Elizabeth Went Out With a Laugh

Elizabeth Taylor's funeral was held yesterday and, at her request, began 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.  It was announced that the legend who was notorious for being late for everything, "wanted to be late for her own funeral."

Read all about the funeral here. 

"We Must Never Forget Elizabeth Taylor"

You must read this tribute to Dame Elizabeth.  Here's an excerpt:

"Today I hope she is laughing with Rock and Roddy, Richard, Eddie, Mike and the 30 million people we have lost to AIDS. For those of us she has left behind, please whisper a prayer, light a candle, give a chant or whatever it is you do to take just a moment to thank Elizabeth Taylor.


Over the next few months as we write the 30 year history of AIDS, this is a call to honor a lady who not only cradled us in her arms; she made damn sure the world did as well. In 2000, Queen Elizabeth named her a Dame. Go forward knowing to so many of us, this Dame was truly our Queen Elizabeth."

Quote of the Day

"There's a lot of Hollywood cause-puffery these days, but what I loved about Taylor is that she meant it, deep in her bones. That was obvious from her timing—she became an AIDS activist when everyone else was running for the hills. And she was an activist. The first time I met her she raved about the condom we put over Jesse Helms' house and said, 'The next time you do something like that again, invite me along.' I couldn't help but laugh, imagining her on top of a roof unfurling a gigantic condom."

--Peter Staley, co-founder of Act Up, remembering Elizabeth Taylor.

Elizabeth Taylor Dead

A local radio station has just announced the death of Elizabeth Taylor.  I haven't found any other mention of this.

UPDATE:  Apparently it's true.  Elizabeth Taylor died this morning of congestive heart failure.  She was 79.  Her son, Michael Wilding, released the following statement: 

"We will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world."

Elizabeth Taylor was a movie star, two-time Oscar winner, and a business woman, but most importantly, she was a fierce warrior in the fight against AIDS.  She stood up and was counted long before it was acceptable for a public figure, and she never let up.  There will never be another Dame like her.