From the original Free To Choose series Milton asks: “Who Protects the Consumer?”. Many government agencies have been created for this purpose, yet they do so by restricting freedom and stifling beneficial innovation, and eventually become agents for the groups they have been created to regulate.
Milton Friedman noted how the government usually messes up things when they start regulating: “When governments do intervene in business, innovation is stifled. Railroads have been regulated for nearly a century and they are one of our most backward industries.”
Part 2
When governments do intervene in business, innovation is stifled. Railroads have been regulated for nearly a century and they are one of our most backward industries. The railroad story shows what so often results from the good intentions of consumer protection groups. In the 1860’s railroad rates were lower in the United States than anywhere else in the world. Yet many customers thought they were too high. They complained bitterly about the profits of the railroads.
Now the railway men of the time had their problems too. Problems that arose out of the fierce competitiveness among them. Many railroads all trying to get their share of the market, all trying to make a name for themselves. If you want to see what their problems were as they saw them, come and have a look at this.
From inside this private railroad car it may not look as if the people who ran the railroads had any real problems. Some, like the owner of this private car, had done very well. This was the equivalent of the private jet of today’s business tycoons. But for each one who succeeded, many didn’t survive the cutthroat competition.
What we have here is a railroad map of the United States for the year 1882. It shows every railroad then in existence. The country was literally crisscrossed with railroads going to every remote hamlet and covering the nation from coast to coast. Between points far distant like for example New York and Chicago, there might be a half a dozen lines that would be running between those two points. Each of the half dozen trying to get business would cut rates and rates would get very low. The people who benefited most from this competition were the customers shipping goods on a long trip.
On the other hand, between some segments of that trip, say for example, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, there might be only a single line that was running and that line would take full advantage of its monopoly position. It would charge all that the traffic would bear. The result was that the sum of the fares charged for the short haul was typically larger than the total sum charged for the long haul between the two distant points. Of course, none of the consumers complained about the low price for the long haul, but the consumer certainly did complain about the higher prices for the short hauls. And that was one of the major sources of agitation leading ultimately to the establishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission.
The cartoonists of the day delighted in pointing out that railroads had tremendous political instinct. As indeed they did. They used the consumer’s complaints to get the government to establish a commission that would protect the railroad’s interest. It took about a decade to get the commission into full operation. By that time, needless to say, the consumer advocates had moved on to their next crusade. But the railway men were still there. They had soon learned how to use the commission to their own advantage. They solved the long haul/short haul problem, by raising the long haul rates. The customers ended up paying more, some protection. The first commissioner was Thomas Cooley, a lawyer who had represented the railroads for many years. The railroads continued to dominate the Commission.
In the 1920’s and 30’s when trucks emerged as serious competitors for long distance hauling, the railroads induced the Commission to extend control over trucking. Truckers, in their turn, learned how to use the Commission to protect themselves from competition. This firm carries freight to and from the Dayton, Ohio International Airport. Its the only one serving some routes and its customers depend on it. But Dayton Airfreight has real problems. Its ICC license only permits it to carry freight from Dayton to Detroit. To serve other routes it’s had to buy rights from other ICC license holders including one who doesn’t own a single truck. It’s paid as much as $100,000 a year for the privilege.
Secretary: Our company is in the process of trying to get rights to go there now. Yes, we’ll do that and thank you for calling sir.
The owners of the firm have been trying for years to get their license extended to cover more routes.
Air freight company: Now I don’t have any argument with the people who already have ICC permits except for the fact that this is a big country and since the inception of the ICC in 1936, there has been very few entrants into the business. They do not allow new entrants to come in and compete with those who are already in.
Unnamed individual: Of course, Dayton Airfreight suffers but so do the customers who pay higher freight charges. Quite frankly, I don’t know why the ICC is sitting on its hands doing nothing. This is the third time to my knowledge that we’ve support the application of Dayton Airfreight to help us save money, help free enterprise, help the country save energy, help, help, help. It all comes down to consumers ultimately going to pay for all of this and they are the blame. The ICC has to be the blame.
Friedman: Dayton Airfreight now has many of its trucks lying idle. Trucks that could be providing a valuable service. Far from protecting consumers, the ICC has ended up making them worse off.
As far as I’m concerned, there is no free enterprise in interstate commerce. It no longer exists in this country. You have to pay the price and you have to pay the price very dearly and I don’t mean we have to pay the price, it means that the consumer is paying that price.
The price consumers pay when it comes to medicine could be their lives. In the 19th Century pharmacies contained an impressive array of pills and potions. Most were ineffective and some were deadly. There was an outcry about drugs that maimed or killed. The Food and Drug Administration in response to consumer pressure succeeded in banning a whole range of medicines. The tonics and lotions with their excessive claims disappeared from the market. In 1962 the Kefauver Amendment gave the FDA power to regulate all drugs for effectiveness as well as for safety. Today, every drug marketed in the United States must pass the FDA. It’s clear that this has protected us from some drugs with horrific side effects like thalidomide. And we all know of people who have benefited from modern drugs. What we don’t hear much about however, are the beneficial drugs that the FDA has prohibited.
Well, if you examine the therapeutic benefits of significant drugs that haven’t arrived in the U.S. but are available somewhere in the rest of the world, such as in Britain, you can come across numerous examples where the patient has suffered. For example, there are one or two drugs called beta blockers which now can prevent death after heart attack, we call it secondary prevention of coronary death after myocardial infarction, which if available here, could be saving about 10,000 lives a year in the United States. In the ten years after the 1962 amendments no drug was approved for hypertension. That’s for the control the blood pressure in the United States, where as several were approve in Britain. In the entire cardiovascular area, only one drug was approved in the five year period from 67 to 72. And this can be correlated with known organizational problems at FDA.
These carts are taking to an FDA official the documents required to get just one drug approved.
Worker: Well, hi there, must be the new one they called me about.
Friedman: It took six years work by the drug company to get this drug passed.
Milton Friedman The Power of the Market 1-5 How can we have personal freedom without economic freedom? That is why I don’t understand why socialists who value individual freedoms want to take away our economic freedoms. I wanted to share this info below with you from Milton Friedman who has influenced me greatly over the […]
Milton Friedman: Free To Choose – The Failure Of Socialism With Ronald Reagan (Full) Published on Mar 19, 2012 by NoNationalityNeeded Milton Friedman’s writings affected me greatly when I first discovered them and I wanted to share with you. We must not head down the path of socialism like Greece has done. Abstract: Ronald Reagan […]
Worse still, America’s depression was to become worldwide because of what lies behind these doors. This is the vault of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Inside is the largest horde of gold in the world. Because the world was on a gold standard in 1929, these vaults, where the U.S. gold was stored, […]
George Eccles: Well, then we called all our employees together. And we told them to be at the bank at their place at 8:00 a.m. and just act as if nothing was happening, just have a smile on their face, if they could, and me too. And we have four savings windows and we […]
Milton Friedman’s Free to Choose (1980), episode 3 – Anatomy of a Crisis. part 1 FREE TO CHOOSE: Anatomy of Crisis Friedman Delancy Street in New York’s lower east side, hardly one of the city’s best known sites, yet what happened in this street nearly 50 years ago continues to effect all of us today. […]
Friedman Friday” Free to Choose by Milton Friedman: Episode “What is wrong with our schools?” (Part 3 of transcript and video) Here is the video clip and transcript of the film series FREE TO CHOOSE episode “What is wrong with our schools?” Part 3 of 6. Volume 6 – What’s Wrong with our Schools Transcript: If it […]
Here is the video clip and transcript of the film series FREE TO CHOOSE episode “What is wrong with our schools?” Part 2 of 6. Volume 6 – What’s Wrong with our Schools Transcript: Groups of concerned parents and teachers decided to do something about it. They used private funds to take over empty stores and they […]
Here is the video clip and transcript of the film series FREE TO CHOOSE episode “What is wrong with our schools?” Part 1 of 6. Volume 6 – What’s Wrong with our Schools Transcript: Friedman: These youngsters are beginning another day at one of America’s public schools, Hyde Park High School in Boston. What happens when […]
Friedman Friday” Free to Choose by Milton Friedman: Episode “Created Equal” (Part 3 of transcript and video) Liberals like President Obama want to shoot for an equality of outcome. That system does not work. In fact, our free society allows for the closest gap between the wealthy and the poor. Unlike other countries where free enterprise and other […]
Free to Choose by Milton Friedman: Episode “Created Equal” (Part 2 of transcript and video) Liberals like President Obama want to shoot for an equality of outcome. That system does not work. In fact, our free society allows for the closest gap between the wealthy and the poor. Unlike other countries where free enterprise and other freedoms are […]
Milton Friedman and Ronald Reagan Liberals like President Obama (and John Brummett) want to shoot for an equality of outcome. That system does not work. In fact, our free society allows for the closest gap between the wealthy and the poor. Unlike other countries where free enterprise and other freedoms are not present. This is a seven part series. […]
I am currently going through his film series “Free to Choose” which is one the most powerful film series I have ever seen. PART 3 OF 7 Worse still, America’s depression was to become worldwide because of what lies behind these doors. This is the vault of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Inside […]
I am currently going through his film series “Free to Choose” which is one the most powerful film series I have ever seen. For the past 7 years Maureen Ramsey has had to buy food and clothes for her family out of a government handout. For the whole of that time, her husband, Steve, hasn’t […]
Friedman Friday:(“Free to Choose” episode 4 – From Cradle to Grave, Part 1 of 7) Volume 4 – From Cradle to Grave Abstract: Since the Depression years of the 1930s, there has been almost continuous expansion of governmental efforts to provide for people’s welfare. First, there was a tremendous expansion of public works. The Social Security Act […]
_________________________ Pt3 Nowadays there’s a considerable amount of traffic at this border. People cross a little more freely than they use to. Many people from Hong Kong trade in China and the market has helped bring the two countries closer together, but the barriers between them are still very real. On this side […]
Aside from its harbor, the only other important resource of Hong Kong is people __ over 4_ million of them. Like America a century ago, Hong Kong in the past few decades has been a haven for people who sought the freedom to make the most of their own abilities. Many of them are […]
“FREE TO CHOOSE” 1: The Power of the Market (Milton Friedman) Free to Choose ^ | 1980 | Milton Friedman Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 4:20:46 PM by Choose Ye This Day FREE TO CHOOSE: The Power of the Market Friedman: Once all of this was a swamp, covered with forest. The Canarce Indians […]
Milton Friedman: Free To Choose – The Failure Of Socialism With Ronald Reagan (Full) Published on Mar 19, 2012 by NoNationalityNeeded Milton Friedman’s writings affected me greatly when I first discovered them and I wanted to share with you. We must not head down the path of socialism like Greece has done. Abstract: Ronald Reagan […]
Milton Friedman: Free To Choose – The Failure Of Socialism With Ronald Reagan (Full) Published on Mar 19, 2012 by NoNationalityNeeded Milton Friedman’s writings affected me greatly when I first discovered them and I wanted to share with you. We must not head down the path of socialism like Greece has done. Abstract: Ronald Reagan […]
Ted Cruz has the right idea about cutting the size of government. He has some good ideas and he reminds me a lot of Rand Paul. He also has a great role model in Ronald Reagan who he quotes in the video clip below.
