The Currency of Attention (Focus: Economics & Society)

Why We Project Our Dreams Onto Strangers

Celebrity is not merely a status; it is one of the most potent currencies in the modern world. But to understand its power, we must look inward at the consumer, not outward at the consumed. We often ask why celebrities are paid exorbitant amounts or why we care about their opinions on politics or science. The answer lies in a basic human psychological need: the desire for connection and the shortcut of heuristics. In a globalized world too vast to comprehend, we use celebrities as shorthand for ideas, values, and tribes.

This dynamic creates a parasocial relationship—a one-sided bond where a fan feels a deep sense of intimacy with a public figure who has no idea they exist. For the fan, this relationship provides comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. For the celebrity, this translates into immense soft power. When a celebrity endorses a product, their followers aren’t just seeing an ad; they are receiving a recommendation from a trusted friend. This emotional transference is why celebrity culture is the engine of industries ranging from fashion to philanthropy. A star wearing a certain designer or supporting a cause can move markets and shift public discourse overnight.

However, this dynamic also places an unreasonable burden on both parties. The fan invests emotional energy into a construct, often leading to disappointment when the human behind the image fails to live up to the projected ideal. The celebrity, meanwhile, is held to a standard of perfection that no human can maintain. We have outsourced our collective dreams, aspirations, and even our moral compasses to a class of people whose primary skill is often just being visible. In doing so, we reveal more about our own societal values and desires than we do about the celebrities themselves.

The Manufactured Image (Focus: Construction & Illusion)

The Carefully Curated Mirror of Modern Fame

In the golden age of Hollywood, studios built facades; today, celebrities build personal brands. The nature of being a celebrity has shifted from a byproduct of talent to a full-time job in image management. We often look at famous individuals and see a life of effortless glamour, but what we are actually viewing is the finished product of an immense, invisible machine. From publicists and stylists to social media managers and crisis consultants, the “celebrity” is rarely a single person, but rather a corporation of one, designed to project a specific, marketable narrative.

This construction extends to the most casual of interactions. A paparazzi shot of a star “caught off guard” buying coffee is often a carefully orchestrated move to appear relatable. A heartfelt Instagram caption about struggle is frequently drafted by a team to humanize a brand ahead of a new project launch. The line between the private human and the public persona has not just blurred; for many, it has vanished entirely. The celebrity becomes a mirror reflecting what the public wants to see at any given moment—aspiration, relatability, rebellion, or vulnerability—depending on what the current market of attention demands.

The consequence of this constant curation is a profound sense of isolation for the celebrity themselves. When every interaction is a performance, and every relationship is viewed through the lens of publicity, authenticity becomes a luxury few can afford. The machine that builds the star also builds the walls around them. We, the audience, consume the image, forgetting that behind the brand is often a person struggling to remember who they are without the filter, the lighting, and the script.

How to Become a Successful Comedian


That’s your last objective needless to say, (ideally in any case) BUT HOW? Effectively to begin with what kind of the witty can you discover yourself getting? A new bold comedian such as Milton Berle? A new standup comedian that every thing happens to similar to Rodney Dangerfield? Can you be considered a clown at the bazaar? Any clown remains a new comic, don’t forget Red Skelton? What about The author Leno’s kind of topical humor? Would dean pot comedy similar to Steven Wright be right for you? Don Rickles features a excellent job being a good be mean to witty has a special expertise once for a while it may be utterly hazardous as a number of sufferers can be very belligerent as well as appear after you while you are on point. (this occurred if you ask me over and over again when I deposit a new heckler). I know that I might be dating me personally with the above labels nevertheless the position I am just making is because they most Suffered as well as continued top of the lot for several years since did David Martin, Henry Carlin, Jerry seinfeld, The boy wonder Williams and Richard Pryor, etal. Almost all comedians towards the top get a very important factor going for these people, these are Unique how to be a comedian. What they do they are doing greatest.

