The intense obsession with vampires spawned by Twilight, Britney’s head shaving, frozen yogurt shops blossoming and Osama Bin Laden’s capture. Each of these ideas most likely turned your head at one point or another, like they did to me. It is precisely for this reason that these items fit right into the category of pop culture.

Pop culture, or popular culture, refers to practically everything around us and is constantly changing with time.

It includes but is not limited to movies, books, music, celebrities, clothing and technology. Think of it as what may be perceived as appealing to the popular opinion.

As someone who thrives on excitement and seeks inspiration from outside sources, living in Shawnee, Kan. for nearly two decades has proved to be boring in my eyes. With nowhere to burst out of the Shawnee bubble and escape to, I’ve been influenced to escape by my own means. For me, I find pleasure in following different situations on television and letting my ears take in the music of an artist of whom I’ve never met nor plan to. Following the so-called perfect lives of celebrities infatuates me and books allow me to enter any world I choose to.

By now, my passion for pop culture and the aspects it includes has hopefully been made obvious. Like others of my generation, pop culture has shaped my interests, preferences and hobbies and I contribute it as the reason of my forming certain opinions and beliefs. I also hold respect for the idea of pop culture as it has the power to bring together a mass of people, no matter how different.

I intend to bring to this blog reasonable arguments that reflect my views on notable or controversial situations or public figures in the limelight. Considering the fact that Hollywood isn’t just a version of the Sims, these real people are bound to make real headlines. I hope readers can find an extra reason to return as I also hope to include weekly recaps in the world of pop culture with my opinion on each.

Your culture consultant is excited to bring readers bi-weekly pop culture blog posts. Until Tuesday, the finale of Big Brother is calling my name.