Members of resistance group "White Rose": Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl und Christoph Probst (from left to right), photo of 1942
Today we remember and honor
Sophie Scholl (9 May 1921 – 22 February 1943) and her brother
Hans Scholl (22 September 1918 – 22 February 1943).
They gave their young lives today, 68 years ago, for their beliefs but never doubted their resistance against the Nazi regime.
Sophie was a German student, active within the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. She was convicted of high treason after having been found distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich with her brother Hans and other members of the restistance.
February 18, 1943, was the day Hans' and Sophie's luck ran out. They were caught leaving pamphlets at the University of Munich and were arrested. A search disclosed evidence of their friend and "White Rose" member Christoph Probst's participation, and he too was soon arrested. The three of them were indicted for treason.
On February 22, four days after their arrest, their trial began.
Sophie Scholl shocked everyone in the courtroom when she remarked to the judge: “Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare to express themselves as we did.” Later in the proceedings, she said to him: “You know the war is lost. Why don't you have the courage to face it?”
To the Scholl family loyalty meant obeying the dictates of the heart. ”What I want for you is to live in uprightness and freedom of spirit, no matter how difficult that proves to be,” their father once told the family.
I'm almost sure he doubted his own words on this very day...
"Nothing is so unworthy of a civilized nation as allowing itself to be governed without opposition by an irresponsible clique that has yielded to base instinct. It is certain that today every honest German is ashamed of his government. Who among us has any conception of the dimensions of shame that will befall us and our children when one day the veil has fallen from our eyes and the most horrible of crimes - crimes that infinitely outdistance every human measure - reach the light of day?"
The White Rose - Leaflet I 1942
”How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause,” Sophie said. ”Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go,” she continued, ”but what does my death matter, if through us thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?”
Sophie Scholl, February 22 1943, right before her execution.
”Long live freedom!” Hans Scholl’s last words shouted from the guillotine.
Thank you Sophie, Hans, Christoph and all other members of "Die Weisse Rose" (The White Rose) resistance group. You are my heros and you really DID make a change in this world!!!
I pray I never have to, but I pray that if I have to, I will be as brave as you were...
Trailer of "Sophie Scholl - The final days", a very touching movie about Sophie's time in prison and court.
The "It's All For L.O.V.E" blog team would like to wish
Prince Michael Jackson II a.k.a. Blanket
a very happy 9th birthday today!!!
You have been through a very hard time and had to go through more than a child of your age should ever face but we do hope that by the love and support of your family and loved ones, and by the love you get from all over the world, there is a happy and lovely year ahead for you!!!
May you be blessed and rewarded today and for the rest of your life!
While people still try to explain his success and take him down on account of CD sales figures, if you ask anybody, any of his fans, people on the street they will always talk about how Michael Jackson, his music, his work made them feel.
"Whatever I sing, that's what I really mean. Like, I'm singing a song, I don't sing it if I don't mean it"
Michael Jackson
"Who's Loving You?" written in 1960 by Smokey Robinson, recorded for the first time by The Miracles the same year has been covered by many others. The Temptations, The Supremes, Terence Trent-D'arby and En Vogue recorded their own versions.
But the most famous of all was recorded in 1969 and the lead vocals are 10 year old's Michael Jackson. Though a B-Side for "I Want You Back" single, the song stands today as an iconic performance for The Jackson 5 and Michael.
"I could not believe that someone that young could have that much knowing (of depth of soul) when he sung my song, "Whose Loving You?" I immediately asked to see his birth certificate!"
Smokey Robinson
It is the honesty with which he approach every song. Michael's work offered to me the feeling that he cared. As I said before he made me feel part of it.
"I know his music touched me. And that's all I know"
Siedah Garrett
I don't have a favorite song. Or a favorite performance. Though at times when asked I might give an answer other then "all of them", depending on what I'm going through at the time.
"Who's Loving You?" is just one example of Michael's talent. This live performance below (from 1972) offers a more then convincing explanation as to why the public reacted so strongly to him.
"When Michael Jackson sings it is with the voice of angels, and when his feet move, you can see God dancing."
Each moment, there are forces that work to encourage disconnectedness within ourselves and among one another.
Many still don't find the time to care for their brother or sister in the next zip code, in a different shade of skin, or can't be bothered to listen to someone who speaks a common language, but with an accent that hints of a different mother tongue. Because we know we are blessed to have developed this international family, inspired by Michael Jackson, this song is a fitting dedication, and encouragement of this global "oneness."
German singer Xavier Naidoo, and the group he co-founded SöhneMannheims, offer this song to us "Mein Name ist Mensch" or "My Name is Man," that is, humankind.
The song and the attached video is a striking reminder to us all to remember our interconnectedness.
