Aria

AIDS: A Cure Coming?

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:38:38 GMT

This holiday season may well imbue the world-at-large with an unprecedented gift, as � on the heels of World AIDS Day, 2010 � it's being reported that a stem cell transplant patient originally identified as the "Berlin Patient", has been cured of HIV. This finding closely follows the discovery published last week in Time showing that healthy individuals taking antiretrovirals, which are commonly prescribed for treating HIV -- can reduce their risk of contracting the disease by up to 73 percent.

The patient's real name is Timothy Ray Brown, and he received stem cell therapy as part of an ongoing treatment regimen for leukemia. Brown's doctors reported their potentially breakthrough findings to the journal, Blood, stating that blood testing results "strongly suggest that cure of HIV infection has been achieved."

While it's too soon to suggest that a cure for HIV � the virus that causes AIDS � has been found, this latest development may well provide hope for the millions of people worldwide suffering from the disease.

Related:

"Stem Cell Transplant Cures HIV In 'Berlin Patient'" from Huffington Post

"Stem cell transplant has cured HIV infection in 'Berlin patient', say doctors" from aidsmap

Olbermann Nailed it Again on the "Tea Party"

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:41:13 GMT

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Erykah Badu's "Window Seat"

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:10:43 GMT

Singer/musician Erykah Badu returns with a thought-provoking new video � "Window Seat" � taken from her the new full-length recording, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh.

Categories:Erykah Badu;music

Democrats historic Health Care Overhaul: Keith Olbermann says it all!

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:49:14 GMT

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Viva Keith Olbermann! And Viva Nancy Pelosi!!!

Martin Luther King Day: In Reflection....

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:49:37 GMT

On this day, Aria salutes the late, great King of the American Civil Rights' Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year's holiday is especially momentous, as it marks (nearly to the date) the day by which current U.S. president, Barack Obama, became the first African-American elected to the White House.

And how far has the United States of America � the world-at-large � come as a consequence of this very progressive development? Well, if the U.S. "Tea Party" movement � an outgrowth of the ~~racist~~ "disenfranchised" wing of the Republican party and/or U.S. Conservative movement is any indication � I'd say we've come far, but still have further to go! Indeed, the recent comments by Religious Right mainstay (and lunatic) Pat Robertson, as well as equally venomous remarks by Right-wing king, Rush Limbaugh � both about the Haiti earthquake disaster � seemed tailor-made to the tastes of the angry white cross-section of America now being heavily courted by the Republican party!

I have hope, but I am also realistic! It is my sincere hope that rationality � HUMANITY � eventually comes to rule the day in America. The Bible Belt...the "tea partiers � may they at least come to the point where they can actually question their more personal motivations....

Categories:MLK Day Haiti racism Rush Limbaugh Pat Robertson

A Belated Happy New Year...

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 02:19:50 GMT

Happy belated New Year, readers! My sincerest apologies for the lack of timely updates in 2009; my life kicked into high gear for much of last year. I plan to reverse that trend -- my not posting as often, that is � this year.2009 was a year of incredible highs for me � with its share of lows. In any event, I'm back and want to embrace the year ahead.

On a separate note � Monday, January 18 is this year's MLK day holiday. In honor of Dr. King's legacy, I will be making regular video posts of things relevant to the Civil Rights' movement � music, culture, influence etc. Dr. King's vision...the Civil Rights' legacy....it's not just an African-American thing, but and American experience. Indeed, the fight for equality is a global ideal embodied in various cultures, peoples and struggles.

For your listening (and learning) pleasure, posted below are two distinctly different versions of the 1900 James Weldon Johnson/John Rosamund Johnson composition, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (sometimes "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing"). Often referred to as the "Negro National Anthem", or the "Black National Anthem", the song has come to be embraced by peoples of many cultures.

The versions below are performed by soul singer Kim Weston � arguably the version against which all are measured; the other is by a visually impaired young man whose name I cannot find, but who gives it one of the most heartfelt and wrenching readings I've ever heard. Enjoy...and all the best in 2010!

"Soldier of Love" - The New Single from Sade!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:18 GMT

Today, Epic Records announced the forthcoming release of Sade's first single, "Soldier of Love". The much-anticipated song is set to hit radio airwaves on December 8th. The track proceeds the highly anticipated album of the same name, which is slated for release in February of 2010.

