Half of the Brain :
the place all those random thoughts that flit through my head each day go to die

Celebrity

Why are we so fascinated by it? Why are there dozens of shows scattered over all the networks whose bread and butter is presenting celebrity. Some networks like E and MTV package it with glitz while Bravo and A&E attempt to keep the salaciousness muted and I imagine are targeting older and perhaps more sophisticated audiences. But differences in style aside... young or old, why do we care. Why do I need to know about Faith Hill's childhood or why devote an entire hour to "Beaus of Gwyneth."

Those of you who know me know I'm a movie/entertainment fan and know that I have a love-and-love-some-more relationship with pop-culture. I am the true gimmik girl. Yep, I buy the DVD's for the commentary and behind-the scenes info. Yep, I'll go to the Harry Potter midnight book buying party. Yep, I'll queue up for Star Wars tickets the day they go on sale--three weeks before release. But, I was a tad bit disgusted this morning when I logged on and began perusing the internet headlines only to be besieged by banners toting "Britney's NOT like a Virgin." -- and it's not simply the teen mags or entertainment industry venues picking up the "twentysomething-girl-has-sex- with-her-boyriend" story, but mainstream, "serious" news outlets. I'm befuzzled, really....

1) Why do I care about Britney's sex life?
2) Why oh why is it news?!?!?