More often than not, rockers always get a bad name because the majority of them indulge in really lifestyles that have no moral values and set a bad example for the younger generation. Images of them unashamedly taking pride in their boozing and sleeping around is not something that many people can agree with.

However, it is a classic case of generalisation and a few bad apples spoiling the entire basket. And it is very refreshing to know that every now and then, there are the few shining examples of rockers who use their fame and visibility for good use.

Check out this video by Nickelback singing the song “If Everyone Cared” and I’m sure you’ll see another perspective of what rockers and singers such as themselves, Phil Collins and Bob Gerdolf have done to try and make this world a better place. The video is a little dated (Dec 2006), but it’s never too late to spread some good news right?

For those of you who read our post about Amnesty International, watch the video and you’ll get a little more information about them….

The impact of this music video is amplified by the fact that Nickelback’s recording company Roadrunner Records actually supports the spirit of this video by pledging to give 100% of the proceeds of the streaming video to charity. This is what they wrote:

“If Everyone Cared” explores the idea of everyone joining together to make the world better. All streams of this video generate money, 100% of which go to Amnesty International and International Children’s Fund Canada. Help out these worthy causes by sharing and embedding this video anywhere and everywhere.”

So go, and make a difference….

PS: How many of you managed to make it for the Read While Waiting Project (RWP) last weekend? If you were there, do send us the photos that you took cause we’d love to let the rest of world see photos of this project… send your photos to admin[at]simplyblatant[dot]com.

Imagine a world where every human being is able to exercise his / her freedom and is protected under the Universal Declaration of Human rights… doesn’t sound too hard does it? Sounds like humanity is almost there right?

Well, here is some information that will help put our worldview in perspective:

As of 30th May 2008, humans are still being tortured in at least 81 countries, face unfair trials in at least 54 countries and are not allowed to speak freely in 77 countries.

Awake yet?

These abuse of human rights are not happening in some far away country where you do not know the country… it’s happening in some of the biggest countries and in countries that could just be next to ours…

As part of our goal to be a conscience to community, blatant© is proud to introduce Amnesty International to the masses, and especially to blatant© readers.

Amnesty International was established in 1961 through the initiative of one man to help two Portugese students who were unjustly imprisoned. Over the years, Amnesty International has become a major force with a global membership of 2.2 million members in 150 countries.

Closer to home, Amnesty International Malaysia was established in 1999, and started with a total workforce of 1. Yes, One. Satu. Having been around in Malaysia for some 9 years, Amnesty International Malaysia is part of the changing Malaysian landscape that refuses to bow to injustice and that is shouting for change in the treatment of not just Malaysian citizens, but humanity as a whole.

Besides highlighting local issues, Amnesty International Malaysia is also involved in highlighting incidences and cruelty that continues to rear its ulgy head all over the world, including in so called first world and developed nations….

Here’s a good example (the words below the picture is absolutely hillarious!):

Going against the mismanagement of Zimbabwe and the injustice done to its people:

Speaking up against the atrocities in Myanmar…..

Against the death penalty in Iran:

And last, but definitely not least… here’s something familiar:

Amnesty International has taken the bold step of speaking up for those who cannot. We may not be able to join Amnesty International for whatever reason(s), but we can certainly speak up against injustice and defend those who cannot. After all, as part of the human race, these are our brothers and sisters who deserve justice and freedom as much we do.

For those who are interested, this was an Amnesty International Malaysia video report on Malaysia in 2007….

Read more about Amnesty International Malaysia here: http://www.aimalaysia.org/

For more information about its parent organization (Amnesty International), visit their website here: http://www.amnesty.org/

Most ladies have had to put up with cat calls at least once in their lives.…..And for some women, they unfortunately endure it on a very regular basis.

What’s even sadder is that there seem to be certain males who think that females were created solely for the pleasure and entertainment of men and that treating them like a piece of meat is fine. And then, there is the logic that the ladies seemingly “have” to accept any guy who dares to approach them. Otherwise, they’re just being stuck up and all that. All this is pretty baffling, even for a guy!

And so, being blatant©, we thought we would give ladies all around the world a hand. We came up with a t-shirt that would (hopefully) work two ways.. it would:

1. repel all the wannabes whose sole aim in life is to get laid and brag about it

2. challenge the real deal dudes who are interested in the person and move towards a meaningful relationship to step up to the fore

…cause hey, if a girl is wearing something that says “I’m mature than you’ll ever be, so don’t call me baby!”, you’d better bring your best game before you think about stepping up to the plate buddy!

GET YOUR blatant© T-SHIRT

This comes a little after the fact, but I believe that it’s never too late to appreciate those you love and hold dear…. with that in mind, here are a few pictures in honour of Father’s Day just passed…

NOTE: Special thanks to Hugo, tostadophoto, Diane Stevens, gerbrak and iikozen for the use of their photos

Have you ever wondered why so many people regard it as the awesome 80s? Even despite the vast advancement on all fronts that include the music, movie, medical, technology industry, till today, it is still known as the awesome 80s…..

Well, I grew up in the 80s and I can definitely assure you that the 80s were definitely awesome… it wasn’t the bad hair that they had back then….

	I dare you ladies to go out with hairstyles like these!!
It was kinda difficult to differentiate the guys and the girls back then!

Neither was it the outdated Atari game consoles that were available back then….

Remember this?? =)
	This was a luxury in those days!!

NO, I say! The 80s were awesome because of THIS:

If you don’t believe that the 80s were indeed awesome, just try and figure our how many cartoons from the 80s have been adapted into movies in recent history…

There were countless cartoons that I watched, but these are my Top Ten Favourite 80s Cartoons:

1. M.A.S.K.
2. Transformers
3. Robotech
4. G.I. Joe
5. Centurions
6. Silverhawks
7. Voltron
8. Ghostbusters
9. Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs
10. Smurfs

Feel free to share your favourite 80s cartoons with us too!