Dead Celebrities

Its always sad when people die. And usually its not even funny. Sometimes it is, like when people do really stupid things. But not usually.

People say you should respect the dead, which I kind of understand, but only inasmuch as you should respect all people. But when people say "Don't speak ill of the dead," I don't get it. If people are assholes it shouldn't matter whether or not they're dead.

Its sad especially when celebrities die. Their lives and careers are scrutinized and glorified; every newspaper and magazine does a pull-out section or a special issue. Well, except the tabloids, which do things like "Shocking Death Bed Confessions" and "Secret Love Children".

I say its sad because mostly actors or athletes or politicians who are past their prime don't get much attention or respect until they die and then, to read the tributes in the media, you would think that their deaths alter the landscape of American culture. And its true, at least for a time, because you won't be able to turn on the TV or stand in a check-out line at the grocery store without seeing glowing tributes to their lives. This lasts about a week, maybe two if its someone instantly recognizable who they don't have to remind you of every time they mention the celebrities' name. I mean, you could say "JFK, Jr." and not have to add anything, but if someone like Sid Caesar died they'd have to always add "50s comic Sid Caesar" or "Early TV star Sid Caesar".

At least they get to be prominent one last time, though, even if it is just for dying. It would really suck, I bet, if something else was to happen at the same time so that no one pays attention when they die. Like when Princess Diana and Mother Theresa died at the same time. I mean, if Ernest Borgnine died at the same time that a space shuttle blew up, no one would pay attention. Unless he died mysteriously, or disappeared. But it would have to be really big, like if he blew up too.

Mr. Rogers

At the beginning of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, he comes into the house, sings his little song, changes his suit coat for a sweater and his wing-tips for tennis shoes, its just like a dad coming home from work. Does he have another job during the day somewhere that no one knows about? What does he do? Does his boss know about his frequent excursions into the "Land of Make Believe"? Does the company have a drug policy?

Well, at the end of the show, Mr. Rogers puts his suit jacket and his wing-tips back on, and then he leaves. But where's he going now? Doesn't he live there?

The only thing I can think is that its his lunch break. But why doesn't he eat? Ever?

It just seems weird.