Benjamin Franklin

I'm going back many many years in my next article to one of America's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin.  While a young child, Ben Franklin's father wanted him to attend school with the clergy.  Unfortunately, he could only afford to send his son to school for two years.  Benjamin Franklin's formal education ended when he was only 10 years old.  However, he would continue educating himself through rigorous reading.  When Ben was only 15, he founded The New-England Courant, which was the first truly independent newspaper in the colonies.  At the age of 21, Ben Franklin created the Junto.  This was a group of like minded artisans and tradesman in Philadelphia whom debated various morals, politics, and philosophy in an effort to make the community better.  In 1729, Franklin became the publisher of a newspaper called The Pennsylvania Gazzette.  He saw the printing press as a way to inform the colonial people of various aspects of morality in another effort to help the community. 

Of course, one of Benjamin Franklin's biggest contributions to society was the discovery of electricity.  He published a proposal for an experiment to prove that lightning is electricity by flying a kite in a storm that appeared capable of becoming a lightning storm. While certain people performed this experiment with varying results, it were these experiments that led to Franklin's invention of the lightning rod.  The rest they say is history.

Benjamin Franklin is an important figure in American History.  As previously noted, he served to improve the colonies.  Franklin served as the first United States Ambassador to France. He championed the American cause by being a spokesman at the highly publicized testimony in Parliament in 1766. Ten years later at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin replied to a comment from John Hancock that they must all hang together:  "Yes, we must, indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately." 

Simply put, Benjamin Franklin achieved much in his life without the traditional educational or financial background.  Education is important and having the proper financial resources to obtain things is important as well.  However, I feel in today's digital world, people give up on their dreams because they are given reinforcements from the media that they are not smart enough or rich enough to achieve them.  Well that television you watched or computer you are using is functioning from something that was invented by a man whom educated himself.  Benjamin Franklin Overcame the Odds.

Collin Clarke

My next Overcoming the Odds article is on a young man whom competed in a bodybuilding contest.  Competing in these types of contests requires great discipline as it pertains to diet and exercise.  In the case of Collin Clarke, competing in a bodybuilding contest showcased more than just self discipline.  It displayed  a perfect example of chasing a dream that would inspire others.  Collin Clarke is a 22-year old man from Indiana with Down Syndrome.  In addition, he had been overweight.  Training with fellow bodybuilder Glenn Ubelhor, Clarke sacrificed many hours to his diet and training and lost up to 60 lbs. In November of 2015, Collin competed in the Kentucky Muscle Bodybuilding Championship placing 5th in the Novice Light Division.  Although unable to attend the contest, four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler sent Collin a gift encouraging him to continue chasing the dream.  Check Videos Below!!!  Collin Clarke overcame the odds of obesity and down syndrome to compete in a contest geared towards health!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSUBEk9pQQM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_kuuHCtIsk

Lynyrd Skynyrd

This is my second post about an entire band, rather than a specific person.  By Dixie standards, I would be considered a city boy, although my drawl is evident when I'm outside of the south.  However, I've always been a huge fan of Southern Rock.  The gritty sound and songs about the swampland have always appealed to me.  No band exemplifies southern rock more than Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd.  I've seen the tribute Lynyrd Skynyrd band 4 times to be exact.  While Lynyrd Skynyrd may be synonymous with southern rock, they are also synonymous with tragedy.  Following a number of huge hits in the 1970s including "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Freebird", the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were in a plane crash on October 20, 1977 in Gillsburg, MS.  Lead Singer Ronnie Van Zant, Guitarist Steve Gaines, Backup singer Cassie Gaines, road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot and copilot of the plane were all killed.  The remaining band members and passengers were left with injuries and emotional scars for the rest of their lives.  Ten years later, the band name Lynyrd Skynyrd would continue.  Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother Johnny would take his shoes as lead singer joined by some of the remaining original members and additional musicians.  Even though the Lynyrd Skynyrd tradition would continue, there would still be turmoil among bandmates.  While guitarist Ed King (guitar player before plane crash) and drummer Artimus Pyle (second original drummer) would rejoin the band, they would leave for various reasons and carry grudges with various members.  In addition, original guitarist Allen Collins passed away as well as original bassist Leon Wilkeson.  The deaths of these original members led to contractual disputes between the band members and Ronnie Van Zant's widow Judy.  There was an agreement made where there had to be at least three original members in the band to carry the name Lynyrd Skynyrd.  There were various complications and variations of the contract.  However, the band carried on playing the music that was still touching the lives of succeeding generations of music fans.  Despite the turmoil within the band, the surviving members of the original renditions of Lynyrd Skynyrd joined together to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 alongside Black Sabbath, the Sex Pistols and several others.  In addition, the surviving members were joined by the all additional musicians and Johnny Van Zant to perform an unforgettable performance of Freebird proving the band's music was alive and well.  Of course, there would be additional losses.  Replacement Guitarist Hughie Thomasson (The Outlaws) passed away in 2007.  Original Member and Pianist Billy Powell passed away in 2009 as would replacement bassist Ean Evans.  Female backup singer Jo Jo Billingsley died in 2010.  Original Drummer Bob Burns (Before Artimus Pyle and plae crash) died in 2015.  Original and long time member Gary Rossington had a heart attack in 2015.However, he said in an interview that that cant stop him and that Lynyrd Skynyrd would be back on the road. Original Guitarist Ed King, whom left Skynyrd before the plane  crash, died Last Year. Larry Junstrom, also of .38 special,who played in the Earliest Days of  Lynyrd Skynyrd, died last year. Lynyrd Skynyrd are currently on their Farewell Tour.

The surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd include  (Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle, Backup Singer Leslie Hawkins, Current Guiarist Rick Medlocke whom also played in one of the first renditions of Skynyrd along with Greg T. Walker) (Medlocke and Walker would form Blackfoot).

have endured hardships, fighting, deaths, drug and alcohol problems, contractual disagreements, and most importantly a devastating plane crash which killed some of their band mates and friends and threatened to kill the Lynyrd Skynyrd name and music.  Lynyrd Skynyrd continues as a Tribute Band and their music will never die. Since its heyday, the band is praised outside the south and all over North America, Europe, Asia and the world over.  They have influenced various genres including Classic Rock, Folk, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Alternative, Country, Blues and Soul.  I leave you with a poem written by Charlie Daniels after the plane crash in 1977.


 A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last. 


 A BRIEF CANDLE, BOTH ENDS BURNING
AN ENDLESS SMILE, A BUS WHEEL TURNING
A FRIEND TO SHARE A LONESOME TIME
A HANDSHAKE AND A SIP OF WINE
SAY IT LOUD AND LET IT RING
THAT WE'RE ALL PART OF EVERYTHING
THE FUTURE, THE PRESENT AND THE PAST
FLY ON PROUD BIRD, YOU'RE FREE AT LAST


 A BRIEF CANDLE, BOTH ENDS BURNING
AN ENDLESS SMILE, A BUS WHEEL TURNING
A FRIEND TO SHARE A LONESOME TIME
A HANDSHAKE AND A SIP OF WINE
SAY IT LOUD AND LET IT RING
THAT WE'RE ALL PART OF EVERYTHING
THE FUTURE, THE PRESENT AND THE PAST
FLY ON PROUD BIRD, YOU'RE FREE AT LAST

