I would like to extend a personal invitation for you to join me at the 2011 CARE National Conference & International Women’s Day Celebration on March 8-10 in Washington, D.C.

We’re thrilled to announce that Mrs. Laura W. Bush, former first lady of the United States, and Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will deliver keynote addresses at this year’s conference. It would mean so much if you could join us to hear these engaging leaders talk about issues that affect poverty.

During the conference, we’ll celebrate the achievements women have made during the past century; learn more about issues affecting poor women and girls today; and meet with members of Congress to advocate for policies that benefit the world’s poorest people.

Learn more about this year’s exciting program, and register for only $125. Early registration ends January 31, so please sign up today.*

Thank you for partnering with CARE to help empower women and girls in the fight against global poverty.

I hope to see you in Washington,

Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH
President and CEO, CARE

Demand a world without poverty, REGISTER TODAY!

*This event is only open to U.S. residents. The registration fee is non-refundable.

For more information:
Phone: 877-394-3747 Toll Free
E-mail: nationalconference@care.org

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

15 Dirty Big Pharma Tricks | The Makings of a Better Future | 7 Reasons Capitalism Is Screwed

12/23/2010 Nativegrl77

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How to Keep Track of Our Crumbling Empire? Let’s Put Occupied Countries on Our Coins

There’s likely some international law against issuing currency for another country. But we shouldn’t let something like national sovereignty get in the way. READ MORE

By Jason Mark / AlterNet

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Was Atkins Right? Scientists Say Carbs — Not Fat — Are the Biggest Problem with America’s Diet

There’s a growing body of scientific evidence that until now has been treated as nutritional poison: Fat is good, carbs are bad. READ MORE

By Ed Bruske / Grist.org

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To the Gay Community: Now That You Can Join the Military, Please Don’t!

As we struggle to find a more civilized way to treat each other in this world, let us recognize the commonalities in the fight for gay rights and the fight to end war. READ MORE

By Medea Benjamin / AlterNet

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7 Reasons Why Capitalism Can’t Recover Anytime Soon

There are important social, political and economic developments that belie the rosy predictions of politicians. READ MORE

By Shamus Cooke / BuzzFlash

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11 Things You Need to Know About the Carcinogen Discovered in Drinking Water

When you see news reports about a cancer-causing chemical in drinking water everywhere you turn, you probably have a few questions. READ MORE

By Rebecca Sutton / AlterNet

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Police State: “Lefty” San Francisco Can Throw People in Jail For Sitting on a Sidewalk

Propelled by wealthy donors and business interests, a new sit-lie ordinance in San Francisco gives police the power to fine and arrest people for resting on the sidewalk. READ MORE

By Tana Ganeva / AlterNet

Harry Reid Gives Dan Choi His West Point Ring Back
By Steve Benen | Washington Monthly

First Responders Bill Finally Passes — Conservatives Who Exploited First Responders Stayed Silent
By Steve M. | No More Mister Nice Blog

Senate Finally Passes START — Kerry Rips Into GOP for Lying
By Joan McCarter | Daily Kos

Lying Sarah Palin Crowned “Misinformer of the Year”
By Julianne Escobedo Shepherd | AlterNet

John McCain Opposes Military Suicide Prevention Bill
By Julianne Escobedo Shepherd | AlterNet

Food Safety Bill to Finally Become Law
By Tara Lohan | AlterNet

Watch: Michael Moore Talks Wikileaks, Assange’s Rape Charge on Rachel Maddow
By Julianne Escobedo Shepherd | AlterNet

– Filmmakers Look Behind Hollywood’s Lens on Race

A group of activist filmmakers combat racism and make change inside and outside Tinseltown. READ MORE

By Greg Varner / ColorLines

15 Dirty Big Pharma Tricks That Rip You Off and Risk Your Health for Profit

Even during a recession, pharma is still the nation’s third most profitable sector. Here are some of the dirty tricks it employs to stay on top.READ MORE

Martha Rosenberg / AlterNet

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

We are here for a reason …a message from RAN

12/22/2010 Nativegrl77

With your help, RAN fights for forests like nobody else. With your support, we win. Make your tax-deductible year-end gift today.

