Rufus T. Firefly wrote:
> A sense of logic like this could easily secure a position as chief
> legal counsel for a major tobacco company.

As long as we're off-topic, I'd like to recommend the novel "Thank you for
smoking." It centers on a lunch club calling themselves the MOD Squad - for
"Merchants of Death" - the top lobbyists for the tobacco, alcohol and gun
industries.

Rufus T. Firefly wrote:
> A sense of logic like this could easily secure a position as chief
> legal counsel for a major tobacco company.

As long as we're off-topic, I'd like to recommend the novel "Thank you for
smoking." It centers on a lunch club calling themselves the MOD Squad - for
"Merchants of Death" - the top lobbyists for the tobacco, alcohol and gun
industries.

Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
drink before using it...


On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 23:20:19 GMT, "Alex Chaihorsky"
> wrote:

>Actually, this "info" may play a positive role in the lives if our readers.
>I always maintained that it is good to buy a Geiger counter for your home
>while nobody needs them, rather than hope that the government take care of
>you after the FACT.
>Today a decent ex-civil defense Geiger counter can be bought on e-bay for
>$30-50 (and pay attention - you have to do some reading before you buy) and
>it's well worth it.
>
>Sasha.
>
>"Dada" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 02:25:36 GMT, "Aloke Prasad"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>"Dog Ma 1" (reply w/o spam)> wrote in message
...
>>>>> Scientists say that some teas have almost lethal doses of
>>>>> Americiumfluoride in them, so better drink coffee
>>>>
>>>> All you wiseacres on this NG should be more respectful of a
>>>> well-intentioned
>>>> and possibly important post like this. The main domestic use of
>>>> Americium
>>>> (isotope 241) is as an ionization source on thin sheets of foil in smoke
>>>> detectors. Some of these are made in China. If the same factory makes
>>>> smoke
>>>> detectors and Pu-erh, it is not inconceivable that the "leaves" could
>>>> get
>>>> mixed. Fluoride, of course, enters when workers with good oral-care
>>>> habits
>>>> but otherwise lacking in a sense of hygiene spit into the steamers. I
>>>> think
>>>> the guy's onto something, and we should be more attentive to such
>>>> important
>>>> alerts.
>>>
>>>Thank goodness I drink Darjeeling tea. No industrial production of smoke
>>>detectors or good oral hygiene there ..
>>>
>>>:-)
>>
>> Ask Bruno Beam before
>> The only thing I have found on the internet is this nonsensical page
>> from google's cache
>> http://www.google.it/search?q=cache:...it&lr=&strip=1
>> I haven't understood a word that is written inside of it. Millions of
>> pop-us start (of which sites i don't know).
>> It looks like the usual terror information that keep going around the
>> net: cancerogenic components in shampoos, in toothpastes, etc.
>> When I will see a decent link about it I will begin to consider this
>> problem. In Cina they have been able to hide SARS, then it should be
>> something more dangerous than americium in tea the we don't know.
>> It sound to me like a coffee maniac revenge ehehe
>>
>>
>> ....oh, I don't like coffee too
>

Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
drink before using it...


On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 23:20:19 GMT, "Alex Chaihorsky"
> wrote:

>Actually, this "info" may play a positive role in the lives if our readers.
>I always maintained that it is good to buy a Geiger counter for your home
>while nobody needs them, rather than hope that the government take care of
>you after the FACT.
>Today a decent ex-civil defense Geiger counter can be bought on e-bay for
>$30-50 (and pay attention - you have to do some reading before you buy) and
>it's well worth it.
>
>Sasha.
>
>"Dada" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 02:25:36 GMT, "Aloke Prasad"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>"Dog Ma 1" (reply w/o spam)> wrote in message
...
>>>>> Scientists say that some teas have almost lethal doses of
>>>>> Americiumfluoride in them, so better drink coffee
>>>>
>>>> All you wiseacres on this NG should be more respectful of a
>>>> well-intentioned
>>>> and possibly important post like this. The main domestic use of
>>>> Americium
>>>> (isotope 241) is as an ionization source on thin sheets of foil in smoke
>>>> detectors. Some of these are made in China. If the same factory makes
>>>> smoke
>>>> detectors and Pu-erh, it is not inconceivable that the "leaves" could
>>>> get
>>>> mixed. Fluoride, of course, enters when workers with good oral-care
>>>> habits
>>>> but otherwise lacking in a sense of hygiene spit into the steamers. I
>>>> think
>>>> the guy's onto something, and we should be more attentive to such
>>>> important
>>>> alerts.
>>>
>>>Thank goodness I drink Darjeeling tea. No industrial production of smoke
>>>detectors or good oral hygiene there ..
>>>
>>>:-)
>>
>> Ask Bruno Beam before
>> The only thing I have found on the internet is this nonsensical page
>> from google's cache
>> http://www.google.it/search?q=cache:...it&lr=&strip=1
>> I haven't understood a word that is written inside of it. Millions of
>> pop-us start (of which sites i don't know).
>> It looks like the usual terror information that keep going around the
>> net: cancerogenic components in shampoos, in toothpastes, etc.
>> When I will see a decent link about it I will begin to consider this
>> problem. In Cina they have been able to hide SARS, then it should be
>> something more dangerous than americium in tea the we don't know.
>> It sound to me like a coffee maniac revenge ehehe
>>
>>
>> ....oh, I don't like coffee too
>

