iPods: a danger during storms

[Metoo]

Check this out: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=3367626&page=1

[vomitgod]

Respectfully, I think this article - and the fact that it's been rampant on local news channels here in the USA last PM/this AM - is absolute garbage. Can you say slow news day? Or, propaganda created by Microsoft et. all to deter iPod sales? I'm not a conspiracy theorist in the slightest, but I find this to be irresponsible reporting that borderlines on the absurd.

Who are the "experts" named in the title of the article? Emergency room doctors? What do they know about lightning? I at least expected to read some kind of painting-in-broad-strokes quote from a meteorologist (who generally still can't predict anything outside of 24 hours without speaking in generalities).

I'm not a scientist (!), but it sounds to me like any metal - including belt buckles, spare change, car keys, etc. - can possibly "conduct" lightning, and thereby exacerbate said physical damage.

On that note, if lighting was to strike everyone using a cell phone, I wouldn't necessarily lose sleep over it! :)

[Metoo]

Respectfully, I think this article - and the fact that it's been rampant on local news channels here in the USA last PM/this AM - is absolute garbage. Can you say slow news day? Or, propaganda created by Microsoft et. all to deter iPod sales? I'm not a conspiracy theorist in the slightest, but I find this to be irresponsible reporting that borderlines on the absurd.
The way I see it the iPod name has been used as a catch all term, because this could happen with any mp3 player, not just Apple products. So, I do not see any conspiracy behind it.

I sent the link to an uncle of mine who replied that he agrees with the article and gave a personal anecdote to back it up. In his case, it implied a metal wristband watch during a thunderstorm.

[vomitgod]

I sent the link to an uncle of mine who replied that he agrees with the article and gave a personal anecdote to back it up. In his case, it implied a metal wristband watch during a thunderstorm.

Heh heh...I'm not trying to be argumentative, but what is there to agree with? That metal conducts electricity? The lightning is totally random and unpredictable? That there were no "experts" quoted in the article?

[bdiament]

Hi Metoo,

While they do mention "similar devices", they did use the term "iPod" in the headline and leading paragraph. They didn't say "personal music player". Perhaps using the term "iPod" was thought to be an attention grabber.

Either way, I tend to agree with vomitgod's comments.

Maybe I'm missing something here but I would think carrying an umbrella with a metal point at the top would be even more dangerous (as would holding one's music player up above their head during a storm). Also, the article made no mention of metal rimmed eyeglasses, metal parts on women's barretts (which are worn on top of the head) or even old-time dental fillings (isn't Mercury conductive?).

Probabilities were also omitted from the story. Issuing a warning of this nature sounds like telling someone who bought a lottery ticket to get ready to invest their millions.

Best regards,
Barry
www.soundkeeperrecordings.com
www.barrydiamentaudio.com

[Metoo]

Hi Metoo,

While they do mention "similar devices", they did use the term "iPod" in the headline and leading paragraph. They didn't say "personal music player". Perhaps using the term "iPod" was thought to be an attention grabber.
I am not saying that the term "iPod" was not used as an attention grabber. In fact, "iPod" is becoming sinonimous with "personal music player" as much as kleenex is the popular name in many parts of the world for a paper handkerchief.

Now, part of the name of a popular story is to make it relevant and, well, popular. Hence the use of the term "iPod."

Of course, the article then delves into the dangers of having metals and other electronic devices next to your body, which is when it starts to sound off-putting. This makes it less palatable, but not less potentially true.

I guess the whole thing adds to, would you use an electronic device in the proximity of a thunderstorm?

[scott palmiter]

Hi Metoo,



Either way, I tend to agree with vomitgod's comments.



hey barry, didya ever think that you would ever agree with a guy named, ummmmmmmmmmmm vomitgod?:D :D :D :D :D :D :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[vomitgod]

I guess the whole thing adds to, would you use an electronic device in the proximity of a thunderstorm?

Assuming there is validity to this statement from the article, whether you are/not using an electronic device is moot.

"Contrary to some urban legends and media reports, electronic devices don't attract lightning the way a tall tree or a lightning rod does."

Sans the probability of death from being struck by lightning period (iPod and other conductive material on your person being one of obviously many factors), and the extremely rare chance of being struck in your/my lifetime, of course. In short answer to your question, Metoo, YES.

CNN just picked up the same article, with the link title "Lightning + iPods = ZZZZZTTTTTT!"

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/07/12/ipods.lightning.ap/index.html

Related, I was just reading up on a NASA article that states men are four times (!) more likely to be struck by lightning than women! Now maybe THAT is newsworthy! :righton:

http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/headlines/essd18jun99_1.htm

[bdiament]

hey barry, didya ever think that you would ever agree with a guy named, ummmmmmmmmmmm vomitgod?:D :D :D :D :D :D :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Hi Scott,

The thought never crossed my mind.
Who'd 've thunk it?
:rolleyes:

[MikeP5877]

Just yet another reason why vinyl is superior to all other media.....



sorry, couldn't resist :D

[Metoo]

Just yet another reason why vinyl is superior to all other media.....



sorry, couldn't resist :D

:laugh: