Affinity4 Community Blog

I watched the Super Bowl game on Sunday with my family, and knew better than to hope for a family-friendly Halftime ‘performance’, given the history of the event as well as the acts announced. I mean, Madonna?? She gave an interview in the days leading up to the game with hints about what was in store for viewers, and the one thing I clearly remember her saying was “No wardrobe malfunctions!” I laughed, not because this was an empty promise, but because this statement left so much room for other ways to ‘stand out’ as an ‘performance artist’ without promising to behave on such a public stage.

Given the (I use this term loosely) “artists” performing, there was bound to be something completely unacceptable to happen – and even Madonna’s so-called promise, though true, couldn’t keep her show clean. Did anyone else notice the weird blip toward the end? I thought it was a technical error. Today, I hear one of the stars made a hand gesture while on camera that was the total opposite of family friendly, all as a desperate cry for attention. A performer, M.I.A., decided she wanted more than 30 seconds of attention from headliner Madonna, and thought the best way to be talked about was to sink to the lowest of the lows.

No wardrobe malfunctions, indeed.

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Pro-life America celebrated a long awaited victory this week when Susan G. Komen announced they would no longer fund Planned Parenthood. In first reports the decision was said to be based on the link between abortion and breast cancer. The defunding is now being based on a SGK policy that states they are not able to contribute funds to any organization that is under federal investigation. The congressional inquiry was launched in September by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) to determine, among other things, whether Planned Parenthood has used public money to fund abortions. Although Planned Parenthood receives federal money, that money can’t be used to provide abortions.

This move has many pro-choice Americans in an uproar with threats to stop supporting fundraising activities for SGK. On that same side of the fence are those that are angered by the notion that so many women who go to Planned Parenthood will now lose free mammography services, putting them at risk for undetected breast cancer.

Oddly, not one of these people is bothered by the fact that abortion has been linked to an increased risk for breast cancer:

“As of 2006, eight medical organizations recognize that abortion raises a woman’s risk for breast cancer, independently of the risk of delaying the birth of a first child (a secondary effect that all experts already acknowledge). An additional medical organization, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, issued a statement in 2003 calling on doctors to inform patients about a “highly plausible” relationship between abortion and breast cancer. General Counsel for that medical group wrote an article for its journal warning doctors that three women (two Americans, one Australian) successfully sued their abortion providers for neglecting to disclose the risks of breast cancer and emotional harm, although none of the women had developed the disease.” (www.abortionbreastcancer.org)

An even bigger issue is the fact that Planned Parenthood does not provide mammogram services, they provide manual breast exams and referrals for mammograms. That information is clearly stated on their website, “Ask your health care provider, health department, or staff at your local Planned Parenthood health center about where you can get a mammogram in your area.” (www.plannedparenthood.org). This was also confirmed by Planned Parenthood CEO, Cecile Richards in a 2011 interview with Joy Behar.

At a time when many are threatening to pull support from Susan G. Komen, one must wonder if the organization has considered the outpouring of support that might now be coming in from the pro-life community if they stand firm on their decision.

**Update: Susan G. Komen for the Cure has reconsidered and has resumed their support for Planned Parenthood, much to our disappointment. We continue to follow this issue closely, and will inform you of any further updates.

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Why just make a purchase when you can make a difference? With Affinity4, you can do both. Affinity4 exists to help customers support, uphold and strengthen traditional family values by donating a portion of the proceeds generated from your purchase of Affinity4 products and services to charities.

We’re pleased to provide you with another opportunity to give back to worthy causes with your everyday purchases: the new Giving Visa® Platinum Rewards Card. It’s the only card that helps you give to others in need. That’s because when you apply for and use the Giving Card, 10% of the proceeds from your purchases will be donated to a special cause each month—causes that will help needy children, homeless individuals, disaster victims, cancer survivors and many others around the world.

In addition to giving back to others, the Giving Card gives back to you too with its no annual fee, low introductory APR for the first 6 months, and a generous rewards program where you earn 1 point for each $1 spent on purchases. Reward points are redeemable toward airline tickets, hotel reservations, name-brand merchandise, event tickets, gift cards and more. And, as a special bonus, when you apply now, you’ll earn points for balance transfer – 1 point for each dollar you transfer. Cardholders also receive enhanced Visa Platinum benefits including 24/7 emergency customer service, 100% fraud protection, automobile rental and travel accident insurance.

To start giving back to others and yourself, simply apply for the card; once approved, make your everyday purchases using your card. Each month, 10% of the proceeds from your purchases will automatically be donated to a featured cause at no additional cost or effort from you. Previous causes and top charitable organizations supported by Giving card purchases have included breast cancer awareness (National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc), organizations helping children in need ( St. Judes),and organizations supporting wellness ( American Cancer Society and American Heart Association).

We think the Giving Card is one of the best affinity cards on the market. It’s issued through UMB, ranked by Smart Money as “the highest-scoring traditional bank among our favorites and by Forbes as the #2 “best” bank in the U.S.” As a leading card issuer with nearly 40 years of credit card experience, UMB offers a wide range of consumer and commercial Visa and private label products.

So make your purchases make a difference with the new Giving Card. The only card that gives back to you and others around the world.

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The president should be pleased that his Republican challengers are making the race into a choice rather than just a referendum on the economy. The Republican primaries are just a preview of what will be an ugly election campaign for all sides, no matter the end result. Americans are fearful about their economic future and seeking tangible solutions. But instead of voters being swamped with negative ads from politicians, Newt Gingrich benefited in South Carolina from a shift in strategy that recalled his approach when he briefly soared to the top of the polls in Iowa. At mid-week he began airing a television commercial that dropped all references to Romney and his other rivals, and contended that he was the only Republican who could defeat Obama.

