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Subscribe to RSSAnn Curry reports from Japan for a special Dateline Sunday on March 13th, at 7pm/6c, about the latest update on the earthquake and how social media has sped up global recovery efforts.
Reposted from MSNBC's Technoblog by Suzanne Cheney:
These sites can help you find more real-time information about the Japanese earthquake, people you might be looking for and other related information:
• NTT DoCoMo is Japan's largest mobile phone operator. At this NTT DoCoMo site, you can enter the cell phone number of the person whose safety you're trying to confirm.
If you're trying to call, Nikkei.com notes that NTT DoCoMo has "imposed restrictions on up to 80 percentof voice calls, primarily to northeastern Japan and the greater Tokyo area. Cellular phone customers, however, are having difficulties placing voice calls to most areas nationwide." However, "Access to data communications, including its i-mode cell phone Internet service, has not been affected," according to the operator.
• Facebook has set up a Japan Earthquake page for information about disaster relief. Also, Asahi Shimbun, Japan's biggest newspaper, has a Facebook page that is worth checking, as is the newspaper's English-version website.
• On Twitter, the short messaging blog, use these hashtags, or identifiers, to learn more: #japan, #prayforjapan and #tsunami.
• The U.S. Department of State has a Japan Earthquake & Pacific Tsunami Web page with contact phone numbers. "For concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in Japan," the department recommends e-mailing to: JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov, and for information about a "specific U.S. citizen in the Tsunami zone outside of Japan," e-mail to: PacificTsunamiUSC@state.gov.
Here is the state department's page on Twitter and on Facebook.
• Google Crisis and Response page: As Rosa Golijan writes, this Web page "provides links to disaster resources, related news reports, and the Google Person Finder tool." On Friday, Google also added links to flight information for these airlines: American, ANA, Delta, JAL and United.
• The American Red Cross also has a tool called "Safe and Well" on its website." Those in Japan can use the site to let loved ones know whether they're all right, and friends and family can also search the site for names of those they're looking for by clicking on the "search registrants" button.
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Watch Kate Snow's report for Nightly News on the diligence of Japan's disaster preparation:
The island nation is hailed for having some of the best disaster preparedness in the world, and as NBC's Kate Snow reports, all that effort likely saved thousands of lives.
Leave a Comment:
That most recent segment (images with a horrible insensitive commentary) on NBC's Dateline should make the NBC execs squirm in their tight suits. Can you imagine if you were waiting on news of your love one's fate in Japan and saw that piece of unbelievable snarkiness. This disaster is nothing to be making cutesy rhymes about. NBC should be embarrassed.
I agree. That was disgusting. I can't believe they would be so insensitive, callous, and out of touch.
Irresponsible reporting and poorly chosen words by your chief science reporter, Bazel, when he said "a miniature atomic bomb, under control." If he understood a reactor, it is not a bomb under control, it cannot explode although the fuel may overheat and melt. Maybe Mr. Bazel should research the topic before he reports and unnecessarily alarms an uninformed audience.
too bad that everyone can't be as "Wise" and informed as you.
You know, there's a complainer or whiner in every crowd, and I guess he's it!
Keith Morrison's Dateline video essay tonight was totally inappropriate given the tremendous scope of the tragedy that's unfolding in Japan. His narration sounded more like something out of Dr. Seuss' "Cat In the Hat" vs the kind of sobering commentary he should have brought. It trivialized the very losses it described with it's lilting alleteration and off-handed manner.Unbelievable. Apparently, NBC forget to send an editor or sr. producer with Keith. In any event, I found it to be completely insensitive and beyond strange. It's not a Discovery Channel show, it's a terrible tragedy and should be covered as such. NBC news execs shoudl really get a grip on their coverage of this devastating event.
I disgaree, and thought Morrison's photoessay was terribly moving. Reflecting the horrific vastness of the tragedy in the faces of old and young will make many cry...and hopefully find a way to help these poor victims and those elsewhere as well. The piece was emotional, and met its goal. Good job.
Couldn't agree more with the sentiments expressed by "This End Up" Was completely stunned by the tone of the piece.
JP= You must be a relative (or high!)
I absolutely agree. How could this narration with such nonchalance been approved and aired? Inappropriate and insensitive to say the least.
I am speechless after I just saw the Morrison report on MSNBC To treat this as a Charles Osgood Sunday morning "piece" is beyond offensive and insensitive. WTF? Really - I can't believe ANYONE would approve such a take on this disaster. Heads should roll.
"Maybe there's a gene for toughing it out." "Of course, the Japanese have experience with radiation, too, not just earthquakes."