Peter Criss

My next Overcoming the Odds article is on the original and legendary drummer of Rock Band Kiss, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Criss.  Donning the original makeup and character of the Catman, Peter Criss's upbringing was not easy.  Growing up in Brooklyn, Peter Criss was subjected to Gangs and the Street life.  Music would be his outlet and escape.  Influenced by Jazz and Soul and later by Rock and Roll, Peter Criss began playing the drums.  Discovered by Gene Klein (Gene Simmons) and Stanley Eisen (Paul Stanley), Peter Criss would be joined by Paul Frehley (Ace) to form the Supergroup Kiss. The band Kiss would become one of the biggest bands of the 1970s selling millions of records and becoming a huge concert draw.  Peter Criss sang the No. 1 Hit "Beth" off of Kiss's album Destroyer.  However, behind the scenes, Peter Criss was having professional difficulties with his band mates.  In addition, he began abusing drugs and alcohol and his own marriage was ending. He even had a bad car accident in the late 70s. Regardless of whom was at fault or whose story you believe, Peter Criss left the band in the early 80s and did not receive royalties off of what he considered his 'fair share' of the band.  Struggling with a solo career in the 1980's, Peter Criss was sucked back into the world of drugs and alcohol.  In the 90's, Peter Criss admits he did not have much money and his second marriage came to an end.  He was at the verge of suicide at his LA apartment in 1994 when an earthquake disrupted his fateful plans.  Thankfully, Peter Criss was contacted by his old band mates, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley to reunite, along with Ace Frehley, for a 5 year reunion of the band Kiss.  In 1996, Kiss returned in full makeup and had Huge Grossing Worldwide Reunion Tour putting them Makeup Version of the band back in the spotlight.  They say History repeats itself and it did so with the original rendition of Kiss.  The fighting over money returned and Peter Criss claims he wasnt given his 'fair share.'  In addition, the riggers of touring brought about drug use.  To make things worse, Peter Criss claims band mate Ace Frehley stabbed him in the back over the money deal.  Out of all his fellow band mates, Peter Criss claims to have gotten along with Ace the best, but that relationship deteriorated.  Peter was able to continue touring through the Pyscho Circus Tour but by the end of the band's US Leg of the  Farewell Tour, he had reached monumental contract disagreements with the band that forced him to cut the tour short.  In fact, Peter Criss had began to don a tear drop in his makeup to indicate the problems he was having.  On the last show of the US leg of the Farewell Tour, Peter Criss destroyed his drum kit out of frustration.  For whatever reason, the band asked him to come back for a Co Headling Tour with Aerosmith in 2003.  Peter Criss admitted to still having problems with the band as they claimed he couldnt play anymore.  Nonetheless, he enjoyed being in the Catman makeup just for one last time.  Afterwards, Peter left the spotlight but would not be immune to problems.  In 2008, while working out, Peter Criss noticed a lump on his left breast, which his doctors discovered was breast cancer.  He was successfully treated with a lumpectomy.  To this day, Peter Criss supports Breast Cancer Awareness for both men and women.  In addition, Peter Criss has always had a Faith in God that was elevated after his stint with Breast Cancer.  This is ironic considering that certain critics associated Kiss with the devil.  Attending Catholic School while a child, Peter learned the importance of God at a young age.  In his Autobriogaphy, Makeup to Breakup: My Life in and out of Kiss, Peter even remembers times during his days with Kiss when he would sit down at night and pray.  Thats one of the reasons he kept a cross around his neck. 

Peter Criss Overcame the Odds of a rough childhood, two failed marriages, drug and alcohol abuse, car accidents, the prices of fame and Breast Cancer.  Regardless of whom is at fault, Financial and Contractual Disputes are hard on anyone involved.  In 2014, Kiss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Media disputes between Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehely lingered.  Peter took the high road and didnt say much, although he attended the ceremony to take his rightful place in Rock and Roll History.  Peter Criss remains married to his third wife Gigi to his day and has one grown daughter.

They say a cat has Nine Lives.  The Catman persona that Peter Criss portrayed was synonymous with the struggles he Overcame.

Anna Powers

    My next Overcoming the Odds Article is on another fellow Jackson, MS Native Anna Powers.  I met Anna at one of the many health clubs I worked at in the Metro Jackson area.  In addition, her mother Jean Powers taught me Speech at Holmes Community College.  Her full name is Sara Anna Powers and she is a body confidence coach, writer and speaker.  In addition, Anna is a runner, cyclist, and an attorney licensed in two states.

    The main focus of this article is on Anna Powers’ road to becoming a coach which, as you will see, was not an easy one.  Anna claims that she struggled with body issues growing up and always wanted to be skinny.  “From 1999 to 2003, I struggled with anorexia,” Anna says.  Eventually Anna would overcome her problems with anorexia, but then was faced with the problem of overeating.   “Around 2005, I began binge eating and got up to 210 lbs.,” she says.  After facing the problems of anorexia and binge eating, Anna felt like she was losing her identity.  “I was forced to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself that I am me whether I am under or overweight,” she says, “I realized that I had to align my actions with my beliefs.”  Anna’s beliefs were indeed the teachings of Jesus and Christianity.  “If I say I believed in Jesus, then I wanted to honor him with my life,” she says.  Indeed, Anna’s actions of under or overeating and worrying about her appearance were not congruent with the teachings of her Savior and she needed to change that.

    In January of 2015, Anna Powers formed a company called The Congruent Life, LLC.  “I’m really wanting to equip people with the knowledge that they are worthy and valuable,” Anna says, “My program helps people go deep and recognize underlying issues of life balance that may be pushing them to over or undereat.” Anna is not a nutritionist, psychotherapist or personal trainer. She's been a registered yoga therapist since 2005 and does draw upon that training in her coaching services.  “I want to look at what has emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually taken people off track,” she says. “When someone's physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual lives are in balance, that person can experience all the benefits of a truly healthy lifestyle.  Once we tackle those issues, future decisions about one’s life can be made.”  You can go to Anna’s website at  www.saraannapowers.com  to book her services and sign up for her email list.  She’s created a thank-you gift that can be downloaded immediately if you are new to her newsletter.

