The world seems unreasonably negative today. That's the main reason Ventipop exists. I needed a place to visit each day where good things were still happening in the world. So, I created Ventipop. A place to find music instead of noise. A place to find art instead of images of terrorist attacks or gun violence. A place to celebrate creativity and design instead of a place that mocks those that think differently. A place where people like to read and think and laugh and cry, and maybe even have their opinions challenged instead of merely validated? Maybe? Hopefully.
The media is now owned by approximately two conglomerates whose two main concerns are ratings and, well, ratings. "If it bleeds, it leads." An old truth in journalism that may forever hold true. Are there any heroes left in 2016? And if they do exist, where can we find them? I mean, besides the ones dominating our movie theaters nowadays. Could it be the reason these superhero movies are so popular is because maybe, just maybe, we're all hoping someone will come along and save us from this negative, celeb-obsessed, shit-show of a snarky culture we've created. I think, maybe yes.
Despite everything you may see on the news and around the web, there are still people helping other people all over the world. Real heroes don't seek a spotlight or wear capes or have patents owned by D.C. Comics or Marvel. But they're out there. You just have to be willing to look. Ventipop's Grind #59 is a real life heroes list. Yep, even in 2016.
The People of Skala Sikamineas, Greece
"We were fishing for people instead of fish." - Skala Sikamineas, Greece has a population of 153 people. In 2015, these few yet remarkable heroes saved nearly half a million refugees lives which is documented in this short film, Ode To Lesvos.
The Tennessee School Counselor, Molly Hudgens
A 14-year-old middle school student in Ashland City, Tennessee came to school with a gun. He said he was going to kill some teachers and police officers. She talked him out of it.
The White Helmets
A newborn baby girl is saved from the rubble of a bombed building in Syria after two hours of digging by Abu-Kifah, a Syrian Civil Defense volunteer. He is a member of "The White Helmets" who have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this year as they have saved over 60,000 lives.
Lieutenant Kenneth Knox
This cop who saved a babies life and is now her Godfather.
Tashi and the Monk
The Story from Tashi and the Monk's official website:
Buddhist Monk Lobsang was trained under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama but 8 years ago he left behind a life as a spiritual teacher in the United States to create a unique community in the foothills of the Himalayas which rescues orphaned and neglected children.
5 year-old Tashi is the newest arrival. Her mother recently passed away and she’s been abandoned by her alcoholic father. Wild and troubled, Tashi is struggling to find her place amongst 84 new siblings.
Lobsang has channeled his own unhappy childhood into an opportunity for other ‘uninvited guests of the universe’ to avoid a similar fate. But Can the community’s love and compassion transform Tashi’s alienation and tantrums into a capacity to make her first real friend?
The Maid of Honor, The Best Sister
"Dog people are the best people." - This Maid of Honor goes above and beyond for her sister on her wedding day.
...The Last Drop
Guardian's of the Galaxy Hero, Starlord, has nothing on the real life hero, actor Chris Pratt.
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