Smarmy, condescending, racist, dumb, dumb, dumb....
I agree with This End Up. That was sickening and disgusting...and that's putting it lightly.
its amazing.... a country is in peril and Americans sit at home with their coffee and cake discussing how insensitive reporters are talking about that "peril"
give five bucks if you can to help the cause... but i bet you wont do that either....
This End Up, Thomas, P Kogane, Dathan, Totally Agree...... get off your bums!
I was also horrified at the tone of the piece, I could barely finish it. I think the "gene for toughing it out" just made me gag and we had to switch channels. I agree with patriot that a donation would be more productive, than just complaining. But it really shocked me that a piece like this could air on NBC.
I've never complained about anything I've seen on TV, but I was also horrified by this Keith Morrison's commentary and the stupid soundtrack cut with oriental music. This End Up really summed up how I felt about this piece. I kept wondering if they'd allow such a commentary on 9/11 or Katrina. It's so wrong.
Patriot is right that a donation is much more useful than complaining this segment, but I'm baffled that NBC could air this?
On Keith Morrison's Dateline video essay
Very, very strange "piece"!!! If there were no lives lost (zero dead) and things were back to normal tomorrow, I would accept that "piece" as an artistic endeavor to show the awesome power of nature. But the scope of the tragedy that has befallen the country of Japan, leaving thousands dead and many more thousands suffering make that "piece" seem quite sadistic! The tone, the rhyming phrases, the music...it was smug and it was sick. I will never listen to the voice of Keith Morrison the same. He obviously thinks pretty highly of himself to come up with that "piece".
If any of you have watched any Dateline reporting that Keith Morrison does, you will know that his sing-songy, catch-phrasing, irritatingly non-sympathic way of speaking is his style. He reports all catastrophies, murder mysteries, and other horrific "pieces" in the very same way. I agree with you that NBC execs should listen to all of us and others who complain and perhaps move him into the reporting of uplifting stories about heros, talented children, and unique gardening tips. I think Ann Curry does a marvelous job at reporting the truly unimaginable, with obvious care, concern, and deep empathy in her voice. Without exeption. Will the NBC execs listen? Will they read this blog?
I agree with This End Up. As survivors of the Kobe earthquake in 1995, we found the tone of the segment glib and Andy Rooney-esque, not at all conveying the tragedy of the circumstances nor the quiet dignity of the Japanese people who are suffering. The photos would have been better with only the musical background.
I think it's great that you told the story of how Facebook allowed people to find out about their loved ones in Japan. Perhaps you should feature the dark side of the Facebook posts during this disaster. I read numerous posts on Facebook that associated the earthquake and tsunami to God's and Mother Nature's retribution on Japan for it's attack on Pearl Harbor. i am continued to be amazed and appalled by some American's ignorance and hatefulness. These people should be ashamed of themselves.
I was so disturbed by the almost mocking tone of the narrator Keith Morrison during the montage of photos showing the tragic effects of the Japan earthquake. I find it hard to believe that this disrespectful commentary made it through the approval levels for broadcast on NBC. It was like this fellow was trying to channel Andy Rooney with some funny quirky take on a public event or phenomenon.
I noticed that when he launched into a commentary on how well (or not) the US was prepared for earthquakes, his tone didn't seem quite so mocking. A reason perhaps?
In any event, I can only hope NO ONE in Japan saw it. A major US network spewing such stuff - insulting! Please forgive us, Japan. We are with you in heart and spirit! NBC does NOT represent us in our grief for your land.
Couldn't agree more. The Morrison piece was totally offensive. I travel to and work in Japan every 3 years. I will send my money to help the victims of this disaster, but don't think I'll ever be able to view NBC with any sort of respect again. Unbelievable lack of judgement.
I know what you're saying! I am just relieved that others wrote in. There's hope for us yet!
Is there any possibility NBC will listen? (never mind, I think I know the answer to that!)
What were you thinking with that voiceover Keith Morrison??? This isn't some cutesy, children's story. This isn't the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. This is one of the greatest tragedies of our time. SHAME on you for allowing this sickeningly sweet, smiling and sing-song voice accompany the horrific photos of the tsunami's aftermath.
Hmmm, perhaps voiceover on tsunami still photo montage was Steve Forest. Not sure. Whether Forest or Morrison - completely inappropriate for the horrors we were seeing.
