The Bitch Is Back!

Not me!!!  The P.L.B. is back.  That is, "Pretty Little Bitch", otherwise known as
my Porsche.  Some might say she's my alter ego: she's old but looks good for
her age, she's high maintenance, but worth it, she looks good with her top down.

I finally got her out of the shop.  She had to have some work done.  (The similarities
are uncanny.)

Sadly she was violated two months ago by a Dodge Ram truck.  You know the kind,
big, black, beefy and stupid. The kind you expect the owner to step down from and be
wearing cowboy boots or worse, a wife beater t-shirt.   We were waiting at a stop sign
to turn onto a busy street.  After waiting several minutes for traffic to clear, the Dodge
got fed up and decided to back up.  Apparently he did not hear the desperate protests
of her horn and just backed over her lovely hood.  I may need therapy.

Over $10,000 worth of damage and three months in the shop.  At one point the insurance
company was contemplating calling it a total.  I'd like to see where they can find a 1990
911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet with 35,000 miles on it for $10,000!!!!  Thankfully they came to
their senses pretty quickly.

I mean really!  She's the real deal.  Not one of those "Boxster-poor-excuse-for-a-Porsche
deals.  I test drove a brand new Boxster when I was contemplating buying P.L.B.  When
I slipped behind the wheel I asked the sales guy if this was a real Porsche (I had heard
some things).  He didn't even answer the question.  He didn't have to.  The Boxster was
a joke.  It didn't even compare to the BMW M3 convertible I had test driven.  At least the
M3 was frisky, a bit loose, but she could get off the line without having to think about it
too long.

The first time I drove P.L.B., she caused an accident.  Some guy couldn't take his eyes
off her and plowed into the car in front of him.  Like you've never seen a blond in a
Porsche before with her top down.  P.L.B. not me.

It's not my fault I'm a car snob, it's Russell's.  When he first met me I was driving a
Nissan Pulsar, champagne colored, with t-tops and maybe 90 horsepower (downhill).
You had to will it to go but I loved that car.   Everything changed when he acquainted
me with the philosophy of "turbo" and "torque".  He put me in an Eagle Talon Turbo.
We did donuts in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot in Dallas.  After that I graduated to a
smokin hot black Toyota Supra Turbo (also with t-tops).  I confess I did have a brief
affair with a 1968 GTO goat convertible.  I can still feel the double barrel firing up.
But it didn't have air conditioning and we lived in Texas so it had to go.  And then I
had a long term relationship with a sensitive, candy apple red 300Z twin-turbo, with a
t-top, (having my top off is a very big thing).

The Porsche was love at first sight.  I idolized that car in the nineties and there she was,
in the picture window, on PCH, in Newport Beach.  She had belonged to some
millionaire with five cars, or was that five wives, I don't remember.  Apparently all they
ever used her for was the stereo.  She only had 17,000 miles on her.   She was black on
black with chrome wheels and wrap around seats that hold you tight while she bullets
through turns at 90 miles an hour.  She was fast but principled.  Oh yes, she will be mine,
and she was.

And now just look at her.  So shiny. So classy.  Fresh out of the clinic, had her front end
completely redone.

Hey, I need that.....

This is my good side.

No! This is my good side.

See how good I look with my top off?

Don't Drink the Water and Other Cures

Today the U.S. Embassy sent this note alerting citizens not to give water to
infants in Tokyo.  But I guess it's Ok to bathe your baby in it?  What about
your dog?  It's true Ranger prefers Arrowhead to tap water any day.

My favorite part of the memo below is in the Q & A portion where they try
to describe the difference between Japanese and U.S. radiation guidelines.
My take is, so if "one" were trying not to piss off the Japanese government
than "one" might use the description they used.

