Shallow Nation » Philanthropy

Fizz & Boog at 5 Million Kids Initiative 5MK (Video)

Shallow Nation — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:26:16 +0000

Here is video of Fizz & Boog at the launch of the 5 Million Kids Initiative (5MK) in Los Angeles in Oct. 2009. The two former members of B2K performed their signature hit Bounce in support of the organization.

5MK was launched by Operation HOPE, a nonprofit organization addressing financial literacy and education whose founder, chairman and CEO is John Hope Bryant. Its mission via a national campaign is to revitalize interest in education among young people or, in other words “to make smart sexy again.” More information is available at the official Web site: 5millionkids.org

Also in attendance at the launch were legendary Quincy Jones (who is the 5MK national co-chairman), celebrated producer QD3, R&B artist Tyrese among others.

Here are several photos of the event: 5 Million Kids Launch in Los Angeles, CA

More perspectives on the new initiative here: 5 Million Kids, 1 Kid at a Time

The song Bounce appears on the soundtrack album Bring It On: Fight To The Finish as well as on Fizz & Boog’s EP Nightlife.

The video is below.

Link

Jay-Z 9-11 Concert Video, Photos: Answer the Call Concert at Madison Square Garden 9-11-09

Shallow Nation — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:07:48 +0000

Here are the full Jay-Z 9-11 concert video, photos, set-list, reviews of the Answer the Call concert at Madison Square Garden on September 11, 2009 in New York. See the full concert featuring John Mayer, Rihanna, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Pharrell Williams, Santigold, Diddy, Kid Cudi among others performing before a sell-out crowd of approximately 20,000.

The two-hour concert was broadcast live on Fuse TV beginning at 9pm ET. The all-star concert at MSG coincided with what was to have been the release date of Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 album (but the date was pushed up to Sept. 8). His original Blueprint album shares an eighth anniversary coincidentally with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The exciting live event featuring more than 30 songs from the majority of Jay-Z’s albums, including the new release Blueprint 3, while also paying tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives in 9-11, via song dedications, a moment of silence, and a moving montage of photos of victims as seen in the photo below.

Jay-Z 911 concert Review: Jay-Z Remembers 9/11 With Kanye West, Diddy, Rihanna At Benefit Show

Here is the full Jay-Z 9-11 Answer the Call Set-list: Exclusive: Jay-Z on Fuse Setlist From Backstage

Here are many more photos: Jay-Z Rocs Madison Square Garden

The 9-11 Answer The Call concert was a charity event with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the New York Police and Fire Widow’s and Children’s Benefit Fund. With tickets priced at $54.50, the concert had sold out within minutes. Jay-Z publicly criticized scalpers who were reselling tickets. As a result, Chris Tsakalakis, president of Stub Hub, one such venue reselling tickets, released a statement indicating that the company was offering to donate 100 percent its profits to the charity. [Source: Scalpers to Donate Profits From Jay-Z's 'Answer the Call' Concert to Charity]

Full video is below.

Part One

Part Two

Videos via yardie aka Mr World Premiere:
Jay-Z 9-11 Concert Video Answer the Call Concert Madison Square Garden

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Jay-Z 9-11 Concert Video, Photos: Answer the Call Concert at Madison Square Garden 9-11-09

pictures

Bob Dylan Christmas Album: Christmas In the Heart Album Track-Listing, Cover Art

Shallow Nation — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:51:20 +0000

The highly anticipated Bob Dylan Christmas album will be released on October 13, 2009. See photos, video and find out more about the Bob Dylan Christmas in the Heart album track-listing and cover art. The album will benefit Feeding America as the music legend will donate all of his U.S. royalties from the album to the organization whose official Web site is feedingamerica.org.

The organization provides more than four million meals during the holiday and has partnered with numerous celebrities and public figures from Beyonce to First Lady Michelle Obama.

Regarding his support of the organization and its cause, Dylan said, in a statement:

“It’s a tragedy that more than 35 million people in this country alone — 12 million of those children — often go to bed hungry and wake up each morning unsure of where their next meal is coming from. I join the good people of Feeding America in the hope that our efforts can bring some food security to people in need during this holiday season.”

Source: Bob Dylan Christmas Album Confirmed

According to the above-cited article Billboard, the track-list has not been finalized, but has been reported to include these tracks:

I’ll Be Home For Christmas
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Here Comes Santa Claus
Must Be Santa
Winter Wonderland
Little Drummer Boy
Christmas in the Heart

Update: Official Track-list via Amazon.com

1 Here Comes Santa Claus (2:35)
2 Do You Hear What I Hear? (3:02)
3 Winter Wonderland (1:52)
4 Hark The Herald Angels Sing (2:30)
5 I’ll Be Home For Christmas (2:54)
6 Little Drummer Boy (2:52)
7 The Christmas Blues (2:54)
8 O’ Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) (2:48)
9 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (4:06)
10 Must Be Santa (2:48)
11 Silver Bells (2:35)
12 The First Noel (2:30)
13 Christmas Island (2:27)
14 The Christmas Song (3:56)
15 O’ Little Town Of Bethlehem (2:17) 1 Here Comes Santa Claus (2:35)

The cover is here: First Look: Bob Dylan Christmas in the Heart Album Cover Art

Updated with a song from the album, along with a Feeding America commercial.