I absolutely 100% agree with the people who have commented about the horrible narration accompanying the piece in the middle of the show. Bizarre and grossly inappropriate! I never go to the trouble of leaving comments but that smarmy voice who thought he was doing the Grinch That Stole Christmas should be fired for his insensitivity. Who thought that was a good idea? Appalling. Cutesy, lilting, tell-a-story narration for one of the worse disasters of our time, the backdrop for death and irreversible heartache? Does this guy understand what real compassion is? It doesn't sound like he feels it... There's no substitute for the real thing. The human race deserves your apology.
I too couldn't believe the narrator's tone of voice and how he presented this horrific tragedy that has happened to other human beings. I bet you wouldn't have that "smirky" tone if it the tragedy happened in your home town, it was your loved ones were unaccounted for, and your home and life that was destroyed. I just pray that the people involved, including the narrator, learn from this, and NEVER do it again. These are our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons you were talking about in such an inhuman way. Shame on You MSNBC for letting this air. You should get on your knees and ask God to forgive you!!!
For a moment there I thought I might have been going crazy. Good to see that others reacted the very same way my wife and I did to Keith Morrison's surreal folktale delivery of an incredibly insensitive narrative. NBC should be ashamed. One has to wonder how many producers, editors, and fellow news personnel saw this and either were as disconnected with reality as Mr. Morrison, or too insensitive to care before its broadcast. Unbelievable.
I agree with everyone here. I watched Dateline last night, hungering for more news about the devastating tragedy in Japan. Instead I got a smug, condescending commentary that offered no fresh news or insights, just a rehash of what all the other news organizations had already reported, masquerading as art. I actually felt that Keith Morrison was wearing a smile (or maybe a sneer) on his face as he delivered this piece. Morrison's credentials are impeccable, and I am sure he is a caring person, but it certainly did not come across in this piece. It was so completely inappropriate and insensitive that I feel Dateline should deliver a public apology for the segment's overall tone. It was offensive to anyone with a brain and a heart.
My wife (who is a citizen of Japan) was appalled by your editor's use of Kodo drummer music at the end of your piece. Kodo drummer music is NOT to be associated with disasters but ancient celebratory events or festivals. This highly inappropriate, naive juxtaposition seemed only to sensationalize this enormous tragedy with your viewers while striking a distal chord with those still struggling to hear word on the safety of their love ones and close friends and colleagues in the stricken areas.
Unfortunately, I was unable to view tonight's 7 p.m. show and would like to know how. In viewing your comments, many of you seem angry about the truth. As a former journalist, I only want to the know the truth, in everything I do. I don't know why you think the media should sugarcoat reality. I object to sensationalism, which often happens with local broadcasting, but this is one of the most tragic events in our history. During the Vietnam War, I was in high school, and we watched bodies and burials and the truth about the war. Seen any of that footage over the past five years? Thousands of young men and women have died, and it's a distant reality. It's never covered in the news. Instead of blasting the media, you ought to be asking them why they can no longer broadcast the truth. That's the real question. And it has more to do with the bottom line, corporate control and the loss of real, investigative journalism. I don't want to be insensitive to people in pain, and ethical journalists are not, but we need to know what's happening. And, how we can help.
Dottie, watch the segment. It's on this site, and get back to us. "Angry about the truth" is nearly as disconnected with reality relative to these comments as Mr. Morrison was with his narrative tonight.
We seem to be angry about the truth, dear former journalist? Before you wave any flags for that particular parade, please listen to the particular narration we are all discussing and then see whether the tone of that piece was "truth". This narrator was doing anything BUT telling the truth with his tone and his words. He wasn't sugarcoating reality; he was mocking and minimizing it.
Hope you can find a copy of this to watch - it was on the last half of the show.
Then come back here and tell us what you think.
Blessings
Brian. That was a perfect response to Dottie's ignorant comments. Dottie, as a journalist, so far you are lacking credibility; you are not even willing to do the research necessary to comment appropriately. Or perhaps this is par for the course?
Keith's fairy-tale presentation is upsetting. Many of the bodies still under the ruins have not been identified. A professional knows how to deliver the truth, especially when human lives are concerned. We are looking at a mass grave and I didn't appreciate the, "look whats happened to the neighborhood" attitude without sensitive acknowledgement or sincere sympathy regarding the devastating loss.
Ok....I first owe Mr. Wise an apology....I saw just a few seconds of one of the narratives from Dateline...the Reporter with the last name of Morrison I think it was.........almost mocking Japan, in the way he described the devastation, as if it was some sort of sick 'art forms' That was inexcusible, and insensitive....I hope NBC BRASS read some of these blog entries and take a hard look at how they put together that show. I guess they thought it would be 'cute' to act as if what happened in Japan, was in some way that country's own fault for what happened!
