www.heavieroctaves.org: Radio Program Update

http://heavieroctaves.blogspot.com/2004/09/radio-program-update.html

www.heavieroctaves.org: Live 8-The Long Walk to Justice

Photo Source

Today with the Live Earth concert a little less than a month away,I was reminiscing about "Live 8",the global concert organized by Bono and Bob Geldolf to make poverty history in July 2005. I attended the show in Philly . I even got a chance to conduct a few interviews of people who traveled near and far to catch the concert. I also have the T-shirt which frequently adorns my upper body.I got one of the rare tie-dyed editions from a local street vendor,probably home grown. And,I love it!

Anyway,this blog will likely be written in two installments. Maybe three. I have a lot to say about poverty, making it history, the world of benefit concerts and awareness raising,which I now call "perspective heightening" out of homage to a friend. By the way, the "Live Earth Concert in the New York City area will be held on July 7,2007 at Giants Stadium.Click here for more information.

I will return soon with a little something to say about "Live Earth". Hopefully,I'll be providing the story through the lens of a backstage observer, music lover and social activist a la life poet. I will explain what that is one day. Promise.

This is just an article to get your thought wheels turning. What does it really take to make positive change in the world? Will heightening perspective and raising levels of awareness really do it? Are global concerts the way to go?

Anyway,enjoy the read which was posted on the Heavier Octaves blog on Friday,June 3,2005:

www.heavieroctaves.org: Live 8-The Long Walk to Justice

Have a good weekend.

Peace,

Cynthia

A Missing O'Donnell Observation...

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www.heavieroctaves.org: Rosie O'Donnell's- For All Kids Foundation-Help for Katrina Survivors

I thought I'd top the above blog post from the Heavier Octaves blog dated December 12,2006. Here's why:

Recently Rosie O'Donnell has been in one battle after the other with fellow "View"talk show hosts and business magnate Donald Trump.The story has been all over the news and in gossip driven media like TMZ. Both have made less than charming references to one another.In fact,the hostile and mostly vitriolic "back and forth" would seemingly have come to blows, if the two were in close proximity to one another when making the provoking exchange of remarks.

All in all, it seems the whole matter has taken public discourse down a few notches,if that is at all possible in today's age. But seriously, if adults can't communicate with civility towards one another, choosing to make spectacles of themselves "playing the dozens" , as the old folks call it, and for whatever reasons,before millions of viewers, how can the kids be expected to behave differently? Do some public figures even care anymore? Or, has the ratings game and the obsession with the kind of popularity and viewership such dialogue potentially generates taken priority?

The Rosie controversy escalated and put a strain on relationship with View honcho Barbara Walters, which eventually led to her departure from the popular morning television program. Incidentally,I can't help but imagine how "Star" is taking all this in.

I've followed the breaking news reports,the gossip spins on the story and I have also reflected on the immense popularity and huge success Rosie enjoyed with her TV talk show 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 in general.She was even dubbed the "Queen of Nice".

Well, let not your hopes be dashed.She still appears to be continuing her reign in the world of "niceness" and continues to"help others". She has a special fondness for assisting children and they are those needing the most care and attention.

Recently,Electronic Arts,Inc.'s casual gaming destination Pogo.com™ has teamed up with Rosie O’Donnell to launch their newest charitable program ‘Pogo Cares Benefiting Rosie’s For All Kids Foundation’. This two month program raises awareness within the vibrant Pogo.com community of 11 million players. Rosie’s For All Kids Foundation helps bring child care, education and happiness to America’s kids. With the help of its players, Pogo.com will donate $30K to the foundation.

I, then, recalled a blog that posted on Heavier Octaves last year reporting Rosie's generosity to the children of New Orleans in the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. And, I thought to myself "someone should be talking about the good things she does and has done with as much zeal as this brouhaha with Trump has been reported".

So,click on the link above,if you have not already done so and be further enlightened.You may also visit her foundation's website here.

Enjoy reading it. As you do,wonder what is going on in New Orleans. I hear reports of progress. But it is, from what I gather, very slow. Also, and perhaps as important,wonder what is happening to our media and interpersonal communication standards. There seems to be a lot of "upheaval" taking place in that arena, whether for the good or the bad.

One thing that has become clearer to me throughout my observation of this whole thing,is that it is not always "what you say,but how you say it". In addition, you can't always judge a person by what they say. While that is important,their broader body of work should be taken into consideration as well i.e.,the kinds of contributions they've made to their communities,the quality of person they have demonstrated themselves to be over the long run,etc.

What is in a person's heart is ultimately more important than what they say. And,we can only hear it if we listen with ours. Admittedly,this is not always the case. But ,I think it is very applicable here.

Keep Rosie, the children, the people of New Orleans and "respectful dialogue" lifted up in your thoughts today.

Peace,

Cynthia

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:

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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)