I learned of this organization lastnight at the Atmosphere(http://www.myspace.com/atmosphere) show here in Los Angeles at the Wiltern LG.  They are a non-profit organization that is bringing awarness through various media to the crisis in Uganda and the war and its impact on Children in the region.  To learn more about the organization please take a moment to educate yourself to this humanitarian situation by reading below and following the links.  All items sold go to support the children through various programs.

http://www.invisiblechildren.com

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the States, they created the documentary “Invisible Children: Rough Cut,” a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda.s night commuters and child soldiers.

The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, “How can I help?” To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.

Who We Are

We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.

As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what.s happening in the world.

But our work extends beyond our borders. In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions.

How We Make a Difference

Our approach to humanitarian work is founded in the strength and intelligence of the Ugandan community. We learned early on it was not only important but essential to heed the wisdom of people that had not only lived in the war, but were surviving it. People who would know better than anyone what the greatest needs were and the best ways to meet them. What we came to find is that while there have been many efforts to address the issues that stem from living and fighting in such a long-lasting war, the people of Uganda are asking for a future beyond the conflict.

Their pleas have become our development strategy.

All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.

DONATE HERE!

 http://www.invisiblechildren.com

Posted: September 26th, 2008 under Causes.
Comments: 2

Take a look at a cause that is not highly publicized. Props to our friend Carrie for reaching out to this issue.  Read her message below and all donations are encouraged.

Hello friends,

As you know, I love animals. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in a critical effort to help reduce the suffering of 20 million — that’s right, 20 million — farm animals.

Basically, on Election Day in November, people in California will have the chance to vote on a commonsense measure that will help animals suffering inside factory farms. These animals are crammed into cages and crates so small that they can’t even turn around, lie down, or stretch their limbs. Proposition 2 will give them these basic freedoms.

If passed, Prop 2 is expected to have a huge impact on reforming factory farming practices nationwide — which is why you don’t need to live in California to help. It’s also why the agribusiness industry is spending millions to fight this reasonable reform, making it critical that animal protection advocates raise money needed to reach voters.

So…today I’m asking you to join me in reaching my goal of having 20 friends donate $20, $15, $10, $5 each to help 20 million animals. Will you join me, and help me reach my goal?

This is a very important cause to me, so thank you — from me, and the animals! Please click on this link if you’re able to make a gift today and help me reach my goal:

http://my.yesonprop2.com/page/outreach/view/20-20/Carrie

Posted: September 17th, 2008 under Causes.
Comments: none

Hybrid Roots is proud to announce that we have completed and launched the website for Rockstar Fit (www.rockstarfit.com).  All site construction and design was completed by Hybrid Roots including an extensive identity and branding campaign.  Contact Hybrid Roots(www.hybridroots.com) today for a free consultation for your next web or design project.

Posted: September 14th, 2008 under Web Design.
Comments: 1

The Closet is Santa Barbara’s Hippest Resale Boutique.

We specialize in contemporary luxury apparel for all you fashion-savvy girls. We hook you up with low prices and high-end service!

Love designer clothes but don’t love retail prices? Come here first for all your favorite brands like Paige Premium Denim, Free People, Chanel, Frankie B, L.A.M.B., Marc Jacobs and so much more, always at a fraction of retail prices.

Also, we buy your clothes for cash or trade at these times:
wed, fri, and sat 1pm-6pm every week

Facebook message us for details, or call us everyday 11am-6pm at (805)963-8083.

The Closet’s Anniversary Sale is coming up on September 19th, 20th, and 21st! This is our only sale of the year so we go all out!!! Get there early for designer denim up to 90% off, Juicy as low as $5, and prices slashed throughout the store. Extended hours 11a to 8pm all three days.

Got stuff to sell? Bring us your clean, lightly worn, current-style clothes, shoes, and accessories every wed, fri, and sat 1pm-6pm and we can buy it for cash or trade!

What are we looking to buy?
Currently we are buying for fall/winter, so lots of high-waisted skirts, skinny and wide leg designer jeans, slouchy beanies, cute trendy coats, riding boots, and leather bags. Must be in great condition, clean, and current.

http://www.theclosetsb.net

http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10819388892

1213 State Street Ste. L (behind McDonalds, across from the Granada Theater)

Santa Barbara, CA

Thousand Oaks, CA store coming soon….Stay Tuned!

