There was a fire last night or early this morning in Richmond that killed a 5 year-old child. I can’t even begin to say how sad this makes me. I usually don’t even write about the news, especially when it involves children getting hurt, because I get way too emotional.

But I think it’s so important for people out there to be fire-cautious and to prepare their families for fire emergencies. You learn the basics in elementary school, but how many families actually sit down with their loved ones and devise a master plan in case there is a fire in their own home? Not many.

Even I’m guilty of it. So, let’s do it…together! Tell your family about the importance of being prepared, and make sure all alarms in your home are working and have fresh batteries.

There’s also plenty of information online, including this site which has a whole run down of fire safety training and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

There are so many causes to support. Environmental, social and otherwise. I try to give money when I can, but that’s not always possible. When it isn’t, keeping up and commenting on important issues that affect humans, animals and nature is a way to show your continuing support. Whether it’s reading activist blogs such as this one that asks to Stop Columbia’s Expansion Project or attending a protest, you can make a difference. It may sound trite. But it’s right.

Let’s face it - politics are boring. Then again, I thought football was boring, too. That is, until I caught the last quarter of the Super Bowl on Sunday. But, back to the point…politics. Never been too into them. Stiff white guys in ties reciting words written by their advisors? Yeah, nope. Not a good time had by all.

So, how do you reach young voters, then? Maybe this is how: Deratany Satire on GetFave.com. It’s worth a try, anyway. The animated video for democratic Cook County Board of Review candidate Jay Paul Deratany is being called a “bold move in the race for campaign awareness.” Now if only our presidential candidates had some sense of humor.

One of the most memorable video moments of the 2004 presidential campaign between John Kerry and George Bush was the debut of a comedic, non-partisan animated video produced by Jib Jab productions. It caught on with such a wide audience that Jay Leno’s “The Tonight Show” aired it to a national audience.

The goal to reach young voters isn’t going to be met with stiff suits speaking in circles, but maybe it can with humor and lightheartedness. As for the upcoming presidential race, I think I might just watch some football instead.

Bird Flu is again an issue around the globe. Now it’s spreading and it’s scary, scary stuff. Pakistan is now seeing human infections of the virus. We still don’t know everything about Bird Flu or whether human-to-human transmission is possible, but we do know that those infected are in serious trouble. Avian Flu (or “Bird Flu”) is deadly. Indonesia has announced its 93rd death from the virus. There is now a free e-book available which you can register for here. It is filled with a ton of stuff you need to know, especially if traveling abroad is something you plan to do in the future.

Have you guys heard about this?

Wow. I don’t know what to think.

I do have to tell you, though, that I like Dennis Kucinich. Mostly because he’s for gay marriage. And now, admitting to seeing a UFO? This guy, unfortunately, won’t win the presidential election, but I commend him for being so open and honest.

Remember when, in 8th grade Science class, your teacher explained what the Greenhouse Effect was? Just because we’ve given it a new name - Global Warming - and just because Al Gore made a movie about an intricate PowerPoint project outlining the effects of global warming, and just because a bunch of celebrity wannabe biologist/environmentalists have suddenly decided to give a damn doesn’t mean that what we’re experiencing hasn’t always existed.

In fact, it’s existed since the end of the Ice Age. The planet has been warming for 10,000 years and that’s what we wanted. Be careful what you wish for?

The truth is, global warming is inevitable. What are we supposed to do, hide out in caves? Were we NOT supposed to have invented the wheel? How far back do we have to go to make things better? And wouldn’t that really be making things worse?

We’ve evolved - not just technologically, but spiritually, physically and otherwise. It’s not a bad thing. Even without pollution, the earth is going to eventually be destroyed - whether from an asteroid, the sun burning out, the Super Volcano under Yellowstone or whatever. These are all events that are going to happen, whether you drive a Prius or a Suburban.

I’m really getting tired of all the alarmists freaking out. It’s like Y2K all over again.

And what really gets me going are all these pseudo environmentally superior celebrities playing God. Guess how much fuel their private jets are burning while they’re dashing to and from their “Global Warming Benefit” events?

I recycle; I buy biodegradable tampons. I turn off the lights when I’m not using them. I try not to do laundry or run my dishwasher during peak hours. I don’t litter and I volunteer at the Presidio to restore wildlife habitat in Golden Gate Park. I do these things because I’m not about wasting or taking for granted what I’ve got. Not because I think that I’m going to save the world.

If you ARE trying to save the earth, stop. Do these things because you’re a good person, not because you are being made to feel guilty for living your life. New studies show that even if no more greenhouse gases were to be emitted into the atmosphere, sea levels are going to rise at least 4 inches within this century. In other words, the damage has been done. It’s the price we pay for building, expanding, growing. Like I said, would you really want to go backward?

I’m piggybacking Mama C-ta this morning and spreading the word about the fabulously informative Not China Made blog, which gives updates on recalled products and dangerous toys. Now, I’m not saying I don’t purchase toys, clothing and other crap that is made in China. What I AM saying, however, is that I want to win a $50 gift certificate to American Apparel! Could this post have any more links, please?

Since this is, in a way, a parenting blog (when it’s not a “bitching/ranting/complaining/venting” blog, that is), I decided to Top Five the most clueless celebrity parents this week. There are lots of way worse parents out there, many much more horrendous than those I’m about to list. But, it isn’t really entertaining or funny to point out the really shitty nobody parents. It’s so, so much better (and way more fun) picking on celebrities, don’t you think?

One: Alec Baldwin for this outrageous phone message to his 11 year-old Daughter, Ireland.

Two: Kim Bassinger, for releasing it.

Three: Britney Spears. If you don’t know why, you really need to get a TV. Or a radio. Or a subscription to US Magazine.

Four: Pamela Anderson. No body wants to see their mother hang her tits out on a yacht in Saint Tropez. No body wants to see their mother make a fool out of herself on Ellen and have to tuck in her boobies ‘cuz they got displaced after jumping around acting like an idiot. No body wants to see their mother drunk and making out with Kid Rock. For Christ’s sake, woman, have some self respect.

Five: Dean McDermott. He’s the guy that abandoned his wife and two small children to run off with Tori Spelling. Eww. And Ewwer.