Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the fact that the sign says "Proposition 65" on it mean that California voters required this sign be put up.

One of the most wonderful treasures of a class in biology is the revelation that some of your cells have 3000ppm or so of formaldehyde in them - as a result of ordinary processes.

Your own body contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Well, the educated part of the State does. Not so much the laity, the PoliSci or LibArts degree people.

The part that always gets me is:

"...known to the state of California..."

Just, how does an inanimate object such as state *know* something. Also, just because something is known does not make it necessarily true. Not disputing the carcinogenic nature of certain exhaust products, but does the state also "know" that the there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Or perhaps it "knows" that vehicles can *really* be fueled by sparkly unicorn flatulence?

That Proposition 65 sign--and we have them all over California--is not an actual warning. It's a bit of mischief designed to "raise awareness" among members of the public about the dangers of chemicals in our daily lives.

The goal, long distant, now fading from memory, and never overtly explained to the voters, was an attack on modern life, which is drenched in chemicals and fumes. As if the alternative open to everyone is an idyllic existence far from cities, among fields of sweet grass and wildflowers, eating organic foods, wearing organic, homespun fabrics, and traveling on a horse or mule who eats only organic oats and pesticide-free apples.

It could happen... maybe in Bangladesh or the Sudan.

Warning: LIfe can kill you.

There, no more warning labels needed.

"Also, just because something is known does not make it necessarily true."

Actually, it does. Please don't get caught up in the intentionally deceptive language of theocrats and bureaucrats.

See here to learn why, and what not to do.

"One of the most wonderful treasures of a class in biology is the revelation that some of your cells have 3000ppm or so of formaldehyde in them - as a result of ordinary processes.

Your own body contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm."

So when are they going to vote for Cali residents to wear MedicAlert bracelets in the fashion of those little tags on extension cords and Christmas lights I've seen everywhere, stating:
"This organism contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands thoroughly after handling." ?

"Warning: LIfe can kill you.

There, no more warning labels needed."

Agreed! Succinctly accurate.

On other ridiculous warnings, such as the need to tell people that coffee could possibly be really hot (from 1:45 to roughly 2:02), an angry cartoon squirrel (NSFW - profanity; also not suitable for viewing by the easily offended or those with low tolerance for a high-pitched voice):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYne0El4ke0&sns=fb