Puerto Rico residents to sue Merck over Vioxx deaths

In March this year, a study conducted showed that while Merck deliberately hid the risks from patients, doctors, and the FDA, it did not even provide the basic safety information on Vioxx to non-English speakers. A consumer rights group Consejo de Latinos Unidos compiled its report based on interviews of Spanish speaking patients in Puerto Rico. Vioxx was sold as Ceoxx in some Spanish speaking countries.

The same group is now planning to help victims in Puerto Rico sue Merck. It may be recalled that in a recent trial in Texas, Carol Ernst, the widow of a man who died after taking the drug, was awarded $26 million. The second trial, Humeston vs. Merck is scheduled to start in less than two weeks.

Recommended article: Lessons from Vioxx for all of us

Olive oil found to act as a painkiller

Not just in Italy or countries on the Mediterranean coast, but people worldwide have discovered the benefits of olive oil. Now scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have found that olive oil actually has a compound that mimics the active ingredient in ibuprofen.

At a time when dangerous drugs like Vioxx have been banned due to their serious side effects, and even ibuprofen has been found to be dangerous if taken for a long period of time, we definitely need a safer painkiller.

Plastic surgery affordable by almost anyone now

According to latest report from ASPS, plastic surgery costs have dropped to such low levels that almost any American who wants it can afford it.

Recommended article: How to pick the right plastic surgeon?

Tips from Gwyneth Paltrow to Pitt and Aniston

Just two weeks ago we had advised that we should never make our private life public - it helps no one. That is exactly the message from Gwyneth Paltrow, a one time girlfriend of Brad Pitt, to him and his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston.

"I learned my lesson at 24," she says in an interview with Time. "It would be a lot easier on Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston now had they not talked to the press about each other and everything to begin with."

If you recall that after Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston decided to divorce, first Pitt spoke to GQ and then Jennifer Aniston spoke to Vanity Fair. While both of them were civil and kind to each other, it would have been much better that these highly private issues had been kept that way. Our advice as always - "Never share with anyone else what you two share as a couple."

Recommended article: Share your secrets only with your partner

Redheads more likely to get skin cancer

We have been talking in detail about how skin cancer continues to rise and a lot of it is simply because we are careless. For instance, we recently reported about younger women who were using tanning beds are more likely to have skin cancer. We also talked about how young people were even more susceptible to skin cancer.

Now comes another study that says that redheads are even more likely to get skin cancer due to their unique chemical constitution.

So what can redheads to take better care of their skin? Pretty much what everyone else needs to do but the redheads have to do more. Avoid sunburn, particularly when the sun is at its peak between 10 AM and 2 PM. Cover up if you have to be in the sun, wear sunglasses, and use a high quality sunscreen. You can also use self tanners to get the tanned look if that is what you want.

Recommended article: Care of sunburnt skin

Drink coffee and stay young with its antioxidant power

If you want to delay or even prevent aging to some extent, you have to consume more anti-oxidants. And as everyone knows, consumption of any nutrient through natural products is ideal but if you cannot for some reason or have deficiency or just want some extra kick to start with, it is perfectly fine to take supplements.

So where can you find more anti-oxidants - the chemicals that actually keep you young. Coffee is a good start. A recent study found that coffee and black tea (though do not drink it like the English and the Indians do - with lots of milk) may be excellent sources of antioxidants. You may also try alpha-lipoic acid which is often referred to as the mother of all anti-oxidants.

Related article: Benefits of green tea

What gifts did celebrities get at VMA 2005?

This year's Video Music Awards (VMA) had all the buzz despite the weather in Miami, but let us talk about the products that we specifically liked in the celebrity gift basket and are recommending to our visitors:

Shay Todd Swimsuits - If you don't know the brand yet, think Paris Hilton's outfit in the Carl's Jr ad that showed the style diva bite The Spicy BBQ Six Dollar Burger while washing a Bentley car.

Fredericks of Hollywood - While there are other lingerie brands that we like, this company has come back with a vengeance (they were bankrupt for a while) with very hot designs.

Sphatika - The company has a skincare line that uses only natural (totally chemical free) ingredients and products are then infused with Elixir of Quartz Crystal. The company also uses mantras from the holy books of Hindus, The Vedas, to make the products have the right energy.

