Tuesday 28 July 2009

Looking Back - Chinese Earthquake Kills Hundreds Of Thousands


On this day in 1976, hundreds of thousands of people were feared dead following an 8.3 magnitude earthquake in China. The quake virtually destroyed the city of Tangshan, north-east of Beijing, and Western sources believed the death toll may be much higher than the official figure of 240,000. Some believed the figure would be more like 750.000.
Around 2,000 people were believed to have died when the quake devastated the city's biggest hospital, according to sources quoting Chinese officials.
The Hong Kong Royal Observatory reports the earthquake was intense although speculation of the magnitude of the quake ranges from 6.3 to 8.3.
It was feared that many miners were buried alive in coal works in the industrial city which has a total population of 1.6m.
Up to 164,000 people were severely injured, according to initial reports from the city. Tremors were also felt in Beijing, where residents were urged to live in the streets and keep to open spaces as it was not thought to be safe to return to their homes in the city.
The force of the quake was so strong that people were thrown into the air after roads, bridges, railway stations, homes and factories were completely destroyed. The quake also knocked out power to the city, making rescue efforts difficult.
Chinese officials rejected any offers of help from the outside world, saying that survivors had enough to eat and wear and that there was sufficient medical supplies and doctors in the city.

Office Essentials




That's When The Fight Started

My wife and I were at my high school reunion, when she noticed me staring at an obviously drunk woman sitting alone at a table.
"Do you know her?" my wife asked.
"Yes," I sighed. "She's an old girlfriend. She started drinking after we split up years ago, and people say she hasn't been sober since."
"My God!" whispered my wife. "Who would think a person could celebrate that long?"

That's when the fight started ......

Who Am I? - Monday's Answer







The answer to yesterday's
Who Am I? puzzle
was
Joanna Lumley

Invisibles


Today's Smile

To my darling husband.

Before you return from your business trip I just want to let you know about the small accident I had with the pick-up truck when I turned into the driveway.

Fortunately, not too bad and I really didn't get hurt, so please don't worry too much about me.

I was coming home from Wal-Mart, and when I turned into the driveway I accidentally pushed down on to the accelerator instead of the brake.

The garage door is slightly bent but the pick-up luckily came to halt when it bumped into your car.

I am really sorry, but I know with your kind-hearted personality, you will forgive me. You know how much I love you and care for you my sweetheart

I am enclosing a picture for you.

I cannot wait to hold you in my loving arms again.


Your loving wife
XXX
P.S. Your girlfriend called.

Therapy


Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions - switch to espresso.

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Finish all your sentences with "In accordance with the Prophecy.

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As often as possible skip rather than walk.

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Order a diet water whenever you go out to eat. Keep a serious face.