Spent some time with celebs

Not sure exactly what an "A" list celebrity is, but I had the opportunity to spend a little time with some relatively famous television and movie actors. My life crossed paths with the lives of Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Alexander, Robin Leach, Brad Garrett and Antonio Tarver this week. I know Antonio Tarver is a boxer, but he did that "Rocky Balboa" movie, so he counts. Some were very cool and some just thought they were.

Why am I even bringing this up, you ask? Well, its because our culture is so very star struck. Many of us live vicariously through the lives of stars. Television programs like, TMZ, and periodicals, such as Us and People, make a killing on this very premise. And I'm not sure why.

I understand entertainment soothes the soul and relaxes the mind. Sometimes entertainment affords an inexpensive "mental" vacation from the rigors of life. I get it. But people, seriously, these folks are just ordinary schmoes that happen to get paid entirely too much. Yes, these actors have talent, a talent for pretending. Yes, some are beautiful, but I see more beautiful people every single day. I just don't get it. There are people in the world who may deserve some or even most of their adoration: Tiger Woods in golf; Roger Federer in tennis; Lance Armstrong in cycling; the late Bette Davis, Jimmy Stewart or Sir Lawrence Olivier in acting; Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin as American statesmen; even the Beatles or Michael Jackson make sense. These examples are exemplary talents in their specific fields of endeavor. They are the best of the best. Patterning your career goals after these professional champions is admirable. But embracing George Constanza, Robert Barone or Mason Dixon is disconcerting.

On a side note, Jason Alexander and Brad Garrett have a new fan...me. These two gentlemen were every bit as cordial as you could hope them to be. I wish them every success.

Al, the Travel Valet

Pick of the Day(41-9-1)...Giants