Re: [APML] Kinda OT - film through the mail problem

[George Anderson <georgea@cam.org>]

We used to carry removable disk platters across countries in the mid
'80s when we were doing upgrades to flight sims. At that time we were
able to request a visual only inspection on the disk packs. One person
let it go throught the machine, only a little bit of data was lost, but
it was in the VTOC so the disk was toast.
If they have cranked up the output of the x-ray machines (not sure if
this can be done) it can damage the data on a HD in a laptop.
This may make life very un-fun, but we do get to live.

George Anderson
Montreal Canada

Clear skies and good health

Joseph O'Neil wrote:
> 
>         I imagine many of you like myself occasionally order film through mail
> order when not available locally.  With the US post office plans to
> irradiate all mail because of anthrax threats, there is real danger posed
> to undeveloped film (exposed and unexpsoed) by these irradiation
> machines.  Right now Kodak had posted on their main web site they cannto
> reccomend taking film through air travel as the intensity of all airport
> x-ray machines has been turned up since 9-11.
>         The net has been full of wild rumours, but today the Washington Times has
> a good, level headed article about the problem.  here's the link
> http://www.washingtontimes.com/business/20011102-99909756.htm
> 
>         Worth looking at.  It would seem if anyone is going to travel
> cross-country or internationally  for astro-photo shots, you might have to
> buy your film at that location, and have it developed on site, or
> locally.  To send film by mail or air travel seems dicey for the near
> future, until things get straightened out.
> 
>         (tounge in cheek mode = on) Maybe we should setup a world wide network of
> "astro-photo" safe houses were we can buy film and have it developed locally.
> 
>         Ironically,  digital is not a solution here either, as the irradiation
> process is said to harm some electronics (also mentioned in the article).
> joe
> 
> http://www.oneilphoto.on.ca
> http://www.multiboard.com/~joneil
> 
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