While I should be grading papers, I just cannot seem to put all the earthquake headlines out of my mind. So I decided to toss this up to hopefully get some more information out about the earthquake and where everything stands at the moment in Chengdu.
First off, I'm not in China, but I've taken a few trips there and my partner lived there on and off for five years. She taught in Chengdu and we spent a lovely couple days at Qingcheng Shan (Mount Qingcheng). She is supposed to be going back to that area in a month, so you can probably guess that I'm a little frantic finding out how things are on the ground there. I've been relatively depressed since I can still see my partner's students yelling out answers in English when we team-taught some courses in Chengdu. I only knew the kids for an entire day, I cannot imagine how she feels.
Anyway, time for me to do some grading, but here are some informational links:
This BBC story has comprehensive coverage of the latest information coming from the earthquake affected areas in Sichuan.
A team from America's National Public Radio happened to be in Chengdu when the quake occurred, and they are keeping a bloghere. Also hereis a heartrending story on All Things Considered today by the NPR team.
Shanghaiist is keeping tabs on most English and some Chinese language sources of information on this page. They have also published a guide to donating money to the Chinese Red Cross for relief for the victims, and a list of dates and places where people in Shanghai can give blood for use in Sichuan.
ESWN has a massive gallery of photos of the after effects and victims of the quake (Some of these pictures are graphic).
So when the election night's gnashing of teeth is over, remember you have many many things to be thankful for. So say a prayer or send good thoughts to the people in both China and Burma.
I'll leave you this image from flickr Called A Prayer for China by someone named ?lifemage?
It's time for me to start grading papers.
Good night folks and good luck.