I've been overwhelmed at work lately. I feel more like I'm defending and reacting than improving and taking action. The frustration can make me want to cruise since I can't really make headway, anyway.

Today's verdict against the maker of Vioxx, the arthritis medication, has me reflecting a great deal on pain drugs and my own use of NSAIDs. I'm fond of ibuprofen, but even it has been recently reported to be riskier than, say, aspirin. With some recent joint discomfort I've had, not to mention a headache or two, I'll definitely use ibuprofen, but my already-modest use is likely to decline out of concern. At the core of this tale is my doubt about the worthiness of the media reporting on drug safety issues. You can't help but wonder if they are "juicing up" the reporting about safety for the sake of attracting readers/listeners/viewers. While my general philosophy toward medication is one of avoiding them unless my life is going to see less enjoyment, I'm now faced with even more difficulties in choosing medications.

CDs listened to today:

• Bela Bartok: Concerto for Viola and Orchestra
• Bjork: Debut
• The Elms: The Big Surprise
• Ludwig von Beethoven: The Symphonies (Roger Norrington conducting, disk 1 with Nos. 1 & 3)
• Either/Orchestra: Across the Omniverse, disk 2
• Elliott Carter: Symphony No. 1
• John Cage: Solo for Sliding Trombone