Don't Give Up Africa: AIDS Crisis in Africa

Today President George Bush announced his five (5)year- $30 billion dollar plan for AIDS Relief to Africa.It is called the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief or PEPFAR(More...) Don't get too excited. After reading Bono's statement in response,I don't think we should pull out the corks just yet. In a statement released today,he said..." this could be a turning point if other G8 countries meeting in Germany next week follow President Bush's lead". Hold that thought.

This past Sunday,I spent my time at a Ghanaian Church in Brooklyn, New York celebrating their Men's Day.Even though I am a woman,I was invited and participated on the program as one of the "distinguished guests". The Ghanaian Ambassador was also there.The church was packed and there was an air of fullness and abundance in the atmosphere which satiated my spirit and soul.

While worshipping and socializing with members of the congregation,the most preeminent thought in my mind was the AIDS crisis. During the fellowship dinnerI asked questions about that and other issues particular to the continent of Africa and the country of Ghana,hoping to get a better handle on what they thought could be done in those countries in Africa that are hardest hit like Nigeria,Kenya,South Africa,Lesotho,etc. I got some good and informative responses.

The AIDS crisis in Africa has gotten some solid attention by the media over the years as well as from the entertainment industry with notable celebrities throwing one gala and fundraiser after the next. Creative and inspiring projects like "Red",which reportedly raised $25 million last quarter ,according to Bono, is sponsored by the clothing chain "Gap" and promoted by celebrities such as Oprah, Alicia Keys,Bono and others who do a lion's share to bring attention to this travesty of mammoth porpotions. It gets the public's attention(More below). In addition,Alicia Keys and Bono's duet "Don't Give Up Africa" has graced the airwaves with all of the proceeds from the purchase of the mp3 earmarked for the purchase of needed medicine for children (To buy the song yourself,please click here. Another link is provided in the body of the blog article below).

As you read, or if you buy the song,as you listen to it, think about the billions of dollars being spent on war,yet children,women and men are dying everyday and dropping like flies because they lack needed money to buy medicine that could save their lives. The Red Campaign sponsored by Gap corporation and spearheaded by Bono is designed to raise some of that money. Alicia Keys' Keep A Child Alive campaign which Iman is now serving as spokesperson for is also raising funds for this crisis of humanity. So is the record "Don't Give Up Africa". However,they can't do it alone. The $30 billion in the President's proposed plan could also make a huge difference.The money just has to get to those who really need it.With as many people as possible joining in this thing,we could save some lives.

Leave the gossip columns alone for a second and ask yourself, "Did I buy something "Red" today? Better yet, "Did I contact my Senator,congressperson or my Church's pastor to see what our congregation could do to help out creatively and effectively in this matter? We need to keep the momentum going. As a minister myself,I'm working on some ideas for churches.As soon as I have completed the plans,I'll write a blog. In the meantime, you can get over to Bono's organization Data.org and see how churches and other organizations can plug in.

I lift up the people of Africa today who are dying from the AIDS pandemic. Let's pray also for the many babies who have been orphaned by this ravaging disease.In honor of African's everywhere, the church I visited Sunday, the continent of Africa and all those working tirelessly to solve the AIDS crisis, which is poised to wipe out an entire continent(Africa), I lift up today's blog entry.

And, I top it also with cautious optimism in celebration of PEPFAR:

Republished from Heavier Octaves Blog dated October 17,2006:

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Bono joined Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys and other guests in painting the town red and Keeping a Child Alive this past Friday,October 13,2006. Bono and Keys performed their song "Don't Give Up Africa" for the first time on stage together.

The song which is a plea to Africa not to give up in the face of overwhelming death and disease in the wake of the AIDS pandemic is haunting,moving and soulful. It is currently in rotation on the Heavier Octaves Radio ..."playing sound and music on the scale of humanity...deep and broad..." and has been for nearly a year now(See related blog).

The song has been selected as one of Revcoolc's picks as a winning combination of "social observation" and "protest" in a related Heavier Octaves' blog on Myspace.com. Revcoolc is and has been a supporter of the mission and philosophy of Keep A Child Alive and feels their efforts are well worth promoting and "getting the word out" about.