In victory, Gingrich praised his Republican rivals and attacked President Barack Obama and “elites in New York and Washington.” Obama is “the most effective food stamp president in history,” he said. “I would like to be the best paycheck president in American history.” Those declarations and his attack on the “elite news media” reprised two of his more memorable lines from a pair of debates that helped fuel his victory.

Nor did Gingrich flinch when ex-wife Marianne said in an interview on ABC that he had been unfaithful for years before their divorce in 1999, and asked him for an open marriage.

Asked about the accusation in the opening moments of the second debate of the week, he unleashed an attack on ABC and debate host CNN and accused the “liberal news media” of trying to help Obama by attacking Republicans. His ex-wife’s account, he said, was untrue. He reprimanded the mediator and his approach, “To take an ex-wife and make it, two days before the primary, a significant question for a presidential campaign is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine.”

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Here at Affinity4 we are always looking for opportunities to improve the products and services we offer to you – our customers. To help customers meet their daily Internet needs, we’re very excited to announce our partnership with EarthLink. They have several services you can choose from including budget friendly dial-up service and, for faster access, high-speed DSL service. Faster connection will help you save time when downloading information, shopping online, or just using the various search engines, like Google and Yahoo. Prices start as low as $14.95 per month for the first 3 months and a DSL modem is no-charge!

Our customers will also receive 20 hours of free dial-up service to use when you’re away from home. This comes in handy when you’re traveling and need access to your emails or files. Since services vary by the location or the phone provider in your area, our Customer Service Representative will advise you of the available packages to meet your needs.

If high speed internet is not what you’re looking for, EarthLink offers dial-up service starting as low as $9.95 per month for the first 6 months. This includes free EarthLink Accelerator software that allows you to surf faster. All services include EarthLink’s award-winning 24/7 tech support where support is available by phone, live chat online or the web. When accessing the web, security against viruses is a must have. With the services offered through EarthLink you’ll receive free security tools providing protection against viruses, spyware, hackers and online scams.

Plus, when you purchase EarthLink’s internet services through Affinity4, we’ll donate 10% of the proceeds to select worldly causes including American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Feed the Children, Salvation Army, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and other valuable organizations working to make a difference in our world! So, join countless of others who give back to their ministry or charity with the services they purchase through Affinity4…sign up today to save more and get better internet service through our new partnership with EarthLink.

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It’s been over 40 years since Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death, and 26 years since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. federal holiday. To me, and much of my generation, the most significant implication of that statement is that much of my generation doesn’t understand the meaning of Dr. King, Jr.’s work.

Our perception of civil rights has changed dramatically over the years, from racial desegregation and gender equality, but one thing has remained certain – we still strive for nonviolent justice and the ability to live without discrimination.

My generation is reaping the rewards that Dr. King, Jr., and so many others fought so very hard for. The power of his spoken word, his teachings, and his memory, changed the course of history. For this reason, on the third Monday in January, we honor one of the greatest American heroes.

In keeping with these teachings, we must all work together toward a “beloved community”. If we all work together, we continue to make it a better place for everyone. So be sure to volunteer at your local nonprofit, church, or community function and remember:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”-Martin Luther King Jr.

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Jana Gordon wishing you a happy Friday!

Hello Affinity4 World!

My name is Jana Gordon and I’m what you could call a California girl turned east-coaster. I joined the Affinity4 team as Digital Media Coordinator in November with a background in integrated marketing communication previously working in the non-profit, television and advertising industries. Prior to moving to the area, I attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas – GO Rebels – and have been in Hampton Roads for three years.

My passion is not solely limited to marketing, digital media, pr and advertising, I am heavily involved in youth ministry and community service project planning. I love volunteering and working with people to help people! So it’s a double-bonus that I get to work for an awesome company that shares my same core value of giving back.

Thank you for taking time to get to know me! To close, I’ll leave you with a quote: I knew everything and received everything. But real happiness is giving. – Alain Delon

Have a super-fantastic day

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I used to think New Year’s resolutions were silly. I thought they were goals you made for yourself, but typically forgot about by the end of January, especially if they seemed insurmountable. But that was many years ago, before I learned the meaning behind New Year’s resolutions and what they stood for.

See, to me, a New Year’s resolution is still a goal I set for myself – but it’s a goal about how to be a better person, more than how to make life better for myself, and I think that’s something that I learned with maturity. “Get a better job”, “budget better”, “go down a dress size”, you’ve heard them all before in one way or another.

But as I’ve grown, I realized that a New Year’s resolution should really be about making myself a better person, and that would ultimately result in making life better for myself – and others around me. When I joined Affinity4 a few years ago, it only underlined this notion.

So, this year, I’ve resolved to be healthier, which will affect more than just my clothing size. I’ve also resolved to do the best job I can here at Affinity4, which will affect more than just me, but also my colleagues, the partner nonprofits I talk to and work with, the customers I work with directly, and any trickle-down effect that has.

A New Year’s resolution is only as effective as the person who makes it, and makes the effort to see it through. We hope you enjoy 2012 with happiness, peace and joy, and we hope to continue to keep each of our customers happy and Giving Back with us.

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At Affinity4, we want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!! No, not “Happy Holidays” – that’s right, a Merry Christmas. Christmas seems to have become a somewhat commercial holiday to so many, but we still hold on to the spiritual and religious notions that Christmas really is all about.

We understand the true reason for the season. We will always embrace the traditional values of giving, sharing and helping the less fortunate during Christmas.

We appreciate our customers’ commitment to our efforts this year, and every year.  We wish you the merriest of Christmases, filled with peace, promise, and blessings of the best New Year to come.

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