I completely agree. Europe was economically devastated. I can tell you a little of what happened, in a second-person account. Crops were essentially useless, and deemed unfit to consume. Rationing was huge across Europe. Unlike Japan, the Ukraine is located inland. The radiation spread to adjacent countries quite easily. Although the soviets attempted to cover it up, their neighbors blew the whistle. In particular, the Soviet union was ill-equiped to deal with such a matter. Many suffered radiation poisoning from radioactive iodine isotope, including my mother. Shortly after Chernobyl, my mother (who was visiting Poland at the time) was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She had her thyroid removed, and is on (and has been since shortly after Chernobyl) supplementary drugs to compensate for thryroid hormone loss.
I remember something about massive quantities of irradiated milk that the Russian's distributed anyways.
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Interestingly, native animal populations within the Chernobyl zone are being observed in unseen numbers. Several species, which were previously assumed to be near extinction, appear to be thriving including extraordinarily large wolf packs. Preliminary work also seems to show that many animals now exhibit increased immunity to radiation. Despite increased radiation, nature thrives when man is greatly removed from the equation (people still live within the Chernobyl zone).
lets also not forget how chernobyl was "solved". It was capped with extremely thick concrete as a long-term temporary measure.
"Designed to last 30 years, it now suffers from approximately 300 square yards of cracks and holes along with other weaknesses which have arisen due to both the speed of construction and the conditions under which it was built. The design of the sarcophagus did not allow for potential earthquake stresses and both Ukrainian and Western scientists say it could collapse in a severe earthquake releasing radioactive dust."
I gave up on CNN after watching Wolf Blitzer trying to push the Japanese ambassador to call it a meltdown on day 2.
Ya Wolf is an idiot! There was one point where a reporter had a story about how there was no looting or violence going on anywhere in Japan because of their culture. And the reporter finishes their story with "...and it's nice to see no looting in such a tragic time." As Wolf says "Yep. For now."
Come on Wolf you can do better than that. If there was going to be looting and violence it would have happened right after not a week later.
However if I had to pick one guy to punch right in the face it would be Gary Tuchman. The guy seems to get off on tragic stories and when a survivor gets into some scary details it seems he smiles like he is enjoying the horrifying details.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by henriksedin33
Not at all, as I've said, I would rather start with LA over any of the other WC playoff teams. Bunch of underachievers who look good on paper but don't even deserve to be in the playoffs.
Interestingly, native animal populations within the Chernobyl zone are being observed in unseen numbers. Several species, which were previously assumed to be near extinction, appear to be thriving including extraordinarily large wolf packs. Preliminary work also seems to show that many animals now exhibit increased immunity to radiation. Despite increased radiation, nature thrives when man is greatly removed from the equation (people still live within the Chernobyl zone).
I read something completely different this morning, I'll have to try to find the link later today.
That the mortality rate among new born animals in the region is way over norm, and that the region is attracking wild life because its essentially abandoned and then killing said wild life.
So a lot of these larger then average packs and numbers aren't native to the area or born to the area, the come to the area because its un inhabited.
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
lets also not forget how chernobyl was "solved". It was capped with extremely thick concrete as a long-term temporary measure.
"Designed to last 30 years, it now suffers from approximately 300 square yards of cracks and holes along with other weaknesses which have arisen due to both the speed of construction and the conditions under which it was built. The design of the sarcophagus did not allow for potential earthquake stresses and both Ukrainian and Western scientists say it could collapse in a severe earthquake releasing radioactive dust."
And yes, i am aware i posted a greenpeace link....
When I was reading about the aftermath on Chernobyl they talked in depth that the sarcophagus is basically rotting, probably a combination of the elements, bad engineering and being constantly sheeted with radiation from the inside, and it will eventually fall apart. They're talking about building another one but it will cost billions.
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
I read something completely different this morning, I'll have to try to find the link later today.
That the mortality rate among new born animals in the region is way over norm, and that the region is attracking wild life because its essentially abandoned and then killing said wild life.
So a lot of these larger then average packs and numbers aren't native to the area or born to the area, the come to the area because its un inhabited.
A very real possibility. The article I read a while back was primarily focused on checking the radiation levels in native animal populations. Their early studies theorized that animals were beginning to show increased ability to cope with the increased exposure to radiation. Animals already has different sensitivities to radiation, so different species aren't all affected to the same degree. I'm looking for the article again but I'm not having much luck.
Interestingly, native animal populations within the Chernobyl zone are being observed in unseen numbers. Several species, which were previously assumed to be near extinction, appear to be thriving including extraordinarily large wolf packs. Preliminary work also seems to show that many animals now exhibit increased immunity to radiation. Despite increased radiation, nature thrives when man is greatly removed from the equation (people still live within the Chernobyl zone).
A very real possibility. The article I read a while back was primarily focused on checking the radiation levels in native animal populations. Their early studies theorized that animals were beginning to show increased ability to cope with the increased exposure to radiation. Animals already has different sensitivities to radiation, so different species aren't all affected to the same degree. I'm looking for the article again but I'm not having much luck.
Heard someone today talking about how scary it will be if the reactor melts down like Three Mile Island. I had to remind him that A) Three Mile Island was not a complete meltdown, and B) the average radiation dose from it to people in a 10 mile area was the equivalent to getting an X-ray, and there are only 1 or 2 cases of cancer actually linked to it.
