Poverty

Searching for Sugar Man Receives Oscar

On 26/02/2013 / Awareness, Celebrities, Culture, Film, Inspirational, Music, Poverty, Searching for Sugar Man, singer/songwriter, Youtube Video / Leave a comment

Searching for Sugar Man Wins Best Documentary at the 85th Annual Academy Awards

Searching for Sugar Man was honored with more than 30 awards in the last year, won the big one Sunday when it was named best documentary at the 85th annual Academy Awards.

A fascinating documentary about the quest for a vanished ’70s rock legend. Back in 1968, two record producers discovered a charismatic, soulful Mexican-American singer-songwriter named Rodriguez in a Detroit bar.

Convinced they’d found the Chicano Bob Dylan, they signed him up and put out a critically acclaimed album, ‘Cold Fact,’ which promptly flopped. Rodriguez disappeared, and it was even rumoured that he’s committed suicide. A few years later, on a different continent, a bootleg copy of ‘Cold Fact’ became the soundtrack to a revolution.

Sugar Man 1 1024x681 Searching for Sugar Man Receives Oscar

Rodriquez (Searching for Sugar Man)

In Apartheid South Africa, Rodriguez’s anti-establishment lyrics had struck a chord with a generation of disaffected Afrikaners. The album eventually went Platinum. But what really happened to Rodriguez? In the mid-’90s, South African fans Craig Bartholemew and Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman embarked on a quest to find out. Filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul charts a journey that proved stranger – and more exhilarating – than anyone anticipated.

“Rodriguez wanted to stay home in Detroit” and watch the Oscars on TV, producer Simon Chinn said backstage. “He genuinely doesn’t want to take credit; he regards it as Malik’s film.”

“Searching for Sugar Man” is the first music-oriented film to win the documentary award since 1986′s “Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got.” “From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China,” “Woodstock” and “Arthur Rubenstein – The Love of Life” are the other music films that have won the documentary Oscar.

Homeless to Hollywood the Inocente Story

On 26/02/2013 / Academy Award Winner, Awareness, Children, Culture, Documentary, Film, Homeless, homelessness, Hunger, Injustice, Poverty, special interest, Video, VIDEO PREMIERE / Leave a comment

An artist’s journey from homelessness to the Academy Awards

Forced to make life decisions that a child should not have to face.

INOCENTE is an intensely personal and vibrant coming of age documentary about a young artist’s fierce determination to never surrender to the bleakness of her surroundings.

INOCENTE Homeless to Hollywood the Inocente Story

Inocente www.inocentedoc.com

At 15, Inocente refuses to let her dream of becoming an artist be caged by her life as an undocumented immigrant forced to live homeless for the last nine years. Color is her personal revolution and its extraordinary sweep on her canvases creates a world that looks nothing like her own dark past — a past punctuated by a father deported for domestic abuse, an alcoholic and defeated mother of four who once took her daughter by the hand to jump off a bridge together, an endless shuffle year after year through the city’s overcrowded homeless shelters and the constant threat of deportation.

Despite this history, Inocente’s eyes envision a world transformed…where buildings drip in yellow and orange, where pink and turquoise planets twinkle with rescued dreams, and one-eyed childlike creatures play amongst loved babies and purple clouds. Inocente’s family history is slowly revealed through her paintings.

Inocente’s story proves that the hand she has been dealt does not define her, her dreams do.

Told entirely in her own words, we come to Inocente’s story as she realizes her life is at a turning point, and for the first time, she decides to take control of her own destiny. Irreverent, flawed and funny, she’s now channeling her irrepressible personality into a future she controls. Her talent has finally been noticed, and if she can create a body of work in time, she has an opportunity to put on her first art show. Meanwhile, her family life is at a tense impasse—if she legally emancipates herself from her mother to strike out on her own, she’ll risk placing her brothers in foster care, but to stay is unbearable.

Inocente Painting 1024x571 Homeless to Hollywood the Inocente Story

Art by Inocente www.inocentedoc.com

INOCENTE is both a timeless story about the transformative power of art and a timely snapshot of the new face of homelessness in America, children. Neither sentimental nor sensational, INOCENTE will immerse you in the very real, day-to-day existence of a young girl who is battling a war that we rarely see. The challenges are staggering, but the hope in Inocente’s story proves that the hand she has been dealt does not define her, her dreams do.

Since working on the documentary, Izucar, now 19, moved into her own apartment — which she shares with her two adopted pet bunnies — and she had a successful art show in New York City .