"Soldier of Love" was written by Sade, with longtime collaborators Paul Spencer Denman, Andrew Hale and Stuart Matthewman. Mike Pela produced the track along with the band.

Sade will premiere the "Soldier of Love" single at www.sade.com on Tuesday, December 8th at 7am EST.

(News: courtesy of PR Newswire)

(Photo: courtesy of newscom)

Categories:Sade

World AIDS Day 2009: Remembrance and Respect

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:04:09 GMT

Today is World AIDS day. I'd like to take the time to honor the memory of two friends I lost to the disease. More, I'd like to remind everyone that while HIV is not a death sentence, it remains imperative that we all (if sexually active) get tested regularly and take steps to protect ourselves from the virus. Respect yourself and your partner by being safe!

In honor of my late friends, James and John! May light perpetual shine on them � and all who have suffered and died from this disease � for all time....

Categories:AIDS;HIV

Sade's Long-Awaited Return in 2010!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:18:08 GMT

At long last, Sade is about to release a new album!

Soldier of Love � the group's first full-length of new material since 2000's Lover's Rock � is slated for worldwide release on February 8, 2010.

The band, Sade � fronted by Helen Falasade Adu (or Sade Adu for short) � has enjoyed a spectacular 25-year run replete with numerous award nominations and three Grammy wins.

February 8, 2010 can't come soon enough!

Music Review: Jody Watley - "The Makeover (Int'l./U.K.)"

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:23:43 GMT

Singer Jody Watley reboots her now-classic album, The Makeover � to exquisite effect! The new album is an update � re-sequenced with several new additions, and some remixed or remade originals. The album is newly packaged with gorgeous cover art photography by Mike Ruiz.

Last time, Watley created a uniquely sublime dance album that was � at once � vintage and vanguard; she reinterpreted classics by Chic, Bob Marley and Madonna, while also re-imagining several of her own hits. For The Makeover (U.K./Int'l), Jody Watley improves her already superb musical aesthetic � this time enriching the newly created musical opus with the sounds of electro, bossa nova and atmospheric soul. Watley reinterprets Erasure's synthpop classic, "A Little Respect", showcasing both her upper and lower vocal register, while also imbuing the Clarke/Bell staple with a uniquely feminist perspective. And the aforementioned Bob Marley's timeless "Waiting in Vain" is given a Brazilian jazz ambiance.

But it is the album-closer � the Gerry Goffin and Carole King penned "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" � that stands as the album's most poignant moment. Arranged in the vein of the Roberta Flack version, Watley emotes atop a singularly sad, yet romantic piano accompaniment � transporting the listener to a place and time when (and where) the sensual "slow burn" is still king (or queen).

The Makeover - Int'l/U.K. is available at Amazon.

Categories: Jody Watley

Sen. Edward "Ted" Kennedy Passes Away: 1932-2009

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:08:06 GMT

Massachusetts Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy passed away late Tuesday night after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77. Kennedy was the youngest brother of Pres. John F. Kennedy (May 29, 1917 � November 22, 1963), and Senator Robert F. Kennedy (November 20, 1925�June 6, 1968). Edward Kennedy's passing closely follows the recent death of his elder sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver (July 10, 1921 � August 11, 2009).

Ted Kennedy was possessed of an extraordinary career in public service. He served nine terms in Congress and was � at the time of his death � the second most senior member of the Senate (after Robert Byrd of West Virginia), and was the third-longest-serving senator in U.S. history. Kennedy's reputation, however, came not from the length of his service in Washington, but from his willingness to speak out on behalf of liberal and progressive bills and causes � a trait that is (sadly) less-common among his Democratic brethren these days � especially the so-called "Blue Dogs". Indeed, Kennedy was one of the most vocal critics of the motivations behind the current Iraq War, as is noted in several of his statements concerning the last administration and its dishonest use of "intelligence" to launch the conflict:

"There was no imminent threat. This was made up in Texas, announced in January to the Republican leadership that war was going to take place and was going to be good politically. This whole thing was a fraud."

"It's now clear that from the very moment President Bush took office, Iraq was his highest priority as unfinished business from the first Bush Administration. His agenda was clear: find a rationale to get rid of Saddam."

