Charity / Environment / Awareness

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  • Help Laura Ling and Euna Lee

    June 1, 2009 75 Comments

    There has been a lot of exciting news here on mikeshinoda.com and in the Linkin Park community about the various projects on the radar; with "New Divide," Chester's solo album, my art show, and a new Linkin Park album in the pipeline, we have much to celebrate. However, I want to take a moment to step away from that, and bring your attention to an urgent subject that is troubling to me.

    As some of you may have already heard, two U.S. journalists were arrested in North Korea. I met one of the reporters, Laura Ling, only a few months ago.

    Laura is a news reporter for Current TV. Her sister is journalist Lisa Ling (of Oprah Winfrey's show and The View).

    On March 17, Laura Ling and Euna Lee were arrested for alleged, unspecified "hostile acts" after reportedly crossing the border into North Korean territory from China. The families have stated that the reporters did not embark on their trip with intentions of entering North Korean territory (see video below). An associate of the two reporters says they were in the area to report on a piece regarding North Korean refugees. Reporters Without Borders claims: "It is by no means clear that Ling and Lee were arrested on North Korean territory." (see link to their press release below)

    Laura and Euna are scheduled for trial by the North Korean government this week, on June 4th. If convicted, the women could end up in one of North Korea's notorious labor camps.

    Some analysts believe this arrest plays a role as a "bargaining chip" in the bigger picture of an ongoing North Korean / American nuclear weapon debate. The U.S. government does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, where the women are being held.

    Laura and Euna's families are struggling to spread word about their situation. The more world focus there is on the subject, the more pressure there will be on the North Korean government to treat these two young women with care--and hopefully return them safely to their families.

    There are a few ways for you to help.

    Firstly, a candlelight vigil will be happening on June 3rd. You can find out how to join that movement by going here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60755553149&ref=ts. U.S. vigil locations are on this page.

    Another option: I am asking for the help of our fans all around the world--particularly those in Eastern Europe, China, and South Korea-- to spread the word and post messages of support and hope for these two young people--and make sure to let the community on the above Facebook page know you've posted. Their families beg for your help. The more positive noise you can make for them, the more helpful you will be.

    Lastly, you can simply voice your words of support here on mikeshinoda.com. Just click and make a positive comment, and they will see your post.

    Thank you for your help and understanding,
    mike

    Info about the reporters and Lisa Ling:

    http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/06/01/2009-06-01_american_journalists_held_in_north_korea_very_scared_.html

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/31/laura-ling-euna-lee-trial_n_209479.html

    http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=30720

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mallika-chopra/what-you-can-do-for-laura_b_204940.html

  • MFR Aid Following Cyclone Aila

    June 1, 2009 By Music For Relief 20 Comments

    I have been asked on a few occasions, "Where does the money that goes to Music For Relief end up?" Currently (and among other efforts), MFR is responding to help provide relief following Cyclone Aila. The Cyclone struck eastern India and coastal Bangladesh on Monday leaving millions of people displaced and in desperate need of food, water and shelter. In West Bengal at least 5.1 million people were displaced, with more than one million people stranded in the Sundarban islands alone, most of them without any food or water. Food security and loss of livelihood are also major concerns as it is estimated that 80,000 acres of rice paddy and other crops have been destroyed, about 250,000 acres partially destroyed and over 50,000 poultry and livestock have been killed.

    I donate the income from my art related items in the mikeshinoda.com online store to MFR and my scholarship at ACCD. To donate directly to MFR go here: http://www.musicforrelief.org/donate

    MFR is partnering with BRAC in Bangladesh where 100% of funds contributed will go to those affected by Cyclone Aila.

    More information about BRAC: BRAC has provided emergency aid and rehabilitation in Bangladesh since its inception and carried out large-scale relief and rehabilitation activities there for cyclone and flood victims in 1987, 1988, 1991, 1998, 2000, 2004 and 2007. BRAC, the largest non-profit in the developing world, was launched in Bangladesh in 1972 and today reaches more than 110 million people in Africa and Asia with its holistic approach to addressing poverty by providing micro-loans, self-employment opportunities, health services, education and legal and human rights education. http://www.brac.net/usa/index.php

    other information about Music For Relief can be found at http://www.musicforrelief.org

    mike

  • NEW White and Green DC Remix

    May 16, 2009 31 Comments

    In case you haven't heard...

    http://hypebeast.com/blog/ericnakamura/2009/05/168/

    http://thegluttony.com/2009/05/12/dc-remix-by-mike-schinoda

    http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2009/05/06/dc-x-mike-shinoda-xander/

    My brand new WHITE AND GREEN super-limited-edition Xander shoe is now available for sale in the Mike Shinoda web store http://bandmerch.seenon.com/detail.php?p=87705&ecid=PRF-SM-700116&pa=PRF-SM-700116.

