Sad, tragic, but....

The untimely death of Michael Jackson is a sad and tragic end to a storied life and career, and clearly is affecting many. It's heartbreaking.

But can we please keep this in perspective? I just heard a woman say that Michael Jackson was like "Ghandi" and a newscaster likening his death to that of Jack Kennedy.

Really? Ghandi, the great peacemaker? Kennedy, President of the United States, assassinated?

Talented, yes. Meaningful, yes. Someone who did many good things in his life, certainly. But are we seriously saying that our culture of celebrity somehow elevates a pop music star to the same plane as a Ghandi or a Kennedy?

Strewn across the water

The news services are reporting that hundreds of personal items belonging to the victims of the Air France disaster, strewn across the South Atlantic, have been recovered.

I can't help but picture it...eyeglasses, maybe, or a child's doll...a novel half-read or a wallet or the photo of an unmet grandchild? And I wonder, as I trudge through life, worrying about the stuff that I need to pack for my next trip up the freeway or across the continent, whether my life can be any different knowing that one day the little treasures that I can't seem to do without will be strewn and forgotten.

Our hearts go out to those left behind in the wake of such unexpected tragedy. How might we best remember them and work to make the world better for everyone?

People can change...