Yesterday the Embassy sent out a note which looked suspiciously like a
retraction (or at least some serious back pedaling)  from the memo the day
before on distribution of potassium iodide pills.  Just part of the ongoing
series of he said; she said.  You guess whose right.  It's only your life.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Statement 

Warning For Parents and Caretakers About Radioactive Iodine Detected in Tokyo 

Drinking Water Supply 
March 24, 2011

The Tokyo metropolitan government on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, cautioned 

residents that infants should drink only bottled water because radioactive iodine 

exceeding the limit for that age group was detected in water at a purification plant.

The U.S. Embassy in Japan suggests U.S. citizens who live in Tokyo follow these 

recommendations. In addition, women who are pregnant or nursing should also follow 

these recommendations and drink bottled water. This guidance is consistent with the 

guidance that the United States Government would provide to Americans in the 

United  States under similar circumstances.  

U.S. citizens in metropolitan Tokyo can take the following steps to safeguard the 

health of infants (aged 0-3 years):

•         If giving water to infants, use only bottled water.
•         Use only bottled water to mix formula, cereal or other infant foods.

Health experts say that changing the water source for infants from tap water to 

bottled water should be adequate protection from exposure to radioactive iodine. 

No additional medication, such as potassium iodide (KI), is necessary at this time. 

Taking KI when it is not needed can harm a person’s health.

At this time, no changes in drinking water are recommended for adults because the 

limit for adults is higher than the amount detected in the water purification plant. 

Q and A:

--What are we advising U.S. citizens? Why?
Due to an elevated level of Iodine-131 found at a local Tokyo water purification 

plant,we are advising American citizens in Tokyo that infants (aged 0-3), as well 

as women who are pregnant or nursing, should drink only bottled water.

--What is the Japanese standard being used?
The Japanese standard for Iodine-131 in drinking water is 100 becquerels per liter 

if the water is to be consumed by an infant (0-12 months) and 300 becquerels per 

liter if the water is to be consumed by an adult.  The current reported 

contamination of 210 becquerels per liter is therefore about twice the permitted 

level for infants and about two thirds of the permitted level for adults, under 

Japanese regulations.

--What is the U.S. standard?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s published standard for Iodine-131 

contamination in drinking water is 3 picocuries per liter, which is equal to 

about 0.1 becquerels per liter. However, the assumptions underlying the EPA 

standard for continuous exposure do not apply to the current situation in Japan, 

which is a temporary exposure resulting from an accidental release.  In addition, 

the science of radiation protection has advanced considerably since the EPA 

standard was published in 1974.  If one uses the latest science and makes the 

adjustments in the calculations underlying the EPA standard in order to make 

it applicable to the temporary exposure occurring in Japan, one obtains a 

figure practically identical to the standard that the Japanese authorities are 

applying.

What is the risk of the current Iodine-131 levels to adults drinking the water?
--Short-term exposures at the levels that have been reported do not present 

significantly increased risks beyond the sensitive populations already identified.

I had no idea I would ever know so much about radiation.  A good friend of 

mine, who moonlights as a yoga instructor, sent the following information to 

me right before I left Tokyo.  Ironically therapeutic baths had also been 

recommended to us the day prior by a room mate of a friend of ours who is 

Eastern European and happens to be a stripper in one of Tokyo's high end 

gentlemen's clubs (but that's another story).

Anti-Radiation

Drink, and Therapeutic Baths

Yogi Bhajan taught a Meditation for Atomic Radiation 
on May 17, 1978.  

He also gave an Anti-Radiation Juice recipe to Tarn Taran Kaur 
during the time of the 

Chernobyl nuclear disaster. We’ve also included Therapeutic 
Bath instructions for 

decreasing radiaton levels. This is all useful information for those 
of us who live in areas 

high in ‘natural’ radiation as well as those in Japan in the 
disaster area. 

Anti-Radiation Juice
Drink 3 glasses daily: 

1 part pineapple juice, 1 part tomato juice, 1 part apple juice 

The best foods to eat after radiation exposure are:

Seaweed and Miso in various forms. 

Also beets, carrots, onions, and garlic. Since 
the radiation may be on the fresh plants, 

use sprout seeds and beans to replace fresh 
greens.

