A must read for every college kid heading back to campus!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:12:35 -0400

Credit Card Tips for College Students

Now that you're making financial decisions for yourself, be sure to protect yourself from credit card tricks and traps. Here are some tips to consider before you break out the plastic. Adapted from "Credit Card Tips for College Students,” Consumers Union...

What Will Mac ’n’ Mae Cost You and Me?

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:30:11 -0400

THE inevitability of a taxpayer-funded bailout of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the hobbled mortgage behemoths, shook investors last week, and shares in both companies plummeted on fears that existing stockholders would be wiped out.

These government-sponsored entities guarantee or hold $...

That Student Loan, So Hard to Shake

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:28:08 -0400

MOST people struggling to pay off their student loans keep quiet about it. They do not want to acknowledge that, perhaps in a fit of naïve, youthful optimism, they borrowed more than they could handle.

Then there is Alan Collinge, who for years has described his struggle with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt to anyone who will listen. He has appeared on “60 Minutes” criticizing...

Avoiding College's Plastic Hangover

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:25:34 -0400

The immediate gratification of using plastic to buy an iMac, tickets to a Coldplay concert and nights of bar hopping has a way of coming back to haunt college students after graduation.

Despite their lack of a credit history and sizable student loans, most college students can get their hands on credit cards with as much ease as a swipe. And they're often lured into doing so with awards like free T-shirts. Along with the freebies, however, come some not-so-pleasant surprises: high interest rates and a range of fees and penalties.

As It Tried to Increase Its Business, Company Gave Risks Short Shrift, Documents Show

In January 2007, as years of loose mortgage lending were about to send the nation's housing market into devastating decline, Fannie Mae chief executive Daniel H. Mudd wrote a confidential memo to his board.

Discussing the company's successes,...

'Liar loans' threaten to prolong mortgage crisis

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:28:06 -0400

We Did It!

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:23:52 -0400

The Federal Reserve Board received an astounding 56,000 comments from the public regarding its proposal to curb credit card practices. In fact, we broke a record - this is the most comments the Fed has ever received on any of their proposals!

The message is clear: we're fed up with credit card tricks and traps!

Legislative Update: Posted by Sarah Byrnes on Caveat Emptor July 30, 2008 Permalink

Or at least credit card debt is, apparently. Our Partner CFED released

New comment! - I Am NOT My Credit Score: I Am So Much More

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:45:09 -0400

My most recent understanding about all of this is that credit is unconstitutional. I am careful researching this stuff now and speaking about it because when I was heavy into it, there were some pretty obvious signs given to me to stay back. One time it was so blatant! A tractor trailer came head on in my lane and ran me off of the road. I know psychic interference when I see and feel it. Whether I imagined the connection the signs had to my desire to help people break free of this system of cards is relatively irrelevant. Anyone can tune into their emotional body with a little practice an...

Alliance Accepted! - Common Good Finance

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:45:59 -0400

New comment - ChicoBag founder Andy Keller on landfills, Bikram Yoga and his beef with plastic

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:02:30 -0400

it was great to meet Chico Bag at the Go Green Expo... hope to catch you guys next year ;)

Alliance Accepted! - Matthew Gassen

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:00:50 -0400

New comment! - Oil IS Everything

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:52:32 -0400

Thanks! I'm working on the audio version, but who knows?! :) I certainly appreciate the feedback. It's important to lead by example and by insight... the concept that one must be the change they wish to see in the world is one that I hope many many more people embrace in increasingly daring and diverse ways! Spreading the message and the sign, daily: Li Li

New comment! - Oil IS Everything

Sat, 31 May 2008 20:08:54 -0400

Great lyric LiLi, when can we hear you sing the podcast version? You're a great Climate Change Agent! You are right to bring our attention to the omnipresence of oil - sitting comfotably in our plastic covered chair it's too difficult to imagine a post-oil world. I am tapping on plastic keys here in Beijing China, where 1,000 cars are being added to the newly congested streets everyday... One Thousand new oil burners a DAY! Imagine if we were still getting our oil from whales, would people still be happy to selfishly waste that precious resource? That's the problem of course....

New comment! - Oil IS Everything

Sat, 31 May 2008 09:36:03 -0400

I did not want to sully the bliss of the satire above by adding this in the actual article so I am adding content here! Apologies... This piece is to highlight what is NOT usually obvious in our society in regards our dependence upon oil. Oil saturates, quite literally, our entire existence in the West. It is the core material that provides us with (thus-far) cheap consumer goods, abundant single-use medical supplies, packaging for food and the above-mentioned consumer goods; and let us acknowledge that oil provides us the means with which mass production of food, clothing, entertai...

New comment - Going Green At The Banyan Resort

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:55:50 -0400

I had no idea it existed! And so close to where I live! The rowdy aspect of Key West was never my thing, and I've been looking for a reason to go back and introduce my husband to the island in a way that might be appealing to him (it's not exactly a vegan paradise). Thanks for the tip.

New comment - No Longer Vegan

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:31:06 -0400

I'm going the opposite direction with my project, "I'm Vegan", embracing the term and portraying dozens of vegans to achieve a normalizing effect that will also hopefully demonstrate that no two vegans are exactly alike.

