CornerShot

Every time a celebrity dies, news programs and papers show legions of mourning fans surrounding funeral homes or stadiums where a service is being held.

I've always watched those proceedings with a degree of cynicism. After all, how could these people have any real connection to a person they've never met? Not to mention the extreme lifestyle disparity between the mourners and the deceased.

Now I get it.

Roger Ebert is someone I've never met. He's been a TV star, journalist, screenwriter, novelist, memoirist and social commentator. It has been my pleasure to enjoy Ebert's work in each of those areas for a very long time.

And though I've never been in proximity to Ebert or led even a remotely similar life, it hurt me deeply to hear of his passing.

You may not see me on TV participating in a mass vigil on the streets of Chicago, but at least now I understand the desire to participate. Even in death, Ebert has enlightened me.

Weather Journal

3 hours ago

1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County 

2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day

3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys

4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping 

5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football 

6. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust

7. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen

8. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible

9. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli 

10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area