15 April 2013 - 2 Explosions at Finish line of Boston Marathon

[cupper]

Some good advice on how to deal with children who may have questions.

Helping Children with Scary News

http://www.pbs.org/parents/rogers/special/scarynews-thoughts.html

Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News

During his lifetime, Fred Rogers reassuring way of helping families with difficult times, beginning with his response to Robert Kennedy's assassination. Over the years since then, there have, unfortunately, been other tragic events during which parents and educators turned to him for his calming and thoughtful insight. Fred Rogers' wisdom is timeless, and his messages continue to be valuable for children and the people who care for them, as we deal with the events of today's world.

In times of community or world-wide crisis, it's easy to assume that young children don't know what's going on. But one thing's for sure, children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They're keenly aware of the expressions on their parents' faces and the tone of their voices. Children sense when their parents are really worried, whether they're watching the news or talking about it with others. No matter what children know about a crisis, it's especially scary for them to realize that their parents are scared.

WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF ME?

In times of crisis, children want to know, "Who will take care of me?" They're dependent on adults for their survival and security. They're naturally self-centered. They need to hear very clearly that their parents are doing all they can to take care of them and to keep them safe. They also need to know that people in the government, in their community and in the world, and other people they don't even know, are working hard to keep them safe, too.

HELPING CHILDREN FEEL MORE SECURE

Play is one of the important ways young children have of dealing with their concerns. But, even playing about the news can be scary and sometimes unsafe. So adults need to be nearby to redirect that kind of play into nurturing themes, such as a hospital for the wounded or a pretend meal for emergency workers. When children are scared and anxious, they might become more dependent, clingy, and afraid to go to bed at night. Whining, aggressive behavior, or toilet accidents may be their way of asking for more comfort from the important adults in their lives. Little by little, as we adults around them become more confident, hopeful and secure, our children probably will, too.

SCARY, CONFUSING IMAGES

The way that news is presented on television can be quite confusing for a young child. The younger the children are, the more likely they are to be interested in the typical news scenes of close-up faces, particularly if the people are expressing strong feelings. When there's tragic news, the images on TV are most often much too graphic and too disturbing for young children.

LIMIT YOUR OWN TV VIEWING

It's easy to allow ourselves to get drawn into watching televised news of a crisis for hours and hours; however, exposing ourselves to so many tragedies can make us feel hopeless, insecure, and even depressed, feelings that even young children can sense. We help our children-and ourselves-if we're able to limit our own television viewing. Our children need us to spend time with them-away from the frightening images on the screen.

TALKING AND LISTENING

Even if we wanted to, it would be impossible to give our children all the reasons for such things as war, terrorists, abuse, murders, fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. If they ask questions, our best answer may be to ask them, "What do you think happened?" If the answer is, "I don't know," then the simplest reply might be something like, "I'm sad about the news, and I'm worried. But I love you, and I'll take care of you."

If we don't let children know it's okay to feel sad and scared, they may try to hide those feelings or think something is wrong with them whenever they do feel that way. They certainly don't need details of what's making us sad or scared, but if we can help them accept their own feelings as natural and normal, their feelings will be much more manageable for them.

Fred Rogers often told this story about when he was a boy and would see scary things on the news: "My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers-so many caring people in this world."

HELPFUL HINTS

Do your best to keep the television off, or at least limit how much your child sees of any news event.

Try to keep yourself calm. Your presence can help your child feel more secure.

Give your child extra comfort and physical affection, like hugs or snuggling up together with a favorite book. Physical comfort goes a long way towards providing security. That closeness can nourish you, too.

Try to keep regular routines as normal as possible. Children and adults count on familiar patterns of everyday life.

Plan something that you and your child can enjoy together, like taking a walk or going on a picnic, having some quiet time together or doing something silly. It can help to know there are simple things in life that can help us feel better, both in good times and in bad.

Even if children don't mention what they've seen or heard in the news, it can help to ask what they think has happened. If parents don't bring up the subject, children can be left with their misinterpretations. You may be surprised at how much your child has heard from others.

Focus attention on the helpers, like the police, firemen, doctors, nurses, paramedics and volunteers. It's reassuring to know there are many caring people who are doing all they can to help in this world.

