The crime of the century

43 years ago today, a bright fall day in Texas turned to tragedy. I have to admit that, for many a year now, I have had a gruesome fascination with American political assassinations -- from the well-known and über-discussed (JFK and Lincoln) to those barely registering anymore in the historical memory (Garfield and McKinley). For example:

• In consecutive quarters (or perhaps it was trimesters) in 11th grade U.S. history (i.e., 15 years ago [or thereabouts]), I did extensive research and writing on the Lincoln and JFK murders.
• I own both the original cast and revival cast recordings of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins -- and saw the latter (a Tony winner for the Roundabout Theatre Company) at Studio 54 (yes, that Studio 54) in 2004.

My curiosity for the morbid has now broadened into one for the generally darkly criminal (e.g., The Devil in the White City, which I just finished yesterday and recommend highly for anyone with like interests or just plain history buffs [e.g., the Ferris Wheel and Juicy Fruit gum both made their debuts at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition]).

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On a lighter note, I hope you and yours have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow.