My cold turned into a sinus infection, so I went to my favorite doctor to cadge come antibiotics (Dr. Foley at Philomath Family Medicine, a clinic started by hippie doctors in the Seventies, and still a laid-back and mellow place). Given my chronic sinus conditions, I do all the usual stuff, with an air filter in my office and saline nasal rinses, but sometimes the bacteria get the upper hand anyway. When this happens, it's time to see the doctor and get some drugs. Most people do this, even people who love the idea of "natural remedies."

(And why isn't penicillin considered to be a natural remedy? It's harvested directly from the penicillium mold.)

It saddens me that so many people don't use the same approach with their livestock. The use of antibiotics sullies their political correctness and organic status, so people drag their feet and let their animals suffer before breaking out the drugs. I don't think they have their priorities straight.