In that post, I suggested that the “continuing resolution” was the best vehicle since lawmakers obviously would have to consider legislation to provide funding for the rest of the 2013 fiscal year.
It’s much smarter to pick a fight on the “CR” since there not even a make-believe risk of default. Instead, the only thing that happens is that the “non-essential” parts of the federal government are shut down.
So I’m delighted to see that Ted Cruz, the new Senator from Texas, understands that the shutdown fight in 1995 led to very good results. I wrote a piece for National Review making the same point, so I’m delighted to hear someone else singing from the same sheet of music. Pay close attention at the 3:15 mark of this video.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz on the Deficit, Gun Rights, Immigration
My only quibble is that he mentions the debt limit as the vehicle for the fight, when he should have mentioned the CR.
But I’m nit-picking. Cruz seems to get it. He puts the focus on the disease of too much government rather than fixating on the symptom of too much red ink.
He also understands that high tax rates discourage productive behavior, so he’s obviously not a fan of the President’s class-warfare approach.
Last but not least, you’ll also see he gave a very strong response on protecting the 2nd Amendment immediately following his discussion of fiscal policy.
Seems like there’s a chance he could be a second Rand Paul.
_________
Thank you so much for your time. I know how valuable it is. I also appreciate the fine family that you have and your commitment as a father and a husband.
Sincerely,
Everette Hatcher III, 13900 Cottontail Lane, Alexander, AR 72002, ph 501-920-5733, lowcostsqueegees@yahoo.com
(Emailed to White House on 12-21-12.) President Obama c/o The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, I know that you receive 20,000 letters a day and that you actually read 10 of them every day. I really do respect you for trying to get a pulse on […]
(Emailed to White House on 12-21-12.) President Obama c/o The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, I know that you receive 20,000 letters a day and that you actually read 10 of them every day. I really do respect you for trying to get a pulse on what is […]
(Emailed to White House on 12-21-12) President Obama c/o The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, I know that you receive 20,000 letters a day and that you actually read 10 of them every day. I really do respect you for trying to get a pulse on what is […]
The federal government has a spending problem and Milton Friedman came up with the negative income tax to help poor people get out of the welfare trap. It seems that the government screws up about everything. Then why is President Obama wanting more taxes? _______________ Milton Friedman – The Negative Income Tax Published on […]
I was sad to read that the Speaker John Boehner has been involved in punishing tea party republicans. Actually I have written letters to several of these same tea party heroes telling them that I have emailed Boehner encouraging him to listen to them. Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ),Justin Amash (R-MI), and Tim Huelskamp (R-KS). have been contacted […]
Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute in his article, “Hitting the Ceiling,” National Review Online, March 7, 2012 noted: After all, despite all the sturm und drang about spending cuts as part of last year’s debt-ceiling deal, federal spending not only increased from 2011 to 2012, it rose faster than inflation and population growth combined. […]
Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute in his article, “Hitting the Ceiling,” National Review Online, March 7, 2012 noted: After all, despite all the sturm und drang about spending cuts as part of last year’s debt-ceiling deal, federal spending not only increased from 2011 to 2012, it rose faster than inflation and population growth combined. […]
Some of the heroes are Mo Brooks, Martha Roby, Jeff Flake, Trent Franks, Duncan Hunter, Tom Mcclintock, Devin Nunes, Scott Tipton, Bill Posey, Steve Southerland and those others below in the following posts. THEY VOTED AGAINST THE DEBT CEILING INCREASE IN 2011 AND WE NEED THAT TYPE OF LEADERSHIP NOW SINCE PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS BEEN […]
I hated to see that Allen West may be on the way out. ABC News reported: Nov 7, 2012 7:20am What Happened to the Tea Party (and the Blue Dogs?) Some of the Republican Party‘s most controversial House members are clinging to narrow leads in races where only a few votes are left to count. […]
Rep Himes and Rep Schweikert Discuss the Debt and Budget Deal Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute in his article, “Hitting the Ceiling,” National Review Online, March 7, 2012 noted: After all, despite all the sturm und drang about spending cuts as part of last year’s debt-ceiling deal, federal spending not only increased from 2011 […]
Last Friday Katy Perry and Russell Brand’s divorce rumors came true when Brand reportedly filed for divorce in Los Angeles citing, “irreconcilable differences.”
TMZ met up with Perry’s father, Keith Hudson, as he was out shopping and when they confronted him with questions of the marital status or info on the divorce of his daughter he stayed quiet.
“I can’t talk … I can’t talk to you … sorry about that,” he said.
The reporter asked him if he would have preferred the couple try to work their problems out in the church, to which he replied with the same “no comment.”
It has now been claimed, according to Female First, that Perry did not want to file for the divorce herself as her parents, Mary and Keith Hudson, who are both Evangelical Pastors, would be strongly against a divorce and breaking of their vows.
The couple has only been married since October 2010, and rumors already had emerged that their marriage was in difficulty two months ago. Those rumors hit fever pitch at Christmas time as Perry spent the holidays with friends in Hawaii whilst Brand went to Cornwall in South West England. It now looks like the couple’s marriage will be added to a long list of super-short celebrity marriages.
If the divorce does go ahead the couple will have a $75 million estate to divide between them. It is believed Perry’s finances value just slightly more than double that of Brand’s.
Brand recently said, “Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I’ll always adore her and I know we’ll remain friends.”
This is not the first time Perry has “disappointed” her parents. Originally signing as a Christian artist in the early 2000s, Perry’s lifestyle began to shift along with her music. Her parents were really hurt by her first smash single, “I Kissed a Girl.”
Although Perry has stated she has grown up Christian and is still respectful to the beliefs, she has not fully acknowledged any participation in Christianity.
News/ Katy Perry Sings With Mick Jagger at Rolling Stones Concert—Watch Now by Rebecca Macatee Today 5:45 AM PDT The Rolling Stones & Katy Perry – Beast Of Burden – Live – By Request Published on May 12, 2013 The Rolling Stones and special guest Katy Perry perform ‘Beast Of Burden’ at the Las Vegas […]
Katy Perry Dedicates Song to Tim Tebow at Super Bowl Party Sun, Feb. 05, 2012 Posted: 07:01 PM EDT Flamboyant pop star Katy Perry dedicated suggestive song “Peacock” to evangelical quarterback Tim Tebow at a pre-Super Bowl party Saturday night. Perry, the daughter of Christian ministers, said “This one goes out to Tim […]
Thompson Twins – If You Were Here (Live in Liverpool) Uploaded on Jul 9, 2006 Live in Liverpool 1983 ____________________ Sixteen Candles Final Scene Movie Ending Video if you were here i could deceive you and if you were here you would believe but would you suspect my emotion wandering, yeah do not want a […]
Phoenix – Trying To Be Cool (Live on SNL) Bankrupt! (2013)[edit] On April 5, 2011, the band posted a blog update on their website entitled “Songwriting…” that revealed CCTV stills of a studio in which the band was working.[19] The band has stated in interviews that the album is going to be a departure from the pop sounds […]
Lykke Li – Tonight Lykke Li – Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? SEE RANK Lykke Li Soundtrack Official Photos » Trivia: Lykke Li has played sold out shows in Central Park (NYC), throughout the rest of the US Europe and the UK, and has appeared on television in the US and Europe including Jimmy Fallon, Conan […]
Lykke Li ”I’m Good, I’m Gone” Uploaded on Jan 30, 2008 Acoustic live version with guests: Robyn, Adam & Bebban (Shout Out Louds), Daniel (The Concretes), Lars (Laakso) and Mikael (Hjalmar). Director: Ted Malmros + Christian Haag Album “Youth Novels” out jan 30 2008. ________________________ Lykke Li – Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? Wikipedia has […]
The Daylights (Music Group) Part 2 Uploaded on Mar 23, 2011 Maggie Mae’s on 6th Street in Austin, Texas. _____________________ Ep 8: “The Daylights” on Stripped Down Live with Curt Smith Uploaded on Oct 14, 2010 The Daylights perform live on our Streamin’ Garage stage. Hosted by Curt Smith of Tears for fears, ; Stripped […]
The Daylights (Music Group) Part 1 Both Ricky and Ran Jackson went to school at Ouachita Baptist in Arkansas and here is a fine story on them at this link. _______________ The Daylights – Guess I Missed You.wmv The Daylights “Terra Firma” Music Video Uploaded on Nov 7, 2007 Music Video for The Daylights and […]
The Poison – The All-American Rejects Avril Lavigne and Tyson Ritter from All American Rejects Talk Almost Alice The All-American Rejects – Dirty Little Secret Tyson Ritter, the leadsinger of the All-American Rejects has admitted that he was a jerk for the last couple of years when he lived a sexually impure life by sleeping […]
The Poison – The All-American Rejects Avril Lavigne and Tyson Ritter from All American Rejects Talk Almost Alice The All-American Rejects – Dirty Little Secret I got to see the All-American Rejects in concert on 12-13-12 in Little Rock and I have written about it several times already. Tyson Ritter, the leadsinger of the All-American […]
Amy Winehouse died at age 27 and unfornately joined the “27 club” which is made of famous rockers that died at age 27. Pete Ham was a member of Bad Finger which was one of my favorite groups that I followed. “Come and get it” was my favorite song of theirs. ___________________________________ Badfinger perform a […]
Tom Osborne at the Little Rock Touchdown Club Part 1
The Currens Story
Uploaded on Feb 4, 2010
Tom Osborne speaks about his grandfather who was mentored by a traveling minister who was spent four months with his grandfather. The minister encouraged his grandfather to pursue college
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1998 Orange Bowl – The Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. The Tennessee Volunteers
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Today I got to hear Tom Osborne speak at the Little Rock Touchdown Club and it was very good. Before he got up to speak Rex Nelson reviewed the games that were played last week in the SEC and those that were to be played this week. He mentioned these upcoming games:
#1 Alabama at #6 Texas A&M Time: 3:30 PM ET TV: CBS
Mississippi State at Auburn Time: 7:00 PM ET TV: ESPN2
Vanderbilt at #13 South Carolina Time: 7:00 PM ET TV: ESPN
#25 Ole Miss at Texas Time: 8:00 PM ET TV: Longhorn Network
Nelson asked for a show of hands concerning these games and most people thought Auburn would win but the crowd was mixed on the other games. Then he mentioned the Tennessee at Oregon game and the crowd groaned so he didn’t even ask for a show of hands on that game because the vast majority were giving the Vols much of a chance against the #2 ranked Oregon Ducks.
