an interesting take on the real problem of africa which is corruption. and on how shallow the concerts really are.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/sendung/0,1580,220152,00.html#
*edit* link expired, unless you can find an archive on that site its changed to the new show this week.
the interview is about 6 minutes long and is with carl zeigler from the center for accountability and debt relief.
shareFound an interesting news report. The Live 8 organizers and rockers wanted to be seen as the conscience of the world forcing those terrible political hypoctrites to listen to the cries of the African people. Seems like they have their own problems with hypocrisy. If they really wanted to do some good perhaps tickets should have ben sold and their own wallets opened to help those in need.
With Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff
For the story behind the story...
Sunday, July 3, 2005 9:55 a.m. EDT
'Live 8' Stars Got $12,000 Goodie Bags
Rock stars who lent their talents to Saturday's "Live 8" concert to fight poverty in Africa reportedly performed for free, but that's only if you don't count the luxurious "goodie bags" that were provided by organizers at one venue.
In Philadelphia, each celebrity performer was treated to a Hugo Boss duffel bag loaded with high-fashion trinkets valued at about $3,000, according to The Associated Press.
And that's not all.
The altruistic artists were also feted in a special luxury lounge, where they reportedly chose from an array of expensive parting gifts.
Some of the items scarfed up by the compassionate crusaders:
Hugo Boss suits, valued between $800 and $1,000 each
XM satellite radios and subscriptions worth $500
Gibson guitars costing $2,000 each
Bertolucci watches, valued between $1,500 and $6,000
In all, a poverty-fighting rock star worth his salt could walk away with as much as $12,000 hunger relief loot, the AP said.
"We want this to be a thank-you to the celebrities who are giving up their time and energies," explained Nicole Cashman, whose firm was tagged by organizers to put the pricey goodie bags together.
No word yet on whether any of the leftover Hugo Boss suits and Bertolucci watches will be given to starving Africans.
Lady:
I agree with your point about rich rock stars and their charities, but I'd like to point a few things out just the same.
>>With Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff
>>For the story behind the story...
>>Sunday, July 3, 2005 9:55 a.m. EDT
>>'Live 8' Stars Got $12,000 Goodie Bags
NewMax is a right-wing Republican propaganda dispenser.
If you base your "news" on sources like that be prepared to defend them vigorously. So, for me, knowing that NewMax is just one of many mouth pieces for the Republicans then I have to wonder if there is more to this that they are not disclosing. For example how many of these stars actually cashed in on the goodies? How many passed them by? Of course that wasn't covered in the story. One cannot raise the ire of the publiic with the whole truth.
I agree that the "goodie-bags" put a decidedly negative slant on this entire event, but if you are going to start picking on these guys about "goodie-bags" then I hope you'll also start picking on the Golden Globe nominees, the Acadamy Award nominees, and any other actor nominated to any award of any note. The "goodie-bag" has become a fixture at these events. And there's another thing to consider. The contents of the "goodie-bag" are free advertizing for the suppliers. Probably a better deal than a thirty second spot on a major network.
Of course I would like to see some starving Africans in a Hugo Boss suit. Maybe one Hugo Boss suit, broken down, could make a good ten for..oh say...ten Africans.
Yadda yadda yadda
So you would shoot the messenger? Newsmax was not the only one to report the goody bags and other celebrity nonsense. Just because the source of the report was Newsmax doesn't lessen the truth of the matter. The truth is that the rock stars, movie stars, celebrities of all kinds all talk the talk or as you so eloquently put it, yadda yadda, but instead of opening up their personal wallets, they blather on about "raising awareness". And you are right, they EXPECT these little goody bags and other perks as their right as celebrities. Very few of them have done what they are asking their governments to do. The goody bags are the least of the hypocrisy since the money spent on publicity, security, catering, travel arrangements and t-shirts was in essence a publicity ride for the stars involved. Couldn't that money have been gathered and spent on the very thing they were so sanctimoniously protesting about?
As far as the other award shows you mention, apples and oranges. Those shows are not intended for raising money for causes. They are not advertised to be a fundraiser. They are advertised to be an awards show. I will agree with you, however, in that Hollywood, etc., spends alot of time congratulating themselves. Maybe they should sell tickets to events and turn the money over to charities of all kinds, instead of just grabbing their goody bags as they moan about what others are not doing to help.
[deleted]
Lady: (and I use the term loosely)
"So you would shoot the messenger?"
In this case? Yes. Newsmax is the most biased of the biased. Second only to Faux. "We tell you what to decide."
"Newsmax was not the only one to report the goody bags and other celebrity nonsense."
How many reported which stars accepted the goody bags? How many reported which stars did not accept the goody bags? I've asked these two questions before.
Bad is news and good is boring. You know the thing is some of this crap just isn't news. Saying stars are getting goody bags is kind of like saying they breath air or drink water.
"Just because the source of the report was Newsmax doesn't lessen the truth of the matter. The truth is that the rock stars, movie stars, celebrities of all kinds all talk the talk or as you so eloquently put it, yadda yadda, but instead of opening up their personal wallets, they blather on about "raising awareness"."
