Calculating odds

Calculating odds

An 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan on Friday, shaking office buildings in Tokyo and setting off a devastating tsunami that swept away cars and boats in northeastern Japan. The quake struck at 2.46 p.m. local time. The ensuing tsunami is affecting the United States, with waves reaching the coasts of California and Oregon. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is prepared to respond to the tsunami effects, should they reach disaster levels.

Calculating odds

Want to know how your luck will hold before you step out the door? There are Web sites dedicated to everyday odds, scientists have published books on the subject, and a Web series crunches the numbers for those with a pressing need to know exactly where they stand.