___________________________________________ 

Therapeutic baths can also be helpful for decreasing radiation levels and eliminating 
toxins. 

Therapeutic Baths for Elimination of Radiation, Chemicals, and Metals 

By Dr. Linda Lancaster 

Therapeutic baths are utilized to cleanse and neutralize many types of pollutants.

Baths should be taken in water as hot as you can handle without feeling faint.
During the period of soaking, the toxins are drawn to the surface of the skin.
As the water cools to slightly below body temperature, osmotic exchange of 
fluids takes place and the toxins are drawn out of the body and into the tub of 
water.
If you have high blood pressure or heart weakness, do not make the bath too hot, 
and check with your doctor beforehand.
Sea Salt and Baking Soda Bath: For most types of Radiation

Pour one pound of pure salt and one pound of baking soda into the tub of hot water.  

Use sea salt or kosher salt—check the label to make sure there are not any additives.  

Soak in the tub for 20-30 minutes or until the water cools. 

Baking Soda Bath: For Man-Made Radiations such as Barium Tests 

and Ingested Radioactive Isotopes 

Pour two pounds of baking soda into a full tub of hot water. Soak in the tub

for 20-30 
minutes until the water cools. 

Clorox Bath: For Elimination of Chemicals and Metals 

Pour 1/2 cup of Clorox into the full tub of hot water. Soak in the tub for 20-30 minutes 

or until the water cools. Use only Clorox brand bleach. 

Do not use Fresh Scent or 
powdered bleach or any other brand. 

Apple Cidar Vinegar Bath: For Elimination of Uric Acid Deposits 

and some Chemicals 

Pour one quart of apple cider vinegar into a tub of hot water. Soak in the tub 

for 
30 minutes.  Sweating sometimes occurs.

I'd be sweating too if I had to drink any of these concoctions but a bath always 

sounds good.  Do they make a rosemary scented Clorox bleach?

Networking with Sugar Daddies

I meant to send this out last week but then the earthquake hit and all hell broke loose.  Now I can finally get this out of my draft folder....

A couple of weeks ago Russell and I went to a mixer partially sponsored by Asian Tigers, the company that moved our stuff from America to Tokyo.  The point of a mixer, besides cocktails, is to network.  Similar to the FCC event we went to a month ago, there was a lot of men and passing of business cards.  Un-similar to the FCC event - there was a lot of wine; although you had to go to the right wine station.  There was the stingy station which was pouring minute amounts of pinot and there was the generous station which was pouring merlot abundantly. Can you guess which one we were hanging around?

The event was held at the Oakwood Apartment complex in Roppongi Mid-town.  Unlike the divorcee infested Oakwood Apartment complexes in the U.S., which all seem to have been built in the 1970s and never updated since, this Oakwood apartment is state of the art gorgeous and adjacent to the Midtown shopping complex.  Who could ask for more?

After properly lubricating ourselves with wine we were ready to mingle.  We met a most charming man originally from Tel Aviv, who used to live in Singapore and has been in Tokyo for the past couple of years.  We covered the usual topics: where do you live, what do you do, what kind of car do you drive (oops, that's L.A. sorry).  He works for a software company.  He's married to a Japanese woman and has a three year old daughter.  But he almost became a sugar daddy.  They live in Meguro next to famous people.  I'm sorry, what?  Almost became a sugar daddy?  Let's go back to that!

Apparently, when he lived in Singapore, which is about the size of Rhode Island but as pretentious as
Santa Monica (above Montana of course), it's all about the flash and the cash.  Cars are extreme status symbols even though there's not much country to drive on.  He lamented, "shift into second gear and you're in Malaysia already."   He went on.  In Singapore there are only three Lamborghinis.  As if this were not ostentatious enough, each Lamborghini is painted a bright color:  bright green, hot pink or flaming yellow, to ensure maximum visibility and babe attraction.

