Bling: A Planet Rock - 2

Bling: A Planet Rock - 1

Bling: A Planet Rock (2007)

BLING is a feature documentary that will take a satirical, hard-hitting look at how "blinging" in the flashy world of commercial hip-hop played a role in the 10-year civil war in Sierra Leone. Film takes U.S. hip-hop celebrities on a journey to Sierra Leone diamond mining communities, former child soldiers, refugees and local hip-hop artists.

Third Piece

Hello again!

It's been a long time since the last post.

Well, the second piece of art for this initiative has been created. Please keep on sending in that bling! Right now it's looking like project might wrap up in 2009 with an exhibit in NYC. But that's a whisper of a rumor, of a *maybe* at the moment.

StationOne shout out

Another quick shout out to Banish Bling, on StationOne's page. StationOne Entertainment is an Independent record label and global online distributor based in the Washington D.C.

Too Much Bling

Quick shout out to Banish Bling on Made E-Zine (Smart and witty analysis of hip hop and popular culture).

No Clean Diamonds: About Canadian Diamonds

There Are No Clean Diamonds: What You Need to Know About Canadian Diamonds Wednesday December 6, 2006 11:35 PM

There are no clean diamonds. Exploring for them, digging them out of the ground and selling them requires sacrifices from the natural environment, from the wildlife and fish that live on it, and from the Aboriginal people who depend on it.

We want to ensure that the public understand that Canada’s Aboriginal communities are engaged in a daily power struggle to ensure that the mines benefit their people, and to ensure that these mines do not irreversibly damage the intricate web of life on which we all depend...

Click for the full article.

The Shift Movie

Symphony of Transformation

On March 11th, I'll be taking Banish Bling with me to the ANH's Symphony of Transformation in Costa Rica.

The focus of this human forum, is to create a new world where hope, social justice, peace, and a sense of the sacredness of life prevail.

Yes, We Can

Because `YES` feels good. :)

On the lookout for space!

Hi everyone!

I'm currently scouting for a small amount of free studio space in Vancouver, where the 4x4 main piece for Banish Bling, can be stored and worked on. Any contacts/leads would be greatly appreciated.

Please email info@banishbling.org to get in touch.

Thank you

The packages have started to roll in. Thank you so much for participating, and being the forces of change. Please help keep the energy high, and invite others to participate as well.

Peace & Hugs,
Eugenia

Charles Taylor on Trial

"...Taylor is said to have financed and supported Foday Sankoh's Revolutionary United Front (RUF) with material and personnel, providing weapons, ammunition and training. With the aim of destabilizing the country and accessing the natural resources of Sierra Leone (mainly diamonds), he allegedly supported the RUF in the preparation of military actions and during the ensuing conflict..."

"...According to the indictment, the attacks were accompanied by murders, physical violence (especially mutilations and rape) against civilian men, women and children, pillaging and abductions of civilians (in particular many children) as sexual slaves, forced laborers or forced recruits. These acts were allegedly encouraged or executed with the consent or on order of Charles Taylor..."

Israeli Blood Diamonds exempt from UNs Kimberly Process

Related Link: http://www.ipsc.ie/

Lupe Fiasco - Conflict Diamonds

Blood Diamond: Africa

"... with amputation used as a weapon. thousands of people were killed and maimed as the rebels maintained their tenacious hold on the diamond fields using the gems to buy more guns. rebels forced men women and children to dig for diamonds are gun point. these diamonds were then into the world markets. there they were cut and polished, disappearing into the world supply..."

"...60% of diamonds are smuggled..."

A Bling-Bling Bloody Mess for William Jefferson

"...blood (or conflict) diamonds, are among the most horrific phenomena in Africa. We're talking about children having their limbs hacked off so that you can walk around blinged out. We're talking about devastating regional wars being fought so that you can floss your ice..."

Click here for the full article.

Mini Update

The first piece of art for this project is now on display in Gastown, Vancouver (British Columbia). There are also a few initiatives being developed for the new year, to help the project expand.

Thank you to everyone this year for getting involved, and staying in touch.

Peace : )
Eugenia

Fix it. Now. And Forever.

In case you missed it, the above link mentions Eli Izhakoff's address. Mr.Izhakoff is chairman and CEO of the World Diamond Council.

It's also full of easy to follow information, and a few action steps.

Now, here's that address again:

Eli Izhakoff
CEO of the World Diamond Council
580 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036

We're on our way! : )

We're moving forward! Yesterday, the first piece of art for the project was completed. This painting was based on the image of an anguished child - but turned out to look like an adult.

Front Page News :D

Today WiserEarth featured BANISH BLING on their home page.

Thanks WiserEarth!!

THE 11th HOUR

This looks amazing! Way to spread positive vibes, and get people to take action.

Oh, Leo.

WiserEarth

WiserEarth serves the people who are transforming the world.
It is a community directory and networking forum that maps and connects non-governmental organizations and individuals addressing the central issues of our day: climate change, poverty, the environment, peace, water, hunger, social justice, conservation, human rights and more.


BANISH BLING, is now on the WiserEarth Network.

Happy Tuesday!

: )

Contagious 'Extreme Kindness'

Mass kindness, seems to begin with kindness towards one's self.

Check these guys out, for some friday fun.

Keeping on today's theme, they also mention something about 'a monsoon starting with a single drop'.

The Power of One

This film hit hard.

Iris Chang was the brave young author, who exposed the fragility of human life, and revealed a piece of history almost forgotten: 'The Rape of Nanking'.

One of Iris' most powerful beliefs, was the power of one person to make a difference.

An assault on the De Beers cartel

Armed with inexpensive, mass-produced gems, two startups are launching an assault on the De Beers cartel.

Al Qaeda Cash Tied to Diamond Trade

There is strong evidence that there were Al Qaeda operatives in Liberia, that they went to Sierra Leon in the late 90s, and that they were buying diamonds.

'DIGG' this & raise awarness

Once you get on that page, click the link at the top which will take you to the Banish Bling homepage. From there, click the 'DIGG IT' button, which bring you back to Digg, and you can officially 'Digg' it. This is the only way they count the vote.

Getting lots of votes, will help get the project out to people all over the world.

Join the Facebook Group

Let's get viral, and spread the word.

Interesting ad...

Twende Twende

This is an amazing blog 'Adressing Human Rights Issues in Africa'

Diamond Documentary - Part 1 of 9

All 9 parts of this amazing documentary are on www.youtube.com

Former Child Soldier Ishmael Beah on THE HOUR

Nas "Shine on 'Em" Video

KANYE has some things to say..

'Diamonds From Sierra Leone' Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgqd80026xU

Official Launch

And...we're live!

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to getting this site up. Particularily P-DIDS in the last couple of days.

Please pass this site along, as the more people we have on board - the greater the impact.

It's almost time...

Just a few little fix ups to the site, before the official project launch.
Very exciting!