Katie Holmes

Holmes bought a house in Wilmington in 2002.

When Dawson's Creek ended its run in 2003, he moved to Los Angeles, California, then New York in 2005 before returning to Los Angeles when she married Tom Cruise.

Holmes, date of Dawson Creek co-star Joshua Jackson at the beginning of show to run the. After the relationship ended peacefully, told Rolling Stone, "I fell, I had my first love, and it was something so incredible and indescribable that I will treasure forever. And why I feel so lucky that he is now one of my best friends . "Holmes met actor Chris Klein in 2000. The Midwest, like Holmes-he grew up in Illinois and Nebraska-Klein and Holmes were hired in late 2003, but in early 2005 she and Klein ended their relationship. Press accounts cited the distance imposed by their race as a factor. In the fall of 2005, Klein said the division, "grew up. The fantasy was over and reality set in"

Holmes told a reporter in 2005, "Chris and I care about each other and remain friends."

In July 2009, Holmes, Nigel Lythgoe, Adam Shankman and Carrie Ann Inaba announced the launch of a scholarship fund named Dizzy Dancing Feet Foundation.

In 2009, he started a clothing line called high fashion with Holmes and Yang stylist Jeanne Yang long time.

The line is made exclusively in Maxfield in Los Angeles and Barneys New York.

In 2011, Katie Holmes filed a $ 50 million defamation against Star magazine following a cover story that suggested she was taking drugs. [89] Star Magazine says that the tabloid is standing by the story and "vigorously defend" the allegations.



Relationship with Tom Cruise



Holmes with Tom Cruise in May 2009.

Weeks after her relationship with Chris Klein ended, Holmes began dating actor Tom Cruise. His first public appearance together was on April 29, 2005, in Rome, David di Donatello Award, the Italian equivalent of the Oscars.

Her family supported her, with his father saying, "We are very excited about Katie," and saying that her daughter was "a very mature young man with a good head on his shoulders. From what I've read and heard about [speed] He is a humanitarian and a real class act. From the perspective of a parent, you're very excited about both. " Sister Tamera Holmes said: "They're both wonderful people."

On May 23, 2005, Cruise appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, jumping on Winfrey's couch and cries declaring his love for Holmes. He went backstage and pulled the embarrassed actress in the program.

Cruise proposed to Holmes on the morning of June 17, 2005, at the top of Paris' s Eiffel Tower, she accepted. In the press conference, attended by Holmes's mother, Cruise announced the news, stating: "Today is a magnificent day for me. I am engaged to a magnificent woman."

On November 18, 2006, Holmes and Cruise were married in the 15th century Odescalchi castle in Bracciano, Italy in a Scientology ceremony attended by many Hollywood stars. actors' publicist said the couple had "officially" in his marriage Los Angeles the day before the ceremony Italian.



Suri Cruise



In April 2006, Holmes gave birth to a daughter named Suri. The Los Angeles Times summarized the written statement Cruise released on the birth, saying the name "is a word with origins in both Hebrew and Persian. In Hebrew meaning" princess "and Persian" red rose ", it was stated release. "Although some Hebrew linguists had never seen the word" princess "written in this way and their meaning, others said it was a Yiddish pronunciation of the Hebrew name" Sarah. "

As of September 2006, Suri had not been seen in public, which led to tabloid stories questioning the existence of the child, contrasting Holmes and Cruise to other celebrity couples with newborns such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. A typical example was the U.S. weekly cover "BABY MYSTERY views' friends refused, canceled baby photos, a wedding delayed, and Katie in seclusion. Better.

The first photographs of the child appeared in October 2006 issue of Vanity Fair, photographed by Annie Leibovitz. In the accompanying story, Holmes said "we were not trying to hide anything" and said he was upset by press coverage. "I do not know what is said in the press. This is my future. This is my family and I care a lot about them. The stories are not good. It eats at me because it's just not right."

This issue of Vanity Fair magazine in the publication became the second best selling issue of all time, selling over 700,000 copies.

