I listen to my brainstorm:....the hour in Japan was dire indeed.
I overhear this argument, and picture a secret project, created behind the scenes through the years.
"only the activation of the Guardian could save us from greater human suffering.
No it must be human endeavor. We must not have solutions at hand that allow reckless behavior.
Still, within reason of what could be done to secure the reactors, the engineers left nothing to be desired. No, it was only the right thing to do: provide a defense for the humanity which dealt with these problems, at the least cost to life."
For this reason was Guardian (Japanese names: (Hogosha) (Kanshisha) (Kouken) at last put into motion:
perhaps Sentinel (Eihei) would be a better name, as it stands watch for the disasters beyond the scope of man to handle. The worship of Sentinel as a god might arise, for what a feat this robot faces: the burial of the hazardous Fukushima reactors. In the world of this story, this is the most superhuman material power ever devised this side of atomic fusion and fission itself.
I was thinking of a human pilot inside. Maybe two pilots? One in the robot, at least.
I can also see a North American version (based towards the Pacific?) and a French version (specializing in aquatic disasters). Imagine the struggles to take credit for and control these mechanical behemoths. Germans are very mechanically skilled: maybe they will build one. Okay, I hear your jokes back there.
How big should they be? Seventeen feet? Twelve? I foresee man-sized armors in this world's future, but in this story, these three prototypes are about it. I think the Chinese and Russians are struggling to put one together each as well. The idea of a successful Brazil trying to make one of these is appealing, because I think it's about the story in Japan now, but I'm thinking of something fifteen, twenty years in the future, as the possible comes to us from the realm of the impossible. To the people of the country, the Danger Bot has a special meaning of national pride---like a Super Soldier of the century past, a savior from the pinnacle of the man/ machine interface is the hero here. I think my character Corin might well be the North American robot of this world (uncovered while staying in India), but there's something about a mortal teenager mixed into that one and it's for another day.
Then I started doodling earlier, and now I am also thinking about the design I called Danger Bot and wonder if that would not be a cool name, if not a viable starting place for the design? This robot needs to be quite a bit larger than a man, but still within reasonable gravity resistance as a mass, so its servos can provide motion. This is crucial, as the robot is led into the most hazardous parts of the plant and of course must also deal with the mutations by the sea...
I have obviously given thought to writing about post-tsunami Japan, but this is the first wholly original idea that's come to me. I would be embarrassed, but why should I be? Then, i dig into Japanese culture a bit, and give it a noble setting to go with the devastation. This is a symbol of hope.
I would love it if Danger Bot were real. Kiken, Kitai, Kigai, Kinan Kikensei are all words for "Danger" in Japanese. Robot is " jinzouningen robotto, suchi-rukara-
So...Jinzouningen Kiken? Robotto Kitai? Suchi-rukara Kigai? Robotto Kikensei?
The radiation problem is still quite active. I wonder what the future might hold if we create solutions with the worst in mind? Might we find some hope, then, in seeing human ingenuity deal with the trials of nation? Perhaps it will grow beyond my own hands and truly mean something. it's an honor to create anythin, really!
I've been listening to some good cable news reports, and among my reading has been:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutdown_(nuclear_reactor)
http://theenergycollective.com/nathantemple/53384/how-shutdown-and-core-cooling-japanese-reactors-likely-functions
Situational Report
Google has a real-time information page: http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html.
Crisis Commons has a wiki page covering real-time updates.
The Japanese Red Cross is assessing the full impact of the earthquake and tsunami and has deployed 11 National Disaster Response Teams to conduct assessments, provide healthcare and first aid and plan for relief supplies distribution. The Japanese Red Cross has not made any request for international assistance at this moment.
A high human toll is anticipated in Japan and the number of dead and missing is rising as the impact of the damage becomes apparent. Initial indications that the worst affected areas are in northeast . Japan in Tohuku Region close the epicenter and tsunami impact areas. The Japanese government has mobilized an emergency response, deploying 900 rescue workers to this area.
The U.S. State Department has information on the situation as well as contact information on detailing concerns about specific citizens.
Twitter hashtags to follow: #Japan #tsunami #JPquake #tsunamicharity.
The UN Dispatch has a list of must-follow twitterers on the situation.
Philanthropy’s Response
Options for donors in the United States:
Network for Good's response to the tsunami. They have confirmed that the following organizations are mobilized to provide relief services:
AMERICAN RED CROSS (EIN: 53-0196605); Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters.
SAVE THE CHILDREN (EIN 06-0726487); Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter.
GLOBALGIVING (EIN 30-0108263); Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami.
OXFAM USA (EIN 23-7069110); Oxfam is poised to respond if disaster strikes vulnerable countries in its path.
Globalgiving.org has set up a Japan earthquake and tsunami relief fund.
Text “RedCross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, 24480 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1244.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy is also tracking efforts from charities.
Give2Asia launches Fund for Japan Tsunami & Earthquake.
InterAction has a list of organizations accepting donations for disaster relief.
Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) brings hope to over 4.5 million children in need every year by giving them new clothes, shoes, books, toys , furnishings and baby gear. This is made possible by manufacturers, retailers and licensors who donate NEW product, as well as individuals and foundations who provide financial support.. The agency utilizes a global distribution network of more than 1,000 local nonprofits. You can make a donation to the K.I.D.S. Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children's Fund by texting the word ALLKIDS to 85944 to make a $5 donatoin to KIDS on your mobile phone bill. Because K.I.D.S. has a 10 to 1 system of matching $10 worth of product for every $1 donated, your $5 will provide $50 worth of brand new merchandise to victims in need. To make a larger donation, click here.
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