Dave Freeman, co-author of 100 Things to Do Before You Die, a travel guide, died after hitting his head in a fall at his home at 47. You can't make this stuff up because it's too perfect.An advertising agency executive, Freeman co-wrote the book with Neil Teplica. It was based on the Web site whatsgoingon.com, which the pair ran together from 1996 to 2001. "This life is a short journey," the book says. "How can you make sure you fill it with the most fun and that you visit all the coolest places on earth before you pack those bags for the very last time?" Future editions will advise agains dying in a fall at home.
The book's recommendations ranged from the obvious — attending the Academy Awards and running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain — to the more obscure — taking a voodoo pilgrimage in Haiti and "land diving" on the Island of Vanuatu, which Freeman once called "the original bungee jumping." It included goofy graphics with each entry, indicating that some activities were "down and dirty," and others "grandma friendly." There were also a few, rare "down and dirty grandma" ones.
The success of "100 Things" inspired dozens of like-minded books, with titles such as 100 Things Project Managers Should Do Before They Die and 100 Things Cowboys Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die...just like that other lame series Chicken Soup for the ______.
Freeman's relatives said he visited about half the places on his list before he died.
No comments:
Post a Comment