much time. He spoke several languages and had some major intellectual chops in addition to his physical endowments. As for the scandal, my friend, though female, felt that he had a side to it, that it was somewhat suspect in how it came about, and that he faced it and worked hard during and after it to do what he could to lay it to rest. Apparently the commentator who brought it up has been fired. My sports fan friend thoroughly approved.

I confess to having my own slanted interest in that I'm aviation aware. I have some thoughts about what can make helicopters go down suddenly and I'm keeping them to myself for now.