Hilde Back Education Fund - Live to change lives!

     At the beginning of this blogging venture, I decided that writing about musicians and people in the public eye who were making positive change within society was the best idea.  The more I think about it, I have come to the realization that writing about ANYONE, who is making a change for the better is more important than just highlighting celebrities with loads of cash in their wallets.  The most amazing people making changes within are society are those who are just like ourselves.  Everyone is capable of making a life changing difference in someone else's life, and the movie, A Small Act, really taught me this.
     The movie, which I watched with my school at the Toronto Hot Docs Film Festival, is a documentary that follows a Kenyan man named Chris Mburu and an elderly woman named Hilde Back in their life changing story of how one person can make a difference in a child's life.
     When Chris was a young child growing up in Kenya, he truly believed that his education would come to a halt when he reached the end of his first years of education.  Money was sparse, as it is in most families in Kenya, and he was beginning to stay home to work instead of going to school.  He was one of the top students in his entire school district.  Then, a woman named Hilde Back decided to sponsor a child's education from halfway across the world.  This child was Chris.  Hilde, a woman who had survived the Holocaust and was living as a teacher in Switzerland wanted to make a difference in someone's life, but did not realize how far the small donation would go.  She ended up paying for Chris's entire primary education which eventually led him to getting scholarships at high schools and Harvard University.  A small donation ended up being the stepping stone into this man's unbelievable future.
     Because of the great success that Chris had from a women simply making a donation to help put a child through primary education, him and his cousin who was also put through primary education and continued on to Harvard with Chris, have started a foundation in honor of Chris's donor, Hilde Back. 
     The Hilde Back Education Fund, which was created in 2001 by Chris, his cousin, and a group of educationists was created with the goal of, "providing funds and other assistance to bright children in the area whose chances of pursuing education are diminished by poverty." (http://www.hildebackeducationfund.com/about-us.html) 
     As people living in the Western/Developed world, it is easy to see an advertisement on television or in the paper saying we should help kids who are suffering in Africa.  We are told that if we do not finish the food on our plate it is bad because, "children are starving in Africa."  This is all very true, but often people are so overwhelmed that they find it hard to understand where to put their money and who to trust with their money.  As well as constantly being thrown advertisements to help children abroad, often people are left wondering where their money is actually going.  Does it go directly to the cause, or to the organization helping these children abroad?  With an organization such as the Hilde Back Education Fund, it is clear to see where the money is going.  Simply by reading about why this foundation was started, who started it, and how it is run directly working with people in Kenya, it is clear to see that the money is being put to good use.
     As citizens of the WORLD, I believe that we have a responsibility if it is possible to help as many people as we are capable of.  The Hilde Back Education Fund aims to do just that.  With just a small donation, it is possible to change someone's life completely, and this is something that is proven through Chris's organization and life story.

To read more about Chris and the Hilde Back Education Fund, please follow these links:

Hilde Back Education Fund

A Small Act

(http://www.hildebackeducationfund.com/images/actionpic.jpg)

Coldplay - Famous and Down to Earth!

     The English, alternative rock band Coldplay was formed in London in 1997. The band consists of 4 members: Chris Martin (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass guitar), and Will Champion (drums, back up vocals, other instruments). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldplay) Known for their mix of acoustic and rock music, they have grown fame immensely over the 13 years since their formation.
     Imagine heading off to University, thinking of the four years that lie before you and pondering over the experiences that will come. Now imagine you are in your orientation week at a large University in London, and you meet fellow students who share your love for music. Over the next two years, you and your close friend form a band originally called, “Starfish” and begin performing at local clubs and bars. In 1998, after two years of playing the bar and club scene, the band which is now called “Coldplay” releases 500 copies of their first album, Safety EP. Flash forward ten years, and you are now a member of one of the most famous bands worldwide; how does it feel to be a superstar? Welcome to the life of a member of the band, "Coldplay"!
     The band, which gained fame throughout the late 90’s and early 2000’s, played their first headlining tour in 2000 which marked the beginning of their clime to global fame. Later that same year in November, the band released their album, Parachutes, which earned the band a Best Alternative Music Album at the 2002 Grammy Awards.
     Currently, the band is working on their fifth in studio album which is set to be released in the middle of 2010. Up to this date, the band has won multiple awards, ranging from American Music Awards, Grammys, and MTV Music Awards, to awards such as the Mercury Award, which recognized British artists who are not only producing fantastic music but who also promote positive change in society.
     Coldplay has kept their fame to a subtle level, as they do not allow their band or music to use for any advertisement endorsements. As well as boycotting any endorsements from advertisements ranging from Gatorade to Coke, Coldplay is also politically and socially active and has been throughout the bands career. Known for supporting Amnesty International and advocating for fair trade with organizations such as Oxfam, Coldplay continually becomes involved with charitable events worldwide.
     Since the beginning of the formation of the band, Coldplay has given and continues to give 10 percent of their profit to charity. The band also gives all gifts donated to them directly to charity and bassist Guy Berryman has been quoted saying,