By the way, if you don't know Xavier Naidoo, I urge you to check out his soulful voice and lyrics that inspire us to be better to ourselves and others. No worries if you don't know German (as I do not). My German family and Google Translator have been my friends.
Xavier's voice and message beckon global attention. We all come from light. Let's continue here.
Lyrics translated from German to English: I have many fathers. I have many mothers, I have many sisters, and I have many brothers. My ancestors are black and my mothers are yellow my brothers are red and my sisters are bright I'm over ten thousand years old, and my name is man! I'm over ten thousand years old, and my name is man! And I live from light, and I live on air, and I live by love, and I live by bread.I have two eyes and can see everything. I have two ears and can understand everything. I'm over ten thousand years old, and my name is man! I'm over ten thousand years old, and my name is man! We have an enemy. He takes us the day, he lives from our work, and lives of our power. He has two eyes, and he does not see. and he has two ears and understand not. He has over ten thousand years old and has many names. He has over ten thousand years old and has many names. I know we will fight, I know we will prevail, I know we will live, and we will love. The planet Earth will include all of us, and everyone will have what he needs. It will not take ten thousand years more, for the time is ripe. And it takes less than ten thousand years more, for the time is ripe.
The MJ statue in Guangzhou, China has been erected and unveiled on the first day of this year. Exciting news has emerged ever since then. This time I'm acting as a messager to deliver some words from the MJ fans in Guangzhou to the world (via the leader of "Michael Jackson Union" - Jessie Jackson, from Hong Kong).
The following is from the facebook page of Jessie. She has kindly agreed and actually very happy to share the news with us. The links to the facebook pages are at the end of the page.
N.B. Jessie tells us that they would like to hear what the world say on this! Please leave your comments here and your words will be passed to the organizers in Guangzhou and Hong Kong. THANK YOU!
Michael Jackson deserves respect around the world, including, naturally, his home country the United States. Fans from China are planning to erect the 1st bronze MJ statue in the United States, just as the way in Guangzhou. What is your opinion on this?
This is being planned for in Kansas in the near future.
As far as we know, if we (Chinese) have the opportunity to erect the MJ statue there, which would be exactly the same as the one in Guangzhou, this will be the very 1st bronze MJ statue in the whole U.S.
What would you say about this?
For the fans all over the world, this is going to be an amazing cultural dynamics!
This is a crossover of art in MJ spirit!
This will be, once again, an action of fans to defend and fight for MJ!
MICHAEL JACKSON should be respected around the world, including his mother country - USA!
1. Advocacy of Equality: Kansas State was the first to enact the U.S. Constitution that all African-American has the right to vote in the state.
2. The agricultural province for mid-U.S., Kansas is also called the "The Sunflower State".
3. Home of Dorothy, the main character in the fairy tale "The Wizard of Oz".
More information will be announced soon!
Source from Guangzhou / Ah Fai
*** The idea of having a statue in the United States came directly from the successful completion of the MJ statue in China.
1. One of the first reasons is the enormous positive feedback we have received for the MJ statue in Guangzhou. Among the Chinese communities in America and even Europe, the statue has been recognized as a significant event that represents cultural interflow between China and America.
(please note: setting up of the MJ statue in Guangzhou is in essence far more than a tribute for our idol; it has a more sublimed meaning in the exchange of culture and art between the two countries!)
2. Among the many witnesses on the unveiling ceremony were several icons in the field of art, including some famous sculptors. They were all very appreciative of the artistry of Mr. Luk, the sculptor of the MJ statue. One of them was Mr. Wu Shunkun (renowned Chinese sculptor in the U.S.; has been invited as the guest of the White House and was greeted by President Clinton personally). Mr. Wu wants to establish a “Sculpture Park of Chinese and American Artists” in Kansas, one that is similar to Guangzhou’s.
The Sculpture Park has been approved by the Kansas government, and land has been marked for this purpose. Being the founder and the owner, Mr. Wu can decide on the works to be placed in the park. After participating in the unveiling ceremony of the MJ statue on 1st Jan 2011, Mr. Wu decided that the theme of the MJ statue embodied the interflow of arts and culture between China and America very well.
In addition, Mr. Luk’s work can well reflect the level of sculpture skills of Chinese artists.
It has been preliminarily confirmed that this MJ statue will be among the first to be included in the Sculpture Park. The replica of the statue will be made according to the instructions of Mr. Luk, and will then permanently stay in this Sculpture Park in the United States, as an iconic work and a symbol of friendship between Guangzhou and Kansas. The fine details are being discussed between Mr. Luk and Mr. Wu. Please wait for Guangzhou report on this exciting news!
