Massive earthquake in Japan

[HaRuMaN]

I know we have a few members here in Japan...  everyone ok?

[Vigo]

I have heard back from just about all my friends in Japan, thankfully none of them are hurt. One of my wife's friends place is trashed, but that's only material damages.

Hopefully everyone here who lives in Japan or has family or friends there is receiving this kind of good news as well.

Earthquakes suck big time, and considering the magnitude of this earthquake, the devastation in Japan is actually not nearly as bad as they could have been. There is at least something to be thankful for. 

[RayB]

Several more too strong to just dismiss as "aftershocks".

[ark_ader]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

[Hoopz]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

Yeah, that puts the tragedy into perspective.   

[drventure]

the devastation in Japan is actually not nearly as bad as they could have been.

True enough, but I suspect a lot of that is due to the extra engineering they do in most of their building, precisely because they get so many quakes.

Still, it sounds like a pretty rough time there. My prayers go out to them...

[polaris]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

just how desperate for attention are you?

[ark_ader]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

just how desperate for attention are you?

Not enough to attract your kind of attention. 

Why don't you start a poll?

[hypernova]

I'm not used to having to wonder whether a family member is over in volatile regions or whatever, so I was quite surprised to realize in an update from my mother that my sister-in-law is doing fine while on a trip with her employer (Xavier University).  Totally forgot she was over there.  Don't know how my brother is doing.  Probably just fine, but a bit anxious.  He's a bit like me.

Sometimes it's quite a blessing being ignorant about these types of things.  I didn't know, so I couldn't worry about it.  

[Vigo]

the devastation in Japan is actually not nearly as bad as they could have been.

True enough, but I suspect a lot of that is due to the extra engineering they do in most of their building, precisely because they get so many quakes.

Still, it sounds like a pretty rough time there. My prayers go out to them...

They do a lot of special engineering to their buildings, and that makes a huge difference. With something as massive as an 8.9 earthquake though, I don't think much would be still standing at ground zero. Luckily enough, ground zero was a few miles into the ocean. The downside of that is the horrible tsunamis, though.

[opt2not]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

Looks like the Pacific Ring of Fire is acting up.

Scary stuff.

[Ed_McCarron]

Looks like the Pacific Ring of Fire is acting up.

Scary stuff.

All that stored energy has to go somewhere.  Once the plates slip and settle down, we'll enter a relatively quiescent period again.

Just watch out in the meanwhile.  Mother nature is more PO'd than Saint when a thread gets post helled.   

[SavannahLion]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

[danny_galaga]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

This is the only thing that I would agree with Ark about. Knowing you have earthquakes and building nuclear reactors there anyway 

[ark_ader]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Did you see the explosion at the troubled reactor?



This does not look good.

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

Though I do not know what a nuclear explosion would add to the seismic issues going on around the island.

[Hoopz]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

[polaris]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

he's a desperate attention seeking troll ignore him

[Grasshopper]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

Do you never learn?

If you want to crap up a thread about earthquakes then why not just stick to the one you're already sent to the PnR forum?

[Grasshopper]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

This is the only thing that I would agree with Ark about. Knowing you have earthquakes and building nuclear reactors there anyway 

I'm not sure they really had much choice. Unlike Australia, Japan has virtually no natural energy resources of its own. So if they want energy security then nuclear power is currently the only option.

That being said, I do wonder why so many of their reactors appear to have been built on the coast.

[Ed_McCarron]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

This is the only thing that I would agree with Ark about. Knowing you have earthquakes and building nuclear reactors there anyway 

The reactors are built to survive much worse things than quakes.  Sounds like a coolant pump failed.  Probably caused by the quake, but not direct damage.  They're flooding the reactor core with sea water to keep things under control.  Radiation release seems to have been limited.

[opt2not]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

Also, don't forget that Japan has the highest standards for earthquake proofing buildings in the world. More-so than anywhere else, including cali. Though this can't account for record-breaking magnitudes of shock, it does help to comfort one's worry that they know what they're doing and have preventative measures to anything drastic happening. At least, one would hope.

I heart pours out to the families in Japan that have had to endure this devastation.

[SavannahLion]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

California, in general, is in turmoil. Not as bad as some states but it's pretty nuts. There are a lot of self interest groups fighting amongst themselves that they fail to see the big picture. Cases in point.

Two Los Angeles area Senators want to divert roughly 2.5 billion federal dollars earmarked for high speed rail towards widening the 99 highway. They're arguing the bill at the capital as this post goes up. In essence, they want to encourage more drivers on the road adding to pollution instead of encouraging a high speed rail transit system designed to take people off the road and preserve the air. 

Recently, the waste water management board forced a rate increase in the Sacramento region to pay for a new water treatment plant. Too bad the water isn't intended to go back to the local residents. Instead, it's part of a much larger plan to divert water from the delta (a large tributary somewhere between Sacramento and Los Angeles that is home to a large section of wild life and farms) and pump it directly to Los Angeles. Naturally, Los Angeles residents aren't paying for this "improvement".

