I've moved on to the chapter about "the world's slipperiest substance", Teflon and the PFC's that are related to it. These chemicals (perfluorinated compounds) are not only used to provide frying pans with a non-stick coating but also to line pizza boxes, popcorn bags and windshield wipers and to make bullets as well as computer mice. They are even sprayed on carpet, upholstery and clothes to make them stain-free. One of the chemicals in this group, PFOA - perfluorooctanoic acid, is considered by scientists to be a carcinogen.
In the manufacturing industry, this chemical is invaluable because it is so durable. It is fireproof, it resists other chemicals and nothing sticks to it. But it is these exact properties that cause it to endanger human health and the environment. From stomach acids to sunlight - nothing can get rid of it. It hangs around for centuries. It lasts for 20 days in the atmosphere, changing to a deadly acid as it travels to areas as far away as the Arctic. It has even been found in polar bears whose levels of PFOA have increased by twenty percent since the year 2000.
Sounds nasty to me, but how can we avoid PFC's? As far as avoiding Teflon, the authors recommend using heavy gauge cast iron, stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron frying pans. If handled properly, cast iron pans last much longer than non-stick pans which need to be replaced every few years when the coating is scratched. Their advice for cooking with cast iron? Make sure the pan is hot enough, use a generous coating of vegetable oil and believe it or not, a metal spatula.
The carpet spraying experiment chronicled in this chapter was particularly revealing. Of all the chemicals tested by the authors, the toxins produced by a stain-repellant carpet treatment affected them the most. Believe it or not, during the spraying treatment, no masks were used and the authors were only told to stay out of the room for 20 minutes in order for the chemicals to disperse.
A lot to ponder here. It's difficult to remove all exposure to the products mentioned here. I don't think we need to run out and buy new products or change our habits immediately. But, next time I'm due for a new frying pan, I'll certainly avoid Teflon and perhaps opt for a strong cast iron pan instead. My husband, the chef, has been asking for one for years. This may be the Christmas he'll get it!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Nov. 5, 2009 - An Echo in the Bone
I am amazed at the amplitude of information packed into this latest volume of the Outlander series. I always enjoy the style of Diana Gabaldon's writing - the rich vocabulary, the challenging inferences and the historical references intricately woven into the tapestry of the story. Of course, all is not rosy as events unfold. I found myself alternately laughing, wondering, worrying and crying, emotionally immersed in the lives of these beloved characters.
I won't give away the ending but I will say that it leaves innumerable loose ends that obviously need to be disentangled in another sequel. A number of relationships have been left simmering and I'm not sure in what direction this will lead the characters. John and Jamie, Claire and Jamie, William and his two fathers, Rachel and Ian, Brianna, Roger and the children, William Buccleigh and Roger, Rob Cameron and Jemmy - all need to wait on the backburner before we discover their fates.
In the works are an Outlander graphic novel entitled "The Exile" apparently to be released sometime in 2010 and a prequel about Jamie's parents (a great idea!) as well as a second volume of the Outlandish Companion. (I know this will come in very handy in sorting out the multitude of characters and events in this series.)
Apparently, patience is a virtue that may be tested here. And in the meantime, there are six other books to reread which will give us insight into what will surely follow.
I won't give away the ending but I will say that it leaves innumerable loose ends that obviously need to be disentangled in another sequel. A number of relationships have been left simmering and I'm not sure in what direction this will lead the characters. John and Jamie, Claire and Jamie, William and his two fathers, Rachel and Ian, Brianna, Roger and the children, William Buccleigh and Roger, Rob Cameron and Jemmy - all need to wait on the backburner before we discover their fates.
In the works are an Outlander graphic novel entitled "The Exile" apparently to be released sometime in 2010 and a prequel about Jamie's parents (a great idea!) as well as a second volume of the Outlandish Companion. (I know this will come in very handy in sorting out the multitude of characters and events in this series.)
Apparently, patience is a virtue that may be tested here. And in the meantime, there are six other books to reread which will give us insight into what will surely follow.
Nov. 4, 2009 Time to get computers out of the classroom by Robert Smol, CBC news
I have to disagree with the viewpoint in this article. Technology is here to stay and students need to be taught how to use it properly by qualified teachers the same as any other subjects. Unfortunately, most boards no longer have full-time teacher librarians and this is part of the reason students have poor research skills. Without proper assistance in the library, the role must be taken up by classroom teachers. I am a teacher myself and make it a point to integrate critical thinking and analysis combined with researching, summarizing, citing sources, etc. in my class lessons. We cannot and should not assume that students know how to do this just because they use the computer a lot.
I recently surveyed my class to see what technology tools they use at home. The answers were not surprising. My grade 8's use MSN, Facebook, Word for typing up documents and they occasionally google to find information. A few are able to make movies in Windows MovieMaker. They have digital cameras and iPods and that's about it.
Realizing this, teachers should not feel that their students have more knowledge about technology than they do. We need to help them with the academic part of using the internet for research. We need to teach them about primary and secondary sources and academic honesty. We need to show them which tools are best for different assignments and expand their knowledge of other applications. We need to model how to become good digital citizens in a world where technology is everywhere and information is at their fingertips.
