As I mentioned, I am textually promiscuous. Depending on my mood, I can find Laguna Beach as entertaining as my beloved Deadwood. One of my favorite indulgences is American Idol. Even though I don't like the songs most of the contestants choose, I look forward to the "moments" which Simon Cowell mentions throughout the competition. Each week, music gets arranged for the contestants, costumes are chosen and personalities are packaged through interviews with the hope that a star-making moment will be achieved. And as hard as everyone works to give a birth to a star, most people realize and accept that any star-making machine relies ultimately on magic more than science. Yes, Ryan made a conscious effort to highlight Kelly Pickler's naivete, but it was just something about Kelly herself which made her sparkle.

There have been books which attempt to quantify what makes a star a star. The entertainment industry is built on the belief that there is a process for making stars (and making hits). Shows such as American Idol have foregrounded the star making process. Although conditions can be arranged so that a star catches fire, the source of the initial spark remains mysterious. The magic of stars for me is grounded in that mystery.

My favorite star-making moments in movies: John Wayne in Stage Coach, Grace Kelly in Rear Window, Rita Hayworth in Gilda.