Here are a couple suggestions I’m are crucial to a new comic. What is your own viewpoint? Give me an idea to convey for a viewers. What sort of attitude will you placed on period?….Helpful?…Standoffish?…Looking after? Yet another hint that was provided to us in the past from the master of night club humor, Milton Berle. You should be Confident with and also Feel your own content is Interesting. If you do not accept is as true none may the viewers, resulting in Absolutely no A joke and lots of Washout SWEATS. Today, think about your current humor content. Are you going to compose the idea on your own, have it composed, read funny guides and have ides generally there? Whoever you hire, often make records as well as have a very useful recorder nearby to write down the funny thoughts. Used to this kind of and handle up with virtually thousand along with so many funny statements and concepts (and a few not funny). I actually do claim that whenever you publish your first funny schedule you do not try it out on your friends. For reasons unknown if you test it in buddies they may feel like they must have a good laugh or simply they just don’t want you to ensure success and they also do not chuckle. Wait until an individual perform it in an available mike night and allow target audience choose. Wide open paul evenings are the most useful guess with regard to beginning the comedy career. Generally you are alloted 3-5 minutes to have up on point. (Along with trust me it’ll seem like a very long time initially). So pay attention to that will volume of materials along with mp3 it Each and every time you will get up. By doing this you will see top notch which traces function , nor work and you may adjust these. When you have the particular routine operating it’s now possible begin another five minutes and also before long you will find a fantastic Thirty five for you to Forty five instant behave how to be a comedian. When you begin to work the humorous clubs you might need to accomplish 30 mins to a hr based upon your current standing and that’s quite a bit of material, so make sure to retain preparing the work and trying it out on the open mikes. I don’t believe it a smart notion to experience the slice of content whilst doing work in a membership pertaining to shell it does not review you might be bound to it along with without a doubt it isn’t a pleasing experience.

I did this even though opening regarding Della Reese at a significant night club inside Nova scotia. This developed a believer from me. Let me provide you with a few views that could be helpful to you. I’ve been asked how much time We stayed at which has a joke that did not operate. Which i provided the comedy line 3 chances to secure a laugh.(following transforming the idea all around, much like the phrasing along with wording). If it failed to get a giggle at the same time I fallen that. It’s up to you how much time you keep a new thus therefore line inside your work. I am aware that many comic strips employ profanity within their take action. This can be a selection that you must make however let me supply you with a little suggestions (if you need to refer to it in which). There is a lot of labor available that may terminate a person if you utilize profanity. The cruise lines first. In case you operate the luxury crusie ship (plus they are extremely rewarding) you could be cancelled if you are using 4 page terms and it is doubtfull as it were are you getting an additional chance to function any kind of luxury cruise line once more. In addition, you get following meal sites to be which for the most part don’t like profanity. Keep in mind within Television set you’ll be able to say a few away from color words and phrases but why take the time. Should you be largely thoroughly clean or perhaps can work thoroughly clean if the job demands that, you might be method in front of most comics. Today, Just a couple opinion of me personally. I was on the road regarding a decade, simply me personally along with my cocker spaniel.

My partner and i labored numerous lavatories (that magazines might know about named these) that is certainly exactly where My spouse and i obtained my encounter. Easily would a great task and also the manager loved myself, I really could be in a club with regard to weeks (try out that will these days). How to be a comedian My spouse and i stayed at the golf club in Baltimore for just one year, a golf club iron in Street Louis first and a half years. Exactly what a wonderful time to try out content along with hone my own behave. It absolutely was typically a few shows a night and i also was required to perform 45 minutes each and every show. We have put many a bomb before however the excellent exhibits outnumbered all of them along with that of a wonderful sensation to listen to the particular roars associated with frivolity any time issues have been heading correct.

What Do We Do When We Get Stuck? How Do We Get Back On Track?


