Haiyan

Well I guess the big news out of Asia is the massive typhoon that hit the eastern Philippines this week.

Aid is getting in very slowly but it looks like donations being made are starting to make a difference already, according to the BBC. Doctors Without Borders is there as is the US Navy, and the Japanese, Koreans and British have all sent ships to aid.

At times like this you really see the best and worst of humanity. On one hand you have people saying "spend at home first" and "what did they give us during _______". The Chinese government has offered a generous $200,000 dollars, about half of what George Takei gave.

On the other hand there has been an overwhelmed amount of giving by people who may not have much to give. Charities matching dollar for dollar up to certain amounts hit those amounts within 24 hours. It has been great to see and I hope it continues.

So far 3500 are dead but the numbers are expected to hit 10000. Anyway, the major charities such as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross are collecting but if, like many, you feel uncomfortable with them, there are also charities like directrelief.org (who got my money).