New comment - More At Stake than the Gold

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:47:30 -0400

I'd really appreciate if you could spend some time reading the post above. I am a Chinese Canadian who was born in China and immigrated to Canada at 10. I have witnessed the drastic changes and development in China over the last decade. I have access to both sides of the media and seen much more coverage on the Tibet protest by the western media, but not so much on the pro-China side, if any, it's always followed by satiric tones. I don't want to discuss if it's deliberate conspiracy, I am speaking out to urge the westerners see both sides of the story of this issue instead of believing w...

New comment - More At Stake than the Gold

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:27:36 -0400

"China occupied Tibet over fifty years ago and Tibet has been trying to break free ever since. Over the years, major human rights issues amongst the Tibetans have surfaced â€“ ranging from slave labor to killing frenzies by the Chinese." It's true that the Tibet protestors have taken the advantage of this world event to speak for themselves, but many facts that they present to the west are wrong. 1. Dalai Lama had a slavery/feudal regime before he escaped to India. He and the monks held the most power while 95% of Tibetans were slaves without education and any rights, not to speak of t...

New comment - Fight toxic chemicals

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:27:58 -0400

Thanks, I should have added, we've got a "write a quick CPSC reform letter to editor" section to our website Ed

New comment - Rethos Announces An Exciting New Alliance

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:33:00 -0400

Good point. But it's great that people may learn more about what Rethos is about by association? Maybe there's more of a chance to make a difference!

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:50:07 -0400

I was reminded by someone who commented on my blog (www.animalperson.net) that Dr. Will Tuttle's World Peace Diet: Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony (http://www.amazon.com/World-Peace-Diet-Spiritual-Harmony/dp/1590560833) is great for people on a spiritual path, as well as those interested in doing the right thing for the planet and all its inhabitants. Tuttle talks about some of the main points here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLgGnP0pWzM Here are some Tuttle quotes, as well as some of my own connections: --"Seeing beings rather than things." --We are attached to food...

New comment - Cleaning Up Soap: Why The Bronner Family Is Washing Out A Few Mouths

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:44 -0400

Awesome article! It's all Dr. Bronner's for me here on out. I learned a lot from this.

New comment! - ipod Nation

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:29:15 -0400

JustinTruax: I respect your choices and your opinion... for a more thoughtful response to your comment, check out my comment over at the blog "Technology: Isolating us or keeping us safe?" by pinksiete.

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:20:07 -0400

I agree Mary that government and culture does a magnificent job at hiding where our food comes from - and that indeed "who" our food comes from. Society is so ingrained in "exceptions" from myths of the "food group" to religious ceremony. If there's a reason to use/misuse an animal there will be a taker every time. Living now as veg*an for 5 years or so, I frequently revisit that previous (un) consious place I was at before.... I see it now as a place of numbness - and of denial. A place of un-health, spiritually and physically. If we are ever to square up our morals concerning animal...

New comment! - ipod Nation

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:15:23 -0400

I agree with you to a very little extent. Yes, from the ages 4-12 I believe they don't need to be so secluded from society. They need to meet new friends and learn more and everything. At one point though, you get to the age where you don't want to take part in a world so corrupt full of lies and killing. So you turn on your I-pod, it's a nice way to get away from EVERYTHING that is bothering you. Because music in reality is the best escape for anybody. We listen to it for relaxation, we listen to it for distraction, we listen to it for anything really. Another thing is that with the...

New comment! - ipod Nation

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:21:05 -0400

Great article. Youâ€™re right about the â€œiâ€ phenomenon, it does put people in their own little â€œpodâ€. It IS concerning that it could be cutting people off meeting people. I mean, would YOU try to start a conversation with someone busy with their tech toy? I was actually thinking that yesterday as I watched people in a park and on a popular street in the University area of Edmonton Alberta. I saw people with earbuds in and out in a social setting and wondered how they expect to meet people if they couldn't hear someone say "hi" to them. I wondered if they even thought of it. ...

New comment! - ipod Nation

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:19:06 -0400

I completely agree with you Li Li. I am also disappointed by the younger generation that I see on the bus and elsewhere that choose to shut themselves off from opportunities to interact with others as they caccoon themselves in their music with Ipods and other things plugged into their heads. The world is getting less and less friendly all the time!

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:43:57 -0400

This has been a tricky issue for me, having to define morality and ethics, life and necessity. I agree, culture and history are not a valid arguments, for a variety of reasons. Eating a vegan diet may be appropriate, but I believe a very limited meat diet (perhaps once a month) is healthier because animals have chemicals plants just don't. I also believe animals should be picked out from the wild, not kept in unnatural environments. As long as they are picked out in proportions that ensure the survival of the species, it follows my moral guidelines. If I could convert sunlight in...

New comment - Cooperative Based Society

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:52:37 -0400

Thanks, that's a really good point, the words have been so corrupted they've lost their traditional meaning. Freedom means slavery, peace means war. We should be careful to define our terms. We definitely need to find an economic system that finds the strengths of capitalism and democratic socialism.I believe the common good bank does this. Politics is part of our daily lives, whether we like it or not, wherever there are decisions to be made and power and authority differentials, politics is there. The goal is to have everyone educated and empowered, to ensure self-determination...