Since the economic crash of 2008, the homeless population is exploding and families are its fastest growing segment. The INOCENTE documentary gives you a rare glimpse inside the struggle of how one of the 1.5 million homeless children in the U.S. is living today – the largest and fastest growing group of them being the undocumented.

Children are the new face of homelessness in our country and yet they remain faceless. For most of these children, it is a shameful secret— which is why, despite their incredible numbers, you see so few homeless children on the street and you so rarely hear their stories.

Homeless kids are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression than non-homeless children and 1 in 6 will develop emotional problems. Twenty-five percent witness violence in their homes. To compound the crisis, the social services that serve the homeless are being cut. It’s the perfect storm of desperation and chaos for the kids caught in the spiral.

Ways to Take Action: www.inocentedoc.com

Hugh Jackman on Les Misérables, Life, Friends and Family

On 06/01/2013 / Awareness, Culture, Film, Hunger, Poverty, Theatre, Video / Leave a comment

Hugh Jackman on Les Misérables, Life, Friends and Family

Starring in “Les Misérables,” opposite a stellar cast including Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Russell Crowe, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter, Hugh Jackman is a frontrunner for an Oscar for his role as Jean Valjean.

You probably know Hugh Jackman for his leading role as “Wolverine” in the “X-Men” film series. You may also recognize him for his role in “Real Steel.” Or perhaps, you’ll recall how he was dubbed the “sexiest man alive” by People Magazine in 2008. And now, in “Les Misérables,” the word around town is that his performance in the role of “Jean Valjean” has made him the shoe-in for an Oscar!

Jackman underwent an incredible transformation for his role. The change was so dramatic that his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, gasped when she first saw the him in character.

Equally striking is the contrast between his on-screen rivalry with Russell Crowe and their off-screen reality. In real life, they’re really good friends. “Russell and I have been friends for a long time. I owe a lot to Russell in many ways,” Jackman explained, pointing to Russell Crowe’s decision to turn down the role of Wolverine. In fact, he even recommend Jackman to the director. Jackman shared, “I have asked his advice on several occasions and he’s always been generous to me and a good friend. This is the first time I got to work with him though.”

In fact, Jackman has plenty to say on Russell’s legendary cast parties. “If you ever get invited, take a song with you because you are singing. Everybody sings. He brings out his guitar and he loves it. The hardest thing is leaving because when you are at Russell’s parties, it’s always great fun,” Jackman said.

While he’s generous with his compliments, Jackman isn’t afraid to admit his faults and past mistakes. “As Russell just reminded me, I’m very bad at saying ‘no’ to my wife. I am a double booker. I am indecisive. I am a terrible handyman. And I can be incredibly vague,” he joked, adding, “I’m an actor, don’t trust an actor.” Perhaps this is a reference to a sticky-fingers incident from his childhood. “I would have gone to jail for nineteen years! It was a pack of Chickadees. I was very hungry and I certainly wasn’t starving like in this movie, but I was very hungry and I said, ‘Oh, I want something to eat!’ And my brother said, ‘Well let’s go to the shop’ and I said, ‘I don’t have any money.’ And he goes, ‘You don’t need money.’ He was a bad influence. I was led astray,” he admitted. Like most child thieves, he was caught. “Busted and belted. That’s how it was back then, but I wasn’t punished for nineteen years,” he laughs, making a reference to the Les Mis storyline.

Polio victim devotes 50 years building a helicopter from scratch

On 01/11/2012 / Achieve Your Greatest Potential, Awareness, Film, Inspiration, Poverty, Video Production / Comments Off

Polio victim builds helicopter with bicycle parts and wood

“Even though I live in a house full of water, I have been grateful fighting for it (the helicopter).”
~ Agustin, “The Helicopter Man”

- By Elan Head

Agustin, the subject of “Everything is Incredible,” has devoted 50 years to building a helicopter from scratch in his home in Siguatepeque, Honduras. “Building this has served me in many ways,” he said, “because it has made me happy, even though you see how I live, in a house full of water, and at times having gone hungry.” Photos courtesy of Tyler Bastian

The subject of Tyler Bastian’s short documentary film “Everything is Incredible” is Agustin: a 60-something man in Siguatepeque, Honduras, who has devoted the past 50 years to building a helicopter from scratch. Constrained in life by poverty and polio, Agustin has never seen a functioning helicopter up close; the inspiration for his project came from a magazine photo of a helicopter that captured his imagination as a teenager.