Top 10 Food Additives To Avoid

It might be common knowledge to you that most processed foods are not ideal for our health. These foods are often laden with artificial chemicals which can cause all sorts of havoc to our body. Typically these food additives are not easy to identify, as they are hidden under a variety of names and codes and usually in very small font.



Top 10 Food Additives To Avoid

1. Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet and Equal, is often found in foods labeled "diet" or "sugar free". Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumor, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures.



Acesulfame-K, a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baking goods, gum and gelatin, has not been thoroughly tested and has been linked to kidney tumors. Read more about the dangers ofAspartame here. Found in: diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, coke zero, jello (and over gelatins), desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, breathmints, pudding, kool-aid, ice tea, chewable vitamins, toothpaste.





2. High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America. It is found in almost all processed foods. HFCS packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue damage, among other harmful effects. Found in: most processed foods, breads, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals.





3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / E621)

MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance which overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG may result in adverse side effects which include depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG effects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengaged the "I'm full" function which explains the effects of weight gain. Found in: Chinese food (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome ) many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners, lunch meats.





4. Trans Fat

Trans fat is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products and is among the most dangerous substances that you can consume. Found in deep-fried fast foods and certain processed foods made with margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are formed by a process called hydrogenation. Numerous studies show that trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes and other health problems. Oils and fat are now forbidden on the Danish market if they contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent, a move that effectively bans partially hydrogenated oils. Found in: margarine, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods.





5. Common Food Dyes

Studies show that artificial colorings which are found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings, may contribute to behavioral problems in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ. Animal studies have linked other food colorings to cancer. Watch out for these ones: Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133) - Banned in Norway, Finland and France. May cause chromosomal damage Found in: candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks and pet foods. Red dye # 3 (also Red #40) (E124) - Banned in 1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This dye continues to be on the market until supplies run out! Has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission. Found in: fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products and more! Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102) - Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal damage. Found in: American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more!





6. Sodium Sulfite (E221)

Preservative used in wine-making and other processed foods. According to the FDA, approximately one in 100 people is sensitive to sulfites in food. The majority of these individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who are sulfite sensitive may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe cases, sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway altogether, leading to cardiac arrest. Found in: Wine and dried fruit.





7. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrate (or sodium nitrite) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. This ingredient, which sounds harmless, is actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organs: the liver and pancreas in particular. Sodium nitrite is widely regarded as a toxic ingredient, and the USDA actually tried to ban this additive in the 1970's but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat products. Why does the industry still use it? Simple: this chemical just happens to turn meats bright red. It's actually a color fixer, and it makes old, dead meats appear fresh and vibrant. Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat.





8. BHA and BHT (E320)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer. BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body. Found in: Potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello.





9. Sulfur Dioxide (E220)

Sulfur additives are toxic and in the United States of America, the Federal Drugs Administration have prohibited their use on raw fruit and vegetables. Adverse reactions include: bronchial problems particularly in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It also destroys vitamins B1 and E. Not recommended for consumption by children. The International Labour Organization says to avoid E220 if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Found in: beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products.





10. Potassium Bromate

An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans. Found in: breads

AutoTrader

Auto Trader South Africa is a professional publisher who is proud of our 18-year history and of our staff who work very hard to ensure that we are indisputably the leading media market space for buyers & sellers across all types of vehicles!



Our readership keeps growing and currently stands at 593 000 readers per week in print and more than 452 000 unique online visitors per month. Equally impressive is our inventory of over 40 000 vehicles, which is evidence of our success in bringing people together - a community if you like - who are looking to buy or sell a vehicle. We are glad to be able to offer the largest possible choice of both franchised and non-franchised dealers, independent dealers and private sellers.



The destination for car guys to fuel their passion. Browse thousands of classic and muscle car listings, show off your ride, find or list events, search for parts and compare prices for multiple vendors, or read through tons of editorial content including how-to information.

