Okay - you all have been so good to me this past week, it has gotten me thinking about connections...
We all make connections in our lives; there are some people that you meet (in person or virtually) that you almost instantaneously bond with, other people who barely make a dent. I never understand why it is I absolutely love some folks and am "meh" about others. It typically isn't because someone is nicer than someone else, or better looking, or smarter, it is usually more nebulous than that.
What I have discovered, the older that I get, is that I appreciate when those friendships arise. By now I know that you can lose people all kinds of ways - people move away, they grow apart, they die, they get really busy - and that you have to appreciate people for as long as they are in your life and not take them for granted!
The internet is making those connections for us in weird and wonderful ways. You meet people from such different walks of life and from such different geographic areas. You would never find those people in "real" life. Well, mostly you might never find them. And yet... And yet, we are all so close adn if you only ask the question, you can find out that the separation is virtually non-existent. Where I come from, the Martimes in Canada, the most important thing you do when you meet someone new is to establish "who their people are" or what friends you might have in common. As we like to say so eloquently: "Who's yer farther???"
Now I won't make you go through that, but for those of you who, like me, always wanted to be on "The Price is Right" or "Let's Make a Deal!" it's time to play:
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cue game show music of choice...
Oh - you know how this game works! The theory is, to quote the fount of all knowledge, Wikipedia:
"everyone is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world, so that a chain of "a friend of a friend" statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps."
And of course, I have always been intrigued by this fame, having had a huge crush on Kevin Bacon (hello - Footloose!), and the theory that every actor in Hollywood can be connected to Kevin Bacon via no more than six other people.
Now, you know i am enthusiastic by nature, but even I know that we can't all sit together online and figure out how many degrees of separation are between us, much as I would like to be able to do that with you over a glass of wine.
But I know you KNOW people. So I thought it would be fun to see how many degrees we were all separated from the following famous and infamous people. So here are my random people (this is purely stream of conciousness here!):
1) Queen Elizabeth II
2) Dolly Parton
3) Barack Obama
Your connections do not have to know these people directly, they just have to have been in a situation where they have met them and the person would know who they were (i.e. you can't say one degree of separation from Dolly because you you went to her concert once! However if you have a friend that went backstage and was presented to Dolly, well that would be one degree of separation).
Feel free to NOT play along - things just get into my head and I can't resist just speaking them out loud!
Okay, I will go first...
1) I have an acquaintance who received an order of merit from QE II. One degree (jeepers creepers!) of separation!
2) this one is hard... hmm...my mother knew Donald Sutherland. Donald Sutherland was in a movie with Nicole Kidman (Cold Mountain) and Nicole is married to Keith Urbain, who I am guessing knows Dolly Parton (man - that took me a few moments!). Four degrees of separation (or is that 5 - I am mixing myself up now - GF!!!! help!!!).
3) this was easiest, because once you know QEII, you KNOW she knows Barack. Two Degrees of Separation!
How about you? You don't even have to stick with these three! Anyone you want to try to make a connection to? GetFresh and I discovered after chatting that we have a mutual friend from my hometown. One degree of separation! I just love hearing about people's lives, so if you have cool connections (without getting personal - won't make you do that!) would love to know!!!
Happy Tuesday, game players and may the odds be ever in your favour!
Stay Safe Out There! (and yes, I should go back to work pretty soon!)
We all make connections in our lives; there are some people that you meet (in person or virtually) that you almost instantaneously bond with, other people who barely make a dent. I never understand why it is I absolutely love some folks and am "meh" about others. It typically isn't because someone is nicer than someone else, or better looking, or smarter, it is usually more nebulous than that.
What I have discovered, the older that I get, is that I appreciate when those friendships arise. By now I know that you can lose people all kinds of ways - people move away, they grow apart, they die, they get really busy - and that you have to appreciate people for as long as they are in your life and not take them for granted!
The internet is making those connections for us in weird and wonderful ways. You meet people from such different walks of life and from such different geographic areas. You would never find those people in "real" life. Well, mostly you might never find them. And yet... And yet, we are all so close adn if you only ask the question, you can find out that the separation is virtually non-existent. Where I come from, the Martimes in Canada, the most important thing you do when you meet someone new is to establish "who their people are" or what friends you might have in common. As we like to say so eloquently: "Who's yer farther???"
Now I won't make you go through that, but for those of you who, like me, always wanted to be on "The Price is Right" or "Let's Make a Deal!" it's time to play:
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cue game show music of choice...
Oh - you know how this game works! The theory is, to quote the fount of all knowledge, Wikipedia:
"everyone is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world, so that a chain of "a friend of a friend" statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps."
And of course, I have always been intrigued by this fame, having had a huge crush on Kevin Bacon (hello - Footloose!), and the theory that every actor in Hollywood can be connected to Kevin Bacon via no more than six other people.
Now, you know i am enthusiastic by nature, but even I know that we can't all sit together online and figure out how many degrees of separation are between us, much as I would like to be able to do that with you over a glass of wine.