And,of course,kudos to Oprah,Bono and Alicia for their continued efforts in this area. You can buy your "red t-shirt" at the Gap,purchase the song "Don't Give Up Africa" on the Keep A Child Alive website's Sony Music Store link here. You can also tune into Heavier Octaves Radio to hear the song in rotation on our internet broadcast. It is on our playlist and we are keeping it in heavy rotation this month in honor of this most recent AIDS campaign.

We hope you will take the time to buy a t-shirt at the Gap , if you don't have time to get involved in the "war on aids" as a social or political activist. The money you spend will be channeled to those who need it most (more...)

God bless you all and remember to keep Africa and those struggling with the ravages of AIDS worldwide in your prayers.

Peace,

Cynthia(Revcoolc)

Dream Come True

Today is a beautiful day,the sun is shining brilliantly in New York City. I feel like I'm in California the weather is so wonderful. If any of you have ever visited or lived in San Francisco or L.A. then you know what I'm sensing.

Since I'm on that brilliance vibe,I thought it would be great to lift up the vibration of dreams coming true along with the song medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by famous Hawaiian musician the late Israel Kamakawiwi 'ole Ever felt like just walking through that open door? Well,that's how I feel every day. But today, the "dream" for some reason feels within reach and with God's grace that should be the reality everyday.

The below poem,"Dream Come True", I wrote in 2003-a very good year for me poetically- I wrote at least twenty new poems and revised about as many old ones from my poetry archives. This poem was also read by yours truly at my first open mike show at a local neighborhood Border's Book Store when I lived in Grosse Pointe,a suburb outside the city of Detroit. It is republished from my MySpace Blog dated March 15,2006. (please excuse the line up of the paragraphs.I tried to correct,but something went askew in the "copy" edit process).

May your "Dream Come True" today and every day.

Enjoy,

Cynthia (Revcoolc)

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Dream Come True-Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World -Add On

La victoire Rene Magritte Buy From Art.com

"Dream Come True"*

This poem and the accompanying song is dedicated to all my sisters out there who feel that there are no more chances. Make it happen. Just walk through that open door. It's never too late:

She played the game the right way
Went to the best schools, made the right moves, made the pieces fit
Came out pristine certified bubbling over with garden variety wit
Did everything expected of her, bought a house
on the gold coast and became a lifestyle hit

She's passed through forty layers of man made time
The years have waved goodbye, yet the memories still remain alive
Now all she wants is a dream to come true
All she wants is life to say "I do"

She has revived her hopes a thousand times only to end up blue
She can't really think of anything else to do
Having done everything wrong the "how to" books told her to
She stayed a little too long this time, should have packed and left long ago
For the wide open highway

Prayed for everything she should have left on the altar
In retrospect she believes they only came into her life so she would falter
Now all she wants is a dream to come true
All she wants is someone to say "I love you"

"Please give me another chance to relive my life and make it new", she sighs
"Looks like my parade has passed me by"
Would you let my dream come true?
Father time just say I can and let me win

Ease by a little slower and let me in
All I want is for life to say "I do"
The waiting game is at an end
This will be your dream come true

- 2003 Cynthia Wilson

*Tune in to Heavier Octaves Radio daily and hear more of the music you
love. RevCoolC's Poetry Corner and Love Soother Mix...coming
soon!

Currently Listening to:

Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo`ole - Rhapsody Player

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World

On Forgiveness: The Heart of the Matter

Thought about digging up this forgiveness blog from the archives for the Memorial Weekend Inspiration. I also re-posted India Arie's version of "Heart of the Matter",as the Heavier Octaves "Profile Song of the Week" on our My Space page. It's usually done every Monday. So, what? I'm a little early. It's for a good cause. I've been trying to figure out a solution ,or should I say, a series of solutions for a matter that has been perplexing me for a couple of weeks now.Here's the inside story:

I ran into someone at a social function on Manhattan's Upper West Side not too long ago. By the way, I am dedicating this blog entry to him.

In preparation for attending this social gathering I had geeked myself up pretty much, was psyched and looking forward to mingling with some old friends and colleagues. Some, I would be seeing for the first time in almost a year.