                           “You can make people aware of issues. It isn’t very much effort for us at all, but if it can help people, then we want to do it.”
                                                                 -Guy Berryman


     As well as being with charities and organizations worldwide, Coldplay often supports local initiatives. Recently, Coldplay sponsored a local English cricket team and were quoted saying, “we would be delighted to help.” (http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=5153944) Artist and lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin was involved in the sport cricket while growing up and continues to support local teams in needing of funding.
     In my mind, Coldplay is the perfect example of a band or artist that has made it big and famous and yet keeps their status on the down low and low key. Coldplay members are rarely in the tabloids, and when they are, it almost always seems like they are doing something to benefit society. As well as playing fantastic music, Coldplay does a great job at showing that it is possible to be famous and down to earth at the same time!


To find out more about Coldplay and how they're keeping it real, check out these websites:

ESPN

Wikipedia - Coldplay

Coldplay.com

(http://musicilistento.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/coldplay1.jpg)

Pearl Jam-ming out Politically!

     The American rock band, Pearl Jam was formed in Seattle, Washington in the year of 1990.  The band currently has five members including: lead vocalist and guitar - Eddie Vedder, bass guitar - Jeff Arment, rhythm guitar - Stone Gossard, lead guitar - Mike McCready, and on the drums - Matt Cameron.  The band is known for the impact that it had on the grunge rock scene in the early 1990's as well as their consistent will to not become involved with traditional music industry practices. 
     The band as a whole has been politically active since their start in the early 1990's.  As well as working together as a group, individuals in the band have participated in and have been involved in many events that strike a personal note with themselves.  Pearl Jam supports many things ranging from pro-choice protests to opposing President Bush's run for Presidency. 
     The band and especially lead singer Eddie Vedder have been involved with many organizations that support the pro-choice movement. Many believe that the Pearl Jam Song, Porch, was written about a women and her right to her body.  Although it is hard to see from the lyrics, Eddie Vedder has been quoted saying that this song was written to any women who have ever felt that they were not in control of their body.
     As the lead guitarist Mike McCready suffers from Crohns disease, the band has raised generous amounts of money over the years for research purposes helping discover more about the disease. 
     Each member of the band supports different issues that overall make the band very politically and socially active with causes that differ from each other in many ways.  As one member may be raising money for Crohns disease, another may be working at a Green event the same weekend.  Guitarist Stone Gossard is known for his work with environmental issues and advocates a Carbon Neutral Policy for Pearl Jam, which offsets the band's environmental impact.  In 2009, the band went on their Backspacer Tour which ended up emitting tons of horrible toxins into the earth and the atmosphere.  In 2010, the band donated $210,000 towards planting trees in the area of Puget Sound, Washington.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_Jam#Campaigning_and_activism) 
     The band has done many concerts and tours to promote their feelings towards their political beliefs.  In 2001, Pearl Jam performed in Seattle to support the United Nations and the effort to eliminate world hunger.  In 2004, the band played a series of concerts on the Vote for Change Tour, supporting Presidential Candidate John Kerry.  The band is also known for what happens during a set in between songs, when lead singer Eddie Vedder is almost always saying something about how he feels about American politics. 
     It is very clear to see in the lyrics of most Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam songs that there is a larger political message that is trying to be portrayed.  In the song Society, Eddie Vedder discusses the greed that lies within out society.
                    "Its a mystery to me, we have a greed with which we have a greed. You think you have to want more than you need, until you have it all you won't be free. Society, your a crazy breed, I hope your not lonely without out me."
                                                      - Eddie Vedder
     Eddie Vedder discusses the impact that greed has on society, and how we have become a world that thrives off of consumerism and always wanting and 'needing' more.  The lyrics to Vedder's song almost always have a larger message that states something about society, the people within a society, and the government that runs a society.  In the song, No More War, Eddie Vedder writes about a man coming home from war, begging his fellow citizens to stop the terrible fighting.
                     "What he has seen is hard to believe.  And it does not good to just pray.  He asks of us to stand. And we must end this war today.  With his mind, he's saying, 'No more!', with his heart, he is saying, 'No more!', with his life, he is saying, 'No more war!'."
                                                     - Eddie Vedder
     It is clear to see that Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam consistently make statements to the public regarding their personal beliefs, and in this case, when the beliefs of a band are the same as my own, I could not be happier to listen to them and to support their music.  It is hard to be as honest and as committed to making a change within our society as Pearl Jam does through lyrics and social activism and with that and the amazing, sexy, voice of Eddie Vedder - what could be better?