After a half-century of effort, Agustin has achieved what he considers his final design, “although you can see it looks like a caricature of a helicopter,” he tells us. At the opening of the film, he acknowledges: “Strictly speaking for everyone it’s been a cause for mockery because the whole world thinks it is impossible. That I’m just crazy.”

CloseupShot Polio victim devotes 50 years building a helicopter from scratch

There are many ways to view “Everything is Incredible,” and one of them is with sincere respect for Agustin’s technological achievement. His helicopter does, in fact, resemble a caricature of a Hiller or Bell 47, and it does not appear to be in danger of becoming airborne anytime soon. But it also incorporates working mechanisms — such as a rotating universal joint — that are genuinely impressive when one realizes they were fabricated from parts scavenged at trash dumps, by a disabled shoemaker with little formal education and no reference to actual helicopter designs.

Yet few people are likely to view “Everything is Incredible” as a technological documentary. Since the film went viral on Vimeo.com, it has been praised, instead, as a complex meditation on the things that inspire us and give our lives meaning — which is closer to what the filmmaker intended.

Fall into Season with Vivid Photography in A Distinctive Style

On 07/10/2012 / A Distinctive Style Magazine, Awareness, Beware, Big Pharma, Cancer, Celebrities, Culture, Environmental, Fashion, Injustice, Inspirational, Poverty, Recycle, Stuttering / Comments Off

Fall into Season with Vivid Photography in A Distinctive Style

The Fall Edition of A Distinctive Style magazine showcases high definition phototography of fall scenes from around the world, to get you into the spirit of the season.

In the cover story, 12-year-old professional soprano, Jackie Evancho, reveals her passion for music, and the great opportunities it has brought her. Expanding her sphere from singing to now movies, everyone can now really see her on the “silver screen!” But even with all the drama of the professional world, she doesn’t forget to keep it real, whether through interactions with her siblings or working for animal protection.

Screen Shot 2012 10 07 at 12.29.42 PM Fall into Season with Vivid Photography in A Distinctive Style

Trees are the Lungs of the World
(See story by clicking this photo)

Fight for a cause, any cause that you feel passionate about

Join Bill Cosby’s “StudentsFirst” cause and fight to keep students out of dropout factories, or dive into Konstantin’s “Blue Trees project” and prevent the rapid deforestation of the planet from continuing. Read a heartfelt message from Leonardo DiCaprio and join IFAW to save the elephants, or simply enjoy nature through the blog “house of joyful noise.”

Find an inspiring story of nature’s struggle through “PINES,” Alison Sudol’s story, or look at a very human story about Surinder Kaur’s struggle to avoid the future she didn’t want in “Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a Match.” A Distinctive Style also provides you with more stories on self-esteem, self-acceptance, and whether a successful career and a happy family life are necessarily mutually exclusive.

Health and Wellness

It’s important to look out for your body: more important than anything else. The fall issue features Howard Straus, grandson of Max Gerson, who provides vital information on the cancer, and the do’s and do not’s in order to have a healthy body.

In “Verified success,” Mazzucco Massimo tells of a cure for cancer! Watch the veil draw back from the truth of the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and why no one has said anything for so long. Say “No” to vaccines and learn the truth about their origins, or get the nitty-gritty details about how “Monsanto betrays humanity and destroys life.” Get a more personal perspective of breast cancer from Stacy Shelton and her wish to find a cure for this disease that no longer just affects older women.

Acceptance

Learn how to accept, how to overcome, and most importantly, how to be the kind of person you want to be. Follow Mikaela Jones’ story in “Shine your Light” to learn about acceptance, even in the worst of situations, or dive into NFL star Ellis Lankster’s battle to overcome stuttering. Learn about psychopaths and in “Psychopaths, Joe Brewer and you,” and figure out not only how to identify their behavior but also to keep your loved ones safe.

Culture

Screen Shot 2012 10 07 at 1.09.53 PM Fall into Season with Vivid Photography in A Distinctive Style

See Video on Prop 37
By clicking this photo

With so many different views and stories on the varying aspects of life, simply sit down and pick a story to really dig into. Get an up-close perspective on what the life of award-winning composer, Paul Englishby, is like, or develop a whole new perspective on art and pottery with Loren Lukens.

Take a whole another view on eco-friendly fashion through reading about Lara Miller’s, Nester Pineda’s, and Tara St. James’ designs, or simply browse through the pictures and see what fashionable piece of clothing you like.

