Miley Cyrus is huge. If you pay any sort of attention to mainstream media there's no escaping her. She's all over the place right now. I'm over twice her age and don't follow her, and I know who she is.
Apparently Miley, daughter of country music star(?) Billy Ray Cyrus, just shot a spread for Vanity Fair, and one of the photos featured is causing quite a controversy. Said photo, by famed photographer Annie Leibowitz, shows Cyrus glancing into the camera, her bare back showing and her body only covered by a blanket.
The controversy bubbled-up because Cyrus is merely 15-years-old, and some are questioning whether this is "art," or simply a young girl being taken advantage of. This spread comes on the heels of "questionable" (I use this term loosely; what others consider questionable, I typically do not) photos of Miley that have appeared on the Internet.
As with situations such as this I tend to keep my personal opinion out of it; however, I am a fairly liberal person...and not a parent...so my feelings on the matter might differ from many others.
Here's the photo from Vanity Fair:
What are your thoughts on the situation? Do you think this photo is inappropriate, given Miley's age? Or is it simply a tasteful art shot? I'm curious to know....
As I mentioned in a previous post not too terribly long ago, it's been quite some time since I've blogged. I think much of this has to do with my job, and the nature of our industry. To be honest, it's bothered me for a while because I started this blog, think I have something to say, and I don't like the fact that I've allowed for it to be dormant as long as it has.
The thing is, I don't want to "write just for the sake of writing." I'd like to produce content my [very few] readers enjoy and find relevance in. Of course, this is ultimately the goal of every blogger, I think. Or at least I hope. Anyway, I started thinking about the things that are important to me, and decided if I stick with that I'll always have some interesting content. At least for me....
So I've decided to interject some theming with my blog. Music is extremely important to me; I think I was a musician in a past life. Even more, I love the artistry of music videos. Quality music videos -- not the crap they show on MTV these days. Now I'm sure many people would argue about what I find "artistic" and whay they find "artistic," but that's the fantastic thing about this being my blog -- I can say what I want! So every Monday I'm going to start posting a video I think is interesting, and has a certain artistic integrity to it. Hopefully you'll enjoy the videos I post...or at least be exposed to something new.
That being said, it's only appropo that I launch Music Video Monday with Madonna. If you have any awareness of music or pop culture then I need not say more.
VIDEO : HOLLYWOOD
While certainly not one of the best Madonna songs, I feel both the video and the album it on which it appeared were severely overlooked. Perhaps that was due to the political controversy surrounding the title track and its accompanying video (I'm sure that will show up here at a future date). Regardless, this video shows Madonna at her best...in the sense that she is a chameleon and always looks good no matter what. (Of course, there are also pop culture implications that come along with the song.)
Bonus:
A few years ago "Hollywood" was segment of the high-grossing "Re-Invention Tour." The backdrop to the scene was incredibly cool so I thought I'd include it here. I hope you enjoy it.
The Star Wars franchise is unarguably one of the most famous--and popular--in existence. I do enjoy the films, although I'm not a hardcore fan. Still, I found this post today on Oh Gizmo! and thought it would be a valid tie-in with the pop culture & social media themes often found throughout my blog. (I know some folks who are probably drooling over this right now.)
Like I mentioned in my first posting, I'm sure it will take a little while for my blog to develop its true identity. My intent is to provide relevant thoughts on pop culture, social media and things in American life. (Hello...read the header!) And, of course, to develop an interested audience.... That will come, hopefully. Anyway, I've given much thought to my posts...hoping not to be too negative about the content I write about -- I don't wanna dog people and tear 'em down. That's not my style.
On that note, I decided my next post is about celebrities I feel are wasting my air*. Doh! I know that's pretty brutal but I'm so sick of seeing these people in the media. Sometimes I have a hard time really understanding what it is they're contributing to the entertainment world.
1. a famous or well-known person. 2. fame; renown.
Unfortunately, I'd have to say these people meet this criteria, and here they are in no particular order:
Ashlee Simpson Yeah, um...fess up to the friggin' plastic surgery, eh? We all know, and quite honestly we don't care...mostly because you look much better.
Jessica Simpson (John Mayer by association) Not quite sure what to say here. I've been bangin' my head up against the wall, trying to think of ANYTHING she contributes to the entertainment world. Now my head hurts and I still got nothin'. (Although I do know why he's with her.)
Paris Hilton Hmph....