On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:

> Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
> you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
> Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
> drink before using it...

Their complexity depends on the model.

There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
amount of radiation.

In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.

I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
to see if anything had leaked in transit.

Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
me.

--
Derek

"Life is anything that dies when you stomp on it. -- Dave Barry

On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:

> Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
> you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
> Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
> drink before using it...

Their complexity depends on the model.

There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
amount of radiation.

In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.

I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
to see if anything had leaked in transit.

Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
me.

--
Derek

"Life is anything that dies when you stomp on it. -- Dave Barry

Derek wrote:
> On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:
>
>
>>Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
>>you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
>>Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
>>drink before using it...
>
>
> Their complexity depends on the model.
>
> There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
> you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
> amount of radiation.
>
> In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
> study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
> safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.
>
> I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
> assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
> used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
> to see if anything had leaked in transit.
>
> Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
> me.
>

In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of
detection is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.

Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially produce
that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
Using it requires some degree of technical knowledge, bit nothing that
cannot be learned in about 15 minutes.
For me, NOT testing what you eat is strange, but opinions differ.

Sasha.


"Steve Hay" > wrote in message
news:QoKvd.4444$lZ6.1245@trnddc02...
> Derek wrote:
>> On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
>>>you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
>>>Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
>>>drink before using it...
>>
>>
>> Their complexity depends on the model.
>>
>> There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
>> you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
>> amount of radiation.
>>
>> In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
>> study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
>> safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.
>>
>> I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
>> assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
>> used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
>> to see if anything had leaked in transit.
>>
>> Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
>> me.
>
> In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of detection
> is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.

And have you found something strange in some kind of cinese teas, or
something similar? What kind of suspect products have you found?
Don't know why, but I have never thought that was possible to drink or
eat something containing dangerous rays before.




On Wed, 15 Dec 2004 01:29:58 GMT, "Alex Chaihorsky"
> wrote:

>Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially produce
>that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>Using it requires some degree of technical knowledge, bit nothing that
>cannot be learned in about 15 minutes.
>For me, NOT testing what you eat is strange, but opinions differ.
>
>Sasha.
>
>
>"Steve Hay" > wrote in message
>news:QoKvd.4444$lZ6.1245@trnddc02...
>> Derek wrote:
>>> On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
>>>>you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
>>>>Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
>>>>drink before using it...
>>>
>>>
>>> Their complexity depends on the model.
>>>
>>> There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
>>> you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
>>> amount of radiation.
>>>
>>> In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
>>> study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
>>> safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.
>>>
>>> I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
>>> assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
>>> used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
>>> to see if anything had leaked in transit.
>>>
>>> Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
>>> me.
>>
>> In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of detection
>> is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.
>

And have you found something strange in some kind of cinese teas, or
something similar? What kind of suspect products have you found?
Don't know why, but I have never thought that was possible to drink or
eat something containing dangerous rays before.




