My friend known as The Center of The Universe tried to get me to do the Dead Pool thing at the end of 2005. For those of you that don't know what the Dead Pool is, let me explain. Every year in December, those participating make a list of 10 people they think will die in the following calendar year. Plain and simple...right? WRONG! There is a lot of research to be done. For example, I told The Center of The Universe to put Johnny Carson on his list for 2006. I had no idea that poor Johnny had died years ago, until The Center told me. Very nicely, I might add. Anyway, my little crew at work is doing the Dead Pool this year. The winner gets bragging rights for a whole year. Not much to the average person, but it means a lot in my workplace. Here's my list for 2007:
Fidel Castro: He was sick for a long time in 2006, and questions are being raised about his current state of health.
Annette Funicello: She's had Multiple Sclerosis for many years, and she just keeps getting worse.
Elizabeth Taylor: I haven't really heard much about her lately, but I know about her past battles with prescription drug addiction.
James Coburn: Oh my gawd! I guess I didn't do enough research on him, because I just found out he died in 2002! Note to self: Confer with the official rulesmaster (The Center of The Universe) about this on Monday!
Harry Morgan: Colonel Potter from M*A*S*H was born in 1915. That makes him really old.
Art Linkletter: I know age is supposed to be a number, but he's really old as well.
Imelda Marcos: She of 10,000 pairs of shoes is getting up there in age. And I'm surprised she hasn't already died of a heart attack due to all of the stress she experienced in the 1980's - thanks to her husband Ferdinand. Maybe that's why I've never been married...
Judge Joseph Wapner: Yeah, the People's Court judge is still kicking.
Dom DeLuise: Burt Reynold's movie buddy from the 70's is still around. I wonder if he ever lost any of that weight...
Brian Wilson: I absolutely LOVE The Beach Boys, but Brian isn't looking very good or performing very well these days.
Keep in mind that I don't wish death on any of these people - I think they're all great and have made wonderful contributions in their various fields. I just don't think they'll make it past December 31, 2007! Now to e-mail The Center of The Universe about the James Coburn thing. I'm sure it will turn into a fiasco...
