The Energon Pub

News Credits: 3599 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:20 pm

Autobot032 wrote:
Caelus wrote:I was glad this ran on the front page this morning b/c I don't know when I would have found out about it otherwise.

I think it would be nice if the news-staff maybe kept the story updated with information about useful things people could do.

I'm seeing lots of people here throwing down 'wishes' and 'prayers', or getting upset about insensitive comments, but I have a feeling that when the time comes to pony up money or man hours to actually help, few if any of us will actually do anything.

As the man said - "If wishes was horses, we'd all be eating steak."

Now THIS is an insensitive comment. You have no idea what any of us are capable of, or will do. Instead of wasting energy making posts like these, take your own advice.

This is really unfair comment. I've donated money in the past to the Red Cross for 9-11, the 2004 Tsunami, and Hurricane Katrina. Everyone's got their own things to deal with and their own lives. Letting others know that you care and are thinking about them is sometimes all people CAN do.

I did what I could immediately do by working with fellow Seibertron.com staff member Mach to make sure that we brought this news to everyone because it's such a major event. It's not my responsibility to update the news pertaining to this on a regular basis -- but we did provide links to BBC News, CNN, etc where people CAN view regular updates if they so desire. I also informed people about this via the Seibertron.com Twitter and Facebook feeds and status updates. I also stayed up about 3 or 4 hours past my bedtime to make sure that this news got posted, and only got 4 hours of sleep last night to see how things were going and to check in on this thread.

Rather than accusing people of doing nothing, it might be more helpful to provide links to where people can donate money to cheritable causes, if they so desire. Think thoughts like "the glass is half full" instead of the "glass is half empty". If you guys find a common cause that some of you like (such as Red Cross), I don't have a problem with promoting it on the site a little to continue to help on my part.

For those that can donate, please keep in mind that some may be unable to donate at this time or they simply might not want to. It doesn't make anyone a better or lesser person and we shouldn't be making comments that judge others based on their willingness to help. Sometimes prayer or keeping others in their thoughts is all that some people can do. And there's definitely something to be said for that as well as being able to financially help. Everyone has their own way of dealing with this situation and with helping.

News Credits: 3599 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:23 pm

Diem wrote:It sounds flippant but it isn't intended to be; a lot of fans here have been indirectly helping by buying Takara and helping Japan's economy. It's a bit of a stretch, I admit, but it's true.

I am sure that before too long we will be presented with a lot of opportunities to financially contribute, just like with Katrina.

You make a very good point. Many of us are inadvertently helping simply by contributing to our hobby. Putting money into an economy keeps the process turning.

News Credits: 6 · by **Dr. Caelus** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:23 pm

Mindmaster wrote:Quick fact; Did you know that only 1% of the Japanese population is Christian?

Quick fact; Did you know that only 1% of the Japanese population over the age of 15 is illiterate?

Quite impressive!

For more interesting facts about Japan, you can visit the CIA World Factbook.

News Credits: 3599 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:24 pm

Caelus wrote:FYI - If you do something real to help, post it - anonymous donations are very noble, but social influence accomplishes more.

----------------------------

LiKwid wrote:Donated to the red cross..Their gonna need alot of help on this one ..Hope everybody affected pulls through..

Like that. Thank you LiKwid.

Just saw that you updated your signature earlier today to include a link to Red Cross. That's what I'm talking about. That's very awesome. Thank you for sharing the link. Here it is for everyone to see in case you missed it in Caelus' signature ...

https://american.redcross.org/site/SPag ... gwod0TXZCQ

News Credits: 3599 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:30 pm

Caelus wrote:
CelticDragon wrote:For lack of anything better to actually be "doing", I've donated to the Red Cross. I'm sure, as time goes by, there will be other opportunities but that's a start.

THANK YOU.

I'll have to talk to the wife about that.

To make life simpler for others:

https://american.redcross.org/site/SPag ... gwod0TXZCQ

It's a done deal. I sent them $50 for the time being.

Dear Ryan,

The American Red Cross is acting swiftly to put your donation to work in communities affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. We are supporting relief work to meet critical needs. On behalf of those we serve by our humanitarian mission, thank you.

As one of 186 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world, we belong to a global humanitarian network of 13 million volunteers uniquely positioned to save lives and provide assistance to those affected by emergencies, such as the earthquake and tsunami in countries across the Pacific.

We’re grateful to have your support. To learn more about your gift at work, please visit redcross.org. On those rare occasions when donations exceed our American Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Once again, thank you for your generous gift.