Hylexin - Hate those dark circles? Hylexin is the answer and celebrities are lapping it up. It is not a concealer but instead reduces hemoglobin degradation byproducts through optimization of enzymatic activity in the peri-orbital tissue.

Shu Uemura - The world famous Japanese designer was popular as always. No doubt that Hollywood celebrities want them all from Shu Uemura.

Recommended article: How to have a personal style makeover?

Perfect butt without plastic surgery

It’s all about the butt these days - particularly after Jessica Simpson used it so effectively showing it off in her Daisy Dukes. The new rear zone, in addition to the other obvious one(s), has grown in popularity thanks to the likes of J-Lo and Beyonce. A plump rump, or as some like to call it "junk in the trunk" has become a girl’s most important accessory.

Sweet and Vicious, the compay that makes the Bubble line of "new butt boosting lingerie" (an alternative to butt augmentation plastic surgery) recently conducted a poll of their fans to find out who in the eyes of their fellow tush-challenged fans, these celebs could use a pair of Bubbles too:

1. Paris Hilton
2. Gwyneth Paltrow
3. Cameron Diaz
4. Britney Murphy
5. Mischa Barton
6. Penelope Cruz
7. Heather Locklear
8. Uma Thurman
9. Sarah Michelle Gellar
10. Lara Flynn Boyle

“Women who have been blessed with high metabolism or the ‘thin gene’, have a harder time finding flattering fashions than the average woman would believe – especially jeans,” says Karen Jones, founder of Sweet and Vicious. “Bubbles is a comfortable and sexy solution to a well-known syndrome familiar to the unshapely woman otherwise known as ‘flat-butt.'"

By supporting the derriere from beneath each cheek, Bubbles provides a “pop” to the backside without extending up and over the hips. Bubbles’ low-profile design disappears under snug-fitting pants so it’s perfect for the fashionista who has more than one pair of sexy low-rise jeans or tight-fitting bottoms.

Bubbles is the hot new jeans accessory and a must-have for any fashion conscious female (or male for that matter). Bubbles is offered in three styles: Bubbles Bands, Bubbles ThighShapers and Bubbles Capris.

Recommended article: Butt implants

How to pay for plastic surgery?

The cost of plastic surgery has dropped significantly in last few years and you can always go overseas to reduce it even further, but you still gotta pay.

How are you going to pay for it? Cash is, of course, the best option and if you can wait till you have it, the better it is for you. But here are some more tips on how to think about financing of plastic surgery.

Our sexy photo for today

We believe that you do not have to be 16 to be sexy. In fact even a mature woman can be as sexy. So take a look at our sexy woman for today. Great smile, nice perky breasts, and the bikini top positioned strategically to show just the right amount of cleavage.

Recommended link: Sexy photo for today

Merck wants to settle Vioxx cases

After news that Vioxx lawsuits are growing rapidly and now near 5,000, Merck is backing off somewhat from its initial hostile tone. Afraid that it may not be able to pay some $65 billion in Vioxx liabilities, the company is now saying that it may want to settle some lawsuits with the victims.

As you can expect, the company is putting some restrictions and since each situation is different, the best person to suggest all your options is trial lawyer well versed in such matters.

Related article: How to pick a Vioxx attorney?

If you must, file for bankruptcy now before the law changes

While every attempt should be made to avoid filing for bankruptcy, sometimes it is not a choice - particularly for those driven to bankruptcy due to a medical situation.

But if you must, you have to do it now. Starting October 17th of this year, a new law is going to take effect that makes it tougher to erase debt obligations in bankruptcy. Pushed by credit card companies, President Bush and Republicans overwhelmingly approved this law that is very hard on America's poor. However, there are still about 7 weeks left to get organized and work with a lawyer to make it all happen. As the chart shows on the right, many Americans are working hard to take advantage of the old law.

Related article: How to consolidate your debt?

Ford and GM troubles multiply

Moody's have lowered the credit rating of both Ford and General Motors to junk status. The employee discount plans run by these two carmakers out of desperation, have definitely helped their sales but has been like a going-out-of-business sale for them. The discount programs have been extended further and it is hard for anyone for us here at eCreativa Media to imagine that car companies would ever be able to sell the same cars again at full prices.