But I know you KNOW people. So I thought it would be fun to see how many degrees we were all separated from the following famous and infamous people. So here are my random people (this is purely stream of conciousness here!):
1) Queen Elizabeth II
2) Dolly Parton
3) Barack Obama
Your connections do not have to know these people directly, they just have to have been in a situation where they have met them and the person would know who they were (i.e. you can't say one degree of separation from Dolly because you you went to her concert once! However if you have a friend that went backstage and was presented to Dolly, well that would be one degree of separation).
Feel free to NOT play along - things just get into my head and I can't resist just speaking them out loud!
Okay, I will go first...
1) I have an acquaintance who received an order of merit from QE II. One degree (jeepers creepers!) of separation!
2) this one is hard... hmm...my mother knew Donald Sutherland. Donald Sutherland was in a movie with Nicole Kidman (Cold Mountain) and Nicole is married to Keith Urbain, who I am guessing knows Dolly Parton (man - that took me a few moments!). Four degrees of separation (or is that 5 - I am mixing myself up now - GF!!!! help!!!).
3) this was easiest, because once you know QEII, you KNOW she knows Barack. Two Degrees of Separation!
How about you? You don't even have to stick with these three! Anyone you want to try to make a connection to? GetFresh and I discovered after chatting that we have a mutual friend from my hometown. One degree of separation! I just love hearing about people's lives, so if you have cool connections (without getting personal - won't make you do that!) would love to know!!!
Happy Tuesday, game players and may the odds be ever in your favour!
Stay Safe Out There! (and yes, I should go back to work pretty soon!)
I'm totally relating to your comments about the friendships that grow through Internet connections. There are people I "click" with and those who leave me yawning. The Internet has opened me up to making friends with like minded women, not bound by geographic closeness.
ReplyDeleteAs for six degrees of separation...I don't know the Queen, Dolly or Obama but I did grow up in Toronto, moved to New York then San Francisco and Vancouver Island. I MUST know someone but lord knows who. Perhaps one of your readers will post something that resonates with me. I'm having a glass of wine right now so does that connect us?
Jennifer
HA! Well, I lived on Vancouver Island in the mid 80s. If you lived in T.O,, you can't be far from QEII. Know anyone who knows any designers?
DeleteAnd yes, drinking wine is DEFINITELY a connection!
Jennifer, I grew up in Toronto, and also lived in nyc, sf, and my best friend is from vancouver!
ReplyDeleteOkay - that is kind of coincidental - wow!
DeleteFun game!
ReplyDeleteLet's see -
The Queen - I am friends with two people who have met Prince Charles through their work, and he obviously knows the Queen. And a relative of mine received a medal of honour, which must link back to the Queen.
Sorry, commenting woes.
DeleteDolly Parton - no idea!
Obama - I volunteered for one of his campaigns so I must have met somebody who knew somebody who knew him.
I agree, the world of internet connections is pretty neat, I enjoy it too.
I have been to three places in NB, so perhaps we have some sort of link! I went to uni in Montreal, I am trying to remember if i knew many Maritimers there. Oh, i had a lot of friends from Maine!
Well once you start talking Maine, Lane is going to be right here (and even a bit of Tabs)
DeleteWell you know me Abby, so you know for sure you are connected to Dolly P!
I think once you know one famous politician you can probably easily make the connection to any world leader - i.e. you are probably only a couple of conenctions from Obama and I am pretty sure he has met the world leaders from every country. It is quite breathtaking how quickly you can get there! I even wondered that if I really thought about it, if I could get to DOlly even more quickly (now that sounds creepy!)
OK So, I would have to kill you if we went through some of my connections here...
DeleteI have to go attend to the revenue enhancing part of my day, but I'll think on this. You are too funny!
too funny!
DeleteWell I've met lets of well known chaps and chapettes through work but don't like to say, it always sounds as if you are "bumming your load" ! Thats is a whipping offence for Scots!
ReplyDeleteYes we have a lot of Maine links to explore here...
I have never heard this term "bumming your load"! Well you have met Kaiser Karl so you are now connected to just about everyone in the fashion world. It is just so amazing how easy it is to make the connections between ourselves and anyone else!
DeleteIt means showing off in any way, Scots despise anyone who does it, it can get you drummed out the village!
DeleteWell that explains my dad - we were never ever to show off in any way!
DeleteOh dear Tabs, I can hear the drumbeats thudding behind me and my mother's admonition in my head. But had to confess among friends, since he's one of the people I never thought I'd meet who completely surpassed my perception - a rarity.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLOL, this is fun!
DeleteI can't think of any connections to Queen Elizabeth or Dolly Parton, but I do have a connection to Obama - several years ago, my mother's friend invited her to her son's wedding. (As a part of the Chinese community in Burlington, we would always congregate on the weekends for dinner parties where each family would take turn hosting - I remember him as we were both in high school at the time.) Anyway, he had gone to university in Hawaii and met his fiancée there... who is Barack Obama's half-sister!! At the time, Obama was still senator and had yet to make his announcement for his run for the presidency. but he was there at the wedding with his wife. I don't think the Chinese community in Burlington has ever recovered from their brush with fame!
