Fukushima news sources -some reliable ones.

[Bonobo]

http://ex-skf.blogspot.jp/
http://www.youtube.com/blogs/ex-skf

This is a Japanese person who is certainly no apologist. You can view his archive on Fukushima going back to 2011 if you don't believe me.

Yes, from what I can see, he is reliable, fair, factual and scientific.

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http://fukushimaupdate.com


ABOUT
Translator
FukushimaUpdate.com went online on October 16, 2011. It is dedicated to providing news and information related to the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan. With neither a pro- nor anti-nuclear agenda and no axes to grind, Fukushima Update aims to be a one-stop source for reliable, fact-based reporting about the Fukushima situation. In addition to occasional original reporting, the website features editorials, news stories, scientific publications and videos related to the nuclear power industry, nuclear regulation, radiation measurements, and the societal effects of the Fukushima crisis. The mission of this website is to press for greater accountability, transparency and openness from government, regulators, and media with regards to nuclear power and its attendant risks.

Fukushima Update’s Senior Editor is James Corbett of The Corbett Report. For more infromation on James Corbett’s other reporting, please visit corbettreport.com.

[NYC_SKP]

1. As long as it's not ENEnews, I'll give it a try.

FukushimaUpdate looks legit.

Thanks.

[Bonobo]

2. Yes, it is starting to get ridiculous here.

Since people with reasonable opinions and clear heads are not speaking about Fukushima (it is a long term issue, so there it doesn't mach well with sensationalism), then the crazier voices are rising to the surface.

Starfish deaths, new flu outbreaks, dead eagles in Washington State, menstruation and rectal bleeding on US navy personnel ... THAT is what the nuttier people are starting to blame on Fukushima radiation.

My god, if it was doing all that, you would think people in Northern Japan would be dropping off like flies. And how on Earth can anyone think that it wouldn't be reported here in Japan?

Do you have any idea how many Japanese citizens have geiger counters now? They could all start blogs for free you know just like anyone else.

I urge the more rational people here to try to speak up when these nuttier posts appear, otherwise DU really is a vehicle for crazy disinformation.

[RobertEarl]

4. Japan

75% of the air plume from the explosions blew to the east, away from Japan. And the main air currents also flow east. Also, the main water current flows away from Japan. There is a great upwelling off the coast, and a northern current and southern current meet off the east coast of Japan. Those currents force the water into another current that flows across the pacific to the west coast of north America. That is why Tsunami debris is landing on the west coast of N. America.

Japan has been spared from most of the contamination.

This is real science.

[Bonobo]

7. Yes, wind is known to blow in one direction.

It's not like wind blows in all directions or anything.

I mean, you actually believe that a single plume of radiations caused hundreds of Navy personnel on a ship off the coast to develop cancer overnight from a single cloud and yet miraculously Japan itself was spared the worst of it.

I live on an island in Japan, pal. Don't talk to me about wind and water currents.

Yes, main current, got it. But winds and currents go everywhere.

Your ideas are unsupportable because you only take the little bits of "science" that fit your wacky ideas.

[RobertEarl]

12. Sad.

I notice that Skip responded to your link in under 4 minutes with the declaration that the site you linked was reliable. Bwahahaha.

Now, the days after 3/11, Japan was very lucky that the main winds of the N. hemisphere do blow from west to east. Surely you are not denying that long standing science? Why, yes you are.

Then you say the currents go everywhere. Again with the denial of longstanding science that has determined the main current goes away from Japan? WTF!

These are not my 'ideas', this is established climate and atmospheric science.

[zappaman]

13. Sad is a guy who would say "Enenews.com is the best"

And then profess they know what they are talking about.
Sad...laughably sad but sad nonetheless.

[Bonobo]

14. Do you think the starfish deaths and eagle deaths are attributable to Fukushima?

Yes or no.

[RobertEarl]

15. I don't know

How would I know?

But what environmental science does it looks at what is happening and then comes up with ideas about what is causing these things to happen.

So we look at currents, wind, and other environmental effects. We see that the currents do carry water from off Japan, across the pacific, to the west coast. We see that air currents also travel from west to the US and Canada.

We see from records that air that was contaminated with the Fuku plume did carry over to the US in less than a week. We know that contaminants came to the ground with rainfall. We know rains wash eventually into the ocean, carrying with the water all kinds of sediments.