It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in your career for a year or for twenty years… we all get stuck from time to time. Maybe it’s a rejection that cuts a little too deep, the fear of not knowing how to do something, the fear of failure, the fear of success, a conversation in our head that tells us we can’t, or that the time’s not right, or that we’re too old, or the economy is bad. Whatever it is for you, it feels real and true and most importantly, it stops you!The best goals, intentions, timelines, strategic plans… they all go out the window when we’re stuck. What do we do? How do we handle it? How do we get back on track? And how do we get back on track quickly?Hollywood Producer, Suzanne Lyons had a friend who, during an audition, had a bad experience where the director was very rude to her. It was three months before she went on another audition. Lyon and her producing partner had a similar situation happen.

They had successfully produced films in other countries and were planning to produce a first film here in the U.S. “We did a fantastic business plan and movie poster, had a great investor’s package, had everything organized and were ready to go out to investors. That was December of 2004. All of a sudden it was March 1st 2005! I had gone unconscious about the project and didn’t even know that I was stuck. The fear of raising the money stopped me cold!”Getting stuck from time to time is inevitable. The question is, how do we deal with it and how do we get back on track in record time. Here are a few ideas from some of Lyon’s entertainment industry guests. They’ve experienced being stuck first hand and they have some valuable advice for us.CREATE A VISUAL DISPLAY:CEO of Now Casting, Bob Steward feels that having your goals clearly plotted and broken down into a timeline with milestones is key. “But most importantly,” he says, “have it clearly visible at all times. That way you’ll stay conscious and engaged in your career and you’ll notice if something is wrong. So you’ll find out ‘oh, my foot’s stuck’ as opposed to ‘holy cow, I’m knee deep in quicksand.'”KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE:Actress Mary Stein says that for her the best and fastest way to get unstuck is a daily practice of staying in touch with her vision. “Stay focused on the big picture,” she says, “and keep your eye on the prize.”FACT VERSUS FICTION:Director/Writer Mark Rosman suggests that we look at the facts. “When I notice that I’m stuck,” he says, “I look at what is the story that I’m telling myself and I write it down.

For example, after a producer called and said he didn’t want to option my script, I thought, oh, I’m not talented enough… I can’t write dialogue, and a whole ton of crazy things went through my mind. I wrote the long list on a piece of paper and then I compared it to the facts. The fact was, that producer didn’t want my script… period! That was the fact. So instead of looking at my interpretations of what I made it all mean, I decided to just look at the facts. All the drama disappeared in an instant and I got back on the phone and started pitching again.”HAVE AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER:Comedy Central Executive Kris Emery suggests that we have a buddy that we stay in touch with on a regular basis. Kris and her accountability partner speak (or blog) daily or weekly supporting each other with their goals and all the ups and downs that go along with reaching them. And they’ve been doing this for over 20 years!IT’S A GOOD THING! IT MEANS YOU’RE GETTING BIGGER:So says TV and feature writer Alison Lea Bingeman. She believes that “if you’re stuck, that means that you are breaking through to some new ground… some new level. She says that “there’s something new that you’re learning and that you’re processing and that you’ll come out on the other side with a lot more knowledge and a lot more wisdom.”We are all going to get stuck from time to time, whether from internal reasons or external sources. It happens. The question is… for how long are you willing to stay stuck? Minutes, days, weeks, years? How about seconds? Wouldn’t that be a whole lot better? Let’s cut down, way down, on the time we spend being stopped and stuck. Start using these suggestions and get masterful at getting back on track immediately.

Katrina Kaif – Beauty Queen!


Katrina Kaif is latest attractive property in Bollywood, with positive results including Rajneeti, Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye this specific semi British half Kashmiri star has made Bollywood on fire with her cinemas. Her first and foremost film, Boom, did blast on the box office on the other hand her very next films, Namastey London and Welcome ended up high earning affairs and also did well at the box office. This specific star has a couple of favorite item numbers to her credit, all of these simply demonstrate her accreditations as an excellent actor.Katrina Kaif next made a guest part in Sarkar and later on a main character in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, the girl ended up being referred to as a ‘complete revelation’ as the film critics treasured her efforts as well as the movie did modestly well in the box office.

