? ?
 
 
20 October 2007 @ 02:31 pm
 
Party Here, Sacrifice Over There: "The president says that America is engaged in a struggle between good and evil, but is he addressing all citizens when his policies touch so few of us?"

SATURDAY NEWS:
* The government fears that IEDs could become a problem in the US, but a solution remains elusive.
* "...In his two days of testimony this week, it became clear that Mr. Mukasey believes presidential power to be robust, expansive and sometimes beyond the power of Congress to control."
* FDA panel urges a ban on children's cold medicine.
* Joel Achenbach on finding substance on the campaign trail.
* Credit where it's due: Limbaugh turns critical letter into money for charity.
* Did Neanderthals talk?
* Musicians behind the scenes of comic books.

And, of course, the biggest weekend news: Rowling reveals that Dumbledore is gay.

 
 
 
maia: Stoopid Monkey!maroonmd on October 20th, 2007 06:45 pm (UTC)
Dumbledore is gay
Why is she so awesome?

"But I am disappointed that she did not make Dumbledore's sexuality explicit in the Harry Potter book. Making it obvious would have sent a much more powerful message of understanding and acceptance."

Her way was much, much better.
PMMJ: Rock Starcheetahmaster on October 20th, 2007 06:57 pm (UTC)
Re: Dumbledore is gay
Her way was much, much better.

totally agreed.
maia: Confusedmaroonmd on October 20th, 2007 09:36 pm (UTC)
FDA panel urges a ban on children's cold medicine.
The panel largely rejected these arguments, voting overwhelmingly that there is no evidence that over-the-counter pediatric cold medicines have any effect on symptoms and that more studies must be done. Still, nine panel members voted against an outright ban in children ages 2 to 5, arguing that doctors and parents need something for ill children, even if it has no proven effect.

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not understanding exactly what the argument is. Over the counter cold medicines for children have the same ingredients as adult medication. Looking at a bottle of Children's Ibuprofen Cold, the active ingredients are: Ibuprofen and Pseudoephedrine. Why would these active ingredients have no effect on symptoms? Where is the research that explains why a child would react differently than adults? Plus I know many children where the medication has been perfectly effective.

I understand that in some cases the medication has been harmful to children, by why and how many? If it's some kind of allergic reaction in a small amount of children, should it really be banned?

I've read several articles on this so far, and not one is complete! I need more information!
Selkiselki on October 21st, 2007 04:09 pm (UTC)
Re: FDA panel urges a ban on children's cold medicine.
Studies have shown that some medications differ in effectiveness for women vs. men. I would think that similar differences might exist between adults and kids who haven't undergone/completed puberty.