3. At the moment NO fund-raising is being planned for the making of the statue replica, so there is no need for unnecessary speculations. Mr. Luk and Mr. Wu will be in charge, meanwhile President Chen (who attended the unveiling ceremony as well) will communicate and connect with the Chinese business professionals in the States to help financing for the project. As the whole Sculpture Park project is in the stage of planning and preparation, we are also exploring ways to allow us fans to get involved and express our love for MJ. Please wait patiently for our further notice!
Give Love to the children, children need love everyday.
Give love to the children - guide them on their way.
Love's like a burning flame - consumes all that stands in the way.
Love is the only power on earth to take all the hatred away.
GIVE LOVE TO THE CHILDREN set the children free.
To make their own decisions then they will clearly see.
Love is the sun, the moon and the stars, love is a golden ring.
Love is the one thing, the whole world desires - be it beggar or king.
GIVE LOVE TO THE CHILDREN - youth has not long to stay.
Love is a long term investment, the best you will find any day.
Love like the rising sun, takes all the darkness away.
Our children will tell their children and their childrens children will say.
Give love to the children - they are our crock of gold
and if perchance, they ever stray, they will come back to the fold.
Give love to the children, the children of today.
Give love to the children
and
source: davidarchie via @MyMJJtribute
ℒﻉ√٥
will come to stay.
~ Poem written by: Elizabeth Quinn ( Lisborn, Northern Ireland)
Ai Weiwei's studio before the destruction. photo (c) The Telegraph
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was featured here already as he is a true Soldier of L.O.V.E. fighting for the rights of the unheard voices of the lost children and as a peaceful activist for freedom and democracy in China and around the world.
He uses his phenomenal art to truely make a change and is therefore seriously and constantly under the attack of Chinese authorities, where he almost lost his life being beaten down so hard on the head.
Ai Weiwei never gives up and doesn't even turn his back on China.
On January 11th, 2011 Chinese authorities took another method to bring him down. They completely destroyed his studio building in Shanghai (worth about 1 million US-$). This was probably also a reaction to Ai Weiwei's support of Nobel Peace Price winner Liu Xiaobo.
BEIJING — The studio would have stood at the heart of an embryonic arts cluster on the outskirts of Shanghai, a draw for luminaries from around the world.
It took two years to build, and one day to tear down. (...)
“Everything is gone,” he said. “It’s all black now. They finished the job at 9 o’clock last night.” (...)
Meanwhile Ai Weiwei's fantastic work of Art "Sunflower Seeds" is still shown in Tate Modern in London.
This outstanding piece of Art shows hundreds of millions of Sunflower Seeds that seem to be identical but are apparently unique and handmade porcelaine in China.
As we all know about Michael Jackson's love for Sunflowers, the Sunflower Seeds represent the "seeds of love" and a basis for love to grow...
Ai Weiwei's "Sunflower Seeds" in the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern.
Watch the video about "Sunflower Seeds" here:
Let's show human rights activist Ai Weiwei and China our love and support!!! I guess you all saw what happened when the Michael Jackson bronze statue was unveiled in China recently...
Special thanks to echo9120, who uploaded the video below to you Tube and shares this story:
"According to the fans who were there, the statue was unveiled accidentally. It was originally scheduled to be unveiled on 2011.1.1 at 11.11am.
When one of the guests was speaking, suddenly a strong wind blew away the red boxes (the “dream boxes”) which hide the statue (watch the 0:20 mark). The crowd caught in surprise were screaming while watching the boxes collapsed and “MJ emerged from within”. Some fans cried witnessing this happened before their eyes.Then, the guest speaker said, “You see, MJ himself couldn’t hold on and stand out”. It was also confirmed later by the organizer that the “unveil” wasn’t pre-planned. Anyway, the fans were glad that the act of the wind seems perfect. It blew away all the boxes except leaving “a big wall behind Michael’s back”.
Every second, 3 sharks die at human hands. Many are "finned" so that their fins can be used for shark fin soup. Sharks are becoming extinct and it is affecting all ocean life.
Executive Producer/Director Gary Rose and fledgling group KISS (Kids Involved in Saving Sharks) have teamed up to create a PSA campaign aimed at halting the slaughter of sharks and preserving the ocean's ecosystem.
MJ Fam, please help those kids and spread their message to help the endangered species of sharks that are essential to our eco system!
Why?
Sharks have been around for nearly 400 million years: that makes them older than dinosaurs! There are about 375 different types of shark in the world.
The sea monster myth
Sharks rarely attack people. In fact, the chance of being attacked by a shark is less than the chance of being struck by lightning. The real dangers for people in the ocean are drowning, exposure and being struck by a boat. So no, sharks are not the sea monsters we hear about in stories.
