CNN internet reporter (aka blog chick) Abbi Tatton seems like a very nice person, and I know she's got a fan following because she's so pretty and smart. But check this out: Tatton did a nice little song and dance with her touchscreen monitor on CNN's "Situation Room" (with guest host John King) today, clicking around the websites of relief organizations that are aiding the relief efforts after the devastating earthquake in Indonesia. CNN meant well, even though the proverbial parrot with a strong beak could Google that info in about 2 seconds. Then her air-filler segment ends, and the image above flashes on the screen: actual useful information on where to donate.
KING: And for more on the relief efforts in Indonesia, let's bring in our Internet reporter, Abbi Tatton -- Abbi.
ABBI TATTON, CNN INTERNET REPORTER: John, the first airlifts of emergency supplies from UNICEF came to the region this morning. More will follow tomorrow. The U.N. Children's Agency is bringing water, sanitation to those hospitals that the agency reports are overwhelmed.
Some aid agencies already had workers in this region. That was because of a different threat. Oxfam, for example, had a small team and supplies there because of Mount Merapi. This is a volcano nearby which has been rumbling for weeks. The threat has not gone away. That volcano has been three times as active since Saturday.
Other aid agencies are saying, as well as the medical supplies that are needed and the water, there's an urgent need for temporary shelter. Mercy Corps is sending tents. All of these organizations are appealing for donations. You can find all the links at CNN.com -- John.
KING: Thank you, Abbi.
And you can help the relief effort. Donations can be made to the Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS or at RedCross.org. Also, try 1-800- 4UNICEF, or, on the Web, at UNICEFUSA.org.
This is what's known as getting shown up. CNN could've just skipped the the blog reporter segment. But then the Situation Room would just have Jack Cafferty to keep things interesting, and...never mind. Keep on keeping on, Abbi.
