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New York Times / May 13 . . .roaming Japan in caravan formation late last month, the movements of the group [[Pana Wave cult]], which predicts that the world will come to an end on Thursday, with a reversal of the earth's magnetic poles and cataclysmic earthquakes...In most places where they have stopped, their unusual dress and behavior -- they do not believe in bathing, and reportedly eat only instant noodles -- has scared the wits out of the locals...
...Pana Wave has lightened its own story line dramatically, issuing statements saying that all hope is not yet lost for the earth, if only Tama-chan, a bearded seal... is "rescued."