White Delay.

Not Verified - But Talk About Bad Luck!

Japanese Man Certified as Double A-Bomb Victim

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

TOKYO — A 93-year-old Japanese man has become the first person certified as a survivor of both U.S. atomic bombings at the end of World War II, officials said Tuesday.

Tsutomu Yamaguchi had already been a certified "hibakusha," or radiation survivor, of the Aug. 9, 1945, atomic bombing in Nagasaki, but has now been confirmed as surviving the attack on Hiroshima three days earlier as well, city officials said.

Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima on a business trip on Aug. 6, 1945, when a U.S. B-29 dropped an atomic bomb on the city. He suffered serious burns to his upper body and spent the night in the city. He then returned to his hometown of Nagasaki just in time for the second attack, city officials said.

"As far as we know, he is the first one to be officially recognized as a survivor of atomic bombings in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki," Nagasaki city official Toshiro Miyamoto said. "It's such an unfortunate case, but it is possible that there are more people like him."

Certification qualifies survivors for government compensation — including monthly allowances, free medical checkups and funeral costs — but Yamaguchi's compensation will not increase, Miyamoto said.

Japan is the only country to have suffered atomic bomb attacks. About 140,000 people were killed in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki.

Yamaguchi is one of about 260,000 people who survived the attacks. Bombing survivors have developed various illnesses from radiation exposure, including cancer and liver illnesses.

Details of Yamaguchi's health problems were not released.

Thousands survivors continue to seek official recognition after the government rejected their eligibility for compensation. The government last year eased the requirements for being certified as a survivor, following criticism the rules were too strict and neglected many who had developed illnesses that doctors have linked to radiation.

What Is In A Name?

A friend sent me the link to Urban Dictionary's definition of my name. Here you go:

1)Greek/ Latin in Origin. This name means "annoited christian". It's pronounced (kris-TEEN-ah). It is the most beautiful name to a girl.
When Christina was listening to music in the empty seat, I nervously sat next to her.

Christina's smile was as bright as the sun shining above me.

2)A smart girl with no common sense but is smart and funny and has great "what in the world?" momments.
She can't make good hot chocolate.
SHE IS THE CRAZIEST THING ALIVE!
Wow she christina is retarted.

3)The coolest, cutest, nicest girl ever. With the best personality, also very quick witted and very smart. Everyone should get to meet her at least once.
Everyone loves Christina.


Exactly what does this tell me? There are people out there will more spare time on their hands than I have! Yippy.

Um - That's Just Not Right.

Waiting for Spring Break Shark Attack to come on sci-fi. Yes ... that is right, the girl who is super scared of sharks likes to watch youths getting eaten by sharks when a 1999 version of Beowulf with the dude from Highlander came on.

The whole movie was filled with things that were just so not right. It looks like maybe the Dark Ages but maybe post-apocalyptic. There were zippers and smelling slats. Body bags and mid evil EVERYTHING else. Very strange. I'm just waiting for the sharks to start killing some people. Please - eat the heads off of spring breakers already!

Do Cats Get Allergies?

I'm just wondering. I know they can be allergic to medication - but do they get real allergies? I woke up this morning with Moab sneezing in my face. I really hope it was a fluke and not some type of allergy attack.

Can you make out all 3 cats in this photo?

Saturdays Delight.

It has been 70's pretty much most days. My allergies are still on fire (which makes working in the yard fun), but it is way too nice to not be outside. Yesterday I started on the bed next to the house. I need to remove the railroad ties (maybe once Mike gets back). But, I'm removing the grass and making the whole thing a garden.

In the middle of tilling up the earth I made a french bread with olives and rosemary. It was a long process (especially given I didn't have a good sour dough starter) - but I think it came out okay. I went to Karin's house for dinner and enjoyed the herb nature of it all.

d.

Going Green #7.

Well here are my latest two. First off I took my utility bill and checked out water. It says that in a month I use 42.0 (units of water). I had to call and ask WTF does this mean. Turns out I used (this past month) 4200 gallons of water. The previous month was 8000 gallons of water. What is the difference from? I have no real idea - but I've started plotting out water usage and things we've changed (like toilets). Hopefully that sheds some like on it.

