It's hard. We know. Going to a party and having no clue as to what anyone is talking about. You sip one cocktail, then drink another, and shoot the third in the hope that whatever happens, the conversation will turn to something you know. Obscure Brady Bunch trivia? The first season of the X-Files? Nirvana? Sadly, it never does, and all that's talked about is some it girl with breast implants who you think you may have seen on the latest Seventeen while waiting in line to buy Tequila at the corner store.

The question simply, is what is one to do? You haven't even picked up a copy of Rolling Stone since '93 and though that seems like yesterday no one cares about the Stone Temple Pilots anymore. Well, you're lucky, you read spudWorks, and we're here to help you.

What can you do to increase your awareness of pop culture? Try these helpful hints:

• When at the check out counter, flip through the magazines at the counter memorizing names and quick tid bits. This will save your life some day.
• When at a party and people are talking about god only knows what, go stand by yourself, smoking moodily in the corner. They'll think you know something they don't.
• 50's retro is perpetually hip. Segue into something about Don Knotts or Opie if the situation looks truly hopeless.
• Leverage areas of interest to you and you'll find you know a good deal about pop culture. Don't know what's on the radio but know the Australian films Russell Crowe has been in? Use it!
• People love money more than they like knowledge. If you've a vacuous yet well paying job, explain the number of options you're in line for and the paper worth.
• In reality, no one cares what you know, only what you don't know, so if you don't know anything, just shut the hell up.

Hey, we don't want you to be left as the loser of the get together, remember, you're our demographic. Learn these tips well, and practice hard. We wish you luck.

- The Staff
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