Kowabunga

I don't think there is a soul in the Blogosphere who is unaware of the Tsunami that smashed South East Asia, with the island of Sri Lanka taking the brunt of it. What you may not know is that Sri Lanka is the home of one of the greatest Science Fiction writers of all time, Arhur C. Clarke.

Over on Sir Arthur's website, The Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, there is an open message to the world, assuring us that his household and staff have survived the ravages of the tsunami.

Thank you for your concern about my safety in the wake of last Sunday's devastating tidal wave.

I am enormously relieved that my family and household have escaped the ravages of the sea that suddenly invaded most parts of coastal Sri Lanka, leaving a trail of destruction. But many others were not so fortunate. My heart-felt sympathy goes out to all those who lost family members or friends.

Our staff members are all safe, even though some are badly shaken and relate harrowing first hand accounts of what happened. Most of our diving equipment and boats at Hikkaduwa were washed away. We still don't know the full extent of damage -- it will take a while for us to take stock as accessing these areas is still difficult

There is much more, including a list of relief agencies.

Captain Ed of Captain's Quarters has set forth a plan to cause a deluge of contributions to the World Vision, with a goal of $25,000 by January 12th. Ed is a heckuva good man and I encourage people to do like wise. I have donated on-line.

When I heard on the radio today that some chap from the U.N. has been blasting the United States as being stingy when it comes to helping those in need, it's time to pick up the gauntlet and show them what helping people in need means and how it should be done: Thru one's own pocket book!

So, folks, you have a choice: you can contribute via World Vision and help push Captain Ed closer to his goal, donate to help Sri Lanka via one of the sites listed on The Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, you can do both (or more) or even use some other relief organization. Or, you can show these U.N. wacko's that they are right and that the U.S. is stingy (assuming that you have a couple of bucks to spare). Hopefully you won't choose that last.