Sincerely,

The American Red Cross

*************************************************

Your Red Cross gift today could be matched dollar for dollar or more! Check with your company or visit this online directory of matching gift companies and find out if your company will match your contribution to the American Red Cross. If you have questions about your company's matching program, please contact your human resource representative.

Please print the following for your records:

This letter serves as the tax receipt for your gift. Under the United States Internal Revenue Code, The American Red Cross is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. Please see Internal Revenue Service Publications 526 and 1771 for official Federal government information on charitable contributions. Our tax identification number is 53-0196605. For reference purposes, you did not receive anything of value from the Red Cross in return for this donation. If you have any questions about your donation, please contact us at redcross.org/contactusdonor or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Transaction Summary
Transaction Date: 3/11/11

Donation Information
Level: One Time
Amount: $50.00

Payment Information
Payment type: Credit Card
Credit Card Number: ****************

Billing Information

First Name: Ryan
Last Name: Yzquierdo

Street Address 1: ************************************
ZIP/Postal Code: *****
City: ************************************
State/Province: IL

Communication Preferences
Email Address: ************************************
Email opt-in: No

Gift Amount: $50.00

Tax-deductible Amount: $50.00

News Credits: 37 · by **SlyTF1** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:43 pm

Red 50 wrote:It's Horrible!

Volcanoes erupting, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis...
Is Earth really getting revenge on us for what humankind has done to it?

Exactly.

News Credits: 668 · by **Autobot032** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:47 pm

SlyTF1 wrote:
Red 50 wrote:It's Horrible!

Volcanoes erupting, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis...
Is Earth really getting revenge on us for what humankind has done to it?

Exactly.

Just take this crap to another thread. We don't need conspiracy theories and end times stuff here.

This is serious.

News Credits: 37 · by **SlyTF1** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:51 pm

Mindmaster wrote:Quick fact; Did you know that only 1% of the Japanese population is Christian?

ZOMG! I'm sorry, but I think that this is why. The same thing with Katrina. 2 totally different places with equally devastating natural occurrences is way beyond coincidence.

News Credits: 37 · by **SlyTF1** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:52 pm

Autobot032 wrote:
SlyTF1 wrote:
Red 50 wrote:It's Horrible!

Volcanoes erupting, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis...
Is Earth really getting revenge on us for what humankind has done to it?

Exactly.

Just take this crap to another thread. We don't need conspiracy theories and end times stuff here.

This is serious.

I am serious. Why else would it happen?

News Credits: 668 · by **Autobot032** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:54 pm

SlyTF1 wrote:
Autobot032 wrote:
SlyTF1 wrote:
Red 50 wrote:It's Horrible!

Volcanoes erupting, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis...
Is Earth really getting revenge on us for what humankind has done to it?

Exactly.

Just take this crap to another thread. We don't need conspiracy theories and end times stuff here.

This is serious.

I am serious. Why else would it happen?

Stop. It.

SlyTF1 wrote:
Mindmaster wrote:Quick fact; Did you know that only 1% of the Japanese population is Christian?

ZOMG! I'm sorry, but I think that this is why. The same thing with Katrina. 2 totally different places with equally devastating natural occurrences is way beyond coincidence.

I don't know what your personal beliefs are, but I'm a Christian and I'm not thinking this way. Some might, but not all. In fact, right now, most of us are flat out worried for their safety, and pray they'll be taken care of. It's between them and God what happens next. Not our place to judge.

Thanks for making us look bad.

News Credits: 3599 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:54 pm

Jazz-1982 wrote:
Seibertron wrote:I can't even imagine living through something like this. I've been watching it unfold on the television for the past 2.5 hours just in awe of the destructive forces wreaking havoc before my very eyes on live television. This is just insane. Historic.

My deepest condolences go to the people affected by this horrible natural disaster.

I was lucky that my office is designed to cope with earthquakes and was evacuated really quickly.
It was crazy in there; computers falling off desks, chairs being over turned, files and folders flying all over the place, plaster and dust falling from the roof, and all whist you're trying to run out of there and get down the stairs as fast as you can.

The tsunami and earthquake hit Miyagi prefecture the worst - that's the place being decimated by the huge waves in the news footage washing away the farms, fields, cars and people. the eye of the storm was right there. I just hope to God that the death toll isn't too high.

On a personal note I was knocked off my feet due to one of the dozens of after shocks we've had and hit my head on the concrete in the station and was out cold for a short time before the station staff and other people trying to get home helped me up and took me to the station office. I got home at 6.30am after 2 trains which took me halfway home (almost all the trains had stopped of course) and a taxi which took 3 hours to do a 30 minute journey due to the worst traffic jams I've ever encountered - it's 7am now and the main roads and highways are still totally jammed.

