On March 11, 2011, I was booked on a direct flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Narita International Airport halfway across the world in Japan. I was working as a Researcher on the CNN National Desk at the time, but had taken the week off to visit my now-fiance's parents who were living in Tokyo. This was my first time out of the United States (besides a previous trip to Vancouver), and I was so excited for my first tip to Asia. I had read everything about Japan, and I knew it was going to be life-changing.
I awoke early that morning to a phone call from the morning news editor at KDKA Radio, my former station in my hometown of Pittsburgh. The details are a little hazy, as that I was half-asleep when I answered, but the message was clear: a terrible earthquake had hit Japan.
I jumped out of bed and immediately turned on the television. Even that early, before the sun was up, the networks were in live coverage of the earthquake. But there weren't many details, and they were unsure about the death toll. My fiance, Michael, called his mother and father, Andrea and Dan, and thankfully they were fine. The building shook and swayed during the earthquake, and things fell off shelves. But there was no damage, and they had power.
Over the next few hours, we continued to watch the news and I emailed my colleagues. It was reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was hundreds of miles from Tokyo. I heard about the tsunami, but the estimated death toll was something like 100. (It was still so early.) At this point, there was no mention of any problems with the nuclear reactors.
We called our airline, and our flight was still leaving for Japan; it had not be cancelled. After calling my mother and father, we made the decision to head to the airport to catch our flight. Loss of life is always terrible, no matter the number, but with all the information we had, it seemed safe to go. Earthquakes happen all the time, I thought.
When we arrived at our gate, things were pretty normal. I stood in line and asked our ticket agent if our flight was still leaving, and she gave me a puzzled look and said yes. They did not know much about the earthquake. Overhearing conversations, many people were discussing what happened, but no one seemed too worried. Since this was the next direct flight to Japan, many CNN reporters, producers and photographers boarded our plane.
As we took off, I had a conversation with Gary Tuchman, a CNN reporter who would spend weeks in Japan reporting on the devastation. He had just about as much information as I had. We didn't have any internet or Blackberry use during our 14-hour flight. I had no idea what had happened.
As we flew over the land hit by the tsunami, our captain informed us that if we looked on our right, we could see the area hit. I made my way to that side of the plane and was absolutely shocked at what I saw: there is no way to describe it than utter destruction. I couldn't tell if I were seeing houses or office buildings or trees, but whatever this area was it was completely flattened. I had never seen anything like it in my entire life. Even from this altitude, it was evident: 100 people did not die here, thousands did.
When we landed at Narita and cleared customs, our group began to dissipate. The airport was completely deserted except for a few reporters. There were sleeping bags and trash scattered about but no people around. No trains were running. Our cell phones didn't work. I couldn't get my email. No social media. Television crews approached us to talk, but we declined as that we had no idea what was happening. We were far from Meguro-ku, where Michael's family was, and we had no way to get there but on foot.
After walking around a bit and trying to devise a plan, we came across a taxi driver holding a sign in Japanese. As he flipped the sign over, I caught the words in English: Michael's last name. He didn't speak any English, and we didn't speak any Japanese, but he handed us a phone. Dan was on the other line. "Get in the car," so we did.
After a silent two-hour taxi ride -- only seeing a handful of other cars on the road -- we finally made it to our destination. Dan and Andrea spent six hours attempting to get to the airport to pick us up, but couldn't make it because the trains kept stopping. Luckily, they were able to find a taxi driver willing to pick us up.
It was late in the evening now in Tokyo, so we spent the next few hours talking about our trip (Michael's brother Ben flew in a few hours before us from Colorado) and what it was like when the earthquake first hit. The news showed the death toll climbing, and it was evident that this was a terrible earthquake and tsunami.
2012年3月11日星期日
2012年3月8日星期四
bags of suspected heroin, pot found in school zones; teens accused of throwing bottles with urine at cars
Greenwich Township crimelog: bags of suspected heroin, pot found in school zones; teens accused of throwing bottles with urine at cars
An East Broad Street resident on March 1 told police someone stole three sets of hydraulic jacks, valued at $85, from property's garage.
The jacks may have been taken during a Feb. 28 incident, police said.
— Parents here should caution their kids not to touch bags of suspected illegal drugs they may find, and to report them right away to police, crossing guards or school officials.
That's the message township police are sending after crossing guards reportedly found such bags in local school zones March 1.
The crossing guards found two sealed bags of suspected heroin, one empty bag suspected to have had marijuana and two other empty bags suspected to have had more heroin that day.
All were found within school zones on Broad, North School and South School streets, as well as Memorial Avenue.
