The site is Ecosia and has just passed £500,000 in funds raised, 24 months on from its launch. The search engine mask at Ecosia.org, is powered by Bing and Yahoo, and 80% of the revenue from the search advertising goes straight to the WWF Amazon Initiative, which manages a number of conservation projects in the Tumucumaque region.

The Tumucumaque region in northern Brazil harbours one of the world’s largest tropical forest reserves (38,867 square kilometres) – it’s also one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet – making it a widely accepted global priority for conservation and sustainable development.

By making Ecosia your default search engine, you can turn your web searches green, reduce your carbon footprint and make a real difference to the planet. Instead of causing CO2 emissions with your searches, you can actually help to avoid climate change because your searches will help to save endangered rainforests.

Not only does Ecosia make it easy to help save the rainforest – they also offset the emissions from each search with PURE and the Gold Standard. Ecosia’s own servers even run on green electricity, so they do not cause any CO2 emissions.

There are other green searches, like Green Maven and Ecosearch, but Ecosia impresses us most. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, Ecosia is also the best choice if you are concerned about privacy. Some search engine companies store your web searches for several months and even analyze them to create a profile of you. They sometimes even sell this information to other companies. Ecosia, in contrast, deletes all user-related data within a maximum of 48 hours.

If you like what Ecosia are doing, help them spread the word!

This is a call to action to help these people living in severe poverty. They need shoes, gently worn or new. Monetary donations are also needed to fund the help they need (i.e. they hire locals to help distribute the shoes). They have set a goal of taking at least 5,000 pairs of shoes. They desperately need participation from everyone who can help. If you can donate what you have at home, to organizing a shoe drive, or even a monetary donation would be great. This is a great task and it will take many to complete it, so please join them in the mission to help Haiti and bring them shoes!

Please visit the Share Your Soles website (www.shareyoursoles.org) or send an email to info@shareyoursoles.org for further information.

The answer to that question unveils the all-pervasive role of militarization in U.S. policy towards Latin America and the Caribbean. Fully 33 cents of each US dollar for Haiti was used to reimburse the U.S. itself for sending 5,000 soldiers. This, and other shocking statistics, come from a recently published report by Bill Quigley and Amber Ramanauskas who followed the Haiti recovery money trail.

In addition to funding its own soldiers in Haiti under the guise of earthquake recovery, the U.S. government has contributed 40% of the 1.5 billion spent by the UN to maintain another force of 12,000 soldiers and police, known as MINUSTAH. While the name MINUSTAH is a French acronym for stabilization force, most Haitians view them as an occupation force. The recent SOAW delegation to Haiti confirmed the omnipresence of armoured tanks and gun-totting soldiers throughout the streets of Port-au-Prince.

Adding salt to the wound, a recent outbreak of cholera that added 6,000 more dead to Haiti’s tragic roster has been linked scientifically to the Nepalese contingent of MINUSTAH as the source of contamination. While contamination of the disease that infected 500,000 Haitians was not intentional, Haitians insist that the UN take responsibility for the consequences of the epidemic they caused. Some 5,000 victims have brought a lawsuit against the UN, with the help of BAI/IJDH.

Unfortunately, impunity rules and no troops have been prosecuted for the widespread sexual abuse of Haitian women and children. Only days ago the UN Peace keepers caught on tape raping a Haitian teenager last summer were freed. BAI lawyer Mario Joseph, a keynote speaker at the November SOA Watch vigil, expressed outrage, saying that the UN should demonstrate its commitment to its own principles of justice and human rights by conducting serious, prompt investigations, waiving its immunity where possible and allowing civil claims against it to be decided by an impartial tribunal.

Last Thursday Theresa Cusimano took the SOA to trial and will be spending 6 months in prison for speaking truth about U.S. militarization. The people of Haiti are standing up to the enormous power of the UN to demand respect for their rights. We should all support Haitians in their struggle to resist militarization and bring forth a new culture of peace. Say “No Màs!” to the culture of militarization and oppression.

