Entertainment Spotlight!: The Story of My Obsession

Replica of the Grand Staircase. Titanic: The Experience, Orlando, Florida.

We all have our interests, right? Well, mine is a little bit more of an obsession -- with the Titanic. When most people hear that word, they immediately think of a sinking ship. Which it was, but to me, it's more than that. It's grand, luxurious, a great setting for an epic romance (like James Cameron's Titanic, for example), and full with stories of heroism, cowardice, and bravery.

To start this story off, I think we have to rewind a few years back to the winter of 2009. February, to be exact. Our city's library was having its annual book sale, and me, being the lazy bum I am, stayed home while my sister and mom went. They returned home with a children's book that will forever change my life -- White Star: A Dog On the Titanic by Marty Crisp.

Of course, my sister had to read it first, because she bought it. Handing it to me when she finished, she commented about how sad it was. I read it front and back, and was left astounded by the story of 12-year-old Sam traveling with his 14-year-old friend Bucky while also enjoying the company of J. Bruce Ismay's (the owner of the White Star Line) Irish setter, who he names Star. It was the beginning of a good relationship.

Afterwards, I finished the school year researching and trying not to make it obvious that I was really fascinated in the story of the Titanic. For months I asked my friends about the 1997 movie, and the first response I receive was (SPOILER ALERT!) "Jack dies." A year before, when I was on vacation in Florida, my childhood friend brought it up and my sister and her listened to the theme song ("My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion). I wasn't interested at that time, however; then she continued to describe the plot, which later on I learned was a little off.

My copies of the movie.

Fast forward a week before my 12th birthday in May. My friend let me borrow her copy of the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. I remember that it was the same night as the finale of "Dancing With the Stars," and that my sister made popcorn (though I don't like it) and sporadically left the room and came back so she could get a taste of both the movie and the end of the season.

Three hours later, I returned to my room and sat on my bed, deep in thought. I hadn't cried; there was no reaction out of me. I replayed certain scenes over and over in my mind, and an hour after my first time was over, I began to cry. I cried for the characters and their loss; the passengers and their loss; and the loss of a mighty ship that held so much hope for its citizens.

Rose DeWitt Bukater Barbie doll.

From then off, I've held a strange interest towards the ship and the movie. When it was declared that James Cameron was bringing back his epic romance in 3D in 2012, I literally screamed and called up my friend. Below you'll see a picture of the poster I got for seeing the "Fan Sneak Preview" on April 3, 2012. It also came with a cool set of 3D glasses!

Interested? See more of the blockbuster film at: www.titanicmovie.com!