grammys tonite!

8pm on cbs....go watch!

Purple Rain

Super Music Bowl?

Ah, the Super Bowl. always one of my favorite days of the year... football, family, friends, drinks, food, and of course hilarious commericals. so wheres the music connection? Oh, its there.

In my opinion there has not been an amazing halftime show since Janet and Justin stripped down. but thats just me. Come on, Paul McCartney? Nothing wrong there, but with all the hype going on with the Super Bowl, who wants to watch a relaxing half-time show? I want lights! loud noises! explosions! rain?
Ill admit, Im a bit of a closet Prince fan, so I (unlike almost everyone else in my house) liked the halftime performance a little bit more then most. I think that Prince's performance in the pouring rain was better then previous very dissapointing performances (most dissapointing halftime show: Rolling Stones) but still does not measure up to the past blow out performances of artists such as Aerosmith, Justin Timberlake, Gloria Estafan, the Blues Brothers and even U2

Even better then the halftime show? Billy Joel singing the national anthem. For the entire day my house was a screaming mess of people --this was the only thing that made everyone silent, mainly because my mother started threatening everyone. But his performance was fantastic, and despite showing his age he proved he can still sing and exhibit his piano playing abilites.

Believe your voice can mean something

If million dollar-recording artists were not supporters of certain charities, would we even care? Large artists draw fans to pour their money into charities overseas, but with the exception of Hurricane Katrina, I found that very few big name artists associate themselves with charities that help those in America. There are a number of great non-profit organizations in America that support things such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease and diabetes, but there is a lack of big named artist who support these things. These foundations have a solid foundation and have made an impact with out the over hype of having a famous face promoting them constantly.

Have you ever felt empower(red)? How about inspi(red)? These are just a few of the catchphrases printed across the new (RED) line, which you can purchase solely at the GAP. Of course, if you do not already know, a portion of your purchases will be donated to help those who suffer from AIDS in Africa. Within the past few months, the organization has raised money to treat those with HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Slowly everyone is hearing about the new (RED) campaign. Headlined by Bono and friends, the effort which was designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. The launch of the crimson hued product line promotes awareness. With the variety of products available in this high profile line, the founders of (RED) made sure there is something available to satisfy the many target markets. With each product sold an average of 40% of the profits go to support the fight against AIDS. The money is put into The Global Fund, where the aim is to help women and children with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Brand awareness for product (RED) is now around 20 percent in most major markets. For an idea that is less then a year old this amount of awareness is a really great thing.

The launch began with products which include a (RED) American Express Card, iPods, RAZR’s, Converse sneakers, Armani sunglasses and accessories, and a full line of Gap clothing for men, women and children. All the electronic products are the color of a candy coated apple. The Apple corporation also offers a $25 gift card, sold only in the color red. The Gap line, although not all red in color they still declare that the consumer has been inspi(red). With Valentines day approaching new styles promise that the wearer is treasu(red), ado(red), or enamo(red). In addition to Bono, Penelope Cruz, Kylie Minogue, The Scissor Sisters, and Georgio Armani have all attached their names to the (RED) campaign. Just last week, Kanye West and Sheryl Crow have agreed to join up with Motorola to promote the cherry colored RAZR. It seems that wherever Bono decides to send his money, big name stars and the American public will follow in his footsteps.

Does a lesser-known organization even have a chance at helping others if there is not a big name attached to it? Around this time last year, I stumbled across a MySpace profile, which seemed to reach out to me. "To Write Love on Her Arms” was created to help generate awareness and help young adults in America who suffer from depression. The mission of this organization is to prove that with love, rescue is possible. In addition to raising money, offering support and care to those who suffer, the site offers help to those who seek it. TWLOHA started with the story of a 19-year-old girl who had hit rock bottom. From this one person, spawned a movement.

The artists that support this include a list of small bands. Nothing comparable to U2, but TWLOHA has a few smaller named artists such as Switchfoot, Anberlin, and Thrice. The product line is nowhere near as comparable to (RED) including only a few variations of T-shirts, hoodies, stickers and hats. (RED) has Converse and Armani, TWLOHA has Hurley Clothing Co, where one of the founders used to work. In addition to speakers and bands playing shows to raise awareness, the sales of their small merchandise line help support treatment centers.

Just comparing the names and the numbers prove how much of an impact “big names” have on charities. Obviously media attention has fueled the fire behind (RED) but it seems that the names behind have become more meaningful then the message. TWLOHA has collected $150,000 in roughly a year. The RED campaign has raised roughly $4.7 billion since its official launch in March of 2006. Roughly 6,500 people die in Africa everyday from AIDS or AIDS related causes. Over 17 million Americans suffer from depression. Over 2/3 never get treatment. Suicide is the third leading cause in deaths in young Americans. It is easier for Americans to donate money to charities to fix the problems in another country, and ignore the problems that affect our everyday lives.

The (RED) blog (created May 17 2006) cites stories of young African children who need help for have benefited from the monies donated by purchasing (RED) products or services. The (RED) blog is a news source, with updates on how the campaign is growing and who it is helping. There are no personal stories in the blog from the people who have been affected by others purchasing (RED) products, only reports of it. The blog and websites for TWLOHA, which was first created in March of 2006, cites stories from American young adults who have been looking for someone to reach out and found help through this website and organization. The blog for TWLOHA allows users to comment and share stories about how they have found help from those who have succeeded in beating depression. They list sites where those who suffer can find help and try to make things better. Both blogs serve as a consistent source of news and updates for the organizations.

The Gap website begs the question, “Can you send love to someone you’ve never met?” Of course, the easy answer is yes. Sending love to someone whom you have never met seems like the easy answer to make you feel good about yourself. I asked several people this question, and the answer was always the same. When I brought up weather or not they would donate to a charity which focused helping people beat depression, the entire tone of the conversations changed. Some of my interviewees became uncomfortable at the thought of depression and suicide. Kate Bowen, 19, has been diabetic since she was 12. Her family has done many things to donate to the American Diabetic Society and participated in fundraisers to help find a cure. In high school, Kate also battled with bouts of depression from time to time. When asked if her family ever found any charitable organizations for that her response was as follows: “It was easier to deal with the diabetes on a daily basis” she said, “no one wants to know if you’re a little bit depressed.”

Reading through some of the stories found on the blogs of course you are expected to feel bad for those who suffer from living in impoverished third world countries in Africa, where healthcare and medications are not readily available. Who can fault Americans for not seeking proper treatment for depression when there are psychiatric help centers around the country? For tax write off purposes or otherwise, it always seems to look better if a person says they donate to AIDS charities, to help those in other countries, as opposed to the ugly reality of American youth. It seems like a twisted comfort, to send your money overseas and hope that it helps someone who you never see your meet. Someone whose pain you never have to feel.

After talking to a few people about the (RED) campaign, it seemed that everyone knew about it. Only a few close friends of mine know that I support TWLOHA, and that is probably the only reason that they knew such an organization even existed. Lauren Zervos, a senior at Drexel University said she first heard about (RED) on Oprah. She also has thought about trading in her pink RAZR for a new (RED) one.

Now I do not want to discourage anyone from donating to a charity or shopping at the Gap. I am not that heartless. Before you donate to a charitable organization do some research as to where your money will be going and whom you can really help. If you want to make a difference in this country, it may take a bit more work to find something in your community or state. If you chose to be informed about your decision, put your money where it matters to you, an issue that hits close to home. If not? Well then, I guess whatever helps you sleep at night.

Promotional video for TWLOHA:

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