Today is the 92nd birthday of the actor and director Max von Sydow. I am a huge fan of longevity and stories of people doing something for their entire lives. He spent nearly 70 years in the film industry making some of the most notable films of the 20th century. The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Ninety-six years ago today, the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby was released. We all read it in high school, I’ve read it several times since. I’ve seen the films (the 1974 is my favorite), I have gone to a cast reading of the entire book in one day (9 hours), and I have the final sentence tattooed on my forearm. It is one of two books that I always have downloaded to my phone. This book came into my life at just the right time to become a cherished friend, introduced me to the art and literature of the Jazz Age, the beauty of Paris in the 1920s, the Lost Generation, and everything inspired by them. You have to read this book.

Today is the 88th birthday of the crown prince of the French New Wave (Nouvelle Vague) film movement: Jean-Paul Belmondo. Eschewing the popular subject matters and film making methods, the New Wave artists created movies using natural lighting, unorthodox editing and unconventional plot developments. If you ever get a chance (it is available on several streaming services), please watch Breathless. You won’t be disappointed, maybe a little ennui, but it’s worth it. The world is a better place because he is in it.

Today is the 88th birthday of the photographer Rene Burri. His iconic images have inspired photographers for years, his philosophy and approach to art inspires me. The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 103rd birthday of the race car driver, fighter pilot Roberta Cowell, and the first British trans woman to undergo sex reassignment surgery. Her bravery branched out in every direction. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

Today is the 80th birthday of the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. She was punk before punk was punk. The world is a better place because she is in it.

Today is the 129th birthday of the actress, trailblazer, visionary Mary Pickford. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

This episode is also available as a blog post.

Today is the 93rd birthday of James Garner.  When left to my own devices, my TV viewing style is very similar to what my grandfather’s must have been in 1978:  Rockford Files, Columbo, Quincy ME.  But seriously, have you seen the Rockford Files lately?  I watched the episode guest starring Dionne Warwick and Isaac Hayes three days ago. Not only does it show parts of downtown Los Angeles that is completely unrecognizable today, but James Garner is brilliant.  The world is a better place because James Garner was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 106th birthday of the singer Billie Holiday. Her life story reads as an inspiration to overcoming diversity and challenges and the cards being stacked against you. I included a whole playlist below. Have a listen. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.