US government agencies, including the State Department, Central Intelligence Agency, National Directorate of Intelligence and the Pentagon, have pumped up their hostile language towards the Venezuelan government in recent years. The major oil-producing nation has been placed on the countless, and baseless “lists” produced annually by Washington, including “failure to cooperate with counter-narcotics efforts,” “failure to aid in the war on terror,” “trafficking in persons,” and others, that are based on political decisions instead of concrete, substantial evidence to support their accusations. These classifications have enabled Washington to justify not only the millions of US taxpayer dollars channelled to anti-Chavez groups fronting as NGOs, but also to increase military presence in the region and convince public opinion that Hugo Chavez is an enemy.

Despite “promises” of respectful relations and non-intervention, the Obama government’s hostile language and actions towards Venezuela have led to a freezing of diplomatic relations between both nations coupled with expanding plans within Washington to include the South American nation in the “terrorist axis of evil”. The build-up against Venezuela that began during the George W. Bush administration has been rapidly accelerated by Obama. With the House Foreign Relations Committee in the hands of Florida Republicans Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Connie Mack – both rabid Chavez-haters – Congress has been pushing hard for direct actions against Venezuela to provoke Chavez’s ouster and place a “US-friendly” government in power.

Not only does Venezuela have the largest oil reserves on the planet, with possibly over 500 billion barrels, about 300 certifiable, but the country’s geopolitical position as the port of South America, with borders on the Caribbean, Andean and Amazon, make it one of the most strategically important nations in the world. In addition to oil, Venezuela has vast mineral reserves, heavy metals, uranium and water.

President Chavez’s growing leadership and influence in the region has angered Washington for some time. Efforts to demonize, ridicule and even ignore the Venezuelan head of state have been employed by the US government and mass media over the past several years, creating a distorted perception amongst public opinion of Venezuela’s reality. Despite numerous elections, all overseen by international observers and in which Chavez has won with around 60% of the vote, international media portray the Venezuelan President as a “dictator” and the nation as a “failing state.” But Venezuela’s growing, vibrant democracy, in which a majority previously excluded and silenced by prior US-supported governments today participate freely and widely, has achieved extraordinary changes in the nation, including a 50% reduction in poverty, a guarantee of free, universal healthcare and education, a 6% unemployment rate (down from 15%) and major infrastructure development.

While President Obama has largely refrained from personally commenting on Venezuela, as did his predecessor Bush, a recent interview provided to an anti-Chavez national daily newspaper, El Universal, evidences a shift in policy. The interview, given on the heels of an alarming broadcast of an uncorroborated “report” attempting to link Venezuela, Cuba and Iran to a terrorist plot against the US, which aired on the largest Spanish-language station in the United States, Univision, reads like a page right out of the thick book of false accusations made against Venezuela since Chavez came to power in 1999.

In written responses to the Venezuelan newspaper, Obama (or his team of advisors) insinuated Venezuela was a dictatorship and expressed his “concern about the government’s actions, which have restricted the universal rights of the Venezuelan people, threatened basic democratic values, and failed to contribute to security in the region.” Obama, of course, fails to cite any real examples to substantiate his “concerns.” These are merely the types of statements that have been regurgitated by Washington’s spokespeople over the past decade, never with a shred of viable evidence to back their damning claims.

No rights have been restricted in Venezuela by the government. In fact, rights have been amplified under the new constitution that was written and ratified by the people of Venezuela in national referendum in 1999. Venezuelans have the basic rights to healthcare, education, food, housing, dignified work, a living wage, participation, expression, recreation and culture that the 300 million citizens of the United States don’t have. And it’s cynical to say that Venezuela, a country with minimal military power that has never attacked another nation, threatened or invaded a neighbour, is a “regional security threat.” The US government’s 200-year history of invasions, massacres, coups, interventions and other aggressions against almost every Latin American and Caribbean nation cannot be left “in the past” as Obama would prefer.

Obama didn’t fail to mention his “concern” about Venezuela’s relationship with Iran, regarding which he stated, “We take Iranian activities, including in Venezuela, very seriously and we will continue to monitor them closely”. It’s no coincidence that these statements follow the airing of the Hollywood-esque Univision documentary, “The Iranian Threat,” which makes dangerous defamatory claims against the Chavez administration in an attempt to include Venezuela in a bogus terrorist plot.

Despite the ridiculousness of the Univision claims, members of Congress are bantering Obama to take pre-emptive action against both Iran and Venezuela. Other “commentators” and “analysts” are busy writing blogs and columns warning of the growing terrorist threat south of the US border. These dangerous, unfounded accusations could easily be used to justify an attack against Venezuela, as weapons of mass destruction was used against Iraq and “protecting the population” was used against Libya.