New comment - Rethos Announces An Exciting New Alliance

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:26:12 -0400

I know this has nothing to do with Rethos, but it's really annoying that the "Alternative Channel" uses the Anarchy symbol without explaining the anarchist principals behind the site. Here's what I mean: They say they want to: "deliver information without depending on corporate services." This is a way of many to many communication which fits with anarchist ideals. Of course there are things about it that go completely against these ideals, like the whole idea of a copyright for instance. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Commons and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyleft to...

New comment - More At Stake than the Gold

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:16:11 -0400

At the heart of any of the Olympic protests, I believe, is the contrast between the feelings of unity and harmony that the games are supposed to promote, and the cold hard truth about the way many people and countries operate. Having a country like China host these "world games" is an oxymoron, because their government does not practice unity, or acceptance. It seems there will always be this divide, at least as long as the world continues to operate as it does. Where can the line be drawn?? It is up for us as world citizens to decide... and to speak out when we see injustice. We are...

New comment - Cooperative Based Society

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:14:20 -0400

Very well written. I must say that I am reaching a point where I do not want to use the words 'Democracy / Republican' or 'Capitalism / Socialism" for the obvious reason that society has associated the wrong 'term' to each. Though the pros to each are legitimate and valid; we need to stop pointing fingers and picking sides--rather find a nice balance of each and utilize their advantages accordingly. Life should not be coordinated with politics entirely--are we forgetting that we are human beings? I always though human society looked out for each other no matter their race/religio...

Alliance Accepted! - lynx

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:15:51 -0400

Ally Request - Laine

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:10:06 -0400

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:00:23 -0400

Richard, Of course, I respectfully disagree. If it is not morally justifiable to take the life of another without necessity--and it is not necessary for us to eat animals--then deciding to eat meat cannot be called ethical. It doesn't matter what we've done in the past or why. What we know, right now, is that the animals we slaughter unnecessarily are sentient. They experience pleasure, pain, boredom, frustration and terror. And they are "subjects of a life." They are subjects of their own lives. And those lives deserve respect, which comes in the form of not subjugating and slaughtering t...

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:45:08 -0400

Lucid writing. But, many people make many excuses to eat what they find tasty. Yet, others have considered the ethical implications of their diet and decided eating meat is indeed moral and justifiable. Aside from the fact human evolution was made possible from the consumption of meat, cows do something we just can't, they turn grass into valuable proteins. Our agricultural system is a much bigger problem than is the meat industry, as the former reinforces the latter. It kills entire species, polluting and suffocating ecosystems. Eating a tofu burger from commercial soy is just ...

New comment - Cooperative Based Society

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:10:16 -0400

Well we agree on that, Paul. Also though, people should take a little while to understand why to switch their money over, and how it will be affect them and their community. Once a few banks work, kinks will be worked out, and the proof of concept will persuade people who would be too skeptical to join. I really hope it works too, and I have a feeling it will. The common good dollars is definitely an issue that will elicit contention. To start off with you just get a certain amount of common good dollars, the tricky part comes when you pay participating merchants in common good dollars whi...

New comment! - ipod Nation

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:26:22 -0400

Richard, You write so thoughtfully and eloquently about a point I had not really considered when I wrote this article: you state "people only desire so many people in their social network, some more than others...", and this is very true. I suppose it is even more true in our modern era than it was in previous ones, before industrialization and before we became inundated by sensory input. So much is asked of people in the West: time, energy, attention all go towards material security and accumulation... and most people work around other people that they otherwise would not have any ass...

New comment - Cooperative Based Society

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:58:43 -0400

I really like the idea of the Common Good Bank. However it is very complex and takes a good half an hour to understand. I believe that in order to acquire the necessary support it needs to be explained in a simple format. Also people may be suspicious about trading in their currency for common good dollars. I know I wouldn't feel that easy about it. This is not to say that I am not fully in support, I just hope it works. I am looking forward to seeing how the first couple of banks work out.

New comment - More At Stake than the Gold

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:00:45 -0400

Denise, Good questions and a great prompt for discussion. My thoughts on world unity are nuanced. I believe that humans have the potential to achieve world peace - but then again, potential is only so good as it is capitalized on, and whether there is a realistic possibility for world peace is another question all together. However, we must strive so long as there is any hope at all, as daunting as the task may seem. Thanks again for the piece. What do other people think about world unity and the Olympic boycott more specifically? Eli

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:09:01 -0400

Mary, Thanks again for another pointed piece about animal rights and veganism. I must admit that I am one of those people you refer to in the piece that still rationalizes the consumption of dairy. However, I am well aware of the hypocrisy of my decision - I have just been unable to must the energy to change my lifestyle while being a college student. However, it is something I think about enough, and that I one day hope to reconsider thoughtfully. I have an article request for you! Can you write a piece regarding whether or not the consumption of dairy/meat that would otherwise go b...

New comment! - ipod Nation

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:45:31 -0400

In the end I'm pretty sure this technology will allow us to keep and create more connections. People put up with crappy commercial radio because the radio brings them something new, so when wifi becomes ubiquitous, media devices will stream radio from around the globe. I find that most people on buses in Houston don't have any books or headphones, yet continue to sit in silence. We just see so many strangers throughout the day we become desensitized to the presence of other people. This phenomenon began with the industrial revolution and the need for cities and mass transportation. ...

New comment! - ipod Nation

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:40:14 -0400

James, This is a good thing, and it's the blessing or benefit of such technology. I love music and I love literature. Both modes of expression enrich us in ways we can't even begin to measure! I am cautious, however, of those things we use to make ourselves "content" at the expense of losing our integration with our greater community. Thanks for the feedback!

New comment! - ipod Nation

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:16:09 -0400

I noticed on London Underground people are looking more happy than they were 10 years ago - i think it is the new arrivals that have helped. Another observation is the book reading - I turned to see 5 people in a row all with open book - some maybe on quite short journeys.

Ally Request - Cynthia Richards

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:34:00 -0400

New comment - Unholy Children

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:33:31 -0400

Its one of the world's great injustices. This video does a bit to educate us and hope change will happen.

New comment - Rethos-Inspired Top Ten List of Some of the Best Places to Work

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:18:56 -0400

Thanks for the comments. I will definitely look deeper into telecommuting and gender issues more deeply as I prepare the next version of the list - among other important issues. Just a note that I believe Avaya are inclusive of gender in how they approach diversity. I also hope to compile a list specifically for non-profits so any input on that would be great. Hopefully we can force the global work place to be more equitable with a bit of effort!

New comment - KISS

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:07:23 -0400

Yeah. As age turns the page, I begin to realize more and more how much I like to simplify things. So many of us are in a hurry to make everything happen so fast that we just pile and pile things on top of ourselves. Complicating the natural flow of the music we walk to...to the point, we can't even hear a song anymore. A little simplicity makes the daily so much lighter and grounded. Metaphorically speaking...I think you get it though. Thanks Li Li.

Alliance Accepted! - Alec Henderson

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:49:09 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - ritodhi chakraborty

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:28:10 -0400

New comment - Cuban Relations

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:31:15 -0400

Ben, Great to have you back brotha! Great summary of Cuban-American relations, and intelligent point about the hypocrisy of the US position. Is there any presidential candidate you feel will reverse the rend? I think Obama has said some things about initiating dialogue, but that could be lip service (pun intended :)

New comment - Five Years of Hell in Iraq: May this be the last

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:14:19 -0400

Amen Gina. Thank you for continuing to remind the rethos community that THERE IS A WAR GOING ON OUTSIDE. For people interested in hearing the powerful testimony from US soldiers returned from Iraq, visit Iraq Veterans Against the War at http://ivaw.org/

New comment - Rethos-Inspired Top Ten List of Some of the Best Places to Work

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:37:25 -0400

As a trans-woman who is quite involved with the transgender equality movement, I appreciate this information. One detail that seemed conspicuous by it's absence was any mention of gender-identity inclusion in these company's diversity policies. While many businesses now have explicit "sexual orientation" policy, the matter of "gender identity" is completely different, without being mutually exclusive. Providing this inclusion obviously protects transgender people, but also protects ANYONE, regardless of orientation (that means straight folks too) whose image may be arbitr...

New comment! - We Want To Know What Love Is

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:03:41 -0400

Thank you for your appreciation! The goal for me is to write about those issues that become archetypal in our experience of them. Such feedback helps me ever clarify that purpose!

New comment - Rethos-Inspired Top Ten List of Some of the Best Places to Work

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:38:33 -0400

Doesn't Timberland allow its employees to take a day of a month to volunteer for a non-profit and even lets some employees take a year off (paid) to pursue a lifelong dream to help the world... maybe rumor but I think I saw this somewhere? Anyone?

New comment - Urban Harvesting - Collect And Distribute Local Foods

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:57:21 -0400

You're right. I ran a project last year in the U.K. in which people grew food in their backyards, schools and hospitals in their front yards and the city authority's environment department grew food in parks. We harvested the final crop and it provided enough food for 2000 people, in an event attended by 8000. The town has a population of 140,000. We grew across over 150 sites. It fed 2000. Sounds like a useful harvest to me! More here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/mar/26/cityfood

New comment - Babel

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:09:35 -0400

This is a very good Article. I think that for the most part we all have it wrong because we can't understand the concept of "God". Humans are not humble at all and we really don't live in harmony with out planet. In fact we try to control it. I have lost faith in most people because i see most as blind to our true nature and reality. I feel that the "illusion" has been put in place for a reason. It's a game that we all have to play. We look for clues in religion text and in the history book from those who have done this before. Eventually we will have to learn to look into our ...

New comment! - We Want To Know What Love Is

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:50:57 -0400

Li Li, This beautiful - both your original lyrics and the essay accompaniment. I love and appreciate the discussion about the need for self-examination. "We can forget that our fulfillment comes from within, that no-one outside of ourselves can satisfy our real needs." Beautiful piece Lee!

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:17:23 -0400

Great article that gets you thinking. I experienced a case when a boys behaviour was the onset to a servere mental illness that has lasted 25 years of his adult life so far. Most bad behaviour may be normal but not in every case.

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:32:57 -0500

I would suggest reading some Alfie Kohn, Heather. Particularly Homework Myth. For anyone not in school, I'd suggest Punished by Rewards.

