Sense and Nonsense

Why Are We So Fat?

Well, maybe you're not, but many of the rest of us are.  Writing in this week's New Yorker magazine, Elizabeth Kolbert offers a fascinating (and disturbing) look at different strains of thought and research about why so many Americans are overweight.

Stay Away from the Phthalates

Nicholas Kristof, in his column in this morning's New York Times, renews his warning about the dangers our exposure to the ubiquitous, troubling chemicals called phthalates, found in all sorts of things. 

One thing you can easily do: stay away from plastic water bottles.  Use stainless steel instead.  And use glass food containers at home, not plastic.