She next performed a character in Humko Deewana Kar Gaye with Akshay Kumar for which specifically she gained good remarks from several film critics all over the film Fraternity, the film did not achieve well on the box office though. Soon after featuring in this sort of hit films her film career was prepared to move upwards since the projected audience adored her on-screen presence as well as the companies liked the good results the girl ushered into her films.Next came up four hit releases of Katrina Kaif, Namaste London, Partner, Apne and Welcome that had been all awesome successes. Next was her hit action-thriller Race, accompanied by Singh is Kinng, which actually evolved into Kaif’s 6th successive hit on the box office. The next launching Yuvvraaj became a commercial breakdown yet its movie script managed to take its way right into the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Kaif subsequently starred in New York, for which the girl’s presentation was remarkably acknowledged, as well as the movie did good on the box office. She as well was chosen for the very same, for the first time in her film career, in the Filmfare Award for Best Actress niche.Kaif and then made a guest role in the star-studded action thriller Blue, called India’s first and foremost under water thriller, which however was finally a failure.

The heroine then performed together with Ranbir Kapoor in the hit comedy Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, which has been acknowledged for her new chemistry with Kapoor. De Dana Dan followed, which unfortunately did not do good on the box office yet was an excellent funny movie that was lacking the movie script to attract the viewers. The movie did start well yet was not a success. Next was released ‘Tees Maar Khan’, a brainless humor by Farah khan; it was actually set as a failure since it was missing the storyline together with serious bad ratings.How may this sort of a superstar be put from mobile phone monitors? Katrina Kaif photos and Katrina Kaif videos for her melodies Chikni Chameli, which is a item number in Agneepath, and “Sheila ki Jawani” were one of the most asked for video clips and images on the web rendering the girl a great superstar in every single ecosystem of media, whether it be news reports, the tv screen, magazine as well as net! She has as well earned a best actress award for Rajneeti, awarded by Star Screen Awards!

Hrthik Roshan- a perfectionist?


The actor who carries two thumbs on his right hand, surprised the nation with his mind blowing acting skills, arch angelic looks,well sculptured body and exceptionally good dancing ability, instantly rising to unimaginable heights of fame and stardom with his 2000 blockbuster debut, ‘Kaho Na Pyar Hai’ opposite Amisha Patel. Hrtihik Roshan is known as a perfectionist and a control freak.Like most of his Bollywood counterparts he has had his share of controversies. His alleged affair with his Kites’ co-star Barbara Mori resulting in an emotional turmoil in his marital life, made it to the headlines as soon as the cat was out of the bag. He was seen having generous amounts of alcohol at functions and parties as well.

Hrithik was confronted with the misfortune of the attempt of assassination of his father Rakesh Roshan at the beginning of his career which had a devastating effect on him and even made him contemplate of a very early retirement from films. He was in for more trouble when a handful of Nepalese students claimed that the superstar had passed derogatory comments against Nepal and its citizens culminating into a riot.The Bollywood heartthrob has also had the honour of being the youngest male actor to unveil his own wax figure at the prestigious Madame Tussuad’s Museum in London. He has been in the news of late for his proclaimed support towards the concept of euthanasia, better known as mercy killing. This is perhaps because of his latest movie Guzaarish in which he impersonated the challenging role of a paraplegic who fights in the court asking for euthanasia.Five of his must watch movies would beyond doubt include Koi Mil Gaya, Jodha Akbar, Krissh, Kaho Na Pyaar Hay and Dhoom 2.

Be it action, drama, romance, comedy or sci-fi, people have seen him grow as an actor and he has won many accolades for his unnerving performances in the various genres he has played. These films strike a chord and are unforgettable not because they provide entertainment but because they are well made and there is something meaningful about them. All his movies can be distinguished by the passion with which he acts to create an everlasting impression.

How to be a Celebrity


Do you know how it is possible to become popular? Many of you thought right now that it is necessary to be a good actor or singer and stuff like that. But let me assure you that any of you can become a world known celebrity regardless of place where you live and things you can do. Now how it is possible to become famous straight from your home? That is the easiest question… the only thing you need is your computer and an internet access.First of all make sure to have enough friends on my space, twitter and facebook because it would be easier to become famous when some people are already familiar with you. Try to make friends from all over the world regardless of race. But don’t make fake friends just for the numbers… it is better to have 10 people on twitter that interested in you than 100 contacts on your list that you don’t even know. Just make sure they speak and write English, that is we have some friends online.