New comment - Kid Rock Video: Amen

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:32:28 -0500

Lili - thanks for the wise advice. You are right and I have forwarded this onto our tech team ;) catch you on Rethos --loving your postings ... alex

Alliance Accepted! - Nanda

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:56:49 -0500

New comment! - Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up To Be Bimbos

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:11:11 -0500

Thank you... this is a subject that is not new to our society nor to humanity, I am certain of that. It has taken on many forms in many eras and in many nations. The suggestion that Solomon was addressing "Bimbo-babylon" with his Lesson is intriguing and probably true! I have seen the Dove Real Beauty campaign and applaud the work to bring to the media a sane vision of female beauty, with all of it's curves and scars, childbirth changes, the influence of gravity over the years, crow's feet lines and gray hairs! Hooray to you, as a father, for trying to show your son and your daughter ...

New comment! - Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up To Be Bimbos

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:34:17 -0500

Thanks for this very thoughtful post on a very disturbing phenomenon. I wonder, is the bimbo phenomenon unique to this era and western culture? Or have we just put our unique stamp on the human tendency to exploit and take advantage of others. It seems to me that Solomon was writing about bimbos in the 5th Chapter of Proverbs (The Message): The lips of a seductive woman are oh so sweet, her soft words are oh so smooth. But it won't be long before she's gravel in your mouth, a pain in your gut, a wound in your heart. She's dancing down the primrose path to Death; she's h...

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:13:47 -0500

Very insightful post, Alec. It might be worth mentioning that there is a professor of psychiatry, Thomas Szasz, who has been arguing against the mainstream notion of mental illness for many years. From the description of his latest book, The Medicalization of Everyday Life (http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/fall-2007/medicalization-everyday.html): "Defining "medicalization" as the perception of nonmedical conditions as medical problems and nondiseases as diseases, Thomas Szasz has devoted much of his career to exposing the dangers of "medicalizing" the conditions of some who si...

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:01:17 -0500

Nicely stated Heather. I am particularly fascinated by the author's thesis that psychologists and psychiatrists are a class of people prone to excessive conformity and that this may account for their tendency to pathologize defiance. Perhaps the DSM V should have a new condition called CCD (Conditioned Conformity Disorder). Heather, please go out from high school and take your ideas and do great things with your life. We will all be the better for it.

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:49:49 -0500

I believe that there is no such thing as "excess" passion for liberty. As a high school student, I often feel like I am being "enslaved" in a way, being forced to follow rules that noone will/is required to explain to me. I understand that there need to be rules and regulations, but I also believe that the individuals being forced to abide by these rules deserve an explanation of why. And if/when they decide that they disagree with the rules, and chose to rebel against these rules, I think it's ludacris to label them as mentally ill. Rebellion is defined as "the resistance to or defiance of...

New comment - Poor in the U.S.? It's Clearly Your Own Fault...

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:59:39 -0500

An interesting read, well written. I'm not from the US so I have no direct exposure to this problem you describe but it has stimulated me to find out more about this aspect of the richest country in the world. You /are/ providing very much a "republicans are evil and don't care" viewpoint of course. Though, from what I know of American politics this is... mostly true. :) I will read more on the matter...

New comment - Poor in the U.S.? It's Clearly Your Own Fault...

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:59:59 -0500

This article is excellent in its idealism. I agree with EaZiE about the baby/bath water, but honestly, cfj hit the nail on the head. Our government was designed to be "of the people, by the people, for the people". Unfortunately, in a time of prosperity (the 8 years before GHWB) we failed to see the possibility of the homeless rates climbing this quickly. We also failed to see the error and outrage of a second term from a man who honestly professes Calvinist beliefs. Here's where I see the problem. Our homeless rates are climbing, our middle class disappearing, the minimum wage staying st...

New comment! - DIGNITY 2008

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:27:15 -0500

It's Bush... LOL... I had a caption to go with him that would have made it really obvious.. I could have made his ears bigger and eyes squintier!! I am working on making the picture a little more refined and placing the captions in... check it out in a day or two! Thanks for the feedback!

New comment! - DIGNITY 2008

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:22:47 -0500

The pose of the character in the top graphic is hilarious! Is that Bush or McCain?

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:09:27 -0500

There should be the option to vote "None of the Above" on all ballots. This should include national elections down to any committee appointments on a community level. People should have the option to toss out all the candidates. This will help ensure parties, ideologies, corporate interests do not hijack the electoral process. Sometimes the best decision is not to make a decision at all. The cost of reholding an electrion is minimal compared to the mispending that may be done by a winning candidate who is merely the best of a bad lot. I have introduced this on several 'elections' w...

New comment - Would You Cross the Picket Line If Crossing the Picket Line Meant Watching TV?

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:14:58 -0500

Check out this clip of musician Lili Haydn talking about the writer's strike along with other important current issues. http://vlaze.com/117442

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:33:02 -0500

A very heavily boycotted election would not be recognized internationally as a valid election. The American system of voting (and government) would come under intense scrutiny and embarrassment. It could even cause a financial crisis, given the recent lack of confidence in the dollar and the US in general. I say not voting this election is a good idea if you also campaign widely for a mass boycott of the election.

