Spaulding Gray Dead at 62

The body of Spaulding Gray, monologuist and actor, was found yesterday in the East River. He disappeared two months ago. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, apparently he had long struggled with depression.

I saw him perform his "Swimming to Cambodia" monologue a few years ago, and was charmed by his wry self-effacing humor.  It's hard for me to imagine past that public persona when I read about his tragic end. My heart goes out to his wife and children.

Dinner with Rudy

Had a really enjoyable dinner with my old roommate, Rudy Gabrielson, who had a few hours layover in Albany before a business flight home to Maine.  It was nice to get together and catch up on the latest news.  Rudy, who's a VP with FleetBoston, is one of the smartest, most insightful guys I know, and our conversations always leave me with something to think about. The Federal Reserve is expected to give their blessing to Fleet merging with -- or, more accurately, into -- Bank of America. So here's hoping BoA knows what a great employee they're acquiring!