Friday Final Cut

It's Friday, and I once again find myself with a plethora of stories. So here's your final cut...everything that I want to share, but don't have time to blog.

Enjoy!

• Google Earth Now Displays Real-Time Rain and Snow -- Watch extreme weather online!
  
• Antibacterial Graphene 'Paper' Could Lead to Better Bandages -- Future first aid?
  
• Students Aren't Allowed To Touch Real Rocks -- Does the CPSC go too far to keep kids safe?
  
• Pitbull Save Oregon Family From House Fire -- Who doesn't love animal lifesavers?
  
• Lewis and Clark College grad fights homelessness in Lane County -- One of our AmeriCorps program volunteers!

Ice Cream + Volunteerism = The Perfect Combo

The only thing that's better than the warm fuzzy feeling you get from volunteering (maybe for the Buy A Blanket campaign?) is the icy cold feeling you get from eating ice cream when it's hot out.

Here's your chance to do both.

Just go to this site, search for ways to volunteer, pick one and submit your contact info. You'll get a follow-up e-mail with a coupon for free ice cream AND a way to send coupons to 5 friends by inviting them to volunteer as well.

Pretty sweet!

The best part of the deal is that it's not just ANY ice cream...it's Ben & Jerry's. And, you could even pick the adorably named flavors of Berry Voluntary or Brownie Chew Gooder, which elicit both a groan and a grin.

No matter how you volunteer or for whom you do it, I hope that -- like eating ice cream in the summer -- you make it a habit.

Volunteer: Just Two Hours Helps

Have you ever wanted to volunteer, but worry about the time commitment? Now, just two hours can make a difference.

We're hoping you'll sign up to help with "Buy A Blanket," a month-long campaign designed to educate Oregonians about the importance of preparedness and encourage their support of local disaster relief.

On four Saturdays (Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2), volunteers can register for a two-hour shift, greeting customers in Fred Meyer stores around the state.

Each customer will receive a disaster checklist, filled with inexpensive items that will help them be prepared for anything. They'll also have the opportunity to purchase a "virtual blanket," a gift of comfort and hope for their neighbors after a devastating house fire.

The best news? The only qualificiations you need are a friendly smile and a cheerful attitude. (Okay, you must also be 16 or older.)

The Buy A Blanket campaign will take place in 50 Fred Meyer stores throughout Oregon, so whether you're in Medford or Milwaukie, Portland or Pendleton, we need you.

To sign up for a two-hour shift at your nearest Fred Meyer store, visit www.buyablanket.org.

Party to save lives!

Ever had measles before? Know anyone who have died from it?

Probably not. Measles is practically non-existent in the states, but it is still a leading cause of preventable death in children globally. There has been a safe and effective measles vaccine for 45 years, but the children who need it most are often hard to reach and don't have easy access to adequate health care. It only costs less than a dollar to vaccinate a child against measles!

The Measles Initiative is a campaign co-operated by the American Red Cross, WHO, CDC, UNICEF, and United Nations. Together we have vaccinated and saved the lives of over 700 million children in developing countries since 2001. It has been one of the most successful public health vaccination campaigns in recent years.

But every day, 450 children still die from this disease.

We invite you to support two upcoming collaborated events in the Portland Area next week! These events are designed to be fun and educational for the 21+ crowd, with a fashion show as well! $5 Cover

Red Cross will be present to distribute more information and give everyone an opportunity to give $1 (Or more!) to vaccinate a child! Don't be too sad if you can't make it to the first two events, there will be more to come this month! Come out, and have some fun with us while supporting an important cause next week!

-First Thursday Ecopalooza Pre-Party at Couture August 5th

-Ecopalooza After Show Party at NePo 42 August 7th

Compression-Only CPR Gets Thumbs Up

You read the New England Journal of Medicine, right?

What? You don't?

It's okay...neither do I. But lots of media types pay very, very close attention to what they say on medical issues and right now, a story is making the rounds that's, uh, close to our hearts.

If you're searching the abstract for the key quote, here it is: "The results support a strategy for CPR performed by laypersons that emphasizes chest compression and minimizes the role of rescue breathing."

