Well, HGH doesn't have any major side effects, that I know of. Actually, it's really interesting to me that pro players, who basically have all possible science at their fingertips for the asking, are as clueless and gullible as the general public when it comes to substances and health.

Where the argument falls apart for me is that performance enhancing drugs sure do have a major side effect - they enhance performance. And I find it beyond credibility that a professional athlete, someone who's been focusing on and monitoring and measuring and working to improve their abilities is oblivious to changes that come faster and easier than what they're accustomed to after a lifetime of training and competing. Denial's an incredibly powerful thing, but at some level you gotta know.

From what I gather, these are a form of baby announcements and gift to the announcee: [link] [link] It's...different.

Is that a bag of rice? ETA: And do they customize the weight of rice in the bag to match the baby? Because they so should.

You are so right, brenda! They should.

I think to some extent you could attribute an enhancement to an increase/change in training.

And steroids allow you to increase/change your training because your recovery time is cut.

So I can see buying it for a while.

And I can see someone chosing to use a substance (particulary to recover from an injury and potentially extend his career) if its status is fuzzy.

Along with HGH I also wonder about the banning of blood-doping. I don't think it does damage either, does it? (Not even sure its involved in the baseball situation)

blood-doping. I don't think it does damage either, does it?

If the athletes were even a leeetle bit smart about how they go about it, then no.

Can y'all send some "push hard!" vibes towards Lancaster County, PA? My stepsister is in labor. My mom's bummed because she was at the doctor's today and he told her she had pink-eye, so she can't go near any babies for a few days.

Just for Tom: Jumping for the joy of it!

What I have learned today -- my camera isn't fast enough and my flash isn't bright enough to take really good jumping pictures. If it wasn't raining buckets and dark outside, I'd have tried in the backyard, even if the neighbors would have looked at me funny.

So what are people doing this weekend?

Tonight is FNL and possibly beer; tomorrow is haircut and brunch with JZ and Matilda, and all weekend is trying not to flip out like a mammal about the job I just interviewed for earlier in the week.

Weekend:

• Today: Haircut at 3, drinks and DVD with GF tonight.
• Saturday: Root canal :( :( :( : (
• Sunday: Murakami exhibit at MOCA (were too busy last weekend)

ETA: Good luck with the prospect, Lee!