Six months ago, I took on the job of leading this amazing and unbelievably committed organization—Rainforest Action Network.

Since then, not a day has gone by that I haven’t felt the weight of what my job means. We are on the front line of a fight that will determine what kind of world we live in, and what kind of world we leave behind. Every single day I am challenged. Excited. Honored.

Every day, my purpose is absolutely clear to me: to stand in solidarity with communities around the globe and do everything I can to protect the earth’s forests and climate.

I know I’m not the only one. I know you care very deeply about the same things. This is the time of year to make good on our commitments, and one way you can do this is by supporting Rainforest Action Network with a tax-deductible year-end contribution.

RAN is no ordinary organization–but you probably know that. We take on the biggest, most well-funded polluters and exploiters in the world–oil, coal, agribusiness and timber corporations–and we win. It sometimes takes years, but we persist, we fight, we organize, and we absolutely refuse to give up.

It took two years, but we finally forced eight major banks to acknowledge their role in destroying Appalachian communities and agree to severely limit funding of mountaintop removal. It took thousands of RAN activists speaking out, but this summer General Mills agreed to stop harming Indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems by sourcing only responsibly produced palm oil.

That’s what it takes to create change. It takes time, it takes courage, it takes passion–it takes RAN, and it takes you.

These victories are exactly what you support when you contribute to RAN. Unlike many organizations, we never take money from big business. We have no government money. This independence is what allows us to speak the truth no matter the consequences. It is the right thing to do, and it’s why RAN is here.

With victories though, comes increased opposition, and our opposition has deep, deep pockets. RAN’s annual budget is pocket change compared to the multi-national corporations who’d like to see us fail. That’s why your support matters so very much to RAN. We can’t keep this up without you.

So thank you in advance for your support. And thank you for being a part of Rainforest Action Network, for sharing our vision and our passion, and for fighting every single day for a just and thriving earth.

		In friendship,
		Rebecca Tarbotton Executive Director Rainforest Action Network Twitter: @BeckyTarbotton

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Bankrate.com

12/22/2010 Nativegrl77

Here are stories published today

5 car-buying tips for Frosty the Snowman | 2010-12-22

If you’re willing to brave the elements to car shop, these tips will help you get the best deal.

~ Recent Post

Help End Economic Insecurity – Your Gift Matched

12/22/2010 Nativegrl77

Many women and families are hurting in this fragile economy. The unemployment rate among women is the highest in a quarter-century. As many as 300,000 children are at risk of losing access to affordable child care. Yet much of the talk in Washington is about reducing the deficit and cutting programs that serve women and their families, even as the wealthiest Americans receive billions of dollars in tax breaks.

That’s not the right prescription for fixing the ailing economy. We will fight for policies that promote economic growth, create jobs, and support the economic well-being of women and families. We will work to protect and improve programs that give vital support to women and children, such as Social Security and child care assistance, and for fair and responsible tax policy.

Please join us in this fight — every dollar you donate will be matched dollar for dollar by our Board of Directors, up to a total of $60,000.

Throughout the last two-year session of Congress, the Center fought hard for these programs and more. We spearheaded the effort to expand funding for child care and Head Start in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, leading to the largest increase in federal funding for these programs in a decade.

We were instrumental in securing significant improvements in the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit in the same legislation and in winning a two-year extension of those improvements in the tax bill signed into law by the President last week. We helped secure billions of dollars in incentive payments for states to expand unemployment insurance coverage for women and low-wage workers, which 39 states have taken advantage of already.

In the coming year, we will fight for women’s economic security by:

Ensuring that Social Security is protected and strengthened — not cut in the name of deficit-reduction
Pressing for fair and responsible tax reform that raises adequate revenues and requires those with the greatest ability to pay their fair share
Improving access to high-quality, affordable child care so parents can earn a living and children can succeed in school.

When the new session of Congress begins in January, with many more Members hostile to programs that will support women and families, we will have our work cut out for us. In its 38 years, the Center has faced similar challenges before and prevailed — and with your help, we’ll win again. Thanks in advance for your generous support.

Sincerely,