In this business of interviewing or covering dignitaries and rascals, the rule is nobody lives forever.

My preference is covering rogues, reprobates and even thieves since they're my kind of people.

Sometimes, I cover the top shelf, which in the liquor business is the best of the best.

It makes no difference.

A life is important, whether they made millions or barely got by.

Some years ago, Carrie Johnson, who works at the Times-Region, commented that a lot of my interviewees die relatively soon after they appear on the front page.

"A mere coincidence," I replied.

This morning, I heard on Wild...