Being as that there have now been many credible reports of unusual and abnormal behaviors and deaths of creatures along the pacific coast from Alaska to southern California, the science points to a major change in the environment there. Now what singular change have we recently seen in the pacific?

[Bonobo]

18. But you continue to post links that certainly suggest they are attributable.

At this point, anything that happens will be attributed by you to Fukushima (with enough vagueness to reverse positions when convenient).

But other species die-offs that occurred before Fukushima do not seem to enter into your considerations. You seem to be aware that the toxification of the oceans has been going on and accelerating for some time, so I would be surprised if you did not -at least intellectually- understand the concept of "tipping-points". Yet wrt the starfish and the eagles and the flu and the host of all the things you have scatter gunned at the wall in the hopes that something sticks - you seem to ignore that it may be either that a tipping point has been reached or that it is merely an isolated outbreak of some type of virus or bacteria (eagles, starfish, etc.)


In other words, it is your near-religious fanaticism to the radiation explanation that, for me, makes what you say on this issue suspect.

Like a religious person who sees a murder scene and must attribute it to the lack of god in people's lives. THAT is how I have come to view your lack of objectivity vis a vis Japan and nuclear issues.

[RobertEarl]

20. Personal attacks again? WTF?

You are the one who has been denying the basic science.

You are the one seemingly claiming that radiation causes no harm, no ill effects, or that it doesn't even exist!!

Like I said, science is a process that tries to describe what is causing the changes. If you can find one link of me stating that radiation HAS caused anything, post it up, and we'll discuss.

Your scattershot approach of denying science while stating no factual evidence tells me you are just scared, and unwilling to examine the environmental effects. And all you can do is attack others who are not afraid to look at all aspects and try to understand why what is happening is happening.

With all the pollutants, added with all the nuclear bombs and accidents, it is a wonder much of anything is still alive. After 30 years of environmental studies and activism, I stand amazed. At this point all I can do is warn people of what may be happening. You have been warned.

[Bonobo]

21. Here is a small example of your woo posts.

These are all your quotes and I have not even scratched the surface:

Starfish wasting:
"It could be that minute amounts of nuclear power plant radiation could be messing up starfish metabolism"

Eagle deaths:
"Those must be some bad ass mosquitoes in SLC." (implying it is NOT West Nile)

New virus:
"And then there is this new virus in people. New virus more contagious, spreads more quickly than most"

General absurdity:
"There are lots of 'strange' deaths."
"There is the report from a sailor who claims on the last trip from Japan to the US, it appeared the ocean life has dwindled remarkably."
"Sardines have disappeared"
"Sea lion deaths on California coasts"

[RobertEarl]

24. Yep. But not woo. Just science.

Those are environmental happenings that have no real known causes.

But it is known that radiation contamination can have an effect on these illnesses and deaths. It is simple math: 1 plus 1 equals 2.

But you are a science denier, so how could you possibly understand any of that science?

[Bonobo]

25. Here is some more of your idea of "science"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023432452#post3

"Rumor has it that Japan had nuclear bomb making capabilities at Fukushima and that part of the explosions we saw were that bomb material going off. And they refuse to sign a no-nuclear use document? Hmmmm"

[longship]

6. I am trying to keep people informed.

But it's difficult to break through to them. They read the posts from Energy News and those sourced from people with agendas, like Arnie Gundersen. And then they try to hang the burden of proof on those who claim that what's being said isn't based on facts. Well, that turns everything upside down, just like the baseless claims.

I've been interacting with a few in another thread this very evening on these topics.

At least it has not gotten nasty. People have been respectful and polite. But I try to be, too.

It's great to have a good source. Hope the guy has academic sources, too. And data.

Regards.

[Bonobo]

9. I am anti-nuclear power and live in Japan.

And the wackier people here try to paint me as a nuclear power shill.

[RobertEarl]

3. Enenews.com is the best

Enenews.com grabs mainstream media sources.

Then people discuss the stories. Nuke supporters don't last long in the discussions as the people doing the discussing are among the most knowledgeable, most concerned about Fukushima, people to be found on the web.

I would imagine anyone who once posted there and who was pro-nuke and now put in their place, would be quite slanted against Enenews.com?

[Bonobo]

5. Your inability to separate woo from science has destroyed your credibility.

You may actually know a lot, but knowledge is useless without the ability to apply it with wisdom.

