Reasoned Consideration

Studies are increasingly showing possible harmful effects of Triclosan , commonly used in antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes and more: (Addition 2014-11) Triclosan ... causes liver fibrosis and cancer in mice (November 17, 2014) (Additions 2014-09) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140903121858.htm Exposure of pregnant women to certain phenols may disrupt growth of boys during fetal development and first years of life (September 3, 2014) "Medical researchers have found that exposure to certain common phenols during pregnancy, especially parabens and triclosan, may disrupt growth of boys during fetal growth and the first years of life. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and healthcare products and triclosan are an antibacterial agent and pesticide found in some toothpastes and soaps" http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140512101410.htm Endocrine disruptors impair human sperm function (May 12, 2014) "A ple...

" Pixels Floating on the Art World’s Margins ": This is the site of the “ Into the Pixel ” exhibition, a juried collection of 16 digital artworks printed on canvas and plucked from the kinds of video games being marketed nearby. Those who stumble upon these works can take a few minutes or more to muse upon the artists’ intent and inspiration — and perhaps glean some untold secrets, since the images are from games yet to be released. Now in its 10th year, “Into the Pixel” is still somewhat overlooked during the convention, although perhaps less so than in years past. Recent exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum have considered such art in a different light, focusing on each video game as a whole. “The thing is, these people are not computer geeks — they’re real artists,” said Martin Rae, the president of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, which jointly produces the show with the Entertainment Software Association. “And t...

There is plenty of research showing that breastfed babies do better in numerous ways. But in considering the issue, this comment makes an important point: "Interesting how breastfeeding is the only area of research of which I'm aware that reverses the findings.  In any other research, the biological norm is assumed to be the benchmark, and deviations from the biological norm are measured in impact. Instead, we assume formula feeding as the benchmark, and measure the biological norm in terms of its deviation from formula feeding.  By which I mean - breastfeeding does not enhance development. It is the biological norm. Formula feeding inhibits neurological development ." (Emphasis mine.) The above comment is in response to an article that uses this phrasing: "MRI images, taken while children were asleep, showed that infants who were exclusively breastfed for at least three months had enhanced development in key parts of the brain" . [Hat-tip Shayne Wissler ...