Basically, that means so-called Compression-Only CPR is okay in certain situations, which actually fits right in with American Red Cross guidance. Of course, we still encourage everyone to be trained in full CPR (chest compressions and rescue breathing) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The extra cool thing is that we can teach you how to do Compression-Only CPR in less than 3 minutes. How? Just watch this video:

Prepare-aphernalia: Made In Oregon Multi-Tool

One of my favorite items of prepare-aphernalia is the multi-tool. It's small, entirely functional and the perfect addition to a disaster kit. Heck, it's even one of The 10 Essentials!

And if you live here in Oregon, you should know that some of the most popular multi-tools are made in our own backyard by a company called Leatherman.

Leatherman has been around since 1983, but their history starts long before that. According to their website, "Back in 1975, Tim Leatherman and his wife travel Europe and the Middle East. Between a cranky Fiat and leaky hotel plumbing, Tim's boy-scout knife leaves him wanting more, like some pliers, and maybe a screwdriver or two. He dreams up a multi-tool."

Not too long after, Tim started making prototypes with cardboard and wood. And now you can check 'em out (along with more key Leatherman history) in this cool photo gallery from Popular Mechanics.

If you happen to be looking for something a little more modern to keep in your kit, how about the Super Tool 300? With a saw, can opener, wire cutters and pliers, there's just about no disaster I can think of where it wouldn't be helpful to have on hand.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

PAKISTAN: The ICRC is providing training in first aid for journalists from Pakistan working in violence-affected areas.

IRAQ: The ICRC is helping more than 64,000 destitute Iraqis through the holy month of Ramadan by providing them with food and hygiene items.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: The ICRC and the Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have begun to distribute food to 53,000 people who have fled their villages because of violence since mid-July. Meanwhile the ICRC recently reunited 14 Congolese children with their families.

AFGHANISTAN: Heavy flooding in conflict-affected northern and western Afghanistan has forced thousands to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. The ICRC and the Afghan Red Crescent provided emergency aid for more than 40,000 people – many of them in dangerous or remote areas – in May and June.

CHINA: In response to some of the worst flooding in decades, the Red Cross Society of China has been distributing emergency supplies including tents, quilts, rice and drinking water.

SRI LANKA: As thousands of people return home to damaged or destroyed houses after the fighting, the German Red Cross is working with the The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and IFRC to build new homes and repair damage to others.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Thanks KGON and Parade Magazine!

Much like The Rolling Stones album of the same name, the KGON "Let It Bleed" blood drive hope to release the inner rockstar in you. If you didn't catch the event information in this earlier post, you can now check it out through publicity on KGON's website and an on-air promotion from powerhouse radio hosts Mark and Brian!

Presenting donors can enter to win tickets to ZZ Top, Heart or Lynyrd Skynyrd now through Saturday, July 31. Also, if you visit the Portland Donor Center , Salem Donor Center or Vancouver Donor Center to give blood or platelets on July 31, you'll also receive a free KGON "Let It Bleed" event shirt!

...and if that wasn't reason enough to come donate, "giving blood" was also included in Parade Magazine's "15 Ways to Enjoy Your Summer" article this weekend!

So whether you want to rock out while helping to save lives, or you just want to make the most of your summer, be sure to include blood donation in the equation!

Keeping Your Watery Weekends Safe

This weekend was absolutely beautiful...and horribly tragic.

When the sun comes out, people love to cool down in the water, but don't always do so with safety in mind. And that's when fatal mistakes can be made.

But rather than be all gloom and doom, I try to bear in mind that from even the saddest scenarios, lessons can be learned. KGW took a similar approach, focusing on safety and prevention in the face of tragedy.



Want more? Get our water safety tips and check here for some boating tips from the Oregon State Marine Board.

Friday Final Cut

One of the most frequent questions I'm asked about social media is, "How can you ever find enough things to blog/tweet about?"

The simple answer is, "Enough?? I've got too much!"

It's true -- when you think about the Red Cross 24/7 and you're always on the lookout for anything disaster/CPR/blood/volunteer related, the content is basically endless. And that's when I get in the tough spot of not sharing great stories just 'cuz I don't have the time to blog them all.

So from time to time, I think I'm going to add a Friday Final Cut...all the stories that didn't make the blog that week, but are still worth linking to. So here they are, folks!

• The top foods you should keep in an emergency
• Drowning looks different than you think
• Eastern Oregon's Jessica Lea Returns from D.C.

