In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes. -- Andy Warhol
15 Minutes of Fame. Over 150 regular folks getting their time in the spotlight. Some are heroes, others buffoons. But they all share one thing in common. They weren't planning to become famous -- it just happened that way.
How about innocent-looking page, Brigette DePape, who disrupted the Speech from the Throne, with a sign reading "Stop Stephen Harper."
How about Captain Sullenburger who safely landed his stricken US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, saving the lives of all on board.
Max Yasgur, the New York dairy farmer who rented out his field for a small musical gathering and woke up to find Woodstock in his backyard.
Rosie Ruiz, who for 15 shining moments basked in the winner's spotlight at the Boston Marathon -- until it was discovered she travelled most of the route on the subway.
Harold Camping who predicted the end of the world but the only thing that ended on May 21, 2011 was his 15 Minutes of Fame.
Robert Opel, who exposed his shortcomings to the world when he streaked across the stage at the 46th Academy Awards.
And how about places? Lewiston, Maine, population 40,000 which hosted the Ali-Liston rematch and for one night was the epicenter of the sports universe.
Or animals? How about Martha the Passenger Pigeon, Dolly the Sheep, Humphrey the Whale, Paul the Octopus ...
15 Minutes of Fame -- a fun-filled trip you'll never forget, even if some of the subjects wish you would!
About the Author: Dale Patterson spent 30 years as editor and reporter for the Canadian Press and Broadcast News. He is author of What Time of Day Was That? History By the Minute (Fitzhenry and Whiteside). He lives near Toronto.
