The Food and Drug Administration has it in for the natural sweetener stevia, an herb from South America used by the Guarani tribe for many centuries, but refuses to ban the use of artificial sweeteners as food additives. A study published in this month’s issue of Behavioral Neuroscience cited laboratory evidence that the use of artificial sweeteners may make it harder for people to control both their body weight and intake.

Last week Senator Edward Kennedy (MA) endorsed Barack Obama for president. The National Organization of Women (NOW) responded to Kennedy's endorsement by releasing a statement affirming the feminist organization's support for Kennedy, but reaffirming support for Clinton. "Though the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee has proudly endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton for president, we respect Sen. Kennedy's endorsement," the statement read.