We've all had family members, friends, etc. who have overstayed their welcome. They come over for a party, but they don't get the hint that once the beer is gone and the chips are mere crumbs, they should be on their way. Well, the Entertainment and Sports industries are no different. They are filled with party-goers who don't know when it's time to heed "last call." As a public service, I will point out a few celebrities that I truly admire, but who I wish had the foresight to "go out on top." Here goes:

THE SIMPSONS - I still watch the syndicated episodes every night, but it's a bad sign when the quality of reruns is better than anything new they are producing. I used to eagerly anticipate Sunday nights - now I don't even bother to tune in. As the seasons have dragged on, the writing has become more mean-spirited and less humorous, with a greater emphasis on guest "voices" and outrageous plotlines that would've been a better fit on Groening's dud "Futurama." They could've stopped 5 years ago and their legacy would've been secured. Instead, we get lame episodes centered around parodies of VH-1's "Behind the Music." Wow, that's groundbreaking!

R.E.M. - Have they made a decent album in 10 years? Don't get me wrong, they are still capable of producing a good song or two, but as a complete albums band, their time has long passed. They always said that the moment a band member didn't want to be in the group anymore, they would call it a career. Well, Bill Berry quit 3 albums ago, and that didn't stop them from churning out subpar albums like "Up" and "Reveal." One of the greatest American bands of all time, they sully their reputation by releasing overproduced, underwritten albums.

JERRY RICE - Has this guy made a difference in any game he's played since he left the 49ers? The greatest receiver of all time was unloaded this midseason for a conditional 7th round draft pick! He is, at best, a 4th option on the Seahawks' offense, but he still hangs around, desperately clinging to his faded career, unable to leave the game with his dignity intact.

THE WHO - Half the original band is six feet under, but Townshend and Daltry continue to slog through the old hits for a gullible, yet high-paying, live audience. Now there's word that good ol' Pete is writing new material, and he plans to record it with Roger under the Who banner. Why can't these old farts realize that they have nothing new to say? Townshend should just retire to the countryside with his laptop and a box of tissues.