I went on vacation last week and when I got home the mailman delivered a big stack of newspapers, magazines, and of course, bills and junk mail.  (Surprisingly little of the last category, maybe it is time for a resurgence in the direct mail industry.)  The mailman also delivered a subtle statement on the value of the print media.

Included in our pile o’ paper was the past week’s Time magazine.  In it I discovered a “Milestone” appreciation of Manute Bol by Spud Webb, one of his US Basketball League buddies and former roommate.  While away, I had missed the sad news of Manute’s death and by the time of my return, the humanitarian, father and basketball star’s demise was no longer running on the top of the different news sites I visit.

As I considered his friend’s words, I realized what wasn’t in the article.  No cause of death, no standard obituary and no funeral arrangements and information — those things had been left to the fast breaking news writers.  This was a truly personal statement by someone who knew the man and who was able to provide a glimpse into his psyche.  Time‘s editorial team has again done a wonderful job of pairing writer with subject for their Milestones page.  And, again, provided another reason for me to continue to renew our family’s subscription.