Michael Douglas in Economic Conference in Davos, Switzerland: "Don't Underestimate Star Power"

Yahoo News ^ | 1/27/06

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Michael Douglas knows that those who attend the World Economic Forum can move mountains and make mounds of money. But a little star power — be it Bono, Angelina Jolie or Peter Gabriel — never hurts.

"It's an impressive group, to say the least, that covers a broad spectrum," said the 61-year-old actor-producer, adding that the free-flow nature of the event promotes dialogue in a friendly environment.

"People seem to let their hair down a little bit and loosen their ties. And there is a lot of give and share that's going on both in front on the panels and behind," Douglas told The Associated Press.

"So it's a learning experience for me and, I guess my from end, I hope they will recognize as they have from Bono's efforts and others, that many of us on the entertainment side can talk about the issues," he said.

Douglas won a best-actor Oscar for his role in 1987's "Wall Street." He also has starred in "Fatal Attraction," "Traffic" and "Wonder Boys," among other films.

As for using celebrity to advance causes, Douglas said that can be a double-edged sword.

"We obviously help fundraising a whole lot, and as spokespersons you bring the issue on the table as a message of peace from the United Nations talking about disarmament, in particular areas (like) weapons of mass destruction, nuclear disarmament," he said.

"People tend to get an audience from television when celebrities are involved. That helps. The danger is when you get in over your head and then you lose your credibility."

[mewzilla]

The danger is when you get in over your head and then you lose your credibility.

Gee, ya think?

Snort.

[SoFloFreeper]

AAAAAAAAAAAAhhh yes, the Hollywood power elite did so much for Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in '04.

[paudio]

Somebody should tell him: Don't overestimate 'star' power!

[LegendHasIt]

Kirk just didn't spank that boy enough.

(And Catherine probably spanks him too much ;-)

[MEG33]

Remember this one?

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1338447/posts
Eason's Fables-- the sordid Jordan Story
various FR links & stories | 02-08-05 | the heavy equipment guy


Posted on 02/08/2005 4:25:08 AM CST by backhoe



A CNN Executive Says G.I.s in Iraq Target Journalists -- Eason Jordan, ignited an Internet firestorm last week when he told a panel at a World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, Switzerland, that the American military had targeted journalists during operations in Iraq.

About faces -- When challenged, Mr. Jordan could provide no evidence to support the charge, and subsequently lied about having made it, though the record shows he had made a similar charge a few months before, and also earlier had falsely accused the Israeli military of targeting journalists.

snip

Yeah..They love to let their hair down and knock the US

[Dr. Scarpetta]

You have a great memory!

[Dr. Scarpetta]

It only cost $25,000 per person to attend.

Who paid for John Kerry?

[LegendHasIt]

Soros

[REPANDPROUDOFIT]

Michael Douglas knows that those who attend the World Economic Forum can move mountains and make mounds of money. But a little star power — be it Bono, Angelina Jolie or Peter Gabriel — never hurts.

And this is the all-important conference that took Kerry and others away from their U.S. Senate business at such a crucial time? How much did it cost me to be so gloriously represented at this farce?

[maggief]

No ring?



Former U.S. President Bill Clinton pauses before speaking during a special address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Saturday Jan. 28, 2006. The World Economic Forum turned its eye toward politics and the Middle East Saturday, with visitors and leaders focusing on Iran's push to develop nuclear power and creating calm in neighboring Iraq. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)



U.S. actor Michael Douglas, left, listens to a special address by former U.S. President Bill Clinton at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Saturday Jan. 28, 2006. The World Economic Forum turned its eye toward politics and the Middle East Saturday, with visitors and leaders focusing on Iran's push to develop nuclear power and creating calm in neighboring Iraq. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

[Alissa]

Didn't Rush say this conference in the beginning produced some good ideas, but now it amounted to little more than a gathering of people who think they are elite checking out the other 'elite' attendees? Or something to that effect - in other words it was meaningless conference of people who consider themselves important, ala John Kerry and Michael Douglas.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Ping

[Just mythoughts]

Thanks, we would just be plain bored without liberals put on shows.

Douglas needs a shave, he is downright hairy ugly.

[NaughtiusMaximus]

One leftist celeb to the other:

"Bush is ruining the economy. When I had to lay off the pool boy I told him it's all Bush's fault. And I'm oppressed too. It's so boring having to get your own towel."

[Zacs Mom]

Thanks for the ping!

Also of interest is this 3 part report by Jay Nordlinger (Managing Editor of the National Review) about the 2005 World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea, in Jordan:

Davos in Jordan, Part I

Davos in Jordan, Part Il

Davos in Jordan, Part Ill

[Reily]

so international economic expertise is now defined by the ability to write a $25,000 check for the attendance fee !

[Alia]

AIM Report: U.N. Covers Up Payments to Journalists. And what "conflict" of interest in "funding" do celebrities pay? Nada.

Last year: Jolie Urges World Leaders to Aid Refugees, 01/05

From January 2005: Live webcasts of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland & Archive Link, 01/05 snip:

Oh. Part I: http://www.alwayson-network.com/comments.php?id=P8216_0_5_0_C

You know, there was a very good reason for all this security, background checks and waiting lines. Here at Davos, the crowd consists of some of the most famous world politicians, VC’s, CEO’s, royalties and Hollywood stars you can think of. Here is the short list of people I met and had a chance to talk to ( I have the pictures and video to prove it too) the last few days; Clinton, Gore, Sorros, Dell, Gates, Tony Blair, George Soros, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Eric Schmidt, Gerhard Schröder, Angelina Jolie (yah baby), Sharon Stone, Richard Gere, Victor A. Yushchenko, Sharon Peres, Peter Gabriel, The president of George, Check Republic, Brazil, SAR, Ted Turner, John McCain, Charles O. Prince, John A. Thain, William Donaldson, Lawrence H. Summers, Maria Bartiromo to name a few …….

--end snip. This particular thread is loaded with data and links.

[Alia]

Thank you for the ping. See post #19 of this thread for highlight links from LAST YEAR'S "WEF" conference.