Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Call for Prayers Well Wishes

Preview for Sunday 031311

Hey folks,

You know who this is. You know what this is. The links are Twitter and Facebook, and as always the Email is opntalk@gmail.com.

First up, our hearts and prayers go out to all the people in Japan. Here's the latest on Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami aftermath. According to Reuters - Radiation levels rise above limit at quake-hit plant: Kyodo TOKYO Sat Mar 12, 2011 10:26pm EST

(Reuters) - Radiation levels have risen above the safety limit around Tokyo Electric Power Co's (TEPCO) nuclear plant hit by a massive earthquake and the company has informed the government of an "emergency situation," Kyodo agency reported on Sunday.

It did not mean an immediate threat to human health, the company said.

The company said earlier that it had started releasing steam from a reactor at the plant. A similar rise in radiation levels occurred after the company released radioactive steam from another reactor to let go of pressure. Then again the company was obliged to inform the government of an "emergency situation."

Many are heading over to lead help and support. One such group is coming right up a little later. Also coming right up today:

Response to Obama's Idiotic Oil Claims
Help On It's Way To Japan, and Their Children
Big Headed Babies, Barbless Penises
Caution: Adult Content. We will be discussing the Male Penis. It is intended for Adults only. If this type of conversation offends you, do not read this Week's Health and Science Segment. Thank You.
DLA for Sunday 031311
IWA for Sunday 031311

So I have a request. Can we PLEASE not use this, as Obama did Friday, can we not use this tragedy in Japan to attempt to further Political Agendas and or causes. I'm asking this of BOTH Parties.

What I would love to see is all of us, coming together as one People, and issuing Thoughts, Prayers, Well wishes, good vibes, whatever you chose to call it, to all the people of Japan? There will be plenty of time to get back to Politics as usual in the future. But right now, the people of Japan need our support.

Lets give them all the support we can and leave the playing games for another time. What say you?

Going to fill my cup. This week it's Ghirardelli, Caffe Gourmet Coffee, Chocolate Hazelnut. Two of my favorite flavors, together at last. Be right back.
Peter

Help On It's Way To Japan, and Their Children

Our Hearts and Prayers go out to all the Japanese People.

Hey folks,

This is good news. Again, our Hearts and Prayers go out to all the Japanese People. May they receive the Help, Shelter, and comfort in the Hearts of others, and may they have the Peace they need at this most devastating time.

Here is one group on their way to help.

Japan Tsunami: World Vision to Provide Relief Supplies, Psycho-Social Support for Children

TOKYO, March 12, 2011

- Aid group sending team from Tokyo to assess need, begin response in northern Japan

- Child-Friendly Space planned to address child survivors' need for structure, routine, safe play

- Damage less than feared in vulnerable Pacific Island countries

TOKYO, March 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World Vision today is preparing staff members in Japan to travel to areas affected by yesterday's devastating earthquake and tsunami. Staff will assess the needs in affected areas and prepare supplies and programs to serve those left homeless by the twin disasters.

The aid group plans to establish one or more Child-Friendly Spaces--sites for children affected by disasters to resume normal childhood activities and experience structure and security that are often lost following emergency situations.

"Children in Japan are keenly feeling the fear and insecurity that often set in following natural disasters like yesterday's earthquake and tsunami," said World Vision relief manager Kenjiro Ban. "We're planning to see how deep the needs are in the affected areas and begin to bring relief to families. We've seen in Haiti, Chile, and other recent disasters that Child-Friendly Spaces can be a key way to address the unique needs of children who survived but are deeply affected by the experience."

World Vision's assessment team, departing from Tokyo, includes veteran aid worker Ban, who was part of World Vision's quake response in Haiti this past year. One concern is how quickly the team will be able to access hard-hit areas, given debris and transportation blockages that may hinder efficient travel.

Reports vary in their estimations of those dead and missing as a result of the disaster, but many fear the death toll to exceed 1,000. World Vision expects that recovery will take time, and that children's needs in particular will require close attention by aid workers. World Vision has worked in Japan for more than two decades and responded to the massive Kobe earthquake in 1995 that claimed 5,500 lives.

Meanwhile, authorities in Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and other nations remain on alert, but have called off evacuations and encouraged communities to return home after initial waves proved less severe than expected. In many of these countries, where the poverty and remoteness of coastal communities makes them especially vulnerable, World Vision had pre-positioned relief supplies and trained staff ready to address immediate needs had a sizable disaster materialized.

In Papua New Guinea, World Vision's relief manager Gerard Van Gramberg reported: "All is quiet and people who had evacuated are gradually returning to their homes. The tsunami warning is still on but the general feeling is that the waves have not been as big as anticipated. World Vision will continue to monitor the situation in other parts of Papua New Guinea as well as in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu."

In Indonesia, World Vision staff were on high alert and continue to monitor the coastal areas and the safety of staff and families in communities World Vision serves. One eyewitness stated, "The residents in several coastal areas like Jayapura and North Sulawaesi evacuated themselves voluntarily but then went back to their houses as the water level stayed normal."

According to World Vision relief experts, cash donations are the best way to help survivors, as it allows help to be mobilized most efficiently. The public can donate or learn more at worldvision.org or by calling 1.888.56.CHILD, or texting “4JAPAN” to 20222.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

SOURCE World Vision U.S.