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:13:52 -0500

I completely agree that the elections are a sham. What is the point of voting if the election is rigged from the start. Furthermore, as you have so eloquently stated, this is an artificial/illusory ‘nation state’ to begin with. However, I would like to believe there is a way to be counted and still not take part in this supposed ‘democracy’.

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:41:27 -0500

I understand your disenchantment with current politics and the people running for office, but I have to say that Iâ€™ve never understood the â€œdonâ€™t voteâ€ approach. It presupposes that politicians and the political parties will care that people arenâ€™t voting and I have yet to see that idea holding true. Politicians only care about those who vote â€“ itâ€™s why they can ignore so many issues that the younger generation cares about. Only when people start to vote do they, the politicians, start to listen.

Boycotting an election is very different from boycotting a company. ...

Want to coach young social entrepreneurs?

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:51:07 -0500

Are you a seasoned social innovator? Have experience that you would like to share? ....A burning love for social change?

Be a Conscious Lifestyle Liaison!

A Liaison serves as a mentor to new CL ventures, helping them with: â€¢ development and design â€¢ infrastructure and management â€¢ organizational growth â€¢ quality control â€¢ publicity/outreach

As a Conscious Lifestyle liaison, youâ€™ll get the opportunity to work with outstanding students leaders, help to cultivate the growing movement of â€œconscious livingâ€, be a part of a vibrant young up-s...

Alliance Accepted! - Hard Rock Philanthropy

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:38:54 -0500

New comment! - The Hope For Transformation:2008

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:09:34 -0500

Thanks for your thought-provoking post, Li Li. I am in total agreement with your statement, “The more we become willing to hold to the naked light our least desireable intentions and qualities, the more we are set free to transform ourselves, our societies, our national and global events, and the future.”

Ditto Mike’s comment as well. We are not alone!

“Life begets life. Energy becomes energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.” -Sarah Bernhardt

New comment! - The Hope For Transformation:2008

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 11:11:00 -0500

Dear Namaste – You call the force that binds us as humans the collectivity. There are many names for it: religious, physical, spiritual, and mystical but the fact remains we coexist in the same energy field. Our attitudes and actions may not always be witnessed but there is an undeniable affect on the magnetic whole. I have determined to make what difference I can, by the way I live my life. I am a retired FEMA inspector and am now a special education teacher, environmentalist, grant writer for non-profits, and have become a published poet on social i...

New comment! - The Hope For Transformation:2008

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:52:24 -0500

To Mike: Excellent point, and usually it is true that I believe and want to empower the positive perspective on change/personal empowerment! This piece has a bit of a harshness about it, mostly due to the fact that it wants to speak to the bulk of Western folks who arenâ€™t ready to make big changes that involve the sacrifice of what is pleasant and indulgent, or to embrace what is essentially the same action of â€œgiving upâ€ something with the perspective that they are gaining something much bigger and more important. Thus the only real problem with posting on Rethos is this: we ar...

Alliance Accepted! - Boaz Balachsan

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:10:48 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Elias Feghali

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:46:47 -0500

Ally Request - Bobby

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:00:20 -0500

Ally Request - Travis

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:58:15 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Christopher Fox

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:10:19 -0500

New comment! - The Hope For Transformation:2008

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:27:12 -0500

Good one! My only point would be that rather than â€œwhat can we give up?â€ we should imagine â€œwhat can we embrace?â€ For example, a particular change in behaviour might mean to have a tight abdomen and improved health, even though it also means â€˜giviing upâ€™ cheap pizza, beer, and soft drinks.

Thank you.

Enter Title:Content Manager

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:27:50 -0500

Looking for a Content Manager. For details, please check the attachment

New comment - Urban Harvesting - Collect And Distribute Local Foods

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:41:13 -0500

I found a place doing exactly what you describe. Itâ€™s called City Harvest in NYC. See http://cityharvest.org/ If you look at what they accept it is limited but theyâ€™ll still receive some prepared foods. A long time ago, I worked at a deli in San Diego and we always brought home the old bake goods and distributed to all my poor college neighbors.

New comment - Would You Cross the Picket Line If Crossing the Picket Line Meant Watching TV?

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:43:40 -0500

Personally, I think supporting a union that does all those things and encourages a 32 hour work week is better. Those 8 hours could be used for community involvement and taking care of the family.

But I am cautious about any organization since corruption tends to leak in. Jimmy Hoffa and the teamsters come to mind.

New comment - Poor in the U.S.? It's Clearly Your Own Fault...

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 17:29:11 -0500

I used to be homeless and I made over 40k a year not everyone that is homeless is poor. the government was supposed to be designed to where if it is not working for us they way we want we can change it. the time for change was long ago and now it is stagnant and power/money hungry individuals work in it for themselves not for the people they are supposed to represent.

Opportunity for Webmasters and Bloggers! FREE USE OF WEBSITES

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:32:14 -0500

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

My gift to you this season are some of the valuable Sustainability-related domains I’ve collected over the years.

All I ask in return is that you design a really cool site that gets people involved, spreads the Sustainability Symbol around the world and brings attention to at least one of the Climate Change related projects we’re working on (Like “STOP the GLOFs”) The rest will be up to you.

