What's on your pop culture 'bucket list'?

Posted Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 4:52 PM Central

by John Couture

So, I finally got around to seeing The Bucket List the other day and of course, I immediately started to think of my own mortality and things I wanted to do before I die. Apparently, it's impossible not to start this "bucket list," at least in your head, when you watch this movie.

Given my general obsession with movies and pop culture, I started to see a trend emerge, a lot of my list involved movies, music and other nefarious pop culture items. I'm sure this topic was beaten to death when this movie came out, but I thought it would make for an interesting exercise.

With that in mind, I present the first draft of my pop culture bucket list. The list isn't in any sort of order despite the numbers and I may decide to post this on the site somewhere and keep up with it from time to time.

1. Run the "Rocky steps." There are 72 steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky runs up them all. Most people probably didn't know that the steps were in front of the Museum of Art. I know I didn't. Until I cross this one off and can't provide my own evidence of said feat, enjoy this video of others making the run.

2. Dance on stage with your favorite band. This one can take so many forms. Hang out backstage with your favorite band. Follow your favorite band around the country Grateful Dead style. I'm considering this one done because I know that I'll never get a chance to dance on stage with Pearl Jam, but I did get the chance recently to dance with Those Darlins during the playing of their song 222 at their record release party. While a relatively newer band, Those Darlins are quickly becoming one of my all-time faves.
   
3. Walk across Abbey Road. This one is going to bug me. Despite having been to London once already, I was too young to appreciate The Beatles and didn't complete this item. I hope to make it back there someday to do this iconic ritual.

4. Take the backlot tour at Universal Studios. As Kevin Smith posed in Mallrats, there's just something magical about seeing Jaws pop out of the water.
5. Visit filming locations of your favorite movies/directors. As I'm sure most of you will remember, this past New Years I stopped by some of the famous movie locales of my favorite films when I was in California. I also made the pilgrimage to Red Bank, New Jersey and took in all of Kevin Smith's famous film locations.
6. Visit the Empire State Building. There's just something magical about this iconic building in New York. Also include all the requisite New York must do's. Sadly, see a show at CBGB is no longer a possibility.
7. Stay at least one whole night at The Stanley Hotel. This is the hotel in which author Stephen King stayed and became the inspiration for the novel upon which The Shining is based.
8. Take a tour of Skywalker Ranch. While it would be cool to invade it ala Fanboys, I'd settle for a simple tour. Can you imagine how infinitely cool that would be?
9. Attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I can't believe that I've never been to New Orleans and I can't believe I just admitted that.
10. See every single Best Picture Oscar winner. I know I've seen my fair share, but I do want to make my list complete. Sadly, this will be an ongoing item until the day I die. Or, until the Academy ceases to exist.
11. Be an extra in a movie/TV show. While I'm considering this one complete for my fine extra work in this Fall's opening of Monday Night Football, I'd still like to add a movie or two to my resumé. Hollywood? Anyone? In the meantime, below you'll see a pic I snapped from the set of Hank Williams, Jr.
    

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I would love to hear what things I'm missing and what you would put on your pop culture bucket list.