Reporting that stars are getting goody bags is not news. Making the star the villian for accepting something for free and not mentioning the vendor as complicit in the "crime" is just bad biased reporting. When a star performs for free and gives up time they are indeed opening up their wallets. Look at it this way. Say you give up a weeks salary to do something for someone else. Did that affect your wallet? I'd say it does.
Yadda yadda yadda is my signature line.
"And you are right, they EXPECT these little goody bags and other perks as their right as celebrities."
I didn't put it that way. I see you are practiced at putting words in others mouths. I'm sure you could make a great career of that...at Newsmax and maybe Faux.
"Very few of them have done what they are asking their governments to do. The goody bags are the least of the hypocrisy since the money spent on publicity, security, catering, travel arrangements and t-shirts was in essence a publicity ride for the stars involved."
It also put money into the pockets of publicity agents, security guards, food service people, and travel agents. I see what you mean. It's really BAD. So you are saying that Free Enterprise is bad right? Two can play at your game. How am I doing by the way?
I guessed you missed the point about the goody bags being good advertising for the companies filling them. What a shock! And really who's to blame here? The star for taking something free or the company giving stuff away (and charging the average buyer more) for the publicity?
"Couldn't that money have been gathered and spent on the very thing they were so sanctimoniously protesting about?"
Call Armani and Bertolucci and let them know. You are a potential customer too you know? I think blaming the stars is more than a little misplaced. Funny that you would attack the beneficiaries and not the ones who really make this stupid habit possible. The businesses involved.
"As far as the other award shows you mention, apples and oranges."
In regard to goody bags? Nope! In regard to your response to my two cents? Bingo!!! Have you ever considered a remedial 'reading for comprehension' course?
"Those shows are not intended for raising money for causes. They are not advertised to be a fundraiser. They are advertised to be an awards show."
They also feature goody bags right? That is what we were talking about right? What meds are you on anyway? You might want to call your doctor and double check your dosages.
"I will agree with you, however, in that Hollywood, etc., spends alot of time congratulating themselves."
I never said that. What's your freaking problem? I can speak for myself. I don't need some nut-job doing it for me. Got it?
"Maybe they should sell tickets to events and turn the money over to charities of all kinds, instead of just grabbing their goody bags as they moan about what others are not doing to help."
If the star is there without any hope of compensation they are doing something to help. See my paragraph about not getting paid for you time if you find this confusing.
Maybe promoters should sell tickets to these events. That is not a bad idea. And then when someone buys a ticket they are volunteering their money to a cause and getting some entertainment too. Not a bad deal.
Oh and Yadda yadda yadda
To those following this thread, please forgive the insults. But I just can't help it.
Calm down, bbean. We can reasonably discuss the topic. There is no need for you to go ballistic. You ended your reply with "...please forgive the insults. But I just can't help it." Perhaps, if you truly wish to have someone listen to your discussion, and be persuaded by your arguments, you may want to keep your discourse on topic, and free from snide, childish remarks of a personal nature.
The difference in events in which actors are given tokens of esteem by businesses is still a valid point. My comment was directed to the differences in the purpose of the events. I do think the actors accepting goody bags at a promotional event, raising awareness for a cause, is in bad taste. Actors accepting goody bags at a ceremony honoring themselves is, in their minds, good hostessing, I'm sure. That is the difference I was trying to describe. Perhaps you could join me in that reading comprehension course?
I never called it a crime. That is an inflammotory term you introduced into the discussion.
"I guessed you missed the point about the goody bags being good advertising for the companies filling them. " No, you missed the point. There should not have not been any goodies or advertising or publicity regarding these businesses! The point is money was spent to placate celebrities and to entice the celebrities to spend more at their stores, not to support any relief program. Why could they not put the same amount of money spent on goodies for not-starving celebrities in to funds directly given to aid organizations? You keep missing the point! This event was supposed to help Africa Relief, not promote celebrities, businesses or egos!
In answer to your question about my contributions...I have donated money to several organizations, primarily Catholic Relief and Unicef, that try their best to feed children in many parts of the world. I have also volunteered locally when the hurricanes hit here, and in several areas in this country during disasters, not just putting my face in front of a camera getting free publicity like the actors/singers/stars raising awareness that food banks were running low after hurricane relief.
If the celebrities and business, like Armani, really want to help, get out the checkbook and donate cash, not awareness. Buy food, not publicity. Raise money, not egos. Give up part of their wealth, instead of mouthing platitudes of support so that Africans can fill mouths with food. I commend the few I have heard say "I gave money out of my pocket, so can you" such as Sandra Bullock's response to Tsunami Relief and Angelina Jolie work with Unicef and her adoption of children from underprivledged countries. Their admittance that financial contributions are necessary and that they have opened their wallets leads others who admmire them to open their own.
It should be about getting money and food to the starving, not about egos and publicity.
Lady: (and I use the term very very loosley)
"Calm down, bbean."
