PSA: Know Your Butterflies
You can request a free copy of the NWS’s The Monarch Butterfly Manual from The Butterfly Conservation Institute. The info is toward the bottom of the linked page.
CotD, the Last.
Today’s pick was a tough one. My friend K lost her son B 10 years ago today. So, MoD should be my choice, but it was already CotD a few weeks ago. Instead, I’ll give them a shout-out & pick something else family-related.
How about the Family Violence Prevention Fund?
CotD: National Center for Learning Disabilities
Today’s charity, National Center for Learning Disabilities, was selected for no particular reason. I wanted to pick something education related, that got a really good rating, and they seem to do good work.
CotD: The Elephant Sanctuary
Today is Mary Tyler Moore’s birthday. When I think of Moore & her charity work, I automatically think of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, but I’ve already used JDRFI as a CotD (here). Instead, I wanted to pick a charity that reflected her love of animals and decided on the Elephant Sanctuary, a natural habitat refuge developed specifically for endangered African and Asian elephants so that they might live as elephants and not as performers.
RIP & CotD
Four years ago today, Jerry Orbach died after a ten-year battle with prostate cancer. You all may know him for all his work on the stage or films, but to me he will always be Harry McGraw and, especially, Lennie Briscoe.
In his memory, today’s CotD is The Prostate Cancer Foundation..
CotD & Happy Birthday, Pasteur!
Today is Louis Pasteur’s birthday! In his honor, Medecins Sans Frontieres and The Pasteur Foundation. I could not find reviews on the Foundation, but I know they work to disseminate research from the Institut Pasteur.
CotD & Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Everyone! What better thing to do on Christmas than help someone without a home. The National Alliance to End Homelessness works to build state and local capacity, develop stronger programs and policies that help homeless individuals and families make positive changes in their lives, and seeks to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.
CotD: First Book
For those of you who still have last minute gifts to buy, how about a charitable donation instead: First Book is a great organization that gives book to children. How can any of us argue with that. Right now through Dec. 31, Random House is matching their donations book for book. Take a look at their web page & their blog to learn more about the organization.
CotD: The Carter Center
If you know me, you know that two of the people I admire most in the world are Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter. They managed to run for and serve in the highest position in our government and never sacrifice their principles. Since leaving office, he has done more than any ex-president. They really practice what they preach. Their organization, The Carter Center, works for Peace and to fight disease and hunger.
CotD: American Jewish World Service
In honour of Hanukkah, today’s charity is the American Jewish World Service. AJWS looks like a great organization. Charity Navigator ranks them pretty well and their own press makes me think they are an organization worthy of support.
CotD: Medical Teams International
Previously known as Northwest Medical Teams, Medical Teams International attempts
to demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty. We provide humanitarian aid to people in need regardless of their religious background, affiliation or experience. Aid recipients are not asked to participate in faith-based activities in order to received medical care or supplies.
Hipster Doofus!
I don’t say often enough how much I LUV Mimi Smartypants. Her blog posts often have me laughing out loud. But her most recent post has this line:
Add some electronic blips and a German guy making odd noises with a trumpet, and we could charge hipsters ten dollars to listen to it on folding chairs in the dark!
OMG! That one sentence brought a tear. Mimi Smartypants has as much distain for hipsters as I do! I bet we have lots of other things in common, too. I wonder if she loves popcorn? Probably. Cheesy Sci-Fi? Maybe! We should hang out! Be buddies! Pals! We could watch MST3K together! Wait, who am I kidding? All that talking during the movies drives me bananas.
CotD: Direct Relief International
Direct Relief International is a non-discriminatory, apolitical organization that
provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. We work to strengthen the in-country health efforts of our partners by providing essential material resources – medicines, supplies and equipment.
CotD: Earth Force
Concerned about what “these kids today” are going to do to our environment? Check out Earth Force.
I’m Just not “Bus People”
Since the weather has been so bad this week and my place of employment NEVER closes when students are in residence, I have been taking the bus to and from work every day. Usually, my drive to work takes about 20 minutes, and that includes a stop at Peet’s. In “weather” my commute has been taking 2 hours. Each way. Ahem.
Now, if you know me, in theory I completely support public transportation & I think that Portland has a great system. In fact, we live where we do so Mr. lbmblogs can take the Max to work everyday. I even take the Max downtown when I need to go. But, in reality, I like very little about public transportation: the crowds, the hurry up & wait-ing, the people, the being late (GOD I HATE BEING LATE), the not really knowing where I am going, the people, the stinky people (really. Why do people feel the need to douse themselves in scent? Hello? You stink!).
And, this bus thing is hard. These are REAL people, taking public transportation every day because they have to. They can tell I’m a poser. I can see it in their eyes. From the business man at my bus stop on Monday morning who asked me if it was my first time taking the bus, to the older woman who explained to me that I needed to wave on buses I didn’t need, to the bus driver that just grabbed the ticket out of my hand because I kept putting it in wrong, to the toothless woman with one shoe who gave the unsolicited explanation that I should pull the yellow cord if I want to get off. There is a whole culture to taking the bus that I just don’t get. My bus IQ? 30.
