Here in Singapore, the news is not so much inaccurate but more like late, which I feel is same else where. By the time the first wave of news hit the press the situation had change. So I follow the tweets of people that are there instead. But of course the situation is still very volatile.

But when Narita and JR starts to operate at almost full force, I think its a good indication that things are beginning to get better.

I just want to commend the Japanese people on how they handle this crippling catastrophe. There were no panic, no hysteria, NO LOOTING!!! I have nothing but respect for them! in fact, I think the Japan that'll emerge from this will be even better.

i agree... it is inspiring how Japan can hold it together during a crisis.

rewind to the katrina disaster in New Orleans, and it was a cluster fuck on an epic scale.

I really think that is so amazing and great.

Something I always admire in Japanese's behaviour : the group is more important than a single person.

In France, people believe Japanese people wear mask to protect themselves again flu or any other diseases whereas they actually wear them in order to prevent a spreading of a illness...

Seiously. I remember when I first moved to Japan and I was thinking: "A vending machine for beer and cigarettes in a dark street? This would get destroyed in a second back home." And I have to say I thought Japanese kids were sort of tame for not doing anything to them (hey, I was young). Now, I wish everyone every where had the discipline and common sense not to vandalize and loot and steal if the occasion is given to them.

Kudos, Japan.

well said!

hard to say, as I am not a nuclear expert.. but as with all governments, the japanese government isn't above being full of shit. I hope you are right.. but I tend to think somewhere in between... one side is sensationalizing it, and their gov't is downplaying. I think there are too many unknowns

It's very difficult to hide radiation from people with independent measuring devices. Assuming the Japanese government is nefarious and hiding this, the amount of radiation leaking from the plant can be measured by people outside of their influence. The radiation isn't the issue, though. The issue is the countless people displaced or still missing after the tsunami. I appreciate the concern from here, friends, and family, but after almost a week of this, I'm tired of hearing people tell me how I'm supposed to react to the situation I'm in. Now's not the time to be cynical; now's the time to help the people that actually need help.

Also, I want to note, other than the bread, rice, and toilet paper shortages, Japan's been pretty awesome as far responding to emergencies. I was in Shinjuku yesterday, and things were pretty much normal. Today was more of the same. I was caught in a flood in the US several years ago, and things were very different then. Thanks for being fairly level-headed, Japan!

To that effect, it would help if those of you there could put in a reminder or two occasionally about reliable and trusted aid organizations that get the resources those in need and efficiently. Perhaps make a separate thread out of it.

One of the most discouraging things about the Haiti aftermath was the despicable callousness that some exhibited towards the destitute. Really just made me throw up my hands in exhaustion, saying "what's the point?".
I realize Haiti is not Japan, but I for one have trouble trusting the Red X and many 'official' channels that collect money at times like these.

-------

WTF?

yeah. maybe you don't fully know what that term symbolizes, but using that comparison makes me feel uneasy. ok, that's all i have to say about that.

huh?

I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest that rockert meant something nice, but it all just came out really wrong and convoluted due to 4 too many tins of Lone Star, fuck knows it's happened to me* (well not on Lone Star, I wouldn't drink that piss)


*fully revoking this defence he comes back and says something stupider

I'm hoping that I won't be around when the big quake hits the Bay Area and other parts of CA.

This >>Every time!

Regarding what rockert said - I think he meant well.
I read somewhere yesterday that two workers were missing after the explosion at reactor No.4.
Can't find any word about that today, and they're back to talking about 50 workers who've stayed behind
(from an original workforce of some 4 or 5000 if I remember).
I dunno, perhaps they'd just popped out to get sammiches.
It can take a while at the moment.
Anyway, all of them are very brave.
Both US and Japanese armies (sic) are keeping a respectful distance atm.

And meanwhile, the UK is advising British nationals in Tokyo and to the north of Tokyo to consider leaving the area :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12765593

So, respectfully have to disagree with you, Onwi:
I think they are two seperate issues and, while I don't plan on leaving,
the radiation is currently posing more of a threat to me personally.

That said, "panic over radiation leaks at a Japanese nuclear plant may be diverting attention from potentially worse threats to public health, like thousands of people living in the open in cold weather after a tsunami." (Reuters)

Snow is currently blanketing many of the worst affected areas.

don't know how reliable this is but...
http://www.setyoufreenews.com/2011/03/geologist-alarming-magnetic-field.html

Very interesting comment for me. I think we still tend to underestimate what the "human rights" is behind our consciousness than US, France or other developed countries in law.


I also wear mask now but it because of hay fever - allergic disease in this season and I hear 1/5 Japanese people suffer it now.

I mean, I/we don't wear it with thinking a crisis of our life seriously but just want to protect from pollen/rainy nose especially in this season. Of course, we worry about Fukushima and radiation level very much now and I guess people who live in around there wear mask for protecting from them but please let french people know that we don't panic too much like spreading of a illness!

While I know the nuclear plant situation in Japan is not good the US media is much like France in creating drama. If I hear one more report on how "it could happen here" immediately after the report on Fukushima I'm going to lose my mind. Yeah we get it, no need for the sensationalism, just give us the facts on Fukushima. Between the supposed Japan government downplaying and the US over dramatizing it, it's really hard to find straight up facts and consequences.

I totally agree, it's gotten WAY outta hand.

http://japanearthquakeanimalrelief.chipin.com/japan-earthquake-animal-rescue-and-support

I would imagine these guys could do with some money if you're in the giving spirit.

I checked around a little bit and this was the only one I could find for animals

Wow! Japan Post Rocks!
My auction agent, who also kept working through the weekend btw, sent the latest package on Saturday and it was waiting for me at P.O. here in CA yesterday!

I know. I know. Apologies for being selfish here, but it's just amazing..

As far as I can tell, the Post Office is working normally here, at least in Tokyo.

@Josh: I like the way you think.

i can't help but share this excerpt from a reply i received from funnyara asking him if he was ok in osaka. in spite of everything going on he still has a sense of humor.

"I thank You thinking of Us. in case, We loose Our place, We & Our Kitties are comming to beg You
to live Your House Together. at least I will bring You my BEMON Two
Headed Giant Black vinyl version."

thanks!
Funnyara