I never met the brothers, nor did I see their factory. It is possible they don't live in Tibet, but rather are Tibetans who live in Katmandu, or Dharamsala, or another city.

I did not hear this story just once, but rather SEVERAL times, and always similarly told—and from people who travel and trade in this region. People such as Torbjorn and Judith Carlsson. It was DIFFICULT for me to give up my ideas that plastic zi beads were made in Europe for export to Tibet. That was a more reasonable idea to me. But I would have been considered stubborn and set-in-my-way to ignore new information..., so I made an adjustment in my beliefs, based on information and evidence, and the assurance of the people who brought these beads and in-progress samples of their manufacture out of the region.

I have not written a paper on this topic. What I say is presented here for the purpose of discussion, and as a point of information. When I am ready to write a real research paper, you will be free to criticize it and doubt it all you like, just like anyone else. (That is the normal course for any research.) In the meantime, if you mistake conversation and the sharing of information on a public web site as "science"—well that is just a mistake. What I reported (as I OFTEN do) is my EXPERIENCE, and my beliefs based on that experience.

The post I replied to shows a bead, and it is misidentified. I have correctly (I believe) identified it. Nevertheless, the replies to my post were skeptical, dismissive, and presumptuous—prompting me to reply and provide more information..., that again inspires skepticism and doubts about my abilities and knowledge-base. All when I was just saying 'these are plastic beads I have documented for nearly thirty years, and this is what I have been told.'

If you have a perspective, based on your experience, or on knowledge that you have gleaned from your MANY trips to Tibet, and your many opportunities to garner information—I and everyone here will be GLAD to read it and to be enlightened about these beads. But, essentially, you just say you disbelieve what I relate, based solely on your beliefs about what is 'possible' or 'impossible.' (And I am already way past that.)

The balance of my reply to you will be private.

Jamey