I am the world...

So I caved, I bought the “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” song and video combo on iTunes. I have mixed feelings about this revamped version of Michael Jacksons tune, but overall feel that because it is for a good cause, it deserves my thumbs up. With that said here is my view on the production.

The song starts with little Justin Beiber melting our heart like a curious Carebear. Has he even taken a Geography class yet? Does he know where Haiti is? Either way my heart transformed into a puddle of love. The video continues on with various solos, including a performance by Jennifer Hudson’s lips. They should have named it 26 for Haiti and included those smackers.  I do appreciate the strong beauty of her voice, and have to give it to a girl from the Chi. Hudson is followed by the transcending voice of Jennifer Nettles, whom I present with the WAW25H MVP award. Throughout the show her smile and voice shine above the rest. Another solo performance is offered up by the strip-tastic Miley Cyrus. Of course Miley is included in the all-star cast. I mean, she can’t let the Jo Bro’s do anything alone. Speaking of the Jonas Brothers, throughout the video their performance seems truly heartfelt, along those of Wyclef, Mary J, Akon, and the Pussy… Cat Doll.  Another notable mention of the video is the addition of MJ clips. His appearance allows the video to act as a tribute to him as well as to the people of Haiti.

I have three favorite parts of the show. The first was when half of the cast, lead by LL, burst into rap. This unexpected moment forced me to chuckle. I couldn’t take the 10 or so rappers seriously because nearly half of them were wearing sunglasses… indoors!?! I mean the simple donation of those 7 pairs of sunglasses, along with Fergie’s designer duds, would easily equal a large portion of the donation. A second highlight I found was Julianne Hough’s facial expression. Besides one slight smile, her face seems to show utter disinterest every time the camera scans the choir. I wanted to say, “no one is forcing you to contribute JH, go home.” The third highlight goes to Pink for her uplifting solo. I was able to feel the hurt behind her voice, and believe in the words she sang.

All in all, $2.99 is a small price to pay in turn for 6 minutes and 45 seconds of star-studded entertainment. I am left asking one question, "Where's John Mayer?"

God bless the people of Haiti, and lets all pray that J. Beiber aces that next geography test. 

What's in a word... A lot...

Now five weeks into my previously mentioned poetry class, I feel it is time to share with you my progress. Each week I sit in class forced to read my work, and each week I am consumed with the feeling of underachievement. The majority of my classmates seem to be fully enthused with sharing their emotions through the written word, while all I can seem to do is write witty cynicisms. Trying to put my best foot forward, I have come up with a small variety of poems that I feel, with some slight alterations, may be considered poetry. See below…

Stream of Consciousness

Winter is cold, like a running nose or a watering eye. Winter can cross you like an angry friend or bad haircut. Man I need a haircut, almost as bad as I need my warm bed, or a tissue for this dripping nose.

I wish I were at the lake, with all of its kindness. Geneva, the getaway. Relax into a burning sunset and let my mind drown far below the surface.

Is it summer yet?

The thought of summer makes me want ice cream and sunscreen. The smell of sunscreen in summer trumps any other. A bakery in fall, pine needles at Christmas. Sunscreen. I find myself using it in winter, for the feeling, the scent, rather than the protection. My house has a scent you can feel too. A mix of cinnamon, my mother, fresh sheets, and birthdays.

6:02am and on the train again

The mornings commute blue with irritation and odd people

All things are possible in the silence and cold, the day’s book has not been written

How I wish it was different, the mornings city, the mornings light, its sound

If only the sun were up or the smell would change.

On the train once again.

Texting Inspiration: @ u, I LOL

At you, I laugh out loud

The silly jokes, and bedtime whispers

The movie quotes, and dinner mishaps

The crazy antics, and bad karaoke

Your dorky interests, and boyish charm

The love, the laughter, the romance

At you, I laugh out loud