I've donated some money via an appeal line in the UK, but to be honest its not just money. One of our government misiters was on the news yesterday stressing the difficulties logistically reaching those in remote areas. Most people think that government s can solve problems by throwing money at it, but that is the tip of the iceberg.

This is one of the most terrible natural disasters I can remember. My heart goes out to all caught up in it who have lost loved ones.

I have just seen George W Bush on the TV, describing his administrations contribution to the effort as a 'Typical American response'  I'm not disputing Amercas generosity on the world stage, but that mans attitude sickens me every time he opens his mouth. There was no compassion in his speech, just a big advert for his crooked administration, delivered with that usual quivering grin. Even our slimey useless Prime Minister can at least act and lie convincingly when he has to.

threefates:

I don't know where you heard that the earthquake "put the earth a little off its axis," but that is ridiculous.  My mother is one of the top structural geologists in the world, and has been at it for over 50 years.  She tells me that there is no natural force of any size - including massive earthquakes - that could affect the axis of the earth.  After all, if that were true, then every time there was an earthquake of similar magnitude - of which there have been several in the past two centuries - the earth would have shifted, and we would already all be dead.

No, as devastating as this particular earthquakes was - primarily because of the tsumanis it caused - the earth is still quite comfortably on its normal axis, and spinning at approximately 1,000 mph.

I'm not even sure it qualifies as a "major event on this planet," except to the degree that it affects us as human beings.  After all, the planet has seen truly "major" events like the carving of the Grand Canyon and the creation of mountain ranges.  And if this was a "major event," what would you call the earthquake that hit Japan in 1974 causing 250,000 deaths, "double major?"

I'm not trying to belittle the seriousness of the result of the event; I'm simply trying to put the event itself into perspective vis-a-vis both its non-effect on the earth itself (i.e., its axis), and its "place" in earth history.

Peace.

read about it right here Maani... and also heard about it on CNN...

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=IESG1YFI1NHI2CRBAELCFFA?type=scienceNews&storyID=7195443 - http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=IESG1YFI 1NHI2CRBAELCFFA?type=scienceNews&storyID=7195443

Well Threefates, no matter what the other aledged smarties said. It is true, and even highly likely that the Earth rotation has changed because of the underseas Earthquake. Due to resonance factors and instability of the earth-crust it is even possible (though not likely) more quakes will follow. Eventualy leading to utter disaster. The earth will lose it's metastabile state and spin of course into the Sun's corona, or the otherway, causing either more cases of skincancer, or a new Ice-age. 

Don't panic, you're on the Titanic.

You can donate directly to http://www.oxfam.co.uk/ - Oxfam online using your credit card.

As far as the axis issue is concerned, my understanding is that it's probably true, as the Earth does move and can be moved inconsequential amounts by events such as this, since the axis is not absolutely fixed in space - there is a degree of "wobble" which causes scientists to add a "leap second" in rare years. The earth is completely self-correcting, so it is not unusual, worrying or likely to bring about global warming. As the article says

Reed Lover wrote: threefates wrote: This is really a major event on this planet.. if it indeed did put the earth a little off its axis..

See now this is just one of the things I found funny about you Reed.  You can get upset about someone posting a picture of a cross burning... but you can make a joke on a thread in regard to the death of 75,000 people and the possibility of more tragic events... and yet you see see no problem with that.

This thread was about what we can do to help... whether or not it is true in regard to the axis slip situation, I can't tell you..  As I said in that message "If it is indeed true"... I didn't state that it was or if I believe that it is... just stating what quite a few scientists have stated and that if it is true...will effect this planet in not such great ways...

But go ahead and enjoy yourself... and if you can take a few minutes and donate to a relief charity of your own choice... then please do!!

This is me... on a island off the coast of Malaysia last year at this time.  This island is now underwater... and I don't know if my friends who live here are alive or dead....