If you cannot separate crazed speculation about flu outbreaks and dead eagles from a serious discussion, you are not a reliable arbiter of what is the truth.

P.S. I live in Japan and support a ZERO NUCLEAR POWER Japan.

http://www.nippon.com/en/column/g00140/

Koizumi Urges Prime Minister Abe for a Decision

At a press conference held at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on November 12, 2013, former Prime Minister Koizumi Jun’ichirō discussed his position on nuclear power. In view of the March 2011 disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Koizumi said, zero nuclear power can be achieved—if only Prime Minister Abe Shinzō makes the decision. Regarding timing, he said, “We should go to zero now.”

Koizumi’s public adoption of a zero-nuclear position comes in the context of mounting concerns about reactivating the country’s nuclear power plants without final disposal sites for high-level radioactive waste. At the press conference, Koizumi said that it was his visit to the Onkalo final disposal facility in Finland that brought home to him how difficult it will be to build a similar facility in Japan.

“We should go to zero nuclear power immediately,” Koizumi said. “Restarting the plants would mean more nuclear waste. If we can’t find a site for final disposal, we’d better stop using nuclear power right now.” He also said that it would be overly optimistic and irresponsible to assume that progress will be made on a final disposal facility for nuclear waste.

Having said this, he called on Prime Minister Abe: “The public has set the stage for you to use your authority to move us in the right direction [of zero nuclear power]. Ultimately, it’s a question of the prime minister’s judgment and insight.” In other words: It can be done if Abe is determined to do it.

[RobertEarl]

10. Yes. Good for you. And good for Japan

But the pacific ocean? Bad.

All the available science is that the pacific has already suffered from the effects of not just Fukushima, but also the pacific nuclear tests and Chernobyl. It does no one any good to try and wave it all away as if none of it ever happened. That would be an anti-science position and one that from day one of the Fukushima disaster way too many DUers have been doing.

Frankly, I am very embarrassed that any DUers are doing such. Instead of listening and cogitating on the science, they claim everyone but them is unreliable. Well, that's just nuts, and you should know that. Even here i offer you the science and what do you do? Attack, not the science, but the messenger.

[zappaman]

11. You have yet to offer proof or science in regards to any of your claims.

One of the reasons you were tossed from the E & E group, eh?

[zappaman]

8. Thanks for the links!

Good to counter the crap posted from woo sites that some idiots like to believe.
Sad that GD has become so full of crap sites.
I have a cousin who lives in Japan and will pass these along!

[Drew Richards]

16. Hey Bonobo can you please tells us in a nut shell what is going on? You're there I would like

Your opinion on how the situation and cleanup are going. Should we be afraid of incompetence and cover up or are they doing a good Job?

[Bonobo]

17. I'll give you my opinion.

Japanese are highly reliable when working towards a goal. They are self-sacrificing, hard-working, scientific, methodical beyond belief and tremendously disciplined.

I cannot pretend knowledge of specifics, however it is certain that everyone's goals are aligned; whether they be ordinary citizens or workers or higher-ups at Tepco. I am certain that all are working very hard to improve the situation in a careful manner and that is the best we can hope for.

I am NOT afraid of incompetence at this point. Incompetence happens in Japan happens when no one is looking. EVERYONE is looking at this situation and the fear of failure and the pressures to succeed must be overwhelming.

Still, it is an unprecedented situation and so there can be no guarantees. But I am certain that they are moving forward slowly, carefully and methodically and PM Abe's govt. has afforded them massive infusions of cash that they need to do it.

As for coverup, there is some cause for concern on that front, I believe.

However, not on the macro level with regards to hiding radiation levels and such because those things are simply impossible to cover up given the number of eyeballs on the situation, the availability of radiation detection devices and the (still) free access to delivering information on the internet.

The scaremongering that we see here on DU -and in contrast, the steadiness and calmness I see here in Japan - speaks a lot about the cultures of the US and Japan. Japanese people trust each other generally (Tepco not so much) and US people seem to me to be filled with a relatively large amount of fear and loathing for each other compared to Japan. This manifests itself in their behavior and response to events.

[Drew Richards]

19. Thank you

[RobertEarl]

22. Lets not forget

The survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were shunned by Japanese society.

The promises made to the Japanese that nuclear power would be safe are now known as lies.

Reports of coverups of radiation findings in Japan and elsewhere are widespread.

