Mother's Mutated Milk

Mother's Mutated Milk
Current mood: distressed

Generally I classify the P-I as entertainment, not journalism. However, every once in awhile you come across a story like this which teaches you something new.

I've been aware of PCB's and their lovely carcinogenic nature for some time now. But I was unaware of the problem PBDE's are causing, and how, unlike PCBs, there are no current regulations controlling their use and disposal.

PolyBromylDiEthanide. Yep, that's what they are---flame retardants used in many common products. Sounds pretty nasty. I learned about "bioaccumulation" in my environmental science class last quarter, which is basically why mammals in particular are so susceptible to cancers and other diseases caused by pollution. You see, chemicals like PCBs and PBDEs are stored in mammalian fatty tissue, and they accumulate over time. This is the reason why Puget Sound Orca Whales are the most polluted animals in the world---they live for decades, which allows plenty of time for accumulation; and, they have plenty of fatty tissue to store the stuff. And here in our area, with the majority of the country's air force for WWII being built right down the street by Boeing, there was massive amounts of this shit dumped into our local waterways. Thanks Boeing. (Although in their defense they had no idea in the 40s that this stuff was harmful----kinda like cigarettes). 60 years means nothing to these chemicals. They never go away and are still just as potent as they were back then.

In a sick twist of nature, female mammals expunge these contaminants through their BREAST MILK!!!! Shit! (and sorry, guys, but we NEVER expunge ours. This is one of the many reasons why females have longer lifespans than males)

We rely on our industry to keep our Sacred Economy running. But, ironically, our short-sightedness regarding its long-term effects is hurting the very people we claim to want to protect the most---our children. Now, I neither have nor want any of my own, but I do wonder what sorts of lovely cocktails I was consuming as an infant. I may not have grown up in this area with Boeing nearby, but a good chunk of the nation's nuclear and chemical weapon testing was done in the western Utah desert over the past 50 years, only a few hundred miles from Salt Lake. So I'm sure I got a good dose of something tasty.

The dirty environment affects all. The days of the "treehugger" stereotype are long, long, gone. There's been a lot of talk in the press recently about cancer, with the recent diagnoses of some prominent people. I'm sick of talking about a "cure." Shouldn't we be talking about why so many people are getting cancer in the first place? It's way too easy to just blame smokers. I think we should start blaming the Boeings and the Dow Chemicals and the General Electrics of the world.

Currently listening :
Lost Horizons
By Lemon Jelly
Release date: 22 October, 2002

Another Day at Guantanamo

Another Day at Guantanamo
Current mood: sad

We are living in historical times. One day in the future history books will look back on this period with amazement. (That is, if there is a future...)

Folks, our rights are being eviscerated, on a daily basis, right in front of our eyes. If I had to name the one thing most valuable to me about my citizenship in the United States, I would instantly respond "habeas corpus." I believe that presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial, is the very foundation of democracy, and the delineating line between it and tyranny.

However, over the past 5 years, the right of habeas corpus has been methodically thrown into the toilet by our caring government. One of the blackest marks in our nation's ENTIRE HISTORY is the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Here, in this medieval dungeon, human beings are treated like animals and basic conventions of decency are ignored.

I've harped on this subject here in the blog before, and it is truly something I care deeply about. But this morning's DemocracyNow report on the recent guilty plea from Australian citizen David Hicks at Guantanamo is... well, just absolutely sick. I love my country, but I am so embarrassed to be a part of this continuing atrocity. It's like we've just decided to rewind a few hundred years of social progress and now find ourselves where we were before the Renaissance and subsequent Enlightenment. And yes, we are all a part of it. In a democracy everyone must shoulder the blame.

I can't say anything more analytical about this than the report I've linked to does. I mean, the guy had to grow his hair down to his chest in the front just so he could sleep! That says it all right there. Suffice it to say I am sitting here in my cubicle steaming. Check it out for yourself. There are links to audio and video clips as well as a written transcript of the story.

