Friday, June 26, 2009

The "King of Pop" has Passed,but the Thriller Remains...


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It is still taking a while for the shock of Michael Jackson's transition from this life as we know it, this realm of existence to "eternity", to take hold. It has been a surrealistic experience for sure, almost as though I am in delayed response mode.

The intensity of the rest of the world's response to his death has finally reached me. And, while the scuttlebut and news of child molestation and random weirdness cast a long shadow over his reputation, one thing is for sure, his musical talents and contributions were tremendous. This is true whether you admired him for his musical genius and humanitarian accomplishments or abhorred him more for the terrible things of which he was accused, relentlessly judged, yet, ultimately found innocent by a jury of his peers.

I have at this very moment become overwhelmingly touched by the sheer magnitude of the impact his music has had on my life from puberty to middle age. A kaleidoscope of memories are swirling through my heart and mind. From "Stop the Love You Save May be Your Own", "She's Out of My Life" to "Billie Jean", these tunes only scratch the surface of his musical talents. While I did not know Michael personally, I feel that I have been extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to come into contact with him by working on the phenomenally successful "Victory Tour" in 1984, twenty-five (25) years ago, as Consultant to the Community Affairs (See Tour credits). In fact, I wish I could post some of the photos I took during then that have since been lost. They'd probably be worth a small fortune now. Not that I'd cash in. However, I take comfort in the cherished memories that remain in my mind's eye.

My experience as Community Affairs consultant gave me an opportunity to distribute concert tickets to disadvantaged kids who could not afford to attend the concerts(something close to Michael's heart,) meet members of his immediate family, including his father Joe whom I sat next to while viewing the Tour's finale show in Los Angeles in the family box, along with other members of the Jackson clan. I also met the family matriarch Katherine, who was always especially friendly and gracious, Germaine, Randy, Marlon and briefly the "King of Pop" himself, viewing the concerts and pre-show preparations from a backstage vantage point, courtesy of a VIP pass. I was very excited about his upcoming tour "This is It" and quite frankly, I was looking forward to getting involved. My hope was to work with Michael Jackson again as a community or promotional consultant, if not "tour chaplain".

I could go on about the thrill and excitement of being a part of the Victory Tour, how I managed to arrive on the scene, out of nowhere, having stepped out on sheer faith and connect with Michael's then management and legal staff. I navigated the shark infested waters, which usually surrounds big time and much sought after entertainers and eventually eked out an opportunity to work behind the scenes, mingling with friends, staff and advisers to one of the all time pop music giants. Does that surprise you? with God all things are possible. I was reminded of that often back then. It is quite an inspirational story itself. But, I will save that for another time along with the related scripture reference and its theme, "the faith of a mustard seed".

Today the focus is, as it should be on Michael Jackson, the boy, the man, the mega star and his phenomenally successful music legacy. That it was a thriller, there is and can be no doubt. And, in spite of all the the negative media over the last decade that has weighed him down, torn his spirit apart and created an insurmountable heap of criticism and aspersion, he remains the indisputable "King of Pop." to many he was a generous and dedicated humanitarian. The bottom line: he was a young black boy who grew up in a lower middle class neighborhood in Gary, Indiana, overcame tremendous odds and became the number one recording artist in the world with Thriller the best selling album of all time. As for his range of influence, the thing speaks for itself, as they say in the legal vernacular of res ipsa loquitur. Just observe how the world is reacting to the news of his passing.

The spirit of Michael Jackson lives on... through our memories, his music and our love.

Above right is a play list of some of my favorite songs which I dedicate to Michael and the lovers of his music everywhere. Also, find a video of his famous moonwalk done like no other posted on Heavier Octaves Radio.

Rest in peace Michael. My deepest condolences to the Jackson family.


I leave you with this scripture reference: John 3:16:

"...that whoever believes in him [Christ] shall not perish but have eternal life.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Draft Fodder for Inpiration Fund Series in 7 or 8 parts

Over the past two years, and rather intensively this past year and a half, that question has become somewhat of a mantra, as I have witnessed close friends lose their homes, businesses and/ or jobs, having to cut back on spending, resulting in leaner lifestyles. Some have even been wavering on the brink of poverty. These are smart, industrious people who cringe at the thought of having to ask for a government hand out or ask friends or family for a loan. They have always been able to make it by, one way or the other. But, today's economy has presented a different set of challenges. Challenges which need to be met head on with progressive and innovative solutions.

