The World’s Largest Coffee Bean Mosaic

(Video Link) Saimir Strati composes mosaics out of unusual substances, including toothpicks and nails. His message in this 270-square foot mosaic made of coffee beans is simple: “One world, one family, one coffee.” The five human figures represent five continents (sorry, Australia and Antarctica) uniting together in a caffeinated peace. -Via: The Presurfer | Via: Neatorama

Salvation Army to collect donations at KARE 11

I didn't get this posted in time for the drop off site but I am putting the rest of the information on where you can help out.

KARE 11 has teamed up with The Salvation Army to help collect basic needs items for people affected by Sunday's storms.

Items needed:

- Personal Hygiene Items - NEW (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Diapers
- Non-perishable food
- Men's/Women's/Kids Underwear - NEW
- Clothing
- Blankets/bedding
- Towels

Donations can also be delivered to The Salvation Army's permanent locations:

- Clothing & furniture to 900 N. 4th Street in Minneapolis
- Food & Hygiene items to 2024 Lyndale Ave. N in Minneapolis

KARE 11 is located at 8811 Olson Memorial Highway near Highway 169 in Golden Valley.

They are also accepting text donations. Text "BLESSING" to 85944 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services efforts. (Standard texting fees apply)

The American Red Cross is accepting donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Financial gifts enable the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of disasters. People may also call (612) 460-3700 during business hours or mail donations to the following address:

American Red Cross - Twin Cities Area Chapter
NW 5597
PO Box 1450
Minneapolis, MN 55485-5597

You can make secure online contributions by visiting the Twin Cities Red Cross website.

Financial donations for the metro storm relief may be made online at The Salvation Army website or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or sending a check to the following address:

The Salvation Army
2445 Prior Ave
Roseville MN 55113

Make sure to designate "metro storm." LINK

Related Links
Minneapolis tornado kills 1, devastation widespread
Photo gallery of Sunday's storms.

Minnesota Zoo

"Tropical Beach Party February 19 -21, 2011"
It’s all about the sand! Bring the whole family to our winter get away – the Tropics Trail at the Zoo. We’ll supply sand, palm trees, exotic animals and more.
Activities:

Meet Snoopy – (11:00 – 1:00)
Large indoor sand box – (9:00 – 4:00)
Sand art activity – (11:00 – 2:00)
Keeper talks – Tropics Trail (11:00 & 1:00 each day)
Saturday – (Hornbill & Faces of the African Forest)
Sunday – (Bali mynah & Tapir)
Monday – (Toucan & Tamarin)


Valleyfair welcomes Snoopy back to Minnesota with a whole new planet to explore! Planet Snoopy is a new family area with over 20 rides and attractions, shows, and daily visits from the PEANUTS gang! The Park will open on May 14, 2011. LINK

Ever Heard Of The Trogon?

image credit

The Trogon - it sounds like a species of alien out of Star Trek or Doctor Who. However, this family of somewhat overlooked birds has its roots very firmly on planet Earth.

If asked to list bird families, where would the Trogonidae be on your list? Chances are, way down or not at all. However, these exquisite birds are well worth a look.

(Via: Robert-John, Via: The Presurfer)

Parents share diary of child’s cancer battle

When 5-year-old Elena Desserich was diagnosed with brain cancer, she began hiding hundreds of little love notes around the house for her parents to find after she was gone. Here’s the story:

Just before her sixth birthday, Elena Desserich (right) was diagnosed with brain cancer and given 135 days to live. She lived 255 days, passing away in 2007. After her death, Elena’s parents, Brooke and Keith, found hundreds of notes from Elena hidden around the house — in between CD cases, between bookshelves, in dresser drawers, in backpacks…. LINK

"It just felt like a little hug from her, like she was telling us she was looking over us" LINK

Link to story (book excerpt) over at Today | The Love Notes

See Elena Desserich's notes

Bird Families Of The World

The purpose of this list of Bird Families of the World is as an aid to world birders who desire to maximize their study of avian diversity by observing examples of as many bird families as reasonable within the time and money available for travel, and as a study tool for all interested readers.

It is exhilarating to see or learn about unique birds, and bird families structure the avian world into the most discrete and unique groups. LINK