And yet it's hard not to think of calm, informative BBC coverage of an epic disaster as being fodder for a Monty Python skit.

As opposed to the American press who are mostly ignoring the actual death, destruction, and suffering going on in Japan in order to metaphorically flap their arms and run around in circles yelling “Nuclear! Nuclear! We’re all gonna die!”

That's good comedy, too.

Newsflash: Brit and Jap(anese) culture involves a lot of restraint. American culture does not.

While unnecessary sensationalism is not wanted, the Japanese government may be downplaying the dangers a little too much.

I do not claim to have done enough research to postulate on this in detail and provide strong backing, but it was something I heard about on the news on my drive home and a quick Google search has some interesting links.

I am not screaming against nuclear energy, just trying to point out another (possible) angle.

One of the things that bugs me about the US media's coverage is that they are acting like the problems at the Nuclear plant which so far have not killed anyone are far more important or newsworthy than the over 3000 confirmed deaths (with thousands still missing) and massive destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami. The rescue efforts, the plight of the survivors – lack of food, water, electricity, and shelter in freezing temperatures – barely rate a mention. It’s all about sensationalism and how they can frighten the most people into watching or reading them..

I wish I had a stockpile of iodine tablets that I could sell on eBay to all of the hysterical idiots for massive profit.

Lol- my mind immediately went there when I read JW's post.:D

Bids are up to $100 for 14 tablets vs a more normal $40 for 200 tablets.

Yeah, that's a bit of a markup.