Reliable scientists tell us that the small amount of radiation that has reached us from the disaster in Japan is not significant. That is probably true. But what about the large amounts that will reach us when our own nuclear plants are damaged? Does anybody know how to create nuclear power systems that are safe? Can existing plants be retrofitted with improved safety systems that will protect us? If we imagine that the experts are working on these problems, we are probably wrong.
Until I saw Boyd Norton's blog post, I did not realize that there are no programs anywhere in the world to study the safety of nuclear power plants. Norton is a former nuclear physicist who participated in safety studies in the 1960's.
Spiders!
I found this one in the shower this morning. It appears to be an example of the woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata). They specialize in eating the woodlouse (known locally as pillbug or sowbug). They will bite, but their bites, while possibly a bit painful, are not dangerous. They are sometimes mistaken for the poisonous brown recluse spider, but they don't really look alike.
Potholes
According to a story posted today on KTLA's website, "Operation Pothole" will begin this weekend. Street repair crews will attempt to reach the goal of filling 10,000 potholes in two days. The story blames the proliferation of potholes on the recent storms, but anyone who has driven in the Valley during the past few years is painfully aware that, while storms may make things worse, our streets have been plagued with neglected holes for a very long time.Residents can report potholes by calling 311 or 800-996-2489.
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