My heart goes out to the residents of Christchurch and visitors who have been caught up in this. I had a very nice visit there several years ago (spent a month in NZ -- fantastic).

New Zealand is the one country I'd leave the U.S. for in a heartbeat. Spectacular scenery and friendly people, really a very special place.

And dangerously situated in an extremely geologically unstable region -- astride two tectonic plates. Definitely a place to be up to speed on earthquake preparedness, but even that's not enough when in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Best wishes to everyone affected by this tragedy.