Pathetic
Maybe someone should copy all these and make sure the Brass gets a copy of it. I wonder if Jay Leno heard it? as he would no doubt have a comment.
You know it
This last segment was the most horrific thing I have seen on TV in a long time. I feel that we should apologize to any Japanese who might have seen this. NBC should fire the narrator immediately.
I live in japan, and I have no idea what anyone is commenting about. Due to regional restrictions, we are unable to stream NBC.....
Maybe that's a good thing?
Darn right it's a good thing! If someone there does see it, PLEASE tell them we Americans do NOT stand behind NBC's treatment of the Japanese tragedy. PLEASE!
what ever your comments may be regarding the dateline special, it doesn't change the disaster that occured. japan is our friend and we must not lose sight of this. these are human beings, just as you are. no matter how the show was narrated, my heart aches so bad for our friends in japan. any news is better than none. i do agree the narration by morrison was awful, yet in the grand picture of it all, im sure those affected by the tsunami will not have means to watch it.
Wow - I can't believe you devoted an entire segment to social media. What a waste of valuable airtime.
So far from a waste of time...On Dateline last night (March 13), there was a segment of how the social media connects us during crisis. Nothing could be more true. My 22-year old daughter is alone in Japan right now and a few seconds of a video she took during the earthquake was shown at the very beginning of Kate Snow's piece. Hearing her voice..."Oh my God" and "I'm so scared right now" puts into perspective her true, raw feelings at the time. Being able to post the entire video later on her youtube account (Meaphe) and then her subsequent videos helped her create an incredible two-way exchange with family and friends to help her through this horrible, and terribly lonely event.
Keith Morrison was a very inappropriate choice of commentator. Just like Chris Hanson is associated with catching a sexual predator, Morrison makes one think of an inconsequential report on a 20 year old unsolved mystery. I found it very crass and disturbing as well. And as a side note, at the end of the hour it said to log on to dateline.msnbc.com to see how you can help and I have yet to find that link!
Bonnie Waltrip if you find the link to help, please post it. I can't find it either.
If anyone missed it, here's the link:
3032600/#42063338
There's a "how to help" beneath all the comments, but it links to the Gulf disaster and a food bank in Ohio, so I gave up.
Please do not add insult to injury. The "Asian" background music played behind the scenes of devastation is Chinese, not Japanese.
At the end of the show, I was stunned with the selection of highly inappropriate background music: the devastation of the video clips were serenaded by optimistic Chinese pentatonic melodies and ceremonial Japanese drumming. I found it extremely offensive.
Whether or not anyone approves of the Dateline piece, the real focus needs to be on helping the victims of this natural disaster. Who cares about a video/voiceover in the context of real, painful life going on? Forget the piece! Pay attention to the people in trouble and send some help!
I watched Keith Morrison's piece silently screaming inside. Images of utter devastation, unbelievable horrors are shown while his narration takes on a folksy tone (i remember when he was a local newscaster in Los Angeles, and he certainly NEVER reported the news like that). It's as though he is recounting a fairy tale "in a far off land", but clearly the images indicate there is no happy ending as their heartbreak in these devastating images is so affecting it becomes our shared pain as well. He had the privilege of seeing firsthand the vast scope of this catastrophe and this is what he came up with? A trite piece full of smart and nonchalant remarks conveyed with minimum to zero empathy. I am ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED with Keith Morrison and ANYONE associate with the editing and approval of this piece. Next time I see KM on air, I will be sure to turn the channel...
I feel the same way. I couldn't believe the words that were coming out of Morrison's mouth. I felt the whole piece to be so insensitive, offensive and smug with this ongoing tragedy. I became so disgusted, angry and sick to my stomach that I couldn't watch the rest of the show. I can't believe NBC allowed that to air, but on second thought...
I have been watching this disaster unfold piece by piece over the past few days just like millions around the world. Every time I see the videos, especially today, of tsunami waves washing over the countryside with cars, homes and people already dead and moving along in the wave, then over barrier walls, then catching a brief horrifying glimpse of drivers who I know were not able to outrun that wave, I am caught in a trance, not believing what I am seeing. To hear Keith Morrison reduce this emotion to dribble in a voiceover is beyond comprehension. What was he thinking? What was NBC thinking? Clearly they were not.
what a moron is that keith morrison! it is not a fairy tale or a movie analysis. it is real life natural disaster that occured in japan for crying out loud. is he on pills or just plain stupid. NBC, kick him in the middle or his piece is what you want america and the world to hear?
Perhaps he should have said nothing and let the visuals speak for themselves! It is that horrific!