Remembering PRESTAGS

That is not a watch...

It does not even tell time! (https://www.prestags.com/2019/06/fabulous-1980s-tech.html) This is a watch!

I sometimes wonder that if the Amish did not exist, Spetz would found them, with 1980's tech (enough to have Empire playing on a Mac Classic) and 1950's theology (only Catholics need apply). Just because the tech is old, it does not mean it is the height of good design - it was just the best we could do at the time. Just like counters and hex grid maps are pretty cool and still have a place in the mouse of one of the readers of this blog, they are not the final word on wargaming.

Just because you have the inferior Russian jets in this counter mix does not mean you ignore all possible future improvements. uyou play on and flan for the FUTURE, because the FUTURE is coming much sooner than the PAST!

Watches can show world maps, modern or old these days. Does it make them less virtuous? No, but they can and will get better. And if you want your watch to tell the time, and now just dumbly show it, you should be allowed to say "OK Google, what is the time?"

 

Penang, Malaysia: Religious Signs

I have seen some great signs in religious buildings.

In the Kek Lok Si Temple 'official shop' (as distinct from the myriad 'less than official' sellers) was the following sign. I'm glad to see the crusade against EMF extends around the world.

In the Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Ghost (the same Church I was married in over 24 years ago, although it wasn't a Cathedral then) was a sign on the inside of the Church doors so it would be seen by those leaving Church:

 

How to Heat Up Cold Dim Sims Without a Microwave

It is over a year since I threw away our microwave oven at the beginning of my crusade against EMF. The only time we really miss it is when there is left over food to be heated up. In most cases the Boss uses a steamer which not only heats up the food but keeps it nice and moist.

Last night I came home late after seeing an excellent production of The Merchant of Venice with Shakespeare mad daughters #1 and #2. I was hungry and confronted with cold dim sims and chips. Not to worry, I heated them up in five minutes using the jaffle and they were piping hot and great.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Ode to EMF

The true virtue of this blog is that I can argue with Paul whenever the mood grabs me, and not have to wait for the next all-nighter Armada session with an OX blocks chaser. Today I welcome EMF attached to my body!

This week, I have embraced Bluetooth after a many years of wondering what the purpose is. I used to play a weekly game of tennis with my brother and get out alot with Jordan, but both these activities are marked declining of late, leaving me with little enforced exercise. This year at my annual, the doctor asked me how much exercise I was doing. (I told him I had a diaspora strategy where I micromanage a large fleet of transports - well it starts large and then Paul prunes...) I gave him a guess, but he looked dubious. Then last week I saw that Samsung had a new range of smart watches that  track your exercise and sleep and upload it onto your Samsung phone. I had read a New Scientist article suggesting that smart watches, while still immature technology, do motivate you to achieve exercise goals. As I had a Samsung phone, I thought to try the Neo 2.

It took a bit of getting used to as I have not worn a watch since Hal Judge suggested I take mine off at Ursies. Further, like a phone, it wants to be charged every few days. And I had to turn on Bluetooth for the phone, which I have always had off on the grounds that something on that I don't use can hurt me.

The instruction manual does say how to control the device, but not how to use it. For example, you need to put exercise goals into it before it will record anything. So I set myself a goal of 10,000 steps per day and 3km walking for exercise.  On the first day, I had done no steps, so I discovered you had to turn the pedometer on. The next day I found my daily commute gave me 4,800 steps, so for my exercise that evening, I only needed another 5,000. Unfortunately, when I started the exercse app before walking the dog, it did not gave me any credit for going to work. It did take my pulse though before I started, which was cute. So three quarters the way through the dog walk, the watch made a noise and flashed up a gold coin for hitting my 10,000 steps. A minute latter, it told me I was 50% through my 3km. Unfortunately, I was less than a klick from home, so I was a disappointed 2.3KM exerciser.

The next day I decided to get that 3Km and headed off the wrong way on the dog walk (the dog thought I was crazy) wandered for a Klick and then headed past the house and did the normal work and got my gold coin for completing 100% of the exercise. To my horror though, 3km is only about 7000 steps, and being Anzac day I did not go to work, so I did not get a gold coin for that.

Today I am better prepared. I went to the train station this morning to buy some bread and milk, so have about 4000 steps in the bank. Tonight we get two gold coins! Then I need to do some reasearch into what is a reasonable workout for a 50 year old. However, I have a sneaky feeling the smart watch is going to convince me take on the Kokoda Track before the the year is out!

Also, I am not nearly as restless in bed as Margo claims - certanly not half the night!

Reinforcements for the Crusade

Some reinforcements for the crusade against EMF have arrived: An RF Three-Axis Field Strength Meter and a Triaxial Magnetic Field Meter.

