NEWS / BLOG:
If this is your first visit, you may want to start at the beginning (bottom.)

11/5/10 12:45pm
-  Just like last year, today I went to the Pancake Jamboree held by the Exchange Club of Lynchburg.  Times have been very tight this year with the loss of my job, starting a new business, plus other money issues, but since I have not been out to breakfast in a very long time I felt I could splurge.  I bought two tickets for breakfast and left an Altruism card with the second, I hope that some act of kindness will be passed on.  If you were that recipient or another down the line, I would love to hear how you pass it on.

10/21/10 2:00am
-  I have been working on something special for George and his family; take a look here.

10/20/10 11:00pm
-  My heart has been heavy for my friend George who lost his son very suddenly.  His son was a very kind, caring, and thoughtful person.  Please keep George in your thoughts and prayers.

7/25/10 6:00pm
-  My Uncle sent an e-mail today reminding me of a great Dalai Lama quote: "The ultimate source of peace in the family, the country, and the world is altruism."

7/25/10 5:40pm
-  Another lunch cookie fortune which I like.  I seem to get ones like this frequently:

7/6/10 7:45am
-  Returning home yesterday we stopped for gas at Sheetz; there was an older gentleman digging through a trashcan. He found part of a cup of coffee and drank the remainder then continued to pull various wrappers looking for food. Danielle remarked that we had some food and sodas with us so I followed him inside where he was talking to himself while looking around. From his actions and demeanor I believe he had some mild mental problems or may have been suffering from some level of dementia. At first I asked him if he would have some lunch with me to which he said something nearly incoherent about cost. I told him it would be on me and he replied a long drawn out naaaahh. So I reached into my pocket and pulled out an Altruism card. I framed the word kindness with my fingers and remarked, "See this card here? I am supposed to do a kind deed today." His expression changed and he began to smile so I picked up two boxed apple pies and said "I'm going to get these for you." Even though he may have forgotten our exchange moments after it happened, the positive emotions remain long after.

7/3/10 8:30pm
-  This weekend Danielle and I house sat for my Aunt and Uncle. Because of job and economy related issues we have been very conservative with our funds recently and have rarely eaten out, but since this was a getaway of sorts, we decided to treat ourselves to a dinner out. I have been looking for ways to spread the word of Altruismed and decided I would give an extra large tip to our VERY friendly waitress Stephanie at Silk Mill Grille accompanied by a card.

5/7/10 12:50pm
-  I have been in a miserable blue funk since Tuesday. My best friend Cheesecake, a lab mix, passed away unexpectedly. Friends like Cheesecake give love without expecting anything in return, his love was unconditional and completely altruistic. "Without even the slightest question, I know that my best friend Cheesecake would have laid his life down for me, Danielle or anyone else who might have been in danger."

4/27/10 7:55am
-  Reading PostSecret today I found a secret I REALLY like. The secret said "I pay for the person behind me at the tollbooth then drive away really fast so they won't know who did it. IT MAKES MY DAY."

4/18/10 8:41pm
-  A friend on Facebook posted this quote recently and I thought it was quite appropriate to the Altruismed project: "What we have done for ourselves alone, dies with us; what we have done for others and the world, remains and is immortal." Albert Pike 1809-1891

4/18/10 8:39pm
-  Danielle and I were eating lunch today with another couple and she left her pocketbook on the table, I got ready to stick an Altruism card in it but didn't want to seem like I was rummaging through; so I got Danielle to do it.  CF, if you see this, now you know where it came from!

4/8/10 9:20pm
-  Although there continue to be plenty of new views from all around the world, things are still quiet.  But as I have said before, just because we are not hearing of Altruisms being passed on, doesn't mean they are not happening.  I was at Barnes and Noble the other week and left a card in a random book on this page:

1/4/10 6:20pm
-  The cookie from my lunch held a fortune which I like.

12/8/09 7:30pm
-  Over the last few months I have been a bit dismayed at the lack of response to the Altruismed project but nonetheless have passed on various Altruisms.  There have been a number of people who excitedly contacted me regarding how they would Altruism others, but besides Jackie there has been very little response.  Speaking of the project recently, I told Danielle that I think people just don't care.  Tonight I went on a marathon of Altruisms at local post offices hoping to affect someone.  After I was done I wrote the same message I went to deliver when I found Jackie's secret and left it in a book at Barnes and Noble.  I thumbed to page 68 which was especially fitting in my current state of dismay.

