Standing in line to order lunch at my local Panera yesterday, I saw a front-page story that James Brown had died. I felt like jumping up and down with pride. I know that sounds a bit odd, but bear with me.
"James Brown died -- and I know who James Brown is!" Finally, someone famous died, and I recognize the enormity of our collective loss.
Not long ago, everyone at work was talking about Peter Boyle's death.
"Who is Peter Boyle?" I asked, as I usually do when someone announces that some well-known (except to me) actor or singer has left this world. Coworkers shot the usual looks of disbelief in my direction.
But I never saw "Everybody Loves Raymond." I watched a lot of TV in high school, but rarely find time to watch the tube anymore, let alone follow a particular show.
Then today, I return to work after two days off for Christmas to headlines about the death of former president Gerald Ford. Cool, I know who Ford is and I know why we should be sad to lose him.
I know you're shaking your head as you read this. Go ahead.
It's ok, I'm used to it.
I admit I'm clueless when it comes to big names in the entertainment business or politics because I don't pay much attention to either.
I guess I'm just more interested in the lives of regular folks. I can relate to their struggles and successes more than I can relate to the latest celebrity split or political debacle.
I do try though. Lately, if I'm up when "The Tonight Show" comes on, I'll try to walk by the TV when Leno is interviewing one celeb or another, just so I can put a face to the name. And I'm excited that new music technology will let me match a song title and artist to the tunes I already know (once I figure out how to use my new MP3 player -- see entry below).
I know it's important for me to develop at least a general knowledge of pop culture. So maybe I'll make that my New Year's Resolution for 2007. At least I won't have to worry about failing because anything I learn will be more than I know now!
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