    From the release: Mike’s art, renditions of his latest work, is found on the upper, the insole, and the outsole; his signature is on the heel; and “limited edition” is embroidered in Japanese on the tongue.

    Very limited quantities are available for this release, so they are expected to go fast. By purchasing here, proceeds go toward the Michael K. Shinoda Endowed Scholarship at Art Center College of Design, benefiting students based on financial need and artistic merit. For a limited, time (while supplies last), get 20% off Mike Shinoda art pieces when you buy the new 2009 Xander shoe.

    That means 20% off the GICLEE PRINTS AND BOOKS as well (very good deal)...and sorry the shoe doesn't fit all of you...that's how it goes with limited editions.

    mike

  • iGive to Music For Relief

    April 21, 2009 27 Comments

    I just heard about iGive, a great site where you can donate money to Music For Relief by simply doing the online shopping you are already doing. Very easy, and a great way to help people in need without it costing you a penny!

    iGive.com is an internet company whose goal is to enable the economic power of individuals to benefit their chosen communities. iGive.com partners with over 700 of the web’s best stores, including Amazon.com, Pottery Barn, Lands’ End, Staples, eBay, PETCO, Expedia and QVC. From gifts to groceries, special occasions to everyday necessities, every purchase can help Music For Relief. Up to 26% of each and every purchase you make will benefit Music For Relief, and donation rates vary by store.

    When you shop, every penny of the advertised donation goes directly to Music For Relief.

    To join, use the following link: http://www.iGive.com/MusicForRelief, and Music For Relief will automatically be selected to receive your iGive earnings! You can create an iGive account in just a few moments. Also, your iGive account is totally free and private. They promise not to sell your email address or personal information to anyone (which is always nice).

    Check <iGive.com/shop> to see if your favorite store is on the list. Next to each store in the iGive Mall, you’ll see exactly how much of each purchase will be donated to Music For Relief. You can also try <iSearchiGive.com>, their search engine--you’ll raise a penny (or more!) every time you search the web.

    mike

    http://www.musicforrelief.org/

  • GLXS Tee Re-Stocked

    March 20, 2009 39 Comments

    image

    We just re-stocked the popular Glorious Excess Tee. Available in the MFR store, proceeds benefit MFR! Click below to get one.

    mike

    http://bandmerch.seenon.com/detail.php?p=84206&v=musicforrelief&SESSID=9d1a78c839613afde0a2e7dfaece3f13

  • MFR / STREET FIGHTER AUCTION

    February 26, 2009 22 Comments

    GO CHECK THIS VIDEO AND AUCTION OUT NOW! CUSTOM DESIGNED STREET FIGHTER ARCADE GAME CABINETS UP FOR BIDS – PROCEEDS BENEFIT MUSIC FOR RELIEF:

    <www.eBay.com/musicforrelief>

    Music for Relief is auctioning off STREET FIGHTER arcade game cabinets custom designed by artists MEAR ONE (http://www.mearone.com/), Otto Murga of SOTA TOYS (http://www.sotatoysonline.com/), Lemar and Dauley (http://www.lemaranddauley.com/), Scott Spatola and Mike McWhertor of Meat Bun (http://meatbun.us/blog/), and Jim Mahfood aka Food One of I AM 8-BIT (http://www.40ozcomics.com/). Each cabinet comes with a copy of Street Fighter IV for Xbox 360 or PS3 and a limited edition Chun-li figurine (only 700 were made). AUCTION ENDS MARCH 6TH.

    All proceeds from this auction benefit Music for Relief and the organization’s aid to victims of the wildfires in Victoria Australia.

    Again, the auction and video are now live at <www.eBay.com/musicforrelief>

    mike

    http://www.musicforrelief.org

Photos

  • The Good Life, Oyakodon, Fireworks, Neuphoria decks The Good Life, Oyakodon, Fireworks, Neuphoria decks 0 Comments