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November 17, 2007 -- 3:48 PM
posted by Par
Nawaz Sharif writes an op-ed on the value of democracy in Pakistan:
Democracy holds the key to resolving Pakistan's problems. Musharraf hopes that other nations will prefer his despotism to the anarchy he claims would erupt were he to leave office. This is a lie that America and other Western nations should not accept. Tyranny is never a substitute for freedom, and there is no substitute for democracy.
A hopeful sentiment.
Of course, Nawaz Sharif is the man who, as Prime Minister, took away the President's ability to dissolve parliament, and severely restricted MPs' abilities to vote out of line with their parties, making it nearly impossible to recall him as Prime Minister, but it's nice to know he believes in democracy when he's not in a position to create dictatorial powers for himself.
Optimism about the situation in Pakistan is hard to come by, it seems.
November 17, 2007 -- 1:57 PM
posted by alison
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!
as for Ween, Andy, Matt, Will, Paras and I will all be there. I know Matty, Andy and Will are doing something before, I have no idea about Paras. I'm going to try and meet the guys at, uh, Ed's at ~9 in the billiards area.
November 17, 2007 -- 8:49 AM
posted by Pete
Who's going to Ween tonight?
But more importantly, Happy Birthday Andy!
November 17, 2007 -- 1:02 AM
posted by Par
I mentioned this article to some people tonight and thought I should go back over it (admittedly, I kind of dismissed it so I was skimming more than reading).
The headline: Occasional binge drinking may not harm fetus.
The first quote from the researcher involved: "Just because we haven't been able to find much evidence doesn't mean there is no effect."
The last quote from the researcher involved (via the journal article in question): "When pregnant women report isolated episodes of binge-drinking in the absence of a consistently high daily alcohol intake, as is often the case, it is important to avoid inducing unnecessary anxiety as, at present, the evidence of risk seems minimal."
The headline is probably irresponsible. The quotes, though are bewildering. I mean, yes, there is something to be said about unduly accusing and frightening a pregnant woman about her alcohol use, from a patient relationship standpoint, but I don't see how that leads to a suggestion that binge drinking is possible safe during pregnancy.
Also, note that, although it doesn't necessarily read this way, minimal risk is not the same as minimal evidence of risk.
November 16, 2007 -- 2:21 PM
posted by Al
Alright my company have a whole shwack load of tickets to the WEM waterpark that are unclaimed. So they gave me 5, so if any of you are free tomorrow from 7:30 Pm to 10:30 Pm and want to go then contact me. They are free the only thing you have to do is show up, hang out with a bunch of people from my job, and see me wearing swim trunks (don't worry no speedo from me).
November 16, 2007 -- 12:57 PM
posted by Al
Alright made it thru lunch, no incedences. Just can't watch that video again.