But at the end of the day i've had a seriously scary experience and got a bad headache which is nothing compared to what so many less fortunate people have suffered since the earthquake and tsunami hit.

Thanks for posting this story on Seibertron. It's nice to know, from all the comments and prayers we have so many members who really are good people.

Glad to hear you are OK. I'm glad that Mach and I gave all of you a way to share your stories with us AND to let us know that you are OK, which is what's most important. Please keep us posted. We're all here to give you a shoulder to lean on or to give you an escape with the world of the Transformers, depending on what you need.

News Credits: 3599 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:00 pm

Autobot032 wrote:
SlyTF1 wrote:
Autobot032 wrote:
SlyTF1 wrote:
Red 50 wrote:It's Horrible!

Volcanoes erupting, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis...
Is Earth really getting revenge on us for what humankind has done to it?

Exactly.

Just take this crap to another thread. We don't need conspiracy theories and end times stuff here.

This is serious.

I am serious. Why else would it happen?

Stop. It.

SlyTF1 wrote:
Mindmaster wrote:Quick fact; Did you know that only 1% of the Japanese population is Christian?

ZOMG! I'm sorry, but I think that this is why. The same thing with Katrina. 2 totally different places with equally devastating natural occurrences is way beyond coincidence.

I don't know what your personal beliefs are, but I'm a Christian and I'm not thinking this way. Some might, but not all. In fact, right now, most of us are flat out worried for their safety, and pray they'll be taken care of. It's between them and God what happens next. Not our place to judge.

Thanks for making us look bad.

One person sharing their thoughts doesn't make us look bad.

And yes, let's please keep end of days conspiracy theories out of this topic folks. If you want to post a separate topic, you are more than welcome to as long as it fits within the rules that we have on this site. In this topic, however, let's be respectful to everyone and stay focused on the events that happened.

Also, as for only 1% of Japan being Christian, I'm not sure what the point of that comment is, but it doesn't mean they don't believe in God or that they are lesser than another group of people. Or that prayers, regardless of your beliefs, are pointless. It's about just being a decent person and letting others know you care, however it is that you express that.

News Credits: 3599 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:04 pm

SlyTF1 wrote:
Autobot032 wrote:
SlyTF1 wrote:
Red 50 wrote:It's Horrible!

Volcanoes erupting, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis...
Is Earth really getting revenge on us for what humankind has done to it?

Exactly.

Just take this crap to another thread. We don't need conspiracy theories and end times stuff here.

This is serious.

I am serious. Why else would it happen?

Separate thread. We don't need that discussion here. Thanks.

by **TimothyR** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:06 pm

all i can think of to say are jokes.. it's just how i deal with grief.

but, i know that that's not how other people deal with it so i'll keep them to myself.

this is truly terrible. i've been watching the news a good amount today. listening to all of the talk about nuclear reactors cooling units malfunctioning.. wow.

all that farm land destroyed, all of those people swept away, must've been frightening.

hopefully countries will band together and get everything cleaned up and back to normal quickly.

by **Cliff Jumper** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:09 pm

Jazz-1982 wrote:
Seibertron wrote:I can't even imagine living through something like this. I've been watching it unfold on the television for the past 2.5 hours just in awe of the destructive forces wreaking havoc before my very eyes on live television. This is just insane. Historic.

My deepest condolences go to the people affected by this horrible natural disaster.

I was lucky that my office is designed to cope with earthquakes and was evacuated really quickly.
It was crazy in there; computers falling off desks, chairs being over turned, files and folders flying all over the place, plaster and dust falling from the roof, and all whist you're trying to run out of there and get down the stairs as fast as you can.

The tsunami and earthquake hit Miyagi prefecture the worst - that's the place being decimated by the huge waves in the news footage washing away the farms, fields, cars and people. the eye of the storm was right there. I just hope to God that the death toll isn't too high.

On a personal note I was knocked off my feet due to one of the dozens of after shocks we've had and hit my head on the concrete in the station and was out cold for a short time before the station staff and other people trying to get home helped me up and took me to the station office. I got home at 6.30am after 2 trains which took me halfway home (almost all the trains had stopped of course) and a taxi which took 3 hours to do a 30 minute journey due to the worst traffic jams I've ever encountered - it's 7am now and the main roads and highways are still totally jammed.

