Lillie

Lillie Boyte
04.09.2004 - 08.28.2007

Lillie died today after a brave 10 month battle with Neuroblastoma. Memorials can be made in honor of her memory to The Loneliest Road campaign. Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to remember her family.

Remember Beaker?

Growing a Green Economy

"We work for a world where all people have enough, where all communities are healthy and safe, and where the bounty of the Earth is preserved for all the generations to come."

This is the vision of Co-op America, a non-profit organization specializing in the betterment of society and our environment through economic aspects.

Check out their extensive informational resources on green ideas for individuals and for businesses, as well as issues that affect the integrity of our society.

Andrea Bocelli Visits Sesame Street

Andrea Bocelli visits Sesame Street to sing Elmo a lullaby based on "Time to Say Goodbye":

Planet in Peril

Coming in October - a CNN 360 special investigation on environmental issues affecting our planet. See the website for more information.

Artist Spotlight: Angélique Kidjo

With a powerful voice and astounding performance capabilities, Angélique Kidjo epitomizes world music at its best. This hard-working singer/songwriter was born in West Africa. She grew up listening to James Brown, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, and Santana. Her music combines traditional African beats with flavors she picked up from these artists and other artists from around the world.

I saw Angélique perform earlier this year, and her commanding stage presence impressed me immediately. After hearing the passion in her songs, the rhythm, the blending of musical styles and her magnificent voice, I immediately went out and got her latest album - "Djin Djin". I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Her music reaches beyond language barriers and invokes a sense of world unity and peace.

Angélique has released duets with many other popular artists such as Santana, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews Band, Ziggy Marley, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys & Joss Stone. Several of these appear on "Djin Djin".

You'll find a great blending of styles on this album. My personal favorites are "Salala" and the haunting rendition of Ravel's Bolero ("Lonlon"). The tracks are:

1. Ae Ae
2. Djin Djin (featuring Alicia Keys & Branford Marsalis)
3. Gimme Shelter (featuring Joss Stone)
4. Salala (featuring Peter Gabriel)
5. Senamou (C'Est l'Amour) (featuring Amandou & Mariam)
6. Pearls (featuring Carlos Santana & Josh Groban)
7. Sedjedo (featuring Ziggy Marley)
8. Papa
9. Arouna
10. Awan N'la
11. Emma
12. Mama Golo Papa
13. Lonlon (Ravel's Bolero)

Gimme Shelter:

Bald Eagle Comeback

After thirty years of intense conservation efforts, the US national bird soars off the endangered species list. Scientists estimate that there are now 9,789 breeding pairs of Bald Eagles.

Scientists blame the dwindling population in the 1970s on hunting, habitat destruction and food contamination.

While the removal is a tremendous victory for conservation, the bald eagle's habitat will no longer be protected.

For the next five years, the species will be closely monitored to insure it continues to thrive.

More info:

• American Bald Eagle Information
• Red List of Threatened Species
• Help Save Endangered Wildlife (WWF)
• Endangered Species Act (US Fish & Wildlife Service)

Manta Ray Born in Captivity

A baby Giant Manta ray was born in captivity yesterday at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan. The baby, the first ever in its kind to be born in captivity, stretched out to about 1.9 meters. The picture on the left shows a baby with her father.

This event gives researchers an excellent chance to study and learn more about this rare species.

• Watch the video! (click on the link in the CNN article)
  
• News Release from the Aquarium
  

Music For Relief

Music For Relief is a group of music industry professionals seeking to promote awareness and raise support for those in need. The organization began as a response to Tsunami relief needs by musical group Linkin Park. LP reached out to their musical peers and then to the community, forming Music For Relief. MFR has raised over 2 million dollars for victims of the tsunami and hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Not only does MFR respond to natural disasters, they also seek to bring awareness on global climate issues and the environment.

For more information, visit musicforrelief.org.

A Thought For Flag Day