Cher can not be 61 years old! That is my immediate response, but then I remember she has a daughter almost as old as I am and, well, I guess she is getting to be an old broad. And, when you consider her career accomplishments, well, it would be impossible to fit them all into a life less than sixty-one years in extent.

Personally, I have never been a giant fan of Cher as are some of my friends and family. In fact, I have said some pretty harsh things about the nature of her influence. Okay, I have said some really, really, really, really harsh things about her influence. Nevertheless, as someone who appreciates personal achievement I tip my hat to Cher for her many accomplishments.

She began her career the year I was born; 1962. Since that time she has sold more than 200 million records, has been in 15 movies, has been all over the television screen, and it would appear that there might need to be a whole new internet created just to accommodate all of the Cher Mania. I would mention all the awards she has won, but my fingers would succumb to cramps from all the typing.

Back in the 1960’s she and Sonny were doing the Las Vegas resort circuit when they were discovered by network TV scouts which eventually resulted in them having their own variety program. Four decades later Cher is returning to Vegas. She has signed a deal for 200 performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas which will include dancers, aerialists, and of course, the costumes.

I plead guilty to having blasted Cher for what I believe to be a negative influence on our culture. But in an effort to be fair I want to ask what I can learn from her successes. Here are a few thoughts:

1. If talented people persevere when they hit rough spots, the talent will catch other people’s attention.

2. If you tattoo your body extensively it will catch people’s attention.

3. If you medically augment your body and then don’t wear very many clothes it will catch people’s attention.

4. If you wear outrageous costumes it will catch people’s attention.

5. Catching people’s attention can result in great popularity and wealth.

Okay, I’m one-dimensional, so help me. What positive things do you think can be learned from Cher and her lengthy career?