On Wed, 15 Dec 2004 01:29:58 GMT, "Alex Chaihorsky"
> wrote:

>Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially produce
>that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>Using it requires some degree of technical knowledge, bit nothing that
>cannot be learned in about 15 minutes.
>For me, NOT testing what you eat is strange, but opinions differ.
>
>Sasha.
>
>
>"Steve Hay" > wrote in message
>news:QoKvd.4444$lZ6.1245@trnddc02...
>> Derek wrote:
>>> On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
>>>>you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
>>>>Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
>>>>drink before using it...
>>>
>>>
>>> Their complexity depends on the model.
>>>
>>> There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
>>> you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
>>> amount of radiation.
>>>
>>> In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
>>> study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
>>> safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.
>>>
>>> I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
>>> assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
>>> used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
>>> to see if anything had leaked in transit.
>>>
>>> Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
>>> me.
>>
>> In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of detection
>> is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.
>

My God, Dada, you have never heard of radioactive contamination?
I am not going to go into much of the subject here, bud I did find some
elevated levels of gamma r/a in tap water during my field work in rural
Nevada. Knowing that Nevada was a test site state, one shouldn't be too
suprised.
That was years ago, though. And I had no idea what the "safe" levels were. I
just ran out and bought bottled water.

Sasha.


"Dada" > wrote in message
...
>
> And have you found something strange in some kind of cinese teas, or
> something similar? What kind of suspect products have you found?
> Don't know why, but I have never thought that was possible to drink or
> eat something containing dangerous rays before.
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, 15 Dec 2004 01:29:58 GMT, "Alex Chaihorsky"
> > wrote:
>
>>Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
>>produce
>>that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>>Using it requires some degree of technical knowledge, bit nothing that
>>cannot be learned in about 15 minutes.
>>For me, NOT testing what you eat is strange, but opinions differ.
>>
>>Sasha.
>>
>>
>>"Steve Hay" > wrote in message
>>news:QoKvd.4444$lZ6.1245@trnddc02...
>>> Derek wrote:
>>>> On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
>>>>>you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
>>>>>Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
>>>>>drink before using it...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Their complexity depends on the model.
>>>>
>>>> There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
>>>> you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
>>>> amount of radiation.
>>>>
>>>> In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
>>>> study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
>>>> safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.
>>>>
>>>> I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
>>>> assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
>>>> used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
>>>> to see if anything had leaked in transit.
>>>>
>>>> Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
>>>> me.
>>>
>>> In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of
>>> detection
>>> is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.
>>
>

My God, Dada, you have never heard of radioactive contamination?
I am not going to go into much of the subject here, bud I did find some
elevated levels of gamma r/a in tap water during my field work in rural
Nevada. Knowing that Nevada was a test site state, one shouldn't be too
suprised.
That was years ago, though. And I had no idea what the "safe" levels were. I
just ran out and bought bottled water.

Sasha.


"Dada" > wrote in message
...
>
> And have you found something strange in some kind of cinese teas, or
> something similar? What kind of suspect products have you found?
> Don't know why, but I have never thought that was possible to drink or
> eat something containing dangerous rays before.
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, 15 Dec 2004 01:29:58 GMT, "Alex Chaihorsky"
> > wrote:
>
>>Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
>>produce
>>that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>>Using it requires some degree of technical knowledge, bit nothing that
>>cannot be learned in about 15 minutes.
>>For me, NOT testing what you eat is strange, but opinions differ.
>>
>>Sasha.
>>
>>
>>"Steve Hay" > wrote in message
>>news:QoKvd.4444$lZ6.1245@trnddc02...
>>> Derek wrote:
>>>> On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
>>>>>you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
>>>>>Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
>>>>>drink before using it...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Their complexity depends on the model.
>>>>
>>>> There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
>>>> you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
>>>> amount of radiation.
>>>>
>>>> In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
>>>> study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
>>>> safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.
>>>>
>>>> I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
>>>> assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
>>>> used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
>>>> to see if anything had leaked in transit.
>>>>
>>>> Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
>>>> me.
>>>
>>> In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of
>>> detection
>>> is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.
>>
>

Alex wrote:
> Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
produce
> that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.

Wow - a degree of paranoia to which I have never even aspired. Of course,
here in the northeastern US, background radon levels from cracked granite
are so high that mere fallout and nuke-plant meltdowns are relatively
inconsequntial.

I have a simple one I made as a pre-teen nerd. I occasionally take it out to
show someone that the following really are pretty hot: old luminous-dial
watches, the high-dispersion glass elements in older camera lenses, and red
Fiestaware.

But never tea.

-DM

Alex wrote:
> Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
produce
> that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.

Wow - a degree of paranoia to which I have never even aspired. Of course,
here in the northeastern US, background radon levels from cracked granite
are so high that mere fallout and nuke-plant meltdowns are relatively
inconsequntial.

