Here’s a video news report of the relief operations following the massive earthquake that hit China last Monday:

As of writing, the death toll is now reported to have reached 15,000. Troops are still attempting to find survivors amidst the rubble and devastation.

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Two weeks ago, a giant wave hit a coastal town in Korea and left 7 dead, 14 injured.

Last week, Myanmar was hit by a cyclone, claiming more than 22,000 lives and affecting up to 2.5 million people, according to the UN. That these people are some of the most impoverished in the world and that the military government refuses foreign aid make the situation all the more desperate.

And then, just a few days ago, an 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook China, the tremors reaching as far as Thailand and Vietnam. The death toll is now at 15,000, and still increasing as more dead are found. In Mianyang, the city worst hit, about 19,000 people are believed to have been buried under debris.

Thousands, dead. And as I write this, another storm appears to be headed to Myanmar. All these natural disasters, happening within just a span of two weeks make me scared. What in the world is happening

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Has it ever happened to you– after a long flight, you head to the baggage claim, only to find the belt churning out dozens and dozens of suitcases that from afar looks exactly like yours? So you haul one of them off the belt, check the luggage tag, only to find out that, sorry, it’s not yours.

One technique I’ve used to identify my luggage from afar? I tie a relatively unique piece of ribbon on the handle of my suitcase. Sure, I have a black suitcase like half of the passengers of the airplane, but how many would have thought of tying a neon pink green-polka dotted ribbon around the handle? Cheap and easy.

Now, if you want something more classy, hip and chic, there’s UBrand luggage stickers:

Its 3-D polymer-based construction is water, temperature and UV resistant. The unique adhesive system is designed specifically to stick well to woven nylon fabrics and vinyl without damaging them. UBrand offers an instant do-it yourself application (no sewing or ironing required) and is a semi-permanent means of personalization - easy to remove and replace but wont come off until you take them off. UBrand labels work on luggage, backpacks, computer bags, gym bags, outdoor gear, jackets and snow gear, musical instrument cases, diaper bags, camera cases and so much more. Just stick one on any type of gear and it instantly becomes one of a kind.

The stickers cost less than 5 bucks, but because I’m a cheapskate, I think I’ll stick with my ribbons. ;-)

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If you’ve ever been to Asia, surely, you have made some spectacular photos. Whether you’ve been to the beach, to the temples, to the jungles, or in the heart of the metropoles, you’d have had ample opportunity to make fantastic, truly remarkable images. Why not enter your favorite at Perceptive Travel’s Remarkable Photo Contest and stand to win a Lowepro CompuDaypack Camera Bag.

You may enter two of your best shots to the contest, and they must be in jpeg format, no more than 200 d.p.i. and a maximum of 600 pixels wide or tall. See further contest details and give them your best shot!

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There are a number of promotional videos made for the Beijing Olympics. Here’s one of my favorites, featuring the song One World, One Dream:

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