LET LOVE REIGN

There are many musicians who have made an impact in pop culture.  Artists that were game changers in their respective genres like – Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Billie Holiday, The Supremes, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Mary J. Blige and Sade.  Today, not many artists have the same impact but have made stood considering today’s music is very generic.  In an era where hip/hop and rap rules, there have been leaders and followers.  Some of the artists making an impact today include – Rihanna, Beyoncé, Eminem, Lady Gaga and Drake.  But what of those artists that somehow fly under the radar and that have contributed brilliant music?  Such artists like – Faithless, Joi Cardwell, Billie Ray Martin, Roisin Murphy, The Knife, Deee-Lite, Oh Land, Robyn, Royksopp and Bjork.

Kristine Weitz – known as Kristine W, has been an active artist – mainly in the dance/club scene in North America.  Her first commercially released single, “Feel What You Want” was a success in Europe and became her first of 8 consecutive Billboard Club Play #1 hits.  Saying this, let’s take a look at her body of work.  As mentioned, Kristine’s first number one hit on a Billboard Chart, was “Feel What You Want”.  Since then, Kristine W has tallied 16 number one singles on Billboards Club Play Chart.  As of April 2015, Kristine W is currently in the top 5 artists with most number one’s on this chart.  Here is the current ranking of most number 1’s on Billboard’s Club Play

1. Madonna (44)
2. Beyoncé and Rihanna (22)
3. Janet Jackson (19) 
4. Mariah Carey and Donna Summer (17)
5. Kristine W and Jennifer Lopez (16)

For an artist who hasn’t had much airplay on commercial/pop radio, it’s pretty amazing to be in a ranking with such high-profile artist such as Beyoncé, Rihanna and the Queen of Pop – Madonna.  As a matter of fact, Kristine W was named Billboard’s # 3 artist of the 2000’s only behind Beyoncé and Madonna. 

In my opinion, Kristine W, has released one of the best pop/dance/electronic albums – Land of the Living.  This album is a perfect amalgamation of pop/jazz/club and electronic music.  Land of the Living is a powerful and passionate album that comes from the heart and a place of love.  It’s an album that has a message about perseverance, determination and becoming independent.  Land of the Living reinforces that the dance community is not only about beats, fun and drugs but that it cares about social issues and is as legitimate as the other genres in pop culture.

Here is a bit of background surrounding Kristine W’s releases:

• She has released 8 full-length albums:  Perfect Beat (1986, re-released in 1994), Land of the Living (1996), Stronger (2000), Fly Again (2003), The Power of Music (2009), Straight Up With A Twist (2010), New and Number Ones (2012), New and Number Ones Club Hits Part One (2013), New and Number Ones Club Hits Part Two (2014). 
• Has officially released 20 singles.
• All of her commercially released singles were # 1 singles on the Billboard Club Play Chart except, “I’ll Be Your Light” (2), “So Close To Me” (2), “Everything That I Got” (4) and “Love Come Home” (4).  “Love Come Home” war originally released in 1994 and did not chart.
• Her most successful charted single was, “One More Try” which hit Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and peaked at # 78.
• Her album “Straight Up With A Twist” includes jazz and chill out reinterpretations of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven”, Donna Summer’s “On The Radio” and Eagles “Take It To The Limit”.  It also includes reinterpretations of her own classic hits, “Wonder of It All”, “Stronger”, “Some Lovin”, and “Feel What You Want”.

I have had the opportunity of seeing Kristine W each time she has come to the Toronto, Ontario Canada region and even met her on several occasions.  She really does give everything she’s got when performing and greeting her fans.  I am inspired of how hard she works to get her music out to her fans especially without the backing of a major record label. 

