Well, on the one hand, people KNOW about the celebrities. And yes, people are too celebrity-centric etc. etc. etc., but it does give people somewhere to focus their grief.

I mean, when Heath Ledger died, I was shocked and grieved. Once I moved past the initial emotion, though, I did also think to myself "and how many other dads have died today?" And I said a prayer for all of them too. I mean...it's almost like a reminder. All things pass.