Writing about celebrities is nothing new. The history of celebrity gossip dates way back--as far as biblical times. In fact, gossip is referenced in the Bible in Proverbs 25:23: “The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.” Another passage states: “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure” (Psalm 101:5).

According to writer Lucy Riall in an article published in History Today, the Italian nationalist/soldier Giuseppe Garibaldi was the first celebrity in the modern political era people liked to talk about (1861).

Today, it's easy to catch up on the lives of stars through Instagram, Facebook, and other online outlets. I have to admit, I'm a bit addicted to seeing what's going on in their lives. On the surface, they seem to have it all-- fame, prestige, money, power, adulation, dream jobs, and dream salaries to match.

I have to ask myself: Why do I have this urge to read and watch programs about celebs and to write about them? It makes me guilty when there are more "valuable" topics I could apply my energy to. However, I say to myself, not so fast.

Both the famous and we mere mortals ALL have problems. We all face personal demons, family problems, job concerns, health issues, accidents, unforeseen challenges like natural disasters, etc. No one is immune.

Last November, the talented singer Miley Cyrus and her husband Liam Hemsworth shared disturbing pictures showing the loss of their Malibu home due to a raging wildfire that ravaged southern California. Disasters truly affect any of us.

In fact, if you're feeling sorry for yourself, just think about the lack of privacy that is part of being famous, not to mention the increasing rate of stalkers who pursue celebrities. Crazed fans have terrorized Jodie Foster, Sandra Bullock, Pamela Anderson, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kendall Jenner and Mel Gibson, to name a few. We all remember the tragic ending of the lovely Princess Diana, due to an aggressive pursuit by paparazzi in a Paris tunnel.

So, is there any value to me writing about the rich and famous? I tell myself, "maybe there is.'

Reading about stars' lives provides an escape from the harshness of reality. Whether I'm reading details about a celeb's super fabulous home or what happened at the Met Gala 2019 function attended by the likes of Lady Gaga and Harry Styles, I'm temporarily taken away from the rigors of my own life. It's a relief to forget about handling atrocious traffic, bills, difficult people with poor attitudes and other stressors, even briefly. Celebrity gossip provides a little respite on those bad days you or I might have. Perusing People magazine or watching a show like Entertainment Tonight takes me out of myself. That can be a good thing. Maybe we have more in common with the rich and famous than we thought.