Interestingly, native animal populations within the Chernobyl zone are being observed in unseen numbers. Several species, which were previously assumed to be near extinction, appear to be thriving including extraordinarily large wolf packs. Preliminary work also seems to show that many animals now exhibit increased immunity to radiation. Despite increased radiation, nature thrives when man is greatly removed from the equation (people still live within the Chernobyl zone).
Quote:
Robert Baker, a biologist at Texas Tech, who co-directs the Chernobyl Project, has been studying mammals in Chernobyl for two decades. Baker tells Linda Wertheimer his group has found next to no signs of radiation poisoning or cancer in subsequent animal generations there.
Their previously published work revealed some of the negative impacts on birds and on insects of the low-level radiation that still contaminated the exclusion zone surrounding the power plant.
The new data on mammals and reptiles shows what Professor Moussaeu described as a “strong signal” of reduced biodiversity in these groups too……..
“The truth is that these radiation contamination effects were so large as to be overwhelming,” Professor Mousseau told BBC News.
During their census work, he and Dr Moller have also examined the effects of radiation contamination on the animals. They say that these impacts are particularly obvious in birds.
In their studies on barn swallows, the team observed birds with tumours on their feet, necks and around their eyes.
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
The Following User Says Thank You to CaptainCrunch For This Useful Post:
Interestingly, native animal populations within the Chernobyl zone are being observed in unseen numbers. Several species, which were previously assumed to be near extinction, appear to be thriving including extraordinarily large wolf packs. Preliminary work also seems to show that many animals now exhibit increased immunity to radiation. Despite increased radiation, nature thrives when man is greatly removed from the equation (people still live within the Chernobyl zone).
In the words of Dr. Ian Malcolm..life finds a way! Has for over 500 million years and probably will continue on this planet until our sun croaks.
And whoever was talking about red-cross donations, I raised $405.00 last night at our weekly shinny game, I showed up 20 minutes early and got a $160,00 from the 2 teams ahead of us. It's not a lot but if everyone tries it can add up. there are 450,000 displaced people over there and who knows what problems are ahead of them...please,please with a fck'n cherry on top do your best to help them in anyway you can.
The Following User Says Thank You to T@T For This Useful Post:
I think a lot of people are using Redcross as they are also based in Japan. I have seen their trucks on the news here delivering food and water to shelters so you can be sure that it's getting to the people it needs to. Here is a link to the Japanese Redcross society I used if anyone is interested.
You can donate to the Redcross in Canada, or with the info in this link you donate directly into one of their bank accounts based in Japan. I would assume by donating here the funds would be able to be used by them a lot quicker in the affected areas. I'm not really sure about some of the other organizations so I can't comment too much on them.
There are a lot of logistics problems now. Many roads are blocked by debris, rail lines aren't working in the area, and there is a shortage of gasoline for the delivery trucks. Part of what frustrates me about media just focusing on the nuclear plant is that the first week, and especially first 3-4 days are critical for rescuing people caught in a disaster like this. While some people were able to grab their earthquake kits and survival bags when they ran, many didn't have time. Many of the shelters are running out of water, food and medication - if they haven't already. Also anyone with a medical condition, like diabetes for example, doesn't have access to meds that they need. I also saw a clip on the news that a nasty influenza bug is affecting some of the shelters. One of these had only one doctor on hand for about 300 people, and many other shelters do not have anyone with medical expertise.
Some areas are also very difficult to reach because of Japan's mountainous geography. Some of these small towns have only one major exit through a valley, so if that gets blocked by massive debris or a landslide it makes it very difficult to get help there. The tempurature up north also dropped below zero again tonight and there is heavy snow in many areas. Most shelters do not have any basic utilities like water, power, heat, or working phone lines. So yeah, it was already unbelievably ugly before, but it's getting worse for many as they are running out of time. Many people are being helped and found, but the disaster area is so massive and absolute.
While its true Japan is a wealthy nation and will survive as a country long term, I don't think any wealthy nation in the world has the resources or personel to deal with something on this scale in the short amount of time needed to save lives. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes, businesses, friends, family in a short few hours. Entire towns, and large sections of cities are just completely gone. I personally don't think any amount of money will replace entire communities of people being wiped out. That is the real catastrophe. I can't imagine the feeling of having everyone I've ever known taken from me in a few minutes.
Might have already been mentioned in this thread, but Quebec just had a 4.7 earthquake, not sure how common these are. Also no relation but didn't feel like starting a new thread.
__________________ "In brightest day, in blackest night / No evil shall escape my sight / Let those who worship evil's might / Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
I just saw on the Herald's twitter that there was a water leak at the Pickering nuclear plant. Any other time this wouldn't be news, and it shouldn't be now, but this further shows how awful our news media has become.
For the record, officials say this leak may have "negligible" effects on humans. Not because the water is radioactive, but because it is demineralized. Demineralized water can strip electrolytes from your body if you drink it. So run for the hills everybody!
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to DownInFlames For This Useful Post:
I just saw on the Herald's twitter that there was a water leak at the Pickering nuclear plant. Any other time this wouldn't be news, and it shouldn't be now, but this further shows how awful our news media has become.
For the record, officials say this leak may have "negligible" effects on humans. Not because the water is radioactive, but because it is demineralized. Demineralized water can strip electrolytes from your body if you drink it. So run for the hills everybody!
Water is the most dangerous chemical known to humans.
__________________
"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