Governor Brown is getting rid of a compensation plan that compensates schools for lost tax dollars that end up in the local government redevelopment and improvement agencies. To protect their "assets", many local governments are shuttling the assets (money and property) to other local agencies and tying them up. Naturally, if the state government cuts funding, it'll kill already struggling schools so many of the local agencies aren't really thinking the whole thing through.

Back on topic. The whole energy thing is one big ball of bull ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---. People don't want to look at "ugly" turbines (and they kill migrating birds) but insist on clean solar panels. We can't install solar panels because it'll harm wild life when the installation goes in and it'll kill the ultra rare plants under the panels (it still hasn't occurred to anybody to install them on roofs apparently). Can't burn coal or oil because of the pollution.

I don't know why California don't expand their geothermal capabilities. It only makes up about 4.5% of our consumption but California houses about 2/3 of the U.S.'s total geothermal capabilities and California is one of the only ones that uses dry steam. Hell, New York still operates steam piping. Nuclear power is born out of the frustration of getting anything with decent capacity in. In California, Geothermal is probably the only source of energy I haven't heard any environmentalist, GenXers or Money Mongers ---smurfette--- about and it makes up such a tiny tiny amount of energy that's consumed. I don't know the numbers but I can't imagine geothermals expanding much more than it already is.

California can do so much to reduce their consumption but they won't do it. It's home to some of the most lavish living the the U.S. that I don't see that changing any time soon.

[Ed_McCarron]

Geothermal is probably the only source of energy I haven't heard any environmentalist, GenXers or Money Mongers ---smurfette--- about and it makes up such a tiny tiny amount of energy that's consumed.

Wait'll they discover it cools the earth and causes earthquakes.   

[ark_ader]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

Considering the US dropped not one but two atomic bombs on Japan, I would say the Japanese would have the most extensive experience to deal with radiation exposure.

Personally, I think the Dolphin and Whale Gods are upset with Japan, and struck them from the underworld.

Insensitive?  Yes.  I have my reasons.  I have given you three so far.

You can attack me for being insensitive if you must.

I hope that the Japanese will have more respect for the planet.

[polaris]

TROLL

[ark_ader]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

Also, don't forget that Japan has the highest standards for earthquake proofing buildings in the world. More-so than anywhere else, including cali. Though this can't account for record-breaking magnitudes of shock, it does help to comfort one's worry that they know what they're doing and have preventative measures to anything drastic happening. At least, one would hope.

I heart pours out to the families in Japan that have had to endure this devastation.

I agree the building took the earthquake very well, I'm wondering about that village that had 10K people in it that are missing.

[Ed_McCarron]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

Also, don't forget that Japan has the highest standards for earthquake proofing buildings in the world. More-so than anywhere else, including cali. Though this can't account for record-breaking magnitudes of shock, it does help to comfort one's worry that they know what they're doing and have preventative measures to anything drastic happening. At least, one would hope.

I heart pours out to the families in Japan that have had to endure this devastation.

I agree the building took the earthquake very well, I'm wondering about that village that had 10K people in it that are missing.

I wonder if more people will die from the quake itself or the tsunami afterwards?

[ark_ader]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

Also, don't forget that Japan has the highest standards for earthquake proofing buildings in the world. More-so than anywhere else, including cali. Though this can't account for record-breaking magnitudes of shock, it does help to comfort one's worry that they know what they're doing and have preventative measures to anything drastic happening. At least, one would hope.

I heart pours out to the families in Japan that have had to endure this devastation.

I agree the building took the earthquake very well, I'm wondering about that village that had 10K people in it that are missing.

I wonder if more people will die from the quake itself or the tsunami afterwards?

The waters off Japan are contaminated, and the Japanese eat a lot of fish. 

What is the environmental impact on the aquatic life in the area surrounding the affected Tsunami devastated coast line?

My question I guess is linked to Thailand and what happened after with the aquatic life there.

[amendonz]

you are the lowest form of human.

and a "captain hindsight"

[danny_galaga]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

This is the only thing that I would agree with Ark about. Knowing you have earthquakes and building nuclear reactors there anyway 

I'm not sure they really had much choice. Unlike Australia, Japan has virtually no natural energy resources of its own. So if they want energy security then nuclear power is currently the only option.

That being said, I do wonder why so many of their reactors appear to have been built on the coast.

Dunno why that equates to energy security. Nuclear or coal, they have to buy the fuel from us anyway 

[SavannahLion]

Geothermal is probably the only source of energy I haven't heard any environmentalist, GenXers or Money Mongers ---smurfette--- about and it makes up such a tiny tiny amount of energy that's consumed.

Wait'll they discover it cools the earth and causes earthquakes.   

Great thanks, that'll give fuel to the Verne...ians to ---smurfette--- about.

