Post Traumatic Syndrome

Today a third explosion occurred at the nuclear power plant that has been having issues since the earthquake last Friday.  The news began reporting radiation had reached Tokyo.   Friends and family back home were concerned.   Since I can't stand to watch the news broadcasts I went online to find out what's really going on.  Check out the link below, but here's my favorite part:

Another city official said 0.809 of a micro-sievert was measured between 10am and 11am in Tokyo today.

Jiji Press said this figure was 20 times higher than yesterday.

A chest X-ray typically involves a dose of 20 micro-sieverts.

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/higher-than-normal-radiation-in-tokyo/story-e6frfku0-1226021936759#ixzz1GekXvCh0

How can the newscasts continue to over-dramatize the situation?  At what point do
they become responsible for the chaos and panic they create?

I've started carrying a glass of water around with me, not to drink, but to confirm
whether or not we're having another aftershock.  We've had so many I feel like I'm
drunk all the time.  The ground always seems to be swaying beneath me, especially
in the shower for some reason.  It feels like I've been on a cruise ship for two weeks
and just got off but without the tan and the additional ten pounds.  Somebody make
the waves stop!

I went running today for the first time since the quake.  The entire time I was looking
100 yards ahead, plotting every possible route of escape in case another big quake hit.
This is no easy feat considering Tokyo is a jungle of tall buildings and traffic.
Thankfully I made it to the end of the run safely and rewarded myself with a latte from
the Segafredo on the corner.  The barista there knows me and always makes my latte
with a little foam heart.  It's very comforting.

On my way back up the hill to my apartment, an American guy intercepted me.  He
explained he was a documentary film maker and was interviewing people.  He asked
if I wouldn't mind being interviewed.  In spite of the lack of makeup and sweat, I said
sure and gave him a three minute summary of my experiences thus far.   One of the
questions he asked me was, "How have I or what has changed since the earthquake."
This was intriguing because besides plotting escape routes, I had thought a lot about this
very thing on my run.  Running is the only time I seem to be able to concentrate on one
thing versus 50 things simultaneously.

It had occurred to me how different things feel after a major tragedy.  In those few days
or hours, depending on how big the tragedy, life becomes more meaningful.  When life is
uncertain it becomes far more precious.  I think this is especially true for Americans.
Americans never doubt their right to be alive; they are entitled to live.  It never occurs to
them they could die today.

Before we went to bed we made the mistake of turning on CNN just in time to see a
reporter on site in areas right around where we live.  He was literally making shit up!
I couldn't believe it.  It really pissed me off.  So word to the wise.  Don't believe everything
CNN or BBC says.  Yes the devastation is astronomical in North Japan but Tokyo is fine.

Keep in mind CNN reported "Radiation Hits Tokyo!"  Scary right?  Except when you
realize the radiation they're referring to is 25 times less than a routine Xray.  You're
probably getting a higher dosage of radiation from your cell phone.

GEEZ!