The Next Great Kanto Earthquake

Experiencing earthquakes is simply part of life in Japan.  Some regions experience them more often than others, and some more strongly, but once you've lived here long enough you would expect to get used to them.

On the contrary, I have yet to get used to feeling the earth rumble, buildings swaying like boats or shaking as though a giant were furiously pushing on the walls.  The small ones sometimes go unnoticed, but the larger ones are most certainly worth preparing for.

According to the increase in quakes since the Tohoku earthquake last March, scientists are saying that there is a 70% chance that the large earthquake expecting to hit the Kanto region will happen within the next four years.  This is the area including and surrounding Tokyo, the largest metropolitain area in Japan.

Since the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, architects have built buildings in order to sustain initial tremors and aftershocks from the earthquakes.  Nonetheless, it is important to be educated on what to do, where to go, and how to rebuild once the earthquake has hit.

To read the full article, please visit the link below.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/16681136

To those living in areas prone to seismic activity, read through some of the following sites about what to do in case of an earthquake, small or large.
Some of the basics include:
-know the procedures of what to do during and after an earthquake 
-know where your shelters and centers will be located
-know evacuation routes
-know where to go in case of a tsunami warning
-know who to call in case of a fire
-have a small bag of essentials packed at all times

Websites with more detailed information about earthquake procedures:
http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7111.html
http://www.seikatubunka.metro.tokyo.jp/index3files/survivalmanual.pdf
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/eew.html
http://www.bousai.metro.tokyo.jp/english/index.html
http://www.tokyo-icc.jp/guide_eng/kinkyu/05.html
http://www.ehow.com/about_6692608_earthquake-safety-japan.html

censorship, fashion, and role models OH MY

Two things from BBC news today:

First is the wikimedia 24-hour blackout in protest to proposed US piracy laws.  We definitely have a problem with piracy, but the way the laws are written here is inappropriate.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16590585  Let's do something about this before it's passed and becomes a huge problem.

Second, an article about an 11 year old named Tavi Gevinson who started a blog called "Style Rookie" which gained a large number of followers and recognition.  Now at age 15, she has launched her new online blog/magazine called Rookie at rookiemag.com, geared towards teenage girls.  Editor and chief at 15, managing 4 editors and 40 writers, I think this girl was meant to make it big.  I may not be overwhelmingly interested in fashion, but I respect her drive and initiative.  Is it ok to have a role model 9 years my junior?  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16588790

Finally, I'm currently working on an article for the next AJET CONNECT e-magazine which should be out by mid February.  I'll be sure to post the link here once it's published.