Tom Osborne spent time discussing the direction of college football and he is very concerned about the suit brought by players that asserts they should get paid when they images are used. He thinks the players have a very good chance of winning that case.
Below is a great interview of Osborne that shows his Christian faith.
CBN.com – University of Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne is certainly a person you can say has been there and done that. He paced the sidelines for 25 years as a head football coach at a major university winning three national championships in the process. He served six years as a U.S. Congressman, piloting several important bills into law. He earned a doctoral degree in educational psychology and taught for many years at the collegiate level. He even played three seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver.
In his new book, “Beyond the Final Score” (Regal Books), Osborne allows readers to glimpse the world through his eyes as he reflects on everything from leadership to changes in our culture to what he finds to be the most core principle in life – his faith.
CBN.com Program Director Chris Carpenter recently sat down with Osborne to discuss what success looks like, the importance of relationships in a person’s life, and why it is critical for every person to have a personal mission statement.
You have certainly worn a lot of different hats in your professional career. You have been an educator, a coach, a congressman, and now an athletic director for a major university. If you had to pick one of these which one do you consider yourself to be?
I think that typically the name that I’m called more than any of the others is coach. Even when I was in Washington people referred to me as coach. Maybe it was so they wouldn’t have to remember my name. I was the only coach in Congress so all they had to do was remember coach. I suppose that is my most significant role because I was an assistant for 11 years and then I was a head coach for 25 so most people, when they are doing something for 36 years that is probably your career. That is probably the number one role I had.
How did your venture into politics prepare you to come back into your current role as athletic director at the University of Nebraska? It is interesting to note you are now leading athletic programs that you helped build and cultivate.
Today, so many athletic directors are people who weren’t necessarily former players or coaches. At one time, most athletic directors were people who had been coaches. Now, it’s more business administration majors – people who have come from the business world or marketing. So, I think having been a coach has been helpful in my relationship with other coaches that we have in our program. I know what it is like to be on the sideline and have your first team quarterback hurt for the season. I understand a lot of the frustrations that coaches go through. I think I have been able through my experience in Washington to have some idea how organizations work and how they don’t work. And of course some of the business aspects of being athletic director I have either picked up along the way or had to learn. I think all of our background tends to prepare us for the next step in some way. I feel fortunate to have had all of those experiences but I probably feel most comfortable in the athletic arena because that is where most of my life has been spent.
In reading through your book and just generally knowing a lot about you, you have had a lot of what society considers to be great success. But I’m sure there was a fair amount of hardship along the way for you as well. To you, and I know you dig into this in your book, what does success look like?
I have always been a big fan of John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach at UCLA. John talks about success. Essentially the way he defines success is very similar to the way I would define it. It is doing the best you can with what you have been given. Sometimes there are people who are in given coaching situations where maybe they don’t have much in the way of facilities or a large amount of players to come out for a sport. And maybe they have losing season after losing season but they may have done a great job because they did the best job with what they had. There are many families who, financially or for whatever reason struggle in many ways. But if you have done all you can with what you have been given I feel that you are successful. That is not the way our culture normally measures success but that is the way I would look at it.
Why are relationships so important to a person’s success?
I think in the final analysis that the legacy we all leave is the impact that we have had on other people and they have had on us. I mention Stephen Covey’s approach in my book. Stephen, in one of his books, “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People”, suggests that it’s really important that you begin with the end in mind. How would it be if you sat down and wrote your obituary? Write down what you would want a family member to say. What would you want a business associate to say? What would you want a friend to say about you? Once you have done that you have some core values and things that are going to be of long term importance to you. I think that even though it is kind of a morbid idea, I have sat with a few people on their death bed and I knew and they knew we would never see each other again in this world. I have always been amazed that we have never talked about money. We have never talked about awards. We have never talked about great accomplishments. It’s almost always been about relationships, about family, and about caring for this person or that person. Also, issues of faith have usually surfaced at that time. It is so easy to get caught up in going from one thing to the next, one appointment to the next, and to lose track of where you are really headed. Many times, you let your spiritual life go. Eventually, it is going to be the most important thing about you.
You mention Stephen Covey and your admiration for him. He writes about the importance of having a personal mission statement. You stress that in your book as well. Why is it important for an individual to have a personal mission statement?
I think it is sort of like the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution supposedly has begun to veer off course brings us back. It gives us a set of core fundamental values. So, I begin with talking about having the end in mind. Once you have decided what those things are that are really important, then the next step would be to sit down and write a personal mission statement. What am I all about? What am I going to accomplish with the number of years that I have in my life? That mission statement should probably be based on those core values that come out of writing your obituary because ultimately you may be making a lot of money or pursuing a lot of pleasure, having certain titles and awards. In the final analysis these things aren’t going to be that important.
In your book, you write a chapter or two about the importance of having a good foundation in your life. Why is it so important for people to develop this?
We live in a world where there is a strong tendency toward something called post-modernism. Post-modernism is really the idea that there are no moral absolutes. Everything is relative and is dependent upon society and the people around us. So, if enough people are cheating on their income taxes it is probably ok because there are no moral absolutes. At Enron, everybody was cooking the books. That’s ok because people are doing it. My feeling is that you have to have a set of core fundamental values that you can live your life on. One of the difficult things for so many young people today is that they are being pushed and pulled in all of these different directions without any compass, without anything that will keep them on track. I think that getting a worldview that makes sense – in my case, I have a justification or a rationalization for a Christian worldview. There are many different worldviews out there that are competing for our allegiance and our attention. So, I think it is very important that we have a good understanding of where we are coming from. And of course if you are of a Christian disposition you have the basic rule book – the Scriptures — that give you something to hang your hat on. So many people don’t have this anymore.
Final question, after people have read this book what do you want them to take away with them for life application?
I think the basic theme behind it all is that no matter what role you are in that you do have a chance to serve. You can honor God with whatever circumstances you have been given. Maybe it is washing pots and pans, maybe it is carrying out the garbage, or maybe it is being a head football coach, but that is essentially what we are called to do — to honor Him with how we serve other people. Hopefully, everybody can think about their role and how it applies to them.
Dan Hampton at the Little Rock Touchdown Club Part 4 Mike Singletary: Christ Means Everything – CBN.com Uploaded on Aug 25, 2010 Shawn Brown talks to the tough-as-nails coach of the San Francisco 49ers about how he wins in life and in football… The Christian Broadcasting Network CBN http://www.cbn.com __________________________ No one has more respect […]
Dan Hampton at the Little Rock Touchdown Club Part 3 Before Dan Hampton got to speak at the touchdown club this week, Rex Nelson got up and spoke and when he talked about Bobby Petrino taking his Western Kentucky team into Knoxville, he asked, “How many of you think Petrino will get a victory in […]
Dan Hampton at the Little Rock Touchdown Club Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCPWDMKzVs4 Dan Hampton told about the year with the Chicago Bears when they took on the Vikings and they sacked Archie Manning 11 times. In October on 1984 the Bears beat the Vikings but in the process Dan Hampton got to play against one of […]
Dan Hampton at the Little Rock Touchdown Club Part 1 Dan Hampton I really enjoyed the Little Rock Touchdown Club today when Dan Hampton was our speaker. Hampton said that Jimmy Johnson was a great defensive coordinator for him to learn under when he played for Frank Broyles in 1975. Then when Lou Holtz came […]
Rex Nelson impersonates Houston Nutt at LRTC 08 27 12 Published on Oct 2, 2012 Little Rock Touchdown Club has Rex Nelson do the stats for the games played that week. Rex does a lot of impersonations of different people but I like his Houston Nutt the best. Video by Popeye Video – Mrpopeyevideo I have […]
I have written about my past visits to the Little Rock Touchdown Club many times and I have been amazed at the quality of the speakers. Frank Broyles was one of my favorites but Phillip Fulmer, Paul Finebaum, Mike Slive, Willie Roaf, Randy White, Howard Schnellenberger, John Robinson, Mark May, Gene Stallings, Bobby Bowden, Lloyd […]
I have written about my past visits to the Little Rock Touchdown Club many times and I have been amazed at the quality of the speakers. (Yesterday I talked about Phillip Fulmer.)Frank Broyles was one of my favorites but Phillip Fulmer, Paul Finebaum, Mike Slive, Willie Roaf, Randy White, Howard Schnellenberger, John Robinson, Mark May, […]
Rex Nelson impersonates Houston Nutt at LRTC 08 27 12 Published on Oct 2, 2012 Little Rock Touchdown Club has Rex Nelson do the stats for the games played that week. Rex does a lot of impersonations of different people but I like his Houston Nutt the best. Video by Popeye Video – Mrpopeyevideo ______________ I […]
I really enjoyed hearing Gus Malzahn speak at the final Little Rock Touchdown meeting on Nov 19, 2012. He covered several subjects that he covered a few days earlier at a touchdown club in Huntsville. Here are some of his comments from that meeting: But reports that he could be the next coach at Auburn, […]
The U.S. Postal Service is structured to subsist on the revenues it generates from the sale of its products and services. In recent years, however, USPS expenses have exceeded revenues and the government agency now finds itself effectively broke having maxed out its $15 billion line of credit with the U.S. Treasury.
While [Retiree Health Benefits Fund] payments have affected the USPS’s profitability, the USPS would have run deficits each of the past four years even if the agency did not have to make RHBF payments. These non-RHBF deficits would total $14.7 billion, an amount nearly equal to the USPS’s total borrowing authority. [T]hese deficits were produced by a sharp drop in revenues. (Expenses did not fall equivalently.)
Congress has been fumbling around with postal reform legislation for a couple of years now. And as I’ve noted more times than I can count, congressional micromanagement makes it difficult for the USPS to downsize its operations to match 21st century realities. So the USPS is reportedly looking to generate more revenue through higher stamp prices.
The USPS is limited in its ability to increase stamp prices. For “market-dominant” (the government’s amusing euphemism for “monopoly”) products, annual price increases cannot exceed inflation (as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers). The USPS can, however, request a rate increase above inflation on the basis of extraordinary or exceptional circumstances from its regulator, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
The PRC rejected such a request in 2010, but it appears that the USPS will try again. And both the Washington Post and The Hill are reporting that industries forced to use the USPS (greeting card companies, magazines, direct marketers, etc) are non-too-pleased with the prospect of higher prices. The mailers argue that an excessive price increase to deliver their products will speed up the diversion from physical mail to electronic alternatives (and thus hurt their bottom lines).
Here’s my opinion on an exigent increase in stamp prices: the postal service should beprivatized and delivery charges should be determined by market forces. Maybe the mailing industry is paying too little; maybe it’s paying too much. I think it’s impossible to say so long as the government maintains a monopoly on the delivery of its products and delivery prices are set by politicians and regulators. Unfortunately, ending the government mail monopoly and privatizing the postal service isn’t even a topic for discussion in Congress.
Nope, those busy little bees have more important postal matters to attend to (from the New York Times):
As Congress has become less and less efficient, the numbers are all the more striking. In the 111th Congress, which met from 2009 to 2010, members passed 383 statutes, 70 of which named post offices. In the 112th Congress, the last Congress to meet before the current one convened in January, members passed 46 measures naming post offices, out of 240 statutes over all.
I wish President Obama would try to cut spending instead of increasing spending and our debt. Two Very Good GSA Waste Cartoons April 21, 2012 by Dan Mitchell One of my first blog posts back in 2009 featured a column about the Social Security Administration squandering $750,000 on a “conference” at a fancy golf resort in […]
Does Government Have a Revenue or Spending Problem? People say the government has a debt problem. Debt is caused by deficits, which is the difference between what the government collects in tax revenue and the amount of government spending. Every time the government runs a deficit, the government debt increases. So what’s to blame: too […]
What Are the Dangers of Too Much Debt? Published on Mar 20, 2012 Interest payments on U.S. government debt are three times spending in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars already, and that is with the lowest interest rate we have seen since the 1960s. A rise in interest rates would increase interest payments dramatically. What […]
Funding Government by the Minute Published on Mar 28, 2012 At the rate the federal government spends, it runs out of money on July 31. What programs should be cut to balance the budget and fund the government for the remaining five months of the year? Cutting NASA might buy two days; cutting the Navy […]
Does Government Have a Revenue or Spending Problem? People say the government has a debt problem. Debt is caused by deficits, which is the difference between what the government collects in tax revenue and the amount of government spending. Every time the government runs a deficit, the government debt increases. So what’s to blame: too […]
What Are the Dangers of Too Much Debt? Published on Mar 20, 2012 Interest payments on U.S. government debt are three times spending in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars already, and that is with the lowest interest rate we have seen since the 1960s. A rise in interest rates would increase interest payments dramatically. What […]
What Can We Cut to Balance the Budget Published on Oct 16, 2012 Will Rogers has a great quote that I love. He noted, “Lord, the money we do spend on Government and it’s not one bit better than the government we got for one-third the money twenty years ago”(Paula McSpadden Love, The Will Rogers Book, (1972) […]
Does Government Have a Revenue or Spending Problem? People say the government has a debt problem. Debt is caused by deficits, which is the difference between what the government collects in tax revenue and the amount of government spending. Every time the government runs a deficit, the government debt increases. So what’s to blame: too […]
What Are the Dangers of Too Much Debt? Published on Mar 20, 2012 Interest payments on U.S. government debt are three times spending in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars already, and that is with the lowest interest rate we have seen since the 1960s. A rise in interest rates would increase interest payments dramatically. What […]
I wish the federal government would go back to spending less than 5% of GDP like they did the first 150 years of our country’s history. We could cut down on a lot of wasteful spending if we did that. Morning Bell: The Governing Class and Us Mike Brownfield April 19, 2012 at 8:57 am […]
In Part 1, we examined The Character God Requires of people in leadership. He cares greatly about a nation’s political life, for God Himself ordained human government. Without government, society would descend into anarchy. He desires us to live “a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:2) and to pray for “kings and all that are in authority,” that we may indeed do so.
Does God want this just so we’ll have a comfortable, trouble-free life? No. Rather, He knows that when order and good government prevail, that’s the best atmosphere for families to flourish, children be discipled in the faith, and the Gospel shared freely with the lost.
As we said, it is inconceivable that God would have ordained government, then told His people to remain aloof from it.
Now let’s look at The Choice God Respects.
God allows us to choose wicked leaders
It may surprise you, but He gives us that choice! God sets standards but allows us to choose wicked leaders contrary to His own will.
“They set up kings, but not by Me; they made princes, but I did not acknowledge them. From their silver and gold they made idols for themselves — that they might be cut off.”Hosea 8:4
“They set up kings but it wasn’t My will,” God is said. We get the leadership we deserve. Wicked rulers are God’s “reward” — the natural consequences — for wicked people.
The prophet Samuel said to Israel,
“And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which you have chosen you, and the Lord will not hear you in that day.” 1 Samuel 8:18
God says, “You’re going to choose a king, the wrong king, then you’re going to come crying, ‘God, have mercy,’ but I will not hear you because of the king you have chosen.” God allows us to chose even wicked leaders.
The Consequences God Reveals “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”Proverbs 29:2
By our vote we’re either going to have righteous or wicked leaders. There are consequences when we choose wicked leaders. We’re either going to rejoice or weep.
May I tell you with a broken heart that America is in desperate trouble? God has taken down the protective hedge from this nation. Will oceans of tears, rivers of blood, and seas of sweat be the price we’ll pay for turning our backs on Almighty God? Oh, that there would be a mighty spiritual awakening and return to God.
The Control God Reserves
God has not lost control because we have leaders who are out of control. Be assured — wherever man rules, God still overrules.
He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. Scarcely shall they be planted, scarcely shall they be sown, scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, when He will also blow on them, and they will wither, and the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.Isaiah 40:23-24
Politicians come and politicians go, but God endures as King of kings over all nations. We didn’t vote Him in, and we’ll certainly not vote Him out. He is King forever.
If Americans turn their backs on God and continue to support policies that fly in the face of Scriptural principles, thwarting God’s stated will at every turn, then…even where God does not rule, God will overrule.
The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.Psalm 33:10-11
One day I had lunch with Corrie Ten Boom, who suffered so much under Nazi persecution. I decided I would not talk much but just listen. She captured my imagination when said, “There is no panic in heaven, only plans.” I love that. Friend, the Holy Trinity never meets in emergency session. Where man may rule, God still overrules.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord and as the rivers of water. He turneth it whithersoever He will.Proverbs 21:1
Even ungodly rulers become instruments in the hand of Almighty God. Remember how He used Pharaoh in the Old Testament? And the Persian king Cyrus? Even Pilate…when Jesus was condemned. Wherever man rules, God still overrules. Jesus told Pilate, “You don’t have any power but that which is given you of above.” When men shake their fists in His face with wicked decrees, God still rules from heaven. He is King of kings and Lord of lords.
As we approach this important election, remember —
– The character God requires (godly, wise, honest, discriminating, protective)
– The choice God respects
– The consequences God reveals and…
– The control God reserves
The answer is not in the school house, state house, or White House. It’s in the church house, with God’s people. We must —
– Pray for revival.
– Plan for survival.
– Look for His arrival.
Prepare your children that life may not be like it was when you grew up. Get serious, get an open Bible and build into them the truth of God’s Word. Above all, look for His arrival. Jesus is coming.
You ask, “Pastor, is that escapism?” Call it what you will, but I’m looking for Jesus to come. Friend, one day our King is coming.
This is my Father’s world. God has sworn by Himself that one day He will put His King, the Lord Jesus, upon the holy hill of Zion. Our hope is not in Washington, it is in Heaven.
Kingdoms come and kingdoms go, but our Lord rules over all. I love Jesus Christ. I’m not ashamed to call him King. No matter what happens in upcoming elections, the day will come when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
__________
Thank you so much for your time. I know how valuable it is. I also appreciate the fine family that you have and your commitment as a father and a husband.
Sincerely,
Everette Hatcher III, 13900 Cottontail Lane, Alexander, AR 72002, ph 501-920-5733, lowcostsqueegees@yahoo.com
The Long War against God-Henry Morris, part 1 of 6 Uploaded by FLIPWORLDUPSIDEDOWN3 on Aug 30, 2010 _________ Do you think the theory of evolution is true? Check out this short article by Adrian Rogers: “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which […]
Same old story it seems. Kentucky pulls out another close victory over the Vols. This is not the only story I am talking about today. Kentucky’s Alex Poythress (22) shoots between Tennessee’s Josh Richardson, left, and Yemi Makanjuola during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, […]
7 years ago on November 15, 2005 Adrian Rogers passed away. This is a series of posts about the life and ministry of Adrian Rogers. Adrian Rogers Memorial – Come To Jesus Uploaded by jonwhisner on Jan 20, 2011 This video is from Adrian Roger’s Memorial Service held at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN in […]
It pays to remember history. Today I am going to go through some of it and give an outline and quotes from the great Southern Baptist leader Adrian Rogers (1931-2005). Max Brantley of the Arkansas Times started this morning off with some comedy: From pro golfer John Daly’s Twitter account following last night’s Republican debate, […]
Adrian Rogers – [1/2] How to Come Back When You’re Down Adrian Rogers – [2/2] How to Come Back When You’re Down Here are 5 thoughts by Adrian Rogers: Many have asked how should Christians respond to what happened in America on September 11. And after much prayer and reading through God’s Word, I’d […]
In a friendly game of keep away, Barrett Jones demonstrates why he is a formidable opponent on the football field. The mission team he led in Nicaragua visited several schools to share the love of Christ with the children. Special to the Courier ______________ I have written about Barrett Jones several times before in 2011 […]
Dr Rogers was fond of this quote he got from Robert G. Lee: ”Sin will take you farther than you want to go, Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay, Sin will cost you more than you want to pay.“ _________________ Pay Day – Someday by Dr. R. G. Lee Uploaded by BereanBeacon on […]
Kelly’s contribution on the record is relatively minor, duetting with Bing on only the final chorus. Nonetheless, the single is co-credited to her and became her only gold record and 21st gold record for Bing Crosby.
True Love is the name of C.K. Dexter Haven’s yacht, on which he and Tracy Lord honeymooned off the coast of Maine. They are fictional characters in the play The Philadelphia Story, on which the musical is based. Bing Crosby later owned a 55-foot Constellation yacht which he named the True Love.