Threat to survival
While sharks are not a threat to people, people are a very real threat to sharks. Each year, over 100 million sharks are killed, most of them for their fins. In fact, there are now 20 types of sharks that are in danger of disappearing because of overfishing.
One of the reasons the shark population is decreasing rapidly is that it takes a long time for sharks to become adults. When a young shark is caught they do not have the chance to grow up and produce baby sharks (pups).
When it comes to reproducing, sharks are more similar to mammals such as whales, dolphins and humans than to other fish. While most fish reach maturity in only a few years and produce thousands or millions of eggs per year, sharks take many years to reach maturity, with some species not reproducing until they are over 15 years old. So when sharks are overfished it may take them many years to recover and in some cases they may never recover.
Why care?
Sharks are crucial parts to the ocean ecosystem. They are at the top of the ocean food chain. They control populations in a beneficial way by eliminating diseased and genetically defective animals. Sharks are an important part of the Earth’s biodiversity.
YOU can help endangered sharks!
1. Educate yourself and others about their importance to our world.
2. Send letters to politicians and other influential people. Let others know how you feel about endangered sharks and how crucial they are to the environment.
3. Sign a petition or start a petition against shark finning and send it to representatives of China.
4. Avoid purchasing products made from sharks.
5. Organise a fundraising activity at your school or in your community and donate to a shark conservation program or organisation.
Together we can make a difference! Tell us how you’ve helped the sharks and inspire other to do the same.
We wish you all a very happy new year with many blessings!
I hope we as the MJ Fam will continue to stay together in unity and keep Michael's message alive. We are the ones to "make that change"...
Together we can Heal The World and continue to fulfill Michael's dream!
This song by R. Kelly is dedicated to you all... The lyrics reminded me of the MJ Fam right away.
"Relief" appeared as a bonus track on the "Best Buy" version of R. Kelly's recent "Love Letter" album...
R. Kelly - Relief Lyrics
The storm is over, and i'm so glad the sun is shining We fast and pray and it feels good to know that he answers Confusion everywhere, without a clue on how to make things better A toast to the man upstairs, 'cause he puts the pieces back together
Now lets step to a new tune, cause everything is o.k. You're alright, and I'm alright Well, let's celebrate
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
Although we struggle, know that help is on the way (yeah) The power of love, we can not underestimate (no) Seems like you're gonna break, and there is no escape, you still got to have faith, yeah And know that love, is gonna step up to the plate (yeah)
Now lets step to a brand new tune, 'cause everything is o.k. You're alright, and I'm alright Oh, so let's celebrate
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
Listen, See I'm just trying to bring relief for those that need it Somebody help somebody, now go and repeat it Understand that struggle has no colors See, we all got our stormy weather, Thats all the more reason why we should join hands and pull it together
Steppin' gives us a way out through the back door So take a deep breath and grap somebody and hit the floor
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
I've chosen this quote because of two main reasons.
One is because of Michael - remembering how he was lynched by the media and the public opinion. And two because it reminds me of children's role playing games - when they dress up and put on adults shoes. They do it for fun but also because they want to understand, make sense of an experience/situation and learn about what it is like to be that person.
The meaning of the saying (as I see it) is not to know everything about a person but respecting and accepting each other in spite of things we do not know about each other's life. We need to learn from our children. Not being childish. But we need to recapture as adults their spirit.
We are one - We are here to change the world. It starts with each of us.
Though I find it hard to find the words to fully express all I want to say on the subject I thought I should post this anyway. I'm counting you will help me complete it with your opinion.
"We must learn to live and love each other before it’s too late.
We have to stop!
We have to stop the prejudice, we have to stop the hating, we have to stop living in fear of our own neighbors.
Together we can make a change of the world.
Together we can help to stop racism.
Together we can help to stop prejudice. We can help the world live without fear. It’s our only hope, without hope we are lost."
...from the IAFL-webteam to all our blog-visitors!
Reflecting what to write for Christmas on the blog, I read some wise words from wise people and as well some from tpeople who usually were not famous for their wisdom.
You too will have met people, who are convinced that there's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. I can not agree to this, as it is us to keep our inner child alive - at least a little bit and because the christmas spirit of love is magic for adults as well.
The video below shows Michael Jackson´s very first Christmas in 1993. He never experienced the wonders of Christmas as a child. It´s amazing to see his joy.
To me, Christmas most cherished presents are the gift of hope and the gift of love which we get - unwrapped and unvisible. I found the message of Christmas well expressed by Taylor Cadwell:
~ I am not alone at all, I thought.
I was never alone at all.
And that, of course, is the message of Christmas.
We are never alone.
Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the word seemingly most indifferent.
This is just the time of the year people all over the world are wondering what they are going to give the children for Christmas to put smiles on their faces.