Glenn Close: legendary actress, probably best known for her role in Fatal Attraction. But what about Albert Nobbs? Take a peek into the perspective of Close and discover the behind-the-film struggle and inspiration.

Inspiration

A Distinctive Style’s Fall issue also features an exclusive interview with Tony Volpentest, dubbed the “Fastest Man in the World” and “Olympic Athlete of the Year.” Even though Volpentest was born with no arms and no legs, his motivation, his life and his thoughts on the future are inspirational.

As much as we say that life goes on, we mustn’t forget to remember those who work to protect us. Remember the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for everyone: for you and me. Honor them by reading their stories.

End of the World

And on a final ominous note: Will the end of the world come soon? Find by reading “Visiting the Kings at the End of the World.”

A Distinctive Style with Jackie Evancho, Glenn Close, Bill Cosby

On 07/10/2012 / A Distinctive Style Magazine, Art, Awareness, Beware, Big Pharma, Cancer, Celebrities, Children, Culture, Eco-Fashion, Environmental, Fashion, Hunger, Injustice, Inspirational, Monsanto, Music, Natural Foods, Olympics, People, Photography, Poverty, Shop Green, Social Awareness, Stuttering, women / 1 Comment

Jackie Evancho, Glenn Close, Bill Cosby, Paul Englishby among others can be found in the Fall 2012 edition of A Distinctive Style

When you open the Fall 2012 issue of A Distinctive Style you will be greeted by a beautiful cover featuring child singing sensation Jackie Evancho, then you will notice the music of Emmy Award Winner Paul Englishby.

In our cover story with Jackie Evancho you’ll hear how she has handled the media storm since coming on the scene as a contestant on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent. She talks about her acting debut in a Robert Redford film to release in 2013 and tells us how she picked the songs for her newly released album “Songs From the Silver Screen.” You will see highlights from the CD by clicking a link on her page.

Other stories you’ll enjoy in this edition include:

A personal look at 2012 Emmy winner Paul Englishby focusing on his love of music and the success he has had with film and television musical scores.
A preview on “Stories of Change,” a partnership between the Skoll Foundation and the Sundance Film Festival to promote documentary films that promote global awareness and stimulate change.
An interview with legendary film actress Glenn Close as she sits down with Robert Milazzo at The Modern School of Film.
An inspirational profile of Tony Volpentest, a four-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and 2012 Olympic Hall of Fame nominee.
An examination of the fascination with the Mayan calendar and its prediction that the world will end on December 21, 2012.
A look into the “Gerson Therapy,” a natural cure for cancer.
A letter from Bill Cosby on “Why we must put our Children First.”
A review of Lizzie Velasquez’ insightful new book “Be Beautiful, Be You” which relates the power of finding inner beauty.

Of course all of the stories feature the innovative aspects that A Distinctive Style is known for. They are expertly written, have vivid photography and are enhanced with audio and video clips to give you a complete interactive experience.

Flipping through the pages of the Fall issue is like losing yourself in a virtual visual world. For the readers of this magazine, this is truly a magnificent treat for the senses and a perfect way to celebrate the publication’s fifth anniversary.

Those who haven’t seen this issue yet should certainly take a look now by visiting www.adistinctivestyle.com. You will be hooked on the experience!

A Distinctive Style, a Digital Media Magazine is Celebrating 5 Years

On 07/10/2012 / A Distinctive Style Magazine, Awareness, Big Pharma, Cancer, Celebrities, Culture, Eco-Fashion, Environmental, Film, Hunger, Music, Olympics, Photography, Poverty, Recycle, Social Awareness, Stuttering, Toxic, Video Production, Women / Comments Off

Our Digital Media Magazine is Celebrating 5 Years and 20 Issues!

This month marks the 20th Anniversary issue of A Distinctive Style (ADS) magazine. We are proud what we’ve accomplished over the past five years and wish to thank our readers, followers and supporters and those created the innovative tool which has allowed A Distinctive Style magazine a platform to showcase our stories.

ADS began as a medium to highlight environmental issues, but merged beautifully into a gallery for artists, a stage for musicians, a platform for celebrities who do more than entertain us, and a lesson in tenacity through the many stories we’ve covered.

Screen Shot 2012 10 06 at 7.22.46 PM A Distinctive Style, a Digital Media Magazine is Celebrating 5 Years

Five Year Anniversary

Fran Drescher (a.k.a “the Nanny”) was featured in two ADS issues as she educated us about the early warning signs of cancer…pay attention to your body: Stage 1 is the cure!

Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John shared her story of cancer during a candid interview, reminding us all of how we have an inner strength that can pull us through anything.

Actress Diane Keaton brought us her new book “Then Again,” a leveling story of the “all American” family and how our own family stories are not so different from hers.

And when “Dallas” finally made its way back to network television we were elated to have the opportunity to cover the Red Carper affair, and interview some of the cast.

We are each teachers in our own way. We wish each of you experience greatness so you can teach/help others. Looking back on the ADS journey it seems that a deeper lesson was there for us… a lesson intending on reminding us of the possibilities we each hold within us. No matter what life gives you, there are lessons in the highs and lows. What emerges is a bigger, better, stronger YOU!

We hope ADS has given you an inspiring look at the world and how YOU are an integral part of the future. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your life.

Enjoy Your Journey,

denise marie

See our new Fall Edition by clicking here

Farm Aid 2012

On 09/07/2012 / Awareness, Buy from Farmers, Celebrities, Environmental, Farm Products, Poverty, Shop Green / Comments Off

Farm Aid 2012 Concert

Each year, Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews headline a Farm Aid concert to bring together a wide variety of musicians, farmers and fans for one mission: keeping family farmers on their land. Farm Aid is the longest running benefit concert series in America, raising more than $39 million to help family farmers thrive all over the country while inspiring millions of people to learn about the Good Food movement.

Farm Aid 2012

Farm Aid 2012 will be at the Hersheypark Stadium in Pennsylvania on September 22! Please sign up for email updates to get the latest news and action alerts from Farm Aid!

The Mission: Family Farmers, Good Food, A Better America

Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 near the height of the farm crisis to generate awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land. Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors in 2001. Farm Aid has raised more than $39 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep family farmers on their land in order to guarantee an agricultural system that ensures farmers a fair living, strengthens our communities, protects our natural resources and delivers good food for all.

Helping Farmers Thrive

Since 1985, Farm Aid has answered 1-800-FARM-AID to provide immediate and effective support services to farm families in crisis. Now Farm Aid’s online Farmer Resource Network connects farmers to an extensive network of close to 550 organizations across the country that help farmers find the resources they need to access new markets, transition to more sustainable and profitable farming practices, and survive natural disasters.

Taking Action to Change the System

Farm Aid 2012 works with local, regional and national organizations to promote fair farm policies and grassroots organizing campaigns designed to defend and bolster family farm-centered agriculture. We’ve worked side-by-side with farmers to protest factory farms and inform farmers and eaters about issues like genetically modified food and growth hormones. By strengthening the voices of family farmers, Farm Aid stands up for the most resourceful, heroic Americans — the family farmers who work the land. But farmers can’t do this work alone; we all have a role to play in building a family farm food system that protects our farmers, our communities, our planet and our health. Farm Aid’s Action Center allows concerned citizens to become advocates for farm policy change.

With music as our inspiration and farmers as our heroes, Farm Aid 2012 envisions a transformed America in which family farmers and eaters are partners in a thriving system that benefits all.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS GO TO: www.FarmAid.org

See Willie Nelson and hear from some of our American Family Farmers in the Summer Edition of A Distinctive Style Magazine:
www.adistinctivestyle.com/issue/73080

An Adventure with Willie Nelson & Friends

On 05/07/2012 / Animal Awareness, Art, Awareness, Celebrities, Farm Products, Photography, Poverty, Summer Giveaways, Toxic, Women / Comments Off

Willie Nelson Joins A Distinctive Style in the Summer edition.

In this issue you’ll get a glimpse inside the lives of Hollywood celebrities, as we spotlight their dedication and commitment to making a difference in the world.

WillieNelsonCover4x An Adventure with Willie Nelson & Friends

We have an abundance, of unique stories to share with you starting with the American icon who graces our cover. Willie Nelson’s new album, Heroes, is Willie at his finest, delivering the many flavors of ever-popular country songs. Willie and friends, including Merle Haggard, Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joe Shaver, Sheryl Crow, Jamey Johnson, and Willie’s sons Lukas and Michah, have joined forces to introduce new songs and to delight music lovers with classics that date back 50 years.

Of course, it’s impossible to think of Willie Nelson without thinking of American farmers. Willie and Farm Aid, undoubtedly are two sides of the same coin, a coin that symbolizes an uncountable number of other individuals aiding the American farmer.