But at the end of the day i've had a seriously scary experience and got a bad headache which is nothing compared to what so many less fortunate people have suffered since the earthquake and tsunami hit.

Thanks for posting this story on Seibertron. It's nice to know, from all the comments and prayers we have so many members who really are good people.

I'm glad to hear you're okay as well.

News Credits: 6 · by **Dr. Caelus** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:11 pm

Thank you Ryan - what you've chipped in blows what I contributed out of the water.

Still, I feel morally compelled to argue with something:

Seibertron wrote:Letting others know that you care and are thinking about them is sometimes all people CAN do.

That's not really doing anything, is it? It doesn't help anyone - it doesn't feed people, it doesn't heal people, it doesn't keep them warm. It just resolves the cognitive dissonance generated when we know that we can do something but don't want to. Society playing along with it doesn't really help.

And somehow I think that most of the people who visit a toy-collecting site can spare $10 to the Red Cross - I mean, that's the cost of a Powercore Combiner 2 pack - Is that such a great sacrifice? [Plus, if you're on the fence, think about all the money you'll be saving when the DotM toys fill the shelves.]

As far as everyone having their own problems/limits/challenges, my wife and I have a combined monthly income of less than $1400 (9 months a year) and over $750 a month (12 months a year) in rent. Student loans (read: borrowed money) covers our insurance, tuition, and summer rent. That leaves us approximately $650/month to cover the rest of our emergencies, mundane expenses (food), and indulgences (Transformers) - the best we've had since we got married - enough to be quite comfortable actually.

We donated $20 (not much but something) and red cross will take donations as low as $10.

So, from my high horse, what I'm asking/daring is this:

If you have more than $325 a month in discretionary income, donate $10.

If you have more than I do, donate $20.

If you have a lot more than I do, then do something really useful.

News Credits: 2 · by **Shadowman** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:13 pm

SlyTF1 wrote:The same thing with Katrina. 2 totally different places with equally devastating natural occurrences is way beyond coincidence.

It's not a coincidence. A coincidence would imply there is a relation between the two events. There isn't. It's two devastating natural disasters occurring at two completely different locations at two completely different times. It happens all the time. (Sorry if that last part seems insensitive, it's not meant to be)

Back on track here:

If I weren't flat broke, I'd be donating whatever I could to the Red Cross right now like others are doing. I'm of the belief that thoughts and prayers don't fix problems like this. No offense to those of you who do.

News Credits: 226 · by **Burn** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:32 pm

Seibertron wrote:Also, as for only 1% of Japan being Christian, I'm not sure what the point of that comment is, but it doesn't mean they don't believe in God or that they are lesser than another group of people. Or that prayers, regardless of your beliefs, are pointless. It's about just being a decent person and letting others know you care, however it is that you express that.

This is spot on.

I've been through two of the most powerful cyclones in history (both of which rivalled the size of Katrina) and i've seen the devestation they've brought.

After the first one five years ago, that whole day after the winds died down we took stock of the damage. It was heart breaking. It had you asking yourself how you could possibly get up from this.

That night I found a little hand held black and white tv and fired it up. I watched the news and I watched our Prime Minister talking about what had happened. I didn't like our Prime Minister, but through his speech one thing stood out to me "remember, you are not alone". Up until that point it felt like we were alone. It felt like there was nothing else in the rest of the world. We had no idea that throughout the day the Army was mobilising and would be here the next day to help us.

So yes, offering prayers, condolences, some people might not think they're much. But believe me, these people, if they saw our posts, saw that we were thinking of them, regardless of their religious beliefs, they will appreciate and be thankful knowing that we're thinking of them.

News Credits: 37 · by **SlyTF1** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:42 pm

Seibertron wrote:
SlyTF1 wrote:
Autobot032 wrote:
SlyTF1 wrote:
Red 50 wrote:It's Horrible!

Volcanoes erupting, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis...
Is Earth really getting revenge on us for what humankind has done to it?

Exactly.

Just take this crap to another thread. We don't need conspiracy theories and end times stuff here.

This is serious.

I am serious. Why else would it happen?

Separate thread. We don't need that discussion here. Thanks.

I wasn't trying to start any conspiracy theories. I was just saying that I agreed. That's it.

News Credits: 12 · by **nemesis-prime** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:51 pm

i hope everyones ok

by **CelticDragon** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 11:07 pm

Since I am one who does believe that prayer has the power to work in someone's life, I don't feel that prayer is "not doing anything". I also know it helps to know someone is thinking of you.

