I love the art direction in this music video “Stand Right There” from Canadian singer Laura Peek. The director is Ante Kovac - Ante you rock! Buy The Album at www.justfriends.ca

The Nike Foundation just released this sweet video to promote social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society. More info at http://www.girleffect.org.

Plus, watch documentaries about girls around the world on the Girl Effect YouTube channel.

‘Tis summer and apparently that means it’s time for lots of video contests - including two chances to win a Flip Video camera!

1) Activate wants to feature your citizen journalism photos and videos for a chance to win a Flip Video camera and other prizes:

News shouldn’t be a spectator sport. The best stories engage you with the world. They are a call to activate. To celebrate our 100th Issue, we are stepping out of the mainstream-media box. We want to showcase the stories that activate your universe. Enter here to win some great prizes by sharing your story on our Flickr ™ group.

2) WE Can Solve the Climate Crisis wants suggestions for their “Unlikely Alliance” series:

You may have seen the ads already. Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich. Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson. Complete opposites. But there they are, together, on a couch. Addressing climate change brought them together. Now it’s your turn to come up with the next pairing for the couch. Tell us what famous pairs would motivate the rest of America to put aside differences to solve the climate crisis. Click here to watch the ads and nominate the next “Unlikely Alliance.”

Here’s one they’ve already done with Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson. Personally, I’d like to see Bill Gates and Steve Jobs appear together…

3) Americans for Informed Democracy is offering a chance to win a Flip Digital Camcorder through their Rights Camera Action Video Contest:

“For the past six months, student groups across the country have been organizing innovative campaigns around global human rights issues and documenting their experiences on film. From labor rights to access to essential medicines, and from fair trade to divestment, these campaigns have touched upon a myriad of pressing human rights issues. Vote for your favorite video here and be entered to win a free Flip Digital Camcorder!”

The Trailhead blog on Slate posted a funny roundup about the way media outlets tried to describe Barack and Michelle Obama’s fist pump on Tuesday night. No matter what they call it, it was pure hotness:

A charming spot from French children’s video site Tiji:

Thanks to Megsie S. for the tip!

A wonderful little profile of Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden from WNYC radio’s Street Shots video series. As Gilden searches for characters walking down the streets of Manhattan, he doesn’t hesitate to put his camera in a stranger’s face and snap a flash photo. Don’t bother yelling at him because he’ll come right back at you with some Brooklyn attitude. And for god’s sake, don’t smile! Visit WNYC’s Street Shots website for more videos and a chance to share your own Street photographs.

And for those of you who still listen to the good old radio, I highly recommend another WNYC offering: Radiolab.

Definitely one of the strangest videos I’ve come across lately…What is up with the choir? Check out Windfall Films for more info.

Now that it’s finally starting to feel like summer, say goodbye to the cold with the unusual sound compilation Fare You Well - Songs After Winter which we discovered on the always wonderful MULE magazine blog. It’s the first album released by the brand new Reelfoot Library of Music and Sound, the sister establishment to Reelfoot Books. They plan to release tracks of rare, common, and previously unheard recordings 2-3 times a year. As the website states, they are always accepting donations of original songs and sound collages.

“Reelfoot Library of Music and Sound is interested in everything audible, even some things that aren’t. If you run across an unusual sound bite or hear something that makes you feel happy, send it to us. We will file it away in just the right place. Sing a song and give it to us. Read a poem into your dictaphone and let us have it. Contributors will receive an official Reelfoot Certificate of Participation and be a permanent addition to our mailing list. 2-3 times a year, you will receive a CD containing samples from our collection, curated by Chris Roberson - founder, director, conservator, and Minister of Visuals for both The Library and Reelfoot Books.”

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit that I have yet to sign up for Twitter. I know it’s supposed to bring the experience of chatting, blogging and text messaging all into one fun and easy-to-use package but I’m still skeptical about why anyone needs to know that I’m flossing my teeth (yeah right) or eating chocolate for breakfast (more likely). This video from Wired pretty much sums up my feelings, though I’m still open to being converted…

Special thanks to Arthur Plotnik, author of Spunk & Bite, for the tip!

Thanks to Treehugger.com, I just found two great videos made by German companies that spread the message of alternative energy in surprising ways.

“Mr.W” was created by Epuron in association with the German Ministry for the Environment. I don’t want to give away the details so just watch it below:

“Hail: Return of the Sun” is an ad campaign by Solon AG Fuer Solartechnik, manufacturer and distributor of solar cells and photovoltaic power panels, which operates in Germany and Switzerland. Some people think it’s a bit violent but I’m sort of glad they’re forceful with this important message.