Let your child know if you're making a donation or going to a meeting, writing a letter or e-mail of support, or taking some other action.

It can help children know that adults take many different active roles...and that we don't give in to helplessness in time of crisis.

©2005 Family Communications, Inc.

 

[dapaterson]

Boston Police twitter feed (https://twitter.com/Boston_Police) reports there are now three fatalities.  As well, the FBI has taken over the investigation.

 

[daftandbarmy]

IntelCenter
Boston Marathon Bombing
15 Apr. 2013
http://eepurl.com/x_Lun

The Boston Marathon bombing is a terrorist attack. It could have been executed by a sophisticated organized group down to a lone actor following direct or indirect guidance from a group. It may be foreign or domestic.

No credible claim of responsibility has been identified yet. The last two major terrorist attacks on US soil by jihadi groups were claimed within 72 hours. The 2010 Times Square attack by Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was claimed in less then 24 hours in a video. The 2009 Christmas Delta attack by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) was claimed in 72 hours in a written statement.

The claim of responsibility for this attack could be delivered in video, written or audio form and may be distributed broadly or direct to the media. The current location of the attacker(s) and the overall plan, if involving follow-on attacks, may impact the timing of a claim.

The three terrorist groups most aggressively threatening attacks in the US are al-Qaeda, Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). However, there are many other jihadi and non-jihadi groups that could also be responsible. Al-Shabaab in Somalia is also of concern. The explosive growth of jihadi groups around the world following 9-11 (see map of groups here) has significantly complicated the threat picture in the US as well as efforts by groups to train individuals remotely through magazines and videos to conduct attacks.

For a map of groups threatening attacks against the US because of the "Innocence of Muslims" video last October, click here.

IntelCenter is closely monitoring all terrorist communications for any claim of responsibility or threat of further attacks.
STAY INFORMED
• Alert updates to your cell phone & email - FlashNet - http://www.intelcenter.com/flashnet/
• Threats & Claims to your email - Threat & Claim Monitor (TCM) - http://www.intelcenter.com/tcm/
• Analysis, Claims Threats, Video & More - IntelCenter Database (ICD) - http://www.intelcenter.com/icd/

For additional information and questions, email info@intelcenter.com or call 800-719-8750. You can also visit us at http://www.intelcenter.com

 

[Cansky]

CTV news is reporting no Canadians were injured in the blast.  Thank god. Still haven't heard from my troop but will rest easier now.

Sorry unable to post the link to CTV news.

 

[skyhigh10]

Some people will accuse North Korea and get all riled up.
Left Wingers will accuse the US government of bombing their own people to implicate North Korea.
The Taliban will try and take credit.
West borough baptist church will blame gay runners.
Conspiracy types will soon start with their shadows and unmarked cars and government plots and youtube videos.


I'll be happy if whoever did it gets caught and given the death penalty.

Great response.  Love the WBC reference...  ;D

Hopefully said individual*s are in the process of being water boarded errrrrr ,  questioned about their motives / accomplices.

Absolutely horrific.  On a serious note, I feel as though this is going to be narrowed down quickly. 


Edit:  Apparently it has.  Take it with a grain of salt . Apparently the suspect is denying involvement. 

"Authorities ID person of interest as Saudi national in marathon bombings, under guard at Boston hospital"

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/authorities_under_suspect_guard_y2m8cJO29uC2PDGIjYBalO

 

[McG]

http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/conservative-mp-describes-chaos-after-boston-marathon-explosion-1.1238927

 

[Strike]

Great response.  Love the WBC reference...  ;D

Hopefully said individual*s are in the process of being water boarded errrrrr ,  questioned about their motives / accomplices.

Absolutely horrific.  On a serious note, I feel as though this is going to be narrowed down quickly. 


Edit:  Apparently it has.  Take it with a grain of salt . Apparently the suspect is denying involvement. 

"Authorities ID person of interest as Saudi national in marathon bombings, under guard at Boston hospital"

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/authorities_under_suspect_guard_y2m8cJO29uC2PDGIjYBalO

The Post also said 12 people are dead and is the only paper reporting this.

 

[PPCLI Guy]

CTV news is reporting no Canadians were injured in the blast.  Thank god. Still haven't heard from my troop but will rest easier now.

