Have you ever noticed how something looks authentic just because you read it on the web? For example, if I say:

Recent studies have shown that while hair and fingernails on corpses do not actually continue to grow, they do seem to grimace if you shout in their ear loud enough.

That seemed pretty true, right?

Anyway…

I read today about the death of writer Kurt Vonnegut at age 84. A pretty fair run, but even tho I only read one of his books, I always liked old Kurt. Perhaps it was because he looked like a writer. He was pretty famous for a (then) living author, and he didn’t just come across as any old Joe Blow. He seemed a pretty interesting character. So I’m sorry to see him go.

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In a related topic, I sort of met George Plimpton once. I know, you’re saying, “Who’s George Plimpton?”. Oddly enough, I always thought he was somewhat well-known, which shows what I know. If you did know who he was, good for you. You’re one of the smarter people reading this.

Anyway, I was working in retail at a catalog showroom back in the mid-80’s. Mr. Plimpton walks in, and buys a pair of binoculars. My boss (who knew who he was), actually spoke to him, while I looked on in amazement, like you always do when you’re in the presence of someone who’s famous for anything. Somehow I ended up with the little order form where he printed out his name. I’ve still got it somewhere. The reason it comes to mind now is because of course, Plimpton has also passed away (altho it was some years ago). It’s a little sad when I tell people how I (almost) met George Plimpton, and they look at me blankly and say, “Who?”.

In these Warholian days of “celebs” and “idols”, people who were known for genuine achivements seem a rarity.