THE HUMOR OF &nbs p; Life can be
MELVIN DURAI & nbsp; so funny!
*******************************************
Original, thought-provoking humor
*******************************************
<><><><><><><>< ><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><>< ><>
PLEASE HELP THE TSUNAMI VICTIMS
For a list of relief organizations, go to:
<><><><><><><>< ><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><>< ><>
THIS WEEK'S COLUMN:
"OPENING OUR HEARTS AND PIGGY BANKS
http://www.MelvinDurai.com/tsunami2.htm
I don't know about you, but the outpouring of support for
the tsunami victims has touched me so deeply, I have a
strong urge to run around and hug strangers. The only thing
that's stopping me is the fear of spending time in a mental
institution. It's bad enough that I sometimes talk to
myself, occasionally talk to my plants, and every now and
then talk to my mother-in-law.
Hugging people doesn't come naturally to me, but at a time
like this, I even have the urge to hug George Bush. He was a
little slow reacting to the disaster, but once he woke up,
he showed the world that he does have a soft side, not just
for the rich but for anyone with a beachfront home.
Bush didn't just pledge a ton of money and support -- even
ten grand from his own pocket -- he sent his brother Jeb to
tour the affected region, knowing that Jeb, as governor of
Florida, has vast experience dealing with disasters,
including hurricanes, tornadoes, and elections.
Several other countries such as Japan, Germany and Australia
have also pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to help
the tsunami victims, and just as touching, some Arab
countries have offered to supply them with as much oil as
they can buy. One Saudi prince has pledged to donate
whatever money he saves from limiting shopping sprees in his
household to one wife per day.
The spirit of giving is evident everywhere, from the German
auto racing champion who has donated $10 million for tsunami
relief to the Nigerian widow who has offered to transfer
millions into any bank account.
While it's great that many governments have offered
assistance in various forms, I've been most impressed with
the generosity of ordinary people, folks like Jasmine
Germany, a Detroit waitress who donated a day's wages and
tips. If everyone in the world followed her example, we'd be
able to build condominiums for all the survivors -- and
that's just with Bill Gates' contribution.
Perhaps most touching are the donations of children, many of
whom have responded to the terrible pictures on television
in small but significant ways. Some in cities are emptying
their piggy banks, while others in rural areas are selling
their piggies. Many are donating their entire allowances;
others are selling cookies and cakes to adults who, perhaps
aware of the current exchange rate, are more than willing to
give up dollars and gain pounds.
Some kids have been extremely resourceful, setting up
lemonade stands and gouging customers like the adults do at
the mall. A 5-year-old Canadian boy has offered to play ice
hockey to help the tsunami victims. He plans to donate every
penny he collects from the tooth fairy.
Celebrities are also doing their part. Some are singing
songs to raise money, while others, like Ashlee Simpson,
have offered to lip-synch.
Actress Sandra Bullock has donated one million dollars to
the American Red Cross for tsunami relief. I don't know
about you, but I want to hug her one million times.
Then again, it's not the first time I've felt that way.
comment:
p_commentcount