ok_post This is World AIDS Day. I’m not sure how many there have been before this…more than 20, less than 30 I suspect. What’s worth noting age-wise, is that after all these years, AIDS has kept its “sweet spot”. Youth.

UNAIDS is reporting some encouraging data on new infections. And while there is an overall global decline of %17 in new transmissions, there are still roughly 6,000 new infections a day. About half of those are in people under the age of 25.

And, this year, after an eye-opening trip to Africa, I saw first-hand how young people are fighting back. And it was amazing.

My friend Pailo and I went to East Africa and visited programs run by young people and funded by the Staying Alive Foundation. Staying Alive has identified some ridiculously cool young leaders and is helping them “get it done” with money and other resources. Resources like ongoing training so that they get better at what they do.

Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes took a similar trip and MTV International documented his journey. Travis, who has thrown himself completely into the work of the foundation, also made some music inspired by the palaces he went and the people he met. Go here today and buy it…because all of the proceeds go to Staying Alive.

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Along the way Pailo and I took a lot of pictures and shot some video. I’m posting some of the pics here, on this site in the gallery. And you can see the videos here. I hope the videos capture the activist bent and hard, smart work these young people are doing. MTV Hits and Jams are airing these today as well thanks to my friend Emilienne and some great editing from Tracy, thank you both.

Oh…and if you were thinking about going to any live events over the holidays…today’s the day to buy your tickets at LIVENation.com. Because a portion of every ticket sold today will benefit LIFEbeat, the Music Industry’s AIDS group.

And, finally, to my best friend, Jim Callibarri, who died 21 years ago today; I think we’re getting somewhere , I just wish you were still here to see it.

Bah-Da-Bing Crosby Christmas

Last modified on 2009-12-15 14:53:15 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

ok_post Its been a big coupla weeks for us Italians. It seems Italians from Perugia to Milan, and now even the Jersey Shore, are starting to overshadow the big upcoming Christmas show at the Vatican. And that cannot be met with favor from the Holy See.

First Amanda Knox, aka Foxy Roxy, is convicted of murdering an innocent British roommate who’s only crime, it was alleged by the British press, was to have refused participation in a wild sex romp. And it was interesting to see how different the take was on this story depending on where the report was coming from. In England it wasn’t about Amanda…it was about Meredith’s murder and murderers. But here in the US, Senators and newspapers were convinced that it was America itself that was on trial. That the Italians despised the vulgar American lifestyle epitomized by drunk college students ruining their idyllic villages. Journalists in Italy and England reacted with disdain to the US characterizations of the Italian Justice System. While the American press certainly has a fascination with a blue-eyed, fair-skinned beauty in trouble overseas (Natalee Holloway… memba her?) the truth in this messy matter will not be resolved in the press. Appeals to come, it ain’t ova yet. So in the meantime I suggest that Roxy settle into her cell and enjoy some of those delicious Baci chocolates made right there in her new hometown. And if the Italians in Perugia hate Americans so much, why do you think they use an American-style English language jingle for their most famous export?

This week also brought yet another bloody nose to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Earlier this year after sex and corruption scandals his wife of 15 years finally filed for divorce (note to Elin Woods…this could take years). But this time the attack drew real blood. What I loved about this particular incident is that it underscored just how much Italians everywhere love a statue. The alleged assailant used a replica of the Milan Cathedral as the weapon of choice. I hope the irony was not lost on Silvio.

Probably a statue a little larger than these replicas of the Cathedral I found for sale on E-Bay. Ouch...these jagged little sukas would hurt.

The "weapon" was probably a statue a little larger than these replicas of the Milan Cathedral I found for sale on E-Bay. Ouch...these jagged little sukas would hurt.

But Silvio’s antics pale in comparison to da “classy” lifestyles of the real Italian Stallions back here on our own shores…the Jersey Shore to be specific. This show is a big, if controversial, hit for MTV. And while at least one sponsor Domino’s (no stranger to controversy themselves) has pulled out, this looks to be a ratings and revenue bonanza for the network.

So all the fuss is about the image of Italian Americans portrayed by MTV? About the negative stereotype evoked by the word Guido? Gimme A Friggin’ Break! This isn’t an Italian problem. Its a New Jersey problem. Its what happens to Italians when they GET to New Jersey. Don’t believe me? Look no farther than here and here and here. Now granted, the same transformation happened to Italians that settled in say, Dyker Heights Brooklyn. But it is by far NOT universal. I mean I didn’t even know what a Guido was growing up in and Italian family in Ohio. Never heard the word.

So I’m not sure why the Italians have stepped up to take the heat…its New Jersey that needs to own it. Well I’m gonna sign off now…got some Christmas shopping and decorating to do. Here’s a great site if you need ornaments. And there’re some amazing nativity scene ideas here in case you haven’t set yours up as of yet.

Ciao.