Almost one year ago we introduced the 3 Finger Sustainability Symbol (Peace Plus One) to the HK Environ...

New comment - Urban Harvesting - Collect And Distribute Local Foods

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:04:09 -0500

Thanks for your great response. Wow!

Alliance Accepted! - Americans for Fairness in Lending

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:09:19 -0500

New comment - Don't Get F%#'D

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:43:27 -0500

My question is why parents aren’t teaching their kids about credit starting in Junior High. Only the ignorant can become victims. Starting a credit file in High school is easy and when you are living at home and don’t have big bills to pay it is easy to maintain excellent credit. Common sense can win over any temptation or coercion when a child has been well school and has a savings account to which they have been contributing for years. Sorry although what the credit card companies do is unethical it would be impossible for them to do it if people exercised restraint in the...

New comment - Urban Harvesting - Collect And Distribute Local Foods

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 19:20:21 -0500

We are in Long Beach California, our organization is providing vertical gardens to the poor that can be placed on a small patio or even a door stoop. The gardens can produce tomatoes, beans, peas, strawberries, and herbs. They take little space and can provide fresh produce for families who live in communities where grocery stores are seldom located close by. By providing neighbors with different plants they are able to share their abundance by swapping pound for pound. The addition of sheets of aluminum and some plastic coverings can also turn these gardens into winter hothouses in som...

New comment! - Trickster energy and politics

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:47:49 -0500

thank you very much for the admiration, it is mutual…

Li Li

New comment! - Trickster energy and politics

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:09:23 -0500

I enjoyed reading your profile and this artice. One Love

Alliance Accepted! - guts

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:11:19 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Richard Treadwell

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:11:15 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Arelowo Alao

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:04:39 -0500

Ally Request - Rebecca

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:24:42 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Ray Levesque

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:32:05 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Lauren Hughes

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:41:40 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Dollars for Change

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:47:21 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Gini Smith

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:02:57 -0500

Ally Request - Teachers Without Borders

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:20:05 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Silent Knight

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:15:10 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Mike Pritchard

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:13:59 -0500

Ally Request - New Sudan Education Initiative

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:15:30 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Fishey Waters

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:21:38 -0500

Ally Request - Mary E. Lee

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:13:54 -0500

New comment! - Modern Karma Yoga

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:59:11 -0500

Jason, Thank you my friend! I am very excited to be a part of the whole that is rethos! I am learning a lot by being here (and BEing “here”)... the ways in which we connect and intersect is indeed a beautiful mystery, always worthy of being solved, dissolved, resolved. Namaste!

New comment! - Launch Graphic: Fair Trade

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:55:35 -0500

Marcus, Thank you very much for giving me feedback. That the point of the image was unclear is just what I need to hear so as to tighten up the point of each piece I post. It does no good to make a visual comment that is not crystal clear to the viewer, without my having to explain it. My craft gets better the more people like yourself help me see what I am missing! So about the image: The farmer tied to the coffee cup… meaning he/she is counting on fair trade as a lifeline. The conscious consumers praying to the the cup, symbolising the idealism that we can often throw up arou...

New comment! - Launch Graphic: Fair Trade

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:19:25 -0500

I like the artwork, but just some constructive criticism, as a whole, I’m having trouble figuring out the concept…I got the coffee cup in the middle, but not quite sure what the farmer with the ropes and the conscious economy praying signifies…are they supposed to be bowing down to fair trade products blindly assuming it is all good? I’m just a little unclear…

Alliance Accepted! - DragonTHINK

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:12:00 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Peace Plus One

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:07:56 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - deb

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 18:34:47 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Chu Zhang

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 09:25:30 -0400

New comment! - Urban Primitives

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:51:02 -0400

My latest internal dialog regarding cocreating a communnally oriented neighborhood has been similar, yet far less inclined to feeling radical. I would love to talk to you further about it. Call me!

New comment! - Modern Karma Yoga

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:37:10 -0400

Beautiful Lili! Thanks for hopping on board. I am currently revamping my career path to ensure that I am effectively utilizing this space called Rethos. May we find greater and greater and greater ways to understand our personal mission and thusly create as beatifully as you do. It is nice to be personal and have artwork up by someone who I have physically touched! I met the Real Lily. May your dream of a yurt solidify.

Alliance Accepted! - Bill Landis

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:44:17 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Frank Miller

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:13:51 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Chris Advansun

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:54:32 -0400

Ally Request - Anthony Pogliano

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:46:51 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Cornel West

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:25:52 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Philip McMaster

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:35:17 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - JAM

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 17:31:43 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - DanRose

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:22:38 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Michael Johnson-Chase

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:03:07 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Indo-American Arts Council

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:02:26 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:13:03 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Chris Dodd

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:10:16 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Rachel

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:16:25 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Ed Mierzwinski

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:35:19 -0500

Ally Request - Rain Jensen

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:35:16 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Jason Boyer

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:22:39 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Lila Films Inc

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:50:18 -0400

Ally Request - Alia Jones

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:30:19 -0400

RedLight Children/Priority Films Internship

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:39:47 -0400

Who we are: Priority Films, a New York City based film production company, is looking for highly motivated interns (both part time and full time). We will be focusing on the release of a highly acclaimed film in the US this fall â€“ Holly. Holly is a full feature narrative, starring Ron Livingston (Office Space, Sex In the City), Virginie Ledoyen (The Beach), Udo Kier (Dogville), the late Chris Penn (Reservoir Dogs), and introducing Thuy Nguyen. Holly is not just a movie – it is the cry for help of millions of voiceless, sexually exploited children world wide each d...