[DaOld Man]

My heart and prayers go out to the people in that region.
What doesnt seem to be mentioned in this thread is that if one or more of the reactors go Chernobyl, the whole earth will suffer. Looks like US is right in the airstream from Japan, and the radiation could wrap around the whole earth, so the worse may not be over for some years now.

I live in KY, USA, and we are extremely close to a major fault line called New Madrid.
I shudder to think how life would change here if we got an earthquake like they did.
One quake years ago reportedly made the Mississippi river flow backwards, and formed Reel Foot lake here in KY.
We live in a very fragile balance, if you think about it.

[SavannahLion]

News just reported that there's a partial meltdown under way in #1 and a potential for a meltdown in #2 and #4's pumps have failed (earlier today news was reporting only 2 reactors with failed pumps). If these three reactors meltdown, it's going to be the biggest disaster in history. Way above and beyond Chernobyl.

Might be a good idea to get a radiation meter.

[ark_ader]

I do not think it will go that way. I wouldn't rule out getting some anti radiation Potassium Iodate Tablets if you can find any.

Maybe a detector.

The Japanese are very good at containing such disasters, and would have every conceivable risk and emergency contingency.

I think calm and rational thought on the subject is required.

I give to the Red Cross every month, any others here with thoughts on arcade purchases should divert such funds to the Red Cross.

I fear for any ecological damage to the area.  Hopefully our use of nuclear fuel will decrease, after this disaster.

This is not just a Japanese disaster, is a pending global one.

[DaOld Man]

The Japanese are very good at containing such disasters....

Besides Hiroshima and Nagasaki, when has Japan had such a nuclear disaster as this?

[RayB]

It's really unfair to criticise a nation that has the best engineered quake-proof construction on the planet. The problem here is no one ever expected anything of this magnitude. If you think about the last major quake in California, it was a mere 5.7.  Japan has had dozens over 5.0 in the last couple days, with that first one being 8.8! Remember, on the Richter scale, an increase of 1.0 is TEN times greater.

Also worth learning is that japan sits on the meeting point of 4 seperate tectonic plates.

I'm gonna bail out of this thread before I read any more stupid comments.

[ark_ader]

I'm gonna bail out of this thread before I read any more stupid comments.

It is getting very gloomy, and there is a possible 7.0 quake going to happen soon.

I hear that the fallout from the reactors will flow south towards Tokyo.....

[Mikezilla]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

Considering the US dropped not one but two atomic bombs on Japan, I would say the Japanese would have the most extensive experience to deal with radiation exposure.

Personally, I think the Dolphin and Whale Gods are upset with Japan, and struck them from the underworld.

Insensitive?  Yes.  I have my reasons.  I have given you three so far.

You can attack me for being insensitive if you must.

I hope that the Japanese will have more respect for the planet.

Talk about being repulsed by ones comments. You are complete and utter waste of life, if I wasnt scared of being blocked by Saint, I would have quite a few other choice words to say to you. You are a wretched human being.

[ark_ader]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

Considering the US dropped not one but two atomic bombs on Japan, I would say the Japanese would have the most extensive experience to deal with radiation exposure.

Personally, I think the Dolphin and Whale Gods are upset with Japan, and struck them from the underworld.

Insensitive?  Yes.  I have my reasons.  I have given you three so far.

You can attack me for being insensitive if you must.

I hope that the Japanese will have more respect for the planet.

Talk about being repulsed by ones comments. You are complete and utter waste of life, if I wasnt scared of being blocked by Saint, I would have quite a few other choice words to say to you. You are a wretched human being.

Thanks.  You can always make suitable comments using the Private Message System.  I do not blame you for your opinions, and you should not feel afraid to express them.

Just tell me where I made innacurate comments, and I will change them.

Otherwise: Sticks and Stones Mate.


I hear that there will be a shortage of food and medical supplies. 

Please go to this site and make a donation if you can.

[hypernova]

It's really unfair to criticise a nation that has the best engineered quake-proof construction on the planet. The problem here is no one ever expected anything of this magnitude. If you think about the last major quake in California, it was a mere 5.7.  Japan has had dozens over 5.0 in the last couple days, with that first one being 8.8! Remember, on the Richter scale, an increase of 1.0 is ONE THOUSAND times greater.

Also worth learning is that japan sits on the meeting point of 4 seperate tectonic plates.

I'm gonna bail out of this thread before I read any more stupid comments.

The Richter scale is a base-10 logarithmic scale.  An increase of 1.0 means it's 10x greater.  An increase of 2.0 is 100x, 3.0 -> 1000x, etc.

[Mikezilla]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

Considering the US dropped not one but two atomic bombs on Japan, I would say the Japanese would have the most extensive experience to deal with radiation exposure.

Personally, I think the Dolphin and Whale Gods are upset with Japan, and struck them from the underworld.

Insensitive?  Yes.  I have my reasons.  I have given you three so far.

You can attack me for being insensitive if you must.

I hope that the Japanese will have more respect for the planet.

Talk about being repulsed by ones comments. You are complete and utter waste of life, if I wasnt scared of being blocked by Saint, I would have quite a few other choice words to say to you. You are a wretched human being.

