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Tip for all Mac card game enthusiasts

Mac poker sites come in two forms. The first is the native Mac client, allowing you to download the poker software right onto your Mac OS and utilizes the same quality graphics and software as the Windows version. The second type of software to play poker on a Mac is the instant play version, which is compatible with Mac players using Java or Flash programming.

The Road Warrior Mailbag - May 21, 2007

Comment on Computer outgassing
Computer Chemical Emissions Worse Than Ever In The MacIntel Era
ES Treatments & Shielding
Should Apple Revive The Mac Portable? - From The Road Warrior Archive

Comment on Computer outgassing

From Cheri

Hi Charles,

I really admire your computer isolation case. Your article is excellent and I've forwarded it to some people. Mostly to my sister and mom because they watched me struggle and eventually give up on buying a laptop. Maybe it's the outgassing that was different between identical monitors - and I just thought it was my eyes that were giving me a headache?

I'm having a problem and you sound unfortunately experienced in MCS and like you might know where to point me for me to do my research on solving it.

I've had CFS for 10 years. At the beginning I could smell and get confused by new carpet & such, that others didn't. However, most of my hypersensitivity has been to medications, supplements, & foods. I even added new carpet to most of my house a few years ago, left for three weeks with the windows open, and survived when I came back. Also, over the years I've improved substantially and can now walk and talk sucessfully most of the time : ).

However my '89 Probe has died a graceful death and probably is now a organ donor, and I'm shopping for a new used car. I'm finding I'm still reacting to "new car smells" in 10 year old cars. (I also need a super low seat for the neurally mediated hypotension low blood pressure condition that goes with the CFS.)

Since I haven't dealt with MCS symptoms before, I don't know what resources to use. Can you give me a few pointers or ideas?? Anything would be helpful.

I'm wondering:

- Does steam cleaning with water help remove some of the outgassing more quickly especially with the seats. (One of the car options my legs start itching first & I have a sense it's the fabric.)

- Does leaving the windows open for a month help outgas it better than regular use by a person - who basically opens the door for a second then puts on the heat or a/c to circulate air. If so maybe I'll buy something and park it outside for three months.

- Do air purifies work to reduce the outgassing chemicals. I'm not worried about other cars fumes and most seem to target them. I found an interesting looking one at Achoo! Allergy & Air products: http://www.achooallergy.com/roomaid.asp?utm_id=NL0506

- I'd love to find sites where MCS people have discussed this problem to see what's worked and what hasn't. I can't seem to find any MCS discussion sites using google. Are there popular ones?

Thanks in advance for any resources you can provide. I look forward to reading other posting by you.

Thanks!!

___

Hi Cheri;

Glad you enjoyed (so to speak, dismal topic) the article.

I'm not a medical professional or therapist by any stretch of the imagination, so any comments I make are of a general, informational nature. MCS/CFS and related syndromes are highly ideosyncratic in the way they manifest, so in the end it often boils down to what you discover works for you through trial and error.

I may be tolerant of some substance that makes you quite ill, and vice-versa, although there is usually some crossover between cases.

Your questions;

Steam cleaning would have to help, with the important caveat that no chemical cleaning agent be used along with the steam. Heating plastics and synthetic fabrics accelerates the off-gassing process, although with steam there is concern about damaging the material.

Ventilation will help as well, albeit with a much slower effect. However, with car interiors, it is sometimes a lost cause. Vehicles that have been cleaned and detailed with Armor-All or similar dressing products may be a lost cause. Leather seats are usually hopeless. I tolerate our three old vehicles (1989 and 1990 Toyotas and a 1994 Mazda 4x4 pickup) reasonably well, but in late-model vehicles I pretty much resign myself to the necessity of wearing a charcoal respirator in transit.

I've used ozone generators extensively, with mixed success. The problem with anything upholstered is that the ozone doesn't penetrate below the surface, so I haven't found it much help. Putting stuff outdoors in the sun and wind for days usually improves things, albeit slowly, but you have to watch out for fading from the UV exposure.

Air Purifiers like the one you sent the link to can help with particulate pollution, and a charcoal filter will remove transient chemical pollutants from the air, but you really have to have them in a reasonably small space for them to work efficiently.

Here are a couple of online resources with information and support:

http://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=469

http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4415/

Good luck!

Charles

***

Computer Chemical Emissions Worse Than Ever In The MacIntel Era

From Cheri

Hi Charles,

Thanks so much for the info. I'm sorry for the delay in my reply.... I was part of a group lobbying on Capital Hill for CFS research this week. We got a good response; it's been better and better each year and we got a bunch of yesses from the staffers on our requests. But of course, I've been out of it since.