— Police on Feb. 27 arrested two 15-year-olds accused of throwing eggs and bottles, possibly containing urine, at passing cars in the area of East Broad Street and Swedesboro Road.
Police said three juveniles in all were throwing the objects from a building's second-floor window near 6 p.m. that day.
Officers charged each of the 15-year-olds with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. They were processed and released to their parents.
— Someone on Feb. 27 reportedly tried to break into two storage structures at the police firing range on North Market Street.
Graffiti was also sprayed on the storage structures, and someone shot at a stop sign on the property, police said.
— A Marshall Avenue resident on Feb. 26 told police two suspicious males wearing dark clothing were trying to break into a vehicle.
The suspects fled on foot when officers arrived, police said. Greenwich Township and Paulsboro police searched the area, the said, but didn't find the suspects.
— North Repaupo Avenue residents on Feb. 25 told police suspicious persons were looking into vehicles and trying to open the doors. No thefts were reported, police said.
An East Broad Street resident on March 1 told police someone stole three sets of hydraulic jacks, valued at $85, from property's garage.
The jacks may have been taken during a Feb. 28 incident, police said.
— Parents here should caution their kids not to touch bags of suspected illegal drugs they may find, and to report them right away to police, crossing guards or school officials.
That's the message township police are sending after crossing guards reportedly found such bags in local school zones March 1.
The crossing guards found two sealed bags of suspected heroin, one empty bag suspected to have had marijuana and two other empty bags suspected to have had more heroin that day.
All were found within school zones on Broad, North School and South School streets, as well as Memorial Avenue.
— Police on Feb. 27 arrested two 15-year-olds accused of throwing eggs and bottles, possibly containing urine, at passing cars in the area of East Broad Street and Swedesboro Road.
Police said three juveniles in all were throwing the objects from a building's second-floor window near 6 p.m. that day.
Officers charged each of the 15-year-olds with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. They were processed and released to their parents.
— Someone on Feb. 27 reportedly tried to break into two storage structures at the police firing range on North Market Street.
Graffiti was also sprayed on the storage structures, and someone shot at a stop sign on the property, police said.
— A Marshall Avenue resident on Feb. 26 told police two suspicious males wearing dark clothing were trying to break into a vehicle.
The suspects fled on foot when officers arrived, police said. Greenwich Township and Paulsboro police searched the area, the said, but didn't find the suspects.
— North Repaupo Avenue residents on Feb. 25 told police suspicious persons were looking into vehicles and trying to open the doors. No thefts were reported, police said.
2012年3月7日星期三
Man murdered on Carlton Avenue
The clutch
A marauder stole a purse from a woman on Downing Street after threatening to stab her on Feb. 29.
The 24-year-old Bronx victim told police that she was near Quincy Street at 3:10 am when the brute grabbed her from behind and ordered, “Don’t scream, or I will stab you!”
The suspect fled after swiping her purple bag containing $70.
BoroDeal
Out cold
A female bandit wielding an ice pick nabbed a gold chain and an iPhone from a woman on Putnam Avenue on Feb. 29.
The 49-year-old victim told police that she was near Irving Place at 8:15 pm when an acquaintance grabbed her from behind and demanded her stuff.
The perp brandished an ice pick, snatched the items and fled.
End game
Cops say they arrested a man at the Atlantic Terminal Mall on March 3 for stealing his girlfriend’s purse.
The 23-year-old victim told police that she was at the mall at 2:20 pm when her beau bit her thumb and swiped her bag containing birth certificates, credit card, and $80.
Police arrested a 27-year-old man shortly after.
Thrift score
Burglars looted $400 in handbags from a Vanderbilt Avenue thrift store on March 1.
An employee told cops that she left Project Hope Boutique Thrift near Gates Avenue at 7 pm. When she returned the next morning, the front window was smashed and five bags were gone.
Dethroned
Some jerk pinched a bag containing $1,300 from a Classon Avenue bodega on March 1.
An employee told police that he was at the King of Classon Avenue Deli and Grocery near Putnam Avenue at 2:43 pm when a customer walked behind the counter and launched a confab.
When the crook left, he took the bag of bills with him.
A marauder stole a purse from a woman on Downing Street after threatening to stab her on Feb. 29.
The 24-year-old Bronx victim told police that she was near Quincy Street at 3:10 am when the brute grabbed her from behind and ordered, “Don’t scream, or I will stab you!”
The suspect fled after swiping her purple bag containing $70.
BoroDeal
Out cold
A female bandit wielding an ice pick nabbed a gold chain and an iPhone from a woman on Putnam Avenue on Feb. 29.
The 49-year-old victim told police that she was near Irving Place at 8:15 pm when an acquaintance grabbed her from behind and demanded her stuff.
The perp brandished an ice pick, snatched the items and fled.
