his post has nothing to do with waiting tables but bear with me…..

Today I read a NY Times article about Gary Brolsma, a nineteen year old kid from New Jersey, who posted a video of himself singing an obscure Romanian pop song called “Numa Numa” on the internet. I don’t think he figured many people would watch it.

Surprise. Gary’s little video has been downloaded by millions of people becoming a mini phenomenon. He’s appeared on Good Morning America and his singing parody was broadcast on CNN and VHI. Gary’s now experiencing the transitory whirlwind of internet stardom and Fame can be a cruel mistress. Embarrassed by the entire furor, he avoids calls from the media and was quoted as saying he just wants all this attention to end.

I saw the video. At first glance it shows a pudgy kid doing the technological equivalent of singing in the shower. He lip syncs the words while waving his arm around in an improvised dance while never getting out of his chair. His facial expressions are priceless.

So I looked around other web sites wondering what others thought of Gary’s little effort. Some of the reactions were negative. “That’s sad” or “pathetic” were comments bandied about. I suspect words like that give Gary grief. Remember, he’s only nineteen. Then again, some people only get pleasure by making fun of others. Shame on them.

While I watched that video I saw what millions of other people saw – a kid who was, for a moment, supremely happy. Haven’t you ever been so caught up in something; a song, a sporting event, a dance, that you lost yourself in the moment? Never sang in the car to the consternation of passersby? Danced like an idiot at a wedding? Not once? You’ve never been alive. (And try telling those fat guys who paint their bellies with team colors while enjoying a football game they’re being pathetic. I dare you.)

Every once in a while we get so absorbed in the moment we step outside of ourselves – not caring what others think. Whether its music, literature, painting, prayer, or athletics, times like that are priceless. They connect us to the joy of being alive.

Truth be told, I sometimes dance around in my underwear while listening to 80’s tunes. You all, I’m sure, do something similar. Admit it.

There’s a lot of crap on the internet. I want to thank Gary for sharing a little of his joy, albeit unwittingly, with the rest of the world. Don’t be embarrassed Gary. Screw the immaturity of your adolescent critics. You brought a smile to the faces of millions of people

Very few of us can make the same claim.

Rock on kid. NUMA NUMA!

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