Altho I am a Christian, it is irrelevant to me of what faith those affected in Japan profess. They still have my prayers and concern because they are human beings in need.

That said, if I have the means, I do try to put an action to my good intentions. But for those who can "only" pray, I believe it can be more than enough.

News Credits: 2 · by **First-Aid** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 11:29 pm

If I may interject...

JAzz-1982 is obviously in Japan right now. I don't know how many other of our forums members are over there, but can I suggest that- if he is willing- he be a liaison for those of us who may want to donate/help in other ways? I would assume that he could tell us more about who really needs help and where we could direct our resources. I also suggest that Ryan or another staffer contact the HLJ folks and see if they can give us some information. Perhaps we as a fandom can "adopt" a family and help them to the best of our ability...

Just some ideas i had in my head suddenly...maybe it's the whiskey I've been drinking or the healthcare provider in me that yearns to help in more "hands on" ways than simply donating to the Red Cross. This really is a disaster on the equivalent with Katrina and 9/11 (please, i know this is different than 9/11, but the devastation really is an equivalent) and it would be great to put our collective fingerprints into this moment in history and really leave our marks in a very personal and definitive way.

News Credits: 1 · by **T-Macksimus** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 11:37 pm

I'm overjoyed to see that we are starting to hear from some of our members caught up in the disaster. We'll keep holding out hope until the last person has chimed in.

I'm greatly encouraged by the show of support that I've seen on here. I know that many of you are in the same boat that I am in and that offering moral support is all that we can do right now. From the few folks that I have been able to make contact with from abroad, even that is uplifting, just knowing that they have someone out there, that someone has offered hope.

I don't care what disparaging comments folks make, I don't care what God I have to pray to or if I have to pray to them all, and it doesn't matter if I don't have more than 2 dimes in my pocket to rub together...these are our friends, these are our family and they need us in whatever capacity we are able to be there for them and that is all that truly matters.

Thanks again Ryan, and thanks to all the staff for keeping vigil on here and for watching the news-feeds (and thanks to fellow members who have been doing likewise) and helping us keep up hope.

by **TheBigToyAuction** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 11:38 pm

robofreak wrote:Yeah, this is definitely a strange day.

Seeing the wave hit was kind of surreal. It almost seemed fake and while we wish it was, it isn't.

I'm glad to know that the HLJ crew is alright. My worry now is how many others are alright.

I was going to start my day with hunting down some new toy goodies, but after hearing about this, I'm going to hold off for a bit. Getting a damage assessment of everything and figuring out how I can help is taking more importance than a couple pieces of plastic.

Seeeing all of the devastation, my best wishes go out to everyone affected, espeically our Japanese members. I hope all is well for you and yours now and in the coming months.

As a community focusing primarily on a Japanese toyline, I think we have a unique connection to the tragedy and a unique ability to help out. Over at the Allspark board the community there was just recently able to raise over $6000 for the Hasbro Children's hospital.

I think as a group we might be able to do something similar right here. Seeing the images on the news, I know that might be just a drop in the ocean, but it's something nevertheless.

There is a guide up at http://swmo.bbb.org/article/donor-alert ... tims-25969 offering advice on choosing a chariable organization to work with. I think with a combined effort we

As an auctioneer, I am involved with a number of charity/benefit auctions locally. I am relatively new to this forumm, but if anyone here is interested in taking point on this and choosing a charity we can focus our efforts on, I would be more than happy to volunteer my services for a fundraiser auction.

We can set up links on the site to donate money directly in any amount they can spare. Even those who don't have the money have something they can contribute - toys, customs, artwork, anything. In the past we've found this a great way for everyone to get involved and help out in a real meaningful way. In this case, it ends up being a way for the community to share it's gifts with each other too, so everyone wins.

If anyone is interested in getting this organized, let me know either here, by PM, and we can work on getting this accomplished.

I think together we have an opportunity to do some real good here.

News Credits: 5 · by **5150 Cruiser** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 11:45 pm

Lord Grimlock wrote:all i have to say is my prayers are with them i want them to survive this its horrible i know that the death toll will be there i just hope not in the thousands the other thing that i will stand by is that the transformers i want them to be safe to toys have feelings to

I don't know if your trying to be funny, a young naive kid or what...
Toys do not have feelings. The humans/animals that were involved, as well as those affected however do. I understand they may have sentimental value to you, but please don't confuse that with the feelings of those involved in this horrible incident.

Some close friends of mine were greatly affected by this as they have yet to been able to contact there friends and family in Japan. Them, as well as all who have been affected are in my prayers.