Today marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The first international health day of its kind is a united global effort to bring attention to the worldwide challenges and consequences of the AIDS epidemic in the hopes that by shining the light on the disease we can collectively prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of those individuals who are already living with the virus.

So today seems perfect for me to talk about a cause that I've been in love with over the past two years. It seems that every notable musician and actor these days is now the face for one global cause or another so I think it's easy to dismiss them as a passing fad. However, Bono's brainchild, the (RED) campaign, is one of the most exciting and innovative fundraising efforts I've seen to date. He has partnered with celebrities and major brands like Gap, Motorola, Hallmark, American Express, Hallmark, Apple, Converse, Emporio Armani and print and internet media giants Vanity Fair, Myspace, American Online and The Independent to create ways to turn our consumerism into activism which is a win-win for all involved.

There are many red products but my two very favorite (RED) product collections are from Gap & Hallmark. The Gap collection features apparel and accessories for everyone on your Christmas list including some of the cutest outfits for the wee ones you've ever seen and the best part is that half of the profits from ALL (RED) purchases go to the Global Fund. How could it get any better than that?! Well, I'll tell you how...just wrap those lovely gifts in Hallmark's (RED) gift wrap and attach one of their (RED) collection cards to the box. They have cards with sound, boxed holiday cards, boxed everyday cards, e-cards (for the lazy) and photo cards that I think are fantastic for grandparents far away. They also have a few gifts as well.

See...being a part of World AIDS day and making an impact really is just as simple as buying gifts that you'll be buying anyway. So perhaps you'll take a moment out and visit these sites today and in the weeks ahead and put your money to good use.

In honor of World AIDS Day, The Killers have gone (RED) with their new Christmas tune "Don't Shoot Me Santa" by giving 100% of the proceeds to the Global Fund. So while I won't post the song since it's a benefit tune, here is the video to get you in the mood to purchase it.

The Killers - "Don't Shoot Me Santa"

Queen also got in on the game this World AIDS Day by releasing their first studio recording in a decade. "Say It's Not True" was written by Roger Taylor specifically for Nelson Mandela's AIDS awareness campaign, 46664 and is available for free download on a multitude of sites. But so you can spend more time viewing 46664, here it is for your convenience:

Queen & Paul Rodgers - "Say It's Not True"

And because I can't help but think of Freddie Mercury today, here is the song that Brian May wrote after he passed. Until now this was their last studio recording and it's a lovely tribute I think.

Queen - "No One But You"

And some odds and ends that deal with or elude to the topic of the day...

TLC - "Waterfalls"

Reba McEntire - "She Thinks His Name Was John"

Elton John - "The Last Song"

Linda Ronstadt - "Goodbye My Friend"

Prince - "Sign O' the Times"

Bruce Springsteen - "Streets of Philadelphia"