Pay it forward - by giving blood

It's a simple procedure, it's relatively painless, and it can help save a life.

But giving blood is a civic act that many of us overlook while we wait for others to step up and donate.

Now is the time, however, for the legions of nondonors (only 5 percent of potential donors actually give blood) to make a difference.

The Northwest District of American Red Cross needs blood donors, both to increase local inventories and help with a national blood shortage. A nationwide plea was issued last week for blood donors because donations had dropped off steadily since Memorial Day.

Local supplies are OK for now but the number of donors has declined.

So consider contributing a little of yourself to others; it's a great way to give back to the community.

Call the Red Cross at 755-7237 to make an appointment to give blood.

This is that rare time of year when European cycling becomes important to Americans as the Tour de France spins its three-week marathon across mountains and fields.

This year's race is of particular interest because of Lance Armstrong, the American bidding to win his seventh straight individual title in the Tour de France.

By now Armstrong's story is a familiar one: overcoming cancer to become perhaps the greatest cycling racer in history, winning over and over with seemingly superhuman feats on two wheels.

Past midway in the Tour, Armstrong has the overall lead and is aiming to keep the fabled yellow jersey all the way to the finish in Paris on July 24.

Roll, Lance, roll.

Midnight tonight is the magic time for all the fans of the magic of Harry Potter.

One minute past midnight is the release time for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the sixth in the hugely popular series of books by J.K. Rowling.

Local bookstores are braced for the latest wave of Potter-mania and millions of readers are excited about diving into the pages of the latest tale of wizards, witches, mythical creatures and the struggle between good and evil.

While some may think the hubbub over the book is merely overdone hype, it's actually refreshing to see so much interest in a book.

In an age of Hollywood special effects, incredibly realistic computer games and many other technological diversions, it's reassuring to see that printed words on a page can still transport readers into a new realm of imagination.

And many people credit the Harry Potter books with igniting (or rekindling) the love of reading in many children.