Is Wireless Radiation Dangerous?

I wonder about the electro-radiation in my home from our wireless transmitter for our computer-internet connection. I increasingly get the feeling that I can "feel" it at the computer, sometimes get headaches or my hands get "hot" (resting near the keyboard). I've been strongly considering going back to CAT-5e hardline connections and getting rid of the wireless. Are there risks? I have young children as well. This is an issue that has been lingering for years

One thing you have to be careful of, when dealing with issues like this, is pseudoscience. You often find conflicting information regarding the harmful effects of wireless radiation, especially from cell phones. You should seek advice from a TRUSTED source in such matters. Thus, I won't be giving you an answer.

Pay attention to the results of the Interphone study on cell phone usage. If they don't find a risk, then it is doubtful that your wireless connection poses a risk.

Also, I seriously doubt your hands are getting "hot" from your router. Router's typically put out 10's of mW of power, which is a really small amount.

Interphone Study Links
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
International Herald Tribune

Candle Meditation

I would like to practice a kind of meditation where you stare at a candle light as the meditation object (Trataka). Although this practice involves alternating between looking at the flame with open eyes and than looking at the after image with your eyes closed, I find it much comfortable for me to simply stare at the candle flame for an hour a day (which pretty much provides the same desired effects for me). I am only concerned about the health of my eyes which I read somewhere that performing this kind of meditation can damage my retinas if performed for more than 2 months at a stretch. I plan to meditate for life as it is a great pursuit, however I would like to know if this meditation object is safe for a lifelong meditation pursuer as myself.

I'm afraid that I can't give you much help with this question. All I can say is that candles give off visible and infrared light. The eye is especially sensitive to visible and near-infrared light, which falls into what is called the Retinal Hazard Region of the optical spectrum. Given the low brightness of a candle, I would guess that there isn't a high risk of retinal damage, though there could be other physiological issues. You'd need to seek advice from an eye doctor to know for sure. However, there are several things you can do to reduce the potential risks of injury,

• Don't stare at a candle. Can you stare at something else and get the same effect?
• Use a dim candle and sit as far away as you can.
  
• Keep the lights on in the room