I have a simple one I made as a pre-teen nerd. I occasionally take it out to
show someone that the following really are pretty hot: old luminous-dial
watches, the high-dispersion glass elements in older camera lenses, and red
Fiestaware.

But never tea.

-DM

On Thu, 16 Dec 2004 03:39:30 GMT, Dog Ma 1 wrote:

> Alex wrote:
>> Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
> produce
>> that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>
> Wow - a degree of paranoia to which I have never even aspired. Of course,
> here in the northeastern US, background radon levels from cracked granite
> are so high that mere fallout and nuke-plant meltdowns are relatively
> inconsequntial.

If I lived in Nevada, I'd probably be worried, too.

But here in Minnesota, we've got bigger issues with CO and Radon. It's
"seal up your house and keep all the cold air out, or else you're
going to give the power company half of your paycheck each month"
season, which happens to coincide with greater danger from CO and
Radon.

> I have a simple one I made as a pre-teen nerd. I occasionally take it out to
> show someone that the following really are pretty hot: old luminous-dial
> watches, the high-dispersion glass elements in older camera lenses, and red
> Fiestaware.

Watches and camera lenses, I knew. But red Fiestaware? All of it, or
just the older stuff?

> But never tea.

Thank goodness.

--
Derek

Much work remains to be done before we can announce our total failure
to make any progress.

On Thu, 16 Dec 2004 03:39:30 GMT, Dog Ma 1 wrote:

> Alex wrote:
>> Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
> produce
>> that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>
> Wow - a degree of paranoia to which I have never even aspired. Of course,
> here in the northeastern US, background radon levels from cracked granite
> are so high that mere fallout and nuke-plant meltdowns are relatively
> inconsequntial.

If I lived in Nevada, I'd probably be worried, too.

But here in Minnesota, we've got bigger issues with CO and Radon. It's
"seal up your house and keep all the cold air out, or else you're
going to give the power company half of your paycheck each month"
season, which happens to coincide with greater danger from CO and
Radon.

> I have a simple one I made as a pre-teen nerd. I occasionally take it out to
> show someone that the following really are pretty hot: old luminous-dial
> watches, the high-dispersion glass elements in older camera lenses, and red
> Fiestaware.

Watches and camera lenses, I knew. But red Fiestaware? All of it, or
just the older stuff?

> But never tea.

Thank goodness.

--
Derek

Much work remains to be done before we can announce our total failure
to make any progress.

Ah, but keep in mind (and Sasha I don't know if this is why or not, pure
idle speculation) that Russia or more specifically Ukraine is the one place
recently that has had a major nuclear meltdown. And the veggies and soil
within a certain radius is, of course, still radioactive to a detrimental
degree.

Not keeping people from moving there though...folks gotta eat even if it
glows.

Completely off topic, but at one point I had to have my thyroid oblated
(that means nuked , cooked, shrunk) and they gave me a radioactive iodine
pill for it (iodine collects in the thyroid). When they brought it out of
the little case it was in, I asked them to pass a Geiger counter over it...

Me being the nerd I am, I thought it was cool. I also thought it was cool
that they recommended I not sleep next to my husband for the first night or
two. Just till I stopped glowing I guess.

Melinda


"Derek" > wrote in message ...
> On Thu, 16 Dec 2004 03:39:30 GMT, Dog Ma 1 wrote:
>
>> Alex wrote:
>>> Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
>> produce
>>> that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>>
>> Wow - a degree of paranoia to which I have never even aspired. Of course,
>> here in the northeastern US, background radon levels from cracked granite
>> are so high that mere fallout and nuke-plant meltdowns are relatively
>> inconsequntial.
>
> If I lived in Nevada, I'd probably be worried, too.
>
> But here in Minnesota, we've got bigger issues with CO and Radon. It's
> "seal up your house and keep all the cold air out, or else you're
> going to give the power company half of your paycheck each month"
> season, which happens to coincide with greater danger from CO and
> Radon.
>
>> I have a simple one I made as a pre-teen nerd. I occasionally take it out
>> to
>> show someone that the following really are pretty hot: old luminous-dial
>> watches, the high-dispersion glass elements in older camera lenses, and
>> red
>> Fiestaware.
>
> Watches and camera lenses, I knew. But red Fiestaware? All of it, or
> just the older stuff?
>
>> But never tea.
>
> Thank goodness.
>
> --
> Derek
>
> Much work remains to be done before we can announce our total failure
> to make any progress.

