December 12, 2008 - Four years ago a massive earthquake near the coast of Sumatra set off a tsunami that killed more than 225,000 people in countries as far away as Sri Lanka and Thailand. A recent report in Science Magazine (subscription required) infers earthquake supercycles from sea level changes recorded in the region's corals. In view of these supercycles scientists predict that there is a high likelihood of another hugely destructive earthquake and tsunami in the next 20-30 years. A fault line running by the Mentawai Islands is the most likely epicenter. The 2004 tsunami was caused by an earthquake under the seabed that produced waves up to 100 ft high. Here's more from Steve Connor for The Independent.

December 11, 2008 - Recent Water Sports Stories in NY Times:

• Sea Bass Fishery Thrives After Crash - James Prosak tells how the population of striped bass has recovered from New Jersey to Maine because of good management practices. In the 1960's fishermen regularly caught striped bass weighing 50 lbs and more. During the 70's and 80's the population crashed because of overfishing. This resulted in a total moratorium on bass fishing in the 80's. In the past few years large bass are being caught again... but maybe too many.
• Daring Young Women Are on the Curl of a New Era - Matt Higgins writes about the new generation of women surfers. He focuses on Malia Manuel who won the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach last July at the age of 14. Queen of the old guard, 36 year old Layne Beachley, is quoted saying, "“I’ve never landed an aerial in my life... So I feel like I’m retiring at just the right time.”

Pearl Harbor Sunday morning December 7, 1941

"...December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Jon Winkelreid, Chief Operating Officer and Co-President of Goldman Sachs, has put his Nantucket Estate on the market for $55 million. The two home property covers 5.9 waterfront acres on Cathcart Rd. in the island's Monomoy section. Mr. Winkelreid purchased the two parcels that comprise the property for a combined $7 million in 1999. According to the listing, the main house features six bedrooms, a wine room, cedar closets, a billiard room and three fireplaces. A second house on the property features four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. If the property actually sells for $55 million it would be the highest price ever paid for a property on Nantucket. More from:

Bloomburg
Daily News Tribune

View Larger Map