My previous instrument, the Trifield Meter, is excellent and very easy to use, however it is limited in relation to some of the tests I want to undertake and it doesn't have a memory to store a succession of test results.

The downside of the new instruments is that their operation is a degree of complexity above the Trifield Meter, and I will need a while to learn how to use them. Hopefully there will be some YouTube tutorials.

My next targets are mobile phones, and particularly mobile phone towers which the RF Three-Axis Field Strength Meter should be able to measure at a distance.

 

Lenovo, big screen little screen on PC

the laptop - quite happy with it.

 

the old and the new (2nd hand) PC monitors - the new one is large by comparison:

Televisions, Computers and Laptops

PythonMagus has asked me for EMF readings for television and computers. I am happy to oblige. The nasty surprise comes with laptop computers.

Televisions

I detected no danger with my television. I have a Samsung 50 inch LCD flatscreen.

[1]  Right next to the screen there was an electro magnetic reading of 10-15 milligauss, however [2] this dissipated to less tham 3 milligauss a couple of feet away. The readings were the same whether the TV was showing moving images or a still photograph with lots of black as in the above image. There was a low microwave reading of .03 mW/cm2 but only within 3 centimetres of the screen.

With the TV sitting in the corner of the room, and at least 7 feet away from the nearest watching position, there does not appear to be anything to worry about.

Laptop Computers

We are a household with one desktop, and four laptop computers. All of the girls have an Apple laptop and I used a three month old Macbook Pro 13 inch for my test.

[3] Right next to the laptop screen I got a reading of 10-15 milligauss. [4] Moving back to the keyboard this reading went down to 4-5 milligauss which is just over my safe level of 3 milligauss. [5] Moving further back to the fromt of the laptop the reading was down to 1 milligauss.

The above readings may be a bit higher than I would like but not cause for huge concern as long as you don't stick your face right near the screen. But there is a less obvious and nasty problem with the laptop.

[6] Under the laptop, at the area where the computer actually makes contact with your body, was a high reading of 100 milligauss. This is definitely not good, especially when the 'lap' is the part of the body near the testicles and ovaries.

The lesson is don't use a laptop on your lap. When you put the laptop on a table and sit under the table, or use a portable laptop table / tray, this high reading is mostly blocked out. The table is better because there is more space between the computer and the lap. The laptop readings were the same whether the power cord was used or the laptop operated on battery. I did not get any microwave readings with the laptop.

Desktop Computers

My desktop computer setup did not give me grounds for concern.

[7] The desktop computer itself only gave a reading of 3 milligauss immediately outside the front of the case. [8] The computer screen, which is a Dell 22 inch LCD flatscreen, gave a reading of 10 milligauss right against the screen, but this went down to 3 milligauss 1 foot away. [9] The keyboard gave a reading of 2.5 milligauss. [10] The biggest reading came from the powerboard, which was over 100 milligauss right next to the outlets but down to 1 milligauss less than 1 foot away. As long as the powerboard is a couple of feet away from the body this is OK. I did not get any microwave readings with the computer equipment.

The last computer equipment I tested was the wireless router. Given that this equipment is designed to emit wireless internet to the house I was expecting a high reading. [11] Right next to the router the reading was 100 milligauss. [12] However, moving away from the router the reading was down to 2.5 milligauss 1 foot away. I did not get any microwave readings with the wireless router.

As long as the wireless router is keep at least a couple of feet away from the body it seems to be OK.

The children (and myself) are pleased that the television and the computers are not going to meet the same fate as the microwave. But (notwithstanding the name) the laptops should not be used directly on the lap.

Microwave Ovens are Dangerous

I continue with my investigations into Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF). My concerns commenced in September 2013 and my research culminated in my undertaking of an Earthing Experiment on myself in January 2014. I have now created a new category for this blog: Crusade Against EMF.

Recently I purchased a TriField Meter from an engineer in Melbourne. This is an instrument that can measure AC magnetic fields (a gauss meter), AC electric fields and radio including microwaves (a microwave is an extremely high frequency radio wave). There is some debate as to what is included in the general expression EMF. I use EMF to describe the general electromagnetic field radiation including microwaves that is produced from electric transmission equipment, power lines, electric equipment of all sorts, mobile phones, microwave ovens, computer monitors, and video/audio devices. This is the invisible soup we all live in now.

 
Just because we can't detect EMF with our senses doesn't mean it is not there, or that it is not dangerous. Only a small spectrum (basically light and some sound) are detectable by humans.