Thanks.  You can always make suitable comments using the Private Message System.  I do not blame you for your opinions, and you should not feel afraid to express them.

Just tell me where I made innacurate comments, and I will change them.

Otherwise: Sticks and Stones Mate.


I hear that there will be a shortage of food and medical supplies. 

Please go to this site and make a donation if you can.

Whatever man, its pointless to even attempt to comment on anything you have to say. Whoever called you a troll was right.

[polaris]

It was me 

[ark_ader]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

Considering the US dropped not one but two atomic bombs on Japan, I would say the Japanese would have the most extensive experience to deal with radiation exposure.

Personally, I think the Dolphin and Whale Gods are upset with Japan, and struck them from the underworld.

Insensitive?  Yes.  I have my reasons.  I have given you three so far.

You can attack me for being insensitive if you must.

I hope that the Japanese will have more respect for the planet.

Talk about being repulsed by ones comments. You are complete and utter waste of life, if I wasnt scared of being blocked by Saint, I would have quite a few other choice words to say to you. You are a wretched human being.

Thanks.  You can always make suitable comments using the Private Message System.  I do not blame you for your opinions, and you should not feel afraid to express them.

Just tell me where I made inaccurate comments, and I will change them.

Otherwise: Sticks and Stones Mate.


I hear that there will be a shortage of food and medical supplies. 

Please go to this site and make a donation if you can.

Whatever man, its pointless to even attempt to comment on anything you have to say. Whoever called you a troll was right.

Its not whatever is it?  My comments have upset you, to the point of making adverse comments towards me.  I have told any lies, nor have I added any facts that are not backed up either by history or referenced links?  No.

What I commented on was perhaps not in good taste with regards to the loss of life of recent events.  Nobody deserves to face a natural disaster, with so many innocents dead.

But it shows how powerful the planet is, and we should respect it including all its occupants.



 

[hyiu]

other than comments and prayers...

I would suggest kindly donate some $$ to help out...
for the record, I did donated to red cross...

hope the situation doesn't go any worse...
from that 2nd power plant explosion, it doesn't look good to me at all...
God bless...

[Dervacumen]

I fear for any ecological damage to the area.  Hopefully our use of nuclear fuel will decrease, after this disaster.

This is not just a Japanese disaster, is a pending global one.

No more so than global warming.  Sadly people will use this event to thwart the revival of investing in and improving implementation of nuclear energy.  If you look at current nuclear power plant technology it beats every other source of energy production in cost/benefit analysis.

That said, the scale of the current situation in Japan is very, very sad and sobering.  To me at least.

[Mikezilla]

What I commented on was perhaps not in good taste with regards to the loss of life of recent events.  Nobody deserves to face a natural disaster, with so many innocents dead.

But it shows how powerful the planet is, and we should respect it including all its occupants.

Yeah, "perhaps" youre right. Of course it wasnt in good taste, what the hell do you think pissed everyone off? And what is this "respect the planet" mumbo jumbo youre talking about? If anyone respects the planet its the Japanese. Besides, nobody could have prepared for that kind of a quake/tsunami. You make it sound as though the planet is lashing out because we polluted it or something.

[gryhnd]

Sobering: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html

[Dervacumen]

When I was in the 10th grade I took a trimester class called Social Justice.  I was paired up with one of my best friends to this day, who happens to be Japanese, for our class project.  The subject we were assigned was studying and reporting on the bombing of Nagasaki.  We then had to form an opinion: was the bombing of Nagasaki justified, and if so, on what grounds?  I sent my friend an email yesterday, and thankfully most of his family lives on the Kyushu island, about as far from damage in Honshu as you can get in Japan.  He does have one uncle living closer, near Yokohama, who is getting by and was not devastated to the extent you see reported in the news.  My wife's aunt and uncle were recently in Tokyo and left three days before this disaster hit.  I'm feel like I'm one of the luckiest people on Earth.

[Howard_Casto]

I fear for any ecological damage to the area.  Hopefully our use of nuclear fuel will decrease, after this disaster.
This is not just a Japanese disaster, is a pending global one.

No more so than global warming.  Sadly people will use this event to thwart the revival of investing in and improving implementation of nuclear energy.  If you look at current nuclear power plant technology it beats every other source of energy production in cost/benefit analysis.
That said, the scale of the current situation in Japan is very, very sad and sobering.  To me at least.

While I agree with you completely, Nuclear Power is only safe if the plant is constructed in a safe location.  A nation that almost entirely rests on a fault line is NOT a good place to have a nuclear power plant.  Upon hearing of the reactor in Japan I thought "what kind of moron builds a reactor so close to a fault line" only to discover that 13 of the 140 or so plants in the US are built on frikkin fault lines!!!  Seriously, who aproves this crap?

For Japan, a realitively tiny island nation, their energy options are sadly limited, but in the US and large countries, the obvious solution would be solar power.  Putting solar panels over 3% (just 3%!!) of the Arizona desert would completely power the entire United States!

