Japanese Crisis

[OldGoat]

Hi all,

As you know, Japan is in a terrible mess right now. I wish you would join me in thinking about the people there and hope for the best for them in the worst of times. The crisis there hits home with me and my wife particularly because we have close ties with some folks there.

The four gentlemen in the attached picture took the time to drive from Denver CO last year to meet us in Stratford TX for just one evening, knowing the long drive they had ahead in order to attend a meeting in Laramie WY the next day. Two of them came to the US to spend 3 months each with me in my lab, Dr. Takeuchi in '94 and Dr. Takatsu in '99 (when my wife was a postdoc in the lab).

I have been in contact with them, and have been assured that they and their immediate families are doing OK, all things considered. Takatsu was the closest to the damage, living and working in Tokyo. Mr. Hibino has extended family in the Miyogi prefecture which was slammed pretty badly. All but Takatsu live and work further inland and well south of the majority of the destruction.

Additionally, my wife, as a kiddo, participated in a 4H exchange program where she spent a month in Japan and her friend spent a month here in west Texas.

Your thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated.

[gino]

OG, Your friends are in my prayers!