You point out a few details which I'll have to see if work for me. For instance, I assumed the reaction was absorption to more than breathing so I didn't think a mask would help. If wind and sun helps with other stuff then airing out a car might help too. I'm not having MCS in general, only to cars, so I have a limited problem to solve (my cfs manifests differently). Part of what's puzzling is why multiple 10 year old cars would be a problem, when 6 month old house carpet was not. I don't know what particle polution is, but if it's the vocs, not the fumes, then a car is certainly a limited space, so that should help.

Thanks for helping me. And for giving me some ideas and feedback. I really appreciate it. I'll have to keep researching and trucking...

I'm really hoping that when it comes to my next car many years from now, there will be enough evidence that this stuff (in cars as well as elsewhere) is dangerous to the general population and there will be movement to reduce it.

Cheri

___

Hi Cheri;

Do you react to all (or at least most) cars? That would imply that there is some car-specific material that's getting to you.

Aside from breathing chemical emissions, what vectors do you suspect? Dermal transfer is certainly possible (I've had nome nasty hives and reactions to elastic rubber in clothing), but much less efficient than airborne.

It might be worth trying an activated charcoal respirator just to see if it helps. The model I use is the 3M 8247 R95 Particulate respirator, which is available from industrial OHS suppliers.

Charles

***

ES Treatments & Shielding

From Sarah Dacre

PLEASE WATCH PANORAMA TODAY On WiFi & long term health effects at 20.30 hrs on BBC 21.5.07

The BBC Panorama Programme are to transmit a 30 minute programme on electro smog and ES on 21.5.07 at 20.30 hrs GMT. There will be many questions about ES and we have prepared the attached.

Electro Sensitivity (ES) – SHIELDING & TREATMENTS MEDIA RELEASE

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity or Electro Sensitivity (ES) describes a range of symptoms triggered by exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has the potential to disrupt any organ or organ system, as demonstrated by numerous scientific studies (<http://www.hese-project/hese-uk>www.hese-project/hese-uk ), and as a result symptoms can vary. The most common symptoms: headaches, insomnia, vertigo, joint pain, nausea, tinnitus, hypoglycaemia, hypertension, palpitations, memory loss, fertility problems, bleeding, skin rashes, thyroid problems, photosensitivity, panic attacks, exhaustion, eye problems and immune system dysfunction. When they are no longer exposed to EMR most people find their symptoms disappear, but the sensitivity remains, so that the next time they are exposed they experience these old symptoms and often with greater intensity.

It is not a new illness, but the number of people reporting that they are affected has grown rapidly, since the introduction of wireless technologies ( http://www.electrosensitivity.org.uk/ ). The density of EMR emitted by mobile phone masts, mobile phones, WiFi, DECT cordless home phones, blackberry and personal organisers and other wireless communications systems is considerable, and often referred to as “electromagnetic smog”. Most people are unaware that they are enveloped in this electromagnetic radiation day and night – unless that is, they are among the 4-5% of the UK population currently experiencing physical symptoms.

The number of people with ES is set to rise according to Professor Olle Johansson, a researcher into the health effects of EMFs, at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who has predicted that as many as 10% of the UK population could be affected by 2012, while Powerwatch ( http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/ ) consider 35% a more realistic estimate if the roll out of technologies based on microwave radiation continues at its current pace in the UK. The evidence is that we are all sensitive in varying degrees, and as the radiation density builds more people will become ill.

So what can people do to protect themselves from this devastating condition and what treatments exist in the UK? In Sweden electro sensitivity is recognised as a disability, and sufferers are entitled to government support and treatment, but not so in the UK where those affected have to work out for themselves how to cope with electro smog and rebuild their health.

Based on clinical experience of treating electro sensitivity I have developed a 5 point treatment plan which I would advise anyone showing symptoms of ES to adopt.

1) Shield and Protect

It is important to avoid environments which are heavily polluted, such as airports and WiFi hot spots, and to keep a safe distance from mobile phone masts ( http://www.sitefinder.radio.gov.uk/ will tell you your local mast distribution). An Electrosmog Detector ( http://www.detect-protect.com/ ) is essential for identifying hot spots, so that they can be avoided or shielded.

Sleeping in an environment free from electromagnetic radiation, is essential for recovery, and allows the body to produce melatonin, and regulate hormones. Protection is offered by specially designed bed canopies, curtains and blinds made from radiation proof fabrics. Special paints or foil lined wallpaper can prevent EMR seeping into your home through party walls and roof tiles (<http://www.wirelessfacts.co.uk/>www.wirelessfacts.co.uk).

A protection device such as a “Mini Celltec”, ( http://www.subtlefieldtechnologies.com/ ) can prevent extraneous frequencies from overwhelming the body’s natural frequencies, when exposed to electromagnetic smog.