[Grasshopper]

For Japan, a realitively tiny island nation, their energy options are sadly limited,

Indeed. You have to admire the Japanese. Fate has dealt them a very bad hand. They're stuck on an overcrowded earthquake and tsunami prone little island with few natural resources. Yet despite that, they've created what is arguably the most technologically advanced nation on earth.

However, what I don't understand is why, in a country known to be susceptible to tsunamis, so many nuclear plants were constructed on the coast. From what I gather, it was the tsunami that did most of the damage, not the earthquake.

[Samstag]

However, what I don't understand is why, in a country known to be susceptible to tsunamis, so many nuclear plants were constructed on the coast. From what I gather, it was the tsunami that did most of the damage, not the earthquake.

The Daichi plant had a protected dock, so it's possible that the safest way to transport fuel in and out is by sea.  I know they bought their plutonium from Russia, and it's highly likely that spent fuel is disposed of in Russia or some other country.

As for building on fault lines, these reactors are built to withstand 8.2 earthquakes.  It's probable that Daichi experienced less than this magnitude and probably would have been okay if the tsunami hadn't destroyed all the diesel generators.

[SavannahLion]

 

I had this brilliant nice ass long post for Castro and I got an invalid session.








I'll do it later if I'm in the mood. I hate that ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

 

[saint]

Firefox with the form-recovery add-on is your friend in these situations.

I had this brilliant nice ass long post for Castro and I got an invalid session.








I'll do it later if I'm in the mood. I hate that ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

 

[Vigo]

As far as nuclear power goes, it is still the most practical, efficient and available source of power worldwide. From my understanding, there are better standard fail-safes in newer nuclear power plants, and if they were subjected to the same catastrophe, they would be fine. That being said, an event like this does show that we do need to improve upon our use of nuclear power, since we only have 1 nuclear plant in the US less than 20 years old.

From everything that I read, I understand that nuclear energy from thoruim is the best answer.

Throruim has no risk of a meltdown, and it is more abundant and cheaper than uranium. Reactors are cheaper to build, there is less nuclear waste, the nuclear waste cannot be weaponized, and waste stays at dangerous levels of radiation for a much, much shorter period of time.

[garnerb350]

My heart and prayers go out to all the people in Japan , but what scare me more is that this might happen in the next few years...

[Benevolance]

Like Samstag said, the reactors survived the earthquake. It's the fact the tsunami cleared a 20ft seawall and knocked out all three sets of backup protocols that has created this problem. To further add to it...almost all of Japan is built on the coast. It's an island. And given that the tsunami traveled inland 10km, one wonders how far inland you'd expect a country to build?

[ark_ader]

I'm just glad that the dolphins and whales are safe for the moment.   

[Mikezilla]

Like Samstag said, the reactors survived the earthquake. It's the fact the tsunami cleared a 20ft seawall and knocked out all three sets of backup protocols that has created this problem. To further add to it...almost all of Japan is built on the coast. It's an island. And given that the tsunami traveled inland 10km, one wonders how far inland you'd expect a country to build?

Seriously. The tsunami did the trouble. If that happened here in CA, San Onofre would be screwed because they are literally on the water, even closer than Japans power plants are.

I'm just glad that the dolphins and whales are safe for the moment.   

Youre being sarcastic right?

[Samstag]

Seriously. The tsunami did the trouble. If that happened here in CA, San Onofre would be screwed because they are literally on the water, even closer than Japans power plants are.

I think it's theoretically safer from tsunami since the fault is inland, but considering the recent tsunami wrecked a couple of California marinas it'd be a good idea to protect the generators better.

[polaris]

I'm just glad that the dolphins and whales are safe for the moment.   

Youre being sarcastic right?

he's a troll trying to get attention, ignore him

[ark_ader]

I'm just glad that the dolphins and whales are safe for the moment.   

Youre being sarcastic right?

No quite serious.   

[Mikezilla]

I'm just glad that the dolphins and whales are safe for the moment.   

Youre being sarcastic right?

he's a troll trying to get attention, ignore him

I know...I just dont get people like that. 

[RayB]

He's kind of like this chick (without the religious angle):

[SirPeale]

You know that quoting their spam just makes our job harder, right?

[HaRuMaN]

You know that quoting their spam just makes our job harder, right?

Maybe saint should pay you more, then...   

[Vigo]

You know that quoting their spam just makes our job harder, right?

Aww, I thought "International Troll Quoting Day" would make an awesome holiday, as should "Revive an Ancient Thread Week" and "+1 Everything Possible to Raise Your Post Count Month" 

[Ed_McCarron]

"+1 Everything Possible to Raise Your Post Count Month" 

When is that?

[SavannahLion]

"+1 Everything Possible to Raise Your Post Count Month" 

When is that?

May I think.

[Ed_McCarron]

"+1 Everything Possible to Raise Your Post Count Month" 

When is that?

May I think.

Sure, you may, but it takes all the fun out of posting here.

