Nope... I'm not talking about the 'jelly-of-the-month' club. I almost called this post "Better Off Dead?". MSN Money has an article Top-Earning Dead Celebrities. It's amazing the millions of dollars that are still being made by people who are dead. The top 5 dead earners are:
- Kurt Cobain: $50 million
- Elvis Presley: $42 million
- Charles Shultz: $35 million
- John Lennon: $24 million
- Albert Einstein: $20 million
They only listed the top thirteen, and I thought it was interesting that everyone except Einstein was involved in some form of artistic expression (artist, actor, author or musician).
Now, I realize money isn't everything... but you can't tell me that these people are still generating millions of dollars a year by not having any type of influence on the world. I mean, come on...
I don't think a lot of people give much credence to the artistic types. However, throughout history communist regimes have understood the force of the arts - that's why they always tried to silence these types of people first.
I don't know what my point is, really. I suppose... (1) I think we need to pay way more attention to the influence these people have in our society; (2) For those involved in the arts - you need to be aware of the responsibility you have in shaping our world; and (3) As a christian... how is the church utilizing the arts? We SHOULD BE! And I don't mean for the money... but these are the people that touch hearts; these are the people that 'connect' with the masses; these are the people that speak for so many. Would that we Christians could do this more - touch hearts, connect with people, speak for those who can't.
Just something to think about while you're waiting to die.
Peace. Revolution(ate).
9 comments:
Oh....my.......your last sentence knocked the breath out of me. My daughter was walking by and heard my reaction, and said "What's wrong?" I didn't even try to explain.....
Touché!
I realize this is really off the topic (although I do agree with what you have to say and I have also recently contributed to the Kurt Cobain fund with my "heart-shaped box" ringtone) but do you ever think about changing our family photo on the church's website? Not that it matters. I just got quite the chuckle out of it. None of us really look like that at all anymore. I suppose it is kind of fun to look back at that point in life...
have a wonderful day!
from,
your daughter
So what happens to that money? Who gets it?
Carrie Jade,
Yeah, I've had other people tell me I need to change that picture on the church website. I honestly hardly ever even go there - which is not good, because there are several people who have said they visited us because of the website. But... it seems I had a heck of a time getting THAT picture on there at the time, and I almost afraid to mess with it. But someday... :)
See ya,
Dad
Mike,
Um... I dunno where the money goes. Probably to estates or families or whoever owns the rights to their names.
Wouldn't that be crazy to have someone else own the right to your name?
Thanks for stoppin' by.
dan
It may say something about how much we value artists...or perhaps something about how copyright lawyers have scrounged their way to really good living.
Thanks for being an even bigger pessimist than me, Tom. :)
No doubt it's a great big stupid world. But it CAN be redeemed.
peace,
dh
I saw that list the other day and have to say that I gave it no more than a passing thought ... so your comments are much appreciated!
That passing thought? "Wow, my generation [gen x for lack of a better descriptor] is really coming of age now!"
Tammie,
Surely you're not saying we're getting old?! :)
Thanks for dropping by.
peace,
dh
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