I continue to have much of her music on repeat on my phone, computer, home stereo and record player!  Yes, I revisit and play vinyl as often as I can – the music is so crisp and clear on vinyl.  It also provides that comforting ‘old school’ feeling of when the purchase of music was just as exciting as listening to it.  I have many favorite singles from all of her albums.  It’s hard to pick one song that is the best but, there is always one song I always go back to when I need motivation, inspiration and a reminder that LOVE can conquer anything.  That song is “Let Love Reign”.  Hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me.  Here are the lyrics, YouTube audio follows:

Let Love Reign  

There’s a kingdom that lives
Maybe it’s only in my mind
Where love reigns all the time
Do you believe? I still believe

Our brother’s sleeping all alone in the park
His head is resting on a pillow of hope
Then he says dance for me, he gives me smiles for free
He trades a joke for mine and the world is fine

And we let love reign
We reach out, don’t be afraid
Everything you do
It will be coming back to you
Let love reign

A rich man’s sitting on his velvet couch
His kingdom rains until he’s drowned in my dreams
And then he says sing for me, give me your song for free
I’d trade his soul for mine if I could only make him kind

And he would let love reign
We reach out, don’t be afraid
Everything you do
It’s coming back to you

There’s a kingdom of kindness where love is
And a rainbow will come with the rain’s kiss
And love remains when love reigns

Let love reign
We reach out, don’t be afraid
And everything you do
It will be coming back to you

‘Cause only love reigns
With my love reigns
Everything you do
Is coming back to you

I do believe that love remains
I do believe that love reigns
I do believe that love remains
I do believe that love reigns

I do believe that love remains
I do believe that love reigns
I do believe that love remains
I do believe that love reigns

I do believe
I do believe
I do believe
Let our love reign

 

This song is from Kristine W’s 3rd official release, Stronger (2000).  It also includes the hits, “Stronger”, “Clubland”, “Lovin’ You” and “All That Glitters”.  You can purchase all of Kristine W’s music by visiting her official site:  www.kristinew.com or via the iTunes store.   

 

We are all responsible for spreading love and positive energy into the world ensuring that LOVE will reign.

 

 

Top Images – Covers of Kristine W’s first album (Land of the Living) and second album (Stronger)

Bottom Images – NoH8 campaign photo and the cover of her latest single, 2014’s “Love Come Home” remixes all available via Kristine W’s website, www.kristinew.biz

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

 

DID YOU KNOW…SOME FUN FACTS and RECORDS

Have you ever wondered what/where the world’s tallest freestanding structure was or what the all-tim best-selling non-fiction book was?  Do you know what world destination is the most visited?  What of social media – do you prefer Facebook, Twitter or Google+ Well, look no further because I am about to share some of the answers with you now.

ANIMALS

Elephant

The oldest elephant ever was Lin Wang, an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), who died on 26 February 2003 aged 86, at Taipei Zoo, Taiwan.

Grandpa Lin, as he became known, carried supplies through the jungles of Myanmar (formerly Burma) for the Japanese army, during World War II. He was even taken prisoner by the Chinese in 1943. Lin Wang retired to the Zoo in 1954. The average age of an Asian elephant is 60 years.

Snake

The longest snake in captivity is named Medusa, she resides in Kansas City, Missouri USA and is 7.67 metres long or 25 feet, 2 inches.  She weighs 350lbs.

LITERATURE

The best-selling non-fiction book in the world is The Bible. 

Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci is the most expensive book ever sold – $30.8 million (sold in 1994).  Bought by Microsoft mogul Bill Gates.  A 72-page document (and therefore not a printed book), Codex Leicester is a collection of scientific writing and gained its named from Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester who bought it in 1719.  The journal covers theories on astronomy, water, rock, air, the moon and the heavens.

Sources:

http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2013/09/25/top-10-most-expensive-books-ever-sold/

MUSIC

Billboard HOT 100 Top Group – The Beatles

Billboard HOT 100 Top Female Artist – Madonna.  Madonna is also Billboard’s Hot 100 top female artists.  She has had the most top 10 singles, a total of 38.  She has sold over 305 million albums worldwide and is the best-selling female recording artist according to Guinness World Record.