In Singapore the women are interested in five things and five things only - the five "Cs":
Cash
Car
Credit Card
Condominium
Country Club

I'm thinking why not "Carats". Oh yeah, that's L.A..

This is such a strong axiom in Singapore it's even in Wikipedia.  Can you believe that?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_C's_of_Singapore

I thought he was joking but apparently not.  He said he almost got caught, but escaped, came to Tokyo and got married.  All righty then.

Then we met up with a couple of guys who work for Asian Tigers.  One of them, Dennis, is the person who handled our account.  He introduced us to one of his clients who works for IBM and one of his associates at Asian Tigers.  It's hard to believe Dennis has lived in the orient for as long as he says, over ten years.  If you met him you would think he's from Iowa.  He's blond, modestly good natured and talks about sports a lot, namely hockey and baseball.  Besides networking and ensuring his clients were comfortable, he was light heartedly recruiting for his sports teams.

In the course of the conversation we talked about visiting Kubuki-cho, the seedy part of Shinjuku.
One of the guys related a story about the first time he was in Kubuki-cho.  It was around four in the afternoon and he was approached by a Nigerian fellow (much like we were when we were there).  But instead of hawking a bar or night club, he was hawking women.  "Sir, would you like nice Japanese girl?"  Doh!  Our friend said no.  "But sir, nice 18 year old Japanese girl?"  Our friend said no.  "But sir, half off for happy hour."  I guess that really is a happy hour.  He still said no or so he says.

We related our own story, far more tame, about the Nigerian fellow named Austin Powers who tried to coax us into his club.  Talk about coincidences, one of the guys in our party whipped out his cell phone and showed us he had Austin on speed dial.  He also told us Austin owns a club in Roppongi Hills in addition to the one he was trying to get us to go to in Kubuki-cho.  Obviously this guy must entertain a lot to have Austin on speed dial.

Clearly he must be very knowlegable in this area.   He told us to never use our credit card at a bar or club in Roppongi or Kubuki-cho unless it's an American chain restaurant like Hard Rock Cafe.  (As if I would even consider going there. Ha!)  Inevitably overinflated or mysterious charges totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars may show up.  Word to the wise next time we're clubbing or happy houring in Roppongi or Kubuki-cho.

After that we stumbled out of there to Roppongi.   Looking for food!  Geez you have a dirty mind.  And ran into a couple of friends from L.A..  One who now lives in Sydney, Australia and the other who lives in Roppongi.   In a city of 12.8 million people of course you're bound to run into someone you know.  They both work with Russell.  We ended up having a delightful dinner together at Orange.  The food was outstanding. You really have to work hard to get a bad meal here.  But you do have to ask for ice water at least three times before you get any, even if you call it by its Japanese name "Mizu".  The truffle french fries (truffled at your table), baked cauliflower and rigatoni with porcini mushrooms were insanely good.

After that we did not stop at any clubs but took the subway home while I contemplated the five Cs.

Once Shaken; Twice Shy

So we get back to L.A., check into our accommodations, thinking we're finally safe, only to be greeted by the emergency warning system alerting us to possible flash floods.  You have got to be kidding!!!

I'll take flash flood for $500, Alex, over nuclear meltdown.  Thank you.

We order a pizza and wash it down with a bottle of wine.

Instead of being rocked to sleep as usual, we're serenaded by thunderstorms and lightening.  It's a refreshing change.

When I wake up in the morning at 4:30am I realize the fine film of fear has magically dissipated.
I feel strangely refreshed and take Ranger for a walk.

There's a full moon still shining at 5am and it reminds me of when Russell and I were living on two continents.  The only time we could talk to one another was when it was in-between times, sunrise or sunset, when he was the moon and I was the sun, greeting each other as we passed the baton from one day to the next.

I turn on the TV hoping for better news and hear that the U.S. government is now distributing potassium iodide pills to remaining citizens in Northern Japan and Tokyo as a precaution.  Hopefully they won't have to take them any time soon.  I'm feeling pretty good about coming home now.

