Nuclear Plumes 'R' Us

The nuclear disaster in Japan has all but disappeared from the mainstream news, but in case you were wondering: yes, the it is still a serious disaster.  More than two months after the reactors began melting down at the Fukushima Plant, workers are still facing lethal levels of radiation in order to regain control.  However, it's not just the workers and those who live near by who are affected by the disaster (though their exposure is by far the most devastating).  My mom sent me this wonderful link of a forecast map showing a huge nuclear radiation clouds over most of the US and Canada. The wonderful thing about about these clouds is that they are made up of actual radio active particles of Cesium and Iodine. While these particles can be blocked more easily than radioactive waves (alpha particles can be stopped by paper, beta by aluminum), if ingested or inhaled these particles can cause massive cell damage.  The longer the plant in Japan continues to spew these radioactive particles into our air, the greater each of our chances of coming into contact with more of them. Accumulative effects anyone? Something to think about.

Second Week in Montana

After quiting my job and leaving California, I headed out to Montana to spend some quality time with my sister and her family.  I've now spent two weeks in the wonderful town of Missoula.  I haven't gotten out and about much, but here are my observations so far:

• It's pretty. It really is. The city is surrounded by snow topped mountains, and everything below the snow line is green and lush looking.
• Cars stop for pedestrians. This may not be a big deal for some people.  But I've spent the last however many years dodging cars in the crosswalk.  I was pleasantly surprised the other day when, while I was waiting at a corner with no crosswalk, cars in both directions stopped and waiting patiently for me to cross. It's a plus for this city.
• People are polite and clean up after themselves for the most part.  At the coffee shop today, the drink handed to the girl in front of me splashed a little on the counter. She ran and got a napkin to wipe it up, while the employee was busy working on another drink.  Also, every public bathroom I have been in so far has been decently clean: another sign of consideration.
• For a smallish town, they have culture. I've learned that Missoula is home to several great film festivals. This weekend I volunteered for a few hours at the International Wildlife Film Festival. They had films from around the world, and top experts in wildlife and film came to participate in panels.

On the downside, road planning was done by crazy people. There is actually a three-way road junction that the locals call "malfunction." Otherwise, so far so good. I would recommend stopping for visit if you are passing through Montana anytime soon.

Yet another new beginning...

So... I decided that the news business was full of people I don't really want to be around, doing things I don't really want to take part in. That's not to say that there aren't good people trying there best to uphold journalistic standards and maintain integrity.  I really like those people.  I also decided that I don't agree with the idea of "paying your dues" when that means you are overworked, underpaid, and mistreated.

Today officially marks the start of my adventures in freelancing, whatever that may entail: writing inane content for info websites, pulling out my camcorder, or even actual journalism. As part of this adventure, I am including this recently neglected blog, as well as a new video blog I have under construction (I'll have the link when it's ready).   I think "oscopy," however, may die.  I will endeavor to update these sites several times a week.  I am posting about this 'cause, now I actually have to do it!