Fueling car guy passion with thousands of car listings and content. Show off your ride, find or list events, or read through tons of editorial content including how-to information.the ultimate automotive marketplace, with millions of cars listed for sale from thousands of auto dealers and private sellers. With functionality that lets you search for cars by almost limitless criteria -- by color, body style, price, new, used, certified pre-owned, geographically and more -- you're sure to find the right car at the right price.  We are thrilled to have you be part of our community and value your participation with our content and interaction with others in this space.



We want to this to be a fun, useful experience for you and the rest of the community. With that in mind, we came up with 4 simple guidelines that will help maintain an engaging environment.

Vertical Gardening

Vertical Aeroponic Gardening is a technology that started at Disney's Epcot. The Tower Garden by Juice Plus is a 2'x2' gardening device that will revolutionize the way that we grow food for ourselves.



This is a major major reason to have a Tower Garden and/or to buy organic from a local farmer you trust.



HOW DOES THE VERTICAL TOWER GARDENS WORK?



When you receive your Tower Garden, simply start your seeds in the window-sill kit that's provided.



After 1-2 weeks, just place the little pods into the openings in the Tower Garden. (See photo).



Next, plug your Tower Garden into an electrical outlet, add some water along with the mineral solution that came with your tower garden.



Lastly, place the Tower Garden outside in a sunny spot and watch your plants grow before your eyes . . . From seed to salad in about 6 weeks.



Since commercial use of Roundup has led to a new generation of “superweeds” resistant to the widely-used herbicide, the next step in the arms race is 2,4-D -- a chemical linked to cancer, Parkinson's and reproductive problems.



Farmers that sign up to use genetically-engineered 2,4-D-resistant corn will be required to spray down their fields with both 2,4-D and Roundup, double-dosing our food, our soil and our waterways with the toxins. Some experts estimate this will increase the use of 2,4-D 50 fold, even though the EPA says the chemical is already our seventh-largest source of dioxins -- nasty, highly toxic chemicals that bioaccumulate as they move up the food chain and cause cancer, developmental damage, and birth defects.



Tower Garden is a patented, aeroponic vertical food production system that supports plant growth without soil.



The system was developed through research and consumer testing at Future Growing LLC, a hydroponics and hydro-organic consulting firm and supply company, to produce healthy plants and healthy food in a sustainable growing system.



The Tower Garden arranges plants vertically and aeroponically distributes and recycles an earth-based mineral nutrient solution in water to nourish the plants. The basic residential Tower Garden unit is 5 pots tall and can grow up to 20 plants in a 2.5' x 2.5' space. The Tower Garden stores the mineral nutrient solution inside its 25-gallon reservoir base and pushes it up the tower by means of a small pump.



The mineral solution feeds the plant roots – which extend into in the open central corridor of the appliance and hang exposed to the solution there– and returns excess solution to the tower’s reservoir base. This circulation creates a highly oxygenated growing environment for the plants.



The system uses less water and less horizontal space than traditional farming while recycling nutrients to minimize waste. A commercial version of the Tower Garden system is displayed in aeroponic garden located in the mezzanine level of Terminal 3, G Concourse of O'Hare International Airport.



Tower Gardens have even drawn attention for enabling rooftop gardening by restaurants and individuals.



Local people who order a Tower Garden from me by May 31 will receive 10 seedlings of their choice from my supply. Out of town people will receive 10 seeds of their choice from my supply by mail. Who do you know that is thinking of ordering? This is a great opportunity to get started very affordably! Offer good while supplies last.



My friend, Dr. Carol Watson did an experiment: purchased enough greens (spinach and spring mix) for two people for one week (and we are talking a small salad), 1 cuke 1 zucchini, 1 summer squash, 1 gr pepper, 4 vine ripe tomatoes, 1 small bunch broccoli and some basil...most, but not all, organic. The cost? $21.68 from our local Walmart. So for one month, that would be ~$80...and that's not even counting "other" fresh produce I hope most folks are eating. The cost of the Tower Garden/month? $43 + taxes/mo x 1 year (which incl. everything you need to get started)...and then it is paid for and returns your $$ year after year ! This is how I figure that my Tower Garden really didn't cost me "anything"!!