So what do we do next? As any of the world known celebrities we have to make you own website… This will be a place where people can find us easily and appreciate our talent. What talent you might ask? That is up to you my friends. Everybody can do something better other people. For example, being a good story writer, poem creator, film producer, or know something other people don’t know and advise them that. There are many things we can do other than anyone else… We just have to open it for ourselves and having your own website is a good way to express something that you are really good at.Naming your spot on the web is the main thing in becoming a star. A few suggestions: don’t make names from your own like James Gordon dot com or Michael Welsh dot org.

No one cares about that because you are not famous yet. So why now to make something significant like Magicwizard dot com or good writer dot com… something creative and unique that nobody has.Remember, to be a celebrity people have to get others attention which means the whole world need to appreciate what you can do. Your own website and internet in general is a perfect place where you can reach you know how to be a celebrity blogger. So why not start today?

Zanjoe Happy With First Acting Trophy Bea Alonzo


Hunk actor Zanjoe Marudo picked up his first acting award at the Gawad Tanglaw awards held last Friday for his performance for “Maalaala Mo Kaya”‘s ‘Kuliglig’ episode.”Bilang artista, isa ‘yon sa mga bagay na kahit paano kapag nakatanggap ka ng parangal, kahit papaano ay nararamdaman mong nagiging kumpleto ka na. At least kapag napansin ka at naparangalan ka ay masaya ang pakiramdam,” Marudo said.Now that he has an acting trophy tucked under his belt, Marudo stressed that he will continue to strive harder in his career. But Marudo said that does not mean he will be more choosy.”Hindi naman magbabase na porke nakatanggap ka ng award ay mag-iiba na ang pananaw mo sa pag-arte, ‘di ba,” he asked. “Siyempre kahit umpisa pa lang ay pinag-aaralan ko talagang mabuti at pinipili ko din talaga ang mga role na nababagay sa akin at saka ‘yung mga kaya kong gawin at ‘yung mga gusto kong gawin.”Meanwhile, Marudo is touched that actress Bea Alonzo said she considers him a blessing in her life.”‘Blessing’! Wow, nakakatuwa talaga na alam mo ‘yon, ‘yung taong mahalaga sa iyo ay maganda ang sinasabi sa iyo.

Para sa akin din naman, isa siyang malaking blessing na dumating sa buhay ko,” he said.Almost two weeks ago, when Alonzo signed a 4-film contract with Star Cinema, she admitted that she and Marudo go out on dates. She also said she misses spending time with the actor whom she described as a “blessing”. Both Alonzo and Marudo are now busy fulfilling their showbiz commitments.Currently, Marudo is busy taping for his newest series “Hiyas” while Alonzo is busy shooting her film with Vic Sotto. She is also doing a TV series titled “Guns and Roses” with action star Robin Padilla.Lovi: I’m open now, you can date meYoung actress Lovi Poe surprised everyone during the special screening of “Captain Barbell” Thursday night when she uttered the words “I’m open now, you can date me.”Lovi said this after the entertainment press complimented her blue Charina Sarte mini dress. According to her, she’s young and will try to enjoy life and the opportunities that come her way.When asked if this has something to do with her relationship with former congressman Ronald Singson, Lovi begged off to answer the question. “I don’t want to say anything kasi when they asked me if I’m in a relationship I never answered yes or no.”Singson is currently detained in Hong Kong after being caught in possession of illegal drugs.

