Hmm.. I really don't understand what's being said here - in 2002 I spent a month in China - there was little to no building standards to resist earthquakes - I saw houses where you could see the older base of bricks, then newer building on top of the old base - from where the last earthquake tumbled the building - most everything is brick and mortar or concrete slabs.. and the people doing the building can't afford the re-bar.

In areas where they have re-bar, we did see them demolishing some old buildings (by hand with sledge hammers), they were pulling the old rebar out to save and use in the new building.

The Chinese are doing a wonderful job marketing their rescue efforts on this too - I'm sure it has to do with the upcoming olympics. They are being surprisingly transparent with this one - anyone notice the rescue workers jumpsuits have CHINA in big letters? But they are doing a great job of rescue in horrible conditions.

Normally, the value of a human life in China isn't the same as we think it is here in the US, or in the Western world - OSHA would have a field trip in China - I highly doubt there will be any changes to building codes over there.

On the other hand, I do think California is quite ahead of the game - I'm curious as to what you think is missing?

Canie