For whatever reason, a good portion of government aid for the ordinary citizen seems to have clogged up in one political bottleneck or the other. It just does not seem to be pouring out fast enough to meet people's immediate needs. And, let's not forget another layer of delay and set back, financial predators who profit and gain from schemes and plans designed to benefit only themselves at the expense of others. They don't care about others as long as they get theirs, taking under the pretext of helping--with their own Madoff-esque twist.
Unfortunately, this kind of mentality has contributed significantly to the current economic crisis. Simply put, greed just got out of hand. One prime example and glaring reminder is the foreclosure crisis. It sent this country into a financial tizzy that will take it a while to recover from. The domino effect has sent financial giants to the bankruptcy courts and thousands have been laid off or terminated from their jobs. Many of us know friends and family members who have been impacted.
So, I thought, why not a fundraiser for friends having cash flow problems or otherwise experiencing financial difficulties? It may sound crazy and be perceived as the utmost in naivete, but why not start a fund that will inspire and assist those who are unemployed and going through severe financial trials as a result of the economy? Why not promote a real sense of community outreach and service, sincere help for our neighbors without a lot of fanfare, pretense, administrative roadblocks and red tape? Why not a community fund among friends in which everyone can contribute according to their individual capacities and receive in line with their unique needs. Whether $10, $20 or $1,000, every gift is important. This concept was superbly demonstrated with the power of "grass roots" fundraising in the last Presidential election. What an inspiration. Need I say more?
My vision for the Inspirational Fund is inspired first by God and scripture (Romans 6:38), President Obama's resounding success last November in galvanizing the small contributions of common people into an extraordinary tool for progress. It is also inspired by wonderful friends who have helped me along the way, sharing their resources freely and without "stuttering". It is based on the community chest concept such as those set up in social networks and on message boards across the internet. But instead of raising the funds to keep communities or boards up and running on the internet, this money will be used to keep a friend up and running, while preventing them from "slipping through the hard times cracks". Minus the red tape, of course, the funds will help with food, housing, bills, transportation and any other miscellaneous emergency expense until the "friend in need" lands employment or otherwise gets on their feet.

The initial goal is a symbolic $10,000.00. Funds raised will be made readily available to individuals or organizations experiencing hardships with the aim of getting them through the temporary challenges they face. The plan is to expand this effort into an ongoing "helps" ministry and humanitarian aid network.
I hope that you will join me in "sharing the wealth and spreading the love". If you can't give money, maybe this Inspirational Fund will at the least cause you to look at situations of need differently. Hopefully, it will ultimately "inspire you to give" so that you will "give to inspire", setting off a chain reaction of giving, which seems one sure way to help.
Stay tuned for further details. Please visit my page at Fundable.com. and make your pledge.
Thanks in advance for your contribution!
Cynthia

"What can I do to help?"

An Inspiration Fund... Providing A Window of Hope and Sustenance for Friends in Need in 8 Parts

Alicia Keys: 'I Love New York/For The Love of Money'
Alicia Keys: 'I Love New York/For The Love of Money'


In continuing with the 8 part "An Inspiration Fund" blog in seeking pledges, I thought I'd lift up an earlier blog written almost two years ago--Global Day of Action Against Poverty . It isn't "Global Action Day Against Poverty" today but today's blog lifts up some of the same ideas and sentiments. So, when you're done reading it, have at one from the archives. A bonus is that I provided a link to a video in which Alicia Keys performs that classic O'jay's tune "For the Love of Money", which is posted at the top of this blog article as a "blast from the past". Enjoy!
____________________________________________

Part III-"For the Love of Money"


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For whatever reason, a good portion of government aid for the ordinary citizen seems to have clogged up in one political bottleneck or the other. It just does not seem to be pouring out fast enough to meet people's immediate needs. And, let's not forget another layer of delay and set back, financial predators who profit and gain from schemes and plans designed to benefit only themselves at the expense of others. They don't care about others as long as they get theirs, taking under the pretext of helping--with their own Madoff-esque twist.

Unfortunately, this kind of mentality has contributed significantly to the current economic crisis. Simply put, greed just got out of hand. One prime example and glaring reminder is the foreclosure crisis. It sent this country into a financial tizzy that will take it a while to recover from. The domino effect has sent financial giants to the bankruptcy courts and thousands have been laid off or terminated from their jobs. Many of us know friends and family members who have been impacted. to be continued


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