http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sakN2hSVxA

ok, I don't even know what to say, one of the most crazy videos I have seen in a loooong time :) I mean, it's a very good metaphor for kids to understand, but... omg :D :D

And seriously, good luck to everyone who is affected.

what's wrong with the video. How do you explain to three year old the situation with the power plant?

Of course you use basic terms and metaphors to which he can relate.

I don't see a problem with that beyond the fact that adults probably learn just as much from it.

The crazy thing is that I see Rebecca Black - Friday in suggestion videos.

Because its also crap. ;)

I still don't really get why the foreign media, et. al., are making such a drama over the state of the reactors. Compared to the death toll (over 11,000 and rising) and devastation directly attributed to the 9.0 quake and 10m+ high Tsunami, this so far is nothing.

In the grand scale of things, it's irradiated a small area of the country, made some TEPCO workers sick, once again exposed that TEPCO are incompetent and don't follow safety procedures properly, made a few workers sick and forced several regions to no longer be able to sell some goods domestically and temporarily fucked up the power grid.

The rest of the reactor disaster is the result of scaremonger perpetrated by the foreign media.

Until such a time as the reactors reach a state truly comparable to that of Chernobyl, it would be in everyone's best interest to concentrate on those who have suffered as a result of the earthquake and Tsunami -- they're the ones who actually need help right now.

</slightly off-topic mini rant>

Unfortunately the reason for this is disgustingly simple. No matter how large the death toll, since it's foreign and has little ability to affect people over here the whole thing can only hold the attention of people here for a limited amount of time. However, radiation is something that people here find scary (due to how ignorant people are about it), and it can also be presented in such a way as to infer that it could pose a danger to people living over here. And the fear that generates in people keeps them glued to the news channels for far longer than any reports about death tolls or reports on efforts to pick up the pieces following the real disasters. In short, news media over here is focusing on the nuclear angle because that sells far better than reports about the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.

She is the poop?

@bansama: The American public is freaking out because everyone is ignorant on how nuclear reactors work. I think they automatically think of Chernobyl, with the largest difference in being this was caused by a natural disaster, not gross negligence and improper safety protocols.

I wanted to volunteer my spring break to help with recovery efforts, but since it was only a week, nobody would take me :/

Oh, you mean like this? It's no wonder everyone is scared shitless - the media thrives on terror like cannibals on a human skin covered birthday cake.

What is a cuclear plant?

Stupid cow is almost as intelligent as the fucked up news ticker.

I have to wonder whether the news ticker was written by Jacqueline "My writing is just fine!" Howett.

I guess you cannot explain it the same way to kids than to adults but when watching I feel like the video is overly simplifying. It doesn't feel like a nuclear catastrophy anymore. Can't they at least take the metaphor of an erupting vulcano or a very bright sun/sunburn or something like this?

I think Homer Simpson is smarter than her