Smoke One For...

Celebrities are dropping like flies these days. First Ed McMahon and then Farrah Fawcett, and, of course, the self-styled King of Pop. But the death that touched me the most, for some odd reason, is that of professional pitchman, Billy Mays. Many people may know Billy just as that loud-mouthed pitchman on TV informercials, but if you watched any of the Discover Channel's reality series Pitchmen you soon learned that he had a big heart to go along with his big mouth.

Billy made a habit of testing new products himself and in friendly little focus groups to try to see if things really worked before putting his name behind them, and for the few products of his that I've tried--I have to say that his reputation is intact. Mighty Putty is currently fixing a leak in one of our bathrooms and Hercules Hooks hold several things up on our walls.

Mays was a small-time wares pitcher in New Jersey who worked his butt off and honed his skills until he became a nationally known celebrity for selling cleaning products. His was a great American success story and there is much to admire in his relentless drive. At least on the TV show, he seemed to have a successful and happy marriage (second time around) with a couple great kids. Thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Billy Jr., Mrs. Mays, and his young daughter.

This evening I'll be lighting up a cigar in honor of Billy and imagining him walking up to St. Peter at the gates of heaven..."Hi, Billy Mays here!"

P.S. Just found this video this morning...what a fun guy...