8.9 Magnitude quake hits offshore Japan

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

I think the perception (rightly or wrongly) is that japan has the means to pull this out themselves whereas Indonesia/Haiti do not.

Long term I definitely agree with that sentiment. But in the immediate future they need all the help they can get.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Yeah people are donated-out and it's Japan.. people assume it's rich enough, not a poor place like Haiti that needs money.

That is the perception for sure. I think people are also jaded after seeing how much money was given to Haiti, and how much of it has actually arrived. A lot of money promised has not made it.

I have extended family in Japan from my wife's side. While we are grateful that they were not directly impacted by the earthquake or tsunami, we are concerned about the long term economic and health effects. The standard of living there has potentially taken a step back. It also has political impacts as the balance of power in the region could be disrupted. From a completely selfish perspective, it makes sense for western countries to support Japan as much as we can because it serves our interests.

[Pinner]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

You mean CNN?

Just about all media including Global, CTV & CBC.

As far as my opinion about the world donating to Japan, it's too soon to be brutally honest about that, and I'm fond of the Japanese.

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

I challenge everyone on here to make a donation to the Red Cross. The donations to date are only $25M for all the non-profits. Seems like the general public is having disaster fatigue when it comes to donating.

I'm not surprised considering most see Japan as a very wealthy country. Not saying I agree with it or it's right but I bet that has something to do with it.

[The Yen Man]

What was really stupid was listening to 660 News this morning, and their web poll was "Are you concerned about the potential nuclear fallout that may come to Calgary?" Are you kidding me? There are actually people that are worried about this situation? The fearmongering of the media is hitting a pretty pathetic level now if you ask me.

[photon]

People are actually worried, like I said a few pages ago, I had someone ask me if I had masks and duct tape to seal my home.

[burn_this_city]

Masks and duct tape are about as useful as duck and cover.

[mikey_the_redneck]

Reactor #4 with #3 on the left.......






Is there any concern about the spent fuel rods that are stored in the top of these buildings? Can they release dangerous amounts of radiation?

[GirlySports]

How did people get this scared? There was a doctor on CBC's The National last night tell people to settle down.

"Stop buying Potassium pills! It's impossible for Vancouver to be affected by the radiation in Japan. Leave the pills for people who really need it"

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by photon

People are actually worried, like I said a few pages ago, I had someone ask me if I had masks and duct tape to seal my home.

I hope you changed your answer and told them YES. you duct taped your entire house and garage and dog.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

How did people get this scared? There was a doctor on CBC's The National last night tell people to settle down.

"Stop buying Potassium pills! It's impossible for Vancouver to be affected by the radiation in Japan. Leave the pills for people who really need it"

People here in Ontario around the Pickering plant have been buying them as well. It's hard to imagine a disaster of this magnitude happening here, but people are crazy when it comes to this stuff.

My dad used to have a room full of food in case a nuclear war ever hit. He also had a family suicide plan in case the Russians ever invaded...lol.

[FlameOn]

I wondering how much of an factor online media is playing with forcing traditional media outlets to more fear mongering to stay relevant. Then again... media in general has always been sensationalist in one form or another.

An aside tho... just want to get a quick survey of where people are donating to? Is it mostly the red cross or is there somewhere more direct that would reach them more quickly? I'm probably doing red cross in a bit.

[burn_this_city]

I donated to the Red Cross, 91% of the money is actually spent on the relief effort, which is better than most aid agencies.

[Canada 02]

other than the Red Cross, what other organizations are worth considering?

[HOOT]

According to CNN the EU Chief said that that things in Japan "are out of control".

I really wish there was more reliable information out there with this stuff. And for those who are going to jump on me...I'm just giving information I heard, I'm one of the people laughing at the others looks for Iodine, duct tape, etc.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

People here in Ontario around the Pickering plant have been buying them as well. It's hard to imagine a disaster of this magnitude happening here, but people are crazy when it comes to this stuff.

My dad used to have a room full of food in case a nuclear war ever hit. He also had a family suicide plan in case the Russians ever invaded...lol.

Agreed, remember swine flu and all the tami-flu sales because of it?

After spending days glued to CNN, I can't even watch it anymore. So sick of the fear mongering (BBC isn't any better). I just get my updates from Al Jazeera and NHK now.

[FlameOn]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

other than the Red Cross, what other organizations are worth considering?

Thought there might be some direct Japanese aid organization I didn't know about that could be worth donating to. Just wanted to get my money where it would do the most good, quickest.

[burn_this_city]

I gave up on CNN after watching Wolf Blitzer trying to push the Japanese ambassador to call it a meltdown on day 2.

[krynski]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

While I get what your saying, and the damage the Tsunami did is enormous from a monetary cost and a cost of lives and help.

I do not agree that Chernobyl was overblown as a disaster.

A 30 Sq KM radiated exclusion zone, up to an estimated 50,000 deaths among the rescue workers and others due to long effects (WHO).

Animals are being wiped out in the area and there are documented cases of severe health problems among those that were evacuated during the emergency.

Make no mistake, Chernobyl was the momma bear of technology accidents.

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.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

People here in Ontario around the Pickering plant have been buying them as well. It's hard to imagine a disaster of this magnitude happening here, but people are crazy when it comes to this stuff.

My dad used to have a room full of food in case a nuclear war ever hit. He also had a family suicide plan in case the Russians ever invaded...lol.

Pfft

When I was in the army, the saying was.

We don't care if the Russian's invade as long as they bring their own beer.