The Manic Mechanic

I was really saddened to read actress Jean Stapleton had died. Of course, she's most famous for her role as Edith Bunker, wife of America's most favorite bigot, Archie Bunker, in the series All In The Family. Her character was the perfect spoil for Archie, her seemingly limitless ability to know and do the right thing always came from the heart. AITF was must-see TV for me when it first aired, despite my relative youth at the time, I knew I was seeing something incredible on the small screen. Issues and controversy was examined in nearly every episode, be it politics, religion, homosexuality and gay rights, racial relations, you name it. Ms. Stapleton's portrayal of Edith allowed so many people to relate with her, she was Everyperson's aunt, grandma, mother. In the end, Archie would come to see that week's error of his ways, most often with Edith's heartfelt help. If I see the show in reruns while surfing channels, I always stop. I remember all those episodes, some practically word-for-word.

I also remember this scene, from 1980. I bawled my eyes out.

As "edgy" as television is considered these days, a show like this couldn't be made now. Too many people would get "offended" I'm sure. I feel fortunate that Norman Lear was able to completely destroy the boundaries of stuffy television series values and give us a show that not only changed television forever, but countless hearts and minds as well.

RIP, Jean Stapleton, and thanks for some of the fondest memories of my earlier days.

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has died from pancreatic cancer. I was watching Jeopardy tonight and the show was interrupted for the notice along with a capsule history of Steve and his days with Apple. He was only 56.

So long, beg1n/Jeff. Though I only knew you online, you had enriched my life since our virtual friendship began. Life handed you a lot of nasty stuff, but each time you came through it with your sense of humor and unstoppable positive outlook shining. You define inspiration, and I will miss you greatly.

*BigBadTxHugs*

Today the music world died yet again. Les Paul, guitarist extraordinaire and inventor of the fabled electric guitar that bears his name and a standard fixture all over the music world, has died. He was 94.

A heartfelt thank you for all the music over the years.

Somewhere, a guitar amp that's always set to 11, is turned all the way down to zero.

Paul Newman died today. I will miss him, as will countless others. He was truly a class act, on screen and off.


Paul Newman - 1925-2008

Actor Heath Ledger, most famous for his role as Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain was found dead in his Manhattan bedroom. Over-the-counter sleep medication was found nearby.

This is sad. I thought this man had his whole life and career ahead of him. Such a loss.

Evel Knievel, famed daredevil and standard fixture at orthopedic surgeons far and wide, has died at age 69.

This guy was a total sensation when I was growing up. I dont think there was anything he didnt want to jump with a motorcycle. So, that he did. On those not-so-rare occasions where he biffed the landing, betting pools would crop up to see how many bones were broken. Despite all the shattered bones and other complications, it was failing health that finally did the deed.

If it werent for Knievel, we'd probably have no "Jackass", BASE jumping, bungee jumping, or Black Friday.

He'll be missed by millions, but his feats of daring will live on forever.