Livin' Loud . . .

In the mailbox as the sun rises . . .

Sun's up, mmhmm (uh huh), looks okay

The world survives into another day

And I'm thinking about eternity

Some kind of ecstasy got a hold on me . . .

– Bruce Cockburn, Wondering Where the Lions Are.

Yesterday was the 150th anniversary of Sergei Rachmaninoff's birth. The pianist and composer weas born in 1873 Novgorod, Russia. He remains among the titans of 20th Century classical music, particularly note for his Symphony #2 (1907), Piano Concerto #2 and #3, and his tone poem Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. (1934).

Today in 2005, John Paul II, died at his home in the Vatican. The well-traveled pope was the first non-Italian to hold the position since the 16th century. Over two million people attended his funeral service.

298 years ago today, in 1725 Venice, Giacomo Casanova was born; Hans Christian Andersen was born on this date in 1805 Odense, Denmark – he gave us over 150 fairy tales and novels; and today is the 183rd anniversary of Émile Zola's birth. The prolific French realist-novelist, journalist and national icon was born on this date in 1840 Paris.

Today in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to send U.S. troops into battle against Germany in World War I. Four days later, Congress obliged.

In 1977 Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors" album arrived at No. 1 to stay atop charts for 31 weeks and win the Grammy Award for best album of the year.

"If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud." – Émile Zola