And some oldies, but goodies:

• West Linn gets crash course in earthquake preparedness
• NASA Demonstrates Tsunami Prediction System
• FEMA Funds 'Disaster Hero' Video Game for PC/Mac
• City in Oregon Considers Beacon for ‘the Big One’

For Those About to Rock (and Donate), We Salute You

Want to win tickets to see ZZ Top, Heart or Lynyrd Skynyrd this summer?

All presenting donors at Portland area or southwest Washington area American Red Cross blood drives may enter to win a pair of concert tickets for Heart, ZZ Top or Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Oregon State Fair or the Sleep Country Amphitheater. To enter to win, donors must present to donate between July 27 and July 31, 2010.

Additionally, all presenting donors at the American Red Cross Portland Donor Center , Salem Donor Center or Vancouver Donor Center ONLY will receive a one of a kind commemorative t-shirt (see graphic) and can also enter to win a pair of concert tickets to Heart, ZZ Top or Lynyrd Skynyrd!

To schedule your donation appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or schedule your appointment online.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

UKRAINE: Visiting nurses make the difference in a program assisting the elderly and people with HIV.

CHINA: The Red Cross Society of China has stepped up efforts to assist millions of people affected by floods.

KYRGYZSTAN: As tensions continue, the ICRC continues to assist internally displaced people and detainees, and help families find out what happened to missing loved ones.

HAITI: The Haitian National Red Cross Society has begun broadcasting their first ever radio show from Red Cross Red Crescent base camp in Port-au-Prince, engaging listeners in a two-way conversation about needs and services.

PHILIPPINES: Early warning systems enabled the Philippines Red Cross to prepare its chapters for Typhoon Conson. Staff and volunteers responded immediately after the disaster, helping people to reach the evacuation centres and providing hot meals from mobile kitchens.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Friends With (Or Without) Pools

Last year, I bemoaned the fact that I had no friends with pools.

Well, guess what? I STILL don't have any friends with pools!

This is one of the perils of living in often-rainy Portland, Oregon. Very few people have pools and it seems like even fewer bother to clean them for the approximately two months that temperature is right to use them.

But, if you are one of the very lucky few, you might want to check out this website, brought to you by the fine folks at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The cornerstone of the "Pool Safely" campaign is this PSA, narrated by Ming-Na, the voice of Mulan in Disney's film. The PSA emphasizes simple steps that save lives: door alarms, knowledge of CPR, fencing around pools and spas and safety drain covers in spas.



So what's one of the best ways to pool safely -- at a home pool, community center or elsewhere? Take swimming lessons from the American Red Cross, of course!

HOW TO: Survive A Plane Crash

If you pay attention to the news, you know that the American Red Cross doesn't just respond to natural disasters -- we respond to transportation disasters as well.

In fact, you might remember the Hudson River plane crash that occured just a year and a half ago. Or the Buffalo crash just about one month later.

I remind you of this after viewing Wired's gallery of plane crashes that people actually survived.

Sure, you never know when this might happen -- and it can be paralyzing to expect the worst --in our ongoing campaign to keep you prepared (and empowered), I thought I'd also link to Wired's cool wiki on how to survive a plane crash.

From where you sit on the plane (the back) to what kind of clothes to wear while traveling (long pants, long sleeves), there are several tips that go beyond just common sense. Don't cross your legs or ankles for take-off and landing? Interesting.

Of utmost importance, pay attention to the safety briefing and review the safety card. There are lots of different models of planes...you can't assume that you know 'em all.

And, as always, don't panic. Follow instructions from the flight crew and you'll hopefully be a lucky survivor yourself.

More Cookies, More Juice and More Donors Needed!

The Red Cross is experiencing an abnormally low turnout for blood donations due to the recent heat, holidays and summer vacations. The Red Cross is asking all eligible donors to take time out of their busy schedules to roll up their sleeves and give blood.

All blood types are needed. Your summer blood donation can make the difference between an adequate supply and a shortage.

To say "thank you," anyone who presents to donate blood or platelets now through July 24, 2010 will receive double points towards the Red Cross Rewards Program.

Check out Red Cross Rewards, our online donor recognition and rewards program. Donors earn points every time they present to donate blood or platelets. Points can then be exchanged for prizes, including: Red Cross apparel, music downloads, and more.

Make an appointment now, visit our website or call 1-800-RED CROSS!

