I basically learned english using (eating) alphabet cereal and watching Mr. Rogers.

I listened to a lot of radio today, much of it eulogizing Fred....

I spent a bit of time of time with my beautiful, (but married!!) dental hygeinist, too (trying to use up my dental insurance before March layoffs!), and was interested to hear her ask "did I hear that Mister Rogers was a sniper in in Korea and that he wore long-sleeve shirts to hide some USMC tattoos?" Ah, urban legends. Don't they have legs?

Fred Rogers wasn't around in my childhood (think Captain Kangaroo and Mister Greenjeans instead...) but I slowly came to appreciate his unique, gentle person. Five percent odd and suitable for the occasional parody? Sure. Fine-tuned in to the psyche of children, though...and a guy who knew what he was up to -- comfortable in his own skin.