[Samstag]

"+1 Everything Possible to Raise Your Post Count Month"  

When is that?

May I think.

Sure, you may, but it takes all the fun out of posting here.

+1

Too soon?

[ChadTower]

Surely you guys aren't serious.

[CCM]

They are serious, and don't call them Shirley.

[ark_ader]

You know that quoting their spam just makes our job harder, right?

Who's spam SirPeale?  Can you shed some light on that comment?

If I have breached the rules, don't ya think Saint would have shut me down?

I'm commenting on the truth.  A truth that is supposed to be forgotten, because of a natural disaster.  

I'm a troll because of my belief and my point of view, isn't that right Polaris?

Check out this link which I posted before.

Why did we have a video of a girl about discussing Religion?  Talk about trolling.....  

[HaRuMaN]

There was an actual spammer, and I quoted the spam... that's what Peale was talking about. 

Don't get your panties in a bunch, nancy...   

[saint]

You know that quoting their spam just makes our job harder, right?

Who's spam SirPeale?  Can you shed some light on that comment?

If I have breached the rules, don't ya think Saint would have shut me down?

I'm commenting on the truth.  A truth that is supposed to be forgotten, because of a natural disaster.  

I'm a troll because of my belief and my point of view, isn't that right Polaris?

Check out this link which I posted before.

Why did we have a video of a girl about discussing Religion?  Talk about trolling.....  

Nothing to do with you ....

[jamesjones626]

You know that quoting their spam just makes our job harder, right?

Who's spam SirPeale?  Can you shed some light on that comment?

If I have breached the rules, don't ya think Saint would have shut me down?

I'm commenting on the truth.  A truth that is supposed to be forgotten, because of a natural disaster.  

I'm a troll because of my belief and my point of view, isn't that right Polaris?

Check out this link which I posted before.

Why did we have a video of a girl about discussing Religion?  Talk about trolling.....  

Nothing to do with you ....

its all good if someone is concered about the fishy fish in the sea, but i think that the people in japan are way more important than sea critters.  One big big problem we had here in california is that the governator decided to shut off water to farmers to save some little smelt.  Well me being from the central valley most of the jobs here are farm related, so if there is no water, you cant grow food, meaning people cant work.  This shot the unemployment rate to some cities to over 50%.  People lose jobs and there houses, but hey atleast that fishy fish is safe right?  O another thing that fish is even edible to us, good lookin out arnold, im glad you got the fudge out.

[Howard_Casto]

To be Frank... you are wrong. 

Fish are just as important as people.  The delicate eco-system that is CRUCIAL to our species survival is more important than jobs.  As a race of hyper-intelligent apes, we are smart enough to be able to find/create more jobs but once a species is destroyed, a species that could unknowningly lead to anything from the curing cancer to being the key link to all the aquatic life off of the coast of CA, we can't get it back. 

Now don't mis-qute me, I'm not saying that we CARE about fish more than our poor Japanese brothers, but we are all just a species of ape if you look at it objectively, so caring more and them being more important are two different things. 

The fossil record clearly shows that no species in the history of earth has been more dominant and has more of an ecological impact than humans.  We are quite literally capable of destorying the planet via pollution and over-exploitation of resources.  If we were a dumb, beastial species our actions would be excusable, but the fact that we are blessed with intelligence means that we must be mindful of the impact of our actions.

And this is coming from a poor country boy from WV living between a mile of two coal mines.  So yes, the loss of Jobs vs the protection of the environment DIRECTLY effects myself and my family. Never the less I'm still not so stupid as to say jobs are more important than protecting our enivronment.

   That being said, I'm glad the marine life is safe as well.  (I would be MORE glad if the Japanese were in better shape.) It probably wasn't the most appropriate time to say it though.

Then again it's no more appropraite to jump on someone just because they are glad the wildlife was spared as that is a VERY GOOD THING.

[Mikezilla]

To be Frank... you are wrong. 

Fish are just as important as people.  The delicate eco-system that is CRUCIAL to our species survival is more important than jobs.  As a race of hyper-intelligent apes, we are smart enough to be able to find/create more jobs but once a species is destroyed, a species that could unknowningly lead to anything from the curing cancer to being the key link to all the aquatic life off of the coast of CA, we can't get it back. 

Now don't mis-qute me, I'm not saying that we CARE about fish more than our poor Japanese brothers, but we are all just a species of ape if you look at it objectively, so caring more and them being more important are two different things. 

The fossil record clearly shows that no species in the history of earth has been more dominant and has more of an ecological impact than humans.  We are quite literally capable of destorying the planet via pollution and over-exploitation of resources.  If we were a dumb, beastial species our actions would be excusable, but the fact that we are blessed with intelligence means that we must be mindful of the impact of our actions.

And this is coming from a poor country boy from WV living between a mile of two coal mines.  So yes, the loss of Jobs vs the protection of the environment DIRECTLY effects myself and my family. Never the less I'm still not so stupid as to say jobs are more important than protecting our enivronment.