There is debate as to what the safe levels of EMF are. Magnetic fields are measured in milligauss and electric fields are measured in volts/meter which can by calculated at 10 x milligauss. Microwaves are measured in many ways including mW/cm2. A search of the internet indicates a big range as to what is regarded as safe. For magnetic and electric fields, the US EPA and countries like Sweden regard 3 milligauss or less as safe. Australia has no recommendations. Russia (which claims to have done the most research in this area since the 1940s) has lower levels and the cut off is 1 milligauss or less. On the other end of the spectrum, some power companies use a cut off of 1,000 milligauss but this is a laughable level from a vested interest. There is also debate over microwave levels, with many standards using  5 mW/cm2 as a safe level, others using 1 mW/cm2, others 0.1 mW/cm2 and others even lower.

I have assumed 3 milligauss and 1 mW/cm2 is the cut off point (Russians would say this is too high).

I have taken interesting readings using my TriField Meter all over the house, but the most dramatic was with the microwave oven. I had assumed that a microwave oven only emitted microwaves and only when the microwave function was on, and that this would be inside the oven. Wrong and wrong and wrong.

 
The microwave oven measurements are an eye opener.

1. With the power cord to the microwave oven turned off, the measurement for milligauss (electro magnetic fields) was zero, as was the measurement for microwaves. No surprises here.
2. With the power turned on, but not operating the microwave, a massive measurement of over 100 milligauss was measured outside the microwave oven. This is scary. The microwave emits this all day 24/7 even if you don't use the microwave function. And everybody leaves the microwave oven plugged in with the power point on because there is a clock on the oven, which becomes the kitchen clock.
3. One foot away from the microwave oven, again with the power on but not operating the microwave, the TriField Meter records 3.5 milligauss. This means if you stand next to and look in the window of a microwave oven, even with the microwave function turned off and not cooking anything, you expose yourself to an unsafe electromagmetic field.
4. Now to test for microwaves. With the microwave oven power on, but not turning on the microwave function, the microwave reading is zero. Expected, but remember there is still over 100 milligauss of electro magnetic field outside the oven.
5. Turn on the microwave function to heat something and there is over 1 mW/cm2 outside the oven. The reading on the TriField Meter was maxed out so I don't know how high it actually was.
6. One foot away from the oven with the microwave function operating and there was still a reading of 0.5 mW/cm2. This means if you stand next to and look in the window of a microwave oven while it is heating something you are exposed to both an electro magnetic field and microwaves. They don't tell you this when you buy a microwave oven.
7. Two feet away from the oven with the microwave function operating and there was a reading of 0.3 mW/cm2. This covered the kitchen sink and the area where we stand to prepare food. What is most concerning is that there are microwaves outside the oven, not just inside the oven like we think is the case.

Our microwave oven was a relatively new piece of equipment and not faulty as far as I could tell. Little did I know that it was an unsafe EMF emitter 24/7 sitting in the middle of the kitchen. There are other ways to heat and cook food, so now this oven has a new home.

I Conducted a Medical Experiment Upon Myself

On Australia Day (26 January, two weeks ago) I commenced a medical experiment upon myself. I did not want to report until I had at least two weeks of data.

I have previously ranted about my fears concerning the wireless soup we live in these days, per my post in September 2013 Wireless Madness. Since then I have been researching ways to deal with this, and the general unhealthiness of the modern lifestyle.

A few weeks ago I came across 'Earthing' (also known as 'Grounding'). At first I thought "toot toot" (as we are trained to do) then I did more research and discovered there is scientific support for Earthing including experimental data and various papers. The huge benefit appears to be less inflamation (increasingly recognised as the cause of many ailments) and a thinner and healthier blood supply, which is a great boost to cellular health and the immune system.

What on earth is Earthing (sorry, irresistable pun). There is a good summary at Barefoot Healing Australia and the following:

We all live and function electrically on an electrical planet. We are each of us a collection of dynamic electrical circuits. In the living matrix of our complex bodies, trillions of cells constantly transmit and receive energy in the course of their programmed biochemical reactions. The movement of nutrients and water into the cells is regulated by electric fields, and each type of cell has a frequency range in which it operates. Your heart, brain, nervous system, muscles, and immune system are prime examples of electrical subsystems operating within your "bioelectrical" body. The fact is, all of your movements, behaviours, and actions are energized by electricity. Earthing research demonstrates that connection to the Earth initiates an immediate electrophysiological shift inside your body indicative of improved blood, nervous system, immune system, and muscular function.

