International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Today, November 25, is the beginning of an international effort by activists to raise their voices and bring attention to the issue of gender-based violence and its damaging effects on women all over the world. The effort begins today, which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and culminates 16 days later on December 10, International Human Rights Day. The "16 Days Campaign" originated from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. They chose the dates, November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10, International Human Rights Day, in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights. This year's 16 Days Campaign is dedicated to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and underscoring the idea that human rights cannot be universal without human rights for women.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hundreds of thousands of women and girls are being raped and brutalized in a decade of conflict. As women's rights activist Immaculée Birhaheka described in this month's RAISE Hope podcast, women are "treated as things" and the poverty of women is "organized by the society." Yet it is because of the brave activism of women like Immaculée that the women of Congo have hope for their future and for their country.

Over the next 16 days, we have to stand in solidarity with Immaculée and the thousands of Congolese women and girls fighting for a better future by recruiting 16 friends to join RAISE Hope for Congo and sign the petition to President-elect Obama asking him to take immediate action to end the violence against women and girls in the Congo. And then ask those 16 friends to recruit 16 of their friends. Because when thousands of voices become millions of voices demanding an end to the violence, our leaders will act. Our voice is powerful.

We have no time to waste. Raise your voice now. Realize how powerful your voice can be.

Please watch the campaign video. Perhaps the video will convince you to raise your voice.


You can also see the online photo journal "Through Their Eyes"

Please don't turn away, thinking you can not do anything to help. You have your voice, and it's your greatest strength. Sign the petition.


Please share with family and friends. Our goal is to get at least 16 others to sign the petition each. Social bookmark it below to get the campaign further (stumble, reddit, digg, myspace, facebook, twitter, etc)

Forget Plastic. Buy a Stylish, Reusable Shopping Bag.

Society's plastic bag usage is estimated at well over 500 billion plastic bags annually, or almost 1 million per minute. Plastics do not biodegrade. They'll accumulate and persist on our planet for up to 1,000 years. Plastic bags cause over 100,000 sea turtle and other marine animal deaths every year when animals mistake them for food. Read the facts and figures regarding the true cost of plastic bags.
Each high quality reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime.

Stop using plastic bags and get yourself some reusable bags. Here's some eye-catching, cute bags you can purchase.

1. ACME Bags™ - Plastic Bags Blow™ Dual-Handled Tote

Made with Fair Labor / Fair Wages
Size: 14.5" H x 11.5" W x 6.5" D
Long handles: 25" loop
Short handles: 8.5" loop
Price: $9.95
Buy 4-9: $7.95 each
Buy 10 or more: $5.95 each
Buy here: reusablebags.com


2. Envirosax - Set of 5 Flora Pouch, Reusable Shopping Bags

Includes 5 bags and a storage pouch
Pouch size: 9" x 6"
Individual bag size: 19.5" x 16.5"
Individual rolled up bag size: 4" x 1.5" diameter
Handles: 18" loop
Set of 5: $37.95
Buy here: reusablebags.com


3. Organic Hemp Tote

Made of 100% organic hemp mesh fabric processed without the use of any chemicals. Made in Romania by a workforce that is treated fairly, paid above-average wages and provided with health and pension benefits.
Size: 15.75" x 17.5 x 3"
12" loop handles
Price: $8.95
Buy here: reusablebags.com


4. Eco-Chick Organic Cotton Shopping Bags- Set of four


Organic Cotton
17'' tall X 16'' wide X 4'' bottom gusset
Double enforced 2'' wide straps
5'' X 5'' pocket inside of the bag
Set of 4: $140.00
Buy here: greenhome.com


5. Gecko Traders - Recycled Market Bag

100% recycled from rice & feed bags originally used for transporting various goods in Asia. One of a kinds. Handcrafted in small batches by disadvantaged workers in Cambodia. Each bag sold helps provide sustainable living to Cambodian weavers & producers, many of whom are disabled/economically disadvantaged single mothers supporting households.
12" H x 18" W x 6" D
10" loop handle
Price: $22.95
Buy here: reusablebags.com


