We Are The World

The "We Are The World" remake brought together more than 80 of music's biggest stars. The original song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in support of Africa and became one of the world's biggest benefit songs. In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Lionel Richie teamed up with producer Quincy Jones to re-record his 1985 hit. So, they gathered an all-star cast to benefit Haiti and it became a huge success. The artists ranged from young Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers, to Fergie, and even the Beach Boys'. Haitian native, Wyclef Jean, stated "I feel like a kid in a candy store," when he spoke about the remake. While watching the video, you can really see how much this song touched the artists involved. Justin Bieber, who sings the opening line, said, "The experience was out of this world." If you haven't yet seen the video or heard the song, please do so. Many people, of course, will have their own opinion about the remake of this song, but this was an incredible way for me to really realize how much Haiti truly needs us.

1,2, win, for you, 3, 4, win, some more...!

Most of us have heard about the incredible outcome of the Saints Parade Tuesday night. If you haven't heard about it, you were there to witness it! The parade was such an incredible way for the Saints to witness, first hand, how truly avid their fans are. For New Orleanians, the only thing better than Mardi Gras is a Super Bowl win. The people of New Orleans were able to see their players just loosing up and haven't a great time. Also along for the ride were owner Tom Benson and head coach Sean Payton. But, the most amazing part of the night was what happened after the parade. Quarterback, Drew Brees, made quite an appearance at a bar called Lucy's. He was so enthused to speak to anyone and everyone at the bar. He was so happy that he decided to teach his jubilant fans the infamous pre-game chant the Saints are known for: Brees:  "One."  Team:  "Two." Brees:  "Win." Team:  "For you." Brees:  "Three." Team:  "Four."  Brees:  "Win." Team:  "Some more." Brees:  "Five." Team:  "Six." Brees:  "Win." Team:  "For kicks." Brees:  "Seven." Team:  "Eight." Brees:  "Win." Team:  "It's great." Brees:  "Nine." Team:   "Ten." Brees:  "Win." Team: "Again." Brees:  "Win." Team:  "Again."

Dynamic Duo

So I am sure we have all heard about which artists will be performing at the Grammy's tonight. I have to say, I am especially excited to see what Elton John and Lady Gaga have in store for us. The two will be teaming up to open up for the exciting show tonight. It should be very interesting seeing that these two artists are so different. The duet from this dynamic two-some has the entire Grammy press talking. While there is no word yet on which songs they will be performing, it will most likely be one of the most talked about performances of the night. Gaga will also be nominated for 5 Grammy's, following Taylor Swift's 8 nominations, and Beyonce's 10!The question is; what are you more excited to see, the opening performace by Gaga and Elton John, or the whacky ensembles Gaga has instore for the show?!

Invisible Children

I wanted to share with all of you something that I don't think people know enough about. I learned about Invisible Children through a girl from my high school a few years ago and became fascinated. Before I tell you how you can help out Invisible Children, I am going to tell you a little bit of what it is about. It started with the war in Northern Uganda. This war has been called "the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today." The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda have been waging a war for the past 23 years that has left nearly two million innocent civilians trapped. The Government of Uganda has failed in many attempts to protect its citizens from this rebel militia. The LRA rebel movement started with a woman named Alice Lakwena in the 1980s. Lakwena believed the Holy Spirit spoke to her and ordered her to overthrow the Ugandan government for being unjust. Lakwena soon gained many followers and the became known as the Holy Spirit Movement. A lot happened through the years, and the rebels resorted to abducting children and adding them into their ranks. As a response to the LRA attacks , the Ugandan government began forcibly evicting thousands fromt heir homes starting in 1996. They began relocating them into overcrowded camps where they struggle to survive among the effects of poverty, rampant disease, and starvation. In recent years many acts were passed including one which declared the LRA to be a terrorist organization. The Government of Uganda and the LRA still to this day have yet to find a peaceful solution. The motives of the LRA become more and more ambiguous and their crimes only become more horrific. Invisible Children remains committed to "seek sustainable solutions to foster an environment that encourages peace." Invisible Children addresses the need for education and economic development. There are thousands and thousands of families suffering everyday from starvation, rape, and other forms of violence. There are so many ways that we can help. Please go to the Invisible Children website: www.invisiblechildren.com to help. Remember that it can only take a small amount of our time and money to help. 

"I had a dream"

So since today was Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday, I thought that it would only be necessary to talk about the incredible things he has done for our nation. I was looking up songs that have been written about him and remembered a certain song from a movie that I had seen recently. The song “I had a dream” by Common. This song was played in the movie “Freedom Writers.” I loved this movie and found it very inspiring. The lyrics in this song are so powerful and meaningful. These particular lyrics really stood out to me:

“The world's seen me lookin' in the mirror, Images of me, gettin' much clearer, 
Dear Self, I wrote a letter just to better my soul, 
If I don't express it then forever I'll hold, inside 
I'm from a side where we out of control, 
Rap music in the 'hood played a fatherly role, 
My story's like yours, yo it gotta be told, 
Tryna make it from a gangsta to a godlier role,.”

I believe that there is so much said in these few lines. The last two lines stand out to me the most. I believe that it explains how everyone has a story to be told and we need to have the courage to go out into the world and tell it. This is what Martin Luther King Jr did, and because of his bravery, we are now a diverse country full of people who are willing to go out and spread their word.

 

I Have a Dream

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBa55sDTIiA