For those of you who are patiently waiting for my February newsletter - I apologize.  I haven't been myself this month, because of the agonizing decision that most dog owners have to face eventually.

My beautful wolfie, Finn, went to the Rainbow Bridge, at the age of 10 1/2.

Here he is, in his prime, with my Grandaughter Rosie - wearing my glasses, the imp!

Originally published Feb 21st 2005

So tell me - which would you rather be?  In pain, or dead?  Because thanks to the FDA's latest amazing decision, you will have your choice.

So far, no-one has looked into the affiliations of the panel members who made this decision, but I have to say, in this cynical age, that was my first thought.  Money talks.

Addendum, Feb 28th: Connections between panelists and the manufacturers of the Cox 2 inhibitors

Nor has there been much discussion about natural alternatives, or life-style changes, which can have significant positive effects with nothing but beneficial side effects!

Here is reaction to the decision by the FDA

Here is a list of alternative anti-inflammatories.

Here is my comprehensive article about Joint Pain

I imagine you think that is a typo - but no!  When I read this report about the blatantly  targeted piece of legislation introduced by Senator Frist, my jaw dropped.  How can our legislators get away with this kind of thing? Not only does this Bill ride roughshod over independent States' decisions,  it offers total protection to Merck for any vaccine related litigation.

Read the report here

It's hard to believe that any woman would care about the appearance of her labia (latin for lips) unless somehow influenced to do so.  My own attitude to that entire area has always been if it's functional, it's fine!

Yet it would appear that fine-tuning the appearance of female private parts is burgeoning into the latest plastic surgery bonanza."

The perfect vagina - yours for the asking.

Ironic juxtaposition - carrying the appearance of female private parts to extremes.

When I tell you that I drive 30 miles each week to make sure of an uncontaminated, unhomogenized, unpasteurized supply of millk and cream, you will immediately be able to deduce that I am not a supporter of the  Government regulated milk supply.

Now, on top of my concerns about the health effects of heating and plasticizing milk, comes a wealth of information about the effects of rBGH - bad for people, bad for cows, good for large corporations.

Read about it here 

How to get raw mik for your household

There is no doubt in my mind that the more the hand of man interferes in a substance, the less likely it is to promote health. 

Certainly the information that has come to light about Splenda should give everyone pause.  Dr. Mercola (www.mercola.com) is a well-informed critic of the stuff - here is an entry in his web log  that will interest you.

Today he has more information about this poisonous stuff - you can read it here. Do sign up for his newsletter while you are there:  it is, in my opinion, one of the best out there for natural health afficionados.

For a list of foods containing Splenda, go here.

Some alternative suggestions here