Have an optimistic approach

Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants.

The race began…



Honestly, No one in crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. crowd yelled statements such as:



“Oh, WAY too difficult!!!” “They will NEVER make it to the top.” “Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!”



The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one. Except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher. The crowd continued to yell, “It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!” More tiny frogs got tired and gave up.



But ONE continued higher and higher and higher. This one wouldn’t give up!



At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top! THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it?



A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal? It turned out. That the winner was DEAF!!!



:: Moral of the Story ::

Never listen to other people’s tendencies to be negative or pessimistic. because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you — the ones you have in your heart!



Always think of the power words have. Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions! Therefore, ALWAYS BE POSITIVE!



Be DEAF when people tell YOU that you cannot fulfill your dreams!

Amber Heard

Amber Laura Heard (born April 22, 1986) is an American actress. Heard's first starring role came in 2007 on the CW television show, Hidden Palms and her breakthrough came in 2008 with roles in Never Back Down, Pineapple Express and as the lead and title character in All The Boys Love Mandy Lane, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006. In 2009 Heard starred in The Stepfather and also had a small role in the horror-comedy Zombieland. She has also starred in The Joneses (2010), and has upcoming roles in And Soon the Darkness, John Carpenter's The Ward, alongside Nicolas Cage in Drive Angry and alongside Johnny Depp in The Rum Diary.



Heard was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Her father, David, is a contractor, and her mother, Paige (née Parsons), is an internet researcher for the state. She attended St. Michael's Catholic Academy in Austin until her junior year, when she left to pursue a career in Hollywood. As a teenager, Heard was active in her school's drama department and appeared in local commercials and campaigns. At the age of 16, her best friend died in a car crash and Heard, who was raised Catholic, subsequently declared herself an atheist, due to the influence of the works of Ayn Rand and George Orwell.[1] Dropping out of school at the age of 17, to go to New York to start a career in modeling, she then relocated to Los Angeles to get into acting.

According to AfterEllen.com, Heard came out in 2010, at GLAAD's 25th anniversary event. She is dating artist Tasya van Ree.[2][3][4][5] She has said about her sexuality: "I don't label myself one way or another – I have had successful relationships with men and now a woman. I love who I love, it's the person that matters."[6]

Heard grew up around guns, and owns a .357 Magnum.[7] A fan of muscle cars, Heard drives a 1968 Ford Mustang.



Heard at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival

Heard was next cast in the CW Network's Hidden Palms. On the show she portrayed Greta Matthews, who suffered the losses of both her mother and boyfriend, Eddie, and befriends Johnny, the anti-hero of the show. In order to get the part, Heard was asked to lose weight. It took her four months, daily workouts and a ban on carbohydrates to lose 25 pounds. Hidden Palms premiered in the US on May 30, 2007. Ultimately, The CW wrapped the summer series early; instead of the initial 12 episode arc, only eight were aired. The show ended on July 4, two weeks prior than originally planned.

She was next cast in the title role in All the Boys Love Mandy Lane. The horror film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2006, immediately generating buzz and landing a deal with Harvey Weinstein. However, nearly a year after its Toronto debut, the movie had not reached theaters. In July 2007, Mandy Lane found a new distribution home and the film finally was released in 2008 with a February UK release and DVD release in June.

In 2007, Heard also appeared in the short movie Day 73 with Sarah and Jess Manafort's indie drama Remember the Daze (aka The Beautiful Ordinary), which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June and opened in limited release in April 2008. She then appeared in the Judd Apatow-produced, Rogen and Goldberg-written comedy Pineapple Express and the martial arts drama Never Back Down, released in 2008, back-to-back. The latter opened in March and Heard played the role of the free-spirited Baja Miller who falls for Sean Faris' Jake Tyler.

