US Army casualties

I can't help but wonder why so many US soldiers are dying while President Bush has already declared an end to major combat in Iraq. The latest news after the Chinook helicopter accident was today, when a Black Hawk helicopter was downed near Tikrit (Saddam's hometown), killing another 6 soldiers. Its really no wonder why Turkey has decided not to send troops to Iraw, Spain pulls back its staff and the Red Cross has just about almost closed down its services there. Here's CNN to tell you what happened earlier today: 6 Killed In Helicopter Crash In Tikrit To date, 394 US soldiers have been killed, 255 of which were killed after President Bush announced the end of major combat on May 1. Do the math, and you'll realise that the number of those killed after major combat is almost double those killed during combat itself. Morale is very low in the US Army camps in Iraq. Comrades dying almost everyday, you get the picture. Pray that the situation in Iraq will become brighter and safer. With the President just authorizing USD 87.5 billion for military operations and reconstruction in Iraq on Thursday, let's hope things will get better in Iraq and that more lives will be spared from the violence. Better yet, pray that the violence will end altogether. On a lighter note, thank you for the response on the Hardy Boys. Its interesting to find a fan club of (ex) Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton readers out there. Oh yes, how many of you did the Ladybird reading series (from 1A to 12C), the one about Peter and Jane and their dog, and in the later books, talking about their cousins as well? Let me know!! I did that series in kindergarten (all those from St. Faith Kindy in Kuching, say "Chicken Dance!!") and my youngest brother got some award for finishing the series the fastest in class. I didn't get that. In fact, I don't think there was such an award then. Talking about that, I'm chatting with a friend (a common name you'll find on the tagboard too) about Guy Fawkes night. Apparently, this guy named Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the UK Parliament in the 17th century. Because he failed to do so, every year, the British celebrate Guy Fawkes night. There are fireworks, big bonfires, anything to do with explosives, you'll hear it. At least, that's what I'm hearing. The fireworks are so loud in London that even car alarms go off too. Anyway, that was a small story on how mad the British can be. And we wonder how people like them could colonize the whole world (but eventually lose it too). I'm still not feeling well. Wonder whether I'll be able to make it for classes tomorrow. Goodnight then