Day: April 22, 2016

 Suicide rates among non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska Natives were, in 1999, already the highest of any ethnic group, despite being widely underreported. By 2014, roughly 1 in 2,000 men in this ethnic group committed suicide, a 60% increase over the suicide rate among male American Indians and Alaska Natives that prevailed in 1999.
 
 Among all men under 75, suicides surged. In the age group most prone to fatal self-harm — 45 to 64 — almost 30 in 1,000 men committed suicide in 2014, a 43% increase over 1999’s rate. Non-Hispanic black males were the only racial or ethnic group of either gender to have a lower suicide rate in 2014 than in 1999.
 
 All since the class of 99…
 Since Columbine.
 9/11.
 War.
 Economic collapse.
 Suicide and escapism…
 
 More..
 
 
 

As so many areas of the ring of fire began to burn, there are newfound fears of a mega quake and tsunami in places that haven’t seen them in lifetimes: The pacific coast of the United States..
 
 Foreign press reporting that new efforts are being made to try to deal with the threat.. Cameras, sensors, drones will all be included in the pre fight.. And also an historical study of what places previously dealt with such affairs..
 
 The USGS and other experts often warn of doom in ’30-50′ years. They play down Yellowstone but still say to always ‘be prepared’..
 
 Behind closed doors, they are people too. People who, like others who anxiously await the next shaking, hope the ground under their feet stays stable..

From the New York Times report:
 

By NICHOLAS CASEY
 APRIL 21, 2016
 MONTECRISTI, Ecuador — The earth shook and the steeple fell, taking most of the bell tower with it. A white facade gave way, leaving the pews open to the street.
 
 But amid the wreckage at the basilica, one object remained untouched: Our Mother of Monserrate, the statue of the Virgin Mary for which the church was named.
 
 Dressed in gold robes and wearing a tiny crown, she is only about three feet tall. But the statue, which landed on these shores from Spain in the 16th century, has long played an outsize role in the history of Montecristi.

 
 Hope among the hopeless after a natural disaster..
 The statue that weathered so much. Weathering more..