USA Freedom Corps Karen, one of the people my company works with, sent along this email from the National Republican Committee. Eight days ago a violent earthquake shook the island of Sumatra causing the formation of tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. These tsunamis caused horrific destruction from Thailand to the Horn of Africa. Over 150,000 lives are estimated to be lost and 5 million people are homeless and many without food. Millions are vulnerable to disease. Across the nation flags will fly at half-staff to honor the victims. The entire nation mourns for those who have lost loved ones and...
Continue reading...
When I moved from LA to Long Beach, I lost 2 items. First, a scaled model of the beautiful Tudor mansion that is the Annenberg Center, I made for my art direction class. And secondly, an invaluable loss, a bucket containing my Super-8 camera and all of my original student film reels. Yet, I held on to the dreams and kept all the Super-8 knickknacks in a box, tucked away in the back of the closet for the past 4 years, refusing to let go of the dreams. It is time that I finally close the chapter of my film...
Continue reading...
Had a blast at Shane’s house last night, playing some Hold ‘Em and some ping pong, and drinking just enough. I did forget about everything else for the 3 hours I was at the party. In a way, I feel a little guilty for forgetting. But, despite the recent tragic event, this too shall past. And we all should move on. So I too shall move on. A bit of fun fact from the news today: A few elephants are being sent over to help with pulling the debris in the south. Tractors and trucks couldn’t get to certain part...
Continue reading...
Total death toll is now over 44,000. 62,000. 68,000. 120,000. 135,000. Thailand 4500 confirmed dead. About half of them foreign tourists. Another 6500 are still missing. Even when we’re facing the atrocity ourselves, the country still has the mind to set up a fund to help our neighbor Indonesia. King Bhumibol made his yearly New Year television address: “Yet this incident demonstrates the compassion of everybody in the Kingdom, be they civilians or soldiers. They are in harmony and feel compassion for others. They are determined to live in peace. They don’t leave others in the face of disaster. They...
Continue reading...
Natural Fighter Almost a week after possibly the catastrophic tragedy the country, and while relief workers are doing their best on other beaches, one Thai lady and a few tourists show us that life goes on. They’re back on the beach to resume their daily lives. In a true Buddhist way, Mrs. Yupin, the lone masseuse on Phuket’s recovered Kata Beach, said: ”We are born once and die once. We are not worthy of living if we are lazy and do not pay our own way,” she said. ”Even if another huge wave comes while I am massaging, I won’t...
Continue reading...
A few ways to help. All Areas Affected You can donate directly online to the Red Cross International Response Fund. This fund will help all the countries that are affected. USAID also has a list of other international organizations working in the areas. Thailand For the Thai Community in the United States and American friends who wish to donate money for various relief operations in Thailand, the Royal Thai Consulates in LA and DC are accepting donations now. You can either: Make check payable to The Royal Thai Consulate General, Los Angeles, on the memo line please write “Donation Fund...
Continue reading...