We are the World for Philippines (COVER by Filipino Artists)

HAPPY NEW YEAR. Here's a positive, inspirational start to 2015.

There are several versions of this song. I love this one (above). I don't know their names but they are artists better known in the Philippines than the U.S. but because they are singing for their fellow countrymen, the spirit and sincere intensity comes through. There's a lot of talent on display here.

Unlike the other versions, including the one by big-name American artists, this version is not just raising funds, it's a "Thank You" to the rest of the world for the aid extended to victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Despite the massive amount of aid, the central Philippines is still recovering from the devastation wrought by Haiyan. On top of it all, another storm, Typhoon Ruby hit the same area a few months ago. Fortunately, it wasn't as powerful and the local and national government was better prepared.

Enjoy.  

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What would you do with $25,000?

GIVEN CARTE BLANCHE to spend $25,000 to promote the motion picture "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,"  instead, Casey Neistat decided to spend it helping the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Almost at the drop of the hat, he went to the Philippines and began handing out food and supplies. 

$25,000 sounds like a lot. But the need was so great that the money and supplies Neistat brought was just a drop in the bucket. But don't tell that to the hundreds of families that received the food and supplies. When it was all gone, he went back to the U.S. One person's act of kindness.

Its almost been a year since the largest storm ever recorded passed through the central Philippines and people are still recovering from the 2013 disaster that killed thousands and made millions homeless, and sent the region deeper into poverty. Mother Nature doesn't seem to give the Philippines a break.

Last May a BBC crew went back to see what progress had been made in rebuilding the area. Click here to see their report.

Unfortunately for Casey, the movie "Mitty" didn't do that well at the box office. It came and went from the local theaters so fast, that might say a lot about it's artistic value, but lack of promotion surely didn't help. 

 20th Century Fox is probably not too happy with what he did, but all I can say is, "thank you, Casey" on behalf of  the people of Tacloban City, which bore the brunt of the storm. You have your priorities straight. In your honor, I'm going to download "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" on Netflix. 

Ten months after the typhoon, its back to school for these children.