No this has nothing to do with being Russian and everything to do with being
a geologist.
I just know how radioactive rocks and soils can be and that there is no
guarantee that the tomato I slice for my girls this evening has not been
growing just on top of such.
Certainly there are tons of other things that can harm them, but this one I
know and it can be eliminated fast and simple.
I am not a safety freak, but I when I drive I assume to be among suicide
drivers and I switch my computer when I leaver home. I guess working for
months in the wilderness without any chance to have help within hundreds of
miles and later delivering yachts from Sweden to Mediterranean coast
single-handedly made me that way.

Sasha.



"Melinda" > wrote in message
...
> Ah, but keep in mind (and Sasha I don't know if this is why or not, pure
> idle speculation) that Russia or more specifically Ukraine is the one
> place recently that has had a major nuclear meltdown. And the veggies and
> soil within a certain radius is, of course, still radioactive to a
> detrimental degree.
>
> Not keeping people from moving there though...folks gotta eat even if it
> glows.
>
> Completely off topic, but at one point I had to have my thyroid oblated
> (that means nuked , cooked, shrunk) and they gave me a radioactive iodine
> pill for it (iodine collects in the thyroid). When they brought it out of
> the little case it was in, I asked them to pass a Geiger counter over
> it...
>
> Me being the nerd I am, I thought it was cool. I also thought it was cool
> that they recommended I not sleep next to my husband for the first night
> or two. Just till I stopped glowing I guess.
>
> Melinda
>
>
> "Derek" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Thu, 16 Dec 2004 03:39:30 GMT, Dog Ma 1 wrote:
>>
>>> Alex wrote:
>>>> Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
>>> produce
>>>> that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>>>
>>> Wow - a degree of paranoia to which I have never even aspired. Of
>>> course,
>>> here in the northeastern US, background radon levels from cracked
>>> granite
>>> are so high that mere fallout and nuke-plant meltdowns are relatively
>>> inconsequntial.
>>
>> If I lived in Nevada, I'd probably be worried, too.
>>
>> But here in Minnesota, we've got bigger issues with CO and Radon. It's
>> "seal up your house and keep all the cold air out, or else you're
>> going to give the power company half of your paycheck each month"
>> season, which happens to coincide with greater danger from CO and
>> Radon.
>>
>>> I have a simple one I made as a pre-teen nerd. I occasionally take it
>>> out to
>>> show someone that the following really are pretty hot: old luminous-dial
>>> watches, the high-dispersion glass elements in older camera lenses, and
>>> red
>>> Fiestaware.
>>
>> Watches and camera lenses, I knew. But red Fiestaware? All of it, or
>> just the older stuff?
>>
>>> But never tea.
>>
>> Thank goodness.
>>
>> --
>> Derek
>>
>> Much work remains to be done before we can announce our total failure
>> to make any progress.
>
>

No this has nothing to do with being Russian and everything to do with being
a geologist.
I just know how radioactive rocks and soils can be and that there is no
guarantee that the tomato I slice for my girls this evening has not been
growing just on top of such.
Certainly there are tons of other things that can harm them, but this one I
know and it can be eliminated fast and simple.
I am not a safety freak, but I when I drive I assume to be among suicide
drivers and I switch my computer when I leaver home. I guess working for
months in the wilderness without any chance to have help within hundreds of
miles and later delivering yachts from Sweden to Mediterranean coast
single-handedly made me that way.

Sasha.



