MUSIC: "Wavin' Flag" charity cover

Toronto (by way of Somalia) artist, K'naan, has been making waves all over the music world with his unique style of hip-hop as well as the messages of his songs. His internationally released second album, Troubadour, have down well in the both the US and Canada and has had several hit singles. One of these, "Wavin' Flag" was selected as the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme song. But K'naan clearly wasn't done working with this catchy and inspiring hit; the songs latest incarnation isn't going to do anything to impede skyrocketing career any either!

Joining together various other Canadian artists in a "We Are The World"-like fashion, the Young Artists for Haiti charity campaign re-worked the tune as a fundraiser and tribute to the earthquake ravaged people of the Caribbean island nation. Featuring performers such as Nelly Furtado, Avril Levigne, Kardinal Offishal, Deryck Whibley (Sum 41), Fefe Dobson, and Justin Bieber (yeah, I know) among others Canadians are probably more familiar with, the recording couldn't come at a better time, as it seems our collective attention span has forgotten the number of people still in dire straights that still need assistance. Rapper/singer Drake asks it best with the new line "how come when the media stops coverin', and there's a little help from the government, we forget about the people still strugglin', and we assume that's really all love again?"

Buy this single on iTunes and support the rebuilding efforts, especially if you didn't want to get the remade "We Are The World" abomination, as good as the cause was!

Sergio del Limónar

WEBSITE: Charity Navigator

With the recent tragedy in Haiti and the plethora of relief organizations and charity drives popping up to "help" in the crisis, it's often difficult to know which are legitimate and which are less so. Personally, if I donate a certain amount of food or money to an organization to benefit a particular cause, I would like to think that close to 100% of my contribution is going to the people or situation that needs it. Unfortunately, misappropriation of fund and resources is often a problem in these situations.

The website Charity Navigator is here to help. Along with a rating system, Top 10 Lists, articles, and "hot topics," the site keeps readers up to date on developing crisis and causes around the globe. Bookmark this one for your research needs the next time you desire to give to those in need.

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: "Hallelujah" cover Hope For Haiti

If you missed the Hope For Haiti benefit concert on Friday night, it was quite the show. (The best part is you can definitely still donate!) The musical highlight for me was the Justin Timberlake / Mark Morris collaboration on Leonard Cohen's standard "Hallelujah".

Not only did the song seem unbelievably appropriate for the occasion, but these two gentlemens' voices were so perfectly blended it was as if they were one. This is what all duets should be. Purchase the song on iTunes for charity and enjoy the tune for years to come.

Sergio del Limonar