GM, in particular, has many serious financial challenges, and things are not going particularly well for its GMAC subsidiary.

Gas prices expected to rise further

There is no relief in sight for people worldwide as oil prices broke another record. Oil prices have now crossed the estimates made earlier by the Department of Energy. But Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela, has his own forecast - $100 per barrel of oil by 2012. Ouch! Let us hope that he was simply trying to irritate Pat Robertson.

Recommended article: How to deal with high gas prices?

Forth and Towne shopping experience report

If you have already shopped at Zara and H&M, you probably do not like Old Navy or Express or even Victoria's Secret. So now comes a totally new concept in shopping for women - Forth & Towne. The new store from Gap offers four brands, Allegory, Vocabulary, Prize and Gap Edition, that provide distinct styles for casual, business or dress-up needs within one space.

Allegory: Suiting with a distinctly feminine touch and classic pieces with modern elegance: tailored pants, beautifully cut blazers and clean shirting.

Vocabulary: For the individualist. Offers comfort and graceful femininity with rich knits and pants accented with prints and jewelry.

Prize: Celebrates fun, wearable trends with flattering silhouettes, flirty fabrics and stylish cuts.
Gap Edition: For the women who grew up with the Gap.

What you will also like are the dressing rooms. No mess, lots of rooms with mirror, and even refreshments.

Related article: Trying on lingerie

Are you tight down there? If not, try surgery

If you don't like the shape of your private parts or are not tight enough or in any way not pleased with how you look, there is no need to make love with lights off or be embarrassed about it. Now you have help - from a plastic surgeon. Using designer plastic surgery, they can give women the perect look that they want.

Read more on labiaplasty and other details on the procedure, recovery time, and cost.

Dermalastyl elastin cream makes skin young

In a world where Botox and collagen injections are almost a non-event, there are still people who are afraid of needles. Plastic surgeons say that the pain is so minor that no one should even worry. Plus, they can use a numbing cream to make it as painless as possible.

For those who are terrified of the needle anyway, a solution could be to use an elastin cream. It is neither Botox nor collagen. It is a related material to collagen. Read more about the Deramalsytel elastin cream.

GlaxoSmithKline disputes Paxil or Seroxat safety

Yesterday we had talked about the latest research by scientists in Oslo, Norway who had found that Paxil (solds as Seroxat in the UK and chemmical name being paroxetine hydrochloride) increases the risk of suicide among patients.

GlaxoSmithKline has now issued a response criticizing the study and standing by the safety of the drug. "The Company disagrees with the conclusion from the sub-analysis conducted by scientists based in Oslo. It serves only to cause confusion and unnecessary concern for patients using an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), such as paroxetine, for treatment of depression," it said in a statement. Such responses from drug companies are common as is evidenced by how Merck talked about the safety of Vioxx while knowing fully well that it was a dangerous drug.

The company is, however, admitting that "depression is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, self harm and suicide and it is general clinical experience with all antidepressant therapies that the risk of suicide may increase in the early stages of recovery."

Recommended link: All Prozac type drugs are being investigated by the FDA

Brangelina relationship blooms as Brad and Jen divorce

The divorce of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston became final today a judge approved and signed the documents. All the fans are now hoping that some of the ugly parts of the process (for example, comments from Eva Longoria about having a baby with Brad Pitt or a former boyfriend's wish to get rich by selling Aniston's love letters on eBay, or comments from Kimberly Stewart about how Aniston is not really attractive) can be put behind by both and they can move on.

While Brad Pitt is clearly enjoying his Brangelina relationship with Angelina Jolie, as confirmed by George Clooney, he is not pleased with the way the media has treated his ex-wife. Criticizing the media that portrayed her as a sad, unhappy woman (though Aniston's Vanity Fair interview was balanced), he commented "Jen is the sweetest, kindest woman that you could imagine. I really don't mind what they do to me, but to take advantage of someone who's the sweetest and most pleasant person in the world and to do it day after day seems to me despicable."

Related article: Brad Pitt's interview with GQ

Merck likely to pay millions to each Vioxx victim

More details are emerging on the Vioxx lawsuit trial in Texas last week. Not only that Ms. Carol Ernst was mistreated by Merck attorneys during cross examination, but also that the jury punished the company for being too aggressive in marketing the drug. And everyone now agrees that the jury was very professional throughout the trial.