To find out more about Eddie Vedder and the band Pearl Jam, check out these websites!

Wikipedia - Pearl Jam

The Rock Radio

No More War Lyrics

Society Lyrics

Wikipedia - Eddie Vedder

(http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/assets_c/2009/08/pearl_jam2-thumb-344x344.jpg)

K'naan!

     Although most may know K'naan for his hit single, "Wavin Flag" that has been played non-stop recently on the radio; for myself, he is much more than just a talented musician.  K'naan, who was born in Somalia, began his musical and artistic career from a young age and his music and art reflects his childhood growing up in war torn Somalia. K'naan grew up in Mogadishu, Somalia where he spent most of his childhood living through the Somalian Civil War, which began in 1991.  While most of K'naan's childhood was spend avoiding death, he took the time to listen to rap and hip hop music because it would keep him distracted from what was going on outside of his home.  When K'naan was 13 years old, his mother, brother, sister and himself moved to Harlem where other relatives were living.  After a brief stay in Harlem, the family moved to Toronto, Ontario to the neighborhood of Rexdale.  K'naan spent the next couple of years in his life trying to learn English and become more involved in the rap and hip hop world.  In grade 10, K'naan dropped out of school and so began his carreer in music.
     Having left Somalia on the last commercial flight to ever leave the country and to have seen the government completely collapse, K'naan ventured to Canada with a purpose.  With K'naan's persistence and natural lyrical gift, he secured a spot at a speaking engagement before the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 1999.  It was during this performance where K'naan performed a spoken word piece about the UN's failed aid missions in Somalia.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K'naan)  Becuase of K'naan's first performance involving the United Nations, he then became more involved working in efforts to bridge the gap between the UN and the people of the world.  K'naan performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Halifax Pop Explosion as ways of getting his music as well as his message across to the public.  This tour of concerts led K'naan to meeting Canadian producer Jarvis Church, who then produced K'naan's first album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher.  The album, which was released in 2005, won the Juno award for Rap Recording of the Year as well as multiple other international awards for best new recording artist.  When K'naan released his single, Wavin' Flag, in 2009, he began to gain his international popularity and stardom. 
     Critics and writers describe K'naan's music as a blend between conscious American hip hop, Bob Marley and political protest poetry.  Although K'naan has been compared to the likes of American Rapper Eminem, he insists that his writing is more political and has a commitment to voicing his issues with society.  In the statement below, K'naan explains why being a 'gangster' isn't always something to brag about:
                
     "All Somalis know that gangsterism isn't to brag about. The kids that I was growing up with [in Rexdale] would wear baggy [track] suit pants, and a little jacket from Zellers or something, and they'd walk into school, and all the cool kids would be like, 'Ah, man, look at these Somalis. Yo, you're a punk!' And the other kid won't say nothing, but that kid, probably, has killed fifteen people."
  - K'naan ("Wandering star". Eye Weekly http://web.archive.org/web/20070926235909/http://www.eyeweekly.com/eye/issue/issue_02.10.05/beat/knaan.php)