As you’ll see in the Summer issue of A Distinctive Style, aid can come in the form of consumers who make purchases at Farmers Markets; lawyers like Peter Kennedy and others at the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund; filmmakers like Kristin Canty; and brave famers and fighters who push back against heavy-handed government agencies.

Our literary horn of plenty also features Josh Wachs of Share Our Strength®, an organization committed to ensuing the food that is grown finds its way to the many who go hungry in our country each day. Too, you’ll learn about genetically modified foods and about food safety.

Get Ready for an Amazing Adventure!

Click on the the magazine below to get started…..

World Refugee Day June 20…a plea from Angelina Jolie

On 19/06/2012 / Awareness, Children, Hunger, Poverty, Women / Comments Off

World Refugee Day June 20…a plea from Angelina Jolie

Dear Denise,

Just a reminder: Check our website tomorrow to be one of the first to see the brand new public service message by actress and Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees ~Angelina Jolie.

It’s a moving, personal plea created for World Refugee Day on June 20, and a reminder to the world that 1 refugee family without shelter is too many.

You can see how this important message impacts real people’s lives by watching Hawa’s Dilemma, a short video illustrating one refugee woman’s difficult journey, fleeing from persecution, rape and terror to find safety and happiness after reuniting with her long-lost mother with UNHCR’s help:

Pass this email on to friends to help spread the word about the plight of refugees.

And click here to download a Blue Key cover photo for your Facebook page to display tomorrow, on World Refugee Day, to show all your friends your commitment to helping refugees and raising awareness of their plight.

Thank you!

One out of 5 children face hunger in America

On 13/06/2012 / Awareness, Children, Hunger, Poverty / Comments Off

Children face hunger in America …

ONE OUT OF EVERY FIVE!

As a member of the No Kid Hungry community, you are committed to fighting childhood hunger with Share Our Strength. Please watch this short video to learn what we’re up against and ways we’re working on eradicating childhood hunger. Then click the buttons below to SHARE the video and the No Kid Hungry pledge to help us grow the movement to end childhood hunger.

Take the Pledge

www.NoKidHungry.org

Symphony Orchestra in the Congo

On 16/04/2012 / Awareness, Culture, Music, Poverty / Comments Off

An Inspiring Story of the Only Symphony Orchestra in Central Africa

Screen Shot 2012 04 16 at 7.01.00 PM Symphony Orchestra in the Congo Did you know that the only symphony orchestra in Central Africa is located in the capital of the Congo – a war-torn country plagued by poverty and despair?

“Joy in the Congo” seems an unlikely title for a story from the Congo, considering the searing poverty and brutal civil war that have decimated that country. Yet in Kinshasa, the capital city, we heard about an unforgettable symphony orchestra — 200 singers and instrumentalists defying the poverty, hardship, and struggles of life in the world’s poorest country…and creating some of the most moving music we have ever heard. Follow Bob Simon to the Congo to hear the sounds and stories of the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra.

This video tells the amazing story of the Symphonic Orchestra Kimbanguiste, revealing the difficult circumstances under which these musicians labor: they come from all over the city; most travel on foot to get to rehearsals six days a week; and the bulk of the instruments have been donated, salvaged and repaired or purchased from second-hand shops. Despite all of these difficulties, the orchestra manages to make the most beautiful music: listen to Johann Strauss’s The Blue Danube Waltz (An der schönen blauen Donau).

This is not the first documentary about this outstanding orchestra. In 2010, a team of German filmmakers released a 95-minute film called Kinshasa Symphony (see below). Also, Le Figaro has an arresting photo essay about the musicians.

By profession, Matthias Rascher teaches English and History at a High School in northern Bavaria, Germany. In his free time he scours the web for good links and posts the best finds on Twitter.

Photographer of Poverty in America –The Lakota

On 04/02/2012 / Awareness, Poverty / Comments Off

“My success is not measured in money. I have no financial security, I have no savings account. I measure my success by asking myself if I’m telling a story that the world needs to hear, if I am educating people.”
~Aaron Huey

Aaron Huey’s effort to photograph poverty in America led him to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where the struggle of the native Lakota people — appalling, and largely ignored — compelled him to refocus. Five years of work later, his haunting photos intertwine with a shocking history lesson in this bold, courageous talk from TEDxDU.

Photographer, adventurer and storyteller Aaron Huey captures all of his subjects — from war victims to rock climbers to Sufi dervishes — with elegance and fearless sensitivity.
Full bio and more links