This is a short piece on the work that George Clooney has been doing in Sudan. It's a look into the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, the attmept at ethnic cleansing that is going on there, and a battle that George Clooney has taken up in front of our own United States government, asking for help and spread of awareness. However short the stint, both George and his father were arrested over the last 24 hours for passing police lines in a protest in Washington. As with the Kony post I have below, the cause is none less imminent, and none less media worthy. Two different approaches. Both worth a look and a listen.
Above is the now worldwide famous video on the situation in Uganda involving the alleged horrific kidnapping, forced militarism, and sex slave practices of Joseph Kony towards children in the country.
This one video, has not only sent off a wave of support big enough to part seas, but it's also stirred up some major controversy. Invisible Children, the non-profit that backs this cause and the nearly half-hour long video, has come under fire and has people doing everything from creating and posting videos against their movement, to spectators pulling up their financial statements online to track where their funding is going. Which is all cool to me, as reactions are warranted for everything...but I wonder if it takes away more than it is reaching out.
I am not well-versed in all that is Kony, nor all that is Invisible Children. First to admit it. But as I slyly snuck into the Tribe debates going back and forth about this issue, I think this campaign is ingenius. Not since the Obama campaign has social media rapid fired a figure into the stratosphere. I am still trying to wrap my head around the idea of: 'Make Him Famous'. That, in and of itself, is one of the dopest things I have ever heard of, in the effect of getting all eyes on a criminal that millions (including myself) knew nothing about as early as last week. I can't, and won't, knock that type of innovation in thought. Call me an idealist if you will, but I also believe that if even just 30% of what they raise is going towards the actual issue and groupd work, then that's a huge difference there.
I prefer to research my own local organizations and inject my funds into a place in which works on the ground. But...I can't knock those that are grinding like Invisible Children.
Came across this here article from Tribe member, Kenji Summers, and I found it facsinating. In it, 20 cities, around the world, are identitified for their lending hand to the creative process.
This was a very open and honest interview podcast I did about a week ago, on the Tribe, during the Vibe and Vegas show. This man, Dr. Vibe, always gets me to break, in the best of ways. A number of you were tuned in, but for those that weren't...
So the stats say something like 30% of the US population have their passport. Less than that actually use it. Staggering statistics. As you can imagine, it bothers me at the core. So, I'm super psyched about this innovative Passport Day that the government has come up with. For those of you out there without a passport, or with an expired one, the time is NOW! Spread the word.
On Saturday, March 10 only, apply for your U.S. passport at a Regional Passport Agency without an appointment. You will be able to apply for standard processing (4-6 weeks) or pay an additional $60 for expedited processing (2-3 weeks, door-to-door). Passport Day in the USA events are being held at Regional Passport Agencies and many Passport Acceptance Facilities across the country in communities like yours. If you’ve been waiting to get your passport, this is the time!
The Jetsetters' Holiday Fiesta Saturday December 17 at FREE CANDY 10 PM 905 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238
Imagine if you could board a plane that stopped at 6 destinations around the world that you could visit with one ticket. In first class they serve top shelf cocktails and samples of international cuisines and there's a DJ spinning the best of music from around the world in the rear of the plane. This Saturday is your chance to experience this virtual trip around the world at a first of its kind holiday party for a cause! The event will promote awareness of the Passport Party Project and raise money for programs that provide passports to young people of color.
Event features include • Wine tasting • Beer Sampling • International food tasting • Glamour Passport Photos/Holiday Photo Booth • Raffle prizes including a stay at Coconut Grove Hotel in Ghana!
I can't begin to explain how proud I am of TIME Magazine this year.
This year (and others before), but THIS year they got it. What we saw domino effect all over the world, from Egypt, to Libya, to Greece, to New York City, and beyond was that this year people took a stand for what they believed in, and they took to the streets to make sure they were heard. Occupy Wall Street was where Americans saw it at home.Dictatorships were overthrown and in instances killed because the people spoke up and took action.
The Protester most definitely was the person of the year.
Protesting for the world, a country, or yourself....what is your movement?
An extension of the Nomad•ness Travel Series, this is the place where the group congregates. The series has very much been about my travels, but if you watch closely, you'll see I'm leading a movement bigger than me.
