DECEMBER 16, 2007

Friday, I celebrated the 35th anniversary of my 25th birthday. What a difference 35 years makes....

1972: Long hair KEG Acid rock Moving to California Because it's cool! Growing pot Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor The Grateful Dead Going to a new, hip, joint Rolling Stones Being called into the principal’s office Screw up the system Disco Parents begging you to get to get your hair cut Taking acid Passing the drivers' test Whatever!

2007: Longing for hair EKG Acid reflux Moving to California Because it's warm Growing pot belly Trying NOT to look like Brando or Liz Taylor Dr. Kevorkian Receiving a new hip joint Kidney Stones Calling the principal's office Upgrade the system Costco Children begging you to get their heads shaved Taking antacid Passing the vision test Depends

Just in case you weren't feeling too old today, this will certainly change things.

Each year the staff at Beloit College in Wisconsin puts together a list to give the faculty a sense of the mindset of this year's incoming freshmen. Most of the people who are starting college this fall were born after 1989. Here's this year's list:

They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.
Their lifetime has always included AIDS.
Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.
The CD was introduced before they were born.
They have always had an answering machine.
They have always had cable or dish or satellite.
They cannot fathom not having a remote control.
Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.
Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.
They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.
They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.
They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.
They never heard: "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a Camel," or "de plane Boss, de plane."
They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. even is.
Michael Jackson has always been white.
McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.
They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Do you feel old yet? I sure do.