     As well as being politically active and standing up for what he believes in, K'naan is a perfect example of how young performing artists can make a difference and be great role models for the children in our society.  In a 2008 interview, K'naan stated that he had never smoked any drugs or had any alcoholic beverages in his life, even after touring with the Marley's who are known for this. 
     Finally, K'naan is most recently known for his hit single, Wavin' Flag and especially for the recent Canadian collaboration of this song to raise money for the terrible earthquake in Haiti earlier this year. 
    I believe it is important to listen to the music K'naan produces each year with an ear for the lyrics and what he is actually trying to say.  A lot of the time, people listen to music in the background of something they are doing, without paying attention to what is being said.  With a brilliant artist like K'naan, it is even more important to appreciate his talent of writing and lyrics that no other artist today achieves quite like himself!

To read more about K'naan, please visit the following sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K'naan

http://knaanmusic.ning.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC8V8S_REhk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7L1BIDELc

(http://melbomusic.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/knaanpub1.jpg)

    
    

Rage Against the Machine (and stick it to the man...)

     Rage Against the Machine is an American band that was formed in 1991. Based in Los Angeles, California, the band is most notable for their blend of alternative rock, punk rock, hip hop, heavy metal and funk music. As well as their unique blend of musical style, Rage Against the Machine is known for their involvement in politics and voicing their political beliefs through music.
     Although Rage Against the Machine gets involved with many political activism movements, they are most well known for voicing their opinions of domestic and foreign policies of the current and past governments in the United States of America. Often, band members are seen protesting and participating in activist events around North America where they are constantly advocating their beliefs. The band believes that through their music, or any artistic outlet, they have the power to cross borders and establish real dialogue between people in America.
     Although the band is politically and socially involved, critics of the band often claim that they are hypocrital for they state that they are leftist and support leftist causes but at the same time are millionaires who are signed to a record label that is in accordance with Sony Records. In a response to critiques on the band, band member Morello offered a response:


     “When you live in a capitalist society, the currency of the dissemination of information goes through capitalistic channels. Would Noam Chomsky object to his works being sold at Barnes & Nobel? No, because that’s where people buy there books. We’re not interested in preaching to just the converted. It’s great to play abandoned squats run by anarchists, but it’s also great to be able to reach people with a revolutionary message, people from Granada Hills to Stuttgart.”


                                                                                - Morello
                                                                                                          (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rage_Against_the_Machine#Political_views_and_activism)
     Following the critique that the band received, in 2007 after performing the song, “Wake Up”, band member De la Roche made a speech quoting Noam Chomsky, regarding the Nuremburg Trials and the actions that followed.


     “A good friend of ours once said that if the same laws were applied to U.S. presidents as were applied to the Nazis after World War Two […] every single one of them, every last rich one of them from Truman on, would have been hung to death and shot – and this current administration is no exception. They should be hung, and tried, and shot. As any war criminal should be.”


                                                                  - De la Roche quoting Noam Chomsky(2007)
                                                                                        (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rage_Against_the_Machine#Political_views_and_activism)
     After this statement was made in 2007, the band started to receive more criticism than ever. A reporter from Fox News got a hold of a clip from the band’s speech and it was played across the United States of America, with the headline, “Rock group Rage Against the Machine says Bush administration should be shot”. At the time that this was aired on Fox News, the guest speaker was Ann Coulter, a conservative commentator who stated, “They’re losers, their fans are losers, and there’s a lot of violence coming from the left wing.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rage_Against_the_Machine#Political_views_and_activism) This statement only caused more political activism from Rage Against the Machine and led them to become more involved with the issues that they already cared so much about.
     In 1997, the band made headlines when during the Presidential Inauguration of Bill Clinton, Rage Against the Machine hosted a radio show called “Radio Free Los Angeles”. The show was comprised of interviews and segments including the likes of: Michael Moore, Emily Hodgson, Noam Chomsky and Leonard Peltier. This radio show was in response to the low voter turn out and, “for the majority of Americans—and young people especially—who rightly felt left out of the 'democratic process.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rage_Against_the_Machine#Political_views_and_activism)
     Rage Against the Machine not only works to change the American political system but states their beliefs in almost all of the songs that they write. One of the most discussed political songs by Rage Against the Machine is the song “Wake Up”. The lyrics in this song discuss racism within the American government, and government programs that counter what the government tells the public. The song also brings up some famous African-American citizens who have been targeted by the government.
     It is clear to see from the lyrics presented below, that this band has a clear message they are trying to get across with their music:
Wake Up – Rage Against The Machine
Come on!