Heard also made a brief appearance in Showtime's Californication and joined the ensemble cast of The Informers, based on Bret Easton Ellis' novel of the same title, set to be released in 2009. She also filmed the horror film The Stepfather and the comedy film Ex-Terminators back-to-back in 2008 while promoting Never Back Down, Mandy Lane and Remember the Daze.[9]

In late 2008 she filmed The River Why and The Joneses; two independent features. At the beginning of 2009 The Informers made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The reviews were mostly negative. Heard next appeared in Zombieland, playing a small role as the object of Jesse Eisenberg’s affection who turns into a zombie. She will subsequently appear in John Carpenter's The Ward. In March Heard begins filming The Rum Diary, opposite Johnny Depp, in Puerto Rico. Heard is reported to have won the role out over Scarlett Johansson and Keira Knightley. In 2010, she starred in and produced And Soon the Darkness, co-starring Odette Yustman and Karl Urban.[10]

In the October 2009 issue of Teen Vogue, Amber describes her role as Johnny Depp's love interest in the film, The Rum Diary, as "the best experience of my life."[11] In February 2010, Heard was cast in Drive Angry, a 3-D psychological thriller directed by Patrick Lussier and released in February 2011.[12] In February 2011, she appeared on Top Gear in the UK. She talked about her love of guns and muscle cars, and revealed that she used to line-dance in Texas bars.



Awards 2008

Young Hollywood Awards

Breakthrough Performance Award

Maxim's Hot 100 Women 2008 #21

FHM's 100 Sexiest Women of 2008 #90



2009

Nominated Detroit Film Critics Society Awards

Best Ensemble | Zombieland

FHM's 100 Sexiest Women of 2009 #31

Maxim's Hot 100 Women 2009 #56



2010

Nominated MTV Movie Awards

Best Scared-As-S**t Performance | Zombieland

FHM's 100 Sexiest Women of 2010 #25

Maxim's Hot 100 Women 2010 #13

Katy Perry

When Katy Perry was a fourth grader, her teacher asked the class to make a “vision board” — a collage of images cut out from magazines that represents the dreams and aspirations you hope to manifest in life. The year was 1993 and Selena had just won a Grammy Award, so nine-year-old Katy chose a photo of the young Latin pop singer holding her golden statuette. Fifteen years later, Perry has been nominated for her first Grammy Award in the “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” category for her ubiquitous No. 1 single, "I Kissed a Girl," from her platinum Top 10 album One of the Boys, and has been chosen as this year’s My GRAMMY® Moment artist. Current sales check in at over 2 million albums and more than 13 million tracks, singles and mobile product globally.



“I found my vision board when I moved apartments recently,” says Perry, now 24. “I knew where I wanted to be even as a young kid. I just didn’t know that if I put one foot in front of the other, I would actually get there someday.”



Perry’s willful determination, not to mention her songwriting and vocal talent and larger-than-life charisma, have led to an astonishing year for the saucer-eyed, raven-haired pop starlet, who, with her cheeky sense of humor and sexy pin-up girl style, was “the breakthrough star of 2008” as Blender magazine put it in the issue that featured Perry on the cover.



You could say it all started in April 2008 when Madonna told Ryan Seacrest that Perry’s “Ur So Gay” (off her November 2007 EP of the same name) — a withering kiss-off to a metrosexual ex — was her favorite song. “It may have been a small comment on her behalf, but it was a large comment in my world,” Perry recalls. “It was like a big boat leaving the dock and getting a champagne send-off.” Shortly after being anointed by the Queen of Pop, Perry released her debut single “I Kissed A Girl” — a provocative ode to the beauty of women that ruled radio over the summer of 2008, becoming an all-format hit and shooting to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it stayed put for seven straight weeks and tied The Beatles’ Capitol Records record for weeks at No. 1. The video was nominated for five MTV Video Music Awards, including a nod for Perry for “Best New Artist” and became the No. 1 most viewed music video of 2008 on MySpace. A No. 1 airplay smash in 22 countries and the 2009 People’s Choice award winner for “Favorite Pop Song,” “I Kissed A Girl” has sold more than six million tracks worldwide. Its popularity also made Perry a ripe target for Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly, who convened a panel of hand-wringing analysts to discuss the effect of the song on America’s impressionable youth. Perry was also voted “Best New Artist” by readers of Rolling Stone and PerezHilton.com