Actualy, the earth is not really self-correcting, the most likely position for the Earth and the direction (wobble and all) of the axis is the way it was. With enough deviation from it's original position the Earth may find another stable point. For a real dramatic change there's more needed than just a small(relativly on a cosmic scale) earthquake.

A series of earthquakes could cause the earth to change position relativly to the sun.

Theory on the extinction of Dinosaurs suggest such a dramatic change.

Mea Culpa

Posting on alcohol.

I unreservedly apologise to Linda (Threefates) for this disgraceful attemp at scoring points for a reason I myself cannot guess at.
Bad day at the office?

Probably not.

No excuses.
Sorry to all>

You guys are truly pathetic... You turn tragedy into a joke, an attack on Bush, an attack on me, and an attack on a country that will probably end up paying for most of the medical care and food and clean up for this tragedy.

Reed, you don't know the meaning of self righteous... nor do you have a clue what it means to be a racist or what its like growing up in the South around racists.  You can spout your views anyway you like, but lets be honest... you're just really a small man looking for a lot of attention... and right now I just don't have the urge to give it to you!

C'mom guys...what are you doing? This thread has gotten REALLY ugly despite Threefates good intentions. If you don't care or don't want to donate, then just don't post on here.

Jim Garten wrote: I find to be a deeply offensive reaction to 3Fs posting - Sorry, Reed, but I feel you've crossed the line here. This thread started with the best of intentions (call me naive, if you like), and it has descended into petty backstabbing, which I personally find disgraceful.

I agree with you 100% Jim!

Certif1ed wrote: You can donate directly to http://www.oxfam.co.uk/ - Oxfam online using your credit card.

Good to know Cert, thanks for the information.

Anyway, the earth is flat. I know because I heard a Thomas Dolby album once.  

threefates wrote: You guys are truly pathetic... You turn tragedy into a joke, an attack on Bush, an attack on me, and an attack on a country that will probably end up paying for most of the medical care and food and clean up for this tragedy. Reed, you don't know the meaning of self righteous... nor do you have a clue what it means to be a racist or what its like growing up in the South around racists.  You can spout your views anyway you like, but lets be honest... you're just really a small man looking for a lot of attention... and right now I just don't have the urge to give it to you!

I for one have no problem with the contribution the US will inevitably make. I salute your countries generosity!! But at a time like this your leader needs to show compassion and modesty. WHY would he want to emphasise Americas generosity? Why would he percieve a need to do this?? All he needs to do is pledge the support that he is going to anyway.

My point is why does he have to turn the drama into an opportunity to blow Americas trumpet? He's just won an election - f**k knows how! - he can come off the campaign trail now and just do his job!

Blacksword wrote: threefates wrote: You guys are truly pathetic... You turn tragedy into a joke, an attack on Bush, an attack on me, and an attack on a country that will probably end up paying for most of the medical care and food and clean up for this tragedy. Reed, you don't know the meaning of self righteous... nor do you have a clue what it means to be a racist or what its like growing up in the South around racists.  You can spout your views anyway you like, but lets be honest... you're just really a small man looking for a lot of attention... and right now I just don't have the urge to give it to you!   I for one have no problem with the contribution the US will inevitably make. I salute your countries generosity!! But at a time like this your leader needs to show compassion and modesty. WHY would he want to emphasise Americas generosity? Why would he percieve a need to do this?? All he needs to do is pledge the support that he is going to anyway. My point is why does he have to turn the drama into an opportunity to blow Americas trumpet? He's just won an election - f**k knows how! - he can come off the campaign trail now and just do his job!

Or in another way to look at it  may be a backhanded complement to the American People to get out your checkbooks and contribute.  It may have been more of a motivating factor rather than a "look at us we are wonderful" stance. Just something to think about.

I don't care what he said or how he said it the proof is in the donation and helping. 