Photo courtesy of images.publicradio.org

Red Cross Community Gallery Seeks New Artists

The Life’s Crossing Community Gallery, located at the Red Cross Portland Donor Center (3131 N. Vancouver Ave.), is looking for varied artistic media to bring to its building!

This highly-visible gallery is open to employees, volunteers, visitors and donors who reflect the diverse programs and services the American Red Cross provides. We literally want to be Life’s Crossing in our community!

Gallery shows run eight weeks in length, and are hosted free of charge for the artist. The Red Cross requires that the artist in residence is in attendance for one onsite artist reception. Artist participation is determined by a review of the artist’s work.

While the Red Cross provides a space for artists to sell their work, our organization takes absolutely no commission from the gallery proceeds.

For more information about the gallery and submission process, please contact Pam O’Conner, Life's Crossing Gallery Administrator, at oconnorpam@usa.redcross.org or (503) 890-1445.

SLIDESHOW: Together We Prepare Boise & Eliot

Over the weekend, Red Crossers visited the Boise and Eliot neighborhoods -- right in our own backyard! -- distributing flashlights, whistles and preparedness information.

The whistles appeared to be a big hit. I could hear them being blown immediately after neighbors closed their doors behind them. I'm sure there are dozens of parents of small children who hate us right now...

Here's a quick slideshow of the action!

We're Going To Graceland!

No, not Elvis' home with the world famous Jungle Room, but rather the "Graceland of Atomic Tourism," a disaster shelter built in the mid-1950's for our very own government leaders.

According to this article, the United States government covertly arranged to build a fallout shelter to house the entire U.S. Congress underneath the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. As part of the deal, the five star hotel agreed that in case of nuclear war—or even just a realistic threat—the entire hotel would be commandeered by the government.

Note that the shelter was intended to house only the congressmen and their aides. It was not designed to accommodate their wives or children. Ouch.

Besides bunk-beds, TVs and furniture, there is a special room meant for holding and calming members of Congress who can't handle the stress, and an incinerator meant for "pathological waste," or -- as the article puts it -- the Congressmen's irradiated bodies. The shelter also had two mock chambers of Congress, complete with flags, microphones and pictures of the founding fathers, all equipped to carry on U.S. government operations in case of nuclear war.

Sadly, the shelter is no longer operative since its location was revealed in a 1992 Washington Post article. However, you can still see photos and go on guided tours to see just how prepared for disaster our nation's leaders were more than 50 years ago.

Read more about the Greenbrier Resort shelter.
And even more.
And more than that.

Good bye AmeriCorps!!

So yesterday marked the last official day of our chapter's AmeriCorp team's service year! AmeriCorps members devote a year of their lives to "getting things done", strengthening communities, developing their skills and expanding their opportunities. Through service at a nonprofit organization (in this case, the American Red Cross) members address pressing educational, environmental, homeland security, public safety and other health and human needs locally. Very admirable. Since I can't teach CPR/First Aid classes til I get certified myself (TOMORROW!! FINALLY!) this department has kind of 'adopted' me for my first few weeks here. I have gone from shadowing presentations of Together We Prepare to teaching ALERT (Fire Safety) to third graders with them!

Anne, Nate, Carley and Patty (three of which are contributors to this blog) are amazing, quality people and praises for their hard work is all I've been hearing this week. In the short time I've known them, I have gained an overwhelming wealth of knowledge. In fact, the office has been having little conference room parties and ice cream excursions in honor of their service here. Those aren't too uncommon here, I think I've been to five (?!) office parties in the past month.

All this is to say how great the people working behind Red Cross truly are. I've work at many places where when a coworker leaves, no one really cares. They might get a pat on the back and a farewell card at best, but it's so different here! The work force here cares a lot about each other and even dedicated, long-term volunteers get parties when they leave. Maybe it's the whole non-profit thing...the people here work because they simply love their jobs. Or at least from what I've gathered, they feel a genuine need and purpose and fulfillment at the end of the day. How many people can say that?

Whether it be with the Red Cross or not, I hope I find as much meaning and purpose in my future career as the folks here do! And when I finish my internship...maybe I'll get a farewell party too :)

How do you predict the weather?