The company, however, continues its attact on the victims and is also appealing the verdict so that Ms. Ernst will receive about $26 million rather than $253 million that the jury awarded to her.

But there is more trouble ahead for Merck. It appears that the company delayed label changes that could have saved thousands of American lives, and analysts argue that if all plaintiffs were to get even 5% of the $26 million (or just $1.3 million) that Ms. Ernst is receiving, then Merck will have to settle the cases out of court since the company's liabilities will exceed $65 billion.

Dog lovers fall in love with Nintendogs video game

If you love dogs, you will love Nintendogs. And even if you don't love "real" dogs or cannot have "real" pets, not to worry. Nintendogs are virtual pets. Remember Tamagotchi or Neopets? And these dogs are amazingly real.

When you buy the game, this is what you get:

1. You get to pick the breed that you like. So the game comes in three different packs: lab, Chihuahua, and dascshund. Then each game has 6 different breeds to choose from.
2. The game is played on Nintendo DS that uses almost no buttons and you can simply use the touch screen to play.
3. The system has voice recognition so that when you train your dog, your dog recognizes only your voice and considers you as the master.
4. Plus, you can wirelessly play with other Nintendogs owners. You can actually set your system to bark whenever another puppy is in the range.

Lovely game for all ages - strongly recommended.

Related electronics product: New Nintedo Game Boy Micro

Paxil linked to suicide attempts among adults

Paxil or paroxetine hydrochloride (which is sold as Seroxat in the UK) is in trouble again. The manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, was so negligent about quality that the FDA seized the drug during a raid in March this year.

Now a study published by University of Oslo scientists finds that the risk of suicide attempt is four times higher among those taking the drug than those on a placebo. The use of the drug is already banned for patients under 18.

Paxil or Seroxat belong to the same family of drugs as Prozac which has also been found to be linked with increased risk of suicide in many studies. However, despite expectations that Prozac might be recalled, nothing has happened.

Change neighborhood to lose weight

That is the recommendation being offered by scientists. They found that people who live in neighborhoods surrounded by graffiti, with streets full of garbage and broken glass, are more likely to be obese than those living in well-kept lawns and gardens surrounded by wooded areas.

In the past it was believed that obesity was a suburban problem but it seems that people in the suburbs are now more motivated to exercise and adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, those who live in concrete jungles full of cheap, fast-food restaurants and poorly maintained public areas, just are not motivated to eat right and exercise.

Recommended article: How to lose weight without a diet?

Are your children playing violent video games?

Recent research shows that violent video games can cause a lot of harm to your children:

1. Exposure to violence in video games increases aggressive thoughts, aggressive behavior, and angry feelings among youth.
2. Exposure reduces helpful behavior and increases physiological arousal in children and adolescents.
3. Perpetrators of violence in video games go unpunished 73 percent of the time in all violent scenes and that sends the wrong message to children.

The American Psychological Association is asking the gaming industry to do something about it but as a parent you can teach children how to view television critically, help them to differentiate between fantasy and reality, identify less with aggressive characters and helps children better understand what they are watching.

Related articles: Girls who play video games - Video game rentals - Netflix video game rental

When should you buy a big screen TV?

Just wait a couple more weeks - that is the advice from industry insiders. If you have been tempted by a big screen TV or plasma screens or high defintion TV (HDTV) or home theaters, just hold on tight to your wallet.

Matsushita, one of the Japanese electronics giants and maker of Panasonic brand electronics goods, is expected to start the price war starting this fall. From then on prices will simply go downhill. Our expert suggests that if you are really patient and believe in bargains, you might even want to wait till January 2006 when the really discounts will be available. The holiday shopping being over by then, retailers will be desperate and offer huge discounts. Olevia is another new brand that is expected to join the price war. But then Sony, Samsung, and Philips will simply need to match the prices.

