I have some very exciting news! You can probably guess what it is based on the title of this post, but that’s OK, I’ll say it again. I’m writing a book! I always wanted to write and be a writer. Even as a little kid, I envisioned living in Maine (why I don’t know, but … Continue reading
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and for that I apologize. Life and stuff, you know? I stopped to focus on my career. Needless to say, that bit me in the ass. As my colleagues delicately put it, I got f***ed. But hey, it happens. That’s life, right? What hurt the most though, is … Continue reading
It’s no surprise that Nature has it in for us, I write about Natures’s poison, toxins, and venoms once or twice a week. In a surprise move, I’m not going to talk about poisons today. Instead I thought I’d showcase Nature’s Plan-B: sharp and pointy things. Note: In all honesty, I really just wanted an … Continue reading
Homicidal poisonings are not nearly as common as people think or prime-time TV dramas would have you believe. The fact is, successfully poisoning someone takes work. One must first acquire the means to carry it out, which entails researching the poison and procuring it. Then a plan must be constructed so that the death appears … Continue reading
Take a look at this sign. I saw it at a rest stop off of northbound I-75, just south of Gainesville, Florida. Notice anything wrong with it? I did, and I’m sure a lot of you do, too. The problem, besides snakes loitering around rest stops, lies with the word “poisonous.” Snakes aren’t poisonous, they’re venomous. Semantics … Continue reading
I’m not a big fan of murder. You know, the cold-blooded style. And poisoners are the worst of the lot. Sneaky and cowardly. Why the disdain? Because of the effort. It takes a lot of work to be a poisoner. You’ve got to plan it out, obtain the poison, and somehow administer it. All the … Continue reading
Welcome to Mushroom Week on Nature’s Poisons, where I’ll highlight two poisonous mushrooms, one that severely sickens and one that can kill. Check back on Tuesday and Thursday for the history, chemistry and science of these two fungi. I plan on covering more poisonous mushrooms over time, so be patient, but if there’s one you’re … Continue reading
Shamrocks have become the symbol of the Irish and of St. Patrick’s Day. In the United States hundred of thousands of shamrock plants will be given to families and children in celebration of Leprechauns and green beer (ewww). But while some may consider shamrocks lucky – who doesn’t feel lucky when they find a four-leafed … Continue reading
So with the St. Valentine’s Day theme going on it makes sense to mention aphrodisiacs. In a nutshell an aphrodisiac is anything that increases sexual desire, and draws its name from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. I most often read about aphrodisiacs as being used by men on women to increase their libido, or … Continue reading
Nothing moves a woman’s heart more than chocolate. Maybe diamonds. But I can’t afford them, besides, diamonds in your blood stream can’t be good for you. So what is it about chocolate that is so attractive, maybe even addictive, to some women? Well, let’s start at the source. The cacao tree (yes, it is spelled … Continue reading
Everywhere we live, sleep, play, and breathe we are surrounded by Nature’s poisons. From poisonous plants and deadly mushrooms, to venomous snakes and anthrax toxins. Mother Nature clearly isn’t happy with us. And I can’t say I blame her. There are thousands of plants that are poisonous to humans (and animals). For instance, apple seeds … Continue reading
Nature's Poisons 