Oregon is known for some very interesting weather transitions. One day we are close to a record low, the next could be a record high! I have a meteorologist friend who anchors for a radio station, and whenever I ask about this part of the country's forecast it sounds like it is pretty much anyone's guess with the complex system of mountains, rivers, and valleys.

So how do you predict the weather? The people of Brussels, Belgium, have a new answer to the age old question. According to designboom, Belgian design studio lab[au] transformed Dexia tower into a light-based weather forecasting installation. The project uses the large tower as a public canvas to visualize the next day’s weather forecast, using real time data to project the temperature, cloudiness, precipitation and wind using colors and different geometrical patterns. each of the building’s 6,000 windows have been outfitted with around 12 LED lights each. The lights reflect off the closed blinds at night, illuminating the whole window. the temperature is displayed based on the monthly average with a different color for each increase or decrease.

Could you imagine this being set up in Portland? Although, you do have to crack the code as to what the colors and patterns represent...

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

NIGER/MALI: Farmers and stockbreeders in northern regions of Niger and Mali are suffering the combined effects of drought and inter-community violence. In May, the ICRC launched a large-scale aid operation to help 290,000 of them.

ERITREA: The Red Cross Society of Eritrea is helping to bring hope to people in parched regions with sustainable projects like solar water pumps and volunteer-built water collection systems.

BELARUS: The Belarus Red Cross is reaching out to youth and young workers about HIV prevention.

PHILIPPINES: Nine months after the tsunamis, the IFRC has built cyclone-resistant transitional housing for more than 600 families, and the building continues.

HAITI: Marking the six-month point after the earthquake, the ICRC has honoured three extraordinary healthcare heroes. For the six-month progress report and more on Haiti, visit www.redcross.org/haiti.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Here's Looking For You, Kid...

There's nothing like a Red Cross Missed Connection to make my day.

If you were at Portland Community College last Friday (for a blood drive, I'm guessing?), the missed connection could be you!

Pass the post along to your co-workers, fellow PDX Red Crossers. We could be helping someone find true love...or a stalker. We'll hope for the former.

Red, White and Vroom!

Even though World Cup fever might be over, a summer of sports is still heating up. In Portland this upcoming weekend, NASCAR will be taking over as the K&N Pro Series visits the Portland International Raceway.

If you have been following NASCAR, you no doubt have seen the Number 16 3M Ford Fusion driven by local driver Greg Biffle. At the end of June his Ford Fusion appeared in Red Cross colors at the New Hampshire race and there is another chance to see the Red Cross flair at the Texas race on Sunday, Nov. 7. Do you want a Ford? Then here is a great opportunity for you!

Thanks to a generous donation by the Ford Motor Company, the Red Cross is giving away a 2011 Ford Fiesta to one lucky winner. From now until November 1st, you can register online at redcrossracing.com for a chance to win. Visit the website for official rules.

Why is Ford doing this and what is Red Cross Racing? Red Cross Racing is a blood donation campaign. Every time you record your blood or platelet donations online, you’ll get points which can be exchanged for great prizes. Red Cross Racing is an innovative program designed to encourage NASCAR fans to donate blood with the Red Cross.

And donors are greatly needed- at the Portland donor center yesterday turnout was incredibly low. We want you to come by and visit! If you can donate, visit www.redcrossblood.org and sign up today!

Clara Barton and the History Detectives!

Tonight at 9pm, the History Detectives of PBS will attempt to uncover the mystery of a letter that appears to be written by American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton! The 1866 letter, which was found pressed between the pages of an old book, reports the death of a Union soldier during the Civil War to another man living in Pennsylvania.

The History Detectives will attempt to answer the questions: Did Clara Barton actually write this letter? If so, why was she writing about these men?

Well, I can't tell you if she wrote the letter or not, you'll have to watch the show to find out! But after spending a year with the Red Cross, I do know why Clara Barton would write a letter stating the fate of a Civil War soldier. Before founding the American Red Cross in 1881, Ms. Barton (a.k.a. Angel of the Battlefield) helped to identify approximately 22,000 missing Union soldiers, and delivered the news of their fates to the soldiers' family and friends.

Today, the American Red Cross continues in the footsteps of our founder, helping to reconnect families separated due to armed conflict or natural disaster both in the US and throughout the world. And just like Clara Barton helped with communication between soldiers and their families nearly 150-years ago, the American Red Cross still helps our military families by providing emergency communications and other services.

