Harmattan Winds

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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I woke up yesterday morning in Abuja and looked out my window to see...nothing. Well, more like a fog. or was it smog? A haze.

I went outside and rather than the usual toxic pain that smog causes I felt nothing. Still able to breathe, albeit a little more difficult.

The Harmattan winds come off the Sahara and blanket West Africa (and parts as far away as North America) with a sandy haze. This haze is so thin you almost don't realize what's happening until you notice that your white car is rust-colored, your books all have a gritty texture, and your computer is suddenly clogged.

The Wire

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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I love this show - before you say anything I haven't seen Seasons 4 & 5 yet. So far 1-3 have been amazing.

Aside from the characters and story lines, I particularly like the theme song. There are the rare occasions when you like the TV theme song - or it triggers such an instant connection to the show that you can hardly distinguish whether you like the show or the song more. And sometimes, there are no words just a catchy tune.

Each season has the same song but sung differently by different artists - and all amazing artists. From Wikipedia:

The opening theme is "Way Down in the Hole", a gospel- and blues-inspired song originally written by Tom Waits for his 1987 album Franks Wild Years. Each season uses a different recording of it against a different opening sequence, with the theme being performed, in order, by The Blind Boys of Alabama, Waits himself, The Neville Brothers, "DoMaJe" and Steve Earle. Season four's version of "Way Down in the Hole" was arranged and recorded specifically for the show, and is performed by five Baltimore teenagers: Ivan Ashford, Markel Steele, Cameron Brown, Tariq Al-Sabir, and Avery Bargasse. Earle, who performed the fifth season's version, is also a member of the cast, playing the recovering drug addict Walon.

How cool is that?

Don't Divorce Us

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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Lately I seem to be finding lots of great songs and videos put together to support great causes - reproductive rights, gay rights. I know the 60's were really the peak period for this sort of thing - Buffalo Springfield, Bob Dylan, et al - but things aren't all too bad in 2009.

Hours of music that don't necessarily rile you up and get you angry (ready to depose The Man) but also music that is somehow soothing and reflective. All good stuff.

The latest in my collection: okay, so I stole it from someone else's Facebook posting. Doesn't mean the song isn't lovely and worth listening to.

Amazing how much wonderful cause-related music there is out there!

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

We Are Friends

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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It's a New Day! And how do I know?

Because on January 23rd President Obama (still get giddy when I say that) lifted the Global Gag Rule, aka the Mexico City Policy.

What is the Global Gag Rule? Here's the Wikipedia version.

Bottom line - with the swipe of a pen, the United States now supports a woman's right to choose, no matter where she lives on the planet. (for the most part, still have to work on the Hyde Amendment and individual US state issues...but still!).

Groups that perform abortions - NOT with taxpayer dollars - and that advocate for abortion rights - again, NOT with taxpayer dollars - were prohibited from receiving ANY funding from the US government.

While in the wilderness for 8 years, 2 American women formed an organization to replace the $34 million that the US government withheld from UNFPA - based on incorrect information that even the Secretary of State, Colin Powell, said was incorrect.

Oh, to see the light of day again...

This Land

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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Like SMID, we were on the Mall yesterday facing the Lincoln Memorial. Tomorrow we'll be facing the other direction.

Despite some occasional hiccups - Josh Groban following a clip about Marian Anderson? - and some cold (all good practice for tomorrow) it was a fantastic concert. Granted we saw and heard much of it via the jumbotron - but to be in a giant crowd (400,000!) all so thrilled to be there and silent as a church mouse as we strained to hear Gene Robinson's prayer - was spectacular!

My favorite part. The one where we all sang the refrain together...

Divine Grace

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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A couple of weeks ago, Christmas Day to be exact, I attended church services at the American Cathedral in Paris with my dad and sister. When I arrived, my sister was waiting outside for me, having arrived a little bit earlier with dad. She said she was very excited as they had been listening to the soloists rehearse and the female was really good. Great! I love me a good church service and particularly one with good music.

As we went through the multi-page program (it was one of those ones where they include all the readings and songs word for word), about a half hour into it, I'm reading along responding to the minister and sort of looking ahead.