Related articles: Satellite television

Kelly Monaco and John O'Hurley in dance faceoff

Last month we had reported that Kelly Monaco may compete in a dance-off. Well, the news is now confirmed. She, along with Alec Mazo, will now compete with John O'Hurley (and Charlotte Jorgensen) in a two-part program in which the judges have no votes - only American people can vote. Both couples will need to dance Latin, ballroom and freestyle dances. We think that this is the "Mother of all dance battles."

Update on Vioxx reward - over a quarter billion dollars

Since the publication of our earlier report about the report that Merck had lost the first ever Vioxx trial, we now have more updated information available. The actual amount is $253.5 million dollars. It is important to understand though that Merck has already declared that it wants to appeal the verdict. Legal experts do not think that Merck has any chance in this case though it is likely that the reward may be reduced somewhat. The most interesting part of this trial is that Mark Lanier, the attorney for Carol Ernst, relied solely on Merck internal documents to prove that Merck was ruthless in marketing Vioxx and put profits over life of American people.

So what does it mean now?

Other Vioxx victims now have a much higher chance of presenting their case since they do not have to prove that Merck is guilty - the evidence for that is already available now. All they need to show is that they were actually hurt by Vioxx. According to FDA estimates as many as 140,000 Americans have been injured by Vioxx. "This just tells me -- and should tell everybody -- that a jury of 12 people didn't buy anything Merck had to say," Don Strong tells Melissa Davis of TheStreet. His firm is handling more than 2,000 Vioxx cases. Many lawyers believe that by refusing to settle the cases out of court and trying to fight each case individually despite the overwhelming evidence against the firm, Merck is essentially preparing for bankruptcy but can use the legal process to delay its eventual end.

Edward Ricci, another attorney, compares Vioxx to Pinto. In other words, no matter how much noise Merck lawyers make, it is bound to lose all the cases one by one.

Recommended article: Merck admits to aggressive marketing

Vioxx victim to receive $229 million in Vioxx trial

According to reports coming out of Angleton, Texas, Carol Ernst, the widow of Robert Ernst has been awarded $229 million in the lawsuit against Merck. The jury was convinced that Vioxx killed Robert.

While Merck has lost the first ever Vioxx trial, it is promising to appeal the verdict.

Earlier reports had indicated that Mark Lanier, the attorney, had asked for only $40 million in damages but it seems that the jury has awarded over five times that amount.

Merck's aggressive marketing tactics reportedly killed over 60,000 Americans and injured many more worldwide. This is expected to be the largest ever product liability trial and it is expected that over 100,000 plaintiffs will join the Vioxx litigation.

Eminem addicted to sleep medication; how to get rid of it

Eminem announced today in a statement by Interscope Records that he will be canceling his European tour dates, which run from September 1 through 17. Eminem is currently being treated for exhaustion, complicated by other medical issues (read addiction to sleep medication). The shows are not expected to be rescheduled.

There is absolutely no doubt that in order to stay healthy and delaying the aging process, one has to get good sleep. However, for a variety of reasons, not everyone is so lucky. For instance, our very own Pierre Coda was literally dependent on what is not a true sleep medication but is an over-the-counter hormone - Melatonin. Read how he got rid of his dependence on melatonin.

Daily sexy pic

In picking our model for our daily sex pic, we were clearly guided by picking someone who is "all-natural" or as some might call "girl next door." A naturally large chest, a simple white bra, tan lines, and a beautiful smile.

Vioxx trial decision expected soon

According to Mark Lanier, the attorney for Carol Ernst, she should be given about $40 million by Merck for causing the death of her husband. Robert Ernst, who died within a year of being married to Carol, succumbed to a heart attack allegedly caused by the painkiller Vioxx.

Merck has been accused of hiding the risks of the drug and promoting it aggressively. The drug was eventually recalled last year after reports of approximately 60,000 deaths and 140,000 injuries in the US alone. Since the recall, overwhelming evidence has emerged about Merck's unethical sales tactics.

Analysts expect that Merck will face approximately 100,000 plaintiffs in trials that will go on for years. While no good numbers are available on Merck's legal liabilities but the highest number reported is $38 billion.

The jury is deliberating the matter and did not come to a decision after a day of deliberations. However, an ex-juror, Raul Hernandex, is reported to have told the Houston Chronicle that he was convinced that Merck clearly exceeded the limits of drug marketing.

Recommended link: Complete coverage of Vioxx lawsuits