I know, I know… it’s not even remotely Monday, but, hey, I figure if the Republicans can call themselves the party of “family values” then I can put a Musical Monday out on a Wednesday.
Thursday May 21st, 2026 was a momentous day on two fronts. First, and clearly most importantly, my daughter turned 25. She also achieved her private pilot’s license (yes, she’s a badass). However, as VERY proud as I am of her accomplishments, that is not what this blog is about.
May 21st also marked the end of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. As probably everyone reading this knows, Late Night was the #1 late night show for nine years running. CBS upon canceling the show claimed that the decision was due to “financial considerations.” Considering that CBS’ parent company was in negotiations for an $8 billion merger between (themselves) Paramount Global, and Skydance Media. This merger needed the Trump Administration’s approval and it’s common knowledge that Trump and Colbert hate one another, primarily because Trump does not have a brain and Colbert possess first class gray matter. So, CBS, in just one of a series of stupendously STUPID decisions decided to pay up 16 million on a baseless shakedown by Trump (the equivalent a bully taking your lunch money), compromise any journalistic integrity of their flagship show 60 Minutes and, oh yes, cancel their number one late night show. Financial considerations, sure, 8 billion of them. Financial considerations as in the show not generating revenue? I’ll let the amazing David Letterman sum that up, “I’m just going to go on record as saying: They’re lying … They’re lying weasels.”
This past year has hurt my heart and tested my ability to be shocked. No lie, no crime, no obscenity attributed to Donald Trump shocks me any more. He has proven himself in my opinion to be a little, tiny, petty individual. I cannot call him a man. He does not live up to my definition of a man, let alone a human being. To me he is a pathetic coward. Even when he is “winning,” he is still horrible. In contrast, Stephen Colbert has been gracious, upbeat and inspirational. He used his show’s demise to celebrate everything that is great about America: our diversity, our freedom of expression, our shared community. Colbert also took his last few weeks and turned his misfortune into an opportunity to raise funds for an outstanding cause, raising 2.5 million for Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen that provides meals in response to humanitarian and climate crises. It’s one of my favorite causes as well, especially as our Idiot-in-Chief saw fit to cut FEMA from the federal budget (well, most of it) as well as eliminate US AID which has had disastrous results, but that is another blog.
So, why this song for Mr. Colbert? Well, the sanguine is an adjective that primarily means cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident, especially in a difficult or bad situation. Historically derived from the Latin word for blood (sanguis) and traditionally it can also refer to a healthy, reddish complexion or a deep blood-red color. Stephen Colbert conducted himself as the adult in the room (well, a whimsical adult, but an adult nonetheless) in contrast to Trump’s petulant toddler (even allegedly to said toddler’s diaper). Basically the song tips its metaphorical cap to someone who holds on to their joy. Ville Valo or VV is a Finnish musician from the group HIM. He’s everything you want from a goth, but he’s of a more modern set and, I hope, will be with us for a long time. DO check out his music.
And, Mr. Colbert…I salute you! Can’t wait to see where this takes you!