Way bigger than me!
So here's the deal with the Tribe. It's a CLOSED GROUP on Facebook. Meaning, to gain entry you either have to be recruited by a current member, or you have to ask to join the group, and be allowed entry.
There's one qualification factor: You have to have AT LEAST 1 INTERNATIONAL STAMP in your passport! That's it!
Immediately upon entry to the group, you have to go through your 'rite of passage', which is by scrolling down to the first poll question and checking off which countries are represented in your passport. (Which is the coolest shit ever because of the little icons.) We're on day three of the group and already have 90 countries tagged. It's insane!
This group has gained steam, and we have people from all over the world! All I ask, is that if you will be active, then join. It's not about numbers, it's about activity and engagaing with like-minded people traveling the world! Post photos, videos, poll questions, advice, etc... pass it on!
To all my backers of this project, thank you so much for all the support. This is the web version of the pilot episode that your donation helped fund. Check it out! You all are so amazing, and the gratitude that I have for all your help is unparalleled. Movements on the business side have been made, that I can't release just yet. I will when I can. Again, thank you!!!!!!!! I fu*king love you guys...
Nomad•ness Travel Series Official Teaser is here. Check out snippets of me all around the world. Including updated Berlin footage, from your fan help with Kickstarter.
Nomad·ness is the reality show of one woman, with one perspective, traveling one country at a time. Through these journeys, I bring you urban life as it's lived around the world. Exploring art, music, food, local pastimes, and causes unique to each area I travel within.
'Traveling Girl' Theme Song (obsessed) by Mr. Ivory Snow @mrivorysnow on Twitter
Shouts out to Foreign Beggars from the UK (obsessed) @foreignbeggars on Twitter
Please spread the word about the Nomad•ness Travel Series Facebook Fan Page. If on Facebook, follow this link and 'Like' the page. Every person counts for the attention of networks and sponsors! Facebook Fan Page LINK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nomadness-Travel-series/129147987097101
3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....
= a trip of a lifetime.
move, eat, learn
Rick Mereki : Director, producer, additional camera and editing Tim White : DOP, producer, primary editing, sound Andrew Lees : Actor, mover, groover
Dr. Vibe, of the Vibe and Vegas Podcast caught me on a Skype interview while I was in Poughkeepsie right before heading to Germany.
This interview, BY FAR, is the most personal interview I've done to date. Kudos to Dr. Vibe for the amazing questions, the real personal look into what it was like for me growing up, and even having me reflect on what it was like in the beginning of this journey into becoming the woman I am today. I really do appreciate and love this interview.
Everyone, please check it out. Give the BlackCanadianMan some love, and leave your comments on what you hear.
It took a random meeting at splash! festival for me to run into the creators of Industry #1. Industry #1 is the dopest, not to mention the most efficient, website to look for international hip-hop all over the world. One of the things these guys do, is they travel to music festivals around the world to scope out who's hot, and garner up exclusive interviews with underground artists for the website.
It's an intermational hip-hop online oracle of sorts.
They got my respect from the fun times, sneaking back stage, and conversations we shared in germany, but after scouring their site...these dudes are on their shit, and Nomad•ness has a legit UK hip-hop connect. I cannot wait to continue to build with these dudes. They're as proper as their English accents. You'll even see their cameos in the Berlin pilot episode.
Andre, Shibe, and Leon comprise this website and they're on their 'A' game. I recommend any and all hip-hop heads out there to take a look. It's an encyclopedia for your world...look out for an interview they did with me as well. I'll let you guys know as soon as it's up.
Building with the United Kingdom. Can't stop. Won't stop.
So it started off as a trying day. Landing in Graifenhainchen with no lodging was definitely one of the bolder moves I've made in life. All hostels and hotels booked up locally, and the only other hotel being almost a thirty minute ride away from Ferropolis, tapped in at a 50 euro cab ride one way. Never will I ever.
When in Germany, walking around lost for hours with a 30 pound backpack on, you follow suit, and camp out. This has been my life the last few days since arriving in Germany. I decided to join the tens of thousands of others attending splash! Music Festival and get my ass a tent. Going through all the craziness that has been navigating splash! on foot, I finally made it to the concert grounds. Only to hear Public Enemy faintly finishing 'Fight The Power". Luckily Flav had something to say....he really connected with the audience and spoke about peace and demolishing racism.