You admit that you are not up on things going on with regards to the contamination and the cleanup. You wrote: "I cannot pretend knowledge of specifics,... "

And well noted is your attacks on the US and America.

[Bonobo]

23. Yes, some of us do NOT pretend knowledge of the specifics.

And thank you for the evidence that your feelings toward Japan go far beyond the present day crisis.

RobertEarl: "Japanese thought they were smarter and could handle that MOX fuel. Well, they can't, so they called in the US."

[RobertEarl]

26. That's weird

Here I have been studying the science and you have been studying RobertEarl. Explains a lot.

[Bonobo]

27. I pay attention to all relevant data points.

The study of human psychology is also a science.

As for your study of the science, I think many would disagree with that statement and your inability to strain out woo does not speak well for your credentials as a scientist.

[Bonobo]

28. More from you, the scientist:

Here's where you say that Fukushima caused your apple tree and dandelions get sick... but oh yeah, you didn't SAY it, you're just asking questions, right? Like any good scientist.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023335495#post3



"Nuclear radiation? Nah.

Thank gawd there hasn't been any major release of that stuff.

But I have seen two-headed dandelions in the last year. And the apple trees did not bear last year. And there were all kinds of butterflies last year and not this year.

Good thing radiation is safe or we'd have problems with bees and whatnot."

[Gravitycollapse]

29. I don't think you have a terribly substantial grasp of nuclear power technology.

Which is evidenced in most of your posts on the subject. For instance, your insistence that Fukushima was heating the Pacific ocean is the kind of argument reserved for those who haven't the foggiest idea of physics or even basic geographical scales.

[RobertEarl]

30. You don't know what you are saying

The other day you ran away, what made you come back with another foolish attack? Geez, nuclear power plants are water heaters. Don't you even know that little fact?

The thread in question showed a temperature anomaly off the coast of Japan. Right smack dead in the middle of the current that flows from Japan toward the US. The signs of the temperature anomaly were from satellites.

You can see a link to the thread in my journal.

[Bonobo]

31. You claimed that the waters heated from Fukushima would be several meters deep in the Pacific

Do you have ANY idea how much water that would be???

[Gravitycollapse]

32. Ran away from what?

The thread with the OP by a white-power radio show?

I'm not saying this to be mean to you but you really seriously don't know what you're talking about. Oddly enough, instead of conceding to that fact, you simply accuse everyone of being nuclear energy supporters. That doesn't erase the fact that your accusations aren't based in real science.

[RobertEarl]

33. Well, you are, aren't you?

A nuclear supporter?

Who can't argue science, either. If you could you would, right? Since you don't....

It is sad the presentation you two are making here. Shit, the Secretary of Energy went to Japan and told them to let the US in because the whole thing is an international problem. Now why the fuck did he say that if it ain't an international problem? You people are talking like nothing fucking happened. The Sec, put that shit to rest, we hoped. But here it is, months later the same shit. Gawd damn, talk about fucking woo. You guys are baking a fucking woo cake.

[Gravitycollapse]

34. I use energy produced by Palo Verde nuclear station...

As do millions of others. It's the largest such station in the country. To properly understand the risk and reward of nuclear power is not to be a supporter. I support renewable energy first and foremost. But I also recognize potential advantages of nuclear power over conventional coal and gas plants. As I've said before, nuclear power has a low risk of accident, the lowest of any source actually, but the capacity for destruction from an accident is likely the highest of any source. Risk and reward. It is never so black and white.

[RobertEarl]

35. Got all the answers do you?

You should know that the former prime minister of Japan, Naoto Kan, who was PM during the Fukushima blow up, used to feel the same as you.

Used to. Having seen the damage up close and being made privy to more information than anyone of us will ever know, he now wants Japan to quit using any nuclear power whatsoever. So, there is that.

[Bonobo]

36. You do okay when you talk about real things.

You should probably stick to that.

[Gravitycollapse]

37. I don't claim to have all the answers.

I'm making a case for a reasoned perspective on the subject of nuclear power. And such a position isn't possible if you keep making things up. Which is exactly what you're doing.

There have been nuclear opponents for decades. I certainly consider their arguments. That doesn't mean I have to agree. See, that's what it means to have intellectual maturity. It's not just the capacity to agree with those of authority but also the ability to disagree when doing so becomes necessary.