Chile and self reliance

The earthquake in Chile was obviously a terrible disaster, whenever lives are lost, it is cause for mourning. What catches my eye about this earthquake is the juxtaposition and comparisons between the effect on Chile and the effect of the earthquake in Haiti last month.

Chile, knowing that it lies along a fault line and having been subject to earthquakes in the past has instituted strict building codes including reinforced steel and etc.

Haiti, was totally unprepared for the possibility of an earthquake, they are also a poorer nation without the resources or government regulations to build stronger or better. It's not their fault, they need our help to rebuild and become better prepared.

Haitian fatalities are over 200,000
Chilean fatalities (currently) 800

What I find most impressive is that President Bachelet of Chile has accepted only limited international relief. Many organizations and nations have offered support but no requests have been made. The international Red Cross is waiting for the Chilean Red Cross to indicate that it needs help. Also, the reports coming out of Chile are so much calmer than what we are still getting from Haiti, limited looting, everyone seems to know that they will be taken care of, or they will be able to take care of themselves. They are still able to get water, gas, food etc. though they may have to wait for it - and they are queuing up to each have their turn. It's very impressive.

So you don't need to donate to Chile, just donate to Haiti, they have a higher hill to climb.

I guess the moral of the story is preparedness, as much as possible in whatever position you are at in life, if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.

Adorable II

Anna wore her 'Adorable' shirt again today. When we saw some old friends of Ben's at dinner, the wife admired Anna and told her she was adorable. Anna immediately tried to unzip or open her jacket to show off her shirt.

She's been pretty adorable today. I should let her wear that shirt every day.

2nd Birthday

Any questions?

Adorable

PS. her shirt says "adorable" but the video reversed it
PSS. Her birthday is tomorrow, she'll be two.

Daddy monster

Anna hasn't really seen Ben in like 10 days. Tonight they have been inseparable since he got home. She doesn't even care if I'm around. And even though Ben has homework to do, he's been dutifully playing the daddy monster all night.