12/6/09 4:15pm
-  It is the season of giving and all of my life I have more enjoyed giving than receiving.  Altruismed has helped me to more easily pass on gifts to others around me; in need or not.  If you have a chance to pass on a kind deed this holiday season please do so!  You can print an Altruism card here.

12/6/09 4:00pm
-  When I read the paper each day, usually I only look at two comics; Dennis the Menace and Garfield; this is what Garfield had to say about good deeds a couple of weeks ago:

11/6/09 12:55pm
-  Today the Exchange Club of Lynchburg was holding their 50th annual Pancake Jamboree fundraiser. For an eight-dollar ticket you get to eat all the pancakes and sausage you can handle, plus you get coffee, milk, OJ, or softdrinks. It's a great cause (and I like to eat) so I went for breakfast......and lunch! As I paid for lunch I thought it was a great place to pass on an Altruism card, so I purchased an extra ticket and put a card with it for a random person.

11/4/09 10:10pm
-  Even in the shadow of losses I have felt this year I have continued to pass on Altruisms in various manners as they bring me great enjoyment. For instance earlier this week I was at the post office and had a number of extra stamps so I took one and clipped it to an Altruism card and left it for someone to find.

11/4/09 10:10pm
-  2009 has been a tolling year for the elders of my family; I have lost every single Grandfather role in my family this year. My wife's Grandfather passed away in February, my paternal Grandfather passed away in May, a close friend and distant relative whom I gladly call a Grandfather type, passed away in August and my maternal Grandfather who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year passed away a little over a week ago in October. I always felt extremely close to my Grandparents and was extraordinarily close to the latest of them to pass. These have been huge losses for me.

8/24/09 12:45pm
- During my lunch errands today I slammed on the brakes as I read this sign...I agree with it completely.  I left a card tucked into the bottom.

8/15/09 4:15pm *vacation*
- Downtown Greensboro is becoming quite an artsy place and an interesting place to visit is Elsewhere Artist Collaborative.  They have a small booth where you can submit a written confession.  This "Confessatorium" is where I left an Altruism card with a special note.

8/15/09 2:45pm *vacation*
- After leaving Chapel Hill we traveled to Greensboro and for lunch had awesome pitas at a place called Pita Delite.  They had great food and I truly over-ate.  Before leaving I hid a card at the table.  I hope at least one of these cards from our short vacation is found and gets a reaction!

8/15/09 11:45am *vacation*
- We visited a neat nursery/garden center in Chapel Hill which really has a specialized niche, thus their name: Niche Gardens.  While there I saw tons of Tiger Swallowtail butterflies and snapped a picture of one.  While browsing I noticed some of their plant information cards had Monarch Butterflies on them so I left an Altruism card for someone to find.

8/14/09 1:15pm *vacation*
- We arrived at Chapel Hill and were walking Franklin Street to see the sights; as we walked we came across these community bulletin boards.  They were at least a half inch deep in posters, want ads, items for sale, art, rentals...you name it, so I added an Altruism card to a couple of them.
 

8/14/09 10:30am *vacation*
- Danielle and I have not vacationed in THREE years so we decided to take a short trip to NC on our motorcycle.  I told her from the start that I wanted to spread the word of the Altruismed project during our trip...we were able to in a number of ways.  After our breakfast in South Boston Friday morning we crossed paths with this interesting artist named Tommy Winn who's main work is carvings.  We were lucky to meet him as he was working on an eagle carved with a chainsaw from driftwood!

He has completed many birds, fish, and lots of other wildlife and some great commissioned pieces!

When we stopped, Danielle had a butterfly friend that wanted a closer look; it landed right on her visor!  I snapped a couple of photos hoping to catch it and Tommy remarked on the butterfly.  Somehow in our talks I started to tell him about the Altruismed project and gave him a card.

You can check out Tommy's impressive work at his website here called Covered Bridge Creations.

8/13/09 9:30pm
- Well even though I have not written for a few weeks, quite a few Altruisms have been set in motion.  My wife Danielle and I both have spread the word of Altruismed via various ways.  I finally left a card with a message in a book at Barnes and Noble.  My friend in TX did a similar act, but she one-upped me! she and her friend added the money to buy a certain book the card was placed within which I thought was a great idea!  I placed my card in the Postsecret book page that I found Jackie's secret.

