There Are No Words...

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.google.com/tsunami_relief.html' target='_blank'>http://www.google.com/tsunami_relief.html</a><br /><br /></div>It wasn't until this morning, after reading a news story and watching several videos on the subject, that I fully grasped (if such a thing is even possible) how horrific the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis were that struck southeast Asia. I've been wrapped in post-holiday events and don't normally watch news on TV, so this event didn't become "real" to me until this morning. To those of you who were disappointed we didn't mention this until now, I offer you my most sincere apologies. And to Isaac who sent a rather scathing email to us this morning, you should have known better than to accuse us of not caring. It's always better to ask them to assume.<br /><br />We normally don't post on world events, because it always seems that it upsets someone who has some dislike for the country/religion/ethnicity (which explains a lot of the problems the world has today), the conspiracy theories come up, the finger pointing starts, and we have to lock the thread before our community members tear themselves apart. I've come to realize that there is a time and place for everything, and a Web site about Smartphones is not the place to discuss politics, religion, or even most world events. I'm often stunned that, in matters of human life and death, people will be so petty as to bring up the fact that country "X" has a certain political stance that the don't like - as if it justifies their refusal to feel sadness or assist in some way.<br /><br /><b>All that said, I hope that in this case everyone can put aside their personal bias and focus on helping the victims of this terrible tragedy.</b> To the families and friends of people affected by this, on behalf of the staff and volunteers of Thoughts Media, I offer you my most sincere condolences and prayers. If you're reading this Web site, odds are good that you're among the wealthiest 5% of the people on this planet, and it's time to put that to good use. Regardless of how much you can afford, I'd urge everyone reading this to make some sort of financial donation to support the relief efforts that are now underway. Google has a <a href="http://www.google.com/tsunami_relief.html">useful page with several organizations</a> you can donate to. I've made my donation, and I encourage everyone to give as much as they can.<br /><br />Let's unite our efforts and help the people who need it. In honour of the people who have lost their lives in this horrific event, there will be no more posts until tomorrow.

[Kris Kumar]

As a citizen of one of the affected countries, India, I must also express my guilt for not having requested for a front page post on this tragedy.

Sitting so far away, the least I could do is donate money and pray; and I would urge our readers to do the same too. Thanks..

[stevew]

I appreciate your comments Jason and understand your position on the site staying on topic. In a world where some people are offended by the mere mention of Merry Christmas or religion you can't win no matter what decision you make. Of course we are all saddened by what happened but this is not the place to talk about it IMO. Although it wouldn't have bothered me if mention of it was posted. The policy of this site to keep on topic is a good place to draw the line.

[zeke009]

ehh... you can't please everyone, no matter what you try to do or how you try to word it.

The events that took place over there are horrific and completely amazing IMO. I knew mother nature had a destructive force about her, but the stories, images, and videos are jaw dropping to say the least. My heart goes out to those people affected.

[Mike Temporale]

This has to be the worst natural disaster in recent history. I can't think of the last time mother nature has let loose like this. I'm deeply sadden by the news, and I thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.

And what a horrible time of year for this to happen, as many of us are celebrating the holidays and our good fortune. :(

[encece]

I check the news every day, many times a day, to see the current status of the disaster. The staggering numbers are growing by the minute.

I had full intentions of contributing to the Red Cross...but your article reminded me to do it NOW! Thanks for the public service message.


Side Note:
I have a co-worker who is a citizen of India fly there earlier this month to be married. I wasnt sure in which area of the country. It's apparently a long process in his country/religion and I knew he was still there. After a bit of worrying, he has replied to emails and has notified me that he, his new wife and family are all okay. He was saying that he DID have to travel to one of the affected areas, Madras, for VISAs but I cant see that being a priority to any local governments in those areas.

Anyway...my family's prayers are with them all.

[Mike Temporale]

One of the readers over at Pocket PC Thoughts posted this link to Amazon's Red Cross Page. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to donate, may I suggest you look at Amazon's web site. Currently they have collected just under $4 million.

http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/ts/my-pay-page/PX3BEL97U9A4I/103-0311867-3628647

[encece]

Out of curiosity....what's the difference between doing that and going directly to the red cross website? (Like I did).

I dont give to Unicef anymore since the scandal a few years back where it was noted that their admin fees are waaaaay too high and more money went to them than the cause. So I am always leary about going thru other organizations to donate money.

[Mike Temporale]

Out of curiosity....what's the difference between doing that and going directly to the red cross website? (Like I did).

:oops: I'm not sure.... Amazon says that 100% of your donation goes to the Red Cross. I guess the only benefit is if you already have an Amazon account, it's quick and painless.

[Jason Dunn]

Out of curiosity....what's the difference between doing that and going directly to the red cross website? (Like I did).

Likely no difference other than ease of use - I'm quite sure Amazon will donate 100% of the proceeds to the Red Cross and eat any admin fees (I hope). I tried donating to the Red Cross directly from www.redcross.org, but even though their donation form allows me to pick Canada as the country I'm from, the form doesn't change from states to provinces, and insists that I pick what state I'm from. :roll: So I just donated through Amazon instead.

[PPCMD]

Being on vacation this week I hadn't been out much so when I was and listened to NPR I heard about thiis horrific disaster. While the focus of this site is smartphone centric a disaster of this magnitude should receive attention as well.

Today I opened my email and of course the scammers are already at work I received a form letter email asking for donations and in this day and age I don't responsd to those who don't know me. The Red Cross or Red Cresent would be the best places to start. I just recall an issue the Red Cross had a few years back where they took donations for one of our own (USA) disasters and used the funds for something else. Very messy, very embarassin for them.

If anyone donates just make sure your money ends up where you intended it to.

[TimeHunter]

My company is setting up a program to match dollar for dollar whatever its employees donate. Too bad more companies don't do something like that. Since I know my company's employees are a very generous bunch, it should turn into a pretty good sum.

[Jason Dunn]

My company is setting up a program to match dollar for dollar whatever its employees donate. Too bad more companies don't do something like that. Since I know my company's employees are a very generous bunch, it should turn into a pretty good sum.

That's very cool - yeah, it would be nice if more companies did that.

[Mike Temporale]

My company is setting up a program to match dollar for dollar whatever its employees donate. Too bad more companies don't do something like that. Since I know my company's employees are a very generous bunch, it should turn into a pretty good sum.

That's very cool - yeah, it would be nice if more companies did that.

Agreed.

On a rather sad note, my current client is an extremely large, global, company with offices in Asia. They just announced on their internal website that they are donating $100,000. With revenues in the billions, it's rather sad that this is all they could mustard up. There is no employee matching option. In fact, the post didn't even point employees to a site where they could contribute. :(

[Mike Temporale]

Quote from BNC (http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/index.php/archives/2004/12/30/bill-gates-pledges-3-million-for-tsunami-victims/)
Microsoft founder and Chairman Bill Gates, through his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has pledged $3 million of his own money to aid victims of the India tsunami / earthquake disaster, equaling the aid efforts of many entire countries. Microsoft’s offices in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India are also aiding in the relief effort, and Microsoft has pledged to equal all employee donations. Seems like Microsoft employees can feel proud that their company is making a difference, and a significant one at that.

8O :way to go:

[Mike Temporale]

I found a link to some satellite photos from before and after the tsunami. It's pretty incredible to see the devastation from above.

http://www.digitalglobe.com/tsunami_gallery.html