In the spirit of love and enthusiasm,being happy to see this person,I neared him for a friendly embrace. He was not as warm as usual towards me.He seemed very distant and preoccupied as I hugged him. The first thought that came to mind was that he was having a bad day. However, upon deeper observation and discovery, as the evening wore on, I learned that he was carrying a deep grudge against someone that happened to also be at the gathering. We talked briefly. During the course of our limited discussion,he was not in a talkative mood,I became disappointed and ultimately disturbed, as he revealed to me the reason he was carrying it.The grudge,that is.

It was not based on any solid knowledge of what was going on, because he apparently did not really know what the other person's past and current situation was due to a lack of ongoing communication. How many times have any of us been in that same boat because we have made assumptions about someone's actions or circumstances based upon superficial observations,without exploring deeper the real facts through further interaction and discussion with them? This was likely a misunderstanding that could have been moderately cleared up with a few phone calls or short notes. It's the kind of situation where the person who is being blamed or "demonized" would say if they knew about it,"I had no idea you were going through this or that you felt that way."

It is unhealthy, not only for the person towards whom the negative vibrations from the grudge are being directed,but also, and perhaps,even moreso, for the one who is directing or harboring the ill feelings towards them.Believe me ,and I have plenty of experience over the years on both receiving and giving ends to know, that the whole process is depleting and counter productive, regardless of the end you happen to be on. Directing negative energy towards someone whether in "grudge" or "other" form depletes on both ends. If you're sending it out,you end up eventually sick and drained.If you happen to be the recipient of the "nastiness", there is a similar result.

This counter productivity is only magnified when bad feelings are based upon petty misunderstandings often resulting from poor communication. These could be worked out between both parties,if bruised egos, senseless pride,and yes,sometimes,one upsmanship, were not the basic cause of the misunderstandings in the first place. Besides contributing to the build up of "no win"situations, "bad vibes" generate harmful and wasteful energy which cause damage to the psyche, dis-ease and discomfort in the emotional,mental and physical bodies, eventually leading to illness. ...Talk about environmental pollution.

Believing strongly in all aspects of environmental improvement, while desiring to serve as a catalyst in the healing process, I will spare any more of the gory details,the "preachy" sermon, just say this and leave it:

If you know of anyone who might benefit from forgivness,the kind sung about in the song and/or discussed herein, please forward this message on to them. By the way, the scripture reference is Matthew 18:21-35. I highly recommend reading it as a supplement to this message. It contains an enlightening parable. I count it extremely relevant to the situation and person I've discussed above.

Below is the My Space blog dated January 4,2007,made reference to above, along with a related podcast on forgiveness,which I'm topping today:

The Heart of the Matter (Thursday,January 4,2007)

It's time to get down to the "Heart of the Matter"...This is currently the "Profile Song" for Heavier Octaves Radio. India Arie covers this Don Henley tune beautifully. It is a wonderful song with a thoughtful and inspiring message. It is our inspirational "Profile Song of the Week. India has indeed made it her own. Here is a link to the lyrics,if you care to go deeper with your reflection on the song.Try forgiving someone today and see the difference it will make in your life.And,listen in to our podcast which usually provides a brief meditation/reflection on the song being played.

Below is the link to the podcast I recorded on forgiveness. Please listen in.


"Heart of the Matter Podcast"

Enjoy,


Cynthia (Revcoolc)

On the Jimi Hendrix Vodka Issue

Jimi Hendrix Electric Vodka










This is a post I contributed to the most repected online community for John Mayer fans, My Stupid Mouth(MSM), of which I have been a member for nearly five years. It is titled after one of his first very popular and defining songs.

John did a piece last year on one of his blogs about his take on Jimi Hendrix vodka and many of his fans followed suit by responding to his views on the subject. Quite frankly, myself an avid Hendrix fan, having had eyewitness account of his influence on a generation as a youth coming of age in the late 60's through mid 70's(I had every record Hendrix ever cut...unsuccessfully lobbied my Dad to go to Woodstock,underage at the time,etc) ,I was appalled that the Hendrix family would let something like this happen to such a tremendous rock music legend,arguably the greatest guitar player that has ever lived. But my further research revealed a family torn apart for years by a long standing court battle over control of Jimi Hendrix's estate.