I recently surveyed my class to see what technology tools they use at home. The answers were not surprising. My grade 8's use MSN, Facebook, Word for typing up documents and they occasionally google to find information. A few are able to make movies in Windows MovieMaker. They have digital cameras and iPods and that's about it.
Realizing this, teachers should not feel that their students have more knowledge about technology than they do. We need to help them with the academic part of using the internet for research. We need to teach them about primary and secondary sources and academic honesty. We need to show them which tools are best for different assignments and expand their knowledge of other applications. We need to model how to become good digital citizens in a world where technology is everywhere and information is at their fingertips.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Nov. 3, 2009 - Future Shock by Alvin Toffler
The term "future shock" was coined by Alvin Toffler in an article he wrote in 1965 and is the topic of this book about change. Future shock describes "the shattering stress and disorientation that we induce in individuals by subjecting them to too much change in too short a time." According to the author, it is surprising how little is known about how people adapt to change. He states that "in the most rapidly changing environment to which man has ever been exposed, we remain pitifully ignorant of how the human animal copes."
Interestingly, the copyright of this book is 1970. I was five years old at that time. When I compare life in the 70's to life past the year 2000, it's easy to see the sweeping results of this change that Toffler predicted. Our way of life has changed drastically and technology has evolved significantly during this time. I believe that this concept of "future shock" will continue and change will occur even more rapidly in modern times. Looking at the growth of the internet, the change in the way human beings communicate and interact, the medical advancements that have been made, the future is sometimes a scary prospect.
This also reminds me of another book I'm reading, The Rise of the Creative Class. I recall the analogy of the time traveller and can see the displacement that would occur if someone from the 70's was placed in the year 2010. Human values and attitudes have been transformed significantly over the last 40 years. We treat each other much differently, work longer and longer hours, multitask constantly and therefore withstand so much more stress in our modern world. Could this be due to the drastic changes we have experienced?
One has only to examine TV shows of the 70's and compare them to those of the new millenium to notice the difference. Think about Charlie's Angels, Little House on the Prairie, Hart to Hart, the Rockford Files, Happy Days, Good Times, Wonder Woman, and the Love Boat. Watching retro TV brings into perspective the metamorphosis of time. Ironically, the happy days and good times of the past may be behind us. Are we ready for even more change in our future?
Interestingly, the copyright of this book is 1970. I was five years old at that time. When I compare life in the 70's to life past the year 2000, it's easy to see the sweeping results of this change that Toffler predicted. Our way of life has changed drastically and technology has evolved significantly during this time. I believe that this concept of "future shock" will continue and change will occur even more rapidly in modern times. Looking at the growth of the internet, the change in the way human beings communicate and interact, the medical advancements that have been made, the future is sometimes a scary prospect.
This also reminds me of another book I'm reading, The Rise of the Creative Class. I recall the analogy of the time traveller and can see the displacement that would occur if someone from the 70's was placed in the year 2010. Human values and attitudes have been transformed significantly over the last 40 years. We treat each other much differently, work longer and longer hours, multitask constantly and therefore withstand so much more stress in our modern world. Could this be due to the drastic changes we have experienced?
One has only to examine TV shows of the 70's and compare them to those of the new millenium to notice the difference. Think about Charlie's Angels, Little House on the Prairie, Hart to Hart, the Rockford Files, Happy Days, Good Times, Wonder Woman, and the Love Boat. Watching retro TV brings into perspective the metamorphosis of time. Ironically, the happy days and good times of the past may be behind us. Are we ready for even more change in our future?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Nov. 2, 2009 - Slow Death By Rubber Duck
Call them crazy but the authors of this book increased their exposure to foods and products known to be chemically compromised in order to test the levels of toxins present in their bodies. Seven chemicals are explored - phthalates, perfluorochemicals (PFC's), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE's), mercury, triclosan, pesticides and bisphenol A.
The book begins with phthalates which are present in high levels in all the plastics we use. Phthalates are used to "plasticize" vinyl and to keep it from becoming hard and brittle. (This is where the rubber duck in the title comes in.) They are also present in shampoos and lotions as their greasiness helps keep other substances supple.The authors state that we all have phthalates in our bodies but fortunately, this particular chemical, is easily broken down in the human body and in the environment. Studies have shown that phthalates can cause many health issues so avoiding them as much as possible is best.
Two useful resources to help you do your own research into the content of products are Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database (www.cosmeticdatabase.com) and "Not too Pretty - Phthalates, Beauty Products and the FDA" a study of 72 name-brand beauty products to determine their phthalate levels. It can be accessed as a pdf file. I know I will definitely consult these lists as I look through my cupboards and check the labels of products in stores.
The book begins with phthalates which are present in high levels in all the plastics we use. Phthalates are used to "plasticize" vinyl and to keep it from becoming hard and brittle. (This is where the rubber duck in the title comes in.) They are also present in shampoos and lotions as their greasiness helps keep other substances supple.The authors state that we all have phthalates in our bodies but fortunately, this particular chemical, is easily broken down in the human body and in the environment. Studies have shown that phthalates can cause many health issues so avoiding them as much as possible is best.