Uggh!

Come on, although ya try to discredit
Ya still never read it
The needle, I'll thread it
Radically poetic
Standin' with the fury that they had in '66
And like E-Double I'm mad
Still knee-deep in the system's shit
Hoover, he was a body remover
I'll give ya a dose
But it can never come close
To the rage built up inside of me
Fist in the air, in the land of hypocrisy
Movements come and movements go
Leaders speak, movements cease
When their heads are flown
'Cause all these punks
Got bullets in their heads
Departments of police, the judges, the feds
Networks at work, keepin' people calm
You know they went after King
When he spoke out on Vietnam
He turned the power to the have-nots
And then came the shot
Yeah!
Yeah, back in this...
Wit' poetry, my mind I flex
Flip like Wilson, vocals never lackin' dat finesse
Whadda I got to, whadda I got to do to wake ya up
To shake ya up, to break the structure up
'Cause blood still flows in the gutter
I'm like takin' photos
Mad boy kicks open the shutter
Set the groove
Then stick and move like I was Cassius
Rep the stutter step
Then bomb a left upon the fascists
Yea, the several federal men
Who pulled schemes on the dream
And put it to an end
Ya better beware
Of retribution with mind war
20/20 visions and murals with metaphors
Networks at work, keepin' people calm
Ya know they murdered X
And tried to blame it on Islam
He turned the power to the have-nots
And then came the shot
Uggh!
What was the price on his head?
What was the price on his head!
I think I heard a shot
I think I heard a shot
I think I heard a shot
I think I heard a shot
I think I heard a shot
I think I heard, I think I heard a shot
'He may be a real contender for this position should he
abandon his supposed obediance to white liberal doctrine
of non-violence...and embrace black nationalism'
'Through counter-intelligence it should be possible to
pinpoint potential trouble-makers... and neutralize them.
Through counter-intelligence it should be possible to
pinpoint potential trouble-makers... and neutralize them
and neutralize them, and neutralize them, and neutralize them'
Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!
Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!
How long? Not long, cause what you reap is what you sow
(http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Wake-Up-lyrics-Rage-Against-The-Machine/5DEEF6DADE2463E9482568A50012BF98)
     Whether you like Rage Against the Machine’s musical style, or not; the messages are radical and like any ‘celebrities’ out there, they have been given an opportunity to get a message across to the masses of American citizens. I respect any band that takes the time to sing about politics and not sex, drugs, life of the wealthy etc, etc.


To check out more about Rage Against the Machine, their music and their political activism, follow these links:
 
Rage Against the Machine Official Website
 
Wikipedia - Rage Against the Machine
 
http://liberation.typepad.com/liberation/2008/01/the-politics-of.html
 
 

(http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/inthemix/RAGE.jpg)

Ucangetinvolved2!

