The Bob Barker Effect

 

HOW I GOT FOOLED (AGAIN)

An idea came to me, this morning. Woke up. Logged on. That’s when I saw “Bob Barker” trending on social media. Uh, oh. We know what “trending” usually means, especially with celebs approaching 100.

Paging Betty White. Has anyone seen or heard from Betty lately?

That’s when I realized there’s a natural curious process at work. Let’s call it a common reaction. And it’s the same for everyone, all the time. Heretofore, I’m calling this the “Bob Barker Effect.”

STAGE 1:  SADNESS — “Bob Barker” is trending on my social media feeds. Oh, no. That’s so sad. Wow, what a terrific life he lived. Gee, I remember Bob Barker from “The Price is Right” game show. Hell, I even remember him on “Truth of Consequences.” He did lots of good things for animals. He will be missed.

STAGE 2:  CONFUSION — Wait — Bob Barker *was* still alive? Are we sure about that? I thought he died a few years ago. Wasn’t there a tribute or something about him? There’s no way he was alive. He died at least five years ago. I know that for a fact. I think. I’m 100 percent certain. Maybe.

STAGE 3:  ACCEPTANCE — Well, it doesn’t matter — Bob Barker isn’t alive now. He’s passed on. Look at all these posts with his name. Give the man respect.

STAGE 4:  REVELATION — Wait. What? W.T.F.? Bob Barker *is* still alive? Are you sure? Check that. Do a Google search. Scroll down. Yes, I’ll be damned, he’s alive !!!

STAGE 5:  ANGER — Who did that? Who started that shit? And, why is Bob Barker even trending? Why would a 99-year-old man be trending right now? Why are we clicking the bait and making the trending numbers up? It’s a snowball effect.

 

Yes, Bob Barker is alive.  He turns 100 this December.