sad day in books

first gunter grass admits to being in the SS (and lech walesa goes on the offensive; meanwhile, internet cynics surmise that grass is drumming up publicity for his new memoir--it does seem like odd timing for a crisis of conscience after 60+ years), then the news comes out that israel author (one of my faves) and peace activist david grossman's son was killed in lebanon. i know that i normally don't write about my more serious concerns, but since these news stories involve authors i love, i figured i'd at least take note of them. obviously my sympathies are going out to grossman and his family; his novels and his moral stance have always been an inspiration to me.