China 5.12 earthquake strips (by Coco Wang)

My friend forwarded me a link to some comics strips depicting some of the human stories from the days directly after the 5.12 earthquake in Sichuan, China. The comic strips are simply drawn, but very touching, and very moving. The stories tell of the bravery and determination of the rescuers and people who sacrificed themselves to protect others. Although reports of the devastation and massive rescue efforts, these individual struggles really went home to my heart.

The panda story made me laugh though, especially after the tears I'd already shed.

The aftershocks of the major earthquake in May are still vibrating through Sichuan. The aftershocks of all the deaths and damage caused will carry on vibrating through millions of people's lives through this generation and the next. Let us not forget not only the losses, but also the bravery and love of the Chinese people.

I've just got back from a weekend away - without doing any of the work I took with me of course. I feel better for the break, though that might have something to do with the ridiculous amounts of sleep I've had. How am I going to get back to having 'only' eight hours of sleep a night? But I'm looking at the piles of work I have to do now, some of which is due in tomorrow, and I may slip back into sleep-deficit again. Ah well

Anyway, can anyone guess where I've been?

olympic handshaking

Today's the opening day of the Beijing Olympics 2008, in case you've missed that part of the news. Actually, although it's been impossible to miss the fact that the Olympics are being held in China this year, given all the anti-China protests and debates over the last few months, you may have lost excitment for the games themselves.

All the debate about whether China is 'fit' to host the Olympics and activists decrying that having the games in Beijing is against the spirit of the Olympics.... given that the original Olympics were only open to free men who spoke Greek (so no peasants please) and women were barred from even attending, I guess that's a good thing. And don't forget the Berlin Olympics in 1936, were the Olympics revived to forward the 'Aryan' ideal only?

Ok, so perhaps that is an unfair point - but if the spirit of the Olympics is to bring athletes together and promote global unity and fair, friendly, competition, then the violence of some of these protests is the real issue that has spoilt the Beijing Olympics, if anyone feels that they have been defiled. There are many problems, including human rights issues, that need to be addressed by the Chinese government, and pressure from the global community is what is needed. However, before condemning others, perhaps we should examine our own actions and motives first?

Personally, I think that it's too soon for China to host the Olympics - maybe in 8 or even 4 years time I would have felt more comfortable with it. I worry that in both social reform and economic terms they may do China more harm than good. However, I'm pleased to see how well the Chinese government has handled the earthquake disasters this year and even the free-Tibet protests that have made so many headlines. If anyone condemns me for that view, consider how far China has come in the last 20 years, and then attack me. I stand by my opinion.

Today should be a hopeful day though, both for China but also for all the competing athletes! Let's not forget the hard work and training that has gone into the games and instead celebrate that. How better than with an Olympic handshake - an commitment 'to hold ALL our governments to a higher standard of peace, justice and respect for human dignity', one you can also join in with. I'm still proud to call myself Chinese.

Enjoy watching the games! I hope they broadcast the badminton....

Danger alert

Today's new phd comic is very fitting. John has been let loose in our lab. We did clear his desk for him first, to reduce the danger potential [think radioactive plants (though under a lead-lined perspex box), syringe needles and razor blades]. We have a summer student and a visiting PhD student, and John likes to use the opportunity to put a lab coat on and show them what to do. We would feel a lot safer if John wouldn't keep explaining how to make liquid nitrogen and dry ice bombs, and wave his hands around whilst holding bottles of toxic chemicals.

We've printed the comic strip out and stuck it to his door. I think he may get the hint.

mystery sender

Ah ha! I've finally worked out who's been sending me presents at my Manchester address. Your latest gift betrayed you - only two people know what my favourite perfume is. Thank you ^_^ I remember telling you that they don't sell it anymore, where on earth did you get hold of it? And thank you for the plums. Now, were you also the mystery sender of those flowers back in March?

I know if I were to thank you directly you would just deny it, so I won't. But still, thank you.
But why can't you send them to my Cambridge address instead?!! ;P

....eeee I'm so ungrateful I know :P I'm very happy really, absolutely, completely. Can you send me those hazelnut mint love letter wafers next time? Or Gundam.....