"Holy Crap!" I whisper loudly to my family. Next up is the offertory music - sung by Denyce Graves (and some tenor...). Who is she? Only one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos in the world. An American treasure, born and raised in Washington, DC. The woman who sang the most stirring rendition of America, the Beautiful and the Lord's Prayer at the church service at the National Cathedral after 9-11 (W. of course totally not getting it). The woman whose signature role of Carmen I saw her perform - as a first anniversary gift from my husband. Sigh.

I cried.

After the service, my dad and I ran over to say hello - I was shaking. I told her Santa left an extra present under the tree for me this year. I'm such a dork.

Bollywood High

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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During December/January there are a slew of movies out just in time for Oscar nominations. Makes for entertaining movie choices - even if some are hard to watch - and also entertaining soundtracks.

Go see Slumdog Millionaire. And fall in love with the movie as well as its music.

Elf's Lament

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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Despite my best intentions, I did not watch all the claymation I could - in fact, I saw none! Somehow I missed out this year. So frustrating. It's not that I love Christmas specials (believe me, I don't) - but there's just something about those felt puppets and the jerky way they walk. I used to watch Davy & Goliath every Sunday just for that reason - who knew what the lesson was - I loved that dog and the fake grass in their backyard.

The other night I came home, yet again disappointed to miss my favorites - but lucky enough to catch a movie with a real live elf - Elf in fact. Despite being a hokey Christmas movie it's got some pretty hilarious scenes.

Poor Buddy.

In the spirit of poor big Buddy and also the anti-labor union sentiment in the White House and among Republican members of Congress (grrrr...) I bring you Elf's Lament.

Happy Holidays!

Home Alone...

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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My husband will be taking off this week for a bit of early vacation - I'll be joining him next week. Yesterday someone asked me what I'd do with all this time alone. When I'm gone he plays all the Mahler and Wagner he can. I tend in another direction. Leave my shoes lying around, purses and handbags throughout the apartment... and watching bad television. And since it's that time of year, I see a lot of claymation in my future!

Rockin' Holiday Tunes

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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On Saturday I wrote that I was working on a holiday music mix. We're having a party next weekend and I wanted some good tunes. Nothing too slow or we'd all fall asleep. Stuff that would get people moving - and some funny lyrics are always nice. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Charlie Brown Christmas CD, but it just isn't peppy enough for this occasion.

Here's a portion of the list - ones you don't hear too often (or often enough):

The Chanukah Song (1&2) - Adam Sandler
Back Door Santa - B.B. King and John Popper
Elf's Lament - Barenaked Ladies (with Michael Buble)
Swingin' Dreidel - Kenny Ellis
Christmas in America - Melissa Etheridge
It's Christmas Time - Melissa Etheridge
Christmas All Over Again - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Christmas Is - Run DMC
Santa Baby - Joseph Simmons, Keith Murray, Mase, Onyx, P. Diddy, Salt-N-Pepa, Snoop Dogg & The Christmas All Stars
This Christmas (Hang all the mistletoe) - Macy Gray
Little Drummer/Hot Hot Hot - Wyclef Jean
Merry Christmas Baby - Stevie Wonder and Wyclef Jean
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies (with Sarah McLachlan)

and Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC

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Living with HIV

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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I am embarrassed to say that I had totally forgotten it was World AIDS Day. Truth be told, I didn't TOTALLY forget - it just took me a few hours. Considering what I do for a living you'd think I would have had it foremost in my brain. Cut me some slack, every day is world AIDS day for me!

The US Government's theme this year (because for whatever reason we can't seem to agree with UNAIDS...) is "Celebrate Life". I'm not a big fan of the motto (too close to pro-life for me) - but the underlying theme is living positively. I can get behind that.

It was not too long ago that we didn't talk about people living with HIV. And now we can.

Congratulations, Andy Bell - you are LIVING.

I Love Turkey

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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Finally, a Thanksgiving song!

Obama soundtrack

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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I just can't get enough... best music ever associated with a political campaign!

Expired? Annoying. To see this video - definitely worth viewing - go to http://dipdive.com/ and look for will.i.am's It's a New Day. Also available on iTunes - just not sure if you get the video.

Hey Sarah

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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I haven't been feeling very musical for awhile. Maybe it's too much travel, maybe it's the stress of this election. Maybe it's because the only music I listen to lately is Haitian and I've done just about enough posting on that topic...