Currently listening :
Transitions Vol. 2
By John Digweed
Release date: 06 February, 2007

Mmm...Spring Break...Mmm...Sleep...

Mmm...Spring Break... Mmm...Sleep...
Current mood: accomplished

Well, I'm happy to report another quarter in the bag... I now have exactly 5 quarters left until I'm done. Or, measuring it in a different way, I am almost halfway through the journey I began a little over a year ago.

Pretty sad that the most exciting thing about spring break is that I can't wait to catch up on some much-needed sleep and rest! Oh, and play some Dreamcast. That little system has turned out to be a very-well-spent 30 bucks.

In other news, Seattle weather sucks.

Currently listening :
Head Over Heels
By Cocteau Twins
Release date: 03 June, 2003

America's First Non-Theist Representative

America's First Non-theist Representative
Current mood: impressed

History was made this week when Rep. Pete Stark openly declared his non-theism. After considerable research it was determined that he is the first federal politician in history to openly admit such beliefs.

As a member of America's Most Distrusted Minority---people who don't believe in any god---it is refreshing for me to see an elected representative finally come out on this subject. I've often personally considered the possibility of running for elected office (much, much later in life, mind you), but always immediately rule it out, thinking that my atheism would prevent me from getting any votes! So it's good to see some progress. Maybe 30 years from now I might change my mind.

Currently playing :
Sonic And The Secret Rings
Release date: 20 February, 2007

Happy Birthday Albert Einstein

Happy Birthday Albert Einstein
Current mood: contemplative

Some fabulous quotations from one of our species' greatest minds:


"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death."

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."

"If this being is omnipotent, then every occurrence, including every human action, every human thought, and every human feeling and aspiration is also His work; how is it possible to think of holding men responsible for their deeds and thoughts before such an almighty Being? In giving out punishment and rewards He would to a certain extent be passing judgment on Himself. How can this be combined with the goodness and righteousness ascribed to Him?"

Currently listening :
Proper Education
By Eric Prydz
Release date: 04 January, 2007

The FBI Wants To Be You

The FBI Wants To Be You
Current mood: amused

Found this little funny today from Bill in Portland Maine...

Dear Mr. Higginbotham,

On behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, we would like to apologize for willfully violating the Patriot Act by snooping on your private life without proper authorization. It was wrong and we feel bad about it. If it's any comfort to you, we found nothing illegal or terrorist-abetting in your personal information. (In fact, we discovered---and corrected---a small clerical error your bank made in October of 2002, for which you'll find a credit of 85 cents on your next statement.)

But that's not the reason we're writing you, Mr. Higginbotham. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that we think you're the biggest stud we've ever come across in our five-and-a-half years of prying into American citizens' lives without warrants (again, our bad). If it's not too much trouble, we have a few questions we're dying to get answers to:

1. What sort of trapeze do you use and how do you hook it up to your bedroom ceiling so that it supports the weight of yourself and those three flight attendants?

2. Regarding your daily calls to 1-900-HORNGRL: can you provide details on how to perform the "pineapple trick"? Is the removal difficult?

3. Likewise your secret to "cucumber snorkeling." Agent Mathers in our Atlanta forensics lab swears that this defies the laws of physics.

4. Can you tell us how the winners of your "Olympic Tongue-athalons" are determined? Must one always hum Grieg's Hall of the Mountain King during the "opening ceremonies" or will any classical piece do?

5. In your email correspondence, you seem to be able to induce orgasm in any recipient simply by writing in the subject line: "My sweet buttered chaps are smothered in gravy." How on earth does this work and do you have other phrases that achieve similar results?

Please reply at your earliest convenience. And understand that you have our deepest admiration. There may even be a medal in your future for outstanding performance by a civilian in the line of duty (if you know what I mean).

Sincerely and with great envy,

Robert Mueller, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.

Currently listening :
The Age of Plastic
By The Buggles
Release date: 15 June, 1990

RIP Mr. Humphries

RIP Mr. Humphries
Current mood: thoughtful

LONDON (Reuters) - Actor John Inman, best known for his role as camp shop assistant Mr Humphries in the long-running BBC comedy "Are You Being Served?" died aged 71 on Thursday.

