Well, it's actually after midnight but I'm still up so in my book it's still today and I am here to wish Leonard Cohen, the poet who came down from the mountain, a very happy 82nd birthday with my gratitude that he is still with us. The recent passing of David Bowie, two days after his (and my) birthday is very present.

One of my favorite movies is the beautiful documentary and tribute concert to Leonard Cohen, I'm Your Man. Martha Wainwright did an incredibly poignant rendition of his song "The Traitor." I think you would have to be very near death not to feel as if your heart was being wrung out like a sponge with this one.