Dangers of Microwaving Water

A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. Like he had done many times before he took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up. I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil.

When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the! Water was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup ‘blew up’ into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into his face due to the buildup of energy.

His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring. He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc.., (nothing metal).

Response from General Electric:

Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.

To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds! Before moving it or adding anything into it.

Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the matter: ‘Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup).

What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapor bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point.

What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken.’

Drum roll please…

Our Grand Prize Winner is: Molly Capel

Molly’s four boys; Andrew, Sam, Mikey, and Joshua will be getting a nice treat from mom in the next week or two!

Congratulations Molly! Please send another pic after the prize arrives and before they rough it up too much! : )

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Our Two First Prize Winners are: Kelly Ann T. and  Kelly F.

Congratulations Kelly -n- Kelly!

Please send pics after the prizes arrives.

The prizes will be shipped in the next week. Enjoy!

Now for the contest!

One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive:

• An autographed copy of Max Spaniel (by illustrator David Catrow)
• One (1) Jumbo kids magnifying glass

Four (4) runner-up winners will also receive a copy of this great new book

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To enter:

We will be drawing names from entries on our Website as well as from direct messsages to us on our twitter account. To enter here you can drop us an email (mom [at] momz.com) or simply add a comment at the bottom of this post. If you aren’t already following us on twitter please do so here: http://twitter.com/mymomtweets

Visit their official Website to learn more and watch the trailor: Shorts Movie

Shorts is set in the suburb of Black Falls, where all the houses look the same and everyone works for BLACK BOX Unlimited Worldwide Industries Incorporated, whose Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX is the ultimate communication and do-it-all gadget that’s sweeping the nation.

Other than keeping his parents employed, however, Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX has done nothing for 11-year-old Toe Thompson, who just wants to make a few friends…until a mysterious rainbow-colored rock falls from the sky, hits him in the head and changes everything. The Rainbow Rock does Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX one better: it grants wishes to anyone who holds it. Before long, wishes-gone-wrong have left the neighborhood swarming with tiny spaceships, crocodile armies, giant boogers…and outrageous magical mayhem around every corner.

But it’s not until the grown-ups get their hands on the Rock that the trouble really starts. Now Toe and his newfound friends must join forces to save their town from itself, discovering along the way that what you wish for is not always what you want.

Now for the Prizes!

On August 24th Momz will announce a Grand Prize Winner and two First Prize Winners!

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One Grand Prize Winner!

The Grand Prize Winner will receive the complete prize pack listed below as well as the Shorts “Phlat” Ball (Transforms from a 9” flying disc to a 6” ball when thrown)

• Kids Backpack (two styles!!)
• “Green Splat” T-shirt
• Lollipop
• Sticker sheets
• Frisbee
• Beach ball
• Hat
• Yo-Yo

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Two First Prize Winners!

Our two First Prize Winners will receive all of the items in the photograph of the prizes and listed just above!

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Enter to Win!

You can enter to win by sending us an email (admin [at] momz.com) with your first and last name OR by simply adding a comment to this post (see the bottom). The contest ends August 24th so please enter today! (Note: We never rent, sell, trade your email address. It will only be used for this contest.)

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Contest Rules

You must enter no later than midnight August 24th. Only one entry per person.

RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION:

BY ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, ENTRANTS RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND EACH OF ITS RESPECTIVE PARENTS, DIVISIONS, AFILIATES, SUBSIDIARIES, AGENTS AND ADVERTISING AGENCIES (COLLECTIVELY, “WBEI”) FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES, DAMAGES, RIGHTS, CLAIMS, AND ACTIONS OF ANY KIND ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY SWEEPSTAKES-RELATED ACTIVITY (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE REMOVAL FROM THESITE OF, OR DISCONTINUATION OF ACCESS TO, ANY MATERIALS), OR RESULTING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE, OR MISUSE OF ANY PRIZE AWARDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, AS WELL AS CLAIMS BASED ON PUBLICITY RIGHTS, DEFAMATION, AND/OR INVASION OF PRIVACY.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

IN NO EVENT WILL THE WBEI BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF ANY ACCESS TO AND/OR USE OF THE SWEEPSTAKES SITE, THE DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES SITE, THE REMOVAL FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES SITE OF, OR DISCONTINUATION OF ACCESS TO, ANY MATERIALS, OR THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE, OR MISUSE OF, OR ANY HARM RESULTING FROM THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF, OR PARTICIPATION IN, ANY PRIZE AWARDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES.  WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THE SWEEPSTAKES, ALL PRIZES, AND ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED ON OR THROUGH THE SITE ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

Source: MSNBC

Resources:

Breastfeeding.com
[thumb]http://www.breastfeeding.com[/thumb]

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
[thumb]http://www.llli.org[/thumb]

Breastfeeding Tips on YouTube (6 min)

BABY SIGNS is based on American Sign Language and will help encourage the use of non-verbal gestures to communicate. Research has proven that babies who are taught to use signs to express their basic ideas before they can say words are happier because they can communicate with others.

For more information visit: BABY SIGNS

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• A Copy of the Baby Signs Pop-Up book ($25.99 value)
• $50 Babies ‘R Us Gift Card

Four First Prize winners will receive:

• A Copy of the Baby Signs Pop-Up book ($25.99 value)

To enter simply add a comment. You don’t have to say anything nice about the book or anything bogus like that. Just comment that you want to enter and we’ll include you in our random drawing at the end of July. Winners will be posted on our site, emailed, and the prizes shipped in early August.