RedLight Children/Priority Films Internship

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:38:58 -0400

RedLight Children/Priority Films Internship

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:38:25 -0400

Echoing Green Fellowship

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:45:41 -0400

What is the EG Fellowship?

Through our two-year Echoing Green Fellowship program, we provide start-up capital and technical assistance to help new leaders launch their organizations and build capacity. We offer:

â€¢ A grant of up to $90,000, paid in four equal installments over two years â€¢ A health insurance stipend â€¢ Conferences led by organizational development experts â€¢ Access to technical support and pro bono partnerships to help grow your organization â€¢ A community of like-minded social entrepreneurs and public service leaders

W...

Please come to Los angeles for Darfur Rally

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:07:10 -0400

Monday October 15 in Downtown LA 12 noon!!!

Help to stop American Investment in Darfur! Join me in downtown Los Angeles for a rally!

Click here to sign up

Write/Draw for rethos!

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:39:28 -0400

Friends, We are in the process of starting a new project at rethos dedicated to citizen journalism and creative expression. We want rethos to become a organic media channel with a focus on promoting positive social change throughout the world. If you are interested in learning more about this new venture, please send an email to eli@rethos.com. We need people who are ready to start doing freelance work right away, so please take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Eli http://www.rethos.com/eli

Are you a great designer, or translator?

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:15:45 -0400

We are in the process of translating the word/concepts/phrase of

1. SOCIETY

2. ENVIRONMENT

3. ECONOMY

... into the languages of the world, and adapting the different ways of writing to the three fingered hand symbol.

You can see a sample of the Sustainability Symbol in Chinese script on this message.

Your name will be forever associated with the chosen modification of the symbol that represents “Society, Environment, Economy” in your lingui...

Rethos.com - inscapes's Global Feed

A must read for every college kid heading back to campus!

Credit Card Tips for College Students

Disabled Villagers Become Savvy Investors in Rural Bangladesh

War on the middle class

What Will Mac ’n’ Mae Cost You and Me?

That Student Loan, So Hard to Shake

Avoiding College's Plastic Hangover

'Liar loans' threaten to prolong mortgage crisis

We Did It!

New comment! - I Am NOT My Credit Score: I Am So Much More

Alliance Accepted! - Common Good Finance

New comment - ChicoBag founder Andy Keller on landfills, Bikram Yoga and his beef with plastic

Alliance Accepted! - Matthew Gassen

New comment! - Oil IS Everything

New comment! - Oil IS Everything

New comment! - Oil IS Everything

New comment - Going Green At The Banyan Resort

New comment - No Longer Vegan

New comment - More At Stake than the Gold

New comment - More At Stake than the Gold

New comment - Fight toxic chemicals

New comment - Rethos Announces An Exciting New Alliance

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

New comment - Cleaning Up Soap: Why The Bronner Family Is Washing Out A Few Mouths

New comment! - ipod Nation

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

New comment! - ipod Nation

New comment! - ipod Nation

New comment! - ipod Nation

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

New comment - Cooperative Based Society

New comment - Rethos Announces An Exciting New Alliance

New comment - More At Stake than the Gold

New comment - Cooperative Based Society

Alliance Accepted! - lynx

Ally Request - Laine

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

New comment - Cooperative Based Society

New comment! - ipod Nation

New comment - Cooperative Based Society

New comment - More At Stake than the Gold

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

New comment! - ipod Nation

New comment! - ipod Nation

New comment! - ipod Nation

Ally Request - Cynthia Richards

New comment - Unholy Children

New comment - Rethos-Inspired Top Ten List of Some of the Best Places to Work

New comment - KISS

Alliance Accepted! - Alec Henderson

Alliance Accepted! - ritodhi chakraborty

New comment - Cuban Relations

New comment - Five Years of Hell in Iraq: May this be the last

New comment - Rethos-Inspired Top Ten List of Some of the Best Places to Work

New comment! - We Want To Know What Love Is

New comment - Rethos-Inspired Top Ten List of Some of the Best Places to Work

New comment - Urban Harvesting - Collect And Distribute Local Foods

New comment - Babel

New comment! - We Want To Know What Love Is

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

New comment - Kid Rock Video: Amen

Alliance Accepted! - Nanda

New comment! - Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up To Be Bimbos

New comment! - Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up To Be Bimbos

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

New comment - Teenage Rebellion Now Considered Mental Illness

New comment - Poor in the U.S.? It's Clearly Your Own Fault...

New comment - Poor in the U.S.? It's Clearly Your Own Fault...

New comment! - DIGNITY 2008

New comment! - DIGNITY 2008

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

New comment - Would You Cross the Picket Line If Crossing the Picket Line Meant Watching TV?

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Want to coach young social entrepreneurs?