Sometimes when you live like I do - avoiding news on basic principle - you miss important things. Thursday marked the passing of a truly great man and I didn't find out until Friday night. Mr. Rogers, PBS icon for 30 years, died Thursday of cancer at the age of 74. In an age when everything is bright and fast and hip, Mr. Rogers stood his ground, refusing to rely on marketing ploys or flashy gimmicks. Children came to his neighborhood because it was a safe, calm, friendly place where they felt important. Mr. Rogers believed in consistency, honesty and empathy when dealing with children. He encouraged using the imagination, asking questions and acceptance of others. There is no show out there that can possibly fill the sneakers and cardigan of Mr. Fred Rogers and his wonderful neighborhood.