Superb Interview of Japan Quake Survivors

Here’s an excellent, first-person account of how two people in Japan are coping with the aftermath of the quake/tsunami/reactor drama, from The Global Post.
originally posted 3/21/2011

tags: earthquake,Japan nuclear disaster,Japan nuclear plants,Japan quake,Japan tsunami,tidal wave,tsunami

Washington Monument Closed Indefinitely

Yesterday’s 5.8-magnitude earthquake on the East Coast claimed a rather unexpected casualty: The Washington Monument.

Structural damage was apparently severe and the monument will be closed to visitors indefinitely. Here’s a quick read from The LA Times.

I can remember visiting this iconic landmark as a child of four, when my family lived in McLean, Virginia. My grandfather, who had a horrendous fear of heights, braved the ride up the elevator and held me up so I could see all of Washington with a “bird’s eye view.”

For many visitors, the monument IS Washington. Only time will tell if they can repair it or if it will have to be rebuilt. I really can’t imagine the skyline without it…
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Originally published 8/24/11