In electricity, all electrical systems are "grounded"; that is, stabilized by the electrical energy of the Earth's surface. Without a ground, appliances or sophisticated medical devices would not work properly. Similarly, when connected to the Earth, the body receives an electric signal that normalizes and stabilizes its many biological systems and mechanisms. This signal also appears to be the source of negatively charged free electrons, present in unlimited quantity on the surface of the Earth. The hypothesis put forward by scientists involved in Earthing research is that the transfer of electrons into the body quenches or neutralizes positively charged, electron-seeking free radicals that drive chronic inflammation activity at the core of many common diseases. We suggest that the mightiest anti-inflammatory on the planet may be the very planet itself! We further suggest that destructive chronic inflammation may be the result of an electron deficiency that is remedied by contact with the Earth's infinite reservoir of free electrons.

I was sufficiently intrigued to try earthing for myself. My experiment was to earth myself for at least 8 hours per day (at night using an earthed sheet, combined with an earthing mat under my desk at work and under our computer desk at home). The Python had a clue when he visited me at work this week and I was barefoot.

I purchased an earthing kit. This is how I set up my earthed sheet:

A

I tested the powerpoint to ensure that the plug was properly earthed. Three red lights means everything is OK and the bottom plug is earthed. (I also discovered the powerpoints in the bathroom - which we don't use - were not earthed which is very bad).

 

B

The earthing plug creates a wired connection to the earthed prong on the powerpoint. There is no connection at all to the top two electrical and neutral pins. 

 

C

The earthing plug is connected to the powerpoint. Note that the powerpoint is not even turned on because only the earthing connection is needed.

 

 D

The cord from the earthing plug connects to the underside of a cotton sheet, which is threaded with a conductive silver thread in a rectangular pattern.

 

E

The pattern of silver threads is quite tight, and interestingly the surface area within each rectangle made by the silver threading is the same size as a PRESTAGS counter. When the skin touches the silver threading the body becomes earthed.

F

I tested an ordinary sheet. Obviously this sheet is not earthed.

 

G

Then I tested the cotton - silver thread sheet connected to the earth socket. Green light goes on: bingo it is earthed.

 

Today is 14 days since I commenced the experiment. Time to report upon the results thus far.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING (I KID YOU NOT)!!

I can honestly report the following:

1. On the first night, I had the best night's sleep in years. I woke feeling much more refreshed than usual and full of energy. I have slept like this and woken like this every day since.
2. My father has bad arthritis, and for the last 4 years or so I have had soreness and stiffness in my joints, especially my knuckles and knees. This soreness and stiffmess has noticeably decreased.
3. My head feels 'clear' and I have maintained concentration and mental agility at work much more than I had previously.
4. I have been told my snoring has decreased.
5. I cut myself (accidentally) and I healed twice as fast as before.
6. My appetite has changed. For the last 10 years I had woken without an appetite. My breakfast had been coffee. Now I wake slightly hungry and crave a bowl of All Bran or Wheat Bix, which I have been enjoying for breakfast.
7. I also have increased sensitivity to sugar, and only want half a teaspoon (not 2 teaspoons) in my coffee and generally I don't crave lollies (I was a jube fiend) or lemonade.
8. I enjoy lunch and dinner but feel satisfied after a normal size helping (previously I would eat double).
9. My muscles feel stronger and I have not been feeling puffed after a couple of flights of stairs.
10. I have felt more calm and relaxed throughout the day. Things that used to stress me do not do so any more. Although thankfully I have never had bouts of depression or anything like that, I feel 'happier' and 'balanced'.

 
In only two weeks, a really remarkable health benefit. I intend to keep on earthing and all I can say is: Try it out. Seriously, if you are not as healthy as you'd like and particularly if you are stressed, give it a go.

Earthing products are available at Earthing Oz and Barefoot Healing.

The soles of our feet have more nerve endings than almost any other part of our body: maybe I know the reason now. What next? Who knows, perhaps there is a clue in this photo of the Python that he does not remember I kept a copy of:

Wireless Madness?

I'm not a scientist or an IT specialist like other PRESTAGS, but is the proliferation of wireless waves everywhere a good and healthy thing? There are now microwave towers in every suburb, and our brains are living in wireless soup 24/7.

In just 10 minutes I was able to bring up the PRESTAGS website on 8 different devices in my own home, 7 of which used internet wireless or mobile phone transmission (Windows PC + Macbook + Kindle + Zenbook with Linux + iPad + Nintendo 3DS + two mobile phones). My zenbook detects 4 other wireless networks from neighbours in range inside my back room. Out the door and down the road a few hundred metres are a cluster of towers on top of the local shops. And not everything is wireless, there are also wires everywhere. Do these emit anything?

Thygocanberra probably enjoys a bit more 'fresh air' than Python and I. Maybe I'm paranoid but I don't believe all this wireless can be good for us. The lawyer in me knows that the Telcos are massively powerful corporations, and if there are adverse side effects they would be covered up.

I particularly dislike mobile phones, and holding them directly against the head. I fear mobile phones and wireless networks may be the asbestos of the future.