Death of a Celebrity

26 June 2009

 With the passing of Ed McMahon a few days ago and the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson just yesterday I thought I would put down a few thoughts.

 First, I am really very upset with comments that people have to make about this. Whether or not you like a celebrity, they just so happen to be somebody’s loved one. Somebody is mourning over their death. And because they are in the public eye, of course the news is going to make something of it. It is news. It is sad. No matter who dies, it’s sad to lose a loved one.

 I think it gives us all a dose of reality that tells us just how mortal we all really are. No matter how famous a person may be, they are subject to the same fate as the rest of us. But it doesn’t lessen the loss one may feel for them.

 I notice most negative comments are being made about Michael Jackson, not so much Ed or Farrah. But what the younger crowd seems to not be thinking about is that Michael’s death was both untimely and unexpected. So they have to realize there is going to be a shock factor involved with this. Ed McMahon was rather old and not doing so well. And of course we all knew just how much Farrah was suffering with her cancer. It was just a matter of time for her. But even her death was untimely, in this day and age her death at 62 years of age, is still on the young side.

 But these people were famous, they were household names. Is it wrong to feel compassion for their families and to feel a little grief oneself over their death’s?

 Let’s take Michael’s death here because this is the one that has me most upset. People are calling him names, saying he was a pervert, that he was weird and their comments are who cares that he died. Well, first of all, he was found Not Guilty on the molestation charges and I for one never believed them in the first place. And yes, Michael did seem to have some personal problems. But he was also the king of pop, he rocked our generation with some of the best music we have ever had. He was a very talented performer and music just wouldn’t be the same without his contribution.

 Michael has been in the public eye since he was 5 years old. That means he has been in the public eye for the past 45 years. That is a long time. He lived in a glass house or glass bubble, whatever the term is. And no matter what he did was scrutinized and made headline news around the world. But what people seem to forget is that he was a human being just like the rest of us. And he had a soul just like the rest of us. I for one hope and pray that he cared for his soul and that he is in heaven. No one knows for sure, that is between him and God. But it is my hope and prayer.

 But can’t we all just bow our heads and pay a little tribute to what these fine folks brought into our lives? Ed McMahon with his “Heeeeeeeere’s Johnny” phrase, Farrah with her beautiful looks and her gorgeous locks, and Michael for all the fine music he brought into our lives.

 I for one am saddened by the loss of each one of these celebrities. And I for one am thankful for the entertainment they brought into my life. And it is my prayer that each one of them may Rest In Peace.

 So for now…

Local Cafe’s with Free Wi-Fi

21 June 2009

 Since I have been regularly going to the Café for an hour or so as discussed with my doctor, I have found another local Café to frequent. There’s a great website that lists local free Wi-Fi Spots for your area. You just have to choose your State then look for your town or towns nearby. The website is

http://www.wififreespot.com/

 I started off by going to the local Paneras on a regular basis but wanted to see if there were other local places to visit. There are only two local Café’s that offer free Wi-Fi but it’s nice to have the change. I wish we had more Café’s and I’d like to see one or two move into my part of the city. But for now I’m happy with the two I visit.

 I like Paneras, don’t get me wrong. I believe they are a national chain. The Café is good sized, plenty of room for plenty of patrons. They have a nice fireplace you can sit by. They have plenty of windows to sit by. It’s very light and bright in the section where the windows are. But then they have a section that is off to the side and there are no windows. It’s a bit more quiet and private. So it’s nice if you want to meet up with somebody to have an intimate chat with. And of course they have great breads, pastries, Panini’s and salads. They offer four choices of coffee, which sometimes I find frustrating because my coffee of choice seems to always be empty and I have to choose a different one. I generally prefer the light roast, but end up with the decaffeinated. Although the other day I did try the dark roast and thought it was very good. I just added extra milk to it.

 The new place I found is not a chain they are just one Café and are going to be opening another this summer. I’d like to see them open one in my town and maybe as they grow they will. They’re in a great spot, almost across the street from one of the local Colleges. The name of the place is Hot Table and they got their name from the small Café’s one finds on the streets of Italy. It’s a nice place, smaller than Paneras but they have a greater selection of Panini’s. They offer two coffee choices Boston Blend which is a medium roast and Seattle Blend which is a dark roast. I like the Boston Blend and it’s kind of nice because it feels local.

 They have great music I love their station and wish they displayed which station they listen to. It’s obviously a cable or pay radio station because there are no commercials but it’s not your typical elevator music. It is music with singing and the songs are familiar but sung by younger musicians. It’s not music that would put you to sleep and it’s not music that would rock you off your seat either. The people are very helpful and friendly and they offer a free refill on the Boston or Seattle blend coffees. They also offer flavors but I don’t do flavors so I’m not quite sure what they are.

 So all in all, now that I’ve been doing this outing on a regular basis it’s nice to have two places to choose from. I wish there were more I hope Café’s catch on more in the area. I’m amazed that out of all the local cities and towns there are only two Café’s that offer free Wi-Fi. So, I’m hoping more will pop up in the near future. But in the mean time, I’m happy with these two places. It’s great coffee and it’s a great outing for me. The doctor was right it is good therapy for me. While I don’t feel so awkward anymore and I can get lost into doing something on the computer I’m also not really alone yet I’m not dealing with people, if that makes sense.

 So there you have it, two good reviews for two local Café’s with free Wi-Fi. It’s nice, I enjoy the good coffee and it’s even better when my friend comes along with me. Neither place rushes you or are in a hurry to get rid of you. As a matter of fact, I think they would let you sit there all day if you so desired. It’s nice to get out of the apartment on a semi-regular basis and it also gives me time to do some writing and research on the computer. Over all I’m glad the doctor recommended it and I’m glad I played along. I look forward to it even though I generally go by myself.

 Not your typical blog but until next time…

 

So for now…