On Ending Periods...

American Journal of Bioethics' Editor-in-Chief Glenn McGee writes a thoughtful, fascinating. and provocative column on human nature and the end of periods in the Scientist today:

"For decades, fertility research has successfully decoupled sex from reproduction, forever altering women's position and power in the developed world. Among all methods of contraception, none is as well known or influential as 'the pill.' Now, its power has been kicked up a notch, and the pill is poised to do what some say will disrupt the very nature of the XX sex. This leaves us with one question: In the next step of the evolution of women's contraception, should we eliminate the last major physical manifestation of the reproductive cycle, menstruation?"

For the complete article, click here. And to let us know what your thoughts are on this matter, take our survey (to the right) or comment here on our blog.

Monthly 'Miracle' or Annual(e) Terror -- SNL takes on DTC Pharma ads

On a dark and snowy winter's day in New England, with spring nowhere in sight, and in desperate need for something that would lift my spirits (other than dark chocolate or coffee), I stumbled across this blog entry from the NY Times:

"At a time when the drug industry is facing increasing scrutiny from Congress and the public, the cast of “Saturday Night Live” has weighed in with a hilarious spoof of television drug ads.

The “commercial,” modeled after the real advertising campaign for the birth control pill Seasonale, touts a fake pill, Annuale. The spoof uses similar pill packaging, actors and even the same pink chairs, sneakers and yoga mats depicted in the real ad. Watch the video, posted below, for the over-the-top punchline. One of the funniest lines is in the list of “side effects” that rolls across the screen at the end of the ad."

Salvation -- I love it when I find something that makes you laugh AND think at the same time -- Enjoy!