     So here we are again; another band/group, another member trying to make a difference within our society.  Although lead singer Bono of Irish band U2 has been adored by some, and hated by others for his political and social activism, at least the guy is trying to do something positive with his social status.
     As a band, U2 has become involved with multiple organizations that work with human rights campaigns as well as working with people living in poverty, people living with disease and those who have suffered some sort of social injustice.  As well as working as a band to help create a better world, the members of U2 work individually with certain organizations within their communities as well as on a global scale. 
     Political activism for U2 began in the 1980's when lead singer Bono collaborated with Adam Clayton and participated in an effort to raise money with Band Aid for Ethiopian famine relief.  Because of Bono's involvement with the Band Aid effort to raise money for famine relief, the single, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" became a hit!  As a follow up to the work that U2 did with Band Aid, U2 played the Live Aid concert in 1985. 
     After the live aid concert in 1985, U2 decided that the work they had begun in the early 1980's was not enough, and so began their 1986 tour, "A Conspiracy of Hope" which was supporting Amnesty International and Self Aid (an organization working with the unemployed in Ireland).  With U2 becoming more involved with political organizations, aid organizations and social organizations, Bono and his wife began travelling to see first hand what they were fighting to create change for.  In 1986 when Bono and his wife Ali visit El Salvador, they saw the great damage that the El Salvador civil war had on the residents living throughout the war and this had a great influence on the U2 album, " The Joshua Tree".
     In 1992, the band became politically involved again when they played a concert that was involved with Greenpeace, during their Zoo TV tour.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U2#Campaigning_and_activism)  During the war in Bosnia, U2 became so inspired that they wrote a song, "Miss Sarajevo", which was first performed at a War Child event.  When the band wrote the song in 1993, they made a promise to play it in Sarajevo, and they followed through with this promise when they performed live in Sarajevo, Bosnia in 1997. 
     When U2 came up with the hit, "Sweetest Thing" in 1998, all of the proceeds went towards supporting The Chernobyl Children's Project (an organization based in Ireland that helps anyone who lives close to and has been affected by the events following Chernobyl.)  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_Children%27s_Project_International) 
     In 2005, U2 performed at the Live 8 concert that took place in London, England.  The same year, the band and their manager Paul McGuiness were awarded Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award for their work in promoting human rights, and for fighting for a better world for ALL humans to live in.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U2#Campaigning_and_activism) 
     Finally, U2 has become highly involved with Project Red, a clothing brand that seeks to raise money for The Global Fund (an organization that raises money to help fight aids, and find a cure for the disease).  As well, in 2002, Bono (lead singer) co-founded the multinational NGO, DATA, with the goal to improve political, social and financial state of Africa. 
     The list could go on forever when talking about the band U2 and the political, social and financial aid that they have helped raised for humans in need.  Although they may seem like angels for all of the social work that they do, this work is not always received well by critics of the band.  Left wing journalists and journals such as CounterPunch have stated numerous times that celebrities such as Bono should not support political leaders because it may sway the voters in the wrong way, or give people the wrong impression of what the band supports.  Other sources have stated and questioned the efficiency and relevancy of Bono and U2's campaigns to relieve debt and provide assistance in Africa. 
     Whether one has the same beliefs as the band members of U2 or not, it is clear the see that U2 and Bono have been and are leaders when it comes to social action within their own communities as well as on a global scale.  Although at times, the work that U2 does may seem a little bit overwhelming and hard to beat, the key thing to remember is that we are all passionate about something that needs to be fixed within our society and there is always a way to help someone in "our own backyard". 

To find out more about U2, listen to some of their music as well as check out some of the organizations that they work with, please click the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U2#Campaigning_and_activism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WybiA263bw

http://www.one.org/international/

http://www.amnestyusa.org/

http://stevecummins.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/u2.jpg

Skate4Cancer; Please!