That's a great story Louise! I think those kinds of things can be quite fun for everyone involved! I saw him at the inauguration again - he always looks so happy!
DeleteWell, I was not at the wedding myself, but amongst my mother's friends, it made for a fun story for many years after!
DeleteI have met and known lots of well known people, but like Tabitha, I wouldn't divulge it for a number of reasons. I found you through Dani, who I found through Tabitha - does that count?
ReplyDeleteI think finding Dani, Tabs and I counts for everything! :-)
DeletePlus it's more exotic if you don't tell anyhow - I can just make it all up in my head!
Off topic: http://www.katespade.com/knock-on-wood-car-clutch/098689436692,default,pd.html
ReplyDeleteIt's on sale. I don't know if they ship to Canada. But I thought you should be aware that it's down to $159!!! Maybe you could ship to a friend in the states, since you're going to NYC soon?
thanks! They just sent me an email (wasn't that kind!) I think I will let it be as it would be so much of my spring/summer budget. I am being so good (I am almost sick of myself!) and trying to not go too crazy for the fun stuff. I still haven't used my book clutch! Isn;'t that terrible? In my defense, I have been home and have been to no events, but still...
DeleteThanks so much for thinking of me - I may yet cave today! :-)
DOLLY IS 5. WMM probably the one part of "home" that irks somewhat is "who'se yer father (no referee)" as an opening gambit. Do recognise has evolved and is more of a curiosity and roots thing now, but in early childhood I distinctly remember the different physical social circles at events, the room getting warmer or chillier based on family, connections and the "come from away" factor. Have had some interesting conversations with friends from the U.S. South, born & bred New Yorkers and Brits about this one. But big ta for the fun trivia kick-start to our day. Also raised not to kiss & tell. But must confess to being wowed by the very personable Barack back in June 2010. Given the G8 is a work event of public record - and Peter Mansbridge, as well as just about every other Canadian journo I know asked me about it. You've just gotta love any guy who offers the brand-new Brit PM a lift in his flying office - boys and their toys.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, meeting the Marit-Scot-nadians trio does count for so many things :-)
Hey GF! I think President Obama must be amazing in person as he is so great whenever I see him in interviews!! your first comments are really great - remind me so much of where I am from.
DeletePLACE IN THIS WORLD Oh, just in case my earlier comment came off as too "manorly" a la Downtown instead of six degrees gaming,do know that in the case of most Maritimers, many smaller communities this question period grilling comes from a desire to welcome you into the circle through some common ground and induct you as part of their extended "family."
Deleteoh absolutely - I think most maritimers feel really comfortable once they know that you know someone that knows someone that knows someone that knows them!! They gotta make a connection!
DeleteBTW - I didn't think you were getting all Dowager on me, heehee! I am quite in love with Maggie Smith!
Now, getting to the content of this great post! Ok, one of my mom's best friends' uncles was in Tommy James and the Shondells, and my mom met them, so I guess that's the most famous I can think of!
ReplyDeleteOh, Bill and Hillary, one of my friends worked at the Clinton foundation and knows them personally. I guess that also connects me to Barack, and the Queen! Too funny.
Fun post!
Oh Bill and Hillary! I met Bill once at a meet and greet here. I am sure he thought I was a moron - I could barely speak. He was very tall and good-looking (in my estimation!) and quite charming. sigh....
DeleteOh love Tommy James and the Shondells - how cool!
This took a minute but one degree to the Judds as I met the family and they are related to hubs family, they must know Dolly. And one degree from Elvis Presley as I met and talked with his uncle who had a crush on my mother. So Elvis met Nixon and Nixon probably met the queen at some point. Now for Obama, I have met and spoken with Gennifer Flowers a few times and we know she knew Bill Clinton and Bill knows Obama! Not great at math but that is a few degrees.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog.
Thank you so much! ELVIS!!!!!!!!!! now THAT is a connection!!!! Love Elvis!! thank you so much for your kind words!
DeleteI know someone (a girlfriend) who has interviewed Ryan Gosling and has supposedly his (or his agent) phone number and I have one degree of separation from Paul McCartney, Him of the Famous Band (but I won't tell why)!
ReplyDeleteOoh ryan gosling....
DeleteOne degree from Paul - I won't ask, but you look a lot like Stella!
I didn't think I'd have any likely connections until reading other comments. So! I've met a few generals, only a few clicks from Obama and the queen, I'm sure. As for Dolly, there's you and my love for country music.
ReplyDeleteNot exactly desired, but I was going to say it might be easier to see if a descendent of genghis khan.
Oh that would be a good one! I donT think I am his decendant, but I do have control issues!
DeleteWell, I'm here in East Tennessee and we all know we inbreed here. So, Dolly was easy. Actually a great lady and she would kill ya with kindness. Of course anybody who is anybody...including the President and the Queen...has met Dolly.
ReplyDeleteBB - you now officially know the world in my eyes!
Delete