Posted: September 12th, 2008 under Green Life.
Comments: none

Check our recent mention by the folks at  “We Earth”

For Immediate Release

WeEarth’s Marketplace Swings Open Its Green Doors
WeEarth Launches It’s Enviro-friendly E-commerce Store

LOS ANGELES, CA (September , 2008) – WeEarth.com, a web portal uniting artists and activists (www.weearth.com), has opened its online store.   On September 10, 2008, WeEarth launched its online Marketplace (www.marketplace.weeath.com), a venue for environmentally and socially responsible products providing the community a one-stop shop to participate in sustainable solutions.   Products offered range from clothing to health and beauty, handmade jewelry, pet toys, hemp accessories and even books to green living.

The WeEarth Marketplace encourages responsible living; thus, the website was developed to host organic, natural, biodegradable, and fair trade products, as well as hand-made goods. Its goal is to promote not only the use of these products, but also to give an outlet to smaller vendors and artists who do not have the means to sell or expose their own products/art.

“One of our highest priorities is providing our community with an easy path to responsible shopping.  Whether it’s organic, vegan, fair trade, or independently produced, it can be found in our e-store. We’re really excited to finally get it up and running and look forward to helping the world move closer to an economic system that places social justice and environmental responsibility before profit,” expressed Patrick Sellers, President of WeEarth.

Initial companies that WeEarth has partnered with for the launch are Dr. Bronners, Hempy’s, Earth Creations, Earth Dog, Autonomie Project, Under the Nile, AM Conservation, Siege Chemical, Butterfly Creations, Hybrid Roots, Fair Trade Sports, and Shikai.

Specific products include:
The Better World Shopping Guide – book by Ellis Jones on being a conscious consumer,
Autonomie Footware – 100% vegan, organic, eco-friendly, and Fair Trade sneakers,
Earth Dog Hemp Collar –  not only organic, but increases comfort for man’s best friend,
Shikai Natural Lotions – natural blend of aloe vera, wheatgerm and vitamin E,
Hybrid Roots Yoga Mat Bags – 100% hemp material, supporting Fair Labor/Fair Wage, Fair Trade Sports Soccer Ball – eco-certified, fair trade, union-made and vegan, and
Under the Nile Organic Diapers – made from 100% organic Egyptian Cotton.

Over the next couple of weeks, WeEarth Marketplace is hitting the road and can be found at Ranchita Rocks (just outside of San Diego), San Diego Street Scene, and We The People in Los Angeles.

WeEarth is an organization that empowers and inspires its community to learn, grow, connect and create through a network of resources both online at www.wearth.com and offline at events such as music and arts festivals.  The website consists of four facets: Voices- an E-zine publishing articles on topics ranging from ancient art and modern technology to current social and political issues; Village- a social network creating the hub for users to connect with each other to share ideas and art; Marketplace- a store where eco-friendly products can be purchased allowing people can contribute to a sustainable economy; and in months to come Studio- a portal for viewing and downloading media content.

Contact Info
Jessica Kelly
VP, Marketing and PR
Office: 818.255.9900
Mobile: 310.990.0947
Email: jessk@weearth.com

Posted: September 11th, 2008 under Green Life.
Comments: 1

Our Friends at We Earth Village (www.weearth.com) will be attending this years Ranchita Rocks Festival this weekend in San Diego and will be bringing along goods from our online store to showcase and sell to attendies.  Our products are 100% sustainable and are made from natural materials including Hemp and Organic Cotton.  Drop by their booth at the venue and check out the goods and learn about the We Earth online community.

Make a difference, make a small change today for a brighter tomorrow. Here is what We Earth has to say about the festival.

Ranchita Rocks is a music festival taking place on September 12th, 13th, and 14th in San Diego’s wondrous back country landscape.  It is this same landscape the nonprofit organization putting it together are trying to protect.  100% of the proceeds are to help fight a proposed 150 mile long transmission line that would cut through Anza Borrego Desert State Park, while at the same time help San Diego County achieve a long-term goal of utilizing renewable and clean energy.

A slew of jam oriented bands will headline the festival, including Yonder Mountain String Band, Bass Nectar, Melvin Seals & JGB, as well as a variety of electronic acts and DJs.  Also scattered throughout the three days will be a number of comedians, aerial performers, beer and wine vendors, kids activities, and camping opportunities.  Basically the fun starts at noon on Friday and doesn’t stop until the final band exits the stage on Sunday.

Ranchita Rocks serves as the perfect reminder that fun and community service need no lines of separation.  Hosting such a festival in the open beauty of the desert reminds attendees that such places can be taken away from them permanently if they don’t create the demand to keep them free–free of energy plants that produce heaping amounts of carbon dioxide in particular.  This year’s event will emphasize the need for cleaner energy by utilizing biodiesel and wind and solar technologies to power the festivities.

“We strongly believe that energy does not have to be imported over dangerous high voltage transmission lines and that renewable energy should be produced locally for local consumption,” said Carolyn Morrow, who solicited nearly $60,000 in donations of cash and services to stage last year’s feat.

