Do Something Nice This Week: It's N.R.A.K.W.!

A friendly email from the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada today reminded me that February 9 through 15 is National Random Acts of Kindness Week. Whether you are a local or live elsewhere, there is opportunity for you to spread kindness and generosity in your communities in your own way.

Here are some nice recommendations to do your part, courtesy of VCSN:

1. Write a thank you note to someone who as impacted your life positively

2. Feed someone in need: give your sack lunch to a homeless person

3. Donate blood to a local blood bank

4. Help your neighbor with household chores or yard work

5. Hold a food or supplies drive at work or school and donate the goods to a charity in need

6. Say something nice to everyone you encounter for one day

7. Give of your time: read to a child

8. Donate your gently used coats or clothes to a shelter

9. Plant a tree in your community

10. Volunteer your time to any cause that interests you.

P.S. Local Tweeple and bloggers: This Thursday, February 12th, Las Vegas Twestival 2009 will take place at The Beatles Revolution Lounge at the Mirage Resort. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to charity: water projects. It's a chance to network locally while helping out globally!

All Things Lunar

If you haven't already, make sure to take a look up at the sky tonight. According to NASA, tonight's moon is the biggest full moon of the year, with an appearance 14% larger and brightness 30% more than a typical full moon. How is this possible, you ask? Due to the elliptical nature of the moon's orbit around the Earth, the moon is in the perigee of its orbit, where the moon is near the closer end of the ellipse. The Moon is just a tad closer to us in this case.

Fortunately, I did get a chance to step outside in the early evening and observe the moon for myself. I can't say that I've ever really paid attention to a regular full moon, so I was oblivious to the size difference. However, the luminosity of the moon tonight was unmistakable. I could have read a book outside, albeit squinting, but still able to see. Tonight would have made a great camping night. Even now as I look out my window, the sky is dark blue as opposed to black.

Speaking of the moon, coincidentally, today is Global No Pants Subway Ride Day. The idea is the brainchild of New York actor Charlie Todd, whose purpose in organizing this event was to "create scenes of chaos and joy in public places." Going on 8 years now, citizens in cities with subway or mass transportation systems were encouraged to ride around town without pants. The No Pants event originated in New York, and has now spread to other metropolitan cities like Phoenix, and L.A., and even further out internationally to places like Amsterdam, Austria, and Poland.

The requirements for participation are simple: One, be willing to takes pants off on subway, and two, be able to keep a straight face about it. Kudos to the participants who managed to withstand the hilarity of the situation and control their amusement - I am certain I would not be able to restrain my own laughter. With that being said, will someone please bring this event to Las Vegas?!?!