Best Selling Digital Artist – Rihanna 

Sources:

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/8000/best-selling-female-recording-artist 

BUILDINGS/TOWERS

The tallest freestanding tower in the world is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  The Burj Khalifa houses offices, residentials units and a hotel.  It measures 829.8 metres tall.

MOST TRAVELLED TO DESTINATION

Here are the top 5 most travelled to locations or destinations in the world (according to the Business Insider):

5.  Niagara Falls (22.5 million)

4.  Union Station, Washington D.C. USA (32.8 million)

3.  Central Park, New York City, NY USA (37.5 million)

2.  Times Square, New York City, NY USA (39.2 million)

1.  Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, NV USA (39.6 million)

FILM

The top 5 grossing films of all time are:

5.  Frozen (2013) – $1.2 billion

4.  Harry Potter and The Deathy Hallows Pt II (2011) – $1.3 billion

3.  Marvel’s The Avengers (2012) – $1.5 billion

2.  Titanic (1997) – $2.1 billion

1.  Avatar (2009) – $2.7 billion

TELEVISON

Here are the top 10 series finales in television history (US):

10.  Home Improvement – May 1999 (35.5 million)

9.  Family Ties – May 1989 (36.3 million)

8.  All In The Family – April 1979 (40.2 million)

7.  The Cosby Show – April 1992 (44.4 million)

6.  Magnum P.I. – May 1988 (50.7 million)

5.  Friends – May 2004 (52.5 million)

4.  Seinfeld – May 1998 (76.3 million)

3.  The Fugitive – August 1967 (78 million)

2.  Cheers – May 1993 (84.4 million)

1.  M*A*S*H – February 1983 (105.9 million)

http://www.etonline.com/tv/144979_10_Most_Watched_TV_Series_Finales_Ever_Gallery/index.html?page=MA==&itmCnt=MTg=

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook – Has approximately 1.15 billion users, 350 million photos are uploaded everyday and 751 million users access Facebook from a mobile device.

Twitter – Has approximately 500 + million users and approximately 20 million twitter accounts are fake.

Google+ – Has approximately 500 + million users of which 67% are male.

Pinterest – Has approximately 70 + million users of which 64% are female.

Instagram – Has over 130 million users and MTV is the most followed with over 1.2 million followers.

Linkedin – Has over 238 million users.

Technology has allowed the world to come together to witness some of the most amazing things in the world.  We have witnessed triumphs and tragedies across the world.  Revolutions were organized using social media.  We are able to receive instant messages of events happening across the oceans and throughout the universe.  With all the milestones we have witnessed – imagine the great things to come and the potential to create positive change around the world by sharing, following, favoriting, pinning and liking.

Together we can make the world a more positive one!

 

INSPIRING QUOTES

Here are some inspiring words from some of very inspiring people:

NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”

“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur.  You take the front line when there is danger.  Then people will appreciate your leadership”

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.  If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart”

DR. WAYNE DYER

Wayne Dyer, PH.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of over 30 books, has created many audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows.

“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours”

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”

“What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds”

LOUISE L. HAY

RECENTLY DUBBED “the closest thing to a living saint” by the Australian media, Louise L. Hay is also known as one of the founders of the self-help movement. Her first book, Heal Your Body, was published in 1976, long before it was fashionable to discuss the connection between the mind and body.

“I find that when we really love and accept and approve of ourselves exactly as we are, then everything in life works”

“If you are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed”

“All the events you have experienced in your lifetime up to this moment have been created by your thoughts and beliefs you have held in the past. They were created by the thoughts and words you used yesterday, last week, last month, last year, 10, 20, 30, 40, or more years ago, depending on how old you are”

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer. Six of her ten published books have been New York Times Best Sellers. Four of these have been #1 New York Times Best Sellers. A Return to Love is considered a must-read of The New Spirituality. A paragraph from that book, beginning “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure...” is considered an anthem for a contemporary generation of seekers.

“Forgiveness is not always easy.  At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it.  And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness”

“The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world”

“Love is what we were born with.  Fear is what we learned”

BILL CLINTON

William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001.