Two useful resources to help you do your own research into the content of products are Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database (www.cosmeticdatabase.com) and "Not too Pretty - Phthalates, Beauty Products and the FDA" a study of 72 name-brand beauty products to determine their phthalate levels. It can be accessed as a pdf file. I know I will definitely consult these lists as I look through my cupboards and check the labels of products in stores.
Nov. 1, 2009 - Slow Death By Rubber Duck
Pollution has existed throughout history in many different forms and its direct link to human health has been well chronicled. Despite many improvements, it still exists today but in a form that is significantly more dangerous, moving from local to global and visible to invisible. Modern day pollution causes chronic and long-term effects. Many countries, organizations and even politicians have worked diligently to raise awareness about environmental concerns. However, one area that merits further study is the presence of chemicals in consumer products.
Over the past decade "body burden testing" undertaken by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), has revealed that the human body is "marinating" in chemicals. Not a pleasant analogy. Which is where this book comes in. The authors propose to answer the following questions: Where are the chemicals coming from? What types or brands of products are the culprits? Can we avoid these toxins? And, will behavioural changes or even government policies improve our personal pollution levels?
I am certainly interested in finding out more about this crucial topic. When we stop to think of the number of people we know who suffer from chronic illnesses, poor health and diseases such as cancer, it's not a stretch to realize that somehow environmental and nutritional factors may be a direct cause. The need for convenience and speed has changed the way we live our lives and influenced the choices we make in diet and lifestyle. Consumer products reflect these needs and cater to our fast-paced society. We need to raise our awareness in this area and it seems like this book is a great way to start this process.
Over the past decade "body burden testing" undertaken by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), has revealed that the human body is "marinating" in chemicals. Not a pleasant analogy. Which is where this book comes in. The authors propose to answer the following questions: Where are the chemicals coming from? What types or brands of products are the culprits? Can we avoid these toxins? And, will behavioural changes or even government policies improve our personal pollution levels?
I am certainly interested in finding out more about this crucial topic. When we stop to think of the number of people we know who suffer from chronic illnesses, poor health and diseases such as cancer, it's not a stretch to realize that somehow environmental and nutritional factors may be a direct cause. The need for convenience and speed has changed the way we live our lives and influenced the choices we make in diet and lifestyle. Consumer products reflect these needs and cater to our fast-paced society. We need to raise our awareness in this area and it seems like this book is a great way to start this process.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Oct. 31, 2009 - An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon
One hundred pages to go...Claire and Jamie have survived a dangerous sea crossing complete with pirates and battles on the seas and a war and have just arrived back in Scotland with their nephew Ian who is on the run for murdering someone albeit in defense of a girl he likes. Never a dull moment!
Reading this book is like reliving all of Claire and Jamie's past. I can't believe how many characters have been reintroduced in this book and how many past events have been referred to. Even Madame Jeanne, the brothel owner where Jamie first met Fergus is back. Mrs. Figg, Percy Beauchamp, Lord John Grey, William, Willie Coulter and Ardsmuir prison, William Buccleigh Mackenzie, Morag and Jemmie, Jacosta Cameron and Dougal MacKenzie are all mentioned or play a part in this sequel. It's a real homecoming.
What is interesting is how many of these characters fit into the mysterious chain of unfolding events, pieced together like a puzzle. The mysterious Rob Cameron works for Brianna in the present (1980 in the book). Is he somehow related to Jacosta Cameron and what will that mean to the plot? William Buccleigh Mackenzie is the witches' son, with green eyes resembling his mother's. He's shown up in the present without his wife and child and desperately needs to get back to them. However, Roger's family tree shows that he died at the age of 38. When Brianna asks him his age she realizes he'll never make it back home to his family.
I wonder how many more twists and turns the plot will take and how all the pieces will fit together in the end. I hope I won't be disappointed.
Reading this book is like reliving all of Claire and Jamie's past. I can't believe how many characters have been reintroduced in this book and how many past events have been referred to. Even Madame Jeanne, the brothel owner where Jamie first met Fergus is back. Mrs. Figg, Percy Beauchamp, Lord John Grey, William, Willie Coulter and Ardsmuir prison, William Buccleigh Mackenzie, Morag and Jemmie, Jacosta Cameron and Dougal MacKenzie are all mentioned or play a part in this sequel. It's a real homecoming.
What is interesting is how many of these characters fit into the mysterious chain of unfolding events, pieced together like a puzzle. The mysterious Rob Cameron works for Brianna in the present (1980 in the book). Is he somehow related to Jacosta Cameron and what will that mean to the plot? William Buccleigh Mackenzie is the witches' son, with green eyes resembling his mother's. He's shown up in the present without his wife and child and desperately needs to get back to them. However, Roger's family tree shows that he died at the age of 38. When Brianna asks him his age she realizes he'll never make it back home to his family.
I wonder how many more twists and turns the plot will take and how all the pieces will fit together in the end. I hope I won't be disappointed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)