The song used in “Midnight in Paris” I am going through the famous characters that Woody Allen presents in his excellent movie “Midnight in Paris.” By the way, I know that some of you are wondering how many posts I will have before I am finished. Right now I have plans to look at Fitzgerald, Heminingway, Juan […]
“It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.” It’s said that all the religions in the world could be wrong, but only one can be right. ‘Truth’ must be true for everyone, or it isn’t true for anyone; and more than that, a truth remains true whether it is believed or not. People used to believe the world was flat – that didn’t change the truth though. Truth is never purely subjective, but open to objective assessment. So, what is truth? The most important question anyone can ask – though just asking it won’t necessarily lead us anywhere. The Roman governor Pilate asked Jesus Christ the same question, and then handed him over for execution, famously washing his hands of the responsibility. No, if we are going to seek out truth, we must be willing to follow where it leads. Some people want to be drifters rather than seekers. Real seekers are on a quest for truth.
“but surely all religions lead to God?”
Many hope to find meaning and purpose through religion. But there are many faiths, and many paths a seeker may take in pursuit of truth. Aren’t they all heading in the same direction? But if we start asking some basic questions we discover how radically different they are. Does the source or essence of the religion come from outside a person or from within? Is it derived from an external power or an inner energy? If it is from outside, what is the nature of this power or cosmic force? Is ‘God’ a thing or a person? Is ‘God’ one or many?
Let’s take for example Islam, Judaism, and Christianity? Aren’t they pretty much the same – they all worship one God? A closer look reveals important differences…
To a Muslim, God is above and beyond this world, not involved in the daily lives of his followers, but to be worshipped and obeyed so as to avoid judgement.
To a Jew, God is within reach and has a plan for the world and Israel in particular. He communicated with his people through specific individuals – priests, kings and prophets. He is concerned, compassionate, jealous, loving, forgiving.
To a Christian, God is personal and perfectly revealed in the life of Jesus Christ – the human face of God. Christianity builds upon the Jewish understanding of God; He is a tri-unity – Father, Son and Spirit – above and beyond the world – yet fully engaged within it and desiring us to know him personally.
Some might think that if all good people follow their own religious pathways it would bring about unity of the faiths, mutual respect, and cooperation leading to world peace. Could all these paths lead to the same destination? If that were the case, there’d be no need to argue about which religion is the true one. But what if all paths do not lead to the same destination? As we’ve seen, religious traditions and beliefs differ significantly from one another. Some teach that there are many gods, others that there is only one; some that God is personal, others that God is not. They cannot all be true, and thus it cannot be true that all religions lead to the same destination.
Christianity is the only religion that claims man cannot earn his way to God, but that it is a gift of God through faith. But Christianity’s claim to exclusivity is not for a ‘religion’ – but for a person; that Jesus Christ is the only true Saviour. Even membership of the Christian church does not automatically lead to salvation; only a personal faith response to Christ. Only Christianity teaches that Jesus is God. He cannot be both God and not God. The claims of Jesus are unique. ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’. There are really only three possible responses to his claim – to believe him, to disbelieve him or to withhold belief. The choice is ours.
In his youth, goalkeeper Iain Brunnschweiler played guitar alongside Coldplay drummer Will Champion in a little-known Southampton band called Fat Hamster.”
Brunnschweiler recalled: “We were quite young when we first knew each other, about 12 or 13 years old, and we used to go to the youth activities group at Highfield Church. Will lived in Portswood and I lived in Glen Eyre and we got together with another lad, David Milln, to form a three-piece band. I played the guitar and tried to sing, but I was absolute rubbish!”
While former Hampshire Cricket wicket-keeper Brunnschweiler went on to excel in sport, his old bandmates followed musical careers.
“Will went off to university at UCL in London and met up with Chris Martin and the others to form Coldplay and David’s now a successful drum and bass DJ called DJ Sciphi,” said the 27-year-old, who combines his Totton goalkeeping duties with the role of assistant coach at Hampshire Cricket.
He laughed: “Out of the trio, you’ve got one who plays in one of the world’s biggest bands, one who’s had some singles out as a DJ and me who’s got nothing to do with music any more.Recording a song for Wembley with Totton is the height of my musical career!”
Up to this point many people may be saying that this is all based on some pretty flimsy evidence. However, one of the most revealing things came out when Chris wrote the song “Viva La Vida.” He had previously said he left Christianity because of the biblical view of eternal damnation but what does Chris do with the evil king in the song “Viva La Vida?” Q Magazine asked Chris Martin about the lyric in this song “I know Saint Peter won’t call my name.” Martin said, “It’s about…You’re not on the list… Its always fascinated me that idea of finishing your life and then being analyzed on it…That is the most frightening thing you could possibly say to somebody. Eternal damnation. I know it. It’s mildly terrifying to me. And this is serious.”
Maybe we have heard the last of this journey from Chris?
Coldplay 6-22-12 Dallas, TX Best Opening.MOV Published on Jun 23, 2012 by jaimenolga 1 of Don’t miss the second song of this clip!! It was incredible! (One eye watching you song was great.) Coldplay brought confetti, lights and thousands of fans to the American Airlines Center; see photos from their colorful show Photo Gallery News […]
Coldplay Live in Dallas – Lover’s in Japan Ball Drop Published on Jun 23, 2012 by TheRyanj64 Live From the American Airlines Center in Dallas Texas June 22, 2012 Coldplay – Lover’s in Japan Ball Drop Coldplay brought confetti, lights and thousands of fans to the American Airlines Center; see photos from their colorful show […]
Coldplay – Yellow (Live) @ American Airlines Center Published on Jun 23, 2012 by Crwdickerson Coldplay Performing Yellow @ American Airlines Center Dallas June 22, 2012 Coldplay brought confetti, lights and thousands of fans to the American Airlines Center; see photos from their colorful show Photo Gallery News Sports Lifestyles Comments (0) 3/11 Chris […]
Coldplay “paradise” Dallas Texas 6/22/12 ( Floor View ) Published on Jun 23, 2012 by ccam cher Awesome concert Coldplay brought confetti, lights and thousands of fans to the American Airlines Center; see photos from their colorful show Photo Gallery News Sports Lifestyles Comments (0) 9/11 Chris Martin was brought up as an […]
Coldplay – In My Place (Live in Dallas) June 22 2012 Published on Jun 24, 2012 by maimiaa Coldplay performing at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX Coldplay brought confetti, lights and thousands of fans to the American Airlines Center; see photos from their colorful show Photo Gallery News Sports Lifestyles Comments (0) […]
Viva La Vida Published on Jun 23, 2012 by TheRyanj64 Coldplay’s Viva La Vida at American Airlines Center in Dallas on June 22, 2012 __________ Coldplay brought confetti, lights and thousands of fans to the American Airlines Center; see photos from their colorful show Photo Gallery News Sports Lifestyles Comments (0) 5/11 Chris […]
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto/Hurts Like Heaven (Live) @ American Airlines Center Coldplay brought confetti, lights and thousands of fans to the American Airlines Center; see photos from their colorful show Photo Gallery News Sports Lifestyles Comments (0) 2/11 Published on Jun 24, 2012 by Crwdickerson Coldplay Performing Mylo Xyloto/Hurts Like Heaven @ […]
Coldplay-DALLAS-2012-”Opening, Mylo Xyloto, and Hurts like Heaven!” Published on Jun 24, 2012 by ColdplayDALLAS2012 1:10 is where the concert starts! Sorry for the shaking and sound audio! It was really loud! AND AWESOME! Please THUMB UP and COMMENT if u went to this coldplay concert! And I also hope that this will get a few […]
As far as I know they have never done an interview together. Therefore, I have included separate interviews that they have done below and I have some links to past posts I have done on them too. Shane Warne – Chris Martin Interview (Part 1) Uploaded by HandyAndy136 on Nov 24, 2010 Originally broadcast on […]
As far as I know they have never done an interview together. Therefore, I have included separate interviews that they have done below and I have some links to past posts I have done on them too. Ellen Catches Up with Gwyneth Paltrow Uploaded by TheEllenShow on Oct 14, 2010 It’s been several years since […]
As far as I know they have never done an interview together. Therefore, I have included separate interviews that they have done below and I have some links to past posts I have done on them too. Gwyneth Paltrow & Robert Downey Jr. on Jonathan Ross 2010.04.23 (Part 1) Coldplay: Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland […]
The Arab Israeli Conflict – part 5 : Suez Crisis 1956 & Tripartite attack on Egypt I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is […]
As far as I know they have never done an interview together. Therefore, I have included separate interviews that they have done below and I have some links to past posts I have done on them too. Ellen Catches Up with Gwyneth Paltrow Uploaded by TheEllenShow on Oct 14, 2010 It’s been several years since […]
The Arab Israeli Conflict – part 4: Egyptian Revolution 1952 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: […]
The Arab Israeli Conflict – part 3 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After appearing on […]
The 6 Day War Of 1967 Part 1 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After appearing […]
… The Birth Of Israel (2008) – Part 8/8 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After […]
The Birth Of Israel (2008) – Part 7/8 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After appearing […]
The Birth Of Israel (2008) – Part 6/8 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After appearing […]
The Birth Of Israel (2008) – Part 5/8 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After appearing […]
The Birth Of Israel (2008) – Part 4/8 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After […]
The Birth Of Israel (2008) – Part 3/8 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After appearing […]
The Birth Of Israel (2008) – Part 2/8 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After appearing […]
The Birth Of Israel (2008) – Part 1/8 I have posted before about the religious views of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Now it appears they have rejected their agnostic statements of the past and have decided to raise their children in the Jewish faith. Here is a post from the Huffington Post: After appearing […]
Katheryn Elizabeth “Katy” Hudson[1] (born October 25, 1984), known by her stage name Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter, businesswoman, philanthropist, and actress. She was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. Having had very little exposure to mainstream pop music in her childhood, she pursued a career in gospel music as a teen and released her debut studio album, Katy Hudson (2001). She also recorded a second solo album which never received release.
Perry has received numerous awards and nominations. She has also been nominated for nine Grammy Awards and was named by Billboard as 2012’s Woman of the Year.[2] She remains the only artist to spend 69 consecutive weeks in the top ten of the Hot 100.[3] She has ventured into celebrity endorsement and released fragrances Purr, Meow and Killer Queen. She made her film debut voicing Smurfette in The Smurfs (2011). Perry was ranked at number fourteen on Billboard’s list of top moneymakers of 2011, grossing more than $11 million.[4] She was spotlighted in her own 3D autobiographical film, Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012), which concentrated on her life as a touring artist and the breakdown of her one-year marriage to English comedian Russell Brand.
Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson was born in Santa Barbara, California,[5] to devout Pentecostal pastors Keith Hudson and Mary Perry. She is the second of their three children,[6] and has Irish, Portuguese, English, and German ancestry.[7] She has a younger brother named David (whose stage name is Hudson)[8] and an older sister named Angela. Her mother’s half-brother was director Frank Perry.[9]
As a child, Perry attended Christian schools and camps.[6] She was incorporated into her parents’ ministry,[6] singing in the church between the ages of nine and seventeen.[10] She grew up listening to gospel music,[11][12] and in an interview she said, “Growing up I wasn’t really allowed to listen to a whole lot of what my mom would call, secular music,”[10] She learned how to dance in a recreation building in Santa Barbara. She was taught by seasoned dancers and began with swing, Lindy Hop, and jitterbug.[13] She took her GED during her freshman year at Dos Pueblos High School and decided to leave school in the pursuit of a career in music.[14] Perry initially started singing “because [she] was at that point in [her] childhood where [she] was copycatting [her] sister and everything she [would do].”[14] She took cassette tapes her sister Angela practiced with and rehearsed the songs and performed them in front of their parents. They suggested she take vocal coaching. She grabbed the opportunity and began taking lessons at the age of nine and continued until she was sixteen.
Career
1999—2006: Career beginnings and Katy Hudson
Perry performing on her guitar, an instrument she learned to play when she was just starting her recording career
At 15, Perry’s singing in church attracted the attention of rock veterans from Nashville, Tennessee, who brought her there to polish her writing skills.[15] In Nashville, she started recording demos and was taught by country music veterans how to craft songs and play guitar.[10][12] Perry signed to the Christian music label Red Hill, under which she recorded her first album.[16] Performing as Katy Hudson, she released a self-titled gospel rock album in 2001.[15] She supported this album with The Strangely Normal Tour, accompanied by Phil Joel, LaRue, Luna Halo, Earthsuit and V*Enna.[17] The album was unsuccessful as the label ceased operations at the end of 2001.[16]
At the age of 17, Perry left her home for Los Angeles, where she worked with Glen Ballard on an album for Island Records.[18] Growing up listening to mostly Country Gospel, she had few references when she began recording songs.[10] Asked by the producer with whom she would like to collaborate, Perry had no idea. That night, she went with her mother to a hotel. Inside, she turned on VH1 and saw producer Glen Ballard talking about Alanis Morissette;[10] Ballard produced Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, which had a “huge influence” on her.[15] She expressed interest in working with Ballard to her initial collaborator, who arranged a meeting for her with Ballard in Los Angeles. Perry presented one of her songs to Ballard, who then helped develop her songwriting over the next few years.[10] The album was initially planned to be released during the Fall of 2004 along with a promotional DVD, according to a promotional video on the Java Records website.[19] The album was due for release in 2005,[15][16] but Billboard reported it also went nowhere.[16] Subsequently, Perry was dropped by The Island Def Jam Music Group.[20] Some of her collaborations with Ballard, including “Box”, “Diamonds”, and “Long Shot”, were posted on her official MySpace page.[21] “Simple”, one of the songs she recorded with Ballard, was released on the soundtrack to the 2005 film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.[22][23]
Kelly Clarkson later used “Long Shot” and “I Do Not Hook Up” for her 2009 album All I Ever Wanted.[24] Perry signed to Columbia Records in 2004. However, the label was not amenable with her vision and did not put her in the “driver’s seat”.[16] Instead, one of Columbia’s ideas was to pair her with the record production team The Matrix, who was working on an album, to serve as its female vocalist. Although the album was later shelved,[25] she caught the attention of the music press. Her burgeoning music career led to her being named “The Next Big Thing” in October 2004 by Blender magazine.[16] With no album project ongoing, Perry began recording her own, titled Fingerprints.[26] Eighty percent completed, however, Columbia decided not to finish it and dropped her from the label.[16] In 2004, Perry and Kaya Jones provided backing vocals on Mick Jagger‘s song “Old Habits Die Hard“, which won the 2005 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.[27] While waiting to find another label, she worked in an independent A&R company called Taxi Music. In 2006, she was featured in the tail-end of the video to P.O.D.‘s single “Goodbye for Now“.[28]
2007—09: Breakthrough with One of the Boys
Perry performing in August 2008
While in the process of being dropped by Columbia in 2006, the company’s publicity executive Angelica Cob-Baehler enthusiastically recommended her to Virgin Records chairman Jason Flom.[29] At the time Flom was leading a complete revival in fortunes at the label and looking to crown recent achievements by breaking a global pop act.[29] Despite mixed reactions from fellow Virgin executives, Flom became convinced that Perry could be that breakthrough star and, at the start of 2007, extended discussions with Columbia resulted in her signing to the newly created Capitol Music Group, a merger between Virgin and Capitol. As part of the deal, the label secured the masters to the unfinished album, recorded while at Columbia, that would go on to form a significant part of her official mainstream debut album, One of the Boys.[29]
The Columbia recordings were seen by Flom as being “very strong but lacking an undeniable smash or two that would work both at U.S. pop radio and internationally” and so one of the executive’s first actions after completing the signing was to set up a collaboration between Perry and the writer-producer Dr. Luke.[29] The results were the songs “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot n Cold“. Establishing her image was one of the immediate concerns of her management.[16] A campaign was started in November 2007 with the release of the video to “Ur So Gay“, aimed at introducing her to the music market. A digital EP led by “Ur So Gay” was later released to create online buzz and press story.[6][16][30] This was a successful move that brought Perry to the attention of Madonna,[16] who mentioned her on KISS FM and KRQ‘s JohnJay & Rich morning show in Arizona. On March 10, 2008, she appeared as herself on the ABC Family television series, Wildfire, on the episode “Life’s Too Short“.[31]
In the next step of promoting the album, Perry undertook a two-month tour of radio stations. “I Kissed a Girl”, was released on May 6, 2008. Her A&R, Chris Anokute, told HitQuarters the song and its controversial theme had met with strong resistance at the label: “People said, ‘This is never going to get played on the radio. How do we sell this? How’s this going to be played in the bible belt?'”[30] Anokute said that they needed the support of one of the label’s radio promoters to convince people to believe in the record; otherwise, she would have likely been dropped again. Capitol’s SVP of Promotions, Dennis Reese, saw the vision and helped push the single on national radio. The first station to pick it up and take a chance was The River in Nashville, which is in the Bible Belt. After playing it for three days they were inundated with enthusiastic calls.[30] With the song climbing atop the charts, Perry embarked on the annual Warped Tour music festival, which her management used to “establish her as a credible performer and make sure she wasn’t seen as just a one-hit wonder.”[16] The single was a commercial success, peaking at number one for seven weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.[16] On June 12, 2008, she appeared as herself on the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless,[31] posing for the cover to the June 2008 issue of the fictional magazine Restless Style.[32] Perry also performed backing vocals on the song, “Another Night in the Hills” from Gavin Rossdale‘s 2008 solo album Wanderlust.[33]
One of the Boys was released on June 17, 2008, to mixed critical reviews.[34] The album has reached number nine on the Billboard 200,[35] and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.[36] “Hot n Cold” became her second top three single in dozens of countries around the world, including the United States where it reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100,[16] as well as topping the charts in Germany, Canada, and Denmark. After Perry wrapped up her appearance at the Warped Tour, she went on tours in Europe. She later launched her first headlining tour, the Hello Katy Tour, in January 2009.[16] “I Kissed a Girl” earned her a nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards.[37] She was nominated in five categories at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Female Video, but lost to Britney Spears.[38] She won Best New Act at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards, which she co-hosted,[39] and Best International Female Artist at the 2009 BRIT Awards.[40] On February 9, 2009, both “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot n Cold” were certified three-time platinum by Recording Industry Association of America for individual digital sales of over three million.[41] The Guinness Book of World Records recognized her in its 2010 version as the “Best Start on the US Digital Chart by a Female Artist,” for having her first two singles sell over two million digital copies.[42]
Perry in 2009
The Matrix’s self-titled debut album, which features Perry, was later released via the team’s label “Let’s Hear It” during her solo tour. When the release date was scheduled, “I Kissed a Girl” had been charting well. Matrix member Lauren Christy spoke to Perry about the decision, but she wanted to hold the release until the fourth single of One of the Boys had been dispatched. Despite their communication, The Matrix was released on January 27, 2009 onto iTunes.[43] In January 2009, Perry embarked on her first headlining world tour, the Hello Katy Tour, visiting North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Beginning on January 23, 2009, and ending on November 28, 2009, the tour consisted of 89 concerts. During that time, she also opened select concerts for the band No Doubt, on their Summer Tour 2009.