I had been made aware of it by the bits and pieces of information gleaned from various news sources over the years. John's blog brought attention to not only the vodka issue,but that reality as well. It provided invaluable food for thought for musicians and other entertainers who don't make estate planning and money management a priority. It also provided an example of just how easily a pop image in our culture can be cheapened or lessened out of a real financial need or a serious lack of financial planning.His piece inspired a litany, as usual, of responses from his fan base across the internet and on my blog at Creativessel.com. as well.

I, and I'm sure its safe to say others, would much rather Hendrix be remembered by future generations for his guitar playing prowess and not his alleged fondness for vodka.His influence is still being felt some thirty-seven (37) years after his death.

Ironically and probably to the delight of many fans, Hendrix's family just recently filed a law suit against a Seattle businessman for the use of Jimi Hendrix's name on the vodka.

The following is my response to Mayer's entry on his blog at Honeyee.com last year,which was posted on MSM on 12/30/06:

Thanks to John for bringing this to the forefront and for topping that RS article on Hendrix...a quality piece.I agree,among his finer ones.

If there was to be a drink named after Jimi Hendrix,I would have much rather preferred an organic juice or purple colored lemonade.Something that sort of crackles and sizzles in your mouth simultaneously while inducing "healthy" audio-visual hallucinations or holographic experiences of a medley of memorable Hendrix Tunes with "Purple Haze" as the intro.But,of course,I'm biased because I am not now, nor do I ever forsee myself as an enthusiastic, or otherwise, vodka drinker.My experimental "screwdriver" phase is long past.

As for the "banking" issue, the "quality" of family and friends(that would include their judgment) ,and to a lesser extent, the wishes of Hendrix, would be the deciding factors here. Unfortunately,and I have learned this from hard experience,it is not always the "will" or "trust" instrument that ultimately governs when people disagree over money and property rights.This is even moreso when a person dies intestate i.e.,leaving no will,as in Hendrix's case.

"Greed" and "fair share" are archrivals,in which case,it is those who have the stamina and drive to fight it out in court, the market place or the ring of public opinion to the bitter end that either win, or lose.Now, if all players could get together and work out a consent agreement to their mutual benefit,they might save a few bucks in court costs and legal fees. And,perhaps avoid such "vodka debacles" to the Hendrix image and legacy,which,of course, is extreme wishful thinking on my part. The numbers are too high ($80 million--estimated estate value)and the divide apparently too wide(non-blood relative now ostensibly controls assets to the exclusion of blood relatives).

Jimi did not play a role in this. Albeit, his death was caused ironically by asphyxiation induced from a lethal combination of alcohol(wine) and sleeping pills.

Well, there is one brand of vodka I won't be buying or promoting...no,not even as a keepsake. I almost feel like creating a slogan worthy of the occasion a la "Denounce the 40 Ounce" when the homies got out of hand with the Malt Liquor.

Now,if they make a very limited release of it for a brief period certain,just to right the books or to benefit a private or public charity, never ever to appear again,I might just be persuaded. But even that is very iffy...I still cringe at the thought.

In the meantime,

Ugh...

Peace,

Cynthia

Deep Degrees of Blue (My Space Blog 8.16.2006)

I felt like topping this today. Even though I'm not in a blue mood,I found it amusing in retrospect. Of course, when I initially wrote it I was some degree,but still not "Deep Degrees of Blue". Many may not know, but the Blues genre was a precursor and at the very root of gospel music. Several well known theologians have written about it in their books,articles and essays about the African-American religious experience.

Two that fall into that category are Dr.James H. Cone with his The Spirituals and the Blues and Dr.Michael Harris who captured the spirit of the Blues in his book The Rise of Gospel Blues. They both taught me during my journey at Union Theological Seminary . I highly recommend both books to the serious Blues conoisseur as well as those who want to learn more about the connection between blues and gospel.

My contribution to the subject in this blog entry below, though not as in depth and extensive as theirs, is a snapshot illustration of my respect and appreciation for the musical genre and how it can be a useful tool in negotiating the daily ups and downs of life.You can travel to my My Space page and browse through my friend base for an example of just how deeply attached I am to the music and the musicians who honor and preserve it. You might find some surprises.

This is the August 16,2006 entry from my blog at My Space. To read the original posting there click here.

