Deaths Of 20,000 Japanese Afford Planet Solid 15 Minutes In Which Everyone Acts Like A Human Being

[Devil_Fish]

EARTH—Following the recent earthquake and tsunami that tragically took the lives of an estimated 20,000 Japanese citizens, the planet Earth was afforded a good 15 minutes during which its inhabitants behaved like actual human beings, sources reported.
In the quarter-hour that followed news of the massive natural disaster obliterating entire towns and killing or injuring thousands of innocent men, women, and children, social scientists around the globe reported rare—and in many cases unprecedented—occurrences of individuals feeling genuine empathy for their fellow humans, recognizing the evanescence of life, and experiencing a deep sense of awe and humility toward the overwhelming power of nature.
After the 900 seconds had passed, however, this behavior reportedly ceased.
"Though its duration was incredibly brief, in this span of time the entire human race was able to temporarily forget all its petty political interests, narcissism, greed, and ironic detachment for a few moments and behave like real people with compassion and respect," social scientist Dr. Robert Westbrook said of the short-lived burst of basic decency. "There is no evidence of any significant bickering, lying, preening, or self-involvement during this period. In fact, it appears that all 6.7 billion human beings simply stopped for one quarter of an hour, became filled with genuine emotion, and said, 'Oh, no, those poor people,' while keeping their baser instincts in check."
More: http://www.theonion.com/articles/deaths-of-20000-japanese-afford-planet-solid-15-mi,19785/

[Urban Prairie]

1. Exactly what happened for real for ~3 months after 9/11

Strangers actually were more noticeably polite to each other in public, I was still in shock over what happened back then, but I did notice a sea change that gradually returned to normal, then of course, the inevitable return to rude/aggressive driving behavior (a sure sign), and heated disagreements between conservatives/rightwingers and liberals/progressives returned with a vengeance..heh!!

[aquart]

3. The first time someone gave me the finger after 9/11 I was so relieved!

But the first time I heard traffic noise again, I cried. It meant I could sleep again.

[aquart]

2. The Onion.