Iran and Venezuela have a normal commercial relationship. The two countries share technology and resources to make automobiles and bicycles, build housing construction and run milk factories. Surely cars, homes and milk don’t equate to a terrorist threat. Time again, Venezuela has shown there are no “terrorist training camps” on its soil. Nor is it secretly building a bomb to attack the US. Venezuela is a nation of peace. It does not invade, attack or threaten other countries.

Obama’s reckless bandwagoning of aggression against Venezuela could lead to an unnecessary atrocity. As President Chavez said, Obama would be better off focusing on the troubles at home, rather than trying to create new ones abroad.

It was a controversial statement by Venezuela’s socialist leader, who underwent surgery in June to remove a tumour from his pelvis. But he stressed that he was not making any accusations, just thinking aloud.

“It would not be strange if they had developed the technology to induce cancer and nobody knew about it until now … I don’t know. I’m just reflecting,” he said in a televised speech to troops at a military base.

“But this is very, very, very strange … it’s a bit difficult to explain this, to reason it, including using the law of probabilities.”

Chavez, Kirchner, Paraguay’s Fernando Lugo, Brazil’s Dilma Rousseff and former Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have all been diagnosed recently with cancer. All of them are leftists.

Chavez said other regional leaders should beware, including his close ally, Bolivian President Evo Morales.

“We’ll have to take good care of Evo. Take care Evo!” he said.

One of the major initiatives of progressive Latin American governments this century has been the creation of new regional organizations that promote integration, cooperation and solidarity amongst neighbouring nations. Cuba and Venezuela began this process in 2004 with the founding of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), that now includes Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Dominica, St. Vincent’s and the Grenadines and Antigua and Barbuda. ALBA was initially launched in response to the US government’s failed attempt to impose its Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) throughout the region. Today ALBA is a thriving multilateral organization with member nations that share similar political visions for their countries and for the region, and includes numerous cooperation agreements in economic, social and cultural areas. The fundamental basis of trade amongst ALBA nations is solidarity and mutual benefit. There is no competition, exploitation or attempt to dominate amongst ALBA states. ALBA even counts on its own currency, the SUCRE, which allows for trade between member nations without dependence on the US dollar.

In 2008, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) was formally established as a regional body representing South American states. While ALBA is much more consolidated as a unified political voice, UNASUR represents a diversity of political positions, economic models and visions for the region. But UNASUR members share the common goal of working towards regional unity and guaranteeing the resolution of conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means. UNASUR has already played a key role in peacefully resolving disputes in Bolivia, particularly during an attempted coup against the government of Evo Morales in 2008, and has also successfully moderated a severe conflict between Colombia and Venezuela, leading to the reestablishment of relations in 2010.

Two hundred years ago, South American Independence hero Simon Bolivar, a native of Venezuela, dreamed of building regional unity and creating a “Patria Grande” (Grand Homeland) in Latin America. After achieving independence for Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, and fighting colonialists in several Caribbean nations, Bolivar attempted to turn this dream of Latin American unity into reality. His efforts were sabotaged by powerful interests opposing the creation of a solid regional bloc, and eventually, with the aid of the United States, Bolivar was ousted from his rule in Venezuela and died isolated in Colombia several years later. Meanwhile, the US government had proceeded to implement its Monroe Doctrine, a decree first declared by President James Monroe in 1823 to ensure US domination and control over the newly-freed nations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Nearly two hundred years of invasions, interventions, aggressions, coup d’etats and hostilities led by the US government against Latin American nations shadowed the 19th and 20th centuries. By the end of the 20th century, Washington had successfully imposed governments in every Latin American and Caribbean nation that were subordinate to its agenda, with the exception of Cuba. The Monroe Doctrine had been achieved, and the US felt confident in its control over its “backyard”.

The unexpected turn at the beginning of the 21st century in Venezuela, formerly one of Washington’s most stable and subservient partners, came as a shock to the US. Hugo Chavez had been elected President and a Revolution had begun. A coup d’etat attempt in 2002 failed to subvert the advancement of the Bolivarian Revolution and the spread of revolutionary fever throughout the region. Soon Bolivia followed, then Nicaragua and Ecuador. Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay elected socialist presidents, two of them former guerrilla fighters. Major changes began to occur throughout the region as the peoples of this vast, diverse and rich continent assumed power and made their voices heard.