Of course if you win and want to send a pic or two of your baby reading BABY SIGNS that would be wonderful!

Good luck!

Vacation package includes:

• Round trip coach class air transportation for four
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About Mama Bite:

From family road trips to eco-friendly sunscreen to DIY crafts, Mama Bite gives you bite-size ideas for living light green this summer. Fun, healthy, eco-friendly tips are served up in a daily email each weekday. And to make greening your summer even more fun, we’re giving you a chance to win a family vacation for four to Walt Disney World® Resort, including a special behind-the-scenes experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park, just for being an Ideal Bite subscriber. Now that’s worth celebrating!

Enter now

All you have to do is quickly explain why your dad deserves to win a Blu-ray package and tell us what Blu-ray movie that you and your dad would most want to watch with mom. Post your entry on the Discussion area of the Blu-ray fan page.

Contest will end June 11. They want to get the prize into the hands of the winning dad before Dad’s Day.

The prize for the winning Dad will include:

A Panasonic BD35 Blu-ray player and the following Blu-ray movies…
- Valkyrie (Fox)
- Taken (Fox)
- Striking Distance (Sony)
- No Way Back (Sony)
- Role Models (Uni)
- The Express (Uni)
- RockNRolla (Warner)
- Gran Torino (Warner)
- Invincible (Disney)
- Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy (Disney)

Blu-ray Fathers’ Day contest page on facebook: Blu-ray Discs

What is a Blu-ray? Visit the Blu-ray site

Or review the Blu-ray info on Wikipedia

Check out their 12,000+ fans on their facebook page: Blu-ray Disc

Naming has become increasingly difficult as available domain names disappear faster than the independent farmer did in the 1900′s. I mean how successful can your child become if they don’t have a brandable name complete with it’s own domain name?

Seriously though, don’t sweat over choosing the perfect name because there isn’t such a thing. Your kid is going to be just fine with almost any name you attach to them.  For more information on why the name is going to sound like everyone else’s any way read the full article on Wired: Why Your Baby’s Name Will Sound Like Everyone Else’s

Most people I know have received millions of dollars from descendants of deceased rulers and other very wealthy individuals. Well maybe they haven’t actually received the money, but the emails sure seem to keep pouring in from all over the world. Sadly, that leads me to believe that it works from time to time costing some poor sucker money and self esteem.

But I’m concerned more about seriously dangerous cons that can be pulled off if common sense caution isn’t exercised.

The email we received today was from a Casting Director with “___ Productions” working on behalf of a “major cable company”. Here’s the message (I’ve “XXXXXX”ed some of the contact info):

Hi there,

I’m working with one of the major cable networks to cast a new series for families.  The show will send stay-at-home moms on a vacation to relax for a few days, and leave dad at home with the kids and the housework.  It will be a great opportunity for moms to have a well deserved break, as well as giving dads a chance to spend some more quality time with the kids.  The show is heartfelt, but fun, and meant to build better relationships and understanding about how much a stay-at-home mom does for the home.  Dad wouldn’t be required to miss work.

We’re looking for families in the Fairfield, Connecticut area, and I’d love the opportunity to get the word out on your site.  I’ve attached a little bit of information below.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns, and I’ll be happy to tell you more!

My direct line is 212.974.XXXX, ext 128

Michael XXXXXXXX
Casting Associate Producer
212.974.XXXX x128
XXXXXXXXX America
XXX W. XXth Street, 3rd Fl
New York, NY 10036
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A major US cable network is now casting a fun new show that helps to bring families closer together. If selected, your family will receive $2,000 and MOMS GET A FREE VACATION!

LOOKING FOR COUPLES in Fairfield County, Connecticut with 3 or more children between the ages of 2-15. Mothers must be STAY-AT-HOME moms who juggle the hectic life of being a wife and mother. A real Super Mom that is ready for some much deserved time off. The show is heartfelt and fun, meant to encourage relationships to flourish.

Dads, here’s your chance to prove that you could do what your wife does around the house!

Casting is underway so email a contact number and brief description about yourself and your family to tvparentXXXXXXX@gmail.com. Tell us why you would be perfect for the show. Include a recent photo and all family members’ names, ages and activities your children are involved in. Families must live in a house.

With the popularity of “Wife Swap” and the nanny shows I can understand why some would get excited about the opportunity to get on TV, take a vacation, and even get paid some cash. But, think about this…

What if the person on the receiving end of that gmail.com email address was trying to setup a robbery, kidnapping, or some other heinous crime? They’d know an awful lot about your family, have pictures, and pretty much know your family’s schedule.

I spotted 3 red flags when I read the message:

1. They want the family details, including pictures, sent to a gmail.com address
2. They used two different email addresses in the message
3. They said they were looking for Fairfield CT moms… why if their client is a major cable company would they care whether they were in Fairfield CT or Fairfax VA?

My next steps to determine if this was legit were:

• I took the URL portion of the first email and tried to find the associated Website. There wasn’t one.
• I called the phone number and there was a recorded message that seemed legit although I wasn’t afforded the opportunity to dial his 3-digit extension. If this is a con then it’s a serious con considering the trouble they went through.

Odds are this is a legitimate opportunity, but I just don’t like people asking people to email themn photos and personal information unless it’s a well known entity.

So my last step was to contact the Fairfield CT police department to get an email address of a detective so I could forward it to them for follow up. I’d rather err on the side of caution and maybe prevent a serious crime then delete the message and forget about it.

The moral of the story…?

USE COMMON SENSE! BE CAREFUL! Teach this to your children!