Cityfile: New York's Most Notable and Influential

Money Makes the Pain Go Away | A big wad of cash doesn't just enable you to go shopping. It's also a non-prescription form of Vicodin. According to a new research study, just touching money will make you feel better. "Next time you're hurting, try opening your wallet and counting your cash. Research shows that handling and thinking about money can actually lessen pain and ease the sting brought on by social rejection." And what are you supposed to do if your wallet is empty and you have no cash to fondle? That question wasn't addressed by the researchers. But "fall even further into a bottomless pit of depression" sounds about right. [NYDN, MSNBC]

Cursing Is the New Oxycontin | "Cut your finger? Hurt your leg? Start swearing. It might lessen the pain. Researchers from the school of psychology at Britain's Keele University have found swearing can make you feel better as it can have a 'pain-lessening effect,' according to a study published in the journal NeuroReport." You'll find some inspiration—not that you need any, of course—in the video above. Just be sure to turn down your speakers if you happen to be at work. [Reuters]

The War on Painkillers | Disturbing news for people who go through life with excruciating pain and rely on painkillers to get them through the day: A federal advisory panel voted yesterday to recommend a ban on Percocet and Vicodin, due to the drugs' potentially harmful effects on the liver. The recommendation doesn't mean it will become the law of the land; the FDA still has to vote on it. And the ban wouldn't have an impact on other popular painkillers like OxyContin, so Rush Limbaugh won't have to worry about taking up another cause. For the moment, at least. [NYT]