I can get that. If you really don't know the person, you don't really want to throw their name around. At least a normal person wouldn't. I got a popular Uncle in the business sector in MN whose name got a lot of power behind it apparently and I have a distance cousin who actually won one of the World Poker Championships. Apparently my dad loaned his family some money to help pay for his tuition when he was in school still. Never did see any of that money.
Weirdest moment too. Family is just watching ESPN:
Brother: Hey Dad have you seen these Poker tournaments? This Asian guy just won the big championship.
Dad: Hmm... We know him.
Me: What?
Dad: We know him. His Dad is my cousin. That's his son. So he be your 2nd or 3rd cousin.
Brother: Seriously?
Dad: His dad asked for some money to pay for his son's tuition. So he's gambling now huh... (disappointed sound in his voice)