For lunch we decide to continue the calorie brigade initiated last night and go to Ruby's on the Seal Beach pier.  Surfers are taking advantage of the stormy seas.  There's post rain trash floating all around them.  Ahh, there's no place like home.

We share a cheeseburger, chili fries and a chocolate malt.  You gotta have the chocolate malt with a Ruby's hamburger or why bother.  While we're waiting for lunch I realize we're still rocking. WTF?  Brilliant choice to eat on the pier.  Every wave makes it feel like another earthquake is occurring.

I look across the sea, Catalina looms on the horizon, gulls protest the wind, sun shimmers on the water, and bewildered tourists linger on the pier in shorts and tank tops (they must be from the mid-west; it's 58 degrees!).  Just 48 hours ago I was in Tokyo, contemplating risks.

I feel for those who don't have the choice or means to leave.  I reflect on the concerns and support of caring friends and family.  I take another swig of malt and I feel thankful... and fat.

Better Sad Than Sorry

In spite of the Japanese government ruling that the national high school baseball tournament would commence as planned, we have decided to leave Japan for a little while.  After a long Saturday of angst we decided to fly back to Los Angeles.  It was an excruciating decision, especially since it was such a gorgeous day in Tokyo.   I don't want to leave.

We went to Shinjuku Garden to talk it over and to picnic. Kids were playing with their parents in the park.  We saw a monkey.  It was 64 degrees and turtles were sunning themselves.  Radiation was at minute levels but higher than normal.

But the situation at the reactor is not improving.  Well I thought it was but Russell didn't see it that way. So they hooked up a new power source to reactors 5 and 6.  You don't hear much about them because they're not the ones threatening to melt down.  Still no power to reactors 1-4, still chance of a meltdown,  still 6.0 aftershocks.  Oh and they found radiation in some spinach and milk near the plant.

A lot of caring people worried at home with strong opinions.

They say "better safe than sorry".  But in this case I'd say better sad than sorry.  Because when we land it will be Sunday in L.A. but it will be the first day of Spring in Tokyo.

All I have to say is...I'll be pissed if the big one hits L.A.

Some guy's pet monkey on a leash.

Grandpa wrestling with his grandsons.

Note; they're not wearing masks.

A sign of hope.

Shinjuku sky scrapper reflected in pond.

No Green Beer - Radiation Apparently Not Improving

There was no green beer last night at the two bars we visited.  But there was lots of Guiness.  Those of you who know me, know I don't like beer, a minor character flaw overshadowed by my other redeeming qualities,  like my fondness for the Irish and seasonal affinity to whiskey.  I drank Four Roses on the rocks.

Russell and I met our friend Rich at an Irish Bar in Roppongi, and for the first time since being in Japan, the Westerners outnumbered the Easterners.  It almost felt like home except the "Irish" pub menu had dishes that resembled Chinese food:  "deep fried chicken chunks with a sweet chili sauce served with rice." My Irish aunt never served me that with her soda bread.  They did, however, have a rather tasty lamb stew and shepherd's pie, which we made short work of, along with, you guessed it, an order of potatoes.

We met a gaggle of Australian guys who had come to Tokyo "on holiday".  Some holiday.  They were there to watch a football (soccer) match which was subsequently cancelled after the quake.   I told them to look at it this way, at least the bars are easy to get into.  Rich had been at this very bar last St. Patrick's Day and said it was so crowded you couldn't get in.  Not the case this year.  There was about 40 people there and more coming in as the band was just setting up.

Everyone told their quake stories.  It was cathartic and made us realize how lucky we all are.  Apparently Rich's apartment was not unscathed like ours.  Several dressers and book shelves fell over including the one with his TV.  The TV was fine.  I think he was rather hoping it wouldn't be as it's a 1993 model and I think he would liked to havvvve to replace it.  His ten bottles of tequila were not so lucky.
They all crashed to the ground - a tragedy.

