Reconstruction

from The Atlantic:

In just over two weeks, Japan will be observing the one-year anniversary of the disastrous magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck its east coast in March of 2011. The destruction was unprecedented and the loss of life and property were staggering -- more than 15,800 are confirmed dead, with another 3,300 still listed as missing nearly a year later. Photographers documented the many faces of this tragedy and have now returned to give us a look at the difference a year can make, re-shooting places that were photographed during and immediately after the quake.

Have a look at the before/after pictures.

My first thought when I saw these was, "Wow! Look at how far they've come in only a year. Good work, Japan!"

My second thought was, "Dammit."

peace.

My Oppenheimer Journey

J. Robert Oppenheimer is the epitome of confliction.

Back when I was in graduate school, my homie Mark wrestled with the idea of doing a solo piece revolving around the life and times of Mr. Oppenheimer. I have to admit I was only moderately interested primarily because I had very little insight into who he really was. I knew of Oppenheimer and his work on the Manhattan Project, sure. I knew he was the physicist who was credited with the birth of the atomic age, and I knew he received much fanfare from the United States government after his creation decimated the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

But because I hadn't been exposed to his thoughts and views on the world, I figured Mark's project would be more of a "what-if-Hitler-had-a-heart" type of affair. I never imagined the man who built the bomb could have had any semblance of empathy or compassion. I mean, the guy BUILT THE BOMB.

Fast forward to March 2011.

I'm working with a company here in Philadelphia called No Face Performance Group on a new piece their developing called Dime. The project involves the musings and explorations of a little girl named Dime and her interactions with the complexities of science and technology as it's influenced our sense of the world. Many of the moments in the play examine the thoughts, frustrations, beliefs, and conflictions of one Mr. J Robert Oppenheimer.

As I've begun looking into this cat and his work, I'm finally beginning to understand Mark's appeal. Oppenheimer is probably one of the most brilliant, tormented, and misunderstood individuals of the 20th century. The paradox created by his sensitivity to humanity contrasted with his devotion to scientific advancement seems to have burdened him to no end. As gifted as he was, I'm left to wonder how such a learned and worldly individual allowed his ambition to blind him from foreseeing the consequences of his research. Did he believe we'd be better off? Did he doubt the United States' desire to use this weapon? Could he fully comprehend the magnitude of his discovery?

As I explore Mr. Oppenheimer more, I hope to work out some of my questions here. Thanks for humoring me.

peace.

Thoughts on Japan

Have a look at these images.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html

I was going to make this post about something I thought was substantive. I was going to rant about how I felt that even though the Japan earthquake/tsunami tragedy is nothing short of catastrophic, it would have been orders of magnitude worse if it happened in California, given the lack of attention that's been paid to United States infrastructure. I had planned on identifying all of the nuclear power plants in seismically active areas of the country and highlight their vulnerability. I had planned to use this event to be tough on us...again.

But after looking at these pictures and seeing the level of absolute devastation in the affected areas of Japan, all of that seems a bit frivolous now.

And it's not as if I don't believe in those things. I do. But the events occurring now in Japan are of such scope and gravity, I don't feel comfortable using them as the filter through which I may disseminate my political beliefs; not while 1,000 bodies have washed ashore in Miyagi Prefecture.

I commend the media for its coverage of the tragedy. They've conducted themselves with integrity and professionalism. I will continue to take in as much of their reporting as I can to keep myself abreast of the progressing events.

And god helps those cats at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

peace.

Thoughts on Japan Preview

I've been reserving my comments on the tragedy now taking place in Japan for a time when I can adequately wrap my brain around the enormity of this event. I feel every time I get to a point when I can appropriately communicate my thoughts, something else goes awry.

I'm going to make an attempt to share my feelings on this catastrophe tomorrow evening after digesting one more day of coverage and commentary. For now I'll simply say my thoughts and best wishes are with those who've lost during this ordeal. I hope their unimaginable hardships subside quickly.

peace.