   

    Anna Powers indeed overcame the odds of anorexia, overeating and body issues.  She found out the true meaning of her life’s purpose, and how to align her beliefs with her everyday actions.  In addition. Anna is helping others achieve that goal.  Anna also teaches Yoga at the Madison Health Plex Center in Highland Colony on Tuesdays at 7:05pm and Thursdays at 6:35pm.  http://healthplexperformance.com/  “Yoga is a form of exercise that has really helped me in life in general,” Anna says, “It’s not about the competition its about accepting yourself in the moment.”

Faith the Dog

Dogs are considered man's best friend.  The relationships human beings have with dogs are very unique.  Some people enjoy their companionship. Other people enjoy the security that they provide.  Some people enjoy both aspects. I grew up with dogs and still have them today.  Dogs have proven themselves to be beneficial to society beyond just the domestic setting.  As we know, dogs are helpful with the military, police and fire departments, and even visit people in hospitals.  Another aspect of K-9s is their ability to overcome the circumstances of their situation.  One dog in particular, Faith, overcame the odds of her physical situation to touch and motivate human being,s and perhaps other dogs as well.  Faith was a bipedal female dog, born with three legs; two fully developed hind legs and a deformed front leg.  The deformed leg was amputated when Faith was seven months old after it began to atrophy.  Her owner, Jude Stringfellow, adopted Faith after the mother dog was found trying to terminate her life.  Jude's son was actually the one that discovered this.  He rescued the puppy and brought him to his mother so she could take care of him.  The sad thing was, due to Faith's deformities, veternarians urged Jude Stringfellow to have her euthanized.  Unwilling to give up on her, Jude taught Faith how to hop.  Eventually, however, Faith began to walk on her own with her hind legs.  During Faith's inspirational life, there was much media coverage on her tremendous abilities.  Faith and her owner Jude were featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show and Ripley's Believe it or Not.  A book was even published detailing Faith's story titled "With a Little Faith."  On September 23, 2014, Faith passed on to Doggy heaven.  Even though she is no longer with us, Faith proved that even dogs have the ability to motivate and inspire.  You can even find a Memoir about Faith titled "FAITH WALKS." 

Johnny Cash

Those that know me personally know that one of my All time Favorite Musical Artists, whom is also one of my alter egos, is the one and only Johnny Cash.  'The Man in Black', as he was called, overcame various odds throughout his life.  One of the most extreme odds he overcame was growing up poor.  Raised by cotton farmers in Arkansas during the Great Depression, Johnny Cash and his family encountered various obstacles.  The family farm was flooded on at least two occasions.  Cash learned the ethics of hard work at a young age and how to apply them to the most dire circumstances.  However, Cash would experience severe tragedy when his older brother Jack was killed in a grisly saw mill accident.  In fact, Jack Cash was almost cut in two.  Johnny Cash had become close to his brother Jack before the incident and he felt great guilt over his death.  Evidently, Cash's father was away that morning, but he and his mother, and Jack himself, all had a strange sense of foreboding about this day.  This caused his mother to urge Jack to skip work and go fishing with Johnny.  Jack insisted on working that day since the family needed money.  The tragedy, of course, not only affected the family emotionally, but financially as well.  Johnny Cash would end up joining the military.  However, he soon found that it wasn't a good fit for him, despite the prospects of giving him a better life.  Johnny Cash, of course, would become a successful musician in both the country and rock genres as evidenced by him being inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.   Cash's rough economic background during the Great Depression fueled his songwriting. Of course, with success comes hardships including drugs, alcohol, divorce and bad business deals.  Cash would divorce his first wife before marrying June Carter, the woman who he said years earlier he would marry one day.  Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash would die months apart in 2003 leaving a mark on the music industry that will last forever.

In some ways, Johnny Cash also overcame the odds of being able to appeal to people of all ages, race, sex, social status and political affiliation. Musicians in the genres of country, rock, blues, R&B, and gospel can all claim Cash as an influence.  His influence is still felt today among modern musicians.  I remember reading in his Autobiography how he and his son went to a Metallica concert in the 80s and enjoyed it.  He even met Ozzy Osbourne.  In addition, he literally 'Walked the Line' in reference to his political beliefs.   He met every U.S. President from Nixon to George W. Bush and never espoused one particular belief.  At his funeral in 2003, Al Gore and Hank Williams Jr. were in the same building.

My Friends! I've Said It Before and Ill Darn Sure Say It Again!! THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER JOHNNY CASH!!!