Lovi also did not confirm that she’s already single, but hinted through her words that she’s indeed very much available.”Walang time na akong magisip, walang na akong time sa ibang tao so trabaho na lang muna ako,” she said. “I really think it’s time for me to love myself more. I’m working a lot now.”She added she’s happy with what is happening in her life now and couldn’t asked for more, especially when it comes to her career.”I’m definitely happy with what’s going on with my life. My career is doing great and there are good people around me and I can’t complain talaga. I’m just here to enjoy.”Lovi also said she’s not traumatized with what she experienced for months now and she’s not a skeptic when it comes to love. She added everything happens for a reason and what’s important is she picked up few learning from her roller coaster ride. “It’s like a training for me… Training for more crazy things to come,” the actress ended. (MNS)

The Benefits of Modeling Outside of Large Cities


Traditionally, when you think of the major markets for the modeling industry, you probably focus on places like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and although it’s a bit on the smaller side, Miami. While yes, locations such as these can be a hotbed for the modeling scene, that certainly doesn’t mean they are the only options for aspiring models.If fact contrary to what some might believe, the industry can and does thrive in smaller and/or less traditionally glamorous locations. “Why?,” you may ask. Well, there are a lot of reasons.In these mega-metropolis locations, it is probably more likely than not that apprising models will simply be just another face in the crowd – a number if you will. Those who stand out are the exception and not the rule and it doesn’t even necessarily have anything to do with their beauty or talent.Conversely, in a less notable city like Austin, Texas or my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for example, the atmosphere can be quite different.

Models, photographers and those who might hire them get to know each other as people and this can be good business for everyone.Another issue that can arise is the challenge of obtaining quality gigs. Sure, the opportunities typically pay much more in L.A. than Cleveland, Ohio for example, but there is a catch. Being just a number in L.A., a model might be able to find one $500 paying job in the same time frame in which she could book five jobs paying $150 each in Cleveland, totaling $750. Basically, you can make up the pay difference in volume of work.The larger markets, although starting to catch up with certain changes within the modeling industry, often still tend to emphasize on old ideal. While this may be just fine for the blonde bombshell with blue eyes who is 5’9″ and wears a size two, that leaves a lot of people out. There is a new and growing acceptance and desire for beautiful women who might be a bit on the short side, sport tattoos, don’t necessarily have D-cup breasts or are involved with gothpics.

These ladies often do better in smaller markets.Last but not least, chances are a model can become an industry celebrity of sorts in a place like Raleigh, North Carolina more readily than she might in a place like New York. And, with the Internet being such a powerful force for publicity these days, that level of celebrity can be extended throughout a state, a nation or even globally no matter where you live or work.Ultimately, despite working in a small market, the advantages can actually be quiet big. If you think you are interested in working in a smaller market then you should take the time to explore your options. The fact of the matter is that you will soon see that there are plenty of opportunities available for you in these smaller markets. Who knows- maybe a smaller market is exactly what you need in order to get your career off to a hot start?

Budding Musical Stars Attend Auditions For Mamma Mia in Glasgow


Open auditions have been held in Glasgow to find the next big stars for Abba musical, Mamma Mia.Almost 150 budding stars attended the open acting auditions for the musical’s European tour which will see it performed in Glasgow, Manchester, Belgium, Oslo and Geneva.The aim of the auditions was to find performers for both the leading roles and roles in the chorus. The production company also claims they were not necessarily looking for people with loads of acting and singing experience.Speaking to The Evening Times, Director Steven Paling said: ” We are looking for young, exciting, new talent and people with bags of personality.”Among those waiting to audition was 21 year old Adam Lacey. Also speaking to The Evening Times, the unemployed, performing arts graduate was excited about being offered such a fantastic opportunity.He said: “It is not very often you get to go to an open audition for an international show.”Those who were successful in the first round of auditions will be asked to attend another casting day in London where they will have to perform alongside other industry professionals.

If successful, the hopefuls could be offered a year-long contract for the internationally renowned show which will kick off in March when the show opens in Glasgow.The international show will now be in its sixth year and during this time it has been enjoyed by people in 28 countries around the world including locations such as China, Greece, New Zealand and Lithuania.Speaking to The Daily Record, associate producer, Nick Grace has revealed that having the show return to Glasgow has always been high up on the said: “Glasgow has always been top of my list to come back to.”The success, audience reaction and the enjoyment of being up there has made me want to find an opportunity to come back.”