Some people benefit from clothing made from special fabrics which screen out EMR, while others benefit from various grounding techniques:
http://www.royriggs.co.uk/

2) Lifestyle Changes

Making essential lifestyle changes, including diet is not easy for those already stressed by EMR, but it is an important step as it will relieve the pressure on an already overburdened system.

Any stressors including pre-existing conditions such as candida albicans, heavy metal toxicity or adrenal exhaustion, viral or bacterial infections should be diagnosed and treated. It is also important to acknowledge emotional problems and seek treatment for any unresolved issues.

A programme of regular relaxation, which promotes a positive outlook, including meditation, yoga, exercise, and EFT (emotional freedom technique) will speed recovery, and strengthen the body’s defences.

3) Diet

All allergens or food intolerances need to be identified and eliminated, and almost immediately improvements in energy will follow. I suggest each individual makes a list of foods which are good for them to eat (bearing in mind that this will vary from person to person.) Then they eat only those foods on their list. A practitioner can help with this.

Paying attention to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels at all times lifts an enormous stress from the digestive system and the result is better energy, immunity and general health.

4) Nutritional Supplements

When the body is under stress it needs additional nutrients. It is a good idea to get checked by a practitioner who uses applied kinesiology or muscle testing to establish which supplements are beneficial. For treatment to be effective it is essential to make good any nutritional deficiencies, and supplements are also useful in clearing toxicity.

5) Natural Remedies

A homeopath, kinesiologist or other naturopathic practitioner can treat ES symptoms (skin rashes, tinnitus, headaches, panic attacks, etc) and advise on diet and shielding. This is not a condition that can be easily self-treated. Chinese Acupuncture can help with painful symptoms and clearance of brain fog and memory problems, Fibromyalgia and general symptoms.

Assessing Sensitivity

Use the following questionnaire to assess your exposure to electro smog. Answering yes to four or more of these questions means that your exposure is likely to be high.

I talk on my mobile phone often, and sometimes for longer than 20 minutes each day
My mobile phone is usually kept switched on and close to me when not in use even at night
I use a DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) home phone, or baby alarm.
I live in close proximity (400 metres) to a mobile phone mast. I work or live in an environment where WiFi is installed
I use a wireless Blackberry or hand held organiser
I use bluetooth wireless technology.
At work I am in close proximity to the wireless PBX switchboard.
I often stand within 10 feet of the microwave oven while food is cooking.

(Adapted from “Smoking Kills OK; So Let’s Accept the Reality of Electromagnetic Smog”, Sarah Dacre, Lifescape, April 2007).

***

Should Apple Revive The Mac Portable? - From The Road Warrior Archive

Not a lot of mail this week, so I have room for another retrospective from The Road Warrior Archive. In this column on March 16, 2004, I posted an essay making a case for Apple to build a BIG notebook computer - even bigger, or at least considerably thicker, than the 17" PowerBook, perhaps more reminiscent of the pre-PowerBook Mac Portable of 1989.

I still think this would be a good idea. As I noted in the article, maybe even replacing the iMac with such a machine. Since I wrote the piece, Apple did proceed to blur the distinction between desktop and portable somewhat with the release of the Mac mini, but in the direction of small, rather than big. Small computers definitely have their place, and I'm a fan, but what I was thinking of in '04, and still am, is a real portable, which means battery powered, but with fewer compromises than one is obliged to accept with Apple's "one inch thin" crop of conventional notebooks.

The Jumbo notebook I have in mind would have multiple RAM upgrade slots, PCI and AGP expansion slots, upgradable video cards and VRAM, and possibly a full-size 3.5" hard drive.

Oh yes, in the '04 piece I mentioned that I would like to have a 17" BigAl PowerBook. I finally did get one 14 months ago, and it has been everything I hoped it would be and perhaps more. It's not very practical for road warrioring, but it's a super desktop substitute notebook within the noted limitations of a one inch thick form factor.

Anyway, here's the story.

Should Apple Revive The Mac Portable? [First published march,16. 2004]

Remember the Mac Portable? For those who don’t, it was Apple’s first crack at mobile computing; that is if you didn’t count the “luggability” of the original compact desktop Macs. Actually, Jef Raskin’s original conception of the Macintosh was that it should be a portable machine. As Apple historian Owen W. Linzmeyer notes in Apple Confidential 2.0, “Ruskin expected people to grow so attached to their Macs that they would never want to leave home without them, so portability was a key concern. He envisioned a weight just under 20 pounds and an internal battery providing up to two hours of operation.”

I expect Ruskin was thrilled with the PowerBook came along, since from the first it pretty much met or exceeded these criteria. I’ve always maintained that the PowerBook (and iBook) are “the logical Mac,” and it’s gratifying to hear that the “Father of the Mac” thought so too from the get - go.

