NOWW Writing Contest

And The Winners Are:

May 15, in NOWW's (Northern Ontario Writers Workshop) yearly contest, I placed third in memoir, judged by Anne Coleman, and third in children's, judged by Gordon Korman. What a thrill to have these fine writers comment so positively on my work. I've been super-charged ever since, writing up a storm. Funny, how one incident of positive feedback can be so encouraging. A Buddhist shouldn't need external motivation. Oh, well.

Buddhist Joke - Hide-and-seek

I love when I find Buddhist jokes.

http://www.funnytimes.com/cartoons.php?cotw_id=20080430

A cartoon of a man sitting in meditation reads: Transcendental Hide-and-seek. Count down from sixty and then try to find yourself.

McCanada

I went to a children's Christmas concert that was being held in a local highschool and saw four banners advertising such things as cars and subsandwiches. However, I felt that the placement of these McDonald's flags was inappropriate. I feel it cheapens what our flag stands for and the people who have died beneath it.

What do you think?

Microwave Popcorn

Here's another reason to avoid microwave popcorcn. The following is from Nycosh Newsline. We already knew it is far more fattening than air popped or stove popped popcorn, that the fats are bad for our heart, that there's far too much salt, that is is ridiculously expensive, that many have added chemicals, that the fumes are bad for you, and that it has excessive packaging. Now we also know that by purchasing this garbage we are supporting a business that creates a dangerous environment for workers.

I know, they shouldn't work there, but in today's marketplace people will take any job they can get. Let's make sure these type of jobs aren't available by not buyint microwaveable popcorn.

Perils of butter flavorings, diacetyl substitutes, Posted by Celeste Monforton, The Pump Handle, 1/5/10

The sentinel cases of the debilitating lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans were among workers at a microwave popcorn facility. It wasn’t too long before NIOSH researchers suspected the illnesses were related to workers’ exposure to the butter flavoring agent used in the plant. The compounds are typically a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOC), many of which can irritate severely the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Diacetyl, a 4-carbon alpha-diketone, was one of the VOCs identified in the microwave popcorn plant environment. Diacetyl has come to serve as the catch-all name for the butter-flavoring agents, although NIOSH researchers noted:

“the vapors emitted from butter flavoring are a complex mixture that produces necrosis that cannot be explained by the known toxicological properties of any of its components.” (Hubbs, et al. 2002)

Although popcorn makers began selling still buttery-flavored product labeled “no diacetyl,” Sphere’s Andrew Schneider has been investigating whether a ‘no diacetyl’ claim translates into less health risk to exposed workers and consumers. His sources have consistently said “No.” Now, so does NIOSH Director John Howard.


In a December 23 letter to new OSHA chief David Michaels, the NIOSH Director wrote:

“…starter distillate [which eventually creates diacetyl], acetoin, and 2,3 pentanedione exemplify the lack of evidence demonstrating the workplace safety of potential substitutes for diacetyl; and document some evidence that potential substitutes are also respiratory hazards.”

Not that OSHA’s health scientists really need this official word from NIOSH that compounds of this nature can damage the respiratory system, but it does create an opportunity for OSHA’s new leadership: engaging actively in inter-agency policy discussions to improve the Toxic Substances Control Act. Few could benefit more than workers from a law that improves OSHA’s statutory authority to prevent harm from exposure to chemicals, encourages safer alternatives, and enhances right-to-know.

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/perils-of-butter-flavorings-diacetyl-substitutes/

Toddler Pierced with 41 Needles

When I was sixteen years old, I put my right hand down on a sewing needle I had left in the arm of the couch. It pieced my palm and the top half, with the eye, broke off inside my hand. Doctors could not remove it for several weeks because of the possibility of nerve damage. During that time, I often wrapped it in a heating pad and took aspirin to reduce the swelling and paing.

I just read the horrific story of the Brazilian step-father who pierced his two-year old step-son with forty-two needles. I had difficulty sleeping after reading that. The pain must be unimaginable. Every time the toddler moves, a needle will jab at something internal. They are throughout his body. Some cannot be removed as they are in or near vital organs. This child is doomed to a life of eternal pain and limitation, if he survives. I feel ill as I write this.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091216/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_brazil_boy_needles

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=11699253

In one article the horror was inflicted on this toddler in black magic rituals. In another it says, Police say the boy's stepfather confessed he pushed 42 supposedly "blessed" sewing needles deep into the child because his lover told him to while in trances. He says the rituals were performed over a period of a month to try to keep the couple together.

This is an extreme example of what people can be led to do when they in "powers" beyond themselves that will grant them prayers or wishes of favours. Whether it is white magic, black magic, religious pentitionary prayer, laying of hands, or rituals to favour a god, it opens people to this kind of dangerous thinking.

Buddhist Joke - curtains

Why didn't the Buddhist vacuum the curtains?



Because she had no attachments.