What we give depends a lot on where on this beautiful planet we are living, if and what kind of income we have and many more social factors.
Last week I learned about an internet survey where children were asked how they would spend money if they were rich and had about 1 million $.
The results are interesting:
Here is the top 10 what children would do
with 1 Million Dollars:
place 10 save the money
place 9 spend money on a meet and greet .............. .. with Celebs
place 8 toys
place 7 sweets (and not to forget to make an appointment::: ..at the doctors!, notation made by me )
place 6 clothes
place 5 fulfill wishes of all family-members
place 4 computer games
place 3 pets
2nd place donations to Charities
1st place a luxury villa for the family
I do not know whether the children could run the questions in a single or multiple instances. This internet survey is only based on material things and therefore somewhat superficial.The more I am pleased about the children thinking clearly very social and to raise the intent "donations to Charity" on the second place. It shows that our children are that kind of dreamers this world needs to survive ; it shows that our children are loving and giving human beings, willing to get in action to make this world a better place. This is a lesson that our children have less material interests than we mostly assume them to have. Anyone who lives with children, especially those of us who work on a professional base, can experience that children´s real wishes and dreams deep inside aren´t material at all. They wish health (especially when a family member is not at good health) and they dream of living in a happy family and to be loved.
These wishes and dreams reveal the childlike wisdom that we all do not need much more if we have a warm home, no lack of food, education and when there is the love and appreciation we need.
Children always felt Michael Jackson´s love
~They who dream by day are cognizant of many things
~ Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas.
All else is outward display--so much tinsel and decorations.
For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow.
It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow.
It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again. (unknown author)~
Michael Jackson might have left this planet, but he will never be forgotten. The world will not forget him being an unique artist, but most of us will also always remember him as humanitarian and giving person, a beautiful living soul, who has fought throughout his life for suffering children All over his lifetime, he donated incredible loads of money to a number of foundations intending to heal the world.
Michael will have felt the spirit of Christmas all over the year...and not just in december.
By his will he is going to live on as a giving humanitarian; charities will get support for many, many years beyond his death.
On the occasion of Christmas, I would like (one more time) to ask for your attention for a project in Haiti, organized for the children in the poorest area of Port au Prince, Cité Soleil. After checking out the fotos you will agree that the life in Cité Soleil is far away from being as nice as it´s name seems to promise, especially not for the children, ....especially not after the devasting earthquake in january 2010.
A group of volunteers around one of Haiti´s most famous DJs, Carel Pedre, distribute every Sunday a warm meal to about 300 children. Take some time to learn more about the project by following into our archive of posts where you find additional links which will give you a picture of "The Sunday Project in Haiti". Don´t miss to watch Karlitos video.
"To honor the children of the world,
I vow to help the sick & dying, the alone, homeless
and hungry in every corner of the world."- Michael Jackson
There are many campaigns, organizations, and charities directly related to Michael that you can donate to. If you follow the links, Raven, the appreciated author ofthis beautiful bloghas published, you will get to Charities which you might like to support.
This group’s reputation and purpose needs no introduction! Most of you will have already crossed @yogadancer7´s paths or the account @trees4MJ on Twitter. A small donation of $15 ensures the planting of 15 trees in Michael’s name.
Hey to all our lovely blog followers, this month we all decided that it would be a great thing to do to promote charities and organizations that are making a difference and spreading the L.O.V.E. there are SO many excellent ones out there & it is our plan to feature a different charity every week for the rest of December. In some peoples eyes Christmas has became the seasons of GETTING when it is, in my opinion the season of giving. This is the time of year to donate to charities and organizations who are trying to help families get through what to many has become a rough time with the economy the way it is these days. Of course we should all donate all year round but I feel like in December love is in the air, there is a peace that isn't felt at other parts of the year. besides helping the charities we feature we ask you to please, if you have extra coats or clothes that are gently used don't throw them out there are so many places in your community that will take them and give them to people in need, the same with food, so many food drives taking place in hopes all families can have some sort of Christmas dinner.....
This weeks featured charity is from Michael Jackson's United Nation International Fan Club or MJSUNIFC they have a charity team the "It's All For Love" team & right now they are supporting the Save Lids to Save Lives. Yoplait's Breast Cancer Awarness, this is the 12th year Yoplait has done this and they gave guaranteed a donation of at least 500,000! please visit www.itsallforlove.com to learn more about MJSUN's Charity Division and please go to http://www.wix.com/mjsunifc/savelidstosavelivesdrive to learn more about the drive!! Cancer affects so many of us, our families, so many of us have lost people to cancer. This charity is drive is close to my heart, about a month ago i had the scare of my life, the doctor told my Mom she could possibly have breast cancer, 3 agonizing weeks and 2 scary biopsys later we learn she only has a benign tumor, my mom was one of the lucky ones, others aren't so lucky and need our help please please go, read up on it & if you can please do what you can to help! **Note Yoplaits Save Lids To Save Lives is part of the Susan G Komen for the Cure, donations there are always welcomed too and so needed!**
“No child should be born with HIV; no child should be an orphan because of HIV;
no child should die due to lack of access to treatment.”