Sorry unable to post the link to CTV news.

I have been told that your troop is fine

 

[Teeps74]

The Post also said 12 people are dead and is the only paper reporting this.

A couple of other sources have stated that "there is a person of interest" under guard.  Everything surrounding that guy is a rumour.

We should all be very careful about assigning blame (not directed at Strike, but rather the larger audience).  Allow the authorities to do their job.  As indicated in another post here, if it was radicals, they will soon be announcing their participation in this evil event.

 

[Cansky]

I have been told that your troop is fine

Thank you PPCLI Guy

 

[The Bread Guy]

According to Saudi media, PAK Taliban denies responsibility:

The Pakistani Taliban, which claimed the 2010 Times Square bomb plot, on Tuesday denied anything to do with explosions that killed three people and wounded more than 100 in Boston.

"We believe in attacking US and its allies but we are not involved in this attack," Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told AFP.

"We have no connection to this bombing but we will continue to target them wherever possible," Ehsan added ....

The Post also said 12 people are dead and is the only paper reporting this.

Most media at this point are talking about "at least 3" dead - including this eight-year-old waiting to see his cross the finish line

 

[a_majoor]

NP infographic: http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/04/15/boston-marathon-bomb-attacks-graphic/

 

[krimynal]

its a blessing that the 3rd bomb didn't go off , because that one near the medical tents would have done a LOT of damage ....

 

[kratz]

its a blessing that the 3rd bomb didn't go off , because that one near the medical tents would have done a LOT of damage ....

As mentioned earlier, we need to be cautious stating anything as the MSM is still collecting information as it comes in.

No need to repeat things that have been reported in error. With online reporting, these reports are being updated continuously.

CBC is reporting the Mass Gov Deval Patrick being quoted there were no other explosive devices at or near the city.

 

[krimynal]

As mentioned earlier, we need to be cautious stating anything as the MSM is still collecting information as it comes in.

No need to repeat things that have been reported in error. With online reporting, these reports are being updated continuously.

CBC is reporting the Mass Gov Deval Patrick being quoted there were no other explosive devices at or near the city.

sorry didn't want to be out of line

 

[jollyjacktar]

Bostonain's were there for us in 1917 when we needed assistance and support.  My heart goes out to all those affected by this sick despicable act.  May the grieving find comfort and the wounded a speedy recovery.  And to the FBI may they find whomever is responsible and bring them to justice. 

 

[The Bread Guy]

For better or worse, with the usual caveats, a Wikipedia event page is now in play.

 

[Jester_TG]

http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/21988916/2013/04/16/plane-brought-back-to-gate-at-logan-airport

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) – Sources told FOX 25 there was an American Airlines flight that was headed to Chicago. There were two men on that plane – not sitting next to each other – and speaking Arabic.

There were some concerned marathoners on the flight so the plane was brought back to the gate and the two men were escorted off the plane.

No other details were immediately available.

Read more: http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/21988916/2013/04/16/plane-brought-back-to-gate-at-logan-airport#ixzz2Qe0iwWES

 

[tomahawk6]

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/04/15/bomb-experts-offer-analysis-based-on-details-from-boston-marathon-explosions

The explosions at the Boston Marathon on Monday were likely caused by high-power black powder explosives, bomb experts tell U.S. News, and at least one of them was likely shaped in a pipe bomb.

Footage of the initial detonation of the blast showed an explosive plume that would align with a high-powered pipe bomb, says Fred Burton, a retired Diplomatic Security Service special agent who helped investigate the first World Trade Center bombing, among other high-profile attacks…

Building a pipe bomb does not require a great degree of sophistication, Burton says, but getting them to function properly “does take some practice.”…

The white smoke that emanated from the blasts indicate this was likely a smokeless or black powder, he says, not a military-type explosive such as C-4 or plastic explosives, which give off black smoke.

 

[Old Sweat]

Here is a link to Small Dead Animals, which has a post that includes links to two items of unverified information, the first about the identity of the perpetrators and the second about the nature of the devices. The second, at least, appears to have some credence as it has been announced that six litre pressure cookers were used.

http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/investigation-i.html

Again, this is unverified information.