He had been in a taxi when the quake hit.  He said he started to feel sea sick (sounds like a NY taxi ride - those guys always make me nauseous).  The cab was rocking crazily.  Then the cab driver pointed to all the cars and they were rocking too. The quake lasted so long Rich was able to pay the bill and step out.  But he fell over right away because the ground was shaking so much.  The cab driver got out too and fell on top of him.  It would have been funny if it wasn't so deadly.  Rich said he looked up, he was in Roppongi Hills, and he could see the Mori Tower 48 floors overhead, lunging precariously from side to side.  He was amazed it held up.

The next bar we went to is popular with the military crowd but we were the only patrons.  Well, except for a tiny Japanese girl with red leopard skin leggings and gigantic dreadlocked hair.  The proprietor is a jolly Asian fellow from Brazil.  (Don't ask.)  He's a large man with a heart to match.  He was very optimistic about the situation and does not think there's any reason to leave Tokyo.  But his mom in Brazil is very worried.  Because trains, buses and taxes weren't running after the quake he hosted twelve stranded Tokyo-ites all night in his bar.  He said they watched movies.  Amazingly, he only lost one bottle to the quake.  Rich was envious.

Meanwhile, back at the nuclear power station.  They raised the nuclear incident level from four to five on par with the 1979 Three Mile Island incident in the U.S.  The difference between four and five indicates an accident with wider consequences, whereas level four is assigned to accidents with local consequences. And I was under the impression it was getting better.  I mean firemen arrived today.  And everything is always better when firemen show up.

Russell is getting more worried.  He's not as impressed with firemen I guess.

St Patrick's Day - A Day of Contradictions and I Don't Just Mean Green Beer

Today is St. Patrick's Day in Tokyo.  Tokyo is a day ahead of Los Angeles but eight hours behind.  At least, that's how I remember it.  So if it's 8p in L.A. on Wednesday, it's actually 12 noon in Tokyo but Thursday.  Who says you can't time travel?

Last night Russell forwarded me this email the British Embassy sent out to their constituents.  It made me  feel a lot better.  Good enough to go out to dinner and get a good night sleep.

Japan Nuclear Update - British Embassy
by Paul Atkinson on Tuesday, 15 March 2011 at 18:55 

I have just returned from a conference call held at the British Embassy in Tokyo. The call was concerning the nuclear issue in Japan. The chief spokesman was Sir. John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government, and he was joined by a number of qualified nuclear experts based in the UK. Their assessment of the current situation in Japan is as follows:

* In case of a 'reasonable worst case scenario' (defined as total meltdown of one reactor with subsequent radioactive explosion) an exclusion zone of 30 miles (50km) would be the maximum required to avoid affecting peoples' health. Even in a worse situation (loss of two or more reactors) it is unlikely that the damage would be significantly more than that caused by the loss of a single reactor. 

* The current 20km exclusion zone is appropriate for the levels of radiation/risk currently experienced, and if the pouring of sea water can be maintained to cool the reactors, the likelihood of a major incident should be avoided. A further large quake with tsunami could lead to the suspension of the current cooling operations, leading to the above scenario. 

* The bottom line is that these experts do not see there being a possibility of a health problem for residents in Tokyo. The radiation levels would need to be hundreds of times higher than current to cause the possibility for health issues, and that, in their opinion, is not going to happen (they were talking minimum levels affecting pregnant women and children - for normal adults the levels would need to be much higher still). 

* The experts do not consider the wind direction to be material. They say Tokyo is too far away to be materially affected. 

* If the pouring of water can be maintained the situation should be much improved after ten days, as the reactors' cores cool down. 

* Information being provided by Japanese authorities is being independently monitored by a number of organizations and is deemed to be accurate, as far as measures of radioactivity levels are concerned. 

* This is a very different situation from Chernobyl, where the reactor went into meltdown and the encasement, which exploded, was left to burn for weeks without any control. Even with Chernobyl, an exclusion zone of 30 miles would have been adequate to protect human health. The problem was that most people became sick from eating contaminated food, crops, milk and water in the region for years afterward, as no attempt was made to measure radioactivity levels in the food supply at that time or warn people of the dangers. The secrecy over the Chernobyl explosion is in contrast to the very public coverage of the Fukushima crisis. 