In June 2009, lawyers acting for Perry opposed the then-recent trademark of Australian fashion designer Katie Perry, who uses her own name to market loungewear.[44] Some media outlets reported this as a lawsuit, which she denied on her blog.[45] Katie Perry reported on her blog that at a hearing with IP Australia on July 10, 2009, the singer’s lawyers withdrew their opposition to the trademark.[46] During the summer of 2009, Perry filmed a cameo appearance for Get Him to the Greek; her scene, in which she kisses Russell Brand was cut, and does not appear in the film. Discussing the issue with MTV, she hypothesized there may have been some fear that seeing the two make out would have taken viewers out of the experience.[47] In 2009, she was featured on two singles: in August, a remix of Colorado-based band 3OH!3‘s song “Starstrukk” (the idea for the collaboration having come after Perry’s tour that featured 3OH!3 as the supporting act, the song being released by iTunes on September 8, 2009); and, thereafter, in December, on “If We Ever Meet Again” from Timbaland‘s album Shock Value II.[48] In October 2009, MTV Unplugged revealed that Perry was one of the artists to perform for them, and that she would be releasing a live album of the performance, including two new tracks, “Brick by Brick” and a cover “Hackensack” by Fountains of Wayne.[49] The album, released on November 17, included both a CD and a DVD,[50] and debuted at No. 168 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
2010—12: Teenage Dream, film debut, and Part of Me
Perry appeared as a guest judge alongside Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, and Louis Walsh during the Dublin audition stage of the seventh series of the British television show The X Factor on June 28, 2010.[51] She was one of the many celebrities chosen to fulfill the role of judge whilst Dannii Minogue was on maternity leave. Perry’s third studio album Teenage Dream was released on August 24, 2010, in the United States. It topped the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 192,000 units.[52] The album has since sold over two million copies in the US, being certified Platinum by the RIAA. It was preceded by the May release of its lead single, titled “California Gurls” featuring rapper Snoop Dogg, which picked atop the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks.[53][54] “Teenage Dream” was released in July as the album’s second single, and also topped the Hot 100. In October, “Firework” was released as the third single from Teenage Dream. It became the album’s third consecutive number one on the Hot 100. As a result, she became the first female in eleven years to have three consecutive number-ones from a single album.[55]
In November 2010, she released her first fragrance Purr. It is packaged in a cat-shaped bottle, and is available through Nordstrom stores.[56] In February 2011, Perry embarked on an extensive world tour in support of Teenage Dream. It was titled the California Dreams Tour and including 124 shows in Europe, Australasia, Asia, North America and South America. It earned over $59 million.[57] That same month, a remixed version of “E.T.” featuring rapper Kanye West was released as the fourth single from Teenage Dream. It topped the Hot 100 chart for five non-consecutive weeks.[58] With “E.T.” at number one on the chart of May 12, 2011, Perry became the first artist to spend 52 consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.[3] In June, the album’s fifth single “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” topped the Hot 100. This allowed her to achieve a record for being the first female to achieve five number one Hot 100 songs from one album, and she tied with Michael Jackson‘s record. Additionally, Teenage Dream boasted a record-breaking six number-one songs on BillboardAdult Pop Songs chart.[59] In October, “The One That Got Away” was released as the sixth single from Teenage Dream, peaking at three on the Hot 100. Teenage Dream became the third album in history to produce six top five hit singles,[60] “The One That Got Away” became the album’s seventh track to reach the top of the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart, the most by any album and setting a new record in the chart.[61]
In July 2011, she made her film debut in the 3D family film The Smurfs as Smurfette. The Smurfs earned $557,771,535 worldwide during its theatrical run, though received many negative reviews from critics. The week of September 17, 2011 marked Perry’ 69th consecutive week in the Top 10 with single “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”.[62][63] On September 23, 2011, she performed, along with Elton John, Brazilian Claudia Leitte, and friend Rihanna, on the opening day of the 2011 Rock in Rio festival, which was extended to October 2.[64] She performed for 100 thousand people, a show that received high praise from critics and audience alike.[65] Perry hosted Saturday Night Live on December 10, 2011 with Robyn serving as the episode’s musical guest. Perry’s work on the episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised her comedic timing and the episode’s digital short which featured Perry and Andy Samberg, however some critics noted that Perry’s performance in the episode was overshadowed by cast regular Kristen Wiig.[66] Her second fragrance Meow was released December 2011.[67] Also in December, she was elected the Artist of the Year by MTV, for their performance on the charts worldwide and won the record during the year.[68] Also that month, she revealed plans to release a Barbie doll that represents her style.[69][70]
On January 5, 2012, Perry was named the sixth best-selling digital artist in the United States, with sales of 37.6 million units according to Nielsen SoundScan.[71] That month, she became the first artist to have five songs sell over 5 million digital units.[72] Later that month, EA Games recruited her to promote their new expansion pack The Sims 3: Showtime.[73] In March 2012, Teenage Dream was re-released under the title Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection. It was preceded by the February release of “Part of Me“, which became the album’s seventh single released and sixth single overall to top the Hot 100.[74] “Wide Awake” was released in May as the album’s eighth and final single, peaking at number two.[75] In June, she revealed plans to launch her own record label, which would be under Capitol Records.[76] In July, her movie Katy Perry: Part of Me was released to theaters under Paramount Pictures.[77][78] It garnered positive critical reviews and grossed $30 million worldwide at the Box Office.[79][80] That September, it was announced that Perry would take home the 2012 “Woman of the Year” Award at Billboard’s Women in Music event, which took place on November 30, 2012 in New York City.[2] She also supported Barack Obama during his campaign for re-election in November 2012.[81]
2013: Prism
Perry told Billboard in late 2012 about her upcoming album: “I know exactly the record I want to make next. I know the artwork, the coloring and the tone….. I even know what type of tour I’m doing next. I’ll be very pleased if the vision I have in my head becomes a reality”. However, Perry mentioned that she does not want the album to be a “Teenage Dream 2.0”, stating: “That would be silly. It’s not of any interest for me to try and outdo myself at every corner. Eventually you just like pop, explode”.[82]. Even though Perry initially said that the record would contain “darker” elements, departing from her previous sound, she later clarified, stating: “There’s not really any darkness on the record, there’s definitely some textures and colors but I think I was saying that when I saw going through a different phase, but I really let that light in”.[83]Diplo,[84]Sia Furler, Klas Åhlund, Greg Kurstin, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Emeli Sandé, Greg Wells, Juicy J, Sarah Hudson, Cirkut, Stacie Orrico, and Bonnie McKee have collaborated with her on the album.[85] Songs that have been recorded for the album include “Double Rainbow”, [85]Bad Photographs”,[86] “It Takes Two”, “Unconditionally”,[87] “Roar“, “Dark Horse”, “Walking on Air”,[88] “By The Grace of God”, “This is How We Do”, “Ghost”, “International Smile”, “Love Me”,[89] “Legendary Lover”, and “Birthday”.[90]
Perry reprised her role as Smurfette in The Smurfs 2, which was released in theaters on July 31, 2013.[91] Like its predecessor, it received many negative reviews from critics. She released her third fragrance, Killer Queen, in August 2013, through Coty, Inc.[92] On July 29, 2013, it was announced that Perry’s fourth studio album would be titled Prism, and is due for release on October 22, 2013.[93] “Roar” made its debut as the album’s lead single on August 10, 2013.[94] Perry recorded a duet with John Mayer, titled “Who You Love”, for his album Paradise Valley, which was released on August 20, 2013.[95] She closed the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards by performing “Roar” live for the first time on August 25, 2013 in a special performance under the Brooklyn Bridge.[96]
On August 20, 2013, due to Perry teaming up with Pepsi and MTV, fans were given the opportunity to unlock song titles, lyrics, and snippets from Prism by tweeting #KATYNOW. After fans heard the two snippets, they chose which one they wanted to be released in full before the album is released.[97]. The two snippets were “Dark Horse” and “Walking On Air”. On August 25, 2013, at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, Pepsi announced “Dark Horse” feauturing Juicy J won, 64% to 36%.[98]. The same day, a 21-second teaser of the official “Roar” music video was released.[99]. “Dark Horse” will be released via iTunes on September 17, 2013.[88] Perry later tweeted: “Dark Horse ft Juicy J is just a PREVIEW of #PRISM when released on Sept 17, NOT the 2nd single”.[100] On September 4, 2013, Billboard announced that “Roar” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.[101] The official full length music video for “Roar” was released the following day.[102]
Rolling Stone ranked Perry 7th in its global Queen of Pop poll in July 2011.[104]Men’s Health dubbed her the “sexiest woman of 2013”.[105] She is a sex symbol[106] and is known for her unconventional style of dress,[13] which is often humorous, bright in color, reminiscent of different decades, and often includes food-related themes[107][108] such as her trademark peppermint swirl bra.[103] Her transformation into an artist began with fashion, inspired by American film actress Dominique Swain‘s portrayal in the 1997 film Lolita.[15] She defines her fashion style as “a bit of a concoction of different things”.[13] Her fashion has caught the attention of designers.[6]
In June 2008, a photo of her posing with a switchblade was criticized.[109] The picture was defended as only an effort to give her a “sexy, harder edge”.[109] She later posed with a spoon, mocking the criticism.[110]
Perry is Pentecostal and an avid supporter of gay rights. According to Dosomething.org, she voted no on Prop 8 (California’s Nov 4, 2008, amendment declaring that marriage is defined as a union solely between a man and a woman).[111] Through Twitter and by performing at his rallies, Perry supported President Barack Obama in his run for re-election in 2012 due to his stance on same-sex marriage,[112] and believing in “equal rights for all”.[113]
She is also known for philanthropy. In October 2012, she performed “Firework” with a fan who has autism on Comedy Central’s “Night of Too Many Stars”.[114] In early April 2013, she worked with UNICEF to assist children in Madagascar with education and nutrition.[115] Later that month, she appeared in a video clip for the “Chime For Change” campaign that aims to spread female empowerment.[116]
Musical style and themes
Her first album is within the gospel music genre.[6][16] She related that her perspective in music was “a bit enclosed and very strict”, and everything she did was church-related.[6] Her second album, One of the Boys, is described as “secular” and “rock,” and reflects a departure from her religious musical roots.[6] Her next album, Teenage Dream, featured more pop songs in contrast to Boys.[13] Many of her songs have been described as EDM or electropop,[117][118] and she herself has been credited as an electropop artist.[119] In her childhood, Perry was introduced to the music of Alanis Morissette and Freddie Mercury, the late frontman of the English band Queen.[25] In her tribute to Mercury on what would have been his 65th birthday, Perry stated; “Without you I wouldn’t be making music or doing what I do because your lyrics inspired me as a 15 year old girl.”[120] Queen’s song “Killer Queen” inspired her to pursue a career in pop music after her first album.[6] She also described that Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill as having influenced her music profoundly; even going on to work with Morissette’s collaborator on the album, Glen Ballard because of that.[15] Perry has also listed Madonna as a significant influence, saying “I want to evolve like Madonna.”[121][122]
Perry has a contraltovocal range.[123] She is artistically involved in her projects, especially in the writing process. Since she could play guitar, she would start writing songs at home and present it to her producers. She is mostly inspired by specific moments of her life, and has said it is easy for her to write songs about heartbreak.[10] Most of the themes in One of the Boys deal with heartbreak, teen adventure, and “puking into toilets”.[15] Her mother Mary once reportedly told English tabloid Daily Mail that she disliked her daughter’s music, calling it “shameful and disgusting”.[6][124] She said Mary was misquoted and told MTV that it was false information.[124] Perry has written songs for other singers, including Ashley Tisdale (“Time’s Up”), Selena Gomez & the Scene (“Rock God” and “That’s More Like It”), Jessie James (“Bullet” and “Girl Next Door”) and Lesley Roy (“Slow Goodbye”).