     Although originally setting out to create a blog that spoke of political issues and tying these issues in with the music scene, it has occurred to me recently that this may not be enough!  Instead of simply re-wording political issues that I'm sure are already all over the news as well as talk about musicians who are quite popular, I have decided to write my second entry about an organization that works alongside musicians and athletes alike to create positive change within our society.
     Skate 4 Cancer is an organization that helps to raise awareness of cancer (different and all types of cancer) as well as educating people about things that we can do on a daily basis to avoid the devastating losses that cancer can cause.  As stated on the Skate 4 Cancer website, their mission is:
                         "As cancer continues to dominate the leading causes of death by disease in North America, professionals diligently search for a solution to reverse the grim statistic.  Though we stand in solidarity, Skate 4 Cancer recognizes that presently the best tool we have is knowledge on prevention.  In fact, hope shines with the understanding that 80 % of all cancers can be avoided through early detection and healthy lifestyles.  Inspired by this information, Skate 4 Cancer strives to foster a public awareness for these forms of cancer, emphasizing the importance of understanding our bodies and family histories while engaging in healthful living.  Through active involvement with youth, Skate 4 Cancer endeavors to nurture a safe and energetic community that discusses the effects of cancer in a supportive, honest and unabashed manner.  In order to accomplish inclusiveness, our events are free and all-ages, allowing us to spread the positive message to the largest possible demographic.  Working together through accessing this community, we can combine all of our spirited passion to drastically reduce the presence of cancer.  Right now, the cure is knowledge."
                                                                         - Mission Statement - Skate 4 Cancer (http://www.skate4cancer.com/mission.aspx)
     In the year of 2005, it was estimated that 1.4 million people in North America alone had some sort of cancerous disease.  (  http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Many-People-Die-From-Cancer-Each-Year?&id=1872925).  This stat seems overwhelming when realizing that there are people in our lives that are being affected every day by something that they could have quite possibly avoided or could have taken actions earlier to reverse the affects of cancerous diseases.  The realization that cancer was capable of taking a loved ones life is what made the founder of Skate 4 Cancer decide to start something that would help people like himself; people who had lost family members to cancer. 
     Rob Dyer, founder of Skate 4 Cancer, began his journey in March of 2004 when he and a group of devoted volunteers met in Los Angeles, California.  Rob's goal; skateboard from Los Angeles to his hometown of Newmarket, Ontario...while spreading the word on cancer and his journey along the way.  Some interesting moments along the way included multiple run-ins with state authorities not wanting to let him continue on his journey, cars roaring by on busy highways at over 100 km's an hour, and people who thought that what he was doing was stupid, and wasn't getting to the core of the problem.  Although these mishaps and bumps in the road were often time consuming and 'annoying', Rob continued on his journey, fighting for those with cancer who could no longer fight for themselves.
     At the time, Rob who was 20 just had one goal; complete the long journey without dying along the way from heat exhaustion, or a cop taking him off of the road.  When he completed the journey 3 months later, everything fully in tact, he stated that he was dissapointed with the overall journey in the fact that he had so many interuptions, it lost the initial goal of going from point a) to point b) without stopping for anything except sleep. 
     After the first Skate 4 Cancer was complete, the organization put on a concert in Toronto at the Mod Club Theatre in an attempt to help greater promote the organization and its' goals.  Headlining this concert was Canadian singer/songwriter Dallas Green and the venue was sold out within hours of tickets being put on sale.  It was on this night when leader of the organization Rob Dyer realized that although he was happy with the fundraising and what it had done for the organization thus far, his vision stretched farther than that.  After that night, he began setting out to get people to donate their time rather than money.
     After Rob's initial plans to raise money began to change, he and the organization began noticing that people were very willing to contribute their time (whether that was helping with the fundraising process, actively getting people involved with finding a cure for cancer and spreading the word of cancer, writing songs about finding a cure for cancer or just showing up to events!) 
     After the first show in Toronto at the Mod Club Theatre, Rob began touring around North America with bands such as: The Deftones, City and Colour, Alexisonfire, Silverstein, The Devil Wears Prada, and Shad.(http://www.skate4cancer.com/history.aspx)  At shows across North America, he would set up booths trying to raise awareness about his organization as well as the causes and affects of cancer.  After years of working with bands and groups accross the country and the United States, Skate 4 Cancer finally gained enough awareness and money to start its' own annual tour known as The Cure is Knowledge.  This tour allowed Rob and a couple of bands to tour across Canada, putting on free shows to spread the word on Skate 4 Cancer.
     After his second tour across Canada, Rob decided to do his second long skateboard ride, this time from Vancouver, Canada, to Halifax, Canada in 5 months.  This time, the group of volunteers, who had been working with Rob for almost 4 years knew what to expect and set out on the road with much more confidence and information on the challenges the journey may bring.
     When Rob hit Toronto on his long journey, MTV Canada and the Provincial Government agreed to shut down Yonge Street for a couple of hours during the day in the downtown core, so that kids from all over the GTA could skate beside Rob and the crew!  This was one of the biggest moments of the second skateboarding tour!
     Although dates have not been set for a third skate across Canada or the United States, Rob and his passionate followers and cowokers have set their eyes on New Zealand and Australia for the next big tour.  
     It is clear to see that this organization and Rob in particular had set out to do something that could affectively change the thought process around cancer and its' patients.  In my mind, getting people actively involved with a cause that they can relate to does more in the long run than simply asking for money donations does.  Knowledge and understanding are the key to making a positive change in our society, and I believe that Rob and Skate 4 Cancer do a fantastic job at creating this awareness and knowledge!

To find out more about Rob and his team, visit:

www.skate4cancer.com

http://earwaks.com/feature_large/file/0000/0015/EW-SKATE-4-CANCER-LF.jpg

Who better to start with? Dixie Chicks Please!