My new "going green" question ... to eat meat or not! What does eating meat mean for the environment? What does it mean for people? A lot of go green books will say that eating meat is bad for you and the environment because of the way meat is raised. What is in most market meats. And what a large number of cows do to any given area. I haven't done a ton of research into this topic yet. Maybe this weekend!

AIG - URG

In a fit of anger I was going to blog about AIG. I had my long rant written and decided to scrap it. What is the point? Seems that this type of shit just keeps happening and there isn't a whole lot that will change in the financial industry. So, here are a few photos. Bend walking around. And the bird bits I found last night when I got home. I still can't find the head or body. I'm hoping they ate it ... because I've really looked EVERYWHERE!

Weekend Jolly Ho.

This past weekend was busy. Once the snow and rain started my allergies subsided (thank goodness). Friday a group of us went down to Santa Fe for the international bead show. It was stealer. Great stuff to be had! Saturday was the Empty Bowl event up in town. I got a lovely bowl and got to hear young kids singing. Today was finishing up a puzzle, breakfast with good friends, and a run. Ah .... all in all a pretty good time!

Court has gone back down to school - so it is just the cats and me again. I wonder what we will do to get into trouble this week???

Changing Season.

Just when it is warming up. The bulb think it is time to wake up. I have daffodils that are about to burst open ... the weather changes to this.

c.

Just because people keep commenting. There are a group on the web that blog and post photos to a question or set of questions. A while back a friend did colors. The shapes. Now ... it is things that start with different letters.

b

When beads and belly buttons collide .....

a.

Things around the house that start with the letter A.

Sping - New Mexico.

The winds are officially here. This morning I got sand in my teeth as I walked into work - it is a very very attractive look. The reorganization and decluttering of the house is still in full swing. Courtney helped me put together one more little dresser thing - but I have a very very strong urge to just get rid of everything! I'm sort of at my end for having crap around the house.

We got a whole new bedroom set (which is mostly put together and organized). But, it is a king size bed ... which hasn't come in yet. I guess it is good that it isn't here yet - since I have no bedding for a king size ... but hopefully it shows up this week sometime.

Courtney is on spring break and is hanging out. We are talking about camping or going somewhere ... but Bend is having more problems and I need to talk to the vet this morning. I really hope he doesn't have to go in for more work ... but he isn't feeling very good.

On a separate note - I got this graph from a friend. Pretty interesting stuff!

Yellowstone Images

Martens, buffalo, coyotes, elk, woodpeckers, and the Kum & Go (who would name a store that??)

Going Green #6.

I read an article that says the next ten items are the easiest things to do – to be more environmentally conscious. Interesting … I wonder how much these ten can actually help?

10 easy ways to go green
1. Change a light bulb to a CFL or LED
2. Use one less napkin (average uses 2,200 per year)
3. Turn off your computer
4. Use a laptop
5. Use both sides of the paper
6. Ditch one-use water bottles
7. Stop brushing while running water
8. Turn off the lights
9. Set your cruise control
10. Inflate your tires

What about the age-old question of the double space after a period? Is that wasteful? What about just using a single space between periods?

I read an article that was about wasting water and it asked you to answer these questions. Put the number of times you use/do each of these per day per person in your household:
Bath (25 gallons)
Brushing Teeth (5 gallons)
Flushing Toilet (5 gallons)
Laundry (40 gallons)
Shower (5 minutes) (50 gallons)
Washing Dishes (20 gallons)
Washing Hands (5 gallons)

Keep in mind that the above are just averages for the number of gallons that these activities use. I added up my household and we use 340 gallons (on average) a day. That would be 2380 gallons a week. This of course does not include other things (drinking water, washing cars, watering plants …)

What do you guys come up with your daily or weekly totals?

A Full Week.

Well Yellowstone was great fun. The drive up was long - but we got to stop at Sierra Trading Post (which is always fun). Saw loads of animals and learned more about skulls and tracking than ... well than I ever knew before.