Deep Degrees of Blue (revised 9.5.06)

www.art.com
I stumbled upon a very educational and entertaining blog page a few days ago--How to Sing the Blues-A Primer. On the page is an entire section on what and what does not qualify you to sing the blues. After all there are certain requirements for being able to bear guttural sighs, phrases and emotions from the belly of the soul for the whole world to see, hear and feel. There were some standards I met and some that I did not. For instance, if you live in New York, you can sing the blues. I met that one. Chicago, Kansas City and St. Louis are also good "sing the blues" certifiable locations. However, for cities like Minneapolis and Seattle , the opinion is that its more likely that you are experiencing clinical depression than blues. The article also mentions,if you own a computer you can't sing the blues. A lot of people probably disqualify by that standard. I know I do.
Okay, I didn't make the guidelines. I found them rather whimsical and amusing. No doubt a fun read. But I will take them with a grain of salt. 'cause I listen to some real down home and modern guitar,trumpet,sax , bass players and drummers who own computers that can "sho'nuff" sing and play some blues. Then there are those not having the benefit of computers in their day from whom we have definitely learned.
Well, I am having some degree of bluestoday. What is the requirement there?I am probably violating every tenet in the theoretical "social distance" guideline book, also known as Proxemics by sharing this with you. Besides, ministers don't get the blues. They are not supposed to anyway. Fortunately, Rev. Gary Davis and those preceding and following him have dispelled this myth.We indeed spend a good deal of our time trying to prevent or comfort those with the blues. Like many Americans, I am pretty "deep blue" about the War. I just had to get that off my chest. There are other subjects that also qualify for this entry.But I'll pass on extrapolating about them. I will say this. Sometimes we all get in a deep down bluesy mood. In hip musical terminology, it's been dubbed a blue funk. Whether Kind of Blue, Blue Monday, Blue Train, All Blues... I have found creative expression through art whether music,graphics,singing,listening to or playing music transformative and healing. The added bonus is that something stunning, captivating and spellbinding is created in the process.
The blues...some get it when their man or woman leaves them. Some when they run out of money. Some when a dream does not come true or takes an unexpected twist. Others upon the realization that war and disharmony seem to be among the predominant global constants. Some as they look back over their lives and are just plain dissatisfied with their accomplishments. Others out of loneliness and boredom just get the plain ol' down home blues. Some create or become masterpieces of artistic expression. Yes. There can be something uniquely redemptive and restorative about the blues.
Are you that one who feels you've just missed that last non-stop train to happiness out of the station? That you made a move and ended up in a place that you definitely did not plan on. I can certainly empathize with you, especially with what's happened over this past thirty days. Talk about the uncertainties of "musical chairs." I have the t-shirt,the CD and the book and could probably contribute another 9 chapters. In fact, I'd probably make a good prospect for Huffs' chair about now. I'll spare you all the gory details and just say, "when life gives you lemons,make lemonade." It could be just the beverage you needed to quench what may have been an undetected thirst.And,it might contain the best tasting lemons you've ever come across. By the same token,trust in time , faith, love and prayer (...and occassionally,for some, therapeutic "bluesal"analysis) to heal the disappointment. And remember,there's always another train coming...
During your lemonade break, join me in celebrating, singing and listening to the blues. Just tune in to the "Lobluja" (Love,blues and jazz) show every evening from 8:00 p.m to 12 midnite or just pull out some of your old blues songs from memory during that time. For those "intangible" kinds of requests, we'll surely be listening together in spirit. And, if you eventually email your request, if the song exists on this side of the universe,we will gladly add it to our playlist or upcoming live shows for future programming. For now,back to the realities of war and the privilege of singing , and now, having the blues...
Incidentally, the legendary Miles above...talk about jazz(y) blues. He arguably set the standard. One of my favorites, "All Blues", which is on the "Kind of Blue" masterpiece released in March 1959, has been covered by some of music's greats. I think I'll piece together a show in the future, a sort of spotlight on recent "All Blues" coverage. Just a thought,but...
Wouldn't that be grand?

Some modern day blues legends--made and in the making:
Smooth, jazzy & Bluesy guitar solos...........Continuum by John Mayer
"Hendrix Blues"...............................Blues by Jimi Hendrix
Buddy Guy.........."Bring 'Em In"--"Dreams to Remember
B.B. King......................................... 80 --"Hummingbird"
Peace and healing,

Cynthia (Revcoolc)