* The Head of the British School asked if the school should remain closed. The answer was there is no need to close the school due to fears of radiation. There may well be other reasons - structural damage or possible new quakes - but the radiation fear is not supported by scientific measures, even for children. 

* Regarding Iodine supplementation, the experts said this was only necessary for those who had inhaled quantities of radiation (those in the exclusion zone or workers on the site) or through consumption of contaminated food/water supplies. Long term consumption of iodine is, in any case, not healthy. 

The discussion was surprisingly frank and to the point. The conclusion of the experts is that the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami, as well as the subsequent aftershocks, was much more of an issue than the fear of radiation sickness from the nuclear plants.

This morning the Japanese TV stations resumed their regular programming.  But then the U.S. embassy sent us a note announcing the expansion of the evacuation area to 80 kilometers (50 miles) around the plant.  Remember we live 250 kilometers away.  And now they're suggesting "voluntary departure" for U.S. citizens:

The State Department has authorized the voluntary departure from 

Japan of eligible family members of U.S. government personnel 

assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the U.S. Consulate in 

Nagoya, and the Foreign Service Institute Field School in 

Yokohama.  U.S. citizens should defer all travel to the evacuation

zone around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, areas affected 

by the earthquake and tsunami and tourism and non-essential

travel to the rest of Japan at this time.

It seems like every day the nuclear reactor situation gets just a little worse.  Not worse enough to make it obvious there's a real threat but just enough to increase the ambient stress level another decibel.   From a factual standpoint there is no reason to leave.   Even if there is a meltdown of one or more reactors Tokyo is far enough away not to pose a real threat.  The grocery stores are restocked (as of last night), we have electricity and the aftershocks seem to have diminished.  Tokyo restaurants are open and not crowded for a change.  This weekend is a three day weekend.  Not because of the disaster but because Monday is the first day of Spring.  Spring is a very big deal in Japan.

However, from a psychological standpoint it's very stressful to remain.  Almost every xpat we know has already left or has a flight out.  Each aftershock is another reminder of the big one and the suggestion for another.  The concerns of family and friends, while comforting, is a reminder there is a reason to worry.  These mental influences weigh heavy on us.

This afternoon the U.S. embassy sent out instructions for evacuation:

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo informs U.S. citizens in Japan who wish
to depart that the Department of State is making arrangements to
provide transportation to safehaven locations in Asia.  This assistance will be provided on a reimbursable basis, as required by U.S. law.  U.S. citizens who travel on US government-arranged transport will be expected to make their own onward travel plans from the safehaven location.  Flights to evacuation points will begin departing Japan on Thursday, March 17.  There will be a limited number of seats available on evacuation flights departing from Narita and Haneda airports on March 17.  Priority will be given to persons with medical emergencies or severe medical conditions. 


The British Embassy suggested their citizens consider leaving as well but specifically indicated this was  not because of radiation issues.

The anxiety attack is back.  Usually it feels like two elephants sitting on me,  one on the front; one on the back.  But since today is St. Patrick's day it feels more like two testy leprechauns.

Today we investigated travel back to L.A. just in case.  The quarantine office has agreed to waive the six month quarantine term but not the 40 day notification period if we do go back to L.A.  We now have three options: stay put, fly home and stay for at least 40 days, or drive South.  We'll have to make a decision soon.

But for now it's St. Patrick's Day and I can't think of a better way to escape the aftershocks and decision making than to get tipsy.  Plus I  have to shake these two leprechauns.

Oh and the washer is fixed now.  So we got that going for us.

Is Optimism Going to Kill Me?

More and more ex-pats are leaving Japan.  Our apartment building is practically empty.
It's eerily quiet. (I guess the good news is I don't have to worry about Ranger
disturbing the neighbors.)  The park is devoid of ethnic variety, except for Ranger and I.