If I were my friend G, or T, or J, I would have you all rolling on the floor laughing at the antics of the people I see on my excursions. They are writers and are very funny. But me? I’m just lbmblogs, and I am just not “Bus People.”
CotD: Habitat for Humanity
How can you not want to contribute to a charity that helps people create homes in real live livable neighborhoods run but people who practice what they preach (I love Millard Fuller & his wife’s name is Linda!).
BTW, although Habitat for Humanity calls itself a “ecumenical Christian housing ministry”, they set no restrictions on the volunteers or recipients. (Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.)
Is it a blog if I never post?
I just discovered many days worth of CotD posts saved as drafts. Never published. I can only assume I was going to add some brilliant words of wisdom, but I never did. I am all caught up now!
Maybe one day I’ll have content that isn’t just about a charity. (Not that charities are bad…)
CotD: National Volunteer Fire Council
I have a friend, let’s call her G., who lays awake at night listening to the scanner whenever her husband, a volunteer fireman, gets called out. I have another friend, L, who’s MiL’s house just burned down. For both of them, and the millions of people who either volunteer or are served by volunteer firepersons, today’s charity is National Volunteer Fire Council.
CotD: CASA
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Although I was a little creeped out by Dr. & Mrs. Phil on the web-page, I know this is a worthy organization. It seems these days there are so many children that just get lost in the system. CASA volunteers become advocates for these children (individually). Although this link is to the national program, there are many local opportunities, also. I even bought my Christmas cards from CASA this year!
CotD: Oregon Heat
Baby, it is cold outside! Lucking, Mr. lbmblogs & I can afford to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. Unfortunately, thousands of others in Oregon alone can’t! Oregon Heat helps people with low-incomes pay their heating bills. Pretty much every state has some sort of assistance program. If you would like to help but can’t identify one in your own state the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program has a directory of state programs.
CotD: American Red Cross
If you aren’t a fan of the American Red Cross, there is the The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
CotD: NPR
According to this story, NPR is facing a $23 million budget shortfall and they have already had to cancel programs (one of my favorites) and lay off people. I hope the find something else for Madeleine Brand to do. I really do like her.
CotD: USO
Did you all know that on Dec. 11, 1941 Germany & Italy declared war on the US? And, not being one to roll over, the US declared war right back? Well, in memory of this auspicious occasion, today’s charity is the USO.
CotD: Dress for Success
Dress for Success is more than just a way for a woman to get a new outfit.
Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help our clients find jobs and remain employed. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work.
CotD Catchup
Since I spent the weekend on my futon with a headache, I didn’t keep up with my Charity of the Day postings here.
Friday, Dec. 5: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Saturday, Dec. 6: Doctors without Borders
Sunday, Dec. 7: Toys for Tots
Monday, Dec. 8: Camp Sunshine
CotD: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Today’s charity of the day, almost too late: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Well, It Is In Their Nature
We put up our Christmas tree this weekend. Basic artificial model with pre-strung lights. We usually leave it up a week without ornaments so the cats could get used to it. Templeton loved to sit under the tree and we have many pictures of him doing just that. Last year, with Templeton gone and the new cats getting settled, there was way too much excitement for any feline-one to show much interest in the tree.
This year was so different. The minute we put the tree up, both Emma & Sam started chewing on it. After a while, Emma lost interest in chewing and decide to make her home under the tree. I was a little sad that she gave up the basement window in my office, but she looked so sweet sleeping under the tree, I forgave her. Since Saturday evening, whenever we wanted Emma we would just look under the tree. Until this morning.
After Mr. lbmblogs left for work I was in the kitchen doing dishes when I heard a horrible mew from Scout. I figured she and Emma were fighting, so I headed in there to break them up. Scout was sitting calmly in the window & Emma nor Sam were even in the room. Until I looked at the tree. We had two new ornaments. A sleek black cat sleeping 2/3 up the tree and a mischievous orange tabby sitting beside her. The minute Sam saw me he lept from the tree, but poor Emma was a little slower & I managed to grab her on her way down. (Emma isn’t much of a jumper. She was climbing down the trunk.) She got a swat and a “Bad Girl!” I swear Scout was snickering behind her paw.
The worst part was that I didn’t have a camera!
CotD: March of Dimes
Today’s charity, March of Dimes, is in honour of some very good friends. You know who you are!
CotD: AIDS Charities
I can’t believe I missed World AIDS Day yesterday. I thought about it all day after I posted and even considered re-posting.
There are so many AIDS-related charities to choose from, I had trouble picking just one, but I did. Today’s CotD is amfAR. amfAR supports AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacates for AIDS-related public policy.
Other related charities include Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National AIDS Fund and, for local interest, The Cascade AIDS Project.
CotD: Diabetes-Related
The CotD today are all diabetes-related in honor of my SiL, who was diagnosed when she was 3.
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
- American Diabetes Association
- Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation
- Heaven Scent Paws, which provided my SiL with a sweet service dog although as a charity they have had their issues.
CotD: The Children’s Tumor Foundation
Today’s charities are all related to Neurofibomatosis and were selected in honor of my friend A and her partner P. P has NF and is currently struggling in the hospital. That means A is struggling, also. I just don’t know how she does it. I pray that if Mr. LBMBlogs was ever suffering like that, I would have the strength that A. does.
