Portland Parents

Have you been to the circus?

Personally, I’ve never been to the circus. Well, that’s not true; I’ve been to Circus Circus in Reno. I’m told that it doesn’t really compare to the Funundrum. But that changes this week; we were invited to a behind-the-scenes look at the circus and a chance to watch as they bathed the elephants. I was happy to learn that they use a special “Elephant Soap” designed for pachyderms with a lot of vitamins and essential oils in it. And watching them, it sure looked like the elephants were enjoying themselves. They would lift one foot up so the keeper could scrub the bottom of the foot and give them a mani/pedi. And they would lay on their side in the water while the keeper threw soapy water over them and scrubbed them with a wire brush.

Yup, a wire brush like you’d use to peel paint off your wall. We were amazed, but elephant skin is very tough (and you could see big anthropomorphic smiles on the elephants as they got scrubbed).

Did you know that The RB&B&B circus does Elephant Conservation? I didn’t. One reason I haven’t been to the circus is that it felt vaguely politically incorrect. But between that (the conservation efforts) and the obvious dedication of the keepers, I’m happy to say we’re going to the circus on Friday! We’ll be seeing all sorts of things – but the stars will be the elephants!

Check out their site: ringling.com. I’ll check back with you when we get back!

This weekend past, the Shamrock Market burned down in North Portland. It’s been a landmark for so many years, I can’t remember when it wasn’t there. The store and products within the store were worth about 3/4 of a million dollars. It’s a total loss.

Hines, a city in lovely Harney County, is one finalist in a giveaway for a new fire truck. Their youngest truck is 25 years old. They could really use a new fire truck, and you can help, just by voting for their story: vote here.

Tomorrow through this weekend are Free OMSI days: Fred Meyers is paying your general admission!

The new Einstein exhibit is open too! Hours are 9 to 9. Not included are the extras; the submarine, the planetarium and OMNIMax. But get your science on at OMSI.

Source: the Portlander

Foul smells from your breakfast cereal may not be your imagination. A slight chance of nausea and diarrhea from the liners but very low chance of some more serious effects have prompted Kellogg to pull boxes of Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops and Honey Smacks. Check your boxes for the letters KN following the “better if used before” date.

More info

Now that school’s out in the Portland area, a lot of young people are either taking care of themselves or of their siblings. Hopefully, they’ve gone through the Red Cross babysitter course, but if they’re in a pinch, here’s a source for you. Parenting.com’s First Aid.

But seriously, don’t be afraid to dial 911 if it looks major.

Flatfoots beware! There’s a new skate park opening in Gresham at 219 S Main Street on Monday. There will be a celebration from 4:30 to 6:30.

Monday happens to be National Skateboarding Day (it’s not a crime!)

The event will feature skating demos by Bacon Skateboards and Exit RealWorld, music, food, free skate, and lots of giveaways from event sponsors Gromshop.com, Volcom, and Bacon. There will be a short program at 4:30 p.m. to kick off the event.

Phase I, which is the 5,710 square-foot skate plaza portion of the park is complete and was largely funded by individuals, sponsorships, grants, and Parks system development charges. Fundraising is underway for construction of phases II and III of the park. When finished, the 14,000 square foot skate park will feature street elements, bowls and cover.

Skate on!