However, returning to the main topic thread here, once upon a time, before there was a PowerBook, Apple built another portable Mac called, logically enough, the Mac Portable.

Introduced in September, 1989, the Mac Portable had a wonderfully sharp and clear 9.8” 1-bit 640x400 pixel active matrix screen that could fold flat, a 16 MHz Motorola 68000 CPU. The Portable’s internal lead-acid battery could provide five-to-ten-hours of untethered computing. It also included a number of features that would later be used in the PowerBook, such as the ability to put the processor to sleep rather than shutting the computer down, and optional trackball and internal modem.

In February 1991 the Mac Portable was upgraded with a backlit display; more RAM, and a lower price. At 15.8 pounds, the Mac Portable needed its carry-handle, but its size and weight made things like that long-lasting battery (which alone weighed more than 2 lb.) and use of a standard (cheaper) 3.5” hard drive possible. Another sensible innovation was use of a standard 9V “transistor radio” battery for PRAM. The smaller, half-the-weight or less PowerBooks that came along to replace the Mac Portable in October, 1991 were more convenient for serious road warriors, but more compromised specification-wise compared with desktop machines.

Why launched me on this train of thought about the Mac Portable was actually a PC. Acer, which I find to be one of the more interesting and innovative PC laptop manufacturers (I love their authorized Ferrari - themed notebook) has just come out with a honking-great laptop computer called the Acer Aspire 1700.

At 14.88” x 12.6” x 2.16” the Aspire is almost as wide and deep as the old Mac portable (15.25” x 14.83” x 4.05”) although only a little more than half as thick, and at about 15.5 pounds it weighs nearly as much as well.

Acer’s presumed objective is to up the ante in “desktop replacement” portables with a machine you can use as your main computer with little or no compromise in power or features, but which can be conveniently transported between home and the office or wherever you want. The top-of-the-line Aspire 1705SCi can be had with a 3.06 GHz Pentium 4 desktop-style CPU, 512MB of DDR SDRAM and a full size desktop 3.5” 120GB 7200 rpm ATA-100 hard drive. While it comes standard with a mediocre SiS M650 graphics accelerator, a selection of Nvidia GeForce graphics cards can be installed optionally, and of course upgraded later on.

The Aspire 1700 has a 17” display that is reportedly as good or even better than the one Apple uses in the biggest PowerBook, and as good as many high-end standalone monitors. Other equipment specs include an 8x DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, a built-in 802.11b wireless LAN, and set of integrated stereo speakers. It also has a full desktop-type keyboard with a full-size numeric pad, something Apple has plenty of room for in the 17” PowerBook but hasn’t implemented it.

You can find more information about the Aspire here:
http://www.acer.com/

I think it would be great if Apple came out with a big laptop in this general vein, more a portable true desktop substitute than a road-warrioring machine. What about the 17-inch BigAL ‘Book you might ask? Well, it’s nice. I would sure like to have one. But it’s compromised by the absurdly thin form factor, which you a considerable degree negates the advantage of having a large footprint. The 17 incher also isn’t any more expandable or upgradable or easy to work on than the 15-inch PowerBook.

I would like to see Apple making a big ‘Book more like the the Aspire, only with Apple’s customary elegant design and execution. Of course raw bulk and weight are not the point, nor is just a large screen size. What I would dearly love to see is a jumbo PowerBook that would restore and enhance the connectability and expandability standard that was set by the WallStreet G3 Series Power Book back in 1978, with two PC card slots, two expansion days (although even one would be a quantum improvement on the status quo), easy facility of opening up to perform component upgrades and repairs, and a motherboard design that facilitated both processor and video accelerator upgrades. A larger machine should also theoretically be easier and more efficient to cool. A detachable display and keyboard for better ergonomics in desktop use would also be ideal.

I’ll even stick my neck out a little farther, and suggest that Apple should consider replacing the iMac with this type of portable machine, loosely based on another abandoned Apple great idea - the PowerBook Duo. The machine I envision would be totally modular, with a basic CPU core unit could serve as either the CPU module of a desktop iMac replacement that would be available without a battery and which could be sold with a built-in (detachable) monitor, or “headless” to be used with an external display of the customer’s choice. Ease of access to internal components and upgrade slots would be a priority.

The same CPU unit would also be able to form the basis of a portable/big laptop with an add-on keyboard/ trackpad module and a battery in one or both of the expansion bays. And of course, it would be the processor upgradable, with PCI and AGP the expansion slots, a PC card slot or two, removable device expansion bays, a standard 3.5” hard drive, multiple RAM expansion slots, and upgradable video support. Beauty.

*** cmoore@macopinion.com

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CM