I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006) • Hacker News Board

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#151

Post by 9nGQluzmnq3M » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 11:07 AM UTC

supernova87a wrote: post #147

The thing that was most frustrating for me to read was the 30 minute wait at the hospital to even be registered and diagnosed. (in the critical -- I assume -- first hours when the thing is making it's way into your bloodstream) In a situation like that, I like to tell myself at least, I would loudly and firmly say, "I've been poisoned, time is of the essence, can you please stop what you're doing and help me, this is…

There is no antidote for Amanita poisoning, so treatment is entirely supportive. Drinking that liter of charcoal 30 min earlier would not have made a perceptible difference, given that the author's body was already busy expelling at both ends.

Personally I was more astonished that it took him over five hours after the symptoms started to get himself medical attention, even though he himself realized it was likely Amanita poisoning!

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#152

Post by [deleted] » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 11:19 AM UTC

collyw wrote: post #150

rkachowski wrote: post #117

The author seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the bible (referencing individual psalms by number), wears a cross around his neck to hospital, practises all kinds of eastern religious meditations (recommends "Awaken the Healing Light of the Tao" in the midst of describing himself in a diaper on a CAT scan machine). On top of this he works as a particle accelerator operator at cornell. And still eats some of th…

If I was as close to death as he was I think even I may become religious. Wouldn't have the encyclopedic knowledge of the bible though. On the other hand I think that a Destroying Angel is one of the few mushrooms that I would know not to eat (my limited knowledge would also mean that I wouldn't actually eat any without positive identification). It's the second most poisonous after a Death Cap from what I know almost…

[deleted]

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#153

Post by dredmorbius » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 11:21 AM UTC

supernova87a wrote: post #147

The thing that was most frustrating for me to read was the 30 minute wait at the hospital to even be registered and diagnosed. (in the critical -- I assume -- first hours when the thing is making it's way into your bloodstream) In a situation like that, I like to tell myself at least, I would loudly and firmly say, "I've been poisoned, time is of the essence, can you please stop what you're doing and help me, this is…

Triage is a thing.

Immediate life-threatening conditions, usually circulatory or pulmonary, gross trauma, overdose, get immediate priority.

Conditions progeessing over days or even hours, not so much.

When you / loved ones walk up and are immediately admitted, be concerned.

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#154

Post by Gatsky » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 11:30 AM UTC

rkachowski wrote: post #117

The author seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the bible (referencing individual psalms by number), wears a cross around his neck to hospital, practises all kinds of eastern religious meditations (recommends "Awaken the Healing Light of the Tao" in the midst of describing himself in a diaper on a CAT scan machine). On top of this he works as a particle accelerator operator at cornell. And still eats some of th…

This is a pretty uncharitable comment friend... presumably you aren't the intended audience for this article. Anyway, you've never met anyone like this before? I meet people like this all the time. They are much more interesting than those devoted to hyper-rational atheism AKA the Times New Roman of metaphysics. For one, these 'half-baked' types tend to be staggered by genuinely marvelous things, rather than just their perception of another person's incoherence.

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#155

Post by dredmorbius » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 11:31 AM UTC

kwasson wrote: post #37

cm2012 wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No mushroom exists in the world that can poison you through touching it. Even licking. Your body has to digest it. Edit: I'm currently at -5 but this is a fact. http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/wong/BOT135/Lect17a.htm http://www.mushroomexpert.com/studying.html#odortaste https://www.reddit.com/r/mycology/comments/2ps3q5/are_there_...

There is one mushroom called the Poison Fire Coral that can poison through touch. It just made the news rounds for being found for the first time in North Queensland. https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2019/october/deadly-fun...

Though the contact symptoms are described as dermatitis, not gross toxicity. Still a good idea not to handle it.

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#156

Post by devilshaircut » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 11:47 AM UTC

Gatsky wrote: post #154

rkachowski wrote: post #117

The author seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the bible (referencing individual psalms by number), wears a cross around his neck to hospital, practises all kinds of eastern religious meditations (recommends "Awaken the Healing Light of the Tao" in the midst of describing himself in a diaper on a CAT scan machine). On top of this he works as a particle accelerator operator at cornell. And still eats some of th…

This is a pretty uncharitable comment friend... presumably you aren't the intended audience for this article. Anyway, you've never met anyone like this before? I meet people like this all the time. They are much more interesting than those devoted to hyper-rational atheism AKA the Times New Roman of metaphysics. For one, these 'half-baked' types tend to be staggered by genuinely marvelous things, rather than just the…

If "hyper-rational atheism" were the "Times New Roman of metaphysics", you'd think it would be far more common than it actually is.

Going with your n=1 "I meet people like this all the time." theme, I know far more people of various religious flavors than I do atheists of any kind, "hyper-rational" or not.

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#157

Post by byuu » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 12:01 PM UTC

ridaj wrote: post #64

In France, you can bring your wild mushrooms to any local pharmacy, and they will ID them for you as a free service. Seems like it would be a useful service to US foragers too!

All I can think is what a liability nightmare that would be in the US if a pharmacist made a bad call. For both the pharmacist and the company that employed them.

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#158

Post by gyuserbti » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 12:13 PM UTC

peanutz454 wrote: post #95

dmitrybrant wrote: post #81

I grew up in Russia, and like in many other Slavic cultures, mushroom foraging was a time-honored family affair. Some of my fondest memories are of picking mushrooms with my grandmother, who taught me all I know about identifying them. I still forage them all the time here in the States. I'm sorry, but it continues to baffle me how someone can mistake an Amanita for a Coprinus (or Agaricus). To my eyes they're as dif…

> when there are so many great tastes and experiences right there at your fingertips. As someone who has cooked with exactly one kind of mushroom (button) I find this intriguing. I thought all mushrooms taste more or less the same. I may have eaten something at a restaurant, but don't remember anything unique.

To experiment, find some chanterelles, lobster or porcini, and shitake mushrooms. These should be available fresh or dried in many large groceries in bigger cities. Make some dishes with each or try a taste.

Huge huge differences in mushrooms.

My favs are chanterelles, chicken of the woods, and candy caps (which have a distinct maple/sotolon flavor).

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#159

Post by greencore » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 12:19 PM UTC

dmitrybrant wrote: post #81

I grew up in Russia, and like in many other Slavic cultures, mushroom foraging was a time-honored family affair. Some of my fondest memories are of picking mushrooms with my grandmother, who taught me all I know about identifying them. I still forage them all the time here in the States. I'm sorry, but it continues to baffle me how someone can mistake an Amanita for a Coprinus (or Agaricus). To my eyes they're as dif…

Agree. I usually avoid picking Russula because sometimes Amanita may lose their crown and look like Russula.

Re: I Survived the “Destroying Angel” (2006)

#160

Post by greencore » Fri, Oct 18, 2019, 12:19 PM UTC

sharpneli wrote: post #101

peanutz454 wrote: post #95

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> when there are so many great tastes and experiences right there at your fingertips. As someone who has cooked with exactly one kind of mushroom (button) I find this intriguing. I thought all mushrooms taste more or less the same. I may have eaten something at a restaurant, but don't remember anything unique.

They taste wildly different. Just like not all fruits taste the same. Or all veggies. Or all meat. My personal favourite is Chanterelle. Yellowfoot is pretty great too.

It's the only kosher mushroom.