6. Reisenthel - Market Basket, Baroque Sand

Winner prestigious Design Plus award Durable, lightweight aluminum frame Tough, tear-proof polyester cover Collapsible, with removable supports on sides Sturdy bottom with rubber feet Soft rubber-grip handle Zip pocket inside Fair Wage / Fair Labor

19" x 12" x 11"
25 liter volume
Price: $39.95
Buy here: reusablebags.com


7. Get Hip Get Green Reusable Shopping Bag

Each sale will mean a donation to the children's environmental group "The Green Ambassadors" - Youth empowering youth.
Dimensions 13.5" H x 12.5"W x 8.5"D
1 for $6.00 or 5 for $25.00
Buy it here: thegreenloop.com


8. Love This Planet Reusable Shopping Bag

Each year over 1 million birds and sea mammals die from plastic ingestion or entanglement.
Dimensions 13.5" H x 12.5"W x 8.5"D
$6.00
Buy here: thegreenloop.com


10. Fair Trade Jute Recycle Shopping Bag

The bag features a 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' logo on the front and a 'shared earth' logo on the back. Every bag is handmade and printed by women and self-help groups at a fair trade project in Kolkata. The supplier is a member of BAFTS & IFAT.
Size H39 x W36cm.
Price: £3.87
Buy here: naturalcollection.com


11. Freedom Tree Shopping Tote

The Breast Cancer Site will fund 1.0 % of a mammogram for each Freedom Tree Shopping Tote purchased. Handmade by women rescued from a life of sex trafficking by a unique social enterprise called Freeset Bags in Calcutta, India. 100% natural, eco-friendly, and renewable jute fibers are used to make the bags.
14" T x 12" W x 4" D (35.5 x 30.5 x 10.2 cm)
Price: $12.00
Buy here: shop.thebreastcancersite.com


12.Waste Not, Want Not
100% RECYCLED COTTON SHOPPER TOTE

This 100% recycled tote is made with 80% post-industrial recycled cotton and 20% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Size: 18" W x 17" H
Price: $12.00
Buy here: uncommongoods.com


14. Envirosax Mikado Bag 3

Designed in Australia, founders Belinda and Mark David-Tooze ensure fair labor practices and wages in their Chinese factories, making these bags all the more desirable
(w) 16.5" x (h) 19.5"
Price: $10.00
Buy here: tobi.com


15. Envirosax Mikado Bag 5

Designed in Australia, founders Belinda and Mark David-Tooze ensure fair labor practices and wages in their Chinese factories, making these bags all the more desirable
(w) 16.5" x (h) 19.5"
Price: $10.00
Buy here: tobi.com

-More Envirosax bag designs


16. Canvas Recycle Tote

With a sturdy canvas construction, and the very recognizable recycle graphic in vibrant greens, the Canvas Recycle Tote features 22" handles, and an adorable olive green polka dot lined interior.
Measures 17" x 13"
Price: $36.00
Buy here: patinastores.com


17. Beau Soleil Beau Bag

Buy here: shopbop.com


18. Peas Recycle Tote

This reusable bag is both figuratively and literally green. Once you've carried your groceries home inside, simply fold it into the special green pea on the front.
Price: $12.74
Buy here: modcloth.com


19. Heavyweight Hemp and Organic Cotton Grocery Bag

Available colors: Black, Olive, and Purple.
Combining durable hemp and soft organic cotton, the Heavyweight Hemp / Organic Cotton Grocery Bag makes an excellent reusable tote bag stylish enough for everyday use around town.
14" H x 12" W x 7" D
17" handle length
5.5" x 5.5" exterior pocket
Price: $17.95
Buy here: reusablebags.com


20. Heavy Duty XL Hemp Tote

Colors available: Natural, Black, Sage, and Brown
Made of super strong 18 oz. hemp fabric. During the seller's trips to the grocery store they've noticed that using this one bag can cut down on 4-6 plastic shopping bags at a time.
Manufactured in a small town in the highlands of Guatemala by a small family business that pays special attention to quality. Fair Labor and Fair Wage.
Dimensions:
17" W x 15.5" H x 7" D
11" loop handles
Price: $32.95
Buy here: reusablebags.com


