Superstardom is a fleeting thing. Think back about a year ago. Chris Rock was the comedian of the moment -- the funniest man in America. It was Chris' world, we just lived in it.

But his moment has passed. Now he's just another guy on tv. His connection to the heart of the zeitgeist is gone.

You know who else is like that -- Jesse Ventura. From the time he was elected governor he was the most famous politician, the most sought after talk show guest, the celebrity of the millennium.

Then came the XFL.

He wore out his welcome. He's still famous, still important, but it is now possible to conceive of a world without the boa-wearing solon. He could come back. But it will never be the same. (See, e.g. Eddie Murphy, Newt Gingrich, Jerry Springer).