earthquakes

all over the place.

I am turning so cynical and unsympathetic

about earthquakes.

I mean ones in places like Oklahoma and Virginia.

I do want to be sympathetic

because to some people earthquakes

are traumatic experiences

but I also want yell suck it up!

A 5.8 and a handful of aftershocks

is a walk in the park

and the earthquakes aren't actually too bad.

Most people around here freak out because

they know what comes after the earthquake

not because of the actual shaking and rumbling....

that doesn't last long and will end.

I do feel enormous empathy for those

in Japan or third world countries who have natural disasters.

The millions and millions displaced by floods in Pakistan et al.

It's not just the water that's the problem.

It's that the bulk of the arable land is now destroyed

and for the foreseeable future

so no crops this year or next

means famine.

It's not like here where we went without

chocolate, coffee and cheese

(and a few other things like bread)

for six or so weeks.

We knew food would be there at some point

plus we had our gardens and food storage,

even if it was all over the floor.

Yes we have had 8500 earthquakes and aftershocks

Yes we have 1200 buildings that are being or will be demolished,

everyday is a snapshot of history in

Christchurch as people's past is erased.

Yes at least 5000 families will lose their homes and land.

Yes we are losing 1000 workers a month

just when we need them most.

Yes there are 250,000 shaky people who all

know someone who was killed on Feb 22nd.

(Christchurch is really small)

It's our new normal.

So if you happen to have a earthquake

with a couple of decent aftershocks

good on you.

It's a rude surprise

not the end of the world.

Will return to normal broadcasting shortly,

just having a get off my chest day today.