Weekend Birthday Twofer

A very happy birthday to good person/ good progressive/ Hoosier John Mellencamp, who turns 65 today (!).  Besides being a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, an accomplished painter, a great songwriter and chronicler of the American heartland, he's a socially responsible guy (he's one of the founders of "Farm Aid") and has won recognition for his humanitarian efforts. So, he certainly deserves, at a minimum, this twofer in his honor.  First, there's "Check it Out," released in 1988, followed by 2008's "Longest Days," where we're reminded that "life is short, even in its longest days."

We'll also be celebrating a birthday this weekend for our Silver Spring Bureau Chief (take a few days off - no need to file any stories)!