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@lillymunster Since we're on the animal topic... no updates on the acrtic ringed seals in the pacific, Alaska, Russia, Canada area. Last news was on Dec 13th

@lillymunster I just posted that one :))) but I don't want to think about it too much :(

Great news...Companies leaving Fukushima! This will help the residents in deciding to stay or leave. People are confused, not knowing what to believe or think. I understand that. The people need some direction: and if they can't get it from their own government, the area businesses will be their guide. This 'cold shutdown' declaration on Dec 16th, blew up in TEPCO's and Gov of Japan's face.

Reactor Reax Top Stories - Scuffle at NRC Has Stench of Industry Influence Behind It. The latest roundup of stories about nuclear-related issues worldwide. Dec 16.2011. salem-news.com

Japan less likely to trust officials, main media, since disaster
For many older Japanese, the government remains a trusted, paternal overseer. But younger Japanese are now consulting the Internet and other information sources, rather than depending on major media. www.latimes.com

New Leak at Fukushima I Nuke Plant: 230 Tonnes of Water Called "Puddle" By TEPCO
From TEPCO's press conference on December 18. Water with relatively high surface radiation was found where it was not supposed to be on December 18 between the process main building and the solid waste process building.
First it was announced that 125 tonnes of water was found, but it was soon corrected to 230 tonnes. ex-skf.blogspot.com

"EPA finalizes tough new rules on emissions by power plants" (Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson) www.washingtonpost.com

Good morning, re how little regular people comprehend the hazards of a catastrophe like Fukushima and because lilly mentioned coal fired power plants, I was reminded of a disaster that unfolded at the Kingston Steam Plant in East Tennessee almost to the day three years ago. While the absence of a sense for ionizing radiation may excuse people's ignorance of radiation hazards, the people who lived across from the Kingston Steam Plant could literally see the threat rising across the river from their homes.
On Dec. 22, 2008, a retaining wall failed and the mountain of ash sludge building up as a by-product of the coal-fired plant in drying ponds behind the wall gave way. The collapse produced a mudflow (perhaps lahar is more appropriate) so powerful that the mud crossed the river, inundated 300 acres of land and destroyed numerous homes. Fortunately, nobody died. The cleanup cost may reach one billion dollars. The site is located roughly 40 miles upstream from Watts Bar NPP. I wonder whether the mud diluted int the river posed a problem for the NPP. The Kingston Steam Plant disaster only illustrates how flawed our perception of visible risk is. Judgement becomes even more difficult for us, when the dangers are invisible like at Fukushima. en.wikipedia.org

@lillymunster , thanks, I recall the pictures now. The line to which the mud rose was very visible because the mud was reddish. The Tennessee disaster represents a reminder to those who believe that such things don't happen here.

...since we are discussing things that don't happen over here, we don't even have to consider the impact of the Fukushima reactor accidents on public health. What must weigh heavily on residents' mind there is the value of their real estate. Think of a farmer who is trying to sell or lease his land now, or of a home owner!
Perhaps people over here can relate to that better, because it is a palpable consequence. If our nearest nuclear power station incurred only the slightest radiological emergency triggering public advisories on no travel and stay-in-doors, even without evacuation orders, the real estate value around here would plummet to zero.

Before and after pictures of several regions affected on 3.11, seen though google street views, the person who posted this link suggests "please prepare yourself if you decide to visit" - I agree, it is very sad to see towns now vacant and cleaned of debris, contrasted to the before view filled with vibrant communities. www.miraikioku.com