Despite his illness � Kennedy had been diagnosed with a malignant glioma in May of 2008 � he continued to work for change. In addition to his endorsement of then-presidential candidate, Barack Obama (now Pres. Obama), Ted had spent decades laying the groundwork for healthcare reform � now an integral part of the Obama administration's agenda (and rightly so). Indeed, Kennedy's hand in sponsoring or negotiating healthcare reform bills could fill a book; he provided funding to fight HIV/AIDS, and increased children's health insurance coverage. Ted's passing in the heat of the healthcare reform debate couldn't be more unfortunate, as his was truly a voice of strong and uncompromising devotion to the improvement of the health coverage and the living standard-at-large for all Americans.

Edward "Ted" Kennedy � the "Lion of the Senate" � has passed on. As noted, he joins his highly respected brother, John F. Kennedy � one of the GREATEST U.S. presidents � in immortal greatness.

Rest in Peace, Senator Kennedy ...

Tags: Edward Kennedy; John F. Kennedy; Robert F. Kennedy; Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Jody Watley on myfoxdc

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:00:06 GMT

Jody Watley recently made an appearance on myfoxdc. While on the show, Watley reflected on her illustrious musical career, discussing upcoming shows and recent entrepreneurial ventures.

Categories: Jody Watley; Madonna; Harper's Bazaar

Remembering the Great Michael Jackson

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:45:21 GMT

Yesterday, singer and undisputed 'King of Pop', Michael Jackson, passed away. He was 50. The cause of his death is still not known, as an autopsy is to be performed today. It was reported that Jackson collapsed in a rented home in Holmby Hills in Los Angeles; he was in cardiac arrest when attending paramedics arrived at the house and CPR was performed. He was taken to UCLA medical center, with resuscitation efforts continued en route. Michael was pronounced dead at 2:26 pm (PST).

In his illustrious career, Michael Jackson carved out an undeniable niche for himself in the history of music. Though his career as a solo artist began in 1972 with Got to Be There � an aside to his then-concurrent work with his brothers in the Jackson 5 � Michael's real breakthrough came with 1979's Off the Wall. 'Wall paired Jackson with well-respected musician/composer, Quincy Jones. Jones' and Jackson's collaborations would become the stuff of legend; they'd already worked together on the soundtrack to The Wiz, and their collaborations from this point on would result in hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", "Rock With You" and "Get on the Floor". Michael's partnership with Quincy Jones would pay off in ways thought unimaginable with the release of Michael's 1982 record-breaking album, Thriller � a brilliant dance-pop/R&B hybrid that fully shattered numerous boundaries for popular black music in a then still-discriminatory mainstream market. Thriller saw Michael Jackson pioneer the long-form music video in the self-titled single � a virtual short film directed by John Landis. More, the music video for one of the album's singles � "Billie Jean" � is frequently cited as the first music video by a black artist or group to experience frequent rotation on the then-burgeoning MTV � "Billie Jean" and Shalamar's "Dead Giveaway". "Thriller" went on to become the best-selling album of all-time � its pioneering breakthroughs continually cited by all manner of pop music archivists and historians.

Michael Jackson followed Thriller with equally sleek full-lengths such as Bad (1987) and � in a quest to embrace the then-current New Jack trend, Dangerous. Dangerous saw Michael enlist the talents of Teddy Riley � hot off projects for Bobby Brown. The completed album (Dangerous) was an intriguing recording, both urban and popular. Jackson's last album � the largely unknown Invincible (2001) � mostly appealed only to devoted enthusiasts, but serves as an appropriate reminder and (musical) swan song for a man who increasingly (and unfairly) became more known for his eccentricities than his art.

In his later years, Michael Jackson had an outwardly troubled existence. Sure, Michael was obviously misunderstood even early on in his career, but Jackson's latter life was frequently tabloid fodder. Twice accused of child molestation � once in 1993, and again in 2003 (and found innocent both times) � Jackson's music sales and public image declined. Though, he was still unquestionably one of the greatest pop performers that ever lived, the gossip-hungry paparazzi insisted on focusing on Jackson's financial problems, familial habits and personal health issues. In much the same way Diana, Princess of Wales, was hounded until (and arguably unto) her death by celebrity-crazed tabloid photographers, Michael's musical work and various philanthropic projects on behalf of children increasingly saw little in the way of publicity.