"Melinda" > wrote in message
...
> Ah, but keep in mind (and Sasha I don't know if this is why or not, pure
> idle speculation) that Russia or more specifically Ukraine is the one
> place recently that has had a major nuclear meltdown. And the veggies and
> soil within a certain radius is, of course, still radioactive to a
> detrimental degree.
>
> Not keeping people from moving there though...folks gotta eat even if it
> glows.
>
> Completely off topic, but at one point I had to have my thyroid oblated
> (that means nuked , cooked, shrunk) and they gave me a radioactive iodine
> pill for it (iodine collects in the thyroid). When they brought it out of
> the little case it was in, I asked them to pass a Geiger counter over
> it...
>
> Me being the nerd I am, I thought it was cool. I also thought it was cool
> that they recommended I not sleep next to my husband for the first night
> or two. Just till I stopped glowing I guess.
>
> Melinda
>
>
> "Derek" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Thu, 16 Dec 2004 03:39:30 GMT, Dog Ma 1 wrote:
>>
>>> Alex wrote:
>>>> Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
>>> produce
>>>> that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>>>
>>> Wow - a degree of paranoia to which I have never even aspired. Of
>>> course,
>>> here in the northeastern US, background radon levels from cracked
>>> granite
>>> are so high that mere fallout and nuke-plant meltdowns are relatively
>>> inconsequntial.
>>
>> If I lived in Nevada, I'd probably be worried, too.
>>
>> But here in Minnesota, we've got bigger issues with CO and Radon. It's
>> "seal up your house and keep all the cold air out, or else you're
>> going to give the power company half of your paycheck each month"
>> season, which happens to coincide with greater danger from CO and
>> Radon.
>>
>>> I have a simple one I made as a pre-teen nerd. I occasionally take it
>>> out to
>>> show someone that the following really are pretty hot: old luminous-dial
>>> watches, the high-dispersion glass elements in older camera lenses, and
>>> red
>>> Fiestaware.
>>
>> Watches and camera lenses, I knew. But red Fiestaware? All of it, or
>> just the older stuff?
>>
>>> But never tea.
>>
>> Thank goodness.
>>
>> --
>> Derek
>>
>> Much work remains to be done before we can announce our total failure
>> to make any progress.
>
>

No this has nothing to do with being Russian and everything to do with being
a geologist.
I just know how radioactive rocks and soils can be and that there is no
guarantee that the tomato I slice for my girls this evening has not been
growing just on top of such.
Certainly there are tons of other things that can harm them, but this one I
know and it can be eliminated fast and simple.
I am not a safety freak, but I when I drive I assume to be among suicide
drivers and I switch my computer when I leaver home. I guess working for
months in the wilderness without any chance to have help within hundreds of
miles and later delivering yachts from Sweden to Mediterranean coast
single-handedly made me that way.

Sasha.



"Melinda" > wrote in message
...
> Ah, but keep in mind (and Sasha I don't know if this is why or not, pure
> idle speculation) that Russia or more specifically Ukraine is the one
> place recently that has had a major nuclear meltdown. And the veggies and
> soil within a certain radius is, of course, still radioactive to a
> detrimental degree.
>
> Not keeping people from moving there though...folks gotta eat even if it
> glows.
>
> Completely off topic, but at one point I had to have my thyroid oblated
> (that means nuked , cooked, shrunk) and they gave me a radioactive iodine
> pill for it (iodine collects in the thyroid). When they brought it out of
> the little case it was in, I asked them to pass a Geiger counter over
> it...
>
> Me being the nerd I am, I thought it was cool. I also thought it was cool
> that they recommended I not sleep next to my husband for the first night
> or two. Just till I stopped glowing I guess.
>
> Melinda
>
>
> "Derek" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Thu, 16 Dec 2004 03:39:30 GMT, Dog Ma 1 wrote:
>>
>>> Alex wrote:
>>>> Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
>>> produce
>>>> that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>>>
>>> Wow - a degree of paranoia to which I have never even aspired. Of
>>> course,
>>> here in the northeastern US, background radon levels from cracked
>>> granite
>>> are so high that mere fallout and nuke-plant meltdowns are relatively
>>> inconsequntial.
>>
>> If I lived in Nevada, I'd probably be worried, too.
>>
>> But here in Minnesota, we've got bigger issues with CO and Radon. It's
>> "seal up your house and keep all the cold air out, or else you're
>> going to give the power company half of your paycheck each month"
>> season, which happens to coincide with greater danger from CO and
>> Radon.
>>
>>> I have a simple one I made as a pre-teen nerd. I occasionally take it
>>> out to
>>> show someone that the following really are pretty hot: old luminous-dial
>>> watches, the high-dispersion glass elements in older camera lenses, and
>>> red
>>> Fiestaware.
>>
>> Watches and camera lenses, I knew. But red Fiestaware? All of it, or
>> just the older stuff?
>>
>>> But never tea.
>>
>> Thank goodness.
>>
>> --
>> Derek
>>
>> Much work remains to be done before we can announce our total failure
>> to make any progress.
>
>

Yes, Nevada is well know as a nuclear test are, but, I say, is that
the reason why I don't get so allarmed. Maybe I think it could be more
dangerous to dreak Lipton Iced tea, imported by the U.S.A., thant Pu
Ehr gotten from Cina.
I have been in Nevada, I have bought bottled water and more, and I am
still alive. That's what I think.

