Tremors

I apologise for the solemnity of the post. There are certain issues that I wanted to raise.

Bless the souls of the dead from the tsunami disaster. My condolences to those who have lost somebody. Call me a saddist, but it's through seeing these calamities that make me realised how truly fortunate I am and let me learn to appreciate a fraglie life more. I have always been interested in natural disasters since real young and the work of nature has never failed to amaze me. These natural occurances visit me only in forms of dreams and most of which I still remember vividly. As much as I wish to witness a tsunami or twister, I don't want to see any human suffering. What disturbed me terribly was parts of the report that I read about: people looting from the others during these difficult times, a report where 400 prisoners in Sri Lanka fled from high-security jails as they took advantage of the disaster and another on how the stench of the dead can be smelled 1km away. Can you imagine how chaotic it is? The tsunami not only left physical ruins but social and emotional tremors too. This catastrophe is so large-scaled, sudden and destructive that I felt as if I'm reading a story. But this is not a book, it's real life... regardless of how dramatic the reports may sound. Putting myself in the shoes of the heads of those affected countries, I thought about the amount of stress impressed on them - the shaken citizens, the poor economy, the humility of having to ask for help from another country, only to be - glad that I'm not some big shot politician, relieved that I'm a Singapore citizen and grateful that none of the people I know is involved in the tragedy.

The complacent representatives were taught a lesson at the expense of the innocent's lives. Apparently tremors were felt before the tsunami but the warnings were not taken seriously. Safety precautions that could have been done were not carried out cos certain issues seem to outweigh the other.

Channel News Asia
Read for more info. Reports are not for the weak-hearted.

The blame game's the past. It is most important to deal with the situation now. It must have been really difficult coping with such a sudden blow but at least their government is taking things in their stride.

Now I'm wondering if the Asian Champs will be canceled, with the disaster affecting Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Maldives (hmmm.. Where's Pakistan located?). It's not as if these countries are as economically well-off as Singapore. I'll wait for Ivy's announcement with bated breath. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if it goes both ways. Either we benefit from experiencing the competition or the countries get to save up and put the money to good use. The latter sounds better though. I wouldn't want to face an opponent whom I'll be sympathetic towards on court. Hmmm. But again, 2 months is quite some time and things can clear up pretty fast. (look at Nicoll Highway.. at the blink of an eye, it's back in use.. though the tsunami's destruction must have been 1000 times worse.) Still, Money works wonders. So the Championship might still go on. And life goes on for us. (Just like the day after the 911 incident, where I had to continue taking my O' level Chi paper, even though I was glued to Channelnews Asia the night before, in hope that annoucements will fly pass the tv screen where the government will miraculously postpone the 'O'Levels. Needless to say, my hopes were dashed.) Regardless of whatsoever, training continues...


Meanwhile do help wherever you can and receive Good Karma - What goes around, comes around.

The Singapore Red Cross Society has launched a public appeal to help victims of the Bay of Bengal earthquake and tsumami waves. The public can send their donations
By cheque to the 'Singapore Red Cross Society'
(Please indicate behind the cheque 'Tidal Waves Asia'. Included your name, address and tel number as a receipt will be sent to you.
Post the cheque to
The Singapore Red Cross
15 Penang Lane
Singapore 238486
OR
In person to the Red Cross House @
15 Penang Lane
between 9.30 am - 5.45 pm on weekdays and
9.30 am - noon on Saturdays

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Ananda Travel & Sri Lankan Airlines are appealing for donations to be airlifted to Sri Lanka. Those interested can send the donations to
133 Cecil Street
#13-02 Keck Seng Tower
Singapore 069535
OR
36 Robinson Road
#01-01 City House
Singapore 068877