    
     When watching a film in my Politics class recently (Naomi Wolf - The End of America), Naomi Wolf refers to a society where people are becoming so censored that they can no longer speak what is on their mind; without worrying about what the backlash will be.  She then brings up The Dixie Chicks and George W. Bush's head-butting that took place in early 2003, after The Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines (a Texas native herself) opened her song Travelin' Soldier to a full stadium in England by stating,
             "Just so you know, we're on the good side with y'all.  We do not want this war, this violence, and we are ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas."
                                                                               -Natalie Maines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_Chicks#Political_controversy)
     This comment, was a response to the 'rushed' decision made by the President of the United States, George W. Bush to invade Iraq in March of 2003.  Many believed that there were other ways to deal with the situation that ultimately have led to a war that has been going on since September 11, 2001.
     Backlash against Maines's comments made at the concert in England in March of 2003, began right away.  The main critisism made towards her comment was that she should not have said such a thing on international grounds.  If anything, Maines should have kept her personal beliefs to herself, or at least should have said what was on her mind in her home country of the United States of America.
     Although at first, Maines did not make any attempt to discuss what she had said to the public, she released a statement a week after stating,
            "I feel the president is ignoring the opinions of many in the U.S. and alienating the rest of the world."
                                                                             - Natalie Maines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_Chicks#Political_controversy)
    As Maines's original statement of apology did not work, she released a longer statement to the press just two days later that stated,
           "As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful.  I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect.  We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war.  While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost.  I love my country.  I am a proud American."
                                                                              - Natalie Maines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_Chicks#Political_controversy)
     Although some fans were dissapointed in The Dixie Chicks for even making a statement of apology to the press, others were impressed with The Dixie Chicks for doing the right thing.  Even with an apology to the press, it was noted in a poll that 76% of previous Dixie Chicks fans would no longer buy their CD's and would return old CD's if they could.  (http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/14/dixie.chicks.apology/)
     After the original message was spoken at The Dixie Chicks concert in March of 2003, the band began to use their new found spot in the public eye as a way of getting their message across. The band donated $10,000 to help fund the website, Rock the Vote, with the initial goal being to get more young women registered to vote. 
     When Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita hit the Gulf Coast, The Dixie Chicks made their newest single, "I Hope", available for download with all of the proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity and the American Federation of Musicians Gulf Coast Relief  Fund.  This was yet another display of The Dixie Chicks voicing and showing their political and social views with the world. 
     In 2004, The Dixie Chicks joined the Vote for Change tour performing in the 'swing' states that could ultimately have led to a change in the outcome of the 2004 election.  In 2005, The Dixie Chicks collaberated with over 30 recording artists to create a 2 disk release entitled, Love Rocks, which was made in support of 'relationships of all kind, regardless of sexual orientation'. 
     Finally, as a result of the initial comments made by The Dixie Chicks in early 2003, The Dixie Chicks released the first single off of their new album released in March of 2006 called, "Not Ready to Make Nice".  The song directly associated with the previous years of struggle faced by The Dixie Chicks due to comments made by lead singer Natalie Maines.  In a direct response to death threats and comments Maines and the band had heard, the lyrics state:
     I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
    With no regrets and I don't mind sayin'
    It's a sad story when a mother will teach her
    Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
    And how in the world can the words that I say
    Send somebody so over the edge
    That they'd write me a letter
    Sayin' that I better
    Shut up and sing or my life will be over
     The song "Not Ready to Make Nice" appeared on the album, Taking the Long Way, which debuted at number one on the U.S. pop album charts as well as the U.S. country album charts.  This was the beginning of The Dixie Chicks rise back to their previous popularity.
     Whether you agree or disagree with the comments, ideas, and views of anyone in a position such as The Dixie Chicks, who have the utmost power to make good change in a society that so desperately needs it,  it is clear that these women aren't going anywhere, anytime soon; and hell, I'm glad they aren't.  Anyone who can confidently tell the world that they do not agree with the President's view and back up their beliefs like Natalie Maines has done over the past 6 years, is a person I respect greatly.


To find out more about The Dixie Chicks, Naomi Wolf and the War on Terror, please check out these links:


Naomi Wolf - The End of America 
Wikipedia - The Dixie Chicks
Not Ready to Make Nice - The Dixie Chicks
Wikipedia - War on Terror
CNN - War in Iraq