Brubeck wasn’t just a crusader for rhythm. During his service in World War II, Brubeck was spotted playing a Red Cross show and ordered to form a band. Brubeck chose a racially integrated lineup, a rarity for military acts. During the 1950s and ’60s, Brubeck is reported to have canceled appearances at venues that balked at the mixed racial makeup of his quartet.

Richard de Berry, the FDL front page writer known as Southern Dragon, died peacefully in hospice last night shortly after 4am. He was 68 years old.

He was fearless, loyal and committed to fighting for a more just and equitable society.

I don’t remember my reactions to the stories themselves so much as what came after — a lifelong love of both Bradbury’s work and science fiction in general. I read everything by him I could find, from his horror and sf through to his more conventional works about life in Ireland. As a boy, I loved his paeans to boyhood and the joy of fresh new sneakers in Dandelion Wine. I read The Martian Chronicles over and over, breaking the spines of multiple copies.

The deluge of sorrow-filled tributes and reminisces that have been written by other journalists already testify to how highly Anthony Shadid was regarded among his peers. But let me add a few words from a blogger’s perspective to explain how special he truly was.

With profound sadness, I report we have lost a true friend, and one of our longest tenured contributors, Mary. Mary Beth Perdue left us on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011.

Ben Masel has died. You may or may not have known him but he was an activists activist. When I think about what it means to be out there fighting the good fight I think about Ben.

No, it is not typical to cover breaking news on celebrity deaths here at FDL, but this deserves notice. Yes, Taylor was a giant of the silver screen, but it should also be noted that she lent her fame to AIDS activism before most politicians even knew what it was.

Rest in peace, Alex. Good work, Rep. Cohen.