“If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes.  But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person.  It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you.  The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit”

“Let me say this as clearly as I can:  No matter how sharp a grievance or how deep a hurt, there is no justification for killing innocents”

“We must teach our children to resolve their conflicts with words, not with weapons”

WARREN BUFFET

Warren Edward Buffett is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is widely considered the most successful investor of the 20th century.

“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”

“Emotional makeup is more important than technical skill”

DAVID SUZUKI

David Takayoshi Suzuki, is a Japanese Canadian academic, science broadcaster and environmental activist. Suzuki earned a Ph. D in zoology from the University of Chicago  in 1961, and was a professor in the genetics department at the University of British Columbia from 1963 until his retirement in 2001. Since the mid-1970s, Suzuki has been known for his TV and radio series and books about nature and the environment. He is best known as host of the popular and long-running CBC Television science magazine, The Nature of Things, seen in over forty nations. He is also well-known for criticizing governments for their lack of action to protect the environment.

 

“Education has failed in a very serious way to convey the most important lesson science can teach: skepticism”

 

“If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us”

 

“For the sake of our health, our children and grandchildren and even our economic well-being, we must make protecting the planet our top priority”

 

 

INGRID NEWKIRK

 

Ingrid Newkirk is an English-born British American animal rights activist and the president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the world’s largest animal rights organization.

 

“When it comes to having a central nervous system, and the ability to feel pain, hunger and thirst, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy”

 

“Being asked to support humane meat means being asked to support the suffering of animals in transport, to approve of treatment that causes them palpable fear, their bodies shaking and their eyes wide as saucers, as they are slung by their legs into crates that are slammed onto the back of a truck”

 

“I think if you are against cruelty and you look at what happens to animals in slaughterhouses and on factory farms, you have to be completely against eating meat”

 

JOHN LENNON 

 

John Winston Ono Lennon, was an English musician, singer and songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a founder member of the Beatles, the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band in the history of popular music.

 

“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans”

 

“I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky.  I believe that what people call God is something in all of us.  I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right.  It’s just that the translations have gone wrong”

 

“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace”

 

WOODY HARRELSON

 

Actor, environmental activist, ethical vegan and raw foodist and supporter for the legalization of marijuana and hemp.

 

“The war against terrorism is terrorism”

 

“I think my best skill in this whole deal is as a conduit to try to bring people together, because I think it’s in our unity that we’ll have the greatest strength”

 

“The common man or women, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian or Catholic or Iraqi or American, the common man just wants to live in peace and justice in a clean environment.  When we look around the world and we see that is not the case, we know the will of the majority is not being listened to, that’s the first sign that our system is broken”

 

“There are a helluva lot more of us who care about our environment in the world than we realize.  We’re the majority, and we can do something about that” 

 

HARVEY MILK

 

Harvey Bernard Milk was an American politician who became the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

 

“Hope will never be silent”

 

“If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door”

 

“It takes no compromising to give people their rights.  It takes no money to respect the individual.  It takes no survey to remove repressions”

 

“Coming out is the most political thing you can do”

 

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN LEWIS

 

John Robert Lewis is an American politician and civil rights leader. He is the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district, serving since 1987, and is the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation.

 

“I say to people today, ‘You must be prepared if you believe in something.   If you believe in something, you have to go for it.  As individuals, we may not live to see the end”

 

“When I was 15 years old in the tenth grade, I heard Martin Luther King, Jr.  Three years later, when I was 18, I met Dr. King and we became friends.  Two years after that I became very involved in the civil rights movement.  I was in college at the time.  As I got more and more involved, I saw politics as a means of bringing about change”

 

“If you’re not hopeful and optimistic, then you just give up.  You have to take that long hard look and just believe that if your consistent, you will succeed”

 

These quotes and words come from people who were and continue to be passionate about what they strongly believe in, whether that is our environment, politics, animals, human rights and freedom – they have all been and continue to be conduits for positive change.

 

Together we can make the world a more positive one!