It’s hard to believe I’m sitting here, writing this post—the one I always knew would come someday, but hoped I could put off just a little longer. After nearly two decades of pouring my heart and soul into this blog, I find myself at a crossroads. It’s not an easy thing to walk away from something that has become such a core part of your life, but as time moves forward, so must I.
When I first hit "publish" on my very first blog post back in 2006, I had no idea where this journey would lead. It was just me, a keyboard, and a burning need to speak out about an issue that was close to my heart—the dangers of antidepressants. I never expected that this little corner of the internet would grow the way it has. Over 3 million hits later, I’m still amazed by the power of community, of shared stories, and the ripple effect that raising awareness can create. This blog became so much more than I could have ever dreamed.
And yet, here we are—on the brink of something new. Today, I’m announcing that this space, which has been my constant companion, my outlet, my platform, and even my refuge, is stepping back to make room for a new chapter: a podcast. It’s with a mixture of excitement and sadness that I close one door and prepare to open another.
Before I step into the unknown of podcasting, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that has been accomplished here. Together, we’ve shone a light on the very real and often hidden dangers of antidepressants. Through this platform, we’ve challenged the narrative that these drugs are harmless or even helpful for everyone. We’ve dug deep into the data, listened to real people’s experiences, and called for accountability where it was sorely lacking. The countless conversations sparked here, the stories you’ve shared with me, and the sense of community we’ve built have far exceeded anything I ever imagined when I started writing all those years ago.
There’s something deeply personal about the written word. It’s intimate. It’s raw. And over the years, this blog has been a place where I’ve not only shared information but connected with so many of you on a personal level. Many of you have been with me since the early days, sharing your own struggles, victories, and even heartbreaks. Your courage and honesty have fueled my own passion for this cause. The friendships I’ve made through this blog are something I will always carry with me, no matter where this journey takes me next.
There have been some incredible milestones along the way—moments that I still look back on with pride and a sense of purpose. Winning not one, but two Human Rights Awards from CCHR stands out as a highlight. It felt like a validation of all the long hours, the research, the late nights spent writing and rewriting, driven by a commitment to give a voice to those who felt silenced. Yet, as much as those awards meant to me, what mattered more were the countless messages and emails from people who said, "This blog made me feel less alone." That’s what this has always been about—community, solidarity, and advocacy.
Having my book, "The Evidence, However, is Clear, the Seroxat Scandal", published too was a great achievement for me, it helped spread the word and, as I understand, helped many people understand the dangers of Seroxat and other SSRIs.
But times are changing. The world moves fast, and while blogging has been my go-to platform for nearly 18 years, I’ve watched as new platforms and new advocates have risen to prominence. And it’s been a thrill to see that happen. There’s a new generation stepping up, full of energy and determination, and they’re continuing the fight with a vigor that’s contagious. The battle against the over-prescription and under-regulation of antidepressants is far from over, and in many ways, it feels like it’s just beginning for them. These younger voices are calling for change in a way that is fresh, bold, and urgent.
So, it’s with this new wave of advocacy in mind that I’m moving into a new format: podcasting. The written word has served me well, but now, I’m excited to bring conversations to life in a more dynamic way. "Two Boring Old Men" is the next phase of this journey, and while the title might sound light-hearted, the conversations will be as serious and necessary as ever. I believe this format will allow for deeper, more nuanced conversations—ones that I hope will resonate with a new and broader audience.
And yet, as I say all of this, I can’t help but feel the weight of what I’m leaving behind. This blog has been a huge part of my life for nearly two decades. Letting it go feels like closing a chapter that I’ve been writing for so long that I almost don’t remember what life was like before it. It’s hard to walk away from something that has been a constant companion. But I know, deep down, that it’s time. Time to step back, time to explore new opportunities, and time to trust that the seeds planted here will continue to grow in the hands of others. The blog will remain in place but I won't be adding any more stories/articles to it. It's still a rich source of information for many new to this dark world of antidepressant regulation and safety.
Before I sign off, I want to say thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you who has taken the time to read a post, leave a comment, send me an email, or share your own story. Thank you for being part of this community—for making this blog so much more than just a collection of articles. It has been a collective effort, and I’m deeply grateful for the friendships, the support, and the shared passion for justice. You’ve all made this journey worthwhile, and I will carry that with me forever.
I hope you’ll follow me into this next chapter. "Two Boring Old Men" is just getting started, and I’m confident it will be an enjoyable, engaging, and enlightening experience for us all. New conversations and new subject matter for Two Boring Old Men to pursue. You can find the podcast on our website, twoboringoldmen.com, and we’ve also set up a TikTok account where we’ll be sharing clips and updates at https://www.tiktok.com/@twoboringoldmen
With gratitude, and a heavy heart,
Bob Fiddaman
I read Lue Elizondo's latest book, Imminent, in just three days, a reflection of my long-standing interest in ufology—now commonly referred to as uapology, which humorously sounds like the study of apologies. My fascination began back in 1976 when I witnessed strange lights in the sky. The release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977 deepened my enthusiasm for this subject, prompting many, myself included, to "watch the skies." For over two decades, I avidly followed developments in ufology until 1997, when, in a moment reminiscent of Roy Neary, I discarded all my magazines and newspaper clippings. I reached a point where I felt certain that the truth about extraterrestrial life would never