Monday 14 March 2011
GAU und super-GAU
It is no doubt a critical and evolving situation in Japan and the situation can quickly slip into something far, far worse.
There is a large dose of sensationalism in the news, some merited and some bald panic, which is providing a strange pressure and counter-balance to the misery and worry. Germany, having lived with reality of the fallout from Chernobyl and dependent on nuclear power, should be prepared for dialogue and adjustments where necessary. If the disasters in Japan can inspire safer custody of the global array of atomic mills, and their by-products, or make nuclear power a true bridge-technology to more viable passive energy-sources, that is a measured and positive response. GAU, Grรถรter Anzunehmender Unfall, is an abbreviation for the worst case scenario, and a Super-GAU is what's beyond the ability to contain. It is scary and Japan should know it is not facing this tragedy alone.
The terror being broadcast, however unintentional, has a certain tone, as if such behaviour is unbecoming of civilized nation. It is collective shock and disbelief that such catastrophes can befall the mighty and the ongoing dissonance with the relative calm and order and perseverance of the brave Japanese people. With help and the right approach, these enormous tribulations will be overcome and rebuilt with solider foundations. Economically, Japan will thrive as well--within the same global framework and on the forefront. Distaste, however, will probably develop for the more negative, unconstructive side of finance: focused on recovery, Japan will not want--or need, to buy and hold US debt, supporting America's profligate habits and policies. A productive market, backed by real industry, will be another positive legacy.
Sunday 13 March 2011
Japan needs help. Please give if you are able.
Save the Children: Emergency Relief for Japan Quake
Toll free (US): 800-728-3843
Text (US) JAPAN or 20222 to donate.
The American Red Cross: Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief
Text (US) REDCROSS or 90999 to make $10 donation by text message.
SMS (DE) DRK at 81190 to make a 5 euro donation.
Salvation Army
Toll free (US): 800-SAL-ARMY
Text (US) QUAKE or 80888 to donate $10
Doctors Without Borders
Global Giving
Text (US) JAPAN or 50555 to donate $10
Save the Children: Emergency Relief for Japan Quake
Toll free (US): 800-728-3843
Text (US) JAPAN or 20222 to donate.
The American Red Cross: Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief
Text (US) REDCROSS or 90999 to make $10 donation by text message.
SMS (DE) DRK at 81190 to make a 5 euro donation.
Salvation Army
Toll free (US): 800-SAL-ARMY
Text (US) QUAKE or 80888 to donate $10
Doctors Without Borders
Global Giving
Text (US) JAPAN or 50555 to donate $10
Saturday 12 March 2011
kid charlemagne
The Big Think (via Boing Boing) presents this very clever and illustrative Venn diagram to map out and explain the overlapping cabal and clubs, treaties and disputes that are overshadowed or masked by the idea of the European Union. Though all these coalitions may be striving to form a more perfect union--and still preserve state sovereignty and character, held together by various bureaucratic centers, it shows what a peculiar and on-going challenge of negotiations it is. And though it might seem hopelessly complex and sisiphian, such a coming together and agreeing to disagree after such turblent and divergent histories can form a peaceable kingdom through genuine discussion and conversation.
mothra versus godzilla
Despite outstanding preparation, response and containment on the part of government and communities, there are only poor, boundless words to describe the shock and sympathy over the devastation and loss for the people of Japan in the wake of this earthquake and tsunami that threatened to carpet the rest of the Pacific.
The quirks of geography awaken suddenly and violently. What is seismically active, by definition, does go through periods of ebb and flow but there is little sense in expecting “the big one” or to proclaim anything is overdue—though that always sounds good in hindsight, as does recognizing the spate of quakes occurring as a sign of something other than the usual geocentric dispersion:
Astrologers are attributing this series to the tidal, tractor-beam pull of the Moon’s close approach to Earth. All support and goodwill lends Japan the strength and courage to recover, and its economy will surely be revitalized as people and communities heal. Though allegory, monsters, radioactive titans, were probably instruments of fiscal stimulus and reinvention as well.
Friday 11 March 2011
BAfรถG
The English Daily the local features an article about a unique academy, at least in Germany, that's not too far from Bad Karma, our fair city, that specializes in training in the funerary arts. Surely there are other trade schools and apprenticeships but this sort of hybridized vocational college does not seem to be part of the European educational model of apprenticeship and rigour.