I personally liked it best the way I wrote it, but I'd hate to allienate the rest of the world
You could solve this kind of dilemma by putting in an author's note either at the start or end (if you want to avoid any potential spoilers) of the story. Just a short couple of lines explaining who Vanna White is. I've done that before and I'm sure other authors have too. "For those not in the US, Vanna White is a gameshow hostess..." etc.
But, if a reader really doesn't understand a reference like this, is it really that much of a hassle to quickly Google it and find out? It seems a shame not to when the technology is there at your fingertips, and authors can't accomodate all nations/peoples with their references, all the time. I think if I was so curious about a reference I didn't understand that it took me out of the story I'd be intrigued enough to look it up.
LabRat
