A Missing O'Donnell Observation...

Recently Rosie O'Donnell has been in one battle after the other with fellow "View"talk show hosts and with business tycoon Donald Trump. Both have made less than charming references to one another.In fact,the hostile and mostly vitriolic "back and forth" would probably have come to blows if the two were in close proximity to one another when making the scouring exchanges of remarks. All in all,I think the whole matter it has taken public discourse down a few notches.If adults can't communicate cordially and civilly towards one another, and make a spectacle of themselves "playing the dozens" as the old folks call it,then how can we expect the kids to do the same.

Rosie has even gotten into a "furor" over the controversy with View's head honcho Barbara Walters which eventually led to her departure from the popular morning television program.I've followed the breaking news reports,the gossip spins on the story and I reflected on the immense popularity and success Rosie enjoyed with her talk show program a few years back. A lot of that was a result of the wonderful things she did for guests on the show and the kindnesses she extended to others. I then recalled a blog that I posted on Heavier Octaves last year reporting about Rosie's generosity in the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina disaster and I thought why isn't somebody talking about the good things she does and has done. So,for this reason and other reasons which I can not clearly articulate at this time,I lift for today's "Daily Inspiration" a post from the Heavier Octaves blog dated

Here's the link

Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope (click here)

Since today is technically a "day of rest"...I thought I'd send you some more music to chill by.Most of my minister friends are probably laughing or "snarling"(and,I mean that in the best possible sense of the word). No, not like the phrase "friendly fire". Stop kidding around.

A few are probably still at church basking in the ambience of the morning worship experience,while finally getting the opportunity to fellowship with the trustee board(fun,fun.fun...). As the saying goes, "no rest for the weary". I'm referring to the long day on Sundays and then you still have to be there for that family emergency or prayer call while displaying eager and fresh enthusiasm.

I thought I'd top this update provided in sister blog "Heavier Octaves" about the Tsunami Aid :Concert of Hope benefit concert that was held over two(2) years ago. This was really the first or should I say, "the" inaugural benefit concert playlist for "Heavieroctavesradio". Yes,the words did run together.And,yes. You can find it like that if you google it. We were a part of the Live 365 internet station server back then,but have since relocated.

There was some really great music that came out of that concert.As a bonus to you,you can find it on my playlist of pics from that show entitled the same. Click on my iLike page.

Now, get some rest. I know,the pot calling the kettle black in a sense. Here is the link to the original posting:

http://heavieroctaves.blogspot.com/2005/01/tsunami-aid-concert-of-hope-click-here.html


Peace and love,

Cynthia

Airlift II-Love Soother Mix

Okay. Time for fun! TGIS...(Thank God It's Saturday)

I am lifting up and sharing an inspirational message which I wrote back in December 2006 on the topic of the "healing sounds of music" with my pop slant of course. It has been parked on my blog at Riottt.com since December of last year.

I know that I'm a little late,but please let this serve as the weekend inspiration,appropriately on the subject of music that you can actually listen to.Tonight there is a full moon. So,kick up your heels,snuggle up and enjoy some soothing sounds. It is my "Music Sculpture" for you to share with your friends,if you'd like...

Reprinted from Riottt.com

Airlift II

Dec 08, 2006 | 08:00 AM

Airlift

This is a "music sculpture"(patent pending), playlist entitled "Airlift II" and it is dedicated to all my friends out there who just want and need to be "lifted up" and loved.

Unlike bronze,woodl,stone. clay,or canvas, "music sculptors" use music, songs and lyrics as their artistic medium of expression, designing musical mixes using themes that soothe the heart,mind and soul. Their designs are multi-dimensional and can bring other textures and mediums to bear on the ultimate concept as well.I've discovered throughout the years that music is a pretty potent multi-level healer and that a song can in combination quite often with other things,perform laser sharp heart(figuratively speaking),psychic and emotional surgery.

Vibrating into knooks ,crannies and crevices of the heart that would otherwise go untouched, I don't think any other medium surpasses its non-invasive,yet tremendously subtle fluid delivery. Yes. For raw or subtle emotional impact, a song is definitely the way to go.

So sit back and relax as surgery is performed on your soul and psyche with beautiful musical skill and precision.If you feel like swaying your body, popping your fingers or jumping up and down while shouting to the rhythym of the music,by all means go for it.Part of the cure is the fun you experience while listening.Another part, is going with the flow of the tears or sighs that an old sentiment evokes as a musical note or two puts you in touch with it.

"Airlift II" is one of the featured playlists on Heavier Octaves Radio.It is one of the "Lobluja"--Love Blues and Jazz mixes. Airlift II music sculpture will be available as a podcast. It is currently available on itunes as an imix as well as on our ilike friends' broadcast.

My podcast discussing the songs is coming soon. This is the sculpture:

Everything Must Change /Everything Must Change (Reprise)(Quincy Jones)

O,I Need All the Love in Your Heart (Josh Rouse)... So,

Send for Me (Atlantic Starr) with that

Message in a Bottle (John Mayer), because All I Want (Joni Mitchell) is to

Zoom (Lionel Richie,Commodores), so you don't continue

feeling Crazy (Seal)

Soul'd Out (Josh Rouse) and in a Simmering Medley (John Mayer)

Because The Heart of the Matter(India arie) is that Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Israel K) I Think I See the Light(Cat Stevens)and I Call it Love (Lionel Richie) while In Repair (John Mayer).

Cross References: Love You Down(Ready for the World); Love Soon (John Mayer)

So, I send an Airlift of love out to and for my friend(s),


Cynthia

p.s. And,if you want copies of any of the songs you can go to my ilike page and download it-free.
All you have to do is join the network. I f you don't want to do that,just purchase it from
itunes if you like the imix.

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:

(More...)


(More...)


(More...)

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