My all-time favorite 007, Sean Connery, has died, at the age of 90. From the moment I heard him say, “Bond, James Bond” [YouTube link] in “Dr. No” through his Oscar-winning turn as Jimmy Malone in the 1987 film version of “The Untouchables,” he provided us with some of the most entertaining moments in modern cinema.
In addition to that Oscar, Connery was the winner of two BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globes (including the Cecil B. DeMille Award) and a Kennedy Center Honor.
RIP, Sean.
Song of the Day: It’s the End of the World As We Know features the words and music of Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe, who provides the lead vocals to this R.E.M. staple. The song has been covered by many artists, but it was prominently featured in the 1996 Armageddon-like sci-fi film, “Independence Day,” which, though it refers to another holiday, seems perfectly appropriate for a Spooky Halloween—though not as spooky as that other upcoming “holiday”: Election Day! Check out the R.E.M. original video single.
Chris Sciabarra, April 2022 Coney Island Parachute Jump, Brooklyn, New York