Bono has used his celebrity status as a platform to raise awareness for causes in Africa through his ONE campaign and (RED).  In particulary he focuses his efforts on helping raise money for those with poverty and AIDS.Africa is now giving back to BONO by creating their own CD with interpreratations of their favorite U2 songs.  The CD, In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2, features the continent’s top artists including Grammy Award-winning singers and up-an-comers.  Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Vieux Farka Tour, and Vusi Mahlasela are all on the CD.  One of the most popular songs is Angelique Kidjo’s rendition of “Mysterious Ways,” sung in French and Fon and Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars’ version of “Seconds,” with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry on lead guitar.

 The Global Sound Conference is a unique event that will bring together important people from the film, television and music industries with pioneers in the areas of sound healing, wellness, and integrative medicine to explore the many ways that sound impacts our lives.

Doctors, scientists, musicians, and media visionaries will address the various components of sound including health, science, entertainment, and technology.  Additionally the Agape choir and Ricky Byars Beckwith will contribute to the event.

For more information visit: http://www.discoversound.com/

On Tuesday night, the contestants on American Idol sang inspirational songs.  David Archuleta picked a song titled “Angels”, which Simon Cowell proclaimed was the best song choice of the night.  The first line of “Angels”, is

“I sit and wait.  Does an Angel contemplate my fate?” 

It’s interesting that Simon who is known for being very critical of contestants acknowledged that “Angels” was the best song choice of the night. 

This song raises some interesting question about what role Angels may play in our life.  Archangel Gabriel is likely the most well known Angel.  It was Gabriel who was responsible for giving Mary the message about the coming of Jesus.  If a person is open to the possibility that this story is based on truth and Gabriel delivered a message to Mary, then might it also be possible that Angels are capable of giving us guidance today?  For example, why would the Angels be active in people’s lives 2000 years ago, but remain silent now.  Our world today faces just as difficult of problems than any time in history.  So, it appears that these same Angels may be just as likely to offer us guidance and support.  Although their exsistence will never be proven, the sense of peace and direction that some people have reported experiencing will remain very real and powerful.