Remembering three who died:

John Ritter died suddenly last night from a heart attack. He was only 54 years old. Although best known for his role as Jack Tripper on "Three's Company" and the star of "8 Rules for Dating My Daughter," I believe his best work was not in either of these sitcoms. It wasn't even a comedy. I thought his best performance was as Vaughn in Sling Blade. Perhaps I'm in the minority with this opinion, but I know that we all agree that he was loved by his fans and will be missed.

Johnny Cash was known as the Man in Black. I remember as a child singing many of his songs... "A Boy Named Sue"..."Burning Ring of Fire"... "Folsom Prison Blues"... A new generation had discovered the Man in Black and he recently won an award on MTV. MTV! I'm so happy that he lived to see it and that we'll always have his music.

The Falling Man. I just read a piece from Esquire magazine about the search to discover who was photographed jumping from one of the twin towers on 9-11-01. Tom Junod wrote such a compelling piece. Here are the first few opening lines:

In the picture, he departs from this earth like an arrow. Although he has not chosen his fate, he appears to have, in his last instants of life, embraced it. If he were not falling, he might very well be flying. He appears relaxed, hurtling through the air. He appears comfortable in the grip of unimaginable motion. He does not appear intimidated by gravity's divine suction or by what awaits him.

I read the article and it stayed with me throughout day. The combination of my memories of that horrific day, combined with the beauty and horror of the photo and the eloquent text by Junod just kept coming back to mind time and time again as the day moved on.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of John Ritter, Johnny Cash, the Falling Man and all of the victims of 9-11.

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If you live within driving distance of Jacksonville, Florida, you may want to take a trip this coming Saturday. Big City Comics! [10131 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, phone 904-268-9006] is hosting a fundraiser from 11am - 5pm to benefit the Tourette Syndrome Association. Musical entertainment, door prizes, and many other exciting events are planned.

Don Perlin (Marvel Comics and Acclaim Comics, artist), Duck Edwing (MAD Magazine, artist and writer), Ed Hall (political cartoonist), Robert Smith Jr. (cartoonist and caricaturist) are going to be on hand signing autographs and sketching. There's going to be an auction of rare, original comic art featuring characters such as Superman, Popeye, Beetle Bailey, and many others, all drawn by their respective artists.

It looks to be a fun time. I'm planning to attend. Where else can I get Sylvester Stallone sketches and help out a good cause at the same time?

Over the next two months at least one movie premieres each week that I really want to see. The one I'm most looking forward to is The Rundown.

Yeah, I'm as surprised about that as you.

With all of potentially cool movies during this time period, [Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Underworld, Cold Creek Manor, The Human Stain, Out of Time, Kill Bill Volume 1, Mystic River... well you get the idea], I want to see the movie starring The Rock!

Actually, The Rock is a talented performer and this movie looks to fit him perfectly. The trailer rocks. There's action, comedy, and a great supporting cast. This could be a real surprise hit. And speaking of surprises, one of the worst kept secrets is the surprise cameo by... well, if you don't know I don't want to ruin it for you. It might make you mad enough to throw an egg at me! ; )