So much going on in the world:

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife are almost through their trial on corruption charges (allegedly taking money from a business guy in exchange for favors). It has been a most entertaining soap opera-like trial from the stories. The McDonnell’s are saying their marriage has been rocky therefore there could be no conspiracy to give favors because they barely were talking to each other. An interesting defense. Fact is, Virginia’s ethics laws are notoriously loose and he probably (in a non-lawyer’s view) didn’t break those laws. He did file legal documents without the correct info, though. In any event, guilty or innocent, his political career is mud; his marriage, well, they say the trial is bringing them back together even though they are living apart (told you It’s a great soap opera!). And I’m sorry it’s almost over because I eat up the stories each day.

Robin Williams, the brilliant comedian and actor, killed himself. Such a sad, tragic event. First folks thought he had returned to his drug use; then they thought it was depression; and his wife has said he has Parkinson’s. Since his death, I’ve watched many of his clips from YouTube and a repeat of his “Actors’ Studio” appearance, which was brilliant. What can be said? A horrible loss of a brilliant mind and talent.

President Obama’s popularity is sagging big. He seems to have isolated himself to the point that no one knows what he’s really thinking in spite of global news with wars, the beheading of an American journalist, not to mention domestic issues that can’t be resolved with an isolated president and a ridiculous Congress. The criticism of his playing golf is a step too far (even presidents get to relax) although I, too, question making a statement about the journalist who was beheaded and then, moments, later, teeing off. Bad timing, Mr. President.

The mid-term elections are coming which means, after them, total focus of the media will be on the 2016 presidential race. Conventional wisdom is Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic nominee and that the Republican field lacks any true heavyweights or someone who can beat Hillary. The GOP field does have some potentially good candidates. Jeb Bush for one, even though many say that a Bush-Clinton race is beyond their tolerance, and both families should just enjoy political retirement. Chris Christie probably blew himself up with the “bridgegate” but don’t count him out, in my view. And there’s always Rand Paul and a few others. Way too early to write the GOP hopefuls off. Plus, it isn’t always easy for one party to win three presidential elections in a row especially when the incumbent is not popular, which is another reason the GOP shouldn’t be counted out.

And then there’s Mo’ne Davis in the Little League World Series, which is my second favorite sporting event (NCAA's March Madness is first). Just pure. Twelve and thirteen year olds playing for the love of the game, and enjoying the company and friendship of players from around the world. If there’s conflict, beyond a close call at first base, we haven’t been exposed it. Mo’ne was added pleasure to see a girl compete with the boys equally (and sometimes overpoweringly). And so mature! I hope she never grows up.

Two deaths within 24 hours hit home, as most deaths do as we get older and the belief of youth – that we will live forever -- fades.

Robin Williams is someone who’s career I (and a gazillion others) have followed from Day One. From his evolution as a manic comic of 10,000 voices to his film roles, from the loveable “Mrs. Doubtfire” to his Academy Award-winning role as Dr. Sean Maguire in “Good Will Hunting.”

Dotty Lynch was not known to the masses like Williams but was equally well known among those involved in politics and journalism. A research whiz on campaigns and for years at CBS,  the first female pollster on a presidential campaign and a clarion for women’s roles in society and politics and voting, and a damn nice person.

Both deaths, as far apart in pop culture circles as they were, are being met with “it can’t be true.” Both are shocks. Both are huge losses to their families and friends and their chosen crafts. And both bring home the reality of mortality. One apparently died at his own hand; the other stolen from us by melanoma, in far too quick fashion. Both were only in their mid-60s.

In my first political campaign in Connecticut there was a lovely woman who volunteered every day. Her daughter often visited and told us about her husband, a comic, who just landed a new TV series. That series was "Mork and Mindy" and the young woman was Williams' first wife.

Dotty, well, everyone involved in politics knew Dotty. And I mean everyone. She was one of those nice people you get to meet in life. And smart as hell. And way ahead of the curve on women in politics. And, a mentor of young women too.

Huge losses. Huge reminders of our mortality and, in Williams’ case, the demons that exist behind closed doors and sweet smiles and a laugh-a-minute personality.

They both are missed already.