the buzz log

The latest mid-century trend? Mid-century birthdays.

Ever since the first one popped out in 1946, Baby Boomers have been steering American culture. The group just become eligible for Social Security checks, but there's even a bigger Baby Boom hump coming:

• Of the generation born 1946-1963, Census figures show the last leg (45-49 year olds) is—at 7.6%—also its biggest subgroup.
• They also tie with the 40-44 year olds as the biggest subgroup among Americans of all ages.

In other words, expect a lot of invitations to the big 5-0 over the next few years. Celebrants have been planning for the massive undertaking by looking up "50th birthday," “50th birthday party ideas,” and “50th birthday gifts." All these terms are seeing their highest numbers yet in Search.

For those planning to maintain the lie about your age... why bother when so many celebrities are openly cruising towards 50? Madonna will be next one to approach her fifth decade on Aug. 16. Michael Jackson will doubtless be in some easily penetrable disguise come Aug. 29. Well, no one said you had to age with dignity. Wait, yes we have...