To obtain tickets and learn more about the event, check the official website.

http://www.ranchitarocks.org/

http://www.weearth.com/ourvoice/

http://www.weearth.com/hybridroots

Posted: September 9th, 2008 under Green Goods.
Comments: none

If you are in San Francisco this weekend check out the festival and stay and listen to music by our friends Rebelution and visit the “We Earth” booth in the “Green-ing Section” and shop the latest Hybrid Roots sustainable fashions.

POWER TO THE PEACEFUL MISSION STATEMENT
MUSIC. CONSCIOUSNESS. ACTION.

Power to the Peaceful is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural co-existence, non-violence and environmental sustainability through the arts and music.

By bringing people together through music and art it is our goal to highlight the similarities and celebrate the diversity of all of the world’s inhabitants.

Through our many International concerts, social forums, film festivals and fundraising efforts, we invite people of all ethnicities and faiths to strive for Personal Peace, Community Cooperation, International Co-existence and Environmental Sustainability.

We work closely with grassroots organizations, businesses and other non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) to put on events that raise consciousness about the needs of the world today and inspire action that addresses those needs.

We strive to make each of our events more energy efficient than the last by constantly finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint as well as highlighting new energy efficient technologies.

http://www.powertothepeaceful.org/index.php

http://www.weearth.com/

http://www.rebelutionmusic.com/

http://www.myspace.com/rebelution

Posted: September 5th, 2008 under Green Life.
Comments: none

Rebelution first united in Santa Barbara, California, built from a wide array of musical backgrounds. With Reggae as the focus, the group set out to create a fresh and vibrant sound which they dub California Reggae. The band released their highly anticipated full-length album in June of 2007 and just weeks after its release, “Courage to Grow” became one of the most downloaded Reggae albums on iTunes. By the end of the year, it had been awarded the iTunes Editors Choice: Best Reggae Album 2007.

“Apparently, California Reggae is hot. Stemming from a foundation of local support, Rebelution soared into iTunes Reggae Top 10 (album downloads), amongst some lofty company. Lofty like Bob, Stephen, and Damian Marley.”
– Santa Barbara News-Press

Rebelutions dynamic sound is led by diverse vocalist and guitarist Eric Rachmany. Together with the elevating melodies of Rory Carey keyboards and hard-hitting beats by bass player Marley D. Williams and drummer Wesley Finley, the band will make you move both physically and mentally.

“If you love Bob Marley, Sublime, and Jack Johnson and youre a regular on the State Street scene, then chances are youre already crazy about Rebelution. Their combination of reggae, hip-hop, and rock have made them a favorite of music lovers all over town.”
– The Santa Barbara Independent

Within the last year, Rebelution has made a name for themselves with their iTunes success and performances with notable artists like Barrington Levy, Israel Vibration, Junior Reid, Don Carlos, Pepper, Eek-A-Mouse, Pato Banton, Tanya Stephens, Half Pint, SOJA, Yellowman, Talib Kweli, E-40, and The Pharcyde. Rebelution has already proven themselves in the musical arena and intends to further expand their success with a sound that confidently claims itself unique.

Posted: September 5th, 2008 under Rooted Creatives.
Comments: none

Dominic Balli

Public Announcement

By Indy Staff

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Dominic Balli places himself among some of the brightest upcoming Santa Barbara music-makers with the release of his debut album, Public Announcement. Reggae is the band’s core sound, but Balli’s voice veers toward a more hip-hop/rap tangent. It’s with this vocal factor that the message of “freedom, hope, and love” transcends throughout the album with hard-hitting lyrics that are backed by epic and well-timed bass and percussion accompaniments. “Sacrifice of Me” brings out the reggae-rap combo, while “Bread for the Broken” proves that Balli’s first album isn’t simply a sonic pleasure—it’s a means of transmitting a message to the public. With some Christian imagery infused into his tracks, Balli retains the essence and values of the reggae/rasta culture. It’s the ubiquitous plea for people of the world to love everyone, because “all we need is love.”

Article courtesy of the Santa Barbara Independent http://www.independent.com/news/2008/aug/21/dominic-balli/

Purchase the entire album on itunes and you will thank yourself.

Posted: September 5th, 2008 under Rooted Creatives.
Comments: none

Hey all,

We have started a new blog devoted entirely to food, drinks and all that falls in between.  Check out our site at www.vivalafoodies.com.  Content and site will be continually updated in the weeks to come.  If you like what you see please pass it along to your fellow foodies.

Posted: September 5th, 2008 under Rooted Creatives.
Comments: none