In the Face of Recession, Charitable Donations Larger than Ever

US

Despite growing concerns about the economy last year, Americans donated a record amount of money to charitable organizations. Soaring over 300$ million for the first time, the donation was up around 4% from what it was in 2006.

For details, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,371025,00.html

God(dess)(e)(s) Bless the USA

A recent study conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life showed that 70% of Americans agree that 'many religions can lead to eternal life.' Of the 2/3rs of Americans polled, 80% of those who support religious tolerance towards other faiths were Jews, Hindus and Buddhists. Majorities of Evangelical Christians, Muslims, and Catholics also agreed. This finding is based on telephone interviews with over 35,000 adults conducted in the early summer of 2007. Since the majority of Americans also answered that they were in fact religious, this study points out that while religious affiliation is alive and well in the U.S., tolerance and support for religious diversity in the nation is as well.

For a much more detailed article on the state of religious beliefs and their political implications, including a nifty, easy-to-read bar graph, y voila the original article from the IHT:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/24/america/religion.php?page=1

And here's the Pew Survey homepage: http://pewforum.org/

The First Female with Four Shining Stars

Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody is the first woman in U.S. history to be nominated as a 4 star general. A graduate of the State University in New York Cortland who possesses graduate degrees in national resource strategy and logistics management, Dunwoody was also the first woman to recieve a third star. The number of 4 star generals that can be nominated is very limited, and generals serve limited terms. There are currently 12 four-star Army generals, 11 four-star Air Force generals and 3 four-star Marine generals. Most frequently, active-duty personel rise in rank by distinguishing themselves with leadership in combat situations. Since women are excluded from combat duty under Department of Defense regulations, for Dunwoody to rise so far so rank required extrordinary demonstration of her leadership skills over the 33 years she has been serving.

If the U.S. Senate confirms her appointment, which they are expected to do, Lt. Gen. Dunwoody will serve as head of the Army's supply arm.

Upon news of her nomination, she reported feeling extremely honored and explained "I grew up in a family that didn't know what glass ceilings were."

Whether she knew what they were or not, with woman like Dunwoody, limits for women will continue to come tumbling down-oh.

More information on other extraordinary female leaders in the military: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/23/woman.general/index.html

For an explanation of military rankings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_(United_States)