Oh, that's right - earthquake

[mshades]

So remember when I said that I wanted to write more than book reviews over here? Yeah, I remember that.... Well, as I have been gently reminded, the recent events in Japan this weekend are pretty good as far as blogging fodder. This is for several reasons: they're dramatic, and I am far enough away from said events that I am not only alive, but

Comments

[rednikki]

I am very glad that you are OK. The footage from Japan has been terrifying.

Donations and other thoughts

[cchan8]

I am really wary of donations. Not only because some of the organizations are known for large overhead costs (every year the federal government has a charity campaign in which we can choose from a catalogue and do paycheck donations; one of the items in each description is the percentage of money that typically goes to overhead). But also because I remember from the '95 earthquake in Kobe that the Japanese government was like, "Thanks, but no thanks." Which wasn't the fault of the people who needed the help

Re: Donations and other thoughts

[mshades]

Yeah, I remember reading about the government's go-it-aloneness back in '95, but it seems like they've learned that lesson. International aid from the US is already here, I've seen German teams on TV, and even a crew from China has been brought in to help.

I don't have info right now on which groups are actively assisting, but I imagine that'll come out soon and we can figure out who would be the best to contribute to.

Re: Donations and other thoughts

[mshades]

Here's the Google Earthquake/Tsunami page. News, donations via Red Cross, and a people-finder.

http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

Re: Donations and other thoughts

[cchan8]

I was thinking that the Japan Red Cross made more sense than the International or the American Red Cross, but was worried that it would be difficult to donate since their website is probably in Japanese and might not accept foreign credit cards. Google has made it easy, thanks for pointing that out!

[justascrewup2]

Also very glad that you are ok. Things definitely seem like they are not good there and your tweets and others were a good way to try to keep up with the news as it happened. Thanks also for this more complete report from the front. Good luck with dealing with the trickle down effects there. Trying to figure out the best way to help from here.

[silmaril]

Thank you for writing this, especially the bit about the nuclear power plant situation and the various metaphorical human meltdowns.

I was worried about you until I saw your last book review---somehow I missed your "I'm fine" LJ post, but then it was a whirlwind weekend.

[cchan8]

Oh good grief, this guy is still around? Just found this online:

"The outspoken governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara, told reporters Monday that the disaster was "punishment from heaven" because Japanese have become greedy."