   That being said, I'm glad the marine life is safe as well.  (I would be MORE glad if the Japanese were in better shape.) It probably wasn't the most appropriate time to say it though.

Then again it's no more appropraite to jump on someone just because they are glad the wildlife was spared as that is a VERY GOOD THING.

Well, with my original post, I thought ark_ader was being sarcastic because Japan's whale fleets pretty much cleared out the whales surrounding japan, and they also over-fished the out lying ocean areas as well. It was kind of a "what really is going to be damaged that isnt already gone" kind of comment. Its not like the gulf's oil spill. That decimated everything, especially the shrimping industry in the area, among a ton of other things. That was way worse than the radiation contamination in Japan. Now if the reactors blow, thats a totally different story, but that hasnt happened yet. And to be honest, I just plain ol dont like ark_ader. 

[ChadTower]

Well, with my original post, I thought ark_ader was being sarcastic because Japan's whale fleets pretty much cleared out the whales surrounding japan, and they also over-fished the out lying ocean areas as well.

They are also routinely spotted just outside the national waters of countries all over the world.  I know people see them all the time off the coast of Maritime Canada whaling like it's no tomorrow.

[Fordman]

I'm just glad that the dolphins and whales are safe for the moment.   

I usually dont comment on stuff like this, but your putting dolphins and whales before humans? As a human, we are at the top of the food chain. Sometimes you hear about some billy-bobs that find out that they are too dumb to not be eaten by an animal, for which in glad the animals are thinning the heard of dumb humans (whole 'nother debate).

Im not big on hunting just to hunt and mount on the wall. If the animals are being used for food and other things, Im ok with it. My Grandpa had a good saying "eat it before it eats you". He was speaking about eating animals for survival. Im not up to date about dolphin and what hunting in Japan, but their country says it legal in their waters, then the law is the law. If its illegal in international waters, then the hunters will be caught sooner or later.

One other thing, if this earthquake would have happened on Dec 8, 1941, would those in the U.S.A. care?

Fordman

[Mikezilla]

Well, with my original post, I thought ark_ader was being sarcastic because Japan's whale fleets pretty much cleared out the whales surrounding japan, and they also over-fished the out lying ocean areas as well.

They are also routinely spotted just outside the national waters of countries all over the world.  I know people see them all the time off the coast of Maritime Canada whaling like it's no tomorrow.

I know that, and its supposed to be illegal, but I was mainly referring to Japan direct vicinity though. That whole "Whale Wars" TV show is about how people try to thwart Japanese whaling fleets. Have you ever seen The Cove? Watched it last night with the GF. I hope I dont get resurrected as a dolphin that lives by Japan. Damn. Im not a hindu or anything, Im just saying. Japanese are ruthless when it comes to wildlife, Asian countries in general.

[RayB]

The quake has nothing to do with whaling, so regardless what side of that issue you want to take, it's completely irrelevant and was an idiotic thing to say in the first place.

[Mikezilla]

Japanese are ruthless when it comes to wildlife, Asian countries in general.

They claim they eat everything except cars, airplanes, and people but I'm skeptical about our safety.

I saw a korean guy eat a baby once.

[Vigo]

Japanese are ruthless when it comes to wildlife, Asian countries in general.

They claim they eat everything except cars, airplanes, and people but I'm skeptical about our safety.

I saw a korean guy eat a baby once.

[ark_ader]

Dolphins and Whales are as important as people.  They are intelligent beings.

I would venture that they are more intelligent then we are.

Well I haven't seen them killing each other, or harming the environment.

I have seen dolphins protecting humans against sharks, it says a lot considering.

[saint]

Well I haven't seen them killing each other, or harming the environment.

Dolphins rape, kill babies, and kill fellow adults.

http://www.doublex.com/blog/oystersgarter/dark-secrets-dolphins-dont-want-you-know

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3323070/Killer-dolphins-baffle-marine-experts.html

http://www.fishingnj.org/artdolphagress.htm

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_dolphins_kill_other_dolphins

[ark_ader]

Dolphins rape, kill babies, and kill fellow adults.

"A research team in Scotland and another in the United States say that young dolphins found on the shores were probably pummeled to death by adult dolphins"

Read the links inside your quoted links that are used as a reference by Connor, Richard; Richards, Andrew; Smolker, Rachel; Mann, Jane- does not say dolphins rape other dolphins. (You read this through properly Saint?)

Second link is speculation with no references, the third link is the same, with no references from the original works.  But are all derived from the top quote.

Wiki....Well we won't go there eh?

Horny Dolphins attacking humans? 

Talk about National Enquirer stuff...

Nice try Saint, but you need to do better mate. 

How about some National Geographic, instead of the New York Times.....

[jamesjones626]

Well I haven't seen them killing each other, or harming the environment.

