University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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obsession... Senior communication studies major Mia Gabbai goes over the assigned celebrity readings before class. The impact of celebrity culture was so great that the University created a communication studies class devoted to the subject. R. Peplinski photo A local bookstore displays a section of old Life magazines featuring celebrity culture. Students were interested not only in current celebrities, but those who were big influences in the past as well. R. Peplinski photo michgan life 27

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Students stop by the Michigan Union Bookstore to browse the magazine selection and catch up on the latest celebrity gossip. Many bookstores on campus sold tabloids along with a large selection of more credible magazines. R. Peplinski photo Did you hear that Tom Cruise now plans to marry Katie Holmes even though they were having problems after the birth of their daughter Suri? And how could Brad Pitt leave Jennifer Aniston for Angelina Jolie? Or that Michael Jackson ' s ex- wife Debbie Rowe is going after custody of their two children after the child molestation charges filed against Jackson? But really, have you seen Nicole Richie lately? She ' s all skin and bones! Gossip about in celebrities adorned the University ' s campus every week. It just wasn ' t enough to talk about the past weekend or classes; it was more fun to discuss the latest celebrity fashion trends and the Hollywood buzz. Even the popular website Facebook had groups designated for celebrity gossip, including one called, Even We ' re addicted To Celebrity News... and We Don ' t Know Why! Senior biomedical engineering major Cathy Burk said, People probably like to talk about celebrities because it makes them feel like they know them, and that they could be part of that glamorous life as well. E! Online, the online counterpart to the TV channel E!, featured an hourly update of the Top Requested Stars located on the middle of their homepage. During October of 2006, the hot celebs were Amanda Peet, Dustin Diamond, Rebecca Gayheart, Paris Hilton, and George Michael. Peet made headlines after marrying fiance David Benioff. Diamond, the lovable Screech from Saved By The Bell, was the talk of the town after a homemade sex tape staring himself was posted on the web. Rebecca Gayheart had her spouse to blame for makin g the news. Gayheart ' s husband, actor Eric Dane played the character of Mark or McSteamy on Grey ' s Anatomy, and sparked celebrity buzz after the astonishing second episode of the show ' s third season. Paris Hilton ' s life wasn ' t so simple after she was charged with a DUI, potentially facing up to six years in prison for it. George Michael ' s arrest in London, England for suspected drug possession also topped Hollywood news. With so many resources for entertainment news, it was easy for students to absorb it and share it with each other. With an endless supply of scandal, it was hard to resist the urge to forget about organic chemistry and focus more on Hollywood ' s finest.

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digital by Mitia Benvenuto A student receives a text message while she sits in class. Many students used text messaging to entertain themselves during boring lectures. R. Peplinski photo A student takes a break from a long night of studying to play a quick game of chess. Many students used these digital games to ease the pain of studying. P. Andrews photo ' It ' s sickenii ie, ' said Zikina Re hd on cell iis remark D fraction, ykbtevi Of course, indents, die in intense v WorMB HdiCc flint ha led to i fee new gi Students WB risk TOT dasase at least idit the KV a trie tit mil ' Jackie taoiitai pictures tea logy