Then someone sent me this. I love music.

MaWon and Hurricane Relief

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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Back to my favorite topic, Haiti. I have to say this place really does get under your skin. And now into my ears.

Last week we went to a shop that was originally opened through US government support - it was called Aid to Artisans - and has since been run by someone else but still features some WONDERFUL Haitian crafts.

In our conversation with the shop owner she told us about how proud she is of her daughter-in-law who is involved in a music video now on You Tube (said as if we'd never heard of the place - it was very cute).

The music is by the artist MaWon and benefits hurricane relief. Listen, love it, buy it!

Food for the Poor (wikipedia)

Hurricane Relief Project (FFP's website)

Haiti Relief

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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I'm in Haiti, which as you know, unless you live under a rock, has suffered horribly with Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

One of the largest cities, Gonaives is essentially inaccessible. Not only does this disrupt Gonaives, it disrupts at least a dozen other places which are now, one might say, "overseas".

US relief efforts are underway but in such a disturbing way - and I don't think I can go into detail on this - we haven't exactly been successful at getting people on the ground to help. The Canadians are sending help and seem to have their act together. And just yesterday Matt Damon and Wyclef Jean brought relief.

So in honor of two people who figured it out - I offer you a tribute to Wyclef Jean (sorry, don't think Matt Damon sings - except for that song with Sarah Silverman).

Doe a Deer

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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Call me a fashion moron. Passe, tacky, out of touch. The NY Times did a piece on the fall fashion shows. And all I have to say is, "seriously? The Sound of Music come to mind?"

Democratic Soundtrack

A few weeks ago, I asked for help in putting together a soundtrack for the weeks to come. I had the incredible fortune to attend the Democratic National Convention last week - and as luck would have it, I found my soundtrack. Along with the incredible speeches I heard last week, I also heard some amazing music.

Here it is - a week of exhilaration in a playlist:

God Bless America - Melissa Etheridge
The Times They Are A Changing - Melissa Etheridge
Give Peace A Chance - Melissa Etheridge
Born in the USA - Melissa Etheridge
The National Anthem - Jennifer Hudson
Yes We Can - will.i.am and John Legend
A Change Would Do You Good - Sheryl Crow
Out of Our Heads - Sheryl Crow
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
America, the Beautiful - Michael McDonald

I'm Lost

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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I have been completely out of it. After a brutal week a couple of weeks ago, I spent last week vegetating. My husband was away and I had all these little projects I was going to work on. hmmmm...best laid plans.

I did manage to feed the cat and water the plants - although managed to mess up each of those on separate days. But at the end of the week, everyone was alive! Victory!

I flew up to VT on Friday afternoon to join my husband for a music festival he attends every year. An incredibly relaxing weekend to end a blissfully confused week and to kick off another round of back to back flights.

Alas, I have no soundtrack. Other than the explosively loud music I played to drown out a particularly turbulent flight last night, I have no musical memory to share this week.

Will you help me? I'm going to Ghana, Denver, Haiti, and Nigeria (and some twice) in the next 3 months. What music do I need to add to my iPod? What tunes will I associate with these trips? Something to bring me back to that 11 hour flight over the Atlantic? The interminable layover in Miami? The roar of the crowd at Mile High Stadium?

All recommendations appreciated!

Some Positive Affirmation

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

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I had one of those weeks at work where I thought I was going to get fired several times. Not having actually done anything wrong, but feeling under attack.

A book I'm reading right now about how to deal with difficult co-workers recommends releasing physical stress through exercise - walk your dog, take deep breaths, go for a run. As a matter of fact, they recommend running a lot. To the point where you wonder where people who are under such stress find the time. But I digress.

On Friday I was walking to a meeting I really dreaded. Just had a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. I pored through my iPod looking for something to calm me down. Tried slow stuff. Listened to tracks for my fear of flying (nice guy talking in a sweet voice). Hmmmm, somehow listening to someone talk about plane crashes wasn't really helping.

I finally gave up on the soothing stuff and decided on something to get my positive energy up.

Gotta love these women.

The meeting went well. Stood my ground and was surprisingly polite and composed. I'm very happy with my performance.