21. Gecko Traders - Recycled Wave Tote

100% recycled from rice & feed bags originally used for transporting various goods in Asia. Handcrafted in small batches by disadvantaged workers in Cambodia. Fully-certified Fair Trade Federation (FTF) member. Colorful, well designed & no two are exactly alike.
Dimensions:
14" H x 22.5" W x 8" D
Handles: 12" loop
Colors available: Blue/Green, Dark Pink/Orange, Green, and Blue.
Price: $35.95
Buy here: recyclebags.com


22. Envirosax - Organic Series, Hemp Bag Natural Green Script

Envirosax Organic Series bags are printed with vegetable-based inks and are all packaged in a recycled cardboard box that has been printed with organic soy-based waterless inks. Made from 100% fine grade hemp. Hip and stylish way to promote environmental sustainability and awareness.
Dimensions
Pouch size: 7.5" x 6"
Individual bag size: 19.5" x 16.5"
Max weight capacity: 22 lb
Handles: 17" loop
Price: $24.95
Buy here: reusablebags.com


23. Standard Reusable Shopping Bag

Dimensions: 13.5x12.5x8.5 "
Buy one at a Target Store (not available for purchase online)


24. Cotton Shopping Bag with Print (Heavy Canvas)

Two choices: "Take Action" (as shown in photo on left) and Grassroots Logo (as shown in photo on right)
Price: $6.95
Buy here: grassrootsstore.com


25. Organic Cotton Bold Bag (one of my favorites)






















BE BOLD! This bag says AND does it all. Get the message across to those still coveting the plastic bag.
Dimensions:
7'' tall X 16'' wide X 4'' with a bottom gusset for added strength
Price: $10.00
Buy here: bringyourownbag.ca























26. Natural Cotton / Tweet Tote

An original BYOB classic brought back by popular demand. The 'Tweet' bag will have you dreaming of Spring through those long winter nights.
Dimensions:
17'' tall X 16'' wide X 4'' with a bottom gusset for added strength.
Ethically made in Vancouver, BC CANADA.
Price: $10.00
Buy here: bringyourownbag.ca


27. Paper or Plastic? Just say 'Mi-Bag'

With four designs (Zebra, Cat, Birds (photo above), and Elephant), you're sure to find your Mi-Bag.
Mi-Bag holds a lot more than a regular plastic bag, but it can also fold into a small built-in pocket, so you can take it anywhere. body: W 18" x H 23" x D 7" pocket: W 6" x H 7". See how it works.
Price: $24.00
Buy here: id-adesigns.com

28. Flip & Tumbles' 24-7 Bag and Loopt Bag

24/7 Bag ($12.00):


Loopt Bag ($6.00):

Read about the two different styles: here
Buy here: flipandtumble.com

29. Baggu
Choose your size and choose from a variety of colors

- Baggu: A reusable shopping bag. Carry in your hand or over the shoulder. Holds the contents of 2-3 plastic grocery bags. 14" wide / 23" high / 5" deep. Folds into a flat 5" by 5" pouch. Holds 25 lbs. $8.00
- Baby Baggu: A small reusable shopping bag. Perfect for your lunch, a six pack, extra shoes, a trip to the corner market. 10" wide / 18" high / 4" deep. Folds into a flat 4" by 4" pouch. Holds 25 lbs. $6.00
- Big Baggu: A big reusable shopping bag. Carry in your hand or over the shoulder. 18" wide / 32" high / 7" deep. Folds into a zippered 7" by 7" pouch. Holds 25 lbs. $14.00
Buy here: baggubag.com


30. Skeeda Reusable Totes

Comes in 11 different styles, including polka dot and other fashionable designs.
Holds 2-3 times as much as normal plastic bags, so you’ll carry fewer bags.
Dimensions:
17" wide x 14 1/2" high with a 3" gusset
11 1/2" handles (fits over your shoulder)
Price: $15.00
Buy here: skeeda.com


31. This Bag is Garbage Tote



Crafted from the colorful plastic bags that litter the streets of New Delhi, these totes are made using a unique non-toxic process that melts the bags together to create a durable material. Fair trade. 3 designs to choose from.
15 x 12 x 5.5 (in.)
Price $44.95
Buy here: originalgood.com


32. Rootote Medium- Stripe

Size: 42(L) x 32(H) x 14(W)cm
Price: A$20.00
Buy here: rootote.com

Buy a reusable bag, and help make plastic bags history.


