Sunday, October 31, 2010

Walt Disney


Someone who needs no introduction, or explination is Walt Disney.

His multi-billion dollar empire began with the drawing of a mouse on a train. Now it includes theme parks around the globe, a cruse line, and and endless investment in television and video, just to name a few.

He grew up on a farm and recalls those years as his best. He was forever a kid at heart and lives in the memories of millions of people.


This video is a tribute to his life, and how he is the American Dream

From Fear to Freedom- Larry Silverstein World Trade Center Owner


Larry Silverstein was born in Brooklyn, New York. He started a real estate company at a young age along with his father. Silverstein did not come from a lot of money and recalls taking his now wife on a date to the Staten Island Ferry, for only a nickel.

He began to invest in corporate buildings all around Manhattan. In the 1970’s he won a bid to construct 7 World Trade Center. He recalls looking at the Twin Towers and envisioning one day owning them as well.

In 2000 he put a bid up for the World Trade Center and won. The lease papers were signing on July 24, 2001. Only weeks before they were attacked. He was now the CEO of the entire Trade Center.

On the morning of September 11th he got in an argument with his wife because she wanted him to stay home and go to the doctor. In order to “keep his sweet heart happy” he did not go into work that day.

His life was saved by not going in, and so was that of his two children who were supposed to arrive in work 15 minutes later.

Silverstein is still the owner and working on the construction of the freedom towers. His vision is that it will have the same awe and amazement factor that Rockefeller Center had in the 1930’s.

The site will be several buildings along with a memorial to honor those killed in the 9/11 attacks. In his old age he hopes to be around for the great day in less than a decade when the new site will open to the public.
FOX News has reciently done a special, on Larry Silverstein on the Rise of Freedom out of the terror site on September 11th 2001.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Dreams that you dare to dream really do come true- Judy Garland "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

One song that is embedded in many American’s hearts is Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and at the root of that song is Judy Garland.


Judy Garland was born on June 10th 1922 in Minnesota. Her father was involved with vaudeville and her mother was a typical stage mom. She had two older sisters and they all began performing at a very young age. At the age of four years old Judy stole the show from her sisters with her outstandingly mature voice and charm.


Not long after that she began to travel around the United States to perform their biggest success as a trio was at the World’s Fair, where they appeared as the Garland Sisters. “Baby” also known as Judy, made it all the way to California and signed a contract with MGM.


Throughout their lives the family suffered financially with the father losing his business several times and also emotionally with the depression that was derived from that experience. Judy never hesitated to give it her all on stage and do well for her family. In her teen years she suffered the loss of a parent when her father died.


She then was more determined than ever to do well. Judy was never seen as a sex icon like Marilyn Monroe. Rather she had a lot of pressure from MGM to lose weight. They then put her on pills to boost energy and reduce weight. From this point she had to take sleeping pills to wear off the effects of the other pills. This began her life long struggle with drugs.


Despite her hardships Judy landed her starring role in 1939 playing Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ. The film was an instant hit, and one that has lasted through the generations. In fact the most popular song Somewhere over the Rainbow was almost removed from the film because it was too long and boring for the audience. The decision to keep it may have been one of the best MGM had ever made.


From then on Judy Garland married and divorced several times. She also was a part of the original “Rat Pack”, which according to those involved in it like Frank Sinatra, it was much wilder than the Hollywood version of the group. She had two children Liza and Lorna, both of which have had great success as singers.


Her career branched out to Broadway, Hollywood, Singing, Television, and Radio, despite all of her success she was never truly happy and died of an accidental overdose.


She is an example of the American Dream because she came from a poor family in Middle America, to someone with whom almost anyone can recognize. She also bore two children who have become stars and the people who knew her claimed she had a lasting effect on them and everybody she met. From singing as a child at Clarke Gable’s birthday party to a world known super star, Judy Garland achieved great success based on the great talent and poise she possessed.

Today her songs can be heard on American Idol, Brittans got Tallent and so much more. Her most recient accomplishment is a wax figure in Madam Teuseus Wax Museum and a 4d version of the Wizard of OZ displayed there as well.



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Famous for Nothing


While there are a plethora of famous singers, actresses, and models there is one person who is ultra famous for being none of those things. Kim Kardashian is one of the biggest names in television and movies, who claimed her fame for being herself.

Kim stars in her own reality show along with her family. The show reveals the true Kim to the audience she says, “ I’m not a drinker, and when I’m up on the table dancing, it’s for the picture. Then I sit right back down. I play into the perception of me, but it’s not really me. And the show reveals that.”

This week Kim will come out with a new spread in W magazine that features her, nude. While she regretted her last nude photo shoot for Playboy, she believes this one shows how much she has matured as an adult.

Her fame and fortune come from people liking who she is and feeding into her personality. Kim is a great example of being yourself, following you dreams and living the American Dream.

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Situation



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W-nCmN_Ovk

From a small town in New Jersey to Hollywood in less than a year. It might not seem possible, but from the "Jersey Shore" to "Dancing with the Stars" Mike Sorrentino is an up-an-coming American star.

When the name "The Situation" is said people know exactly who you are talking about. What many people do not know is who Mike really is and where he comes from.

His mother is a stay at home mom, and father an electrician. Mike attended a community college and obtained an Associates degree from Kane University. He worked in the mortgage field before the economic down turn. At this point he took a risk and joined the cast of a new reality show called the "Jersey Shore."

The show became an instant hit and within a few months he gained his fame. He is living out the American dream in all of his success, but still remains close to home and every Sunday spends quality time with his family.

I am sure there is a lot more to come from Mike Sorrentino in his Hollywood career.