Link: Feeding America Video

Video Link – album preview

Link: Bob Dylan Video

Bob Dylan Christmas Album: Christmas In the Heart Album Track-Listing, Cover Art

Video & Photos: Alfred E. Smith Dinner John McCain Barack Obama Speeches 10-16-08

Shallow Nation — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:07:18 +0000

The night after the Final Presidential Debate, Presidential candidates Senators John McCain and Barack Obama took part in the traditional, and hilarious roasting of each other at the 2008 Alfred E. Smith Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel October 16, 2008 in New York City.

Appearing at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation dinner is a tradition for presidential candidates, with both major nominees usually attending during the election year. The annual roast is named after the legendary four-term 1920s New York Governor who was the first first Roman Catholic and Irish-American to run for President as a major party nominee in 1928, losing to Herbert Hoover. Past dinners have featured a range of keynote speakers, including Winston Churchill. This year’s 63rd annual dinner surpassed its goal of raising $2.5 million for Catholic charities.

“They say Jack Kennedy won the [1960] election at the Al Smith Dinner,” [Smith's great-grandson and namesake] said in his office at St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers, which features an array of Gov. Smith’s photos and an Obama bobble-head doll.

In 2004, Democrat John Kerry – a Catholic – was not invited, presumably for his pro-choice stance on abortion. As a result, President Bush also did not attend.

Source: After debate, candidates face roast at Alfred E. Smith Dinner

Barack Obama

John McCain and his wife Cindy McCain

Here are a few excerpts from the John McCain and Barack Obama speeches, both of which were very amusing. It was refreshing to see the candidates in this setting.

“I can’t shake that feeling that some people here are pulling for me,” McCain said, turning to the far side of the stage. “I’m delighted to see you here tonight, Hillary.”

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, and all others in the crowd, guffawed.

McCain added that Clinton’s husband, former President Bill Clinton “has been hammering away with me with epithets like, ‘hero.’”

McCain said that his rival was not fazed by being called, “That one,” during the second presidential debate. “He doesn’t mind at all,” McCain said, “in fact, he even has a pet name for me: George Bush.”

In a sign of just how much the media-McCain relationship has turned, the Arizonan stated that “the press is really an independent-minded, civic-minded, non-partisan group, like ACORN.”

“It’s going to be a long, long night at MSNBC if I manage to pull this thing off,” McCain said. “I understand that Keith Olbermann has ordered up his very own ‘Mission Accomplished’ banner. They can hang it up in his padded room”

McCain introduced Obama, who at one point joked that he was confused.

“I was originally told the venue would be Yankee Stadium,” he said. “Can somebody tell me what happened to the Greek columns that I requested?”

Obama said the venue was fine, thought.

“I do love the Waldorf Astoria,” Obama said. “I hear from the doorstep you can see all the way to the Russian Tea Room.” It prompted much laughter from McCain.

Then Obama turned to the question McCain had been asking as of late: Who is the real Barack Obama?

“Contrary to the rumors you have heard, I was not born in a manger,” Obama said. “I was actually born on Krypton and sent here by my father Jor-El to save the planet Earth.”

Regarding his name, Obama said that “Barack is actually Swahili for ‘that one’. And I got my middle name from somebody who obviously didn’t think I’d ever run for President.”

Said the Democrat, “If I had to name my greatest strength, I guess it would be my humility. Greatest weakness, it’s possible that I’m a little too awesome.”

Obama took on another McCain criticism: the attack, earlier this election season, that he’s nothing more than a celebrity.

“I have to admit that that really hurt,” Obama said. “I got so angry about it I punched the paparazzi in the face on my way out of Spago’s. I’m serious. I even spilled my soy chai latte all over my shih tzu. It was really embarrassing.”

“One other thing,” Obama added, “I have never, not once, put lipstick on a pig or a pit bull or myself. Rudy Giuliani, that’s one for you. I mean — who would have thought that a cross-dressing mayor from New York City would have a tough time winning the Republican nomination? It’s shocking. That was a tough primary you had there, John.”

Source: Obama and McCain Yuk it Up at Al Smith Dinner
Photo credit: Getty Images North America

Video John McCain speech Alfred E. Smith Dinner October 16, 2008

Video John McCain speech continued; Video Barack Obama Speech Alfred E. Smith Dinner October 16, 2008

Via YouDecide2008 – Obama, McCain joke at the Alfred E. Smith dinner

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Video & Photos: John McCain Barack Obama Alfred E. Smith Dinner Speeches 10-16-08

Photos: Beyonce Honored at Miami Children’s Hospital 2008 Diamond Ball 10-4-08

Shallow Nation — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:01:56 +0000

Beyonce was honored for her charitable work at the Miami Children’s Hospital 2008 Diamond Ball and Private Concert at the American Airlines Arena on October 4, 2008. Although Beyonce did not perform at the concert, the amazing 7-year-old piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick did perform and dedicated a song to her. Watch video here.

