congrats on the new human! that's pretty awesome.

on a different subject, there's this:

"don't tase me" remix

Lame, Al... lame.

I say (and said) no to circumcision. There's really no medical benefit to it other than a slightly lower chance of infection - however that difference is negated when proper personal hygiene is implemented. There are also studies I've read (but am too lazy to find again and link - so you'll just have to take my word) that say circumcision reduces sexual sensitivity (the most sensitive part is always exposed), and that an uncircumcised penis is more stimulating for a woman (the foreskin acts as a natural "ribbed for your pleasure" effect).

Even if those last two points aren't a factor I still don't see a reason to do it. Plus it costs ~$300.

What are your thoughts Par?

Well I couldn't really tell you Par. Fortunately I don't think I'll ever have to make this decision.

I keep thinking we live in this huge global village where nothing's out of the possibility... but in the end, I think I'd defer to my mate.

congrats Beck & Keri!
that was seriously the sweetest thing all day, i'm so happy for the two of you!

It's true, it probably does have a role in HIV prevention. However, let us assume (reasonably, I think) that you're not in an HIV-endemic part of the world (meaning that the HIV prevention angle is pretty meaningless, as it is in North America). Same question then.

they've been finding, though, that circumcision has actually been good for HIV prevention... I'm not sure how, exactly, but apparently it prevents disease absorption/spread.

who they are, I don't know, but there's lots of literature on it. one example

To Paras's random question...
I would say no, you don't go out in the cold without a toque on do you?

Dear Mr. Prime,:

Since becoming a GEICO customer in January of this year, you have reported 131 accidents, requesting reimbursement for repairs necessitated by each one. You have claimed not to be responsible in any of them, usually listing the cause of the accident as either "Sneak attack by Decepticons" or "Unavoidable damage caused by protecting freedom for all sentient beings."

Random question for the masses (maybe more acutely pertinent to some): would you circumcise your son? (And, I suppose, why or why not?)