Charity when it counts most (Lotus)

Thank you for your generous support. This is a message from the chairman and founder of Lotus Outreach, Khyentse Norbu:

“Times are hard right now. Economically, everyone in this world of ours is suffering in one way or another. As always, though, it’s the most vulnerable who suffer the most, and far too often find themselves facing privations so extreme that a simple act of kindness can mean the difference between life and death. When the stakes are so high, the kindness and generosity of others have a deeper significance than when life is relatively easy, and are both more appreciated and have a greater effect. So please, continue to support Lotus Outreach as much as you can in 2010.”

We have a wish list of greatly appreciated gifts, large and small. Thank you again for your dedication to serving the world’s least fortunate. -- Erika Keaveney, Executive Director, Lotus Outreach International

Recession, Religion, Wealth Gap

Recession's surprise impact on religion
Fallout from the economic crisis may significantly change religious life in America. Hardest-hit groups

• Buddhism on How to be Rich and Beautiful

Gap between richest and poorest grows
Income fell for all groups this year, but some fared much better than others. Places in U.S. with most inequality

Strange but clever economic indicators
These quirky signs might be better signals of the economy than stocks. What pink ties reveal

The richest people in America
The nation's wealthiest are poorer, but they still need $950 million or more to join the club. Forbes 400 rankings

Poverty = Happiness

• Does a flashier car make a man look sexier? (GM America)

Questioning the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Government of Tibet in exile, on the subject of poverty and happiness.

• Why do the poorest people on earth tend to be the happiest?
• Why are we as Americans so terrified of not being "rich"?
• Could it be the way we're marketed to?
• Have we equated power and control with bliss?

Marketing, what marketing? It's even embedded in the News (the Info-tainment): The ridiculous question, Does a flashier car make a man look sexier? is full of subtext: "If you buy more expensive consumer products, then you can have love." And love may just get you happiness.