In understanding the intriguing life that was Michael Jackson's, one must look at the whole picture to get a basic understanding. Jackson � from his childhood onward � was immersed in publicity, incessant touring and recording sessions. Doubtless, he never had the time to form friendships or play with others his age in his childhood, � or even enjoy something as basic as watching Saturday morning cartoons. Many will (and have) said that the monetary rewards of Jackson's career alone should've overshadowed any childhood "fun" deficiencies; I say � rubbish! The often-overlooked and underrated privilege to be a child can have highly devastating effects on us as adults � no matter how much money and acclaim we accrue over the years. Michael Jackson was obviously a highly gifted man, but also � perhaps more than most � a deeply troubled one.

Michael Jackson's death should serve as a constant reminder that some of us are born with extraordinary gifts and � sadly � no matter how much we make others happy with these gifts, there will always be those who would exploit the negatives that are also inevitably a part of our make-up. More, we should all be allowed to grow with these gifts and experience life to the fullest without the ever-looming spectacle of money-to-be-made for others at our expense.

Rest in Peace, King of Pop! May you find everlasting joy...

Categories: Michael Jackson; Quincy Jones

R.I.P. Michael Jackson: 1958-2009

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:20:47 GMT

Singer and undisputed King of Pop, Michael Jackson, passed away today. He was 50. As I haven't the words to express the profound loss felt by many in the world � myself included � a tribute post will be made tomorrow.....

Farrah Fawcett - Rest In Peace 1947-2009

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:09:30 GMT

Actress Farrah Fawcett died on Thursday, June 25, after a three-year battle with cancer. She was 62. Diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006, Fawcett used her struggle with the lesser-known malignancy to bring attention to alternative therapies not widely available within the United States. Indeed, Farrah's cancer battle was documented on the 2009 television documentary film, Farrah's Story. Fawcett's longtime romantic partner, Ryan O'Neal, was at her side through much of her ordeal.

The extremely beautiful Fawcett was a flagship icon of the female sex symbol explosion of 1970s, which also included such luminaries as Pam Grier, Lola Falana, Lynda Carter and Suzanne Somers. A highly visible actress in guest-starring roles as far back as 1969, Fawcett first gained widespread notice in her role as Jill Munroe � one of a trio of bombshell-like private investigators on the Charlie's Angels television program. Fawcett starred on the show from 1976-1980 and remains (perhaps) the most well-known and memorable 'Angel' to date.

Following her departure from Charlie's Angels, Fawcett pursued more intriguing roles; she starred alongside Kirk Douglas in the psychological sci-fi thriller, Saturn 3 (1980), but really showcased her talent in the made-for-television biopics, among them Nazi Hunter: The Beate Klarsfeld Story (1986), Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story (1987), and � most significantly The Burning Bed (1984), wherein Farrah portrayed real-life battered wife, Francine Hughes, who tired of her husband's extreme abuse and burnt him to death in his sleep.

Rest in Peace, beautiful Farrah � you dwell among REAL angels now!

Categories: Farrah Fawcett; Ryan O'Neal; Redmond O'Neal; anal cancer

GOP Activist Refers to Escaped Gorilla as Michelle Obama's Ancestor

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:47:17 GMT

Rusty DePass � an activist affiliated with the South Carolina GOP � has referred to an escaped gorilla as an 'ancestor' of First Lady, Michelle Obama. The whole story is posted at The Huffington Post. Also, CNN ran video of the whole controversy:

Today's Republican Party, or GOP, has become a truly self-mocking caricature � its corresponding conservative movement allowing itself to be empowered by hateful rhetoric emanating from the likes of their Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and the de facto Republican leader, Rush Limbaugh. DePass' comments � when judged in the context of such "pundits" as these � aren't very surprising. This sort of bigotry is the core of the today's conservative movement. How very sad that DePass' comments will likely go unchallenged by his colleagues in the GOP and his career go unthreatened given that he is a southern Republican in the first place.

Tags: Michelle Obama; Rusty DePass; Republican Party; Conservative Movement

The Freemasons Return with Sophie Ellis-Bextor at the Helm!

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:22:53 GMT

The Freemasons return with a truly superb single and collaboration. The song � titled, "Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer)" � features Brit singer/model, Sophie Ellis-Bextor on vocals. The track is slated for a June 22 release.

The Freemasons are ONE!

Categories: Freemasons; Sophie Ellis-Bextor; dance music

Rejoice! Sade Are Back in the Studio...

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:24:46 GMT

Billboard is reporting that sophisti-pop singer, Sade Adu, and her band � collectively known as Sade � are currently in the studio recording an album of new material � their first since 2000's Lover's Rock. You can read the whole story here.