I am calm. Just smiting dragons is all dragon lady.
"We can reasonably discuss the topic."
No we can't you went off topic and then accused me of going off-topic. Then you put words in my mouth. I can speak for myself, I certainly don't need a right wing nut job doing it for me.
"There is no need for you to go ballistic."
Not going ballistic. Just smiting dragons dragon lady.
"No, you missed the point. There should not have not been any goodies or advertising or publicity regarding these businesses! "
Like I said call them. Let them know what you think. I have!
"You ended your reply with "...please forgive the insults. But I just can't help it." Perhaps, if you truly wish to have someone listen to your discussion, and be persuaded by your arguments, you may want to keep your discourse on topic, and free from snide, childish remarks of a personal nature. "
Lady you put words in my mouth. I would never dispresect anyone that way. Ever! So as soon as you did that I took the gloves off. Get it? You want intelligent discourse? Don't stoop to the level of a vindictive idiot. You are obviously brighter than that.
"It should be about getting money and food to the starving, not about egos and publicity. "
You are right about that. So please stop making this about something else. If this is the way the "powers that be" want to conduct charity relief it's up to them. If you don't like it you know what you can do. As I have done. Call them. Suggest just exactly what you've suggested here. You have an excellent point. I'm sure you can persuade them that there are better ways. And if enough of us do it and they realize it will affect the bottom line, they just might change.
But for crying out loud don't bash the actors for trying to raise awareness. Chances are they were talked into it by agents who "know what's best for them." You have NO EARTHY IDEA what they went through before they became famous. Believe me. To make it in that business you have to never give up and also put up with YEARS of unbelievable silly and demeaning BS.
The stories I could tell you from the people I've met.
By the way the most effective thing you did was to volunteer when hurricanes hit. I did the same thing when Mitch devasted South America. I help feed the homeless almost every weekend. And I never, ever donate to a large charity. It's just a waste of money. Their overhead eats up a good 25% of what they are given.
Yadda yadda yadda
bbean
I was in the business until a car accident took one of my knee caps. I know the people in the business. I have every earthly idea what it takes to make it big. I have been on the road with major productions, like my agent told me to do.
To simply show up for a gig is not enough from people we have set up in our society as heroes and role models. You raised a great issue in another post. Our government may not give the most per capita but we do give as individuals. (I apologize if I am mis-quoting you from another message.)What would encourage more people, especially youth, to give from our plenty? Seeing their role models and heroes doing more than just talk about a problem!
I don't blame the actors and celebrities...I want actors and singers and dancers and musicians to be the ones in the forefront as examples of giving what you can give to support the ideals you profess. It is just not enough to talk and sing and raise awareness, you have to be willing to be the one doing what you are asking others to do. Wouldn't it have been great if any one of those stars had said "Here's my check for $****,. Now who is going to match that and stand by my side to help African Relief?"
I give to Catholic Charities because I go over with the donation of money and clothes and food. I give to Unicef because I have friends who work through that charity.
I am not a nut bag, I don't take meds. I am not a dragon you have to slay.
I just want the people I know and admire to do more than talk about a problem.
Lady Epona
Lady:
Like I said before there was a problem the moment you attributed something to me that I did not say.
I'm sorry to hear about your knee-cap. I hope modern medicine has come up with a solution for you. If not now soon. If not soon sometime. Maybe if you were back in the business we'd all see a bit more honesty. I hope so.
Unfortunately any inclination I might have had to give to a Catholic charity evaporated when the first allegations of child abuse came out of Boston. It's going to take an act of God (no pun intended) to get me to change my mind about that. And I'm not blaming Catholics in general but the people at the top who should have gone public immediately. Instead they left an indelible stain on the church.
I don't trust major charities to spend the money they are given wisely because their overhead is too high. There is always someone in such an organization that has to be paid. If I do it myself I know where the money or effort is going.
"I don't blame the actors and celebrities"
I disagree. You did!
If you want to look to celebrities to admire I suggest Harrison Ford, Tom Selleck or Oprah Winfrey. All of them speak their minds and do good deeds. None of them are perfect, but they are all human. And most importantly they think for themselves.
Yadda yadda yadda
Edited for spelling.
I'm replying to this:
Found an interesting news report. The Live 8 organizers and rockers wanted to be seen as the conscience of the world forcing those terrible political hypoctrites to listen to the cries of the African people. Seems like they have their own problems with hypocrisy. If they really wanted to do some good perhaps tickets should have ben sold and their own wallets opened to help those in need.
They have and they do. They just don't wear their donations on their sleeve to impress the world. Most of the people involved in this, especially the rockers and actors, have donated more per year than most of us normal folks make! But they still cannot, all combined, impact extreme poverty in the way that these powerful 8 nations can with their money.
It's really easy to be critical of these people. What have YOU done?
Try adding just your voice, no money required, at www.one.org
even a broken clock is right twice a day.
anyways, you think they didnt get goodie bags?
and the audio link is expiring, new show each week. i don'tthink they keep archives.