THE WATER COOLER
Here are a few things from news, entertainment and popular culture that we've been talking about lately.
* A survey reveals the widest generation gap between younger and older Americans since 1969. At least a pathological obsession with Britney Spears still unites us.
* Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, TV pitchman Billy Mays and impressionist Fred Travalena all die within the span of a week. The Grim Reaper must have gotten a subscription to People magazine.
* Octomom Nadya Suleman and Kate Gosselin of "Jon and Kate ..." trade barbs over their respective parenting skills. Pot, kettle, kettle, pot. Now go away.
* State health officials send cease and desist letters to two Las Vegas retail stores suspected of operating as illegal, unlicensed surgical centers. Taking the notion of a "convenience store" one giant step too far.
* Miss Nevada's misplaced crown turns up at a Reno alteration shop. This being Las Vegas, at least it wasn't a pawnshop.
JOHN PRZYBYS (jprzybys@reviewjournal.com)
