5 Things

I'm introducing a new series today called five things. Today, I will address five ways I learn about pop culture .

1. Biographies
If you watch any kind of biography about artists, actors, athletes, etc. you know why I do this. Often times biographies provide insight to artists I'm not as familiar with, establish deeper rapports with those not as public, provide links to other celebrities. Not only that, I like to use this as a tool to learn about the making of films, songs, shows, etc. as Biography and other shows have focused on programs and events in more recent years.

2. Wikipedia
I became a Wikipedia Stan in college. By Stan, I mean it's what I use when I don't know or remember something. This can go for anything, simple or complicated. Not only that, but Wikipedia provides links to other sources that are considered more reliable or substantial.

3. Radio
Since I was little, everytime my parents leave the car I switch the station. This provides insight to new singles, upcoming tours, gossip, etc. Now the radio has changed in the past twenty or so years, but can nonetheless be useful in some respect.

4. Family
My parents served as my first introduction to music. They both have diverse interests and I've inherited some and diverged from others. What's important is that no matter what you think of your parents' generation there's always some hidden gem in the music, movies, shows, etc. that they followed growing up. My grandparents and cousins influenced my television habits during long summers of reruns and cartoons; that's something I'll always carry.

5. Television Commercials and Movie Trailers
I grew up in the age of Time Life collections in which many different compilations were advertised on night television and as a result clips of songs have remained stuck in my head. Movie trailers are good for new music.

In conclusion, a lot of my choices are influenced by stories in which I hope to share with you in the future. In the meantime, how do you learn about pop culture?