A word about the wonderful Robin Williams.

Here at IM I do not typically remark on the passing of famous comedians or actors, but Robin Williams was so much more than that.

There are some people in this world so unique that you know you will never see their like ever again.

Robin Williams was one such individual.

I grew up in the seventies so of course Robin Williams is an important part of my adolescent memories.

In fact I first heard some of his humor coming out of the mouth of a friend of mine who had gone to San Francisco for a school break and watched his act before he became famous.

I thought my friend was incredibly brilliant, and as he regurgitated the comedian's jokes he had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes.

A bit later I saw Mork completely blow the Fonz's mind on Happy Days, and I went "Hey wait a minute...."

Later Robin was on Mork and Mindy, which was "must see TV" in my house.

I remember seeing his first appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and how unlike every guest in the history of the show he refused to remain in the seat to be interviewed, but kept jumping up to act out bits and to do crazy voices. 

Robin did not have restless leg syndrome, he had restless everything syndrome.

After a few minutes Carson was laughing so hard that I wondered if he could finish the show.

After that I NEVER missed an interview with Robin Williams on late night television.

I have worked with kids much of my life so I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have seen Aladdin, Jumanji, or Hook, but it has been a lot.

For myself my favorite performances were in Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, and Good Will Hunting. (For that last one Robin improvised this scene which cracked both Matt Damon and the cameraman up so much they barely got through it.)

I could literally go on forever about the talents of this man, and his enormous impact on my life, and the life of others.  But that would be self serving, and there are other, infinitely less important things we must discuss today.

I am going to try and crack a smile or two in memory of this comedy god, and I suggest that you do the same.

After all he would want us to laugh, not cry.

Personally I think I might do a little of both.

Movie star Anne Hathaway joins the Occupy Wall Street protesters and somehow the conservatives believe this discredits both of them?

From the damaged frontal lobe of The Blaze:

She is one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, but $58-million-dollar lady Anne Hathaway feels so much solidarity with the 99%, she chose to join them for an Occupy Wall Street pro-socialism rally on a cold, rainy day in Union Square. 

Last year’s Oscars hostess stood alongside NYU students, professors, and labor organizers as she held up a sign that said: ‘Blackboards not bullets’. 

Hathaway wanted to show support for the “Students and Workers United” rally in Union Square on Thursday, which was just one of many Occupy Wall Street-affiliated protests in the city. 

Hathaway’s films have grossed approximately $3.2 billion.

I have to admit that I am at a loss as to HOW this is perceived as a bad thing for Hathaway OR the OWS protesters. 

Here we have a wealthy, famous individual showing solidarity with those who are asking that Wall Street, corrupt corporations, and crooked politicians be held accountable for their actions.  She certainly does not HAVE to join the protest, she is essentially in that 1% category, but she chooses to show she cares about their cause, and understands its importance.

In my mind that makes her more impressive than ever. And I am actually already a fan.

And as for the OWS movement, it certainly does not hurt them to realize that they are not only reaching everyday Americans with their message, but that even the rich and famous are feeling solidarity with their cause.

Apparently in the world of conservatives, the line that separates the 1% from the 99% is a bottomless chasm that NOBODY can cross over without a complete loss of their credibility. Sort of telling isn't it?