Raising healthy kids, a guide.

According to a study, published in the journal "Pediatrics" and reported on by Time.com dishes washed by hand could help prevent the development of allergies in children.

It seems the introduction of microbes early in life stimulates the immune system, making it more "tolerant," according to the author of the study, Dr. Bill Hesslemar of  Queen Silvia Children's Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Figuring that hand washing dishes might be an important aspect of developing a healthy immune system the team asked the parents and guardians of 1,029 children.  Only 23% of children from families who hand washed the dishes were afflicted by eczema, while 38% of children whose parents used dishwashers were afflicted.

Of course, this study is only the beginning, it does raise significant opportunities.  If eating from hand washed dishes proves healthier for children, what if the children washed the dishes themselves?  It would teach them the value of hard work, discipline and bolster their health.

If washing dishes is healthy, how about scrubbing the floor, washing and waxing my car?  Mowing the lawn?  It is crazy the things we are willing to give up for our children.

Think of the potential health benefits if children cooked the meals, raw meat, after all is filled with foul stuff, sure to add years to a childs life.  Then served the food to parents whose only care is the health of their babies, and cleaned up afterward.

Dirty clothes, are filled with bacteria, which turns out to be the staff of life, imagine how healthy America's youth will be if they start washing clothes.  Just think of the benefits made possible by taking in the laundry of single people who don't have to worry about the continuation of their blood line.  Plus, you might make a little cash, too.  Which is good for kids, they can make much better meals, giving them a higher sense of self esteem.  These kids might live forever.

Raising children is difficult, and perilous, filled with pitfalls, heartache, and sacrifice, but in the grand picture of life it will be worth all of the heartburn from rich, fatty foods, and the soft, supple hands from avoiding dish water.  You owe it to the next generation, after all.

Survival, It Ain't Always Pretty.

There is a species of fungus in the Brazilian rain forest that will infect an ant, taking over the poor creatures brain.  The fungi will force the ant to wander through the forest, and find a place suitable for the growth and reproduction of fungus, and then kill the ant.  This was brought to us by National Geographic, as seen here (Crap, I am glad I am not an ant.).  These are known as zombie ants, which is appropriate.

There is a wasp that will sting a Costa Rican Spider, making the spider spend it's last night on Earth building a cocoon in which the wasps larvae can grow, and metamorphosize in safety, high above the predators on the jungle floor.  Of course, they eat the spider, as well.  This is from LiveScience, and can be seen here (Dang, that is kind of heartless, even for a wasp)

According to the "Dirty Money Project" at New York University, as reported by NPR, (ewww, gross, if that is too dirty for you I will take care of it.) the paper money you carry is crawling with bacteria, sometimes up to 3,000 different strains.  Three thousand different types of bacteria crawling around on your dollar bills.  That is a little unsettling, and crowded.  You can probably hear the screams of little bacteria toes getting squashed underfoot if you hold the money close enough to your ear.

Often times economists will bemoan the fact that Americans are not saving enough, that we are society of instant gratification, and indulgence.  Now we know why.

Money based bacteria does not want to spend its life locked in a bank vault, it wants to get out and party. It likes to travel, see things, check stuff out, you know, do bacteria entertaining activities.  Bacteria will send a contingent up to your brain to make recommendations. "Hey, how about a beer?"  Or, "Doesn't a trip to 'Big Bob's Burger Barn" sound like fun?  You are starving."

There is not much you can do about it, they have you outnumbered, they have been around a long time, and know a lot of tricks.  I am not saying you should just give in, saving is still a good idea,  but don't be too hard on yourself if you buy a new stylus, it is not your fault. Remember, things could be worse, think about that poor ant.  Right now I am going to get a bite to eat, I am kind of hungry.