It is not often that Hungary gets the attention of the world news organizations.
Recently http://www.channel4.com/news/toxic-red-sludge-kills-four-in-hungary this was in the news about Hungary. Don't worry we're fine! We're all the way up in Debrecen which is about 250 miles from the accident. This is what our CETP Director in Hungary e-mailed us:
"I do not know how many of you have heard about the red sludge. On Monday around 12:30 a reservoir at an alumina refining plant in Ajka burst its banks, unleashing a flood of red sludge that flooded 2 villages, Devecser and Kolompar. It is near Papa and Tapolca (about 30-40km). According to the Hungarain officials the red sludge is dangerous only to the soil, the water is not endangered because the drinking water wells and so deep and due to the geologic structure of the regoin the red sludge can not reach the water resources. The media made such a crazy news about it that I decided to include my info into this mass email. If there is any danger locally, the local government would immediately announce it and your contact person will immediately let you know . I listened to the scientists' discussion about the event and they said that they are constantly checking the drinking water and the air and there is no sign of any contamination up until now (not even in the villages that were flooded). I am also contantly listening to the news and I will let you know if there is any problem (plus I am sure that the US embassy would also contact you as well). It seems right now that the real problem is mainly the mud itself."
The other headline making news is that the Jolie-Pitt kids recently started school in Budapest. Darn if only I had been assigned to that city! However, "A source tells UsMagazine.com parents and teachers have been ordered to sign security agreements stating that they won't chat to the press. If they disobey, they may be subject to a fine; if the contact with the media continues, their child could even be suspended from the school until further notice, the source says." So even if I was teaching those kids I wouldn't be able to say. So if I go back to the States and end up being a nanny for the Jolie-Pitt kids don't be surprised....after all I may or may not be teaching them! :)
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