I'm a total pop culture junkie, and not in any condescending "oh, look what the little people are amusing themselves with now" sort of way. I *am* one of the little people. I own a Britney CD.

Added March 25: Oscar Coverage

WARNING/MANIFESTO:

I am fairly ruthless, unkind and arbitrary when it comes to talking about books, movies, art, celebrities etc. If you think ruthlessness is not nice and might ruin your warm fuzzy day, perhaps you should go back to the warm fuzzy part of the site: WarmFuzzyMia.

I'm very interested in, and fascinated by, pop culture. I don't really see a lot of evidence of a 'high' culture in North America that isn't accessed by only a very tiny segment of society, so in a way pop culture *is* our culture. J.Lo has had a much bigger effect on society than, say, Phillip Roth. I just don't buy the notion that pop culture isn't worthy of thought or study. We're surrounded by it almost 24/7. There should be some engagement, some discussion, at least some basic questioning, don't you think? I usually have a copy of US magazine in my backpack next to my 1000 lb. Milton text, and I don't see anything wrong or incongruous about that. So if you're going to continue reading this stuff, keep yer fool mind open, OK?

I also believe that putting a 'product/work' (song, movie, person etc.) in the public domain is a risk, in that it is then open not only to adoration but to criticism as well. I know this probably goes without saying, but I am constantly shocked by how many people want to live in a nice world where everything is pleasant and mediocre and...nice and no one says anything too scathing or mean about anything. This kind of ties in with my frustration at famous people who complain about how intrusive the media is, how scrutinized they are etc. It's not as if there isn't a pay-off for them - immense wealth for one. The publics' interest in famous people is fuelled by publicity, and as far as I'm concerned, if you're going to take (and encourage) the good by putting yourself out there in the public eye, then you should be tough enough to take the bad as well. It's pretty clear these days that being a big star leads to a LOT of scrutiny, and I have noticed that none of the younger stars made the decision not to star in their first blockbuster, or wear that slip of cloth for a dress. They are *aware* of what comes with fame - everyone is these days. If you choose to take steps to become famous, then you also choose to take the consequences of your fame, good or bad.

CELEBRITIES: Who sucks, who doesn't...all according to Mia.

MOVIES: Reviews, recommendations...movies, books, ads.

AD CAMPAIGNS: The good, the bad and the really fucking painful.  Added Feb 1, 2002

BOOKS: Those things with words in them.

POP CULTURE DISCUSSIONS: More in-depth analysis of current articles, campaigns etc.

Jan 30: A shiny new rant just for you! "These People are Boring!" - Wandering discussion on Cameron Diaz, beauty, fame and worth.

Dec 8: On George Clooney - Discussion of George Clooney's activism, Hollywood types and the media in general.

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