While the effects of Hurricane Sandy are still being felt by Americans on the East coast, with many still without electricity, ABC's Day Of Giving gleaned $17m for the American Red Cross to help those affected by the storm. 

The day didn't quite take the form of a telethon, or a network takeover with special guests, rather pertinent reminders during normal programming, but it still proved a valuable exercise, with a hefty $17m heading towards people that need it the most. It wasn't just your average Joe donating though; network celebrities also got involved in the money giving. Good Morning America co-host George Stephanopoulos donated $50,000 to the relief fund and The View co-host Babara Walters made a $250,000 donation after she said she was moved after answering phones on ABC's Day of Giving, CBS news reports. Other major contributors included Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner and star of ABC's "Shark Tank" and the Samsung Corp. In addition, the Walt Disney Co. made a $1 million contribution to local charities, which may seem like a lot, but considering their $4.05 billion purchase of Lucasfilm, it looks more like pocket change. 

The effects of Hurricane Sandy are still affecting America in a place it really matters: their civil liberties. The BBC live coverage of the US Election 2012 has seen people turning out to vote in tents powered by generators with cardboard signs.