I'd post photos ... but the computer was dropped and the hard disk died. I'll have to wait a bit to get it back up and running. I'm happy to be back home, but Moab's tummy is bugging her - Bend is still having peeing issues - and a massive amount of boxes showed up yesterday to be assembled into a new bedroom set. I'm sure I'll have a busy busy weekend!

Yellowstone.

All of the packing is done. The car is ready - and all we have to do is get up early and get on the road Hopefully I'll be able to post from the road ... but we leave tomorrow morning for Yellowstone!

When You Must.

In the paper last week was an article about a mammoth that was found in LA while digging up a parking garage. As a child this was a dream. Finding dinasuares in your yard.






A friend of mine sent me this funny toy. What will they sell these days??






And finally - this other photo is from my mother with the question "When your mom said not to take candy from strangers - this is what she was talking about".

Hope your Monday is bright!

Bend's Teeth

This morning we are taking the big man into the vet to have all (but his front two fangs) pulled. We have known since he was young that he has bad teeth. Vets in the past have told us that he will probably be an old kitty with no teeth. Well I guess he is getting close to old and will have no teeth. He has been going crazy all morning long because he gets no food or water. We are going to get ready to put him in the cat carrier and take him down to Cottonwood. Wish him luck everyone! Poor guy is going to be pissy.

Velociraptor Question.

How long would you last?

I got 1 minute and 28 seconds.

Warm Days.

The house smells of heating manure. The cats are sunbathing. And I have the bug to work in the garden (which is currently under a few feet of manure and in no shape to be played in). Spring fever is biting me on the arse.

Backyard Bird Count

We read about this in the paper and are participating. I hope all of you out there take the 15 minutes and do your part for the birds of America!

Basically you get a check form and watch birds in your backyard. Then you mark off which birds you see and they do some number crunching to tell for regions about different birds.

Happy Valentines Day.

Enjoy a cup of coffee with a loved one. Eat some chocolate. Day dream over a cloud!

Mike gave me Japanese yarn and buttons today. The yarn is amazing and the buttons are out of this world cute. Now to come up with a project for them!

Going Green #5

Going Green #4.

The cost of shipping shit on the planet is one of the biggest overlooked green issues - I believe. So you use cloth bags, you recycle, you try to cut down on everything – but you still shop online and have individual items shipped to your house. Let’s map out the life of an item. I want a new top that is made in India. First there is the shipping of the materials from the fabric factory in China to the manufactures site. Then they are shipped from India to a distributor in America. Then they go from there to say an Amazon warehouse. After that – I order the silly shirt and it is boxed and shipped from New Jersey to my house in New Mexico. This is a flight ride or a truck ride across the country.

Let’s look at the numbers and assume that the item is traveling by plane most of the way. [A plane like a Boeing 747 uses approximately 1 gallon of fuel (about 4 liters) every second. Over the course of a 10-hour flight, it might burn 36,000 gallons (150,000 liters). According to Boeing's Web site, the 747 burns approximately 5 gallons of fuel per mile] If a standard plane gets 0.2 mpg and we look up flight distances for each of our trips we find: China – India (~2000 miles), India –USA (~8000 miles), New Jersey – New Mexico (~1700 miles).

How many gallons of fuel did we use to get that shirt to my back? 58500 gallons of gas!

Now of course you will say that there were other items on the flight. That it wasn’t just the one shirt. But, how many shirts would you need to make it worth the trip?

Of course there is the thought that driving around looking for the exact item you want can be more costly, in the way of gas, than just ordering online. I haven’t really seen anything that proves this though.

Ordering online might be easier - but is it better for the environment?


Avivah. Maybe a bit more research on both of our parts.
According to UPS and other mailing people they use a Boeing 747-400. It gets ~3378 g/hour (at a cruising speed of 576 mph). If in our case we are going 11700 miles it would take ~20 hours (with no take-offs and landings). Which would equal 67560 gallons of gas. Now jet fuel is more expensive than regular gas (~$3.50/gallon). So if we got 1000 shirts on that plane at that cost and gallons used it would be ~$236.46 in shipping cost alone.

