Thursday, April 4, 2013

I Would Be Remiss...

...as a fan of the movies, newspapers, writing, intelligence, humor... if I didn't acknowledge the passing of Roger Ebert.


I told someone that my first memory of this man was sitting in front of the TV with my mom and watching "Siskel and Ebert" on Public Television "duking it out" over their opinions of movies.  Their "two thumbs up" was a coveted quote for movie promoters at the time and still exists today as a popular way of expressing a positive reaction to a movie.



I envied them for their jobs.
Wished I could do what they did. \
 In a small way, I've gotten to do "it" via my blog
 - purely for my own enjoyment and fulfillment.



Gene passed away several years ago and Roger went on to successfully battle cancer, even through the loss of his jaw meant he couldn't eat in the regular fashion.

 Today I learned something I didn't know about this extremely gifted journalist.  Even though he could no longer eat food unless it was pureed, he still loved to cook for his wife and published a book of his/her favorite recipes.
Wow.

As I said earlier today,
I inherited my love for going to the  movies from my mom,
 but I learned about the movies from Roger Ebert.

15 comments:

RURAL said...

There is a hole in our hearts with his passing, even if we didn't know him personally.

He was a memorable man.

Jen

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is a very nice tribute, Ann!

Razmataz said...

I had not heard this news. The Raz Man always looked to their reviews before he would go see a movie.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh sniff~ he still COOKED for her. I love a good love story.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Nice post - you are a movie queen in the blog world :-)

Mr. Connor said...

He is going to be missed. Quite a colorful way of doing things ~ wonderful !

Heather said...

I wasn't faithful to watching his reviews, but over the years I do remember seeing them once in a while... I had not heard this news, you have indeed honoured his legacy! Another sign of his wonderful character regarding his health condition and how he chose to handle it, it reminds us of how we must always try to find something good in our lives even when all is not rosy! Cheers~

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

He will be missed for sure.

I give this tribute 2 thumbs up!

Pat

Sue said...

What a beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing your words for a man that I too also enjoyed watching on TV!

Take care,
Sue

Unknown said...

You learned from this man. Your recommendations regarding movies have always been real good for me and I know some other of your readers.

Chatty Crone said...

I heard he died - I remember Siska and Ebert from Chicago - where I am from. May he rest in peace. sandie

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
I didn't follow Siskal, and Ebert, but was aware of their movie reviews.

Since he has passed, I have now read some about this man, and must say that he sounds like he was a fine human being, with a flair for writing, reviewing movies, and living.

From what I read he sounds like a true survivor, who continued to embrace life through very difficult and trying experiences - and so provides to me an important lesson about how to live life.

I enjoyed reading this, Ann.
Brenda
P.S. I enjoy reading your opinions on movies, and have come to trust what you write.

Anonymous said...

A sad passing indeed. Hard to believe how many have left us in the last 5 years. I always appreciated her commitment for honesty even if I thought he was half gone in his thinking. I love that in people, sticking to your guns. He did it well & always came prepared with a well thought out argument. Nice little write up. Hugs. Tammy

The Country Mouse said...

Two thumbs way way up for this lovely post.

The Country Mouse said...

Two thumbs way way up for this lovely post.