Alright, enough chitter-chatter and self promotion, it’s time to get back to work. But before we start talking about cell phones watch this 3 minute video. It is hilarious. However, it does contain some profanity so if you are a young child or my grandmother or my mother-in-law you should probably skip it.

Sound familiar? You know that woman? I’m pretty sure I do.

Anyhoo, a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. The good news is that he is doing very well and has a good prognosis. Questions were raised about the cell phone he kept in his front pants pocket. What about it? Is it safe to keep your phone close to your junk, your privates, the family jewels? Is it safe to use a cell phone at all? Is your cell phone trying to kill you? Probably.

Cell phone radiation emission and possible links to brain and mouth cancers have been getting a lot of coverage these days. GQ’s somewhat hysterical (even by my standards) article makes an interesting and terrifying case that cell phones and wireless networks are doing irrevocable damage to humans. The piece is heavy on the conspiracy theories but makes some valid points.

Fortunately our good-old friends at the Environmental Working Group have taken all this information and put out a guide and rating system of cell phone emissions.

Oh calm down, this doesn’t mean you need to go out and replace your phone immediately. It’s something to keep in mind and refer to when it’s time to buy a new one. Also, they have a list of great suggestions on how – while using your cell phone – to limit exposure.

  1. Use a headset. It emits less radiation. Experts are split on whether wired or wireless is better.
  2. Phones emit most when you are talking or texting, not receiving, so be quiet.
  3. Keep the phone away from your body.
  4. Text more. The phone uses less radiation and it is held away from your head.
  5. Make calls when the signal is strong. Phones emit more radiation when the signal is weak.
  6. Limit children’s phone use.
  7. Don’t use radiation shields. They force phones to transmit at a higher power and higher radiation.

Now, carry on…

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by Katherine on September 3, 2010 · 0 comments

in HMN Reports

Yesterday The Next Family put up a guest post I wrote in response to this prompt: It would be great to have you write your story – being a cancer survivor and a mom (an adoptive mom), how it was for you, where you are now, how it’s changed for you…

It’s funny how framing a situation differently, asking a slightly different question, can elicit a totally new and different response. You can read the post here.

And check out The Next Family while you’re there – they’ve got interesting content from urbanite families, adoptive families, in vitro parents, interracial families, same sex parents, and single parents.

Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to do a little more shameless promotion. Hysterical Mommy Network has been nominated for the Parenting Blog section of the Best of Western Washington contest. I’m just so tickled about the whole thing. It makes me giggle. If you’d be so kind… If you haven’t already… Would you vote here, please? That color you’re wearing looks so nice on you. It matches your eyes and, my goodness, those lashes… You look particularly lovely today.

Love you all! XOXO

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by Katherine on September 2, 2010 · 3 comments

in Adoption,Cancer

This one reminds me of a friend’s post and this quote.

“I never have taken a picture I’ve intended. They’re always better or worse.” – Diane Arbus

This is one of my favorite happy accidents.

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by Katherine on August 31, 2010 · 3 comments

in Art,Baby Girl

Toe Biters

August 27, 2010

I’m just going to tell you right now, straight-up, there is no point to this post. I don’t want to lead anyone on. There is no moral or important information to be gleaned. Perhaps it could be considered part of my insect series or maybe it could be classified as a cautionary tale. It doesn’t [...]

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Old News

August 24, 2010

I read this article a few weeks ago about Avastin, which was at one time thought to be the great white hope for breast cancer. The article said the trial was abandoned because the tumors weren’t responding. The article, of course, was factual, clinical as it should have been. It was in the New York Times [...]

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I’ll Always Make Time

August 20, 2010

A few months ago I woke to reports of a storm blowing through town. Puffs to 40 knots expected.  Josie was sick. I was supposed to be leaving town in a few days. I did not have the time or energy to get beat up and dumped in the lake, but I would have for [...]

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Back to School

August 17, 2010

News flash: Labor Day is in 3 weeks. It’s time to buy a new lunchbox! Even if you aren’t in school, wouldn’t you like a new lunchbox anyway? Shouldn’t we all get a new one each year? I recently bought myself a tiffin and I love it. It’s a great way to pack a salad or [...]

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Book Exchange

August 13, 2010

It seems like it’s about time to make myself useful, that I should impart some great knowledge or research findings. There’s just one problem. This book. I’m trapped and I can’t get out. Not only is David Sedaris on CD occupying my limited free brain space in the car, but at home it’s all about [...]

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Misc.

August 10, 2010

Scenes from the weekend. Seriously? One measly crab and raindrops in the bucket? I’m not impressed, August, not impressed at all.  It’s time for some randomness. First, I’ve been listening to David Sedaris reading Barrel Fever while driving in my car. I’m in such a good mood all the time. I laugh at odd times, [...]

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Those Delicious Summer Nights

August 6, 2010

There are a few nights a year when it’s hot enough on the island to sleep outside. I love those nights. I pull the old futon mattress out from under the bed, pitch it from the loft onto the couch downstairs then drag it outside to the far end of the deck. I lay out [...]

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