On June 17, 2008, EMI Music released One of the Boys, a witty romp through Perry’s brightly colored world that showcases her sharp, candid lyrics, big voice, and feisty, girl-power swagger, as well as her appealing vulnerability on songs like her latest single, “Thinking Of You.” “I think people can appreciate a songwriter who shows different sides,” she says. “The whole angst thing is cool, but if that’s all you’ve got, it's just boring. Everything I write, whether it’s happy or sad, has a sense of humor to it.” Case in point: the album’s spunky, high-voltage second single “Hot N Cold,” which became Perry’s second No. 1 single and international hit, selling nearly three million digital tracks since its release. The eye-popping video, with its hilarious wedding theme, became the No. 2 most-viewed premiere of all time on MySpace, proving to armchair critics and naysayers that the success of this irrepressible young woman in the satin onesie and fishnets was no fluke. When Saturday Night Live spoofed her, it was official: Katy Perry was a bonafide cultural phenomenon.



So why does Perry think that she’s connected with a mass audience when the road to stardom is littered with the failed dreams of aspiring wannabes? “Because I’m just myself,” she says, “and that’s all people want. People want to hear artists who are themselves, but who do interesting things and sing about them in an interesting way that maybe they have tried to conceive but couldn’t. I get a lot of girls who come up to me and say, ‘When I heard ‘Thinking of You,’ I felt that way to a T, but I never knew anyone who could put my feelings into words.’ I think that’s why people find me relatable. Plus, anybody can meet me. I’m not distant. I’m very much the same person I was before the hit singles. I just have a schedule for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”



Fans do seem to respond to Perry’s approachable girl-next-door quality (if the girl next door were a self-described “glamour ninja”), perhaps because it’s not an act. The middle child of two pastors, Perry grew up singing in church. “My dad would give me ten dollars, which is a lot of money when you’re nine, to sing at church, on tables at restaurants, at family functions, just about anywhere,” she says. Perry was raised on a strict diet of church music; “secular music,” as her mother called it, was “not allowed.” But one night during a slumber party, Perry happened upon a Queen record “and the heavens opened and saved me,” she says. “From then on, they have been my biggest influence. Their musicality and lyrics were so flamboyant and real. I’d never heard anything like it.”



By the time she was 15, Perry was determined to pursue a path in music. She spent some time in Nashville working with professional songwriters — “these seasoned country music vets who had been writing songs for forever” — and honing her own songwriting skills. “Every single one of my songs is drawn 100 percent directly from my life.” At 17, Perry met legendary producer and songwriter Glen Ballard, who spent years guiding and developing her talent and songwriting. The strength of the songs and Perry’s full-throated voice captured the attention of Capitol Music Group, which signed her in Spring 2007. “I’ve been through a lot of highs and a lot of lows in this business,” Perry says. “Before I got signed, it was tough. I’d write a check for my rent and next to it, I’d write, ‘Please, God, please.’ But I didn’t jump off the Hollywood sign. Everything always works out for the best.”



It’s a long way from being broke to stealing the show at the MTV Latin America “Los Premios Awards” (where Perry face-planted into a large pink cake) and hosting and performing at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Liverpool, England, which she did in November 2008, picking up the award for “Best New Act” in the process. Now Perry is gearing up for her first-ever international headlining tour, something she’s ready to tackle after spending a grueling summer on the Vans Warped Tour — a multi-band circus that one critic likened “the running of the bulls in Pamplona...minus the bulls, or the quaint Basque scenery.” “Warped was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Perry admits. “It was like being in the army, like GI Jane getting my ass kicked every single day, but now I know how to deal with any situation.”