7/20/09 7:45am
- Shortly before I started the Altruismed project I purchased a post office box for any mailed correspondence. The first weeks after I launched the project I checked frequently for mail. Since then I have checked on a weekly basis but had not received any mail. This morning I stopped and a spark of excitement hit me when I opened the door to box 1116 and I found not one letter, but three!! Quelling my excitement was the finding that they were summons from Campbell County General District Court! Luckily they were not for me, but for someone who had this address in prior; someone who it now seems has a jail cell and a suspended license after getting caught for DUI and reckless driving. If you would like a free Altruism card (and would like to be the first piece of legitimate mail I receive) please send a self addressed stamped envelope to me. Click contact/links for the full address.

7/10/09 12:45pm
- So I did another "fast-food Altruism" today at lunch.  After the similar questioning look, the lady at the window was very curious as I explained a bit about the project, maybe I should have given her a card to check it out?

7/10/09 7:30am
- Things have been quiet.  I am still waiting for further responses to Altruisms.  Please spread the word of the Altruismed project...remember you can also reach this website via KindnessReach.com, which is a bit easier to relay verbally.  Best, Chris

6/30/09 12:55pm
- Today I got in another "fast-food Altruism."  When I told the lady at the window that I wanted to buy lunch for the next person in line she gave  me a peculiar questioning look and replied, "Are you serious?"  As I have said before, it has become way too strange these days to do a kind act.

6/28/09 6:00pm
- I had three Altruism opportunities today but only gave one card.  The first was a stranded 1928 Model A Ford on it's way to a car show.  I had tools with me and was familiar with the common issue of gas line sediment so he was back running in no time, but I didn't think to give him an Altruism card.  The second was only a few minutes later; a motorcyclist who was also stranded.  I stopped to offer tools or other assistance and after discussing the problem I bump-started the bike and he too was on his way, but not before I gave him a card!  I feel worst about the third opportunity which I didn't act upon: someone had left a folder atop their vehicle with papers, business cards, pens, calculator, etc. and it was strewn all over the road.  I felt justified in not stopping because, " I was running late."  Looking back, it would have meant much more for that person to get their things back than for me to be on time...next time I stop.

6/25/09 10:15pm
- I started a lunch Altruism yesterday at a local fast food restaurant.  My wife started a similar one today.  I hope we hear a reply soon!

6/24/09 12:10pm
- Some bits from various e-mails I have received regarding the Altruismed project:

• Wow... amazing... great and wonderful idea.
• Congratulations on a great concept.
• Thanks so much for actually "DOING" something and not just thinking about it.
• I think that your project is of great merit, and has already performed wonders. Kindness is never wasted, and encouraging kindness cannot be faulted.
• ...a very appropriate way to change the world.
• Bravo for your outstretched hand of compassion and help: ) I love this stuff!!!!!!!!! THANX 4 SHARING.
• Amazing!!!!!
• No words can express my joy in what you are doing.
• ...a unique & heartwarming project.

6/23/09 12:55pm
- I want to thank my buddy George for linking to the Altruismed site today!  I have read of George's travels since 2003.  My F5 button is worn from refreshing so frequently as I look forward to his daily updates!  George: My very best wishes to you!!  Check out George's site here.

6/19/09 7:50am
- Everyone I have spoken with concerning the Altruismed project has asked, "How do you say that?"  When I "verbed" a noun by adding 'ed', it didn't hit me how hard it would be to convey such an atypical word; thus KindessReach.com became a second way to reach Altruismed.com.  So here is Microsoft Sam to tell you how to say Altruismed (mp3) - for wav click here.

6/19/09 7:35am
- In speaking with my uncle this morning we had a long conversation about this project.  A paraphrased statement he made was, "Kindness resides in everyone; sometimes you just need a precursor to bring out that kindness."  I hope that Altruismed is the tool to bring out that kindness.

6/17/09 8:06pm
- I have updated a number of pages on the site to reflect an event that occurred yesterday; the very first Altruism.  This has changed lives; please see the Altruisms page to read about it.

6/17/09 12:05pm
- J: What I believe to be an extraordinary Altruism has occurred.  This very first Altruism response is deeply moving.  Check back later today for further updates on this amazing event.