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Unite Against the "War on Terror's" Human Rights Abuse

Unsubscribe is a movement of people united against human rights abuses in the 'war on terror'. The threat of terrorism is real, but having no regard for human rights is not the answer. From Guantanamo Bay, rendition, torture and waterboarding – we unsubscribe.

Every person that unsubscribes makes a difference to this campaign as together our voice will be louder and stronger. As the movement grows so will the attention it receives by the media and the government.

CIA interrogation methods:
- Waterboarding
- Stress Position
- Forced Nudity
- Belly Slap
- Sleep Deprivation

This films shows a performance artist undergoing, for real, interrogation techniques permitted in the CIA Handbook. Warning: Some may find the content disturbing. Please turn your speakers up.

Waterboarding:


Seen enough?:

Ways you can help this cause:

Sign your name along with the thousands who put human rights first

They did. Will you?



Dick Cheney confessed to a war crime. Prosecute him. "I was a big supporter of waterboarding," boasted Cheney. Please sign.

Close Gitmo Petition. Sign.

Tear Down Guantanamo and U.S. illegal detention one pixel at a time. Tear it down!




This needs to end.

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Have Unused and Expired Medications? Give To Take-Back Programs.

Most people have a cabinet or area in their home used to store medication. I bet if you took a look in there you would find old, unused medications. Unfortunately, the US Office of National Drug Control Policy still advises people to flush medicine down the sink or toliet or throw them in the garbage.

The truth is, flushing medications only leads the medication to end up back in our tap water and cause defects in animals. Increasing amounts of prescription drugs and personal care products are being detected in U.S. rivers, waterways, and groundwater. Wastewater treatment facilities are not equipped to “filter out” these chemicals, so drugs like antidepressants, cholesterol reducers and antibiotics are being detected in drinking water supplies. The risk to humans and animals of long-term exposure to these contaminants in drinking water is unknown.

So what can we do with our unused and old medication? Luckily, "drug take back" programs are rising. There are facilities that can and will take your unused and outdated medicines and properly dispose of them. A lot of pharmacies are taking part in this. I found that the majority of locations follow these rules: Pill bottles, blister packs, ointment tubes, and leak-proof liquid containers are all acceptable. Remove or black out any personal information on the label to protect your privacy, but make sure the drug name is still visible. They do not accept scheduled drugs.  Police stations do take scheduled/controlled drugs.

If you do not see a location near you, please do not flush your medications. Instead:

Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers

Mix the prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as coffee grounds or cat litter

Put the mixture in an empty can or sealable bags and throw in the trash

When possible, return prescription drugs to pharmaceutical take-back locations

Locations by State (I will update as much as possible)

**Update: CVS announced yesterday that all of its 7,200 locations will now offer customers an affordable way to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications.

California:

- Cloverdale
- Cotati
- Gualala
- Guerneville
- Healdsburg
- Los Angeles County "Safe Drug Dropoff" Locations 
- Petaluma
- Rohnert Park
- San Francisco
- Santa Rosa
- Sebastopol
- Sonoma
- Willits
- Windsor
Search CalRecyle for a location


Connecticut
- Information

Illinois
- Chicago
- Henry County

Maine
- The Safe Medicine Disposal for ME program

Massachusetts
- Arlington
- Braintree
- Fall River

Michigan
- Washtenaw County

Minnesota
- Chisago County

Missouri
- St. Louis

New York
- Westchester County

Oregon
- Information


Utah
- Handled by Law Enforcement with locked, mounted steel collection bins in the lobbies of their stations

Vermont
- St. Albans

Washington
- Clark County
- King County
- Kitsap County
- Pierce County
- Snohomish County
- Spokane County
- Thurston County

If you know of locations that have take-back programs, please contact me so I can add them to this list. As you can see, there are many states missing. Please send any information to WorldEvolved@gmail.com

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Photo Reactions Around the World of Obama Being Elected President (Pictures)

These photos show the reaction to Barack Obama becoming President of the United States.

