Inferno

On Saturday, city folk complained about faulty air-conditioners when not too far away, country folk were crying for lost life, possessions and property. I was one of those city dwellers, except more comfortable within a freezing office. I didn't realize how extensive and severe the bushfires had become until reading the news today. Two towns wiped out from the 46deg weather and crazy winds. At present, up to 170 (death toll rising) deaths and thousands of homes destroyed. A couple reported about how they returned from a trip to the grocery store to find their house in flames. People trapped at home, families burned upon attempting to escape in their cars, forced evacuation within minutes, farmers losing their crops and livestock...nothing less than devastating. And to think that all this happened so close to home--the worst bushfires in Australian history having occurred in the state of Victoria. Full story

A close friend of mine who now lives in Korea has informed me that one of his best friends lost her brother, her brother's girlfriend and the girlfriend's own brother in the bushfire. They were trapped at home but managed to call family to say goodbye before dying. In times like these, there's nothing left to do but to pray for God's support. Don't take a prayer for granted. One prayer, even if you don't personally know anyone who is affected by the bushfires, counts.

All the President's Dolls

MICHELLE OBAMA: THREAT TO AN EXCELLENT MARKETING STRATEGY LAUNCHED BY DOLL MAKERS, TY Full story

Meet Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia. Of course their mother disapproves! But what did the Beanie Babies' spokesperson say? Lundeen told the Associated Press that the doll names -- "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia" -- were chosen because "they are beautiful names," not because of any resemblance to first kids Malia and Sasha Obama. (Chicago Sun-Times) Right...

Now, words from a "TrueIndependent" who wanted to have his/her say: "I really would not feel so bad if the dolls were made in the U.S. But no, they were made in China!!!!!"

Danger

MAN WITH PAINTED FACE KILLS CHILDREN AT NURSERY
A stabbing at a nursery school outside Brussels, Belgium, on Friday left two children and one adult dead, the Belgian Interior Ministry said. Another three children were rushed to hospital in a critical condition, according to reports.
Full story

Sometimes, we forget that EVIL is not confined to thrillers or crime fiction but that it exists among us. After all, storytellers get ideas from true crime, and the criminals get their ideas from storytellers. How do you protect yourself in a society blind to crazy people? Pray for wisdom, discernment and safety against hidden dangers. Above all, have faith that your God has your wellbeing at heart.

Blind Love

Yesterday, I was playing a word scramble game on a peice of mX that had been torn out and left at my work station by a fellow interviewer. This is what I found on the other side of the paper:

KIND ACT: To the girl who helped a blind man to his seat on Glen Waverley train on Monday--you're lovely. - Ben, Mt Waverley

People watch, and the ones who are less afraid to extend courtesy stand out.