Ebube Sylvia Taylor 11 year old born free of HIV, to world leaders gathered in New York to share
progress made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015
Over 30 million people are living with HIV/AIDS world wide. 2.5 million of them are children under the age of 15, according to numbers provided by UNAIDS, WHO reports last year.
"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person."
In 2005 at the UN World Summit there where talks about defining the concept and a steps for universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care by 2010.
It's 2010.
Where do we stand today ?
People receiving and needing antiretroviral therapy, by region, 2008 and 2009
click to enlarge
World AIDS Day 2010 is dedicated to emphasizing the need for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care as been key to end AIDS epidemic world wide.
Here is a video showing how in just 90 days a woman's life gets turned around with the help of Topsy Foundation in South Africa.
Demand your government for action and join the action NOW so by 2015 universal access to HIV treatment is real and an end to children being born with HIV.
For more information and ways to help please check out these sites
"A concert is not a live rendition of our album. It's a theatrical event."
Freddie Mercury
It pretty much sums up what Freddie brought to the stage. But it only begins to tell the story about what Freddie Mercury and Queen mean to music and the world.
To call him a legends would be too little considering how this word is thrown around about everybody who gets on the cover of a magazine
"When I'm dead, I want to be remembered as a musician of some worth and substance."
Freddie Mercury
He used to say his melodies are better than the lyrics but I bet many of you will disagree with him. Both lyrics and melodies are so powerful and have borrowed his style and personality. I do not intend to take anything away from the other Queen musicians - amazing themselves. I will not get into that. This is not an analysis.
This post is simply to remember and honor one of the greatest music entertainers that ever lived.
A man who dedicated his life to bringing joy through music and share his talent with the world.
A lot of ink has been used in writing about his. Controversies, tabloid reports, critics (about his music and his image) and so on - but what remains is the gift he gave to the world - himself.
The show went on through all the good and bad in his life.
My favorite album is "Made In Heaven". I'm sure many will argue with me on this. It might not have the musical force of "A Night At The Opera"' for example.
But it's the simple fact that this last album was finished just based on will power.
While his body rapidly loosing the battle with AIDS he found comfort in recording.
And is his voice that breaks through. Not many rock artists pay attention to that. He used his voice to add depth and character to the songs and the public responded.
In April 1992 took place The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness. At the end of George Michael's rendition of "Somebody To Love" the public offered a wonderful tribute by singing the final phrase of the song exactly like Freddie used to do it.
It wasn't a big surprise to me that he and Michael connected and according to Brian May they became close friends. The two demo songs that we know of that surfaced - "State Of Shock" and there "Must Be More To Life Than This" - left us with just many questions starting in "What if ...?"
I'm going to end up this post with the song Brian May wrote and that I think expresses what we all feel about loosing him. About loosing them ..... our heroes. All of them. Including the unsung ones.
"One by one
Only the good die young
They're only flyin' too close to the sun
Cryin' for nothing
Cryin' for no-one
No-one but you"
When Michael Jackson passed, the feeling of loss and grief was quite overwhelming. I somewhat felt alone in my mourning of MJ; coming a small conservative, reserved town in Virginia, I wasn't sure if anyone truly understood what this lost meant to me:
This was the loss of innocence; I always felt like a young teen singing to my "BAD" poster when I listened to MJ, like I'm frozen in time. When our personal "Peter Pan" ascended to heaven, I had to slowly come to the realization this was the end of an era.
My life changed when I met a certain group of ladies - starting with @doublebeee and @Kiki_MJFan4life, I started to share my personal thoughts of MJ, his music, his style, his buckles...
Then I had interaction with @mike1909, @angelzaroundus, and @ichliebemjj, reflecting on MJ's kindness and gentle spirit.
Finally, I met @Cassarah_ and @Gimevacarezza discussed the charitable work of MJ and the rest was HIStory.
All the elements fore mentioned were a part of a blog, "It's All For Love", I didn't consider myself as a "blogger", but with MJ as the canvass, it was easy to get on board! The blog started discussing children's issues, as we know this was something very close to MJ's.
As the webteam team grew, it became a place of remembrance of MJ's life, career, charity, style, music, and of course, his heart.
