87. One voice joined with many

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Today is Live 8. If you've been following the news, you've probably heard of it. 9 concerts on 4 different continents. People joining together to fight poverty. Yes, a concert that is actually spending money to get out the message is probably not the best way to get the message out. However, it is getting the message out. Poverty is not only a problem in Africa, but around the world. People are starving. Sometimes in this world we take things for granted. We have roofs over our heads, food in our refrigerators. We're on the Internet, so that means we have enough money to buy computers, pay for Internet service, the phone line or cable service it is carried through. We have all these things, and there are children that barely have the clothes on their backs, no food in their stomachs, and no roofs over their head.

No, a concert will not do much. A concert full of celebrities won't change the minds of those leaders meeting at the G8 this week coming up. One voice will not do it, but the voices of many, a world of voices might do something. It's important that the message is sent, and the voices of the people are heard. I've been watching Live 8 since MTV began airing its coverage this morning at 9am my time. I saw some great acts perform. Some collaborations between artists that I never thought I would see. Coldplay joining Richard Ashcroft on Bittersweet Symphony, U2 joining Paul McCartney to sing Sgt. Pepper's, which was said to never been performed live before.

During the show, they showed scenes of people, children, starving in Africa. I remember growing up seeing similar images. When "We are the world" and the original Live Aid came out I was about 8 or 9 years old. i watched then as I watched now. Just before Madonna came on stage in London, they brought out a young woman that as a young child was featured in the documentary.I was moved to tears upon seeing her. The show isn't half over, and I know there is more to come. We just need to remember this isn't a problem just in Africa, but around the world. Alone we can't do much, but together we can do something. If you want to leave more about Live 8 and the fight against poverty here in the US visit Live 8's website or One.org.

In other news, I got some writing done last night. Not much, but some. I was a bit distracted, so my writing wasn't as much. I was saddened to hear about the passing of Luther Vandross, and one of the Four Tops. Both of which I've enjoyed music from. I have a few things to work on this month. I am challenging myself to write 12,000 words this month, and I have projects that those words and any others surpassing that word count will go to. Busy month!

It looks like Romance Divas has some problems with the forum yesterday, but everything looks to be up and running. Speaking of Romance Divas, they are having a great free workshop this month. In case you hadn't heard about the information is here:

Romance Divas is running another great FREE workshop this month. Author Jess Michaels will be hosting her "So I Wrote This Book... Now What?" workshop in the Forum. Just register to become a member and you're eligible for the workshop and the monthly giveaway. The workshop starts July 18th.

Have a wonderful Saturday, and for those taking off for the July 4th holiday, have a wonderful holiday weekend.