Social transformations in Venezuela that gave voice to people’s power became exemplary for others in the region, as did President Chavez’s defiance of US imperialism. A powerful sentiment of Latin American sovereignty and independence grew stronger, even reaching those with governments aligned with US interests and multinational control.

On 2-3 December 2011, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) was born and the overwhelming force of a continent nearly 600 million strong, achieved a 200-year dream of unity. The 33 member nations of CELAC all agree on the unquestionable necessity to build a regional organization that represents their interests, and that excludes the overbearing presence of the US and Canada. While CELAC will take time to consolidate, the exceptional commitment evidenced by the 33 states present at its launching in Caracas, Venezuela, cannot be underestimated.

CELAC will have to overcome attempts to sabotage and neutralize its expansion and endurance, and the threats against it and intents to divide member nations will be numerous and frequent. But the resistance of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean who have resumed this path of unity and independence after nearly two hundred years of imperialist aggression, demonstrates the powerful force that has led this region to become an inspiration for those seeking social justice and true freedom around the world.

Solar Cell Phone Charger – Portable chargers are great travel gadgets, but ultimately they need to be charged as well. The nifty Ray solar charger (see image) uses a suction cup to attach to a car or airplane window to get the juice it needs. At barely three inches square, it is easy to carry with you or throw on the dashboard to quickly charge your mobile, tablet and other necessary devices.

An Underwater Camera – Capture all of the colours, movement and life of the aquatic world with Nikon’s Coolpix AW100. This new point-and-shoot underwater camera is shockproof, freeze-proof and (of course) waterproof, and comes with an internal GPS system and HD video capabilities. Snorkelers and scuba divers seeking up-close-and-personal shots of marine life can use the macro setting, which yields clean and crisp detail.

Classic South American beachwear – The colourful, rubber Havaianas flip flops are the unofficial footwear of South America’s beaches for males and females of every age. While they are cheapest to purchase right in their native Brazil, you can craft your perfect pair online.

A Story of Magical Realism – Isabel Allende is one of Latin America’s most acclaimed writers of all time, and The House of Spirits is the Chilean author’s debut novel. While tanning on the beach, travellers can brush up on the magic realism that is so characteristic of the continent’s literature. Allende’s latest, Maya’s Notebook, already a bestseller in Spanish, is due out in English in 2012.

Waterproof Binoculars – Binoculars are an essential item for wildlife enthusiasts, but they can also be cumbersome. The compact pairs from REI have a slim, foldable design that is perfect for slipping into a pocket for wildlife walks. The sealed, nitrogen-filled housing makes them weather and fog-proof. And the fold-down eyecups allow travellers to view animals even with sunglasses on.

Luggage with Brazilian Flavour – Brazilian artist Romero Britto may now reside in the U.S., but his bright, punchy work is decidedly South American, incorporating the spirit of the continent and especially its beach culture, with playful designs and colours.

Undercover Secret Sleeves – Undercover sleeves for laptops and phones give gadgets the appearance of ratty old envelopes while their padded interiors keep electronics pristine. Made from tough rip and water proof material and padded with protective PE foam, you can use an undercover sleeve to disguise anything that will fit in it. The disguise is so effective that you’d better hope your laptop or phone doesn’t get posted by accident.

A Mate Gourd and Bombilla – Every group of beach-lounging South Americans, especially in Uruguay and Argentina, has their mate gourd, “bombilla” (metal straw) and tea. The social drink that keeps South Americans on a nice caffeinated buzz is made from dried yerba mate tea leaves and hot water, and the temperature outside is of no importance for consumption.

Passport-Concealing Underwear – There’s no safer place to keep a credit card, cash and important documents than down under, but it’s so much easier with nifty pants and their zip-secure pockets. And it’s a saviour from the waist-widening evils of travel belts and fanny packs, meaning the essentials are kept secure while the wearer stays svelte.

The 542 tonne structure, wrapped in 3.3 million light bulbs was the centrepiece of an eight minute fireworks show, which has become one of the city’s main tourist attractions.

More than a million people are expected to view the structure before the lights are turned off on Three Kings’ Day on 6th January 2012.

The Guinness Book of Records lists it as the world’s largest floating Christmas tree.