Tic Tac is one of the big sponsors here, and there were two guys from the Public Enemy camp handing them out in the front of the stage, to us on lookers. I asked the security guard if there was a press area I could get to interview the artists. He said no. Lying, but I respect him doing his job. I proceed to scream to the guys handing out Tic Tacs:
"Right here!! I came all the way from New York!"-Me
"What? New York!"
"Yes, and I have a travel website that I wanted to know if I could interview Flav and Chuck D for."-Me
"You coming with me."
"How? The security guard said I can't." -Me
"Don't worry about him. I said you can come. Can you climb over the barrier?"
"Ummmmmm..." -Me
Enter the same security guard who moments earlier said no. He picked my 150 pound ass up the crowd and threw me over the barrier.
"Oh my God, thank you so much." -Me
"No problem. Hi I'm Chuck and Flav's manager."
People, this is how things in my life happen. It's inexplicable but it's real.
This interaction led to me in the backstage part of entire concert, and eventually in the Public Enemy dressing room politicing with both Chuck D and Flav on the state of hip hop in the States, and how it is comparable abroad. The video above is a short snippet of what is soon to come.
Enjoy guys...and Flav you have my respect for life. After our interview he probably picked up that I was famished. Dude gave me his artist meal ticket and I ran though that buffet like I had never eaten. That's love.
Message to you all about the DRT•BG Sale going on until July 7th, 2011!
DRT•BG Sale to help fund Nomad•ness TV Shoot in Berlin! Yes my two business children are nurturing one another. In the second and final round of fundraising prior to our July 7th departure to Berlin, Germany we're pushing the sale of the DRT•BGs. Every dollar raised from sales between now and July 7th, 2011 will go towards production needs for the pilot episode of Nomad•ness TV, being shot in Berlin. Until 7/7, if you refer 3 people who buy the bag, yours is free! Spread the word and cop a bag of your own. $20 and colors are Clementine, Kryptonite, and Turquoise. Link below! Thanks!
The new batch of DRT•BG Canvas bags are ready to go! With a new improved Turquoise hue, these bags have so much pop, you have to be careful while rocking them!
We have three colors this go round Kryptonite, Clementine, and Turquoise. All are amazing, great efficient bags for the summer travels around the world, or around the block. All proceeds from this batch will continue to fuel the pilot episode shoot in Berlin. We fly out July 7th, and the goal is to raise another $1000 before our departure. So this is the perfect time to get yours. Tell a friend, to tell a friend. Time for that Tipping Point!
Fellas, and women like me who rock a backpack over an LV bag, the very first (I'm so damn excited!) DRT•BG Paris inspired BackPack will hit the site the first week of July. Definitely don't want to miss that. The movement continues...
CLICK HERE or just go to the 'drt•bg purchase' link above to purchase your bag!
Because remember....wherever you travel in life, everyone runs into a DRT•BG!
As I sit at a desk, preparing to get into some night work, my mother just knocked out, and Obama just finished his speech annoucing Osama Bin Laden's death...
I'm not celebrating. I'm not happy. I'm nervous and unsettled. I have a very distinct 'offness' in my gut and I'm worried about what's coming next.
Within 24 hours, it has now been announced that Osama Bin Laden is dead, and Quaddafi had at least a generation of his family killed. Not to mention the disarray of Syria. Pakistan. Lybia. Syria. Afghanistan. All interrelated at this point in the chaos going down, respectively.
My mind is circling with thoughts of: What if Quaddafi wants to join/run Al Quaida? What will be their retaliations, respectively.
My respect to the troops, and those who have lost loved ones on the groud, as well as on 9/11. I can only imagine the sense of closure,relief, and even accomplishment.
But in my heart of hearts...I have to admit, my real rejoice presently, is having every Obama shit talker swallow this wad. I smell a lot of new fear, emergency red meetings, and reorganization. I also smell a re-election. I'm just sayin'.
This episode of Interact with Evie give tips on ways to deal with long international flights. Covering everything from flight anxiety, to dehydration, these are good points to put towards your next 5+ hour flight. Leave comments and pose more questions at nomadnesstv.com.
