One in eight

That's an ugly statistic. That's a woman's chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. My chance, your sister's chance, your mother's chance. Survival is more likely now than ever, but it's a miserable path - and an expensive one for many women.

Let's be real. Money makes the world go 'round - money for research, lobbyists, medicine, outreach. Where does that money come from? You and me.

So this year I'm doing a bit more than donating my own money. I'm running the Komen Race for the Cure here in Atlanta, and I'm asking for donations. I'm not a fan of "benevolent consumerism" - buying something pink is lovely and all, but I want my money to have the greatest impact. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a four-star charity as rated by CharityNavigator.

So if you have a few bucks left from tax season and you're wondering what to do with it, think about giving to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, as a general donation or as a team or participant sponsor.

Doggie smarts

My new favorite author has a blog! If you have a dog and you're not familiar with Patricia McConnell, I encourage you to become so. She's no whisperer - she's a PhD in animal behavior, an experienced trainer and a positive reinforcer.

Need another bracket?

Then behold, Consumerist's 2009 Worst Company in America bracket! The 2008 winner, Countrywide Home Loans, isn't in the running for obvious reasons, but 2008 runner-up Comcast is back to try for the title again.

Tournament of champions

I heard there was some other tournament going on right now, but everyone I know is checking their Fug Madness 2009 brackets. Round 2 starts today (R1 recap & R2 preview here) - go Swinton go!

I love my husband

Because he sends me things like this.

Wanna see a bald pageant queen?

Miss Virginia has joined other fundraisers (many of whom have already been shorn) with St. Baldrick's Foundation in setting a donation goal to shave her head, with the donations benefiting pediatric cancer research. She's trying to raise $500k before April 11, and she can't shave her head until she reaches that goal. She has a long way to go, so get your wallet out!

A couple of handy links

1. When you're totally over your obsession with eBay/Friendster/Twitter, how do you actually get rid of your account? For some sites, it's not as easy as you'd think. PC Magazine has published a cheat sheet for the most common/difficult.

2. Despite the catchy (or horribly annoying, if you're me) jingle, FreeCreditReport isn't the real deal. AnnualCreditReport is.