When we through our educational culture through the media through the entertainment culture give our children the impression that human beings cannot control their passions we are telling them in effect that human beings cannot be trusted with freedom.

But short films are not inferior just different. I think the short gives a freedom to film-makers. What's appealing is that you don't have as much responsibility for storytelling and plot. They can be more like a portrait or a poem.

While Democrats fussed with the details of health care reforms conservatives spent months telling the nation that the real issue is freedom that what's on the line is American liberty itself.

I keep telling myself to calm down to take less of an interest in things and not to get so excited but I still care a lot about liberty freedom of speech and expression and fairness in journalism.

I don't think that fundamentalism has anything to do with Jesus Christ. They call themselves Christians but if that's Christian count me out. Fundamentalism is built on fear and greed. They're telling you to give them your money otherwise you're going to hell.

I get so nervous on stage I can't help but talk. I try. I try telling my brain: stop sending words to the mouth. But I get nervous and turn into my grandma. Behind the eyes it's pure fear. I find it difficult to believe I'm going to be able to deliver.

Once you start telling people you're famous they believe you.

I was a shy kid but somehow I knew I would make it as a performer. I'd always be telling my mum that I was going to be a famous singer. In my school yearbooks I would write 'Remember me when I'm famous.' I knew I had a gift.

I didn't get hugely famous really quick. It was a slow gradual process so I was able to sort of grow into myself and figure out who I was and what I wanted without the glaring spotlight on me telling me who I was.

I am not generous about telling people who I am and what I like to do because it's my life and it only belongs to me and my friends and family.