End game
Cops say they arrested a man at the Atlantic Terminal Mall on March 3 for stealing his girlfriend’s purse.
The 23-year-old victim told police that she was at the mall at 2:20 pm when her beau bit her thumb and swiped her bag containing birth certificates, credit card, and $80.
Police arrested a 27-year-old man shortly after.
Thrift score
Burglars looted $400 in handbags from a Vanderbilt Avenue thrift store on March 1.
An employee told cops that she left Project Hope Boutique Thrift near Gates Avenue at 7 pm. When she returned the next morning, the front window was smashed and five bags were gone.
Dethroned
Some jerk pinched a bag containing $1,300 from a Classon Avenue bodega on March 1.
An employee told police that he was at the King of Classon Avenue Deli and Grocery near Putnam Avenue at 2:43 pm when a customer walked behind the counter and launched a confab.
When the crook left, he took the bag of bills with him.
2012年3月6日星期二
Fill Your Energy Up with the IV Drip Bag USB LED Light
Being hospitalized is no fun but at least we have those warm memories of the life-giving IV drip bag hanging overhead, dispensing vital fluids to fuel your recovery.
Now the "Fill Your Energy Up!" IV Drip Bag USB LED Light from JTT Online Shop evokes those special times while shedding soft light upon your now-healthy self. Not only is it "sick", it's the next best thing to BEING sick!
Each 92-gram (3.245 oz) light houses a cool-running LED bulb sealed separately from the rest of the bag. This is important because like an actual IV drip bag, the fixture can be filled with water or presumably some other liquid (got that, Twilight fans?).
The light functions in wet or dry mode but when filled, imparts a softer, more diffused light that approximates the drugged haze in which you likely spent the bulk of your last hospital stay.
JTT Online Shop offers the IV Drip Bag USB LED Light in your choice of three colored LEDs: White, Blue and Orange. Each one comes with a metal S-hook for easy hanging and an integral USB connecting cable that runs from the light to your laptop or PC – not your arm, dude.
Now the "Fill Your Energy Up!" IV Drip Bag USB LED Light from JTT Online Shop evokes those special times while shedding soft light upon your now-healthy self. Not only is it "sick", it's the next best thing to BEING sick!
Each 92-gram (3.245 oz) light houses a cool-running LED bulb sealed separately from the rest of the bag. This is important because like an actual IV drip bag, the fixture can be filled with water or presumably some other liquid (got that, Twilight fans?).
The light functions in wet or dry mode but when filled, imparts a softer, more diffused light that approximates the drugged haze in which you likely spent the bulk of your last hospital stay.
JTT Online Shop offers the IV Drip Bag USB LED Light in your choice of three colored LEDs: White, Blue and Orange. Each one comes with a metal S-hook for easy hanging and an integral USB connecting cable that runs from the light to your laptop or PC – not your arm, dude.
2012年3月5日星期一
One Century Ago: Chicken Thief Arrested; Death of Temperance Proponent
John McElroy was arrested for stealing chickens from the estate of H. B. Walker on Fairview Avenue.
McElroy was walking down Wildey Street with a large sack slung over his shoulder when he was stopped by Officer Martin who asked him what the bag contained. Cautiously McElroy replied that the sack contained wood, at which point the police officer felt the bag with his hand and exclaimed “Pretty soft wood, John”.
He then escorted McElroy to the police station where the bag was turned out to reveal three dead chickens and one living one which made a great squawk and flutter and dashed for freedom. The bird was captured by the police clerk, and McElroy was transferred to New York Penitentiary where he served out a six month sentence.
Miss Edith Cole Turns Four
Miss Edith Cole would have turned 29 last Wednesday in 2012, but on the 29th of February 1912 she celebrated her 4th birthday with her friends, playing games and enjoying refreshments.
However, it was no ordinary 4th birthday party since Edith was in fact 16 years of age. Because she was born on February 29th, her birthday only came every 4 years which meant that unfortunately for Edith, she would have to wait until 1916 to turn 5.
McElroy was walking down Wildey Street with a large sack slung over his shoulder when he was stopped by Officer Martin who asked him what the bag contained. Cautiously McElroy replied that the sack contained wood, at which point the police officer felt the bag with his hand and exclaimed “Pretty soft wood, John”.
He then escorted McElroy to the police station where the bag was turned out to reveal three dead chickens and one living one which made a great squawk and flutter and dashed for freedom. The bird was captured by the police clerk, and McElroy was transferred to New York Penitentiary where he served out a six month sentence.
Miss Edith Cole Turns Four
Miss Edith Cole would have turned 29 last Wednesday in 2012, but on the 29th of February 1912 she celebrated her 4th birthday with her friends, playing games and enjoying refreshments.