Here is a link to organizations that you can contact:

http://www.disasterrelief.org/Links/#agencies - http://www.disasterrelief.org/Links/#agencies

Blacksword wrote: threefates wrote: You guys are truly pathetic... You turn tragedy into a joke, an attack on Bush, an attack on me, and an attack on a country that will probably end up paying for most of the medical care and food and clean up for this tragedy. Reed, you don't know the meaning of self righteous... nor do you have a clue what it means to be a racist or what its like growing up in the South around racists.  You can spout your views anyway you like, but lets be honest... you're just really a small man looking for a lot of attention... and right now I just don't have the urge to give it to you!   I for one have no problem with the contribution the US will inevitably make. I salute your countries generosity!! But at a time like this your leader needs to show compassion and modesty. WHY would he want to emphasise Americas generosity? Why would he percieve a need to do this?? All he needs to do is pledge the support that he is going to anyway. My point is why does he have to turn the drama into an opportunity to blow Americas trumpet? He's just won an election - f**k knows how! - he can come off the campaign trail now and just do his job!

Judging from your hostility and general distrust of this administration which is obviously shared by many people outside our country I would say that is exactly why Bush "blew America's trumpet". Personally I think you're reading too much into it. You distrust the man and the administration and the US government and see what you want to see. Perhaps the US needs to jump up and shout to the rest of the world because as Pixel Pirate said....People outside of America don't approve of our Cultural Imperialism, so we have to let the world know when we're doing good. Now quit your whining and give a donation....or don't.....Whatever!...........................I don't care!

gdub..

I've quit whining now. Sorry for purpetuating the ill feeling on threefates well intentioned thread. Think I'm too easily wound up.

I have donated, and I'm very impressed to see the number of shops in my town who are running collections. There is certainly a sense of everyone pulling together.

I think the first thing to do before donating to any charity, is to check its charity rating first.  I prefer to know just how much of my money is being used for the charity .. and how much is being used for business operations... and if a specific  agency is rated low... or high...

Anyway you're probably always be okay donating to the Red Cross.  I prefer this time to donate to the Doctors without Borders charity, because I think those countries are gonna need more medical care than support this first  week afterwards...

Anyway you can scroll down on this page and check your charity of choice...

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/content.view/catid/38/cpid/227.htm - http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/content.view/c atid/38/cpid/227.htm

Sandra Bullock donates $1 mil for tsunami

NEW YORK (AP) -- Actress Sandra Bullock has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to help relief efforts in countries affected by the deadly earthquake and tsunamis in southern Asia and eastern Africa.

Bullock, whose screen credits include "Miss Congeniality," "While You Were Sleeping" and "Speed," contacted the American Red Cross last week, the organization said Monday.

She also donated $1 million after the September 11 terror attacks.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/03/tsunami.bullock.ap/index.html - http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/03/tsunami.bullock .ap/index.html

Probably just for UK members here but I've just noticed that HSBC bank have set up a way to donate to the Tsunami aid fun on their internet banking front page.

http://www.ukpersonal.hsbc.co.uk/public/ukpersonal/internet_banking/en/logon.jhtml - http://www.ukpersonal.hsbc.co.uk/public/ukpersonal/internet_ banking/en/logon.jhtml

If you use internet banking at all, the the process is easy to set up and donate. Just like any bank transfer.

S.

http://www.citrix.com - The company I work for has generously decided to match any contributions that staff make - ie, if I give £60, then they will also give £60 after I give them the receipt. I've only provided a link to my company's website so that you can find out who they are if you are interested - this isn't some cheap promotion, there are no similar offers to website visitors (and personally, I don't think it's a very exciting website for proggers!). 

Maybe people here could persuade their companies to do likewise?

Thats really wonderful Tuxon...!!  Thats very impressive..

I have this friend who has recently really gotten into auto racing and she sent me this... I didn't realize there was so much money in auto racing...

"One of my favorite Formula 1 drivers also made a donation. Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher from Germany donated $10 million (in USD).
http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=23195 - http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art _id=23195