Check out this video from the guy who interviewed me yesterday:

http://ianthomasash.blogspot.com/

But people are playing tennis in the park today.  And guys are working at the construction
site next to our apartment.  Trains are running intermittently due to scheduled blackouts
to conserve energy.  Yes, some of the grocery store shelves are empty, especially at the
International  Supermarket.  The produce section is fully stocked but they're short on
eggs, water, TP and meat.  But it's not like there's an angry mob out front trying to
bust down the doors.  There's not even a line.  Plus Russell and I have enough cans
of beans (refried, black and white) to last for a long time, not to mention rice and Cliff
bars and plenty of wine, even for us.

Starbucks is doing a bustling business and the bakery is fully stocked.  Hell, even
Baskin Robbin is open and it's 40 degrees outside.

What do these ex-pats know that we don't?  Why is everyone leaving?  The evacuation
area is still only 30 kilometers around the distressed power plant and we live 250
kilometers away.

Russell is working from home today because the train disruptions are exasperating
people's commuting time.  So they're allowing everyone to work from home.  Nissan
headquarters is open.  Businesses in my neighborhood are open and I live in the gaijin
ghetto, aka, ex-pat area.  And the best thing is, our neighbor showed me how to get the
local Japanese newscast translated into English.  Unlike CNN and BBC there's absolutely
NO sensationalism - just the facts.  In fact, it's almost boring.

The U.S. Embassy released this statement today:

From: American Embassy Tokyo [mailto:tokyoacs@state.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 2:34 AM

Subject: Message to American Citizens from Ambassador John V. Roos

March 15, 2011 02:30

Today our hearts remain with our Japanese friends who, after suffering 

this devastating tragedy just four days ago, have to undertake recovery 

and reconstruction and address the ongoing nuclear emergency. 

We understand that many of you are anxious and have questions in the 

shadow of the Fukushima emergency, since we are in the midst of a complex, constantly changing, and unpredictable situation.  In this fluid situation, 

our commitment to our citizens is to accumulate accurate information and 

assess it sufficiently in order to make important judgments. 

Since the first reports of trouble with the reactors, American nuclear 

experts have worked around the clock to analyze data, monitor developments, 

and provide clear assessments on the potential dangers.  While at times 

we have had only limited access to information, I am personally committed 

to assuring that our experts have as much access and information as possible, 

and the necessary resources to understand the situation.  I have personally 

been deeply engaged in these efforts.

After a careful analysis of data, radiation levels, and damage assessments 

of all units at Fukushima, our experts are in agreement with the response 

and measures taken by Japanese technicians, including their recommended 

20kms radius for evacuation and additional shelter-in-place recommendations 

out to 30kms.

Let me also address reports of very low levels of radiation outside the 

evacuation area detected by U.S. and Japanese sensitive instrumentation.  

This bears very careful monitoring, which we are doing.  If we assess that 

the radiation poses a threat to public health, we will share that information 

and provide relevant guidance immediately.

The United States will continue to work around the clock to provide precise 

and up-to-date information supported by expert analysis to ensure the 

safety and security of our citizens and to help Japan in its time of 

great need.  U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should send 

an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov with detailed information about 

their location and contact information, and monitor the U.S. Department 

of State website at travel.state.gov.

Russell and I keep reassessing the situation.  If we leave there's no guarantee we
can bring Ranger and there's no one here to leave him with.  If we can bring Ranger
he won't be able to come back to Japan for another six months again.  Not ideal.  But
neither is radiation poisoning.   Nothing has changed with the nuclear reactor situation.
The evacuation area is still over 200 kilometers away from us.  Businesses in Tokyo
are open.

That said we have secured a car and a hotel room further south (Kyoto) just in case we
have to evacuate.  Frankly, I feel we would be safer staying put and sealing ourselves
into our apartment.  We already have supplies, food and water.

Plus the Maytag repairman is coming tomorrow to fix my washing machine.  No joke.