Beyonce Knowles, disco legend Gloria Gaynor and the “King of Motown” Smokey Robinson were among the stars who came out in support of the Miami Children’s Hospital Diamond Ball & Private Concert at the American Airlines Arena on Saturday. Knowles was inducted into the International Pediatric Hall of Fame for her efforts in Hurricane Katrina relief and evacuees in the Houston area.

[...]

Beyonce with Ethan Bortnick

Among the performers was 7-year old piano-playing prodigy Ethan Bortnick, who has performed with the likes of Nelly Furtado and Sheryl Crow and also has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Oprah”. Tonight, he was playing alongside the stars, including on Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”

Knowles, who looked ravishing in a floor-length red dress, took the stage to accept the award but did not perform. She looked on as Bortnick, whose brother was treated at Miami Childen’s Hospital for heart defect, dedicated a musical number to the pop star.

Source: Beyonce Among Stars Who Headlined Miami Children’s Hospital Diamond Ball

Photo credit: Getty Images North America

Here is video of piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick and Gloria Gaynor performing “I Will Survive” at the 2008 Diamond Ball Private Concert

This video of Ethan Bortnick’s appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno reveals his remarkable musical genius.

Related posts:

Photos: Beyonce Honored at Miami Children’s Hospital 2008 Diamond Ball 10-4-08

Video & Photos: Michael Phelps Announcement – New Swimming Foundation (Today Show Video) 9-2-08

Shallow Nation — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:55:16 +0000

Olympic legend U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps announced on the Today Show on September 2, 2008 that he will use some of the $1 million bonus he earned from Speedo for tying Mark Spitz’s 36-year record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics Games to start a foundation to encourage swimming programs.

Phelps earned the bonus from Speedo after he tied Spitz’s 36-year record of seven gold medals in a single Games. He then beat the mark, winning eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics last month.

This morning, the 23-year-old Baltimorean told NBC’s “Today Show” host Matt Lauer that he will travel to eight cities in the United States to promote swimming among children.

Warnaco CEO Joe Gromek presents Michael Phelps with a $1 million bonus check from Speedo for winning eight gold medals during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics

The brief TV announcement did not address whether his plans to promote swimming would involve buying North Baltimore Aquatic Club’s Meadowbrook pool. Last month, Phelps told NBC’s Nightly News that he and coach Bob Bowman had bought a pool in Baltimore and were looking to change the sport of swimming. Bowman was named NBAC’s chief executive officer and is expected to start the job this month.

Source: Phelps to start swimming foundation

Photo credit: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

Michael Phelps Today Show announcement video – September 2, 2008

A few days ago, August 28, 2008, Michael Phelps partnered with Visa to help introduce NYC children to swimming at the YMCA of Greater New York.

Olympic icon Michael Phelps splashed down in the city on Thursday – and left a trail of spellbound school-aged swimmers in his wake.

[...]

Phelps appeared at the YMCA on W. 14th St. before a phalanx of TV cameras to present a $20,000 check from Visa to support youth swimming programs.

The winner of a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics said he was anxious over his upcoming appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He’s hosting the show Sept. 13.

“I hope I’m literally not a fish out of water in that one,” Phelps said, noting that his friends would be in the audience to provide the laughs, if no one else did.

Source: Olympic hero Michael Phelps makes big splash with New York City kids

Photos: Michael Phelps teaching children to swim at Greater NYC YMCA, August 28, 2008. Photo credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America

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Video & Photos: Michael Phelps Announcement – New Swimming Foundation (Today Show Video) 9-2-08

Photos: Keep A Child Alive: The Black Ball 2008, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland

Shallow Nation — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:30:31 +0000

Keep A Child Alive: The Black Ball 2008, in support of the Keep A Child Alive HIV/AIDS charity, was held at St John’s, Smith Square on July 10, 2008 in London, England. Keep a Child Alive (KCA) was founded in 2002 by leading AIDS activist/educator/fundraiser, Leigh Blake, who also co-founded The Red Hot Organization and Artists Against AIDS Worldwide. Alicia Keys is KCA’s first global ambassador.

Photos: Alicia Keys, “We Are Together” New York Premiere, Wants to Adopt Like Angelina Jolie

Top photo: Alicia Keys

Photo credit: Dave Hogan/Getty Images Europe

Alicia Keys with her younger brother

Alicia Keys

Jennifer Hudson

Kelly Rowland (second photo via: Kelly Rowland Web)

Photos: Keep A Child Alive: The Black Ball 2008, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland