@levarburton: The Reason I Read

I'm not generally the type to indulge in hero worship. Ever since leaving the church (and realizing there is no god), I've been reluctant to put anyone on a pedestal of any height. But, when it comes to Levar Burton and the impact Reading Rainbow has had on my life, that reluctance all but disappears.

Mr Burton brought cool and sexy to the reading world

As the host of Reading Rainbow, he played a pivotal role in helping me explore my love of literature; as Geordi LaForge, he helped instill a deep passion for Speculative Fiction. And although my dreams of becoming an engineer on the Enterprise were dashed (due to my lack of any engineering talent whatsoever), my need to read has increased exponentially over the years.

Besides my affinity for music (inspired by grade 8 teacher, Sharmini Arulanandam), and the dramatic arts (cultivated by grade 7 teacher, Judy Fathom), very few aspects of my life have been so heavily influenced by one individual.

So, here's to you, Mr Burton. Thank you for encouraging millions of kids (including those of is with ADD) to be anything/go anywhere through reading.