Roger Joseph Ebert, 6/18/42–4/4/13

     Sad news for the world of entertainment yesterday.  Roger Ebert passed away after a long battle with cancer.

     If you grew up in the 70’s ,80’s, or 90’s you know that Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel were THE go-to guys for movie reviews. Before the Internet, Fandango, etc., if you wanted the scoop on a new film, you tuned into Sneak Previews or At The Movies.  I spent many an afternoon in my room watching them on my Panasonic 13″ Black & White T.V.

     Even after suffering massive facial disfigurement due to cancer and losing the ability to eat, speak, or drink (by mouth), Roger just kept an incredible attitude.  He could’ve thrown in the towel and headed for the couch.  Instead, he kept on working and never complained.

     I recently read a review by him and remember thinking “Man, he’s still got it.”   With Roger, you could trust his judgement because he sounded like he’d put some thought into things.  I wish I’d read his review of Highlander 2: The Quickening before I rented it back in the early 90’s.  Talk about 2 hours of my life I’ll never get back! For me, the pain is still too near.

     So, let me express my sympathy to Roger’s family, say, “thank-you, Sir,” and send two big “thumbs up” to him in that big balcony up in the sky. You will be missed.