So Let's Start Giving

Michael Jackson has left a lasting imprint on the world with his music, legendary dance moves, unique style and charitable giving - a legacy like no other. The King of Pop knew no boarders. He was able to link the world through rhythm and dance. As people morn the death of the greatest pop star of the MTV generation, I want to remind people of how Michael Jackson paved the way for today’s celebrity philanthropy.

His best know philanthropic endeavor was the “We Are the World” project that raised millions of dollars for USA for Africa Foundation. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, this all-star charity anthem was recorded in 1985 after the American Music Awards. The key phrase for the night was for all 45 popular 80's musicians to “check their egos at the door.” This was an opportunity for these celebrities to use their talents to make a powerful contribution. “We Are the World” evolved into something of real substance - it became more then just a song. It wasn’t simply about raising money but raising consciousness to change priorities world wide.

The album sold more than five million copies and won Grammy Awards for Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year, while raising over $50 million for hunger and disease relief in Africa. The success of “We Are the World” was so impressive that Live Aid was organized in July 1985.

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

In 1988, Michael again asked the world to take a good look at themselves, recognize who we really are and to stop turning a blind eye to those in need. His hit song "Man in the Mirror" exposes the cruelty in the world, the disregard we have for others and asks everyone to stand up and "make a change"..."make a difference"... "make it right."

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

Michael Jackson may have passed away, but he left a lasting imprint on the world of music, philanthropy and beyond.

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

Save the Date : Phish Festival 2009

Save the Date : Phish Festival 2009

Rumors have started that Phish's 3 night Halloween run will be held at The Coachella / Empire Polo Field in sunny California. To find out more check out Jamtopia: where the music melts your face.

You Too Could Save A Life

All donations to a worthy cause can make a difference, whether they are donations of money, food, cars or time. Another important type of donation that most of us can give is blood.

Every 3 seconds, someone is in need of a blood transfusion. About 60% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, yet less then 5% do. Nearly 5 million people receive a blood transfusion each year and often times the blood supplies fall short of the constant demand. Blood is needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell, anemia and other illnesses.

Imagine if you could make a difference and save someone’s life today.

Giving blood is very easy and simple, and confidential. To find out how you can save a life visit www.givelife.org.

Missed Tweets w/ Pictures From Peru

• Arrived in Lima & the Peruvian Govt. will not let us off the plane until they check each of us for swine flue.

• The original Inca City Cusco is amazing. I think I could stay here forever.

• So thats what a llama tastes like...Taboot Taboot!

• I’m not usually a big fan of beer, pero me encanta beber Cusqueña.

• Tried the coca leaves, not so good.

• I bought a Peruvian hat to look less like a tourist. I don’t think its working so well.

• Just because I took 12 years of Spanish; including 4 semesters in college, doesn’t mean I know Spanish.

• Want to know how to make friends in a foreign country: with booze.

• Peruvian hippies are chill, I’m just not that chill.

• The 1st sip always goes to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

• The weight the porters carry and the speed at which they hike es muy loco.

• Mt. Veronica (18,635ft), its Quechua name, Wakay Willca, means “Sacred Tears.”

• Machu Picchu truly is amazing!

• Looks like we’re stuck in Cusco for a while. Farmers are striking over the privatization of H2O & all roads are blocked.

• Mike is now a man without a country. Peru 3, Mike 1.

• I just stole a pen from the US Embassy is this going to jeopardized my citizenship?

• I’m blown away by the breakdancing moves of these Lima kids.

• Went out for ceviche in Lima to celebrate Mike’s PhD. In true Mary & Mike fashion, we had way too much to eat and drink.

• Do we have to leave?

Everything I Brought to Peru

Peru Bag by R.Penny featuring Old Navy accessories

wah47qziyk

Viva El Peru

Mary P 034
Originally uploaded by R.Penny

I'm So Over The American Dream

ConGRADulations

After 22 years of studying Mike will receive a PhD in Ecology & Environmental Science.

You don't believe me?

True story.

I'm SO proud of you Dr. Mike.

Think Green, Think Public Transportation

Choosing public transportation can be an easy way to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Using public transportation helps to ease congestion, reduce emissions and ease our dependence on fossil fuels.

Public transportation produces 95% less carbon monoxide and half as much carbon dioxide, per passenger mile, then a private vehicle. Each year, public transportation saves 1.4 billion gallons of gas.

Investing in public transportation has many economic benefits like boosting positive economic development; enhancing real estate values; and providing access, opportunity and personal mobility.

To find out more about the benefits of public transportation visit www.publictransportation.org

Or to find out your next route visit
www.google.com/transit

So, if taking public transportation is possible you should think twice next time you get in your car. And, if you’re worried about the social stigma of riding the loser cruiser get over it; it’s cool to be green now.

This is What I Learned at The Exhibit

American Museum of Natural History New York
Climate Change: The Threat to Life and New Energy Future
October 18, 2008 - August 16, 2009

Earth’s climate is changing. The earth is warming and weather patterns are shifting. And, science has proven over and over that its a result of human actions; not natural occurrences.

We’ve already seen major changes like the melting of glaciers, increase in the number of forest fires and the consequences societies are facing due to severe storms and droughts.

What can we do?

We can all make small changes to our daily lives and these small changes will add up to big differences. Better public engagement will make for better policy making. We need the Environmental Protection Agency to get back to working for a cleaner, healthier environment.

EPA Washington DC

Washington DC 2009

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Photos from my trip to Washington. Because I was there on business, I only had a few hours to see the sights. 9th Grade US history review: Can you name all the historic monuments I visited?

Phish Hits A Home Run On Opening Day

Just like Ted Williams, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez, Phish will play Fenway Park.

To find out more information about the show and to hear Red Sox Organist Josh Kanter play Tweezer Reprise click here.

Phish FP 2009

Innuendo and Subtlety

Incredible advertising. Schick’s straight forward approach to selling more razors to women is hilarious. Their cheeky little message about trimming the ol' hedges is marketing genius.

Commercial #1
The much funnier UK version


Commercial #2
The US version

LivePhish

Phish 3/6/09 Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA Click below to preview tracks from this show DOWNLOAD THIS SHOW

A New Era of Hope

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."
-- Barack Obama Inaugural Address 2009

I Pledge....

To be a leader and a mentor to others. To make the world better not just for myself, but for everyone around me. To work harder, dream bigger and to give back more. I pledge to make a difference.

What do you pledge?

MySpace Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge

Phish Summer 2009

Phish Summer 2009

I Just Got Laid

Off that is. Yes, that’s right I’ve involuntary joined the ranks of 11.1 million unemployed Americans. You can label it what you want laid off, down-sized, let go, axed, terminated, canned, dismissed...Fired! It is all the same I no long have any place to be 9-5 Monday - Friday.

Am I worried? Yes. Am I going to be depressed and come to hate everyone and everything in this world? No. I’m actually relieved. Now it looks like I can take as much time as I like over the holiday season.

Looks like I'll need to put this documentary on my Netflix que --- Fired!

When life gives you AIDS....make lemonAIDS!

I’m not black
I’m not gay
And Africa is so far away
But what’s one more December holiday?
Happy AIDS Day anyway
-Sarah Silverman