Dolphins rape, kill babies, and kill fellow adults.

http://www.doublex.com/blog/oystersgarter/dark-secrets-dolphins-dont-want-you-know

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3323070/Killer-dolphins-baffle-marine-experts.html

http://www.fishingnj.org/artdolphagress.htm

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_dolphins_kill_other_dolphins

alot of other animals do that as well, male cats tend to rape female cats, i believe an adult male lion will kill a baby male lion if it wants to continue its reign as alpha.

[Vigo]

Horny Dolphins attacking humans? 

Talk about National Enquirer stuff...

Nice try Saint, but you need to do better mate. 

How about some National Geographic, instead of the New York Times.....

Saint's stuff is solid, you want to hear it from Nat Geo? Here ya go. 

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/hunter-hunted/2606/Videos#tab-Videos/02394_00

[SavannahLion]

You know that quoting their spam just makes our job harder, right?

Who's spam SirPeale?  Can you shed some light on that comment?

If I have breached the rules, don't ya think Saint would have shut me down?

I'm commenting on the truth.  A truth that is supposed to be forgotten, because of a natural disaster.  

I'm a troll because of my belief and my point of view, isn't that right Polaris?

Check out this link which I posted before.

Why did we have a video of a girl about discussing Religion?  Talk about trolling.....  

Nothing to do with you ....

its all good if someone is concered about the fishy fish in the sea, but i think that the people in japan are way more important than sea critters.  One big big problem we had here in california is that the governator decided to shut off water to farmers to save some little smelt.  Well me being from the central valley most of the jobs here are farm related, so if there is no water, you cant grow food, meaning people cant work.  This shot the unemployment rate to some cities to over 50%.  People lose jobs and there houses, but hey atleast that fishy fish is safe right?  O another thing that fish is even edible to us, good lookin out arnold, im glad you got the fudge out.

Meanwhile, there's a gradual change to bypass the Delta entirely and pipe water from Northern California to Los Angeles. If I understand it right, fish are being given the finger.... along with the farmers.... and those of us who live in the North.

Just pointing it out.

[saint]

Heh, fine, do your own research dude. When I was in the Bahamas we went to a dolphin sanctuary and learned from actual trained scientists that dolphins aren't just the cute and cuddly critters TV would have us believe. Dolphins aren't nice creatures. They aren't evil or bad creatures either - they're just animals. Smart animals, but still just animals. They aren't on higher moral ground than humans... Or, you can go on believing they ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- cotton candy and are blessed by fairies because you watched episodes of Flipper. 

Dolphins rape, kill babies, and kill fellow adults.

"A research team in Scotland and another in the United States say that young dolphins found on the shores were probably pummeled to death by adult dolphins"

Read the links inside your quoted links that are used as a reference by Connor, Richard; Richards, Andrew; Smolker, Rachel; Mann, Jane- does not say dolphins rape other dolphins. (You read this through properly Saint?)

Second link is speculation with no references, the third link is the same, with no references from the original works.  But are all derived from the top quote.

Wiki....Well we won't go there eh?

Horny Dolphins attacking humans? 

Talk about National Enquirer stuff...

Nice try Saint, but you need to do better mate. 

How about some National Geographic, instead of the New York Times.....

[saint]

Dolphins rape, kill babies, and kill fellow adults.

Horny Dolphins attacking humans? 

When we were in the water to pet the dolphin, we were very explicitly warned not to touch the dolphin "below the waist" as bad things could happen.

[Hoopz]

When we were in the water to pet the dolphin, we were very explicitly warned not to touch the dolphin "below the waist" as bad things could happen.

Kind of a life lesson for all facets of daily living.

[Vigo]

I remember there was an episode of King of the Hill where Hank gets raped by a dolphin.

[saint]

C'mon, guys, haven't any of you read dolphinsex.org?

Gah! I'm too weirded out to even see if that's a real link.

[Mikezilla]

Dude, it's basically up there with goatse in terms of internet notoriety.   

Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- I remember goatse! Thats old school man, I havent heard that in a LONG time! Having heard that, there is no way Im gonna go to dolphinsex.org! 

[ark_ader]

Dolphins rape, kill babies, and kill fellow adults.

Horny Dolphins attacking humans? 

When we were in the water to pet the dolphin, we were very explicitly warned not to touch the dolphin "below the waist" as bad things could happen.

I thought dolphins like to be touched....

Incoming!

[saint]

Dolphins rape, kill babies, and kill fellow adults.

Horny Dolphins attacking humans? 

When we were in the water to pet the dolphin, we were very explicitly warned not to touch the dolphin "below the waist" as bad things could happen.

I thought dolphins like to be touched....

That would be exactly the problem and why we were warned to be careful.

[CCM]

Dolphins and Whales are as important as people.  They are intelligent beings.

Well I haven't seen them killing each other

Also from Nat Geo:

The brain of a bottlenose dolphin is larger than a human brain. However, the part concerned with intelligence is not.


It is important to remember that bottlenose dolphins can be unpredictable and aggressive—to each other and to humans. They must be respected as the wild and beautiful animals they are.

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/bottlenose-dolphin/