Inman, who later became a pantomime regular, was one of the sitcom's most memorable cast members and his catchphrase "I'm free" became part of popular culture.

In 1976, he was voted "Funniest Man On Television" by readers of TV Times magazine and was also named BBC TV's "Personality Of The Year."

He died at St Mary's Hospital in London after having been ill for some time, his manager Phil Dale said in a statement.

"John, through his character Mr Humphries of Are You Being Served? was known and loved throughout the world," Dale said.

"He was one of the best and finest pantomime dames working to capacity audiences throughout Britain.

"John was known for his comedy plays and farces which were enjoyed from London's West End throughout the country and as far as Australia, Canada and the USA."

Inman's long-term partner Ron Lynch was "devastated" at the news, the BBC said.

Actress Wendy Richard, who played Miss Brahms in "Are You Being Served?," said she had been regularly visiting Inman who had been seriously ill with Hepatitis A.

"You just have to regard it as being an end to his suffering," a tearful Richard told BBC radio.

"I think John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I have ever worked with. He was a brilliant, brilliant pantomime dame. He was a very good all round actor really."

Inman's character Mr Humphries attracted criticism at the height of the department store-based sitcom's success from some gay rights groups who were upset by what they saw as his portrayal of an over-the-top homosexual.

"He never ever said Mr Humphries was gay," Richard said. "He was just a young man who was very, very good to his mother."

Now Listening:

Choice: A Collection of Classics
by Danny Howells

Marine Mammals and Staying Positive

Marine Mammals and Staying Positive
Current mood: hopeful

Last night we had an excellent guest speaker in my environmental science class. His name was Jeff Rash, and he is a marine mammal specialist. As one of the leading specialists in the world on gray whales and sea otters, he was the first person they called after the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989. He was there within 12 hours of the spill and was the lead expert on the attempt to save the otters that were exposed to the crude oil in the Prince William Sound of Alaska.

He went through an extensive slideshow detailing his work in the Puget Sound over the past 30 years, and the procedures that are used to perform necropsies on dead otters, seals, whales and sea lions. He also showed some of the procedures used to rehabilitate marine mammals.

He was very animated and it was easy to tell immediately the depth of his passion for his work. This guy spends his whole day on boats around the Sound, responding to people's calls of dead marine mammals that have washed up on the beach. The Puget Sound as an ecological system is in steep decline, thanks to the large amounts of toxic pollutants dumped in it over the past 100 years. His job is basically to find out why so many animals are dying, and to review toxicology reports that his lab creates.

You could really tell that he, um, has a bone to pick with the human race. Someone asked him what caused the Exxon spill, and his answer was simply "us." The poor guy---he has devoted his life to marine mammals but instead of studying their amazing and unique qualities, he has instead been forced to spend his life trying to figure out why these majestic animals are dying. And it is specifically because of us. There is so much trash, pollution, PCBs, and invasive species in the Sound that it hardly even resembles the pristine ecology settlers found 200 years ago. For example, our orca whales (only 79 left out of a herd that was over 140 just 25 years ago) have the highest levels of PCBs of any animals in the world. Pretty scary. And sad too, as the Sound is (or was) one of the more unique marine environments in the world.

But the most amazing thing was how positive this guy could be even after 30 years of this brutalizing work. He still, even after only being able to save 2 otters out of thousands that died in the Exxon spill, thinks that things are getting better, not worse. This was hard for me to reconcile especially after seeing all the photos of him holding sickly and dead otters from the spill. If I was him, I would think that I would just be permanently pissed off all the time.

It was very inspiring, all in all. I sometimes get pretty critical of we humans too, but it helps to have experiences like these which broaden my perspective. If Jeff can stay positive after all the shit he's seen, I should be able to as well.

Currently reading :
The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth
By Edward O. Wilson
Release date: 05 September, 2006