However, it was no ordinary 4th birthday party since Edith was in fact 16 years of age. Because she was born on February 29th, her birthday only came every 4 years which meant that unfortunately for Edith, she would have to wait until 1916 to turn 5.
2012年3月4日星期日
The Ritz Looks After its Child Guests
The Ritz in London has a Very Important Kids card for its guests who are under the age of 16. The card allows them to feel very special as they get their own mini sized bathrobes and slippers as well as access to a Teen Concierge. They get a goodie bag, milk and biscuits at bedtime and even free ice-cream!
The Ritz has realised that many people travel with children these days and so if they look after them well, then they will want to return, either again with their family or on their own when they are older. There are other hotels making sure that children are well looked after as well including Trump, Omni and Ritz Carlton.
A family bundle at The Ritz costs 600 a night where families can share a room or have interconnecting ones. They also offer a Princess for a day session at the salon for mothers and daughters where they both have haircuts, manicures and a complimentary drink at the bar. They will soon be offering a father and son package too where they can have a ride in the Rolls Royce Phantom belonging to the hotel. The packages are carefully designed to allow families to bond but to do things which the grownups will enjoy as well as the children. Hotels realise that they will be giving a memorable experience to a child who may decide to revisit that hotel in the future. With more families travelling together and them realising the importance of treating children well, it is likely that all hotels should soon start to offer better child facilities.
The Ritz has realised that many people travel with children these days and so if they look after them well, then they will want to return, either again with their family or on their own when they are older. There are other hotels making sure that children are well looked after as well including Trump, Omni and Ritz Carlton.
A family bundle at The Ritz costs 600 a night where families can share a room or have interconnecting ones. They also offer a Princess for a day session at the salon for mothers and daughters where they both have haircuts, manicures and a complimentary drink at the bar. They will soon be offering a father and son package too where they can have a ride in the Rolls Royce Phantom belonging to the hotel. The packages are carefully designed to allow families to bond but to do things which the grownups will enjoy as well as the children. Hotels realise that they will be giving a memorable experience to a child who may decide to revisit that hotel in the future. With more families travelling together and them realising the importance of treating children well, it is likely that all hotels should soon start to offer better child facilities.
2012年3月1日星期四
To plastic or not to plastic, that is the question...
In particular, the massive floods around the metropolis during those devastating storms belatedly brought to the fore the perils of drainage systems and waterways perennially clogged with plastic garbage.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that more than 80% of the trash retrieved from the country's shorelines is made up of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and rubber. About half of these plastic items thrown in bodies of water were plastic bags, followed by food wrappers and plastic containers. These plastics take as much as 20 years before they decompose.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the bulk of the more than 8,000 metric tons of garbage collected in Metro Manila on a daily basis was comprised of plastics.
MMDA chairman Francis N. Tolentino has also raised the alarm on the haphazards posed by the dumping of plastic products that clog the metropolis' already overburdened drainage system, resulting in flooding during heavy rains.
Waste audits conducted in November 2010 by the EcoWaste Coalition, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Greenpeace, Mother Earth Foundation and other environment advocacy groups revealed that 75.55% of the total volume of trash in Manila Bay was plastic discards, mostly plastic bags, and polystyrene (styrofoam) products.
"It is unfortunate that plastic items -- led by plastic bags and styro products -- remain to be the prime visible pollutants of Manila Bay. Our findings reinforced what all of us already know: plastics is a problem and our penchant for patronizing disposable products magnifies this problem," GAIA representative Gigie Cruz said in a statement.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that more than 80% of the trash retrieved from the country's shorelines is made up of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and rubber. About half of these plastic items thrown in bodies of water were plastic bags, followed by food wrappers and plastic containers. These plastics take as much as 20 years before they decompose.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the bulk of the more than 8,000 metric tons of garbage collected in Metro Manila on a daily basis was comprised of plastics.
MMDA chairman Francis N. Tolentino has also raised the alarm on the haphazards posed by the dumping of plastic products that clog the metropolis' already overburdened drainage system, resulting in flooding during heavy rains.
Waste audits conducted in November 2010 by the EcoWaste Coalition, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Greenpeace, Mother Earth Foundation and other environment advocacy groups revealed that 75.55% of the total volume of trash in Manila Bay was plastic discards, mostly plastic bags, and polystyrene (styrofoam) products.
"It is unfortunate that plastic items -- led by plastic bags and styro products -- remain to be the prime visible pollutants of Manila Bay. Our findings reinforced what all of us already know: plastics is a problem and our penchant for patronizing disposable products magnifies this problem," GAIA representative Gigie Cruz said in a statement.
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