This article from the New York Times Magazine on the grooming of future pop sensation Amanda Latona is absolutely fascinating. Latona is a lovely former Miss Teen Florida with a strong voice who doesn't write songs or play an instrument, but who is already being remodeled to be the next Britney Spears...or Pink...or Shania Twain...or Gwen Stefani...depending on whether teen-pop...or angsty pop...or country...or rock...is what twelve-year-old girls are buying next year. Best quote, by Latona just before a photo shoot: "I really want this album to be a classic. That's why these photos are so important."

Dear god, why aren't I famous yet? Oh, right....