California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued emergency declarations for four counties in Southern California today because of out-of-control wildfires. Two firefighters have died trying to stop the monster blazes. Some people have also been hurt because they did not heed evacuations. At least 50 structures have burned and over 12,000 homes are threatened by the large fires. Smoke is also reported in Los Angeles making the air very unhealthy to breath.
Smokey Bear is celebrating his 65th birthday. Since his "birth" on August 9, 1944, Smokey Bear has been a recognized symbol of conservation and protection of America's forests. Smokey Bear has new PSAs out that seek to continue to decrease the number of human-caused wildfires. One new TV spot is designed specifically to celebrate Smokey's birthday. The ads feature CG-animation and encourage young adults to "Get Your Smokey On" - that is, to become like Smokey and speak up when others are acting carelessly.
Hundreds of people died and millions of animals perished in the terrible bushfires in Victoria, Australia earlier this month. Australian artists and international artists have donated their songs and royalties to assist the bushfire victims with a special CD called Bushfire Aid: Artists For The Bushfire Appeal. The CD features 35 artists on 2 CDs including Midnight Oil, Hoodoo Gurus, John Farnham, Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy, John Butler Trio and Wes Carr, together with international artists including Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Billy Joel.
100% of Sony Music proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal through the charitable arm of the Australian Sony Group of Companies, The Sony Foundation. The album is being sold on several Australian music sites on February 23rd including Sanity, Chaos and The Music Shop. More details can be fond on the Bushfire Aid website.