On Wed, 15 Dec 2004 11:27:39 GMT, "Alex Chaihorsky"
> wrote:

>My God, Dada, you have never heard of radioactive contamination?
>I am not going to go into much of the subject here, bud I did find some
>elevated levels of gamma r/a in tap water during my field work in rural
>Nevada. Knowing that Nevada was a test site state, one shouldn't be too
>suprised.
>That was years ago, though. And I had no idea what the "safe" levels were. I
>just ran out and bought bottled water.
>
>Sasha.
>
>
>"Dada" > wrote in message
.. .
>>
>> And have you found something strange in some kind of cinese teas, or
>> something similar? What kind of suspect products have you found?
>> Don't know why, but I have never thought that was possible to drink or
>> eat something containing dangerous rays before.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, 15 Dec 2004 01:29:58 GMT, "Alex Chaihorsky"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>Certainly I own one. And I do check things out sometimes. Especially
>>>produce
>>>that we buy on farmer's markets, etc.
>>>Using it requires some degree of technical knowledge, bit nothing that
>>>cannot be learned in about 15 minutes.
>>>For me, NOT testing what you eat is strange, but opinions differ.
>>>
>>>Sasha.
>>>
>>>
>>>"Steve Hay" > wrote in message
>>>news:QoKvd.4444$lZ6.1245@trnddc02...
>>>> Derek wrote:
>>>>> On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:11:19 +0100, Dada wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>Please, pardon my ignorance, but...do you own one of it? and how do
>>>>>>you use it? I mean, it sound to me like a difficult thing to use.
>>>>>>Don't know, it's a little strange to test what you eat and what you
>>>>>>drink before using it...
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Their complexity depends on the model.
>>>>>
>>>>> There's a Russian model on eBay right now that simply tells you if
>>>>> you're ok or if you're in trouble. Some will actually measure the
>>>>> amount of radiation.
>>>>>
>>>>> In its simplest form, you turn it on and point it at the object of
>>>>> study. If it makes a click (or a beep) every once in a while, you're
>>>>> safe. If it clicks A LOT and CONSTANTLY, you've got a problem.
>>>>>
>>>>> I used a Geiger counter as part of my laboratory checks when I was
>>>>> assigned the task of "radiation safety monitor." And it was frequently
>>>>> used to check the outside of packaging containing radioactive material
>>>>> to see if anything had leaked in transit.
>>>>>
>>>>> Ah, those were the days. Toxic chemicals and radioactivity all around
>>>>> me.
>>>>
>>>> In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of
>>>> detection
>>>> is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.
>>>
>>
>

>>
> In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of detection
> is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.

Forgive my ignorance but alpha particles can be blocked with a piece of
paper, they are nothing but helium nuclei. They have the propensity of
ionising cells, as they are very heavy. In order to get damage from them
you need to ingest them. Geiger counters are probably a bad tool for
detecting them.

Beta particles and gamma radiation are a different kettle of fish, but
they ionise much less and need to be administered in large doses. Eating
Ceasium and Strontiom is bad, as those elements substitute calcium in your
bones and are then permanent radiation sources.

Granite is a strong source of beta radiation, very few people hesitate to
touch granite though.

In my opinion eating, or drinking, something with a large dose of
chemicals on it is much worse than radiation. For instance, there was a
time when teas from China and Ceylon were very high in DDT content, due to
crop spraying. Don't know how the situation is now. Dioxins would be
another major worry, but not radiation.

Just my tuppence

JB

>>
> In terms of alphas specifically, I'd say under the threshold of detection
> is the way to be. Alphas are nasty things to be eating.

Forgive my ignorance but alpha particles can be blocked with a piece of
paper, they are nothing but helium nuclei. They have the propensity of
ionising cells, as they are very heavy. In order to get damage from them
you need to ingest them. Geiger counters are probably a bad tool for
detecting them.

Beta particles and gamma radiation are a different kettle of fish, but
they ionise much less and need to be administered in large doses. Eating
Ceasium and Strontiom is bad, as those elements substitute calcium in your
bones and are then permanent radiation sources.

Granite is a strong source of beta radiation, very few people hesitate to
touch granite though.

In my opinion eating, or drinking, something with a large dose of
chemicals on it is much worse than radiation. For instance, there was a
time when teas from China and Ceylon were very high in DDT content, due to
crop spraying. Don't know how the situation is now. Dioxins would be
another major worry, but not radiation.

Just my tuppence

JB