Hunger and homelessness increased in many of America's largest cities this year, with growing demand for emergency food supplies for families with children, the elderly and even people with jobs, noted a survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The report was released yesterday, and it revealed that requests for emergency food assistance rose 17 percent overall from last year in the survey of 25 large cities while requests for emergency shelter assistance increased by 13 percent, the report showed.

The numbers are expected to rise even more in 2004, the report predicted. Why such an upswing in hunger and homelessness numbers in America's big cities? The report cites unemployment, low-paying jobs, high housing costs, substance abuse and high energy and utility costs as key contributors to the problem.

Lauren Sandler writes for The Nation this week about "Women Under Siege" in Iraq. Sandler's article illuminates an idea that many Americans might find shocking: Women aren't necessarily better off in Iraq now that it is occupied by the U.S.

"Millions of women have found themselves living under such de facto house arrest since the coalition forces claimed Baghdad in April," Sandler writes. "They have been forced into this situation by a menacing triple threat that has emerged since the war: First, Saddam Hussein threw open the doors to his prisons in October 2002, releasing criminals onto Iraq's tightly policed streets. Then came the fall of the regime and the concomitant crumbling of law enforcement. And now, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) is treating a growing human rights crisis for women as an extracurricular issue at best, leaving women at the mercy of thugs on the streets and the religious parties that have rushed into the political vacuum."

It wasn't always like this in Iraq. Of course, women were struggling for equal rights, but they used to have more of a powerful voice. Sandler describes Iraqi culture as a complex one, "a multilayered and deeply complicated dish of still-living ancient tribal traditions, varying forms of Islam and the vestiges of a modern secular society that not so long ago saw miniskirted women working for equal pay, heading ministries and demonstrating for equality throughout the nation's cities." Now, most of those voices are silenced.

To make the men of his embattled nation feel better about losing wars and rampant poverty, Saddam Hussein used misogyny as a powerful tool. The new coalition that has replaced the dictator is doing virtually by ignoring the violence facing women today in Iraq.

Key quote:

Over dinner in the palace cafeteria one night, when I discussed the accelerating crisis for women with two high-ranking American officials in the Interior Ministry--which oversees police and security--I was told with shocking candor as my pen perched over my reporter's notebook: "We don't do women."

Aerosmith has announced the addition of a private soundcheck to be held in conjunction with their upcoming show at The Forum in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 18th. The first 2,000 fans that bring a minimum of (1) standard grocery bag of non-perishable food items to the venue on the 18th, will receive a wristband to attend Aerosmith’s private soundcheck at The Forum.

As a thank you, those participants that wish to purchase a ticket to the actual concert will be given a coupon to receive a special discount. These tickets may be purchased at the Forum Box Office on the day of the show only, between 10am-4pm.

This event is the result of an alliance Aerosmith initiated with the WHY to raise funds and awareness to fight hunger and poverty. Proceeds from Aerosmith’s Los Angeles soundcheck promotion will benefit The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

The fourth annual "Rock Marathon" on radio station Q104.3FM in New York is underway. The 104.3-hour non-stop marathon will benefit Charity Begins At Home, an umbrella organization founded by musician Billy Joel that funds local organizations. WHY is included in the marathon this year as part of Hungerthon season.

Listeners can make pledges at 1-888-872-1043. There are also great items in the online charity auction, including a white fender stratocaster signed by two of The Who's founding members.