Update February 9, 2010: Although I am very disappointed with Obama, I decided to keep this post up. I think it shows how much his promises meant to people. And now those promises have been broken. So these picture serve as an event in history.


Athens, Greece


Atlanta, Georgia USA


Basra, Iraq


Beijing, China


Chicago, IL USA


Chicago, IL USA


Chicago, IL USA


Dakar, Senegal


Denmark


Fort Lauderdale, FL USA


Hawaii USA


India


Indiana USA


Iraq


Jakarta, Indonesia


Japan


Jerusalem, Israel


Kenya


Kenya


Kenya


Madrid, Spain


Manila, Philippines


New Delhi, India


New York City, NY USA


New York City, NY USA


Paris, France


Philadelphia, PA USA


Philadelphia, PA USA


Puri, India


Shanghai


Sydney, Australia


Washington, DC USA


Moscow, Russia


Detroit, MI USA


New York City, NY USA


Paris, France


Vancouver, Canada


Nairobi, Kenya


Washington, DC USA


Rome, Italy


Detroit, MI USA



Columbus, OH USA


Geneva, Switzerland


Hempsted, NY USA


Rio De Janeiro, Brazil


Tampa, FL USA


Soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan


Bangkok, Thailand


Hamburg, Germany


Hong Kong


Naples, Italy


New Delhi, India


New York City, NY USA


Celebrating with Champagne in Lethbridge, AB, Canada


Franklin County, NC


Buenos Aires, Argentina (thanks to: blmurch)


Amsterdam, Netherlands


Hong Kong


Kenya


London, England


Paris, France


Palestine


Berlin, Germany


New York City, NY USA

Indonesia


Japan


Naples, Italy


Paris, France


Harlem, NY USA (Thanks to Lyssa Mandel for the picture)


Tehran, Iran


St. Petersburg, Russia


Chicago, IL USA (Thanks to Martin Murphy for the picture)


Chicago, IL USA (Thanks to Martin Murphy for the picture)


Chicago, IL USA (Thanks to Martin Murphy for the picture)


Chicago, IL USA (Thanks to Martin Murphy for the picture)


Washington, DC USA (Thanks to Anita)


Washington, DC USA (Thanks to Anita)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to Lily Sloane for the picture)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to Lily Sloane for the picture)


San Franciso, CA USA (Thanks to Lily Sloane for the picture)


Johannah and Dennis celebrating in San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to Lily Sloane)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to people of Valencia @ 19th St.)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to people of Valencia @ 19th St.)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to people of Valencia @ 19th St.)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to people of Valencia @ 19th St.)


NYC, NY USA - @ Angels and Kings (Thanks to Paul Birman)


New York City, NY USA


Minneapolis , MN USA (Thanks to Morgan for the picture)


Minneapolis , MN USA (Thanks to Morgan for the picture)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to Kate for the picture)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to Kate for the picture)


Milwaukee, WI USA (Thanks to Rochelle, Quinn, Tony, Alicia, and Molly)


Milwaukee, WI USA (Thanks to Rochelle, Quinn, Tony, Alicia, and Molly)


Birmingham, AL USA


Columbus, OH USA


Hamburg, Germany


Harlem, NY USA


Rome, Italy


Virginia Beach, Virginia USA


Seoul, South Korea


Sydney, Australia


New York City, NY USA


Chicago, IL USA (By Shane Welch)


Chicago, IL USA (By TC)


Chicago, IL USA (By Nick Agro)


New York City, NY USA (By Alex Nathanson)


Palo Alto, CA USA (By Luca + Nadia Prasso)


Tufts University in MA, USA (By Ian MacLellan)


Harlem, NY USA (By Christopher Smith)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to people of Valencia @ 19th St.)


San Francisco, CA USA (Thanks to people of Valencia @ 19th St.)


Berkeley, CA USA (By Sean McMahon)


New York City, NY USA (Thanks to Patricia for the picture)



Madrid, Spain


**Please feel free to use information and link to this website and any postings, but please give credit, preferably with hyperlink. I am happy to help with your research. **

**If you have any reaction pictures to Obama being elected from anywhere in the world, you can send them to me and I will post them here. WorldEvolved@gmail.com**

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