Drugs, Japanese and Monks

I was doing chemistry homework and one of the questions was to find the name of the drug that caused birth defects in many babies. First thing that showed up in search was Thalidomide. It was taken as a sleeping pill and to treat morning sickness during pregnancy and just one dose could result in a baby born with flippers!

"In 1961 scientists discovered that the medication stunted the growth of fetal arms and legs. In fact, taking only one dose of thalidomide early in pregnancy can severely affect the growth of fetal limbs (arms, legs, hands, feet). It also puts the fetus at risk of other injuries, including eye and ear defects and severe internal defects of the heart, genitals, kidneys, digestive tract (including lips and mouth), and nervous system."

I've never heard about this and am very shocked by it.

Also, did you know that "there are more blog posts in Japanese than any other language"?

I think this is really really funny. I will print it out as a reminder to not take life too seriously.

I will also print this out, because reading it often will help me to"smile, breathe and go slowly".

On My Mind

So hot in here! It's been raining all day. Elephants walked last night - made me cry AGAIN. Feel bad for Dalai Lama. My dog might need an operation to remove a cyst - praying that antibiotics will work to prevent it. Don't want to see her in pain ever again. Keep listening to this. Need to be studying chemistry right now but my brain feels fried today.