A definition of Medicine from the National Cancer Institute: “The practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of diseases or abnormal conditions”.
A definition of Good Medicine from the Native American Tea Company: “Good medicine is a Native American belief that plants and herbs are essential for good health, and that people should live in balance with nature. Native Americans believe that respecting nature, having a kind heart, and having high moral standards are part of this balance.”
Urban Voices Project (UVP) is a music wellness nonprofit centered as a community choir in Skid Row, Downtown Los Angeles. UVP began ten years ago as a music wellness program based out of Wesley Health Center in Skid Row. The signature weekly program, Neighborhood Sing, is described by Artistic Director Leeav Sofer as an opportunity for some “musical medicine”.
As for the phrase, Motivation as Medicine, that comes from a national health conference organized by HLTH that took place in Las Vegas from October 20 to 23, 2024 with over ten thousand attending. HLTH describes itself as “the leading community for global health Innovation, connecting the healthcare ecosystem through global events, inspirational content, and impact-driven initiatives”.
UVP was brought in to perform on their main stage with seventeen singers and a three piece band. The Keynote speaker for the conference was First Lady Jill Biden.
The pop culture definition of adulthood is adults make choices and take responsibility for their choices. Some UVP choir members stayed in Los Angeles, the idea of singing in front of thousands of people possibly being too stressful. Other choir members went to Vegas believing that music will be the medicine for whatever emotional, relational, and creative challenges they might encounter.
Both choices of going to Las Vegas or not going to Las Vegas are equally healthy when the motivation is being an adult in relationship with other adults. And so Motivation is Medicine — along with Western Medicine, Native Indigenous Medicine, Musical Medicine, and whatever other Medicines are happening in other cultures. And add to that the Medicines waiting to be invented.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — UPDATE ON THE SPHERE
On October 30, The Sphere for the first time showed a political ad.
UPDATE ON THE SPHERE — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — - — -
The Sphere is still amazing and we’re still a fan of Kamala Harris.
However, politics is local as Ysabel Jurado heads towards representing Skid Row in Los Angeles City Council — Council District 14 (CD-14).
From ABC Eyewitness News-Los Angeles:
“Jurado told CNS that she entered this race to “change the history of corruption” at City Hall — citing the controversies surrounding former Councilman Jose Huizar (convicted and now imprisoned for accepting bribes from developers and cheating on his taxes) and de León.
“This district has been used and abused, and we have total mistrust,” Jurado told CNS. “People are asking for honest, accountable, responsive City Council members, and that’s the bare minimum.”
On other matters, Jurado — a lifelong resident of Highland Park, first-time candidate and single mother to a 14-year-old daughter — said she would concentrate on ensuring residents receive their fair share of city services; and work to reduce homelessness, with a focus on Skid Row, the epicenter of the crisis.
She also emphasized working with homeless service providers, community organizations and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who represents the 2nd District, which encompasses Skid Row and CD14 neighborhoods.”