Her songs “Ur So Gay” and “I Kissed a Girl” have been respectively labeled as being homophobic and promoting homosexuality, as well as “lezploitational“.[6] MTV mentioned criticism about her using “bi-curiosity” as a way to sell records.[124] Perry responded to the controversy surrounding “Ur So Gay”: “It’s not a negative connotation. It’s not, ‘you’re so gay,’ like, ‘you’re so lame,’ but the fact of the matter is that this boy should’ve been gay. I totally understand how it could be misconstrued or whatever….. It wasn’t stereotyping anyone in particular, I was talking about ex-boyfriends.”[125]
She first met Russell Brand in the summer of 2009 when she filmed a cameo appearance for his film Get Him to the Greek.[132] The two began dating after meeting again in September 2009 at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.[133] The couple became engaged in December 2009 while vacationing in India.[134] They married on October 23, 2010, in a traditional Hinduceremony near the Ranthambhore tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan, India.[135] After 14 months of marriage, he filed for divorce on December 30, 2011, citing irreconcilable differences.[136][137] After reaching an agreement on financial issues, a judge granted the divorce request in February 2012. The divorce became effective in July 2012 following a mandatory six-month waiting period.[138] Her autobiographical movie revealed that the disagreement over starting a family led to the end of the marriage.[139] In June 2013, she revealed in an interview with Vogue that Brand divorced her via a text message and never spoke to her again.[86]
News/ Katy Perry Sings With Mick Jagger at Rolling Stones Concert—Watch Now by Rebecca Macatee Today 5:45 AM PDT The Rolling Stones & Katy Perry – Beast Of Burden – Live – By Request Published on May 12, 2013 The Rolling Stones and special guest Katy Perry perform ‘Beast Of Burden’ at the Las Vegas […]
Katy Perry Dedicates Song to Tim Tebow at Super Bowl Party Sun, Feb. 05, 2012 Posted: 07:01 PM EDT Flamboyant pop star Katy Perry dedicated suggestive song “Peacock” to evangelical quarterback Tim Tebow at a pre-Super Bowl party Saturday night. Perry, the daughter of Christian ministers, said “This one goes out to Tim […]
Thompson Twins – If You Were Here (Live in Liverpool) Uploaded on Jul 9, 2006 Live in Liverpool 1983 ____________________ Sixteen Candles Final Scene Movie Ending Video if you were here i could deceive you and if you were here you would believe but would you suspect my emotion wandering, yeah do not want a […]
Phoenix – Trying To Be Cool (Live on SNL) Bankrupt! (2013)[edit] On April 5, 2011, the band posted a blog update on their website entitled “Songwriting…” that revealed CCTV stills of a studio in which the band was working.[19] The band has stated in interviews that the album is going to be a departure from the pop sounds […]
Lykke Li – Tonight Lykke Li – Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? SEE RANK Lykke Li Soundtrack Official Photos » Trivia: Lykke Li has played sold out shows in Central Park (NYC), throughout the rest of the US Europe and the UK, and has appeared on television in the US and Europe including Jimmy Fallon, Conan […]
Lykke Li ”I’m Good, I’m Gone” Uploaded on Jan 30, 2008 Acoustic live version with guests: Robyn, Adam & Bebban (Shout Out Louds), Daniel (The Concretes), Lars (Laakso) and Mikael (Hjalmar). Director: Ted Malmros + Christian Haag Album “Youth Novels” out jan 30 2008. ________________________ Lykke Li – Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? Wikipedia has […]
The Daylights (Music Group) Part 2 Uploaded on Mar 23, 2011 Maggie Mae’s on 6th Street in Austin, Texas. _____________________ Ep 8: “The Daylights” on Stripped Down Live with Curt Smith Uploaded on Oct 14, 2010 The Daylights perform live on our Streamin’ Garage stage. Hosted by Curt Smith of Tears for fears, ; Stripped […]
The Daylights (Music Group) Part 1 Both Ricky and Ran Jackson went to school at Ouachita Baptist in Arkansas and here is a fine story on them at this link. _______________ The Daylights – Guess I Missed You.wmv The Daylights “Terra Firma” Music Video Uploaded on Nov 7, 2007 Music Video for The Daylights and […]
The Poison – The All-American Rejects Avril Lavigne and Tyson Ritter from All American Rejects Talk Almost Alice The All-American Rejects – Dirty Little Secret Tyson Ritter, the leadsinger of the All-American Rejects has admitted that he was a jerk for the last couple of years when he lived a sexually impure life by sleeping […]
The Poison – The All-American Rejects Avril Lavigne and Tyson Ritter from All American Rejects Talk Almost Alice The All-American Rejects – Dirty Little Secret I got to see the All-American Rejects in concert on 12-13-12 in Little Rock and I have written about it several times already. Tyson Ritter, the leadsinger of the All-American […]
Amy Winehouse died at age 27 and unfornately joined the “27 club” which is made of famous rockers that died at age 27. Pete Ham was a member of Bad Finger which was one of my favorite groups that I followed. “Come and get it” was my favorite song of theirs. ___________________________________ Badfinger perform a […]
Does Government Have a Revenue or Spending Problem?
People say the government has a debt problem. Debt is caused by deficits, which is the difference between what the government collects in tax revenue and the amount of government spending. Every time the government runs a deficit, the government debt increases. So what’s to blame: too much spending, or too little tax revenue? Economics professor Antony Davies examines the data and concludes that the root cause of the debt is too much government spending.
Taking from the rich and giving to the poor is no way to grow the economy and running up our national debt doesn’t help either.
Here’s a Gary Varvel cartoon with the exact same message.
Instead of great minds thinking alike, this is a case of great cartoonists thinking alike. Though they probably have great minds as well.
But I don’t want to make too many fawning comments since I would modify both of these cartoons so that the kids were looking at papers that said “Medicare” and “Social Security” instead of “debt.”
It’s always important to focus first and foremost on the disease of spending, after all, and not the symptom of red ink.
Last but not least, I can’t resist linking to this comedian’s video, which includes some very good economic insights about work incentives.
Max Brantley is wrong about Tom Cotton’s accusation concerning the rise of welfare spending under President Obama. Actually welfare spending has been increasing for the last 12 years and Obama did nothing during his first four years to slow down the rate of increase of welfare spending. Rachel Sheffield of the Heritage Foundation has noted: […]
I have put up lots of cartoons from Dan Mitchell’s blog before and they have got lots of hits before. Many of them have dealt with the economy, eternal unemployment benefits, socialism, Greece, welfare state or on gun control. I think Max Brantley of the Arkansas Times Blog was right to point out on 2-6-13 that Hillary […]
I thought it was great when the Republican Congress and Bill Clinton put in welfare reform but now that has been done away with and no one has to work anymore it seems. In fact, over 40% of the USA is now on the government dole. What is going to happen when that figure gets over […]
Again we have another shooting and the gun control bloggers are out again calling for more laws. I have written about this subject below and on May 23, 2012, I even got a letter back from President Obama on the subject. Now some very interesting statistics below and a cartoon follows. (Since this just hit the […]
watch?v=llQUrko0Gqw] The federal government spends about 10% on roads and public goods but with the other money in the budget a lot of harm is done including excessive regulations on business. That makes Obama’s comment the other day look very silly. A Funny Look at Obama’s You-Didn’t-Build-That Comment July 28, 2012 by Dan Mitchell I made […]
I have written a lot about this in the past and sometimes you just have to sit back and laugh. Laughing at Obama’s Bumbling Class Warfare Agenda July 13, 2012 by Dan Mitchell We know that President Obama’s class-warfare agenda is bad economic policy. We know high tax rates undermine competitiveness. And we know tax increases […]
Dan Mitchell Discussing Dishonest Budget Numbers with John Stossel Uploaded by danmitchellcato on Feb 11, 2012 No description available. ______________ Dan Mitchell of the Cato Institute has shown before how excessive spending at the federal level has increased in recent years. A Humorous Look at Obama’s Screwy Budget Math May 31, 2012 by Dan Mitchell I’ve […]
Sometimes it is so crazy that you just have to laugh a little. The European Mess, Captured by a Cartoon June 22, 2012 by Dan Mitchell The self-inflicted economic crisis in Europe has generated some good humor, as you can see from these cartoons by Michael Ramirez and Chuck Asay. But for pure laughter, I don’t […]
Another great cartoon on President Obama’s efforts to create jobs!!! A Simple Lesson about Job Creation for Barack Obama December 7, 2011 by Dan Mitchell Even though leftist economists such as Paul Krugman and Larry Summers have admitted that unemployment insurance benefits are a recipe for more joblessness, the White House is arguing that Congress should […]
Dan Mitchell hits the nail on the head and sometimes it gets so sad that you just have to laugh at it like Conan does. In order to correct this mess we got to get people off of government support and get them in the private market place!!!! Chuck Asay’s New Cartoon Nicely Captures Mentality […]
Cato Institute scholar Dan Mitchell is right about Greece and the fate of socialism: Two Pictures that Perfectly Capture the Rise and Fall of the Welfare State July 15, 2011 by Dan Mitchell In my speeches, especially when talking about the fiscal crisis in Europe (or the future fiscal crisis in America), I often warn that […]
John Stossel report “Myth: Gun Control Reduces Crime Sheriff Tommy Robinson tried what he called “Robinson roulette” from 1980 to 1984 in Central Arkansas where he would put some of his men in some stores in the back room with guns and the number of robberies in stores sank. I got this from Dan Mitchell’s […]
I have put up lots of cartons and posters from Dan Mitchell’s blog before and they have got lots of hits before. Many of them have dealt with the economy, eternal unemployment benefits, socialism, Greece, welfare state or on gun control. Amusing Gun Control Picture – Circa 1999 April 3, 2010 by Dan Mitchell Dug this gem out […]
We got to cut spending and stop raising the debt ceiling!!! When Governments Cut Spending Uploaded on Sep 28, 2011 Do governments ever cut spending? According to Dr. Stephen Davies, there are historical examples of government spending cuts in Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, and America. In these cases, despite popular belief, the government spending […]
I have put up lots of cartons and posters from Dan Mitchell’s blog before and they have got lots of hits before. Many of them have dealt with the economy, eternal unemployment benefits, socialism, Greece, welfare state or on gun control. On 2-6-13 the Arkansas Times Blogger “Sound Policy” suggested, “All churches that wish to allow concealed […]
Gun Free Zones???? Stalin and gun control On 1-31-13 ”Arkie” on the Arkansas Times Blog the following: “Remember that the biggest gun control advocate was Hitler and every other tyrant that every lived.” Except that under Hitler, Germany liberalized its gun control laws. __________ After reading the link from Wikipedia that Arkie provided then I responded: […]
On 1-31-13 I posted on the Arkansas Times Blog the following: I like the poster of the lady holding the rifle and next to her are these words: I am compensating for being smaller and weaker than more violent criminals. __________ Then I gave a link to this poster below: On 1-31-13 also I posted […]
