18 mail Thursday, January 7, 2010 D Wax on, wax off: A construction worker cleans the exterior of the Sunny Valley, a giant structure used to harness solar energy, at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo site in China Picture: Reuters The Big Picture Scan at own risk? Body scanners: Are they safe? In light of the failed Christmas terrorist attack on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit and the increased security measures being implemented at international airports, before we just rush in and set up full body scanners, we need more information about these machines. Late last year it was reported that California University found excessively high doses of radiation in CT body scans could contribute substantially to cancers. The research by Professor Rebecca Smith-Bindman said CT scans can be lifesavers for sick patients but, because of high radiation, they should not be used for routine check- ups. The airport scans may be safe, but we need to see some evidence of this before they are universally implemented. Mac This year for Christmas my sister got me one of those charity cards that says this year instead of getting you a present I made a donation to blahdeblah charity. I smiled and nodded and swore it was just what I wanted because I have too much junk already, but in truth it made me feel really depressed. Is this wrong? Alain, D7 While I appreciate that the festive season has come to an end, is it really that hard to maintain that festive feeling? It seems that once the door slams shut on Christmas and new year activities, everyones cheery misdemeanour rapidly deteriorates to one of scowls and foul moods. Dublins best-read letters page Metro Mail E-mail letters to mail@metroherald.ie with a name. Or text us. Text MAIL followed by comment and name to 53131. *Texts cost 30cent per message + standard network charges. SP. Opera Telecom, Hospitality House, Cumberland Street South, D2. Customer service number 0818286606 talk to us In Brief Come on, people, lighten up! If you can do it for the festive season, keep it up, or at least fake it! Rudolph To the driver of the south-bound bus from Dublin at about 8.50pm on Christmas Eve, where was your kindness to the young lad who was stuck for a measly bit of change? The fella was foreign (like yourself) and had made a mistake when you called for the stop and he came down to see it actually wasnt the right stop for him. You then charged him extra, which he didnt have in change he only had a 5 note, so we all got our wallets out. Its not like there is any information at the bus stop on how much to pay for what stages (and very rarely the route the bus travels, unlike the Dart and Luas) this info is only on the internet. Both myself and my friend were disgusted with you the poor fella was mortified and it was clear he had made a genuine mistake. Fair play to the people who gave the lad some change, at least there are still some decent folk out there! CF Sendusyour txt 2009: the year of the great swine flu swindle? Mat My new years resolution is to stop procrastinating in 2011, that is... Steve So Michael Jackson is now reportedly the worlds greatest ever entertainer? Its amazing what death can do for a ruined reputation! Andy Anyone know where the climate change bores have gone during this cold spell? Maybe theyve flown to sunnier climates! L Am I the only one who guffaws out loud every time some poor soul slips and falls during this bitterly cold snap? I know its wrong but I cant help it... And I promise, as soon as I stop laughing, I do try and help them up! Tim Why do Ugg boot wearers, fake or otherwise, always noisily drag their heels along, are they bragging or just being annoying? JT Can we say snowman or should it be snowperson? Roger txt MAIL to 53131* Quiz winner Congratulations to Louise Malone, who won our end-of-year quiz, being first to get all 16 questions correct. Answers: Nama stands for National Asset Management Agency; X Factor 2008 Christmas No.1 was Alexandra Burke with Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen; Budi was Dublin Zoos new elephant; Jackos doctor: Conrad Murray; Berlusconi was hit with a statue of Milans Cathedral; Cats with Hitler taches are kitlers; Tiger crashed his Cadillac into a tree; Plays by Sam Shepherd and Sebastian Barry starred Stephen Rea; Photographer David LaChapelle; The Duckworth Lewis Method album was cricket themed; Paula Abdul was invited by Brno to sit on an immigrant; Film of William Trevor book starring Bob Hoskins: Felicias Journey; Russell Brands cat is called Morrissey; Padraig Harrington beat Sergio Garcia to win his first major in 2007; William Gallas scored the goal set up by Thierry Henrys handball; Stephen Joness miss handed Ireland the Grand Slam. 2010: I want to know what were calling this year. Is it twenty ten or two thousand and ten? Has there been any decision and, if so, by whom? And, while were at it, the last decade was widely known as the Noughties, so what is this one going to be called? And please dont suggest the teenies as that name is simply rubbish. Rick Move over: With all the cold weather, my two cats, Pozzo and Lucky, are spending more and more time in the house and are hogging the couch, all the time growing fatter and fatter. Can you please tell them to move over? Mr Cranky, Dublin 7 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html28.html29.html30.html31.html