Last bit is that there has been a shift from large ocean cargo to more airlines because of cost. Still are large percent of stuff is shipped by boat over seas ... but not all. And I was just trying to give a back of the envelope look at gas cost for items. Cargo ships are worse for the environment than planes when it comes to emissions - and I'm not even going to start taking that into consideration.

When Cameras Scare You

This is absolutely the best in 'high definition'.

Zoom in ('double-click' an area) and watch it focus. Then zoom some more and wait for focus. What a surveillance tool this is ! This picture was taken with a robotic camera and weighs in at 1,474 megapixel. (295 times the standard 5 megapixel camera).

Inauguration

60 what??

It is 60 degrees here today. When did summer hit? I got a new macro lens for my camera and took some shots with it this afternoon. Mike comes home tomorrow from Japan. I tried to buy some manure for the garden today but it is still too early - I guess the season for cow shit is short or tight or just not winter time.

I also made a stop at the local thrift store today (looking for items to felt up) when I came across this skirt and platform shoes. They were $.50. I'm so lucky!

Spring?

Oh Spring .... My bulbs have not started to pop up yet - but I'm sure they will soon. It has been very warm here lately and I fear that winter is over. Well, fear might be a bit strong. I'm always up for the changing of the season.

I've been working like a busy bee around the house trying to finish up craft projects and get stuff in place for spring house work. Long list - but I'll post it at some point. 2 quilts down, a number of sewing projects done, and knitting projects in progress ... but going fast.

Mike has been on travel for the past couple of weeks. Ukraine and now Japan. I hope he finds me some lovely tea or yarn in Japan. We are also leaving in a couple of weeks for a tracking class in Yellowstone. I'm excited to freeze my butt off :)

Go Green #3.

Most of you do or don’t know that I grew up pretty poor. We never had new things and in particular I was never able to own books as a child. What’s in a book you might ask? Well, I had and still have 3 books from my childhood (the only books I ever owned when I was younger), two picture books about gnomes and a dictionary. Because of my strong desire for books and lack there of, I was a big library person. I read every single book in my elementary school library (winning me an award when I finally left). I particularly loved the fat neglected books that people always forgot about. The librarians would always comment on the checking out of a book that hadn’t been lent in a decade. As a working adult the first thing I did was start to buy books. Used books at first, and then new books. I now have a massive library of books that I just like to have around.

What does all of this have to do with being green? Well printing and not reusing books is pretty wasteful. So, this past weekend I went to the public library (which is a 10 minute walk from my house). I got a library card and borrowed a book that I’ve wanted to read, but I know I’ll never read again. I’m sure that I will not be checking out my favorite authors or books that I know I will want to read over and over again. But, as a first cut – I think checking out books that are one use – is pretty good.

How hard it is for people to get over crap that they were brought up with! Childhood does a number on a person.

Going Green #2.

I think that there have to be rights and wrongs for what is good and not good for the environment. These facts are not up for debate. What they are however seems to be left up to the experts (and experts always seem to have “opinions” not facts). Where are the facts and why are the facts for how to be environmentally sound not published everywhere? There are hundreds of books and blogs about being green out there now. Most of them have opinions of what people should do – but little on the factual side. Some facts that I will stand behind though, it is always better to reduce buying and overuse, reuse whenever possible and for sure recycle. Recycling is something that the government or industry needs to put more money into though. A lot of places (like here) don’t have true recycling facilities, so they just landfill the stuff and plan to dig it up when they have the means to deal with it. It would be a lot better (even if it meant sorting out recycling more) if they could use the methods that currently allow local recycling centers to not only recycle but also then manufacture new goods (or ship off recycled materials that can be used). In the paper this morning there was an article about recycling locally and they say that only 3% of all trash is recycled here. They have been trying different techniques to get people to recycle – but it just isn’t working like they thought it would.

When looking at reduce, reuse and recycle what does this mean for the average person? When at a hotel do you use the same towel your whole stay? Do you refuse water when out if you aren’t going to drink it? Do you cut down on disposable things? Here is a current list of things that I can think of in my home.
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Whip ums
• Q-tips
• Bathroom cups
• Napkins
• Plastic dishes
• Togo coffee cups
• Trash bags
• Tissues
• Ziploc bags
• Coffee filters
• Paper
• Bills
• Magazines
• Catalogs
• Any packaging for food, water, soda or other perishable

I’m sure the list will get longer the more I think about it but for now these are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Out of this list – what could I really get away without ever using? Is it possible to never use another togo coffee cup, plastic silverware, or paper napkins? What about when you are traveling??

Running through the list this is what I think. I can’t live without TP, but I could go single ply. I could live without paper towels. I could live with whip ums. How would I clean my ears without q-tips? No one needs bathroom cups. Jury is still out on napkins. I could do without plastic dishes, togo coffee cups as well. Although I would have to carry around a real mug at all times. I love to just stop for coffee. I can’t live without trash bags. What would you do with your trash if you didn’t have them?? I have cloth handkerchiefs as is – although when you are really sick they suck. I re-use Ziploc bags … but I’m not sure I could live without them. I try to re-use paper as much as possible … but not possible to live without. We have stopped using coffee filters. I can’t stop bills, but I got paperless when they let me. I recycle magazines when I’m done. But, I guess I could live without them. I call in each and ever catalog I get and tell them to stop sending me paper catalogs. They just won’t. I have no idea what to do about food packaging – other than not buying food that is heavily packaged.

So, what do you implement in your own life to live without to help the Earth?

Weekend from my weekend.

This past weekend was short (2 days) and action packed. Courtney came up on Friday. We hung out and got ready for the weekend (sorting out gear and stuff we needed). Saturday morning I got you early and had John attach the bindings to my new shaped skis ... moving on from my old straight skis. Then Court and I went down to ABQ. We had to do some shopping (Target and clothing shopping). Had a late lunch and then went to a hockey game. We left ABQ late and got home around midnight ... after watching the game. 7am Sunday morning Jon (a friend of Court's who stayed over), Court and I went up to the mountain. It was crap skiing. Super icy and not terribly fun - but we got a good half day in. Then my nephews came over to play video games. Courtney helped me around the house and then left. Two days and I'm exhausted.

Go Green?

First off the term “green” bothers me. Who created this word? Why is being aware of your surroundings considered green? Kermit is the only thing that should be “green” (and they have even stolen him). Where to start on a topic that infuriates me! For a long time, the past 20 years probably, people around me have not cared at all about what is happening to or with the planet. I would lump a lot of people into this short sightedness. I started the first recycling program at my high school and even did fund raisers to buy up acres in the rain forest (much to most people chagrin). People thought I was a toss back to my fathers live and let live attitude (which now some people might even call hippy). I personally know people who think that global warming isn’t real, the ozone can’t be damaged and fossil fuels will never run out. I have been watching as the number of people who do things that are “green” increases (because it is currently the in thing to do). Even if I don’t agree with why they are doing it – I’m happy that peer pressure is making them do something good for the world.

I got to wondering what the current accepted “green” methods were and what green propaganda was being pushed as the lowest hanging fruit for newbie’s to the act of environmental protection. I’m sure you would guess that shopping bags are on that list – let’s ignore them for now. The first thing we will look at is the napkin.

The age-old debates of paper vs cloth.

In digging up information on both paper and cloth napkins, I found that decided what is better for the environment is hard and a personal call really. Here are the facts. Paper napkins (even if they use recycled paper) require energy to make (all be it most of the bi-products are currently used as energy in paper/pulp mills), energy to ship and are a single use item. But, they decompose. Cloth napkins require washing and laundry detergent using resources that can be scares (like here in the desert where I live). Did you know that the average washing machine is 35-45 gallons of water per load? A four-person household using a napkin at each meal will do one load of napkin laundry once to twice a week (depending on how soiled the napkins are). That is 35-70 gallons of water and of course electricity. Green advocates will say that when you have to buy something, then you aren’t being green. You want to reuse as much as possible and spread out the manufacturing costs on an item over time. So does that mean that someone who lives in the desert uses cloth or paper or the sleeve of your shirt?

The questions and answers for how to deal with a large problem are always more complicated than one first thinks.

Winter Flowers

Today was a wonderfully warm day. 50 degrees or so. But, what is fantastic are the flowers that are in the house right now. Mike bought me one and his mother bought me the other. They are both in bloom right now and smelling incredible.

