The funeral service for the legendary Ray Charles took place today at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. There were of course many famous faces in attendance. Bill Cosby, Willie Nelson and Quincy Jones were there to name a few. Charles' son, Rev. Robert Robinson officiated the service and there were a host of tributes by musical greats including Stevie Wonder.

I didn't even realize he had been battling liver disease. Charles went blind at age six and overcame quite a bit to rise to level of respect and stardom at which he presently exists. It's amazing how you write these type of people off as being invincible. Charles' passing hit me by surprise. Then again, to everything there is a season.

Ray Charles will be sorely missed.

On different note, I'm off for the weekend. It's 85 degrees here in Seattle (a rarity so early in June) and I plan on making the most of it. This has been a hard week (although I've had it easier than some) and I need a little perspective. Other negative events gracing the news right now don't really need to be discussed here; even if it meant more web traffic. Otherwise, I'd be just like "them" (them being the bad news bears known as CNN, Fox News, and CBS among others). There are however, a host of very insightful and intelligent bloggers discussing the topic. I won't. People have linked to the pictures as well. I won't. But we all can pray. This place needs a little life right now. Enjoy the weekend everyone, and Happy Father's Day to those who are!