Learning more about MJ's suffering has made me aware of my footprint on this planet, meeting the members of the webteam has encouraged me to look deep within myself and try to "make that change".
I'm very happy to be a part of this international sisterhood. I've always said we all have a purpose on this planet; MJ's purpose was to bring us together, for that I'm grateful.
"We all have to give and we all have to do what we can to help end the needless suffering in the world."
Michael Jackson & Friends
The Adventure of Humanity" Announcement
March 23, 1999
[...] children have certain inalienable rights, and the gradual erosion of those rights has led to scores of children worldwide being denied the joys and security of childhood. I would therefore like to propose tonight that we instal in every home a Children's Universal Bill of Rights, the tenets of which are:
• The right to be loved, without having to earn it
• The right to be protected, without having to deserve it
• The right to feel valuable, even if you came into the world with nothing
• The right to be listened to without having to be interesting
• The right to be read a bedtime story without having to compete with the evening news or EastEnders
• The right to an education without having to dodge bullets at schools
• The right to be thought of as adorable (even if you have a face that only a mother could love).Friends, the foundation of all human knowledge, the beginning of human consciousness, must be that each and every one of us is an object of love. Before you know if you have red hair or brown, before you know if you are black or white, before you know of what religion you are a part, you have to know that you are loved.
Michael Jackson
Oxford Union Speech, March 6, 2001
Michael Jackson's music has accompanied me through my life. I have always loved his music and his magical performances. But even more than being a fan of the artist I have been a follower of the man, as a supporter of general welfare and tolerance for people of all colors, races, characters and social statuses, and as active ambassador for children worldwide and their rights.
It is Michael's spirit that brought our webteam together. In november 2009 we started with this blog, which is of course MJ-related. To us this means: never getting tired of caring about whatever is going on in the world.
To run this blog was not really a decision, it was more like something made me starting it. There were more reasons speaking against it - not just my rather limited skills in english. My head said NO - but my heart said YES. Today I call myself being very, very fortunate to have met my sisters, living on 4 continents in 5 countries. Words fail me to express -and this is no matter of language skills- how grateful I am and how much your love and support adds to my life.
Thank you, Ladies, for all the smiles you brought to my face
One comes from the strings of a guitar, the other from the strings of the heart.
One sound comes from a chamber orchestra, the other from the beating of the heart's chamber.
One comes from an instrument of graphite and wood, the other from an organ of flesh and blood.
This loftier music I speak of tonight is more pleasing than the notes of the most gifted composers, more moving than a marching band, more harmonious than a thousand voices joined in hymn and more powerful than all the world's percussion instruments combined.
That ... sweet and sound of love."
Michael Jackson (Carnagie Hall speech)
I was slow in accepting @Cassarah's invitation to team up to build this blog. I don't know to this day how she went past my lame excuses for not saying yes. Truth is it was just too hard for me to deal with my emotions. Trying to write this the words "labor of love" came to my mind - but they would not apply here because being part of the blog required no effort, on the contrary it's been a source of energy and healing. It's wonderful to have this place to share my thoughts and most of all I'm proud to be part of this project aimed at raising awareness about children and other social issues. I have no doubt that the love we share is changing the world for the better.
Beyond this i hope you know how grateful I am to have you sisters.
Words fail me when it comes to my feelings for our blog and the blog team. I can't even begin.
Let me try to put this straight and simple.
I love Michael Jackson, and I feel him loving me back through this sisterhood. We have gathered together because of him. We share our grief of losing him, the pain that is never going to cease, and in the process we help each other to learn and grow in so many levels. By the blog itself, we are a miniature world with teammates from different parts of the world, and we are tightly interconnected,
while at the same time open to the whole world.
It's a miracle. Loving Michael in his death gives me pain, but he rewarded me with much, much more love.
This blog is a manifestation of this love.
Sisters, you are all gifts from him to me. Thank you for being here, and I love you more.
I decided to pull a quote from a review that I did of "This Is It," it feels like a fitting metaphor on how we formed this partnership in the first place.
"Michael had the generosity and heart to elevate those around him. Even when the musicians made errors, he would remind them “This is why we have rehearsal.” When he gave direction and sensed the slightest hesitation from his band or crew, he’d give his direction, punctuated with “God Bless You,” “I Love You” or “Its all for L.O.V.E.”
Michael's presence is everywhere, and he reminds us all the time that everything we do should be in the name of L.O.V.E., but even when it isn't, as human beings, we have the opportunity,and the free will to make it right again.