Anyway, the CotD for today is
The Children’s Tumor Foundation (previously known as the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation). Related charities I found (although they were not in Charity Navigator) were Neurofibromatosis, Inc. and the NF Cure Project. There is also The American Brain Tumor Association.
CotD: The Oregon Human Society
Regular readers (Hi, H! Hi, S!) will know that the Oregon Humane Society is where we found our beloved Emma & Sam (aka, Samwise Gangee, aka Stinky Sammy, aka Sammy Meowypants). For those who don’t live in Oregon, or want to help on a broader scope, The Humane Society of the United States has some great opportunities.
CotD: Heifer International
Which ever way you swing on Buy Nothing Day, you can’t object to Heifer International. Heifer International provides animals and training to families so that they can provide for themselves and contribute to their communities. Don’t like the idea of animal-products? There are other gifts you can give, including trees!.
Happy Thanksgiving! & Charity of the Day!
Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate. We all have so much to be thankful for, me, especially! First of all, I got my laptop back! (HAHAHA) OK. That isn’t what I’m most thankful for. That would be Mr. lbmblogs, the cats & my friends & family. Mr. lbmblogs and I are both healthy and have good jobs, a nice house, and enough food to eat. We are very lucky.
Speaking of food, our dinner later will be made from nutritious, organic food. Not everyone can say that, so today’s charity is the Oregon Food Bank. Not from OR? Feeding America. Feeding America is the new name of what used to be America’s Second Harvest. I’m normally all about picking a name & sticking to it, but I applaud this change. It really reflects the mission of the organization.
From the Oregon Food Bank, you can make a donation, find a statewide or community program, and read stories about projects vand people in need.
Feeding America is a great resource to find state organizations, but they are also doing a lot on their home to fight hunger.
BotD: Do Stuff!
Surprise! Another crafts blog! This one is actually the blog of Leethal Zine (to which I do not subscribe), but I love the blog. Do Stuff! has lots of great ideas (collaged table with a built-in game board!) and fantastic pictures.
BotD: Lifehacker
Since 2005, Lifehacker has been publishing
tips and tricks for streamlining your life with computers (and sometimes without). Updated several times daily, Lifehacker points out software downloads, web sites, do-it-yourself projects, howto’s, tutorials, shortcuts and tips for going beyond the default settings and getting things done in the most clever, unexpected and efficient ways. Think of Lifehacker as self-help for power users.
BotD: WhipUp
WhipUp is one of my favoritt crafts sites. Started as a way for crafters to share ideas and designs, this site is full of creative ideas and great tutorials. Although there are many items I wouldn’t make, the creativity always impresses me.
This excerpt from the Manifesto tells you what the site is all about!
Whipup values time over money, values skills over things, and is for creating a space in a hectic life for making.
Whip up is all for the handcraft movement.
Some people say Whip up should be against frilled toilet roll holders, but I say if they are made with love then why the hell not eh!
Whip up is against such polarised views as for and against stuff.
BotD: Go Make Something
Go Make Something blog is pretty cool, with posts about creating new things out of new items and a cool “Make It Monday” feature. Take some time to explore the entire site. GMS includes how-to videos, templates, suggested layouts, and theme ideas.
BotD: Chocablog
It is Friday! Since it has been such a long week, I decided we needed a treat. Today’s BotD reviews chocolate! Chocablog.
BotD: Invasive Species Blog
I think I’ve highlighted this one before, but if you are as interested in invasive species as I am, the Invasive Species Blog is for you!
I’ve been reading this blog since the author only had one last name, no PhD, and was obsessed with Japanese knotweed.
She is pretty good about having daily entries on many topics (including what she calls early detection warnings). She also has some great photos! My only complaint is that she doesn’t have enough invasive species variety in her store! Japanese knotweed isn’t a big deal around here….Maybe a Nutria? or Blackberries? Or, the dreaded English ivy!
BotD: Plenty Blogs
Plenty Blogs is a collection of blogs/features available from the website of Plenty Magazine. I just started getting Plenty a few months ago and find it pretty interesting. The articles range from being practical (food & recipes, species watches, interesting new tools) to pie-in-the-sky (private air travel with a conscience?). Anyway, I think the issues are also all online, so spend a little time exploring the entire site when you get through with the blogs.
BotD: The Positivity Blog
The Positivity Blog is another shout-out to my quest for a more positive attitude.
BotD: Pick The Brain Motivation
Since it is Motivation Monday™, I thought this blog would be fitting. (And no, I don’t read it. I just discovered it for today!)
Spain: Madrid, Toledo & Sevilla
If you know me even slightly, you know I just returned from Spain. It was all I could talk about for weeks before I went & I still manage to pepper “I just got back from Spain” into most conversations. Yes. Even with total strangers. Yes. even a month later.
This was just my third trip off the continent and also my third with my friend P. We seem to travel well together: she talks and I navigate (although this trip my navigation skills seemed a little off!)
Anyway, P. spent a little time in Madrid during college, so we thought that would be a great place to start!
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