The Cast of "The Hills" I'm torn here because I still watch the damn show, but I hate it. Ridiculous show. I can, however, identify with the chaos surrounding a reality show, since I'm on one.
Al Roker
"And here's what's going on in your neck of the woods." Please get a new shtick, Al. By the way, I live in the city.
Nancy Grace Uh, why are you on CNN? You ain't no journalist.
Kid Rock I can smell you from here.
Angelina Jolie Is it me or does this chick seem to get more and more dull with every media appearance? I mean, I realize she's doing great things for underprivileged children, and that's really important in the big scheme of things, but did you see her at the Golden Globes this year (not shown photo)? Jeez. We put you where you are, and we can take you down, too! Enjoy your celebrity!
Jessica Alba Have you seen "The Fantastic Four?" She's pretty, yeah...but the girl can't act. Sorry.
Honorable mention:
The Cast of "The Real World: Denver" I couldn't really put these guys in the "official" list because I think much of my dislike for them is because I'm getting older, and simply can't identify with the darn kids. But seriously...are these people just getting more uninteresting, or is it really me? And is this the LONGEST season of the show or what? I feel like these kids have been on the air for a year.
Anyone associated with "Dancing with the Stars" In my opinion, the only exciting thing about this show...EVER...is that there's a one-legged woman competing.
Am I missing anyone? If I am please drop me a comment.
* While these are certainly my feelings, I don't truly feel these people are wasting my air, or should not be alive. They just shouldn't be famous!
I'm at home sitting at my dining room table, E!'s Daily 10 on as background noise. Then I hear something about Alanis Morissette which, of course, peaks my interest. Such a fan! And the girl has just taken her talent to the next level -- I didn't even think that was possible.
If you haven't already seen this video you must tuck away a few moments to watch it:
This, my friends, is what pop culture is all about! Taking something that inundates American culture and elevating it to such a level of popularity it becomes disgusting! I'm actually surpised I didn't see anything about it on PerezHilton.com (if it was it was buried somewhere deep beneath the front page). It did, however, appear in one of my new favorite blogs, Carmen Van Kerckhove's Racialicious.
Granted, Alanis's move is a tad late in my opinion, but a hoot nonetheless. First of all, "Humps" has got to be one of the most absurd songs ever written, recorded, and awarded. Seriously! Ha ha! And by having Alanis interpret the song as a ballad merely proves that point. I'm sure this is exactly why she did what she did.
You can be the own judge of what position you think Alanis is taking. In the meantime, I would like to revisit the catalogue of our Canadian friend, and list my favorite 10 songs, with #1 being my most favorite!
I'm typically an extremely positive person. I try not to be negative or gossipy, and believe being nice and good reaps benefits. I have to abandon these practices for a few moments.
What turned out to be a good idea (one which we stole from England, by the way), American Idol has--this season--turned into a big, fat JOKE. Really! Can you watch the show and honestly tell me it's not absurd.
Here's why:
1. First of all, how in the HELL is Sanjaya still around? I completely understand some contestants stick around merely for the sake of ratings. That much I get. But to think that this kid is STILL around, in what's supposed to be a singing competition simply blows my mind. He can't sing, his look is absurd. Why do folks keep voting for him? He will NEVER, never ever ever sell records. Ya know?
2. Why, in a country obsessed with proclaiming "freedom of speech" are folks so sensitive to what Simon Cowell has to say? Yup, it definitely sucks that he typically has negative comments, but the fact of the matter is that he's usually right. And you know what? Simon's in the music business and in it to make money. Not to make people happy and spare their feelings. More often than not I'm in agreement with his feelings.
3. Gwen Stefani's on the show. I love, love, love, love, LOVE Gwen Stefani. I think she's one of the few artists today who's truly "artistic" and unique, but I can't believe she appeared on the show. I'm just thoroughly disappointed.
4. There are no other contestants that can equal Kelly Clarkson. She is the bomb, and is truly a star! Do you disagree? Her "Breakway album" was possibly one of the best albums of 2005, and I don't typically endorse overly-produced pop albums.
I currently reside in Orlando, Florida, where I've lived for the past nine years. Time flies when you're trying to have fun.
Personally, I'm interested in anything which challenges me--my mind, body, or spirit--and which might help me become a better person. As of late this has been more difficult than usual so I'm attempting to reprioritize some things!
Professionally, I'm very interested in technology as well as various social media outlets, and all the newest "things" in the market.
I enjoy anything relating to pop culture, entertainment, and social media. Hence "Nifty Nation."
