RIAA

            The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a society headquartered in Washington, D.C. that represents recording industry wholesalers in the United States. The organization consists of several labels and suppliers that create and manufacture close to 85% of all legally retailed music in the United States. Its role is to properly administer copyright fees on music recordings, as well as work with trade unions and government regulations. The RIAA has three goals that they always obey. The first is to protect intellectual property rights as stated in the First Amendment. The second is to constantly study the music industry in order to stay up to date with any changes being made. And the third is to supervise and analyze laws, regulations and policies on recorded material.

            This organization is comprised of several groups that fall under one big umbrella. The copyright infringement team is responsible for all legal actions ensured on an artist and their material. This department is also responsible for enforcing the government regulations one must make when copyright has been infringed. Another group or department is the digital sales certification and its endless attempts to prevent illegal file sharing and piracy. The backing of this sector is critical if you plan on recording music thru a studio or a live environment. The selling product must be RIAA certified and must go thru all the proper protocols to ensure the correct amount of checks and royalties.

            Working with the RIAA is a big deal to say the least. It is the powerhouse behind all the legal actions done in the music industry. I plan to incorporate a venue in my business where live performances can be made and later recorded and sold. I will need to look into the copyright infringement group along with certain other units that will help protect us against potential lawsuits. All performers will be liable for costs made towards the production of a live audio CD. The RIAA will need to be contacted to supply us with distributors and layers that can meet our cause.

Links:

www.riaa.com

http://www.crunchbase.com/company/riaa

Yemayá

In the Lucumi faith, every person is ordained to a certain Orisha, or guardian angel. This is based on the person’s characteristic traits. There are many different Orishas in the religion and are all derived from saints worshipped in Catholicism. In order to know whom your guardian angel is you must visit a Babalawo. Babalawo’s are known as the priests of the Lucumi faith. They are considered the divine messengers of God and practice a similar yet more complex belief system called Ifa. Once an individual has gone through the proper initiation ceremony they become an Aleyo, or a worshiper and practitioner of Santería.

            There are different ranks in Santería. It is a religious hierarchy that was created centuries ago from African American slaves that were sent to Cuba. Cuba is considered to be the birthplace of this religion and is the highest in number of worshipers. Although Santería is widely known throughout the world, many people consider it taboo and chose not to speak of it. It is largely critiqued and very much misunderstood. Practitioners are criticized for being unfaithful to God and are labeled as ‘devil worshipers’ and accused of ‘casting black magic’. The truth is, this is one of the most beautiful religions out there. It focuses on spiritual awareness and helping people find guidance from above.

            On November 8, 2011 I traveled to Cuba with my godmother from Puerto Rico. I had been practicing the Lucumi faith for over four years and decided that it was time to take it to the next level. On November 11, 2011 (11/11/11) I was crowned the Orisha Yemayá. Known as a mother by excellence, this Orisha is female and is considered to be the mother of everything living and breathing in the world. I believe I was placed on this path for a reason. Yemayá has come to fix all that is physically and mentally wrong. I am proud to call myself a Santero!

Links:

http://santeriachurch.org/the-orishas/yemaya/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santer%C3%ADa