Blogroll
A glance at what Spokesman-Review bloggers have to say
Eye on Boise
By Betsy Z. Russell
March 15 – Mildred Rinker Bailey was known to fans as “Mrs. Swing,” whose slight, throaty voice won her acclaim as one of the great white jazz singers of the 1930s and 1940s, reports AP reporter John Miller.
But the Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe is now hoping to set the record straight once and for all: Bailey, who died impoverished in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., in 1951, was an American Indian who spent her childhood on the reservation near DeSmet, Idaho.
A resolution honoring Bailey, sponsored by Idaho Indian Affairs Council Chairman Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, is pending in the Idaho House.
It’s part of a push to persuade the Jazz at Lincoln Center Hall of Fame in New York City to add her to its inductees.
Bailey grew up singing with future great Bing Crosby in Spokane, who credited her with teaching him much about music.
The Slice
By Paul Turner
March 15 – It’s probably safe to assume that most people on the bus wearing earphones are listening to music of their own choosing.
But when some stranger across the aisle laughs at the exact same instant you do, it might be reasonable to conclude that you are both listening to the same radio station.
It’s a visual moment, but it sort of cries out to be part of the next Spokane Public Radio pledgeathon.
End Notes
By Rebecca Nappi
March 14 – The Oregonian’s editorial page editor, 63-year-old Bob Caldwell, died of a heart attack after a sex act with a 23-year-old college student in her apartment.
The newspaper wrote a story about the sordid circumstances.
It took a lot of courage for his widow to write this response on her Facebook page:
“To all of our friends and family: I fear today’s news about the circumstances of Bob’s death may have caused you more sadness. I apologize on his behalf. Bob was a kind, loving and fair man. He would have understood why The Oregonian needed to print the story and he also would have regretted the anguish that it caused to those he loves – both outside and inside of the newspaper. We love him unconditionally. Thanks to all of you for your loving support.”
If it had been your spouse, do you think you could have written such a gracious response?