6/15/09 7:45am
- I am being constantly surprised at how far and fast the Altruismed project is spreading!  I have received a tremendous outpouring of support and excitement for this project.  The e-mails that I have received to date have made me feel like we are all close friends; friends in support of a common cause.  On 6-11-09 I said "I hope this is the start of something huge!"  Today I say this IS something HUGE!  To everyone who has e-mailed and to all who have forwarded links to this site you have my deepest and sincere appreciation!

6/12/09 7:30am
- I e-mailed information on the Altruismed project to a close childhood friend who now lives in Texas and she replied excitedly that she is sharing it with lots of her friends!  Thanks!  (and congrats Julie and Danny!)

6/8/09
- The Altruism cards are done!

6/7/09
- Since my Grandfather's death a week ago I have felt a further increased urgency to start Altruismed.  Over the last few nights I have spent much time finalizing the website.  My plan is to set everything in motion within a week.

5/30/09
- On this date my paternal Grandfather passed away peacefully in the presence of his family.  He was unexpectedly the first of my Grandparents to depart this life and I miss him dearly.

5/29/09
- On this date my paternal Grandfather had a severe stroke.  I awoke to the phone ringing just before 6am and calmly answered.  I was sure it would be about my maternal Grandfather with cancer, but it was the equally calm voice of my paternal Grandmother.  She said "Your Pa is mumbling and isn't making sense and he hasn't gotten up yet."  My reply was "I'll be there in just a minute."
     I threw on my clothes and took off down the road, arriving in just a few minutes.  In the back of my mind I was thinking stroke and this was reinforced when I walked in and he was completely paralyzed on his left side.  After dialing 911 I explained to him that I thought he was having a stroke and that I knew he could understand me just fine, but that I was sure he was having a hard time speaking.  He smiled understandingly and in broken speech he repeatedly said "I'm fine."
     He cared for my Grandmother who is wheelchair bound and when she understood what he was mumbling that morning it was "Are you ok? Do you have your oxygen on?"  She replied yes and he said "I love you."
     Friday was a whirlwind in getting to the hospital as he progressively got worse.  The initial tests confirmed that indeed it was a massive stroke...they did not believe he would survive.
     When he was moved to intensive care I stood by him and although he looked unresponsive I said "If you can hear me, squeeze my hand."  With this his right hand clasped mine hard and I began to tell him how much he meant to me.  I talked of wonderful times spent together and of things that he may not have realized he did that molded me into the man I am.  Tears ran from his eyes and mine.

5/28/09 9:00 PM
- I got Altruismed and KindnessReach registered, the website is almost done! Just a few days and it should be up and running!

5/28/09 AM
- I have been thinking about the difficulty of verbal explanation of the web address; Altruismed, as an uncommon word. I have decided to also register KindnessReach.com, which may be easier to initially remember and type.

4/24/09
- My maternal Grandfather fell ill on this date. Pancreatic cancer & kidney failure. My Grandparents have been some of my most treasured friends throughout my life and I have always been especially close to him. I am lucky to have all of my Grandparents. I feel an urgency to start the Altruismed website and set in motion this world-wide effort in kindness.

4/20/09
- In design of the Altruismed site there are a number of inclusions that have particular meaning; Easter eggs of sorts, I may reveal some of these as time goes on.

4/19/09
- During our discussion the other week, my pastor friend mentioned the movie "Pay It Forward" with Haley Joel Osment which I had never seen. Since then, I have watched the movie and don't know how I missed such a great movie for so many years. Haley's character Trevor accomplishes a feat similar to what I want to accomplish. Pay It Forward is a movie I would recommend to all.

3/29/09
- I have only revealed this project to two other people; my wife and a very close friend. While my work hours were cut in half recently with the economy I designed and built an addition to my friend's home. My clear intention from the start was to help him without pay and I had not mentioned, nor had I related this work to Altruismed.com. While working together on his home, this friend (a pastor) started telling me of a couple who were getting married; the groom wanted to pay him but my friend spoke of me and told him that since I was helping him for free, his participation in their wedding was also free. Hearing this story compelled me to share the Altruismed project with him. I am very pleased with how thoroughly excited he is.

2/15/09
- I have spent countless hours thinking about how best to organize the Altruismed project. As with most of what I do, I put in much more thought and planning than is necessary...but as I have said in prior it is best to overdesign than underdesign.

12/14/08
- Each time I read through the thesis I get a similar renewed excitement and a warm feeling in my heart.

12/11/08 11pm
- "Groundbreaking." My wife's response upon reading the much awaited thesis.