Interesting.

While catching up on some news this morning I saw that a new creature was found. These types of articles also spark my interest. A new carnivorous sea squid. Ahhhh the wonders of the sea.

On a slightly less interesting and maybe less strange, I'm in a review process for Amazon (where I get stuff before it is releases to the public and I write reviews for it). Normally there are some interesting things - but this past weekend I found out that I'm getting my favorite authors new book (Christopher Moore). I was yipping all the way home in the car. It isn't released until February sometime ... and I'll get a pre-released copy free. I'm such a lucky girl.

Cats Fancy.

On Thursday night, after bringing Bend home from the vet and settling in for the night, we noticed some bird feathers in the living room. We crawled around to find more feathers under the bed - but still couldn't find the bird. Turns out the bird was under the sofa (we think it tried to get away from the cats and just died under there). Mike is going to investigate the enclosed porch to see where they are catching them. But, we are pretty sure it is Moab that is doing it (she is the best hunter). Look at what is in her toes.

New Games and Life.

Night before last I got a new game for the iPhone. MewMew Cat Tower. A Japanese game where you stack cats. It is amazing fun and creates fun terms (such as, my cats are 8 meters high!)

My dad is still in the hospital (in Arizona). They figured out that they gave him a bad drug combination, he had a blood clot in his neck, and he was putting too much pressure on where they cut into him which was causing problems. He is feeling much much better and seems to be in good spirits. Thanks for all the concerns.

Bend goes back down to the vet today. There is something wrong with his kidneys. They aren't sure exactly what it is, but they are going to put him on some medication for hypertension. They want him to have a full bladder when we get there ... note to all cat people "You can drag a cat to water - but you really really can't make them drink!" Ah the joys of sick kitties. I wonder if I could stack a Methow, Bend, Moab cat tower ... and who would be on bottom??

Winter Days.

Winters in Los Alamos are pretty nice. The temperature is normally around 40 degrees. It is normally really clear outside and there isn't much of a wind. This said, I read in the paper this morning that they believe we are done with snow for this winter - which is pretty upsetting (can you get too much snow?).

I heard on NPR that the 2008 word of the year was picked. It was bailout. Maverick was in the running though.

This week is Official Bad Girl Holiday - Man Watchers' Week. You are suppose to get the girls together and take to the streets in force!

While listening to the news on the way to work I had a question. Why is it that most people look for the bad. You hear the stories and people report on death, failures, pain and suffering. Why are we into this? Why can't we broadcast about hope, love, fun and happiness? Are these not stories that are worth radio time?? I notice the same thing from people in every day life. They like to hear the stories of people who are getting divorced, deaths in the family, dismemberment. WHY?

We still haven't heard from the vet about Bend and Moab.

My father had neck surgery last Thursday and is recovering slowly. VERY very slowly. Hopefully his is back in the swing of things soon!

2 ..... 0 ..... 0 ..... 9!!

Well 2009 is more than just "the future". And what have I found/learned thus far.

#1. Moab is missing the last vertebra in her back and there are nerves that are suppose to attach there. This is why sometimes she has issues in the bathroom.
#2. The vet in White Rock was an idiot and Bend has other issues and should have NEVER been on "mood" drugs.
#3. Delicious 9 grain bread could always be better with 10 or 12 grain bread.
#4. If you put whole nuts in your office people will eat them.
#5. Running in place is never a good replacement for the wood.
#6. I love my friends. Great friends and family make the world a better place!


This year is off to a great start.

On The Mountain

Yesterday Dana, Mike, Ray and I went up to the Santa Fe ski hill. It has been forever since I've been on skis and it was a very interesting start to the day. We left Los Alamos at 7:15. Got to the mountain. Mike rented a snow board. Dana and I changed into our boots, got our passes, and tested out my old school skis (a.k.a they aren't shaped and are very long). The first couple of times I tried to turn I noticed that it was much much harder than I remembered. But, by lunch time Dana and I were flying around the mountain and having a blast. I can't believe I've been away from them for so long!

Happy 2009 everyone!