I've been a fan of Michael's since I was 2 years old, when i think to some of my earliest memories his name appears in all of them. Michael Jackson gave me confidence when I needed it,strength when I needed it....when he died I felt like a part of myself died too. I couldn't put into words how I felt & when I did try it seemed as though people around me didn't get it. I felt lost like no one understood it was then I started meeting the girls that would change my life. I remember talking with @sohappi & @angelzaroundus first & I remember finally feeling like someone got me & someone understood I met the rest of the wonderful sisterhood after that & soon after joined the blog team. I can't believe it's the anniversary of our little blog but at the same time I think to myself, it's only been a year? I say that because it feels like I've known these beautiful girls for so much longer. I don't know what I would do without them, I can't even remember my life without them in it. This blog for me has been kind of a rebirth of the part of me i thought I lost when MJ passed. I feel blessed to be a part of this blog & even more to be part of an amazing sisterhood of ladies that have changed my life forever :)
"In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe"
Michael Jackson (Oxford Union Speech, 2001)
Words fail me when I tried to talk about what the blog means to me and what Michael Jackson means to me. I guess the best thing to write about both is by writing about one at a time. I'll start with the meaning of Michael Jackson in my life and his impact on it.
Since I was a child Michael Jackson was a very important part of my life. I remember to see thriller with my brother for the first time and I was so scared but his voice and the rhythm I couldn't stop watching it!. I started to listen to him at the age of 4 and at that age I wasn't into all the philanthropy thing but as I was growing up I was learning more and more from and about him. He taught me about music of course, about respect, about love, about care, about how much doing charitable works and helping people in need can make you feel better but the most important lesson I learned from him was to speak up for those who can't, for what it's right, for uncover the lies and for many more reasons.
Through Michael Jackson I knew a new world full of magic and love.
When he died I was and still am overwhelmed with sadness and pain, I cried so much and I thought nobody would understand me or feel the same sadness but one day I met a wonderful lady @doublebeee who showed me a blog post, after I read the blog I was amazed of how the blog represented Michael's spirit, I automatically knew I wanted to be a part of that act of L.O.V.E so I asked to @doublebeee If I could and when she said she talked to the girls and they all agreed. I met an amazing group of ladies who shared my beliefs and most important the love I feel for Michael and the will to change the world and continue to his legacy. This girls teach me so much everyday and they make me feel so loved that I can't say nothing but Thank you. Thank you for letting me be a part of the blog, for teaching me something new everyday, for being there for me when I need it and lots of other things. Through you and Michael I'm a better person.
Thank you again sisters!.
I feel lucky to have you.
L.O.V.E.
@GimeVacarezza
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"Can it be I stayed away too long? Did I leave your mind while I was gone?"
Michael Jackson - I Wanna Be Where You Are
June 25, 2009 marked a night for me that was changing me in so many ways. I don't even wanna go back there to this night of shock I spent in front of the TV seeing what I never thought I would see... and I never knew what it would do to me.
The weeks that followed I spent reminiscing about what Michael meant to me and to my life over the many years he's in my life. A million memories returned and my grief was just unbearable. I felt lonely and confused and didn't really believe anyone else would feel or even understand what he meant to me. I hardly even recognized myself.
Just out of curiosity and despair I joined Twitter because CNN was reporting that fans all over the world were discussing Michael and his meaning there.
That was the start of something I never expected or thought would be possible... I met some amazing people there who clearly felt the same about Michael and wouldn't judge my feelings.
I now call them my sisters! We're what I think represents Michael's dream he never stopped repeating: An international family of L.O.V.E. joined in the purpose of spreading the love, holding on to Michael's legacy and grow on each other in many different ways.
When mike1909 and Cassarah started the "It's All For L.O.V.E." blog, I was happy to join and have another outlet to read and spread Michael's message and to be a counterpart of what mass media tried to do to Michael over all those years.
Now it's our turn to "make that change"!!! And we do. It's great to see how it works and how we are able to reach people all over the world. With love, not controversy.
Thank you my sweet sisters for letting me being a part of you and this amazing journey. I love you!
"I know that keepin' the faith means never givin' up on love. But the power that love has to make it right, makes it, makes it right..."
Special thanks to echo9120, who uploaded the video below to you Tube and shares this story:
"According to the fans who were there, the statue was unveiled accidentally. It was originally scheduled to be unveiled on 2011.1.1 at 11.11am.
When one of the guests was speaking, suddenly a strong wind blew away the red boxes (the “dream boxes”) which hide the statue (watch the 0:20 mark). The crowd caught in surprise were screaming while watching the boxes collapsed and “MJ emerged from within”. Some fans cried witnessing this happened before their eyes.Then, the guest speaker said, “You see, MJ himself couldn’t hold on and stand out”. It was also confirmed later by the organizer that the “unveil” wasn’t pre-planned. Anyway, the fans were glad that the act of the wind seems perfect. It blew away all the boxes except leaving “a big wall behind Michael’s back”.