Details are (at the moment) sketchy, but the word is that Sony is hoping for a release sometime near the end of 2009.

It's an unfortunate fact that Sade releases new material far too infrequently. Indeed, a Sade release is an event � one that has sadly become increasingly rare. We can only rejoice at the news that this visionary band has something waiting in the wings.

Categories: Sade; Helen Folasade Adu; Sade Adu

Arnold Schwarzenegger refers to Limbaugh as '650 lb. gorilla'

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:29:15 GMT

The Republican Party is in amusing disrepair these days. After two crushing defeats � one in the form of the mid-term elections of 2006 � the other, the historic election of President Barack Obama in 2008 � the party has struggled to find a voice. Rather than try to redefine themselves and their policy positions with all Americans in mind {yeah right}, the supposed ~~Greedy~~ Grand Old Party has instead taken an even more reactively Right-wing tone in the divisive rhetoric of conservative blowhards like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity � as well as fallen former office-holders Newt Gingrich and Dick Cheney

Today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California provided a most humorous anecdote about his party's unintended leader � the aforementioned Rush Limbaugh!

I'm not a Schwarzenegger fan � not by a longshot � but I have to give him props for this one!

Categories: Arnold Schwarzenegger; Rush Limbaugh; politics

Jody Watley's Avitone Goes Global!

Tue, 19 May 2009 17:33:42 GMT

After so many years as a pioneer in the genres pop, soul, underground dance and electronica, singer-musician Jody Watley's independent music profile just received a long-deserved boost....

From PRWeb:

Jody Watley's Avitone Goes Global!

Jody Watley and Avitone Recordings are proud to announce that they have entered into an international distribution deal with London based ADA-Global.

Los Angeles, CA (Billboard Publicity Wire) May 18, 2009 -- Jody Watley and Avitone Recordings are proud to announce that they have entered into an international distribution deal with London based ADA-Global. Avitone Recordings was formed in 1995 as a vehicle to release the Grammy Award winning artists' music in an environment of artistic growth and individuality. With ADA, the possibilities are endless and represent an exciting new chapter for Avitone Recordings and Watley.

The first Avitone / ADA release will be the international and revised version of 'The Makeover'. Originally released in the US in 2006 via an exclusive and limited partnership with the Virgin Megastore chain, 'The Makeover' debuted at #1 for the store nationwide and went on to produce 3 Top Ten Billboard Hot Dance / Club Play singles, including the #1 international dance smash "I Want Your Love".

Colleen Theis, ADA Global Ltd. says, "With a career spanning more than 30 years, Grammy Award Winning Artist Jody Watley is an industry pioneer who has been enjoying a successful career in independent music since 1995. ADA Global is proud to have signed an exclusive international distribution deal for her Avitone label, including her independent back catalogue and exciting new releases. We look forward to working with Jody and her team to establish the Avitone brand internationally and bring Jody's fantastic music to music lovers worldwide."

London based ADA Global, the international sales, marketing, and distribution division of ADA, offers labels a highly competitive and comprehensive distribution and marketing service across all platforms in more than 50 countries worldwide. Launched in 2006, ADA Global is built on 20 years of relationships and expertise in the worldwide independent market.

Jody Watley has 32 Top Ten Singles and 13 No. 1 Singles in the Pop, R&B and Dance music genres over the past three decades - including such classics as "Looking For A New Love," the groundbreaking collaboration with Eric B and Rakim on "Friends", a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard Magazine, and countless accolades - Jody has consistently broken new ground in music, video and fashion. Watley remains one of MTV's most nominated artists. She has also continued to work with various organizations promoting tolerance, HIV and AIDS awareness, and famine relief for Africa.

Entrepreneur, label owner, recording artist, producer, songwriter and performer, Jody Watley celebrates three decades in the world of entertainment carving her own destiny, very much her own woman, truly an inspiration for artists of today and beyond.

Watley started Avitone in 1995 after parting ways with MCA records. In that time, Watley has released five albums and numerous charting singles by way of her Avitone label. Jody's deal with Alternative Distribution Alliance is a first for a black female artist, and will likely pave the way for many more musicans to come.

Aria salutes Jody Watley for her determination and perseverance!

Categories: Jody Watley; Ani DiFranco; Avitone; indie label