So watch the show tonight on OPB or watch it online to learn the answers to this history mystery!

Photos courtesy of pbs.org & redcross.org

Haiti Earthquake: Six Months Later

Six months ago today, the world was stunned as a powerful earthquake shook Haiti, destroying buildings, schools and lives. Today, recovery efforts march on and the global Red Cross network is a huge part of the still-complex puzzle.

Since images move me more than numbers, I wanted to share this video.



But if you'd like to know all the details of the two million lives we've touched, you can see them in our six-month report.

Crime doesn't pay

On Sunday, one of the Northwest's most elusive and prolific criminals was finally caught in the Bahamas after two years on the lam! Nineteen year old Colton Harris Moore, aka the Barefoot Bandit, is accused of a long string of property thefts including stealing cars, boats, and planes.
Not that I want to encourage crime or evading criminal punishment, but perhaps the Barefoot Bandit could have fared better had he utilized the basic necessities ethos of a preparedness kit. Instead he (allegedly) stole boats, broke into homes to watch television, and bought girls drinks at local bars, after crash landing a plane on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera a week ago. Thankfully, his lack of preparedness knowledge left a wide open trail so authorities could finally nab him!!

Photo courtesy of katu.com

Photo Frenzy!

Our Flickr site has blown up with all the Red Cross activity going on lately! A Star Wars blood drive, youth awards, a Zombie Squad preparedness night, Twilight movie jewelry giveaways - just to name a few!

Come check out our photo albums to see some great action shots!

Prepare-aphernalia: The Candwich!

If you brown bag it to work, you've probably run into the sad problem of a soggy, smooshed sandwich. Who wants to eat a pulverized PB&J? A torn tuna? A ravaged roast beef?

Well, now there's a solution to all your sandwich issues. I give you....the CANDWICH!

The Candwich comes in traditional PB&J (grape or strawberry) and, for the more adventurous, BBQ chicken. They don't require refrigeration -- you just pop the top and eat.

They're perfect for those -- like me -- who don't cook (yeah, I know...sandwiches aren't cooked, but they do require prep work) and they're guaranteed not to get smashed up in your lunchbox.

But the best part? They have a long shelf life, making them perfect prepare-aphernalia for your disaster kit!

Like astronaut ice cream and other canned foods, Candwiches look like the sort of thing kids would love. They're a novelty and might be fun to open in the midst of what might be a scary experience. Plus, I'm 99.9% sure they'd taste better than those icky 4,000 calorie food bars.

If you're interested in buying a Candwich, visit their website. And if you try one, can you promise to give us a full recap?

Big thanks to Lindsay Segersin for the tip!

Who Knew? Heat Waves

Did you know that a "heat wave" in Antarctica means 59 degrees? Here's everything you always wanted to know about hot weather!

ARC and KGW team up for 'Live to Give'

I have to admit, one of the things that really makes me smile is seeing Red Cross mentions in the local media. When I visited local NBC Affiliate KGW's website on Tuesday, I was definitely smiling. The front page was very red with Red Cross spirit!

For the second year, KGW is teaming up with the American Red Cross for the 'Live to Give' summer blood drive. After last years' great success, we hope to collect 40,000 units of blood in the Portland metro area. This is to meet the great summer need, when collections suffer from schools being out, people being on vacation, and the heat- all while there is greater demand for blood from hospitals.

To help kick off the campaign (running from now until August 29th) KGW's morning show brought Drew Carney back to the Portland donor center to donate on air.

(Not even donating blood can impact Drew Carney's famous morning energy!)

KGW has developed a wonderful website for the campaign, located at special.kgw.com/livetogive/ .

Live to Give, Music Saves Lives, Red Cross Racing, Red Cross Rewards... this is certainly the time to donate blood if you can!

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

HAITI: Of the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the earthquake, detainees are among the most vulnerable. The ICRC has been working with this population for many years and continues to provide assistance. Meanwhile the Columbia Red Cross has organized games as a part of a psychosocial support program for yet another vulnerable group - children.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Repairing houses, distributing seeds and farm tools to farmers, and giving fishing equipment to fishermen. These are a few ways the ICRC is helping 35,000 people piece their lives back together after losing their homes and livelihoods to the violence.

COLOMBIA: This week, an individual held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) was released and handed over to representatives of the ombudsman’s office and the Catholic Church, in the presence of a delegate from the ICRC.

UNITED KINGDOM: Fifteen years since the wars in Croatia and Bosnia and 10 years after the end of the conflict in Kosovo, almost 15,000 people remain unaccounted for. The ICRC and British Red Cross have launched a book and photo exhibit to raise awareness of this issue. The ICRC maintains its support for the families of those still listed as having disappeared during the hostilities.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

I'm Already On It...

I've said it before (and before that and before that) and I'll say it again. I love someecards. They always seem to read my mind...and the weather reports.

If you're wondering what to do now that it's egg frying hot outside, check here for tips. Or follow us on Twitter where I'll be sending out #heattweet(s) all day long.

HawthoRNe: The TV Show, Not The Street

You know what I don't do during the summer? Watch TV.

Even though I'm the least sporty girl ever (the term "glamping" was basically coined for me), I attempt to get out in the sunshine and play bocce, ride bikes and even kayak. Honest.

But now it looks like I might have to give up the Vitamin D for an hour or so each week.

That's because there's this show on TNT called HawthoRNe. This is cool because:

1. It's about nurses and I once worked in a hospital. I know for a fact that nurses are awesome people and, as such, very entertaining.

2. It's named after a very lovely street in SE Portland (obviously).

3. Even though HawthoRNe is in its second season, they are the FIRST TV SHOW EVER to raise money for a charity through the Facebook Causes app.

Sure, #3 is pretty cool on its own, but even cooler when you know that...

...for every person who becomes a fan, they'll give $1 to the American Red Cross.

Awesome, no? Not to mention the fact that becoming a fan takes up about one second and does not in any way keep you from getting that farmer's tan that you've been striving for.

So do it. And watch the show. Giving up a teensy bit of Vitamin D is totally worth it.

Hear Great Tunes, and Support a Great Cause!

Fourth of July might be over, with it's big explosions and plenty of music festivals across the region, however the great weather today is a reminder that a summer of music is just starting!

One of the largest annual events is the Vans Warped Tour. It is the longest running alternative music festival of its type in North America. The 2010 line up includes more than 100 bands, including The All-American Rejects, Motion City Soundtrack, Reel Big Fish, Sum 41 and We the Kings. They just started a nation-wide tour on the East Coast, and are heading West with the final two shows in George, Washington (8/14) and Hillsboro, Oregon (8/15).

Having the final shows is a great opportunity, thanks to Music Saves Lives. Started in 2005, Music Saves Lives is the "bridge between music, entertainment and important life-saving causes." People who present to donate at special blood drives across the region will receive a free music download card, redeemable at www.musicsaveslives.org, AND a free VIP access voucher* to the 2010 Vans Warped Tour concert (while supplies last). Music Saves Lives has educated students and encouraged over 120,000 summer blood donations from youth under the age of 25. Here is a listing of upcoming Oregon Warped Tour blood drives-

Bend Donor Center (July 8th, 15th)
Dallas Faith Evangelical Free Church (July 21st)
Grants Pass Redwood Campus (July 21st)
Gresham St Henry's Catholic Church (July 30th)
Klamath Falls Donor Center (July 29-30th)
Medford Donor Center (July 14th)
Oregon City Clackamas Community College (July 28th)
Portland Rock Creek Christian Center (July 30th)
Portland Zion Lutheran Church (August 4th)
Prineville Crook County Fire Dept. (July 13th)
Salem Donor Center (July 19th, 26th)
Stayton United Methodist Church (July 21st)
Tigard Whole Foods Market (July 30th)

For a complete listing (including Washington locations), click here or use sponsor code 'warped tour'. More locations may be added as the tour approaches, so keep checking the complete listing for updates! If you are interested in organizing a Warped Tour drive, please call 1-503-348-2770.

*VIP Vouchers are not entry tickets to the Warped Tour; to use the vouchers, people must purchase a Vans Warped Tour ticket. Voucher-holders need to take the vouchers to the Music Saves Lives booth in the Take Action non-profit area at the Warped Tour. At the booth, they can exchange the voucher for a wristband that entitles them to enter the event VIP lounge where there will be exclusive “meet and greets.” The VIP area is inside the concert grounds so the pass-holder must have a purchased ticket for the Vans Warped Tour concert.

Mom and Teen Save Neighbors Home

Do you ever wonder how you would respond when an emergency happens? The American Red Cross says that people need to be prepared to respond to emergencies, you never know when one going to occur. And although American Red Cross training may not train you to fight fires, it will train you how to be better prepared when an emergency occurs.

This video from local television channel 12 KPTV highlights how one teenager and mom responded to a home fire. They did all the right steps as the teen states very well in this video. Oh, and I am very proud of them too; this is my wife and step-son!

Watch 30 Hour Day. Be Entertained. Support A Good Cause.

And so it begins.

Starting this afternoon at 4 pm, a dedicated group of individuals will do their best to entertain YOU around the clock. All online and all on behalf of three awesome PDX charities -- p:ear, Oregon Food Bank and the Oregon Trail Chapter (that's us!). Read more about the project in this Oregonian article.

I hope you'll tune in over the next 30 hours -- hence the name, 30 Hour Day -- and you'll at least watch live at 4pm when you might catch a glimpse of me and Robin.

Please support 30 Hour Day. These guys aren't professional fundraisers, but are doing a great job. And we want to see 30 Hour Day become a model worldwide.

Watch the stream now!

"Broadcasting Live with Ustream.TV"

What is LOVE?

I witnessed an event the other day that totally brought new light to what love might be. I was shadowing another Americorps Together We Prepare presentation for the elderly/disabled (they get their own version of the presentation) at an assisted living center out in Gresham.

As part of the presentation, participants get to fill out a 'Readiness Quiz' to see what they know and that actions they have done to be prepared in case of a disaster. There was an elderly couple, probably around in their 70's, in our audience that were very clearly still much in love, holding hands and sitting next to each other and all. Most of the residents scored below 20% but this couple proudly scored above 60%! One of the reasons why?

"He got me an Emergency Kit for Christmas last year! We keep it in the house, and we have one in the car too!"

My heart melted. WHAT GREATER LOVE CAN POSSIBLY EXIST?! Emergency kits man, more thoughtful and practical than...anything.

I love practical gifts. Whenever I get a bouquet I'll let it sit around for a few days and then they go in the dumpster. Chocolate? TRASH! Cards collect dust and I'm having a garage sale this weekend for the stuffed creatures I've received over the years. Once a now ex-boyfriend got me a LAUNDRY HAMPER for my birthday and I was THRILLED cause I had wanted a new one.

So men, show your loved ones you care in the most sensible way. Parents, do the same. Kids, your parents would be impressed. Oh and of course, women-men (physically) sometimes get hurt too, so keep it on your list for the next birthday, Christmas, Valentine's day, etc.

First aid kits (antiseptics, bandages) can be purchased at most normal stores, and Emergency kits (which have stuff like radio flashlights, blankets) can be made AT HOME (fun thing to do as a couple or with the family on a rainy day) or purchased at your local Red Cross Chapter store.

Baseball and Apple Pie!

Do you like free pie, free t-shirts, free entertainment and discount coupons to see Portland Beavers baseball?

The Portland Red Cross, with our history of pie-themed events, will host the annual Celebrate Freedom blood drive on Saturday, July 3, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Red Cross Portland Donor Center, 3131 N. Vancouver Avenue. The Celebrate Freedom event helps give an important boost to blood collections during the summer.

This year the Celebrate Freedom blood drive will include entertainment and family fun with the Rose City Clowns. All presenting blood and platelet donors will receive a free apple pie from Sharis Restaurants, a free Celebrate Freedom blood drive t-shirt, and a discount coupon to see the Portland Beavers home game on July 5th or 6th (for all participants while supply lasts.)

Celebrate Freedom is one of the most popular blood drives of the year and appointments are strongly advised. The Red Cross wants this event to be enjoyable for everyone and to provide you with excellent service. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS to reserve your appointment time.

Celebrate Independence Day At The Bagdad

I frequently proclaim how much I love disaster movies. Heck, Robin and I even held Disaster Movie Mondays last September!

So you can only imagine how much it shames me to admit that I've never seen Independence Day.

Sigh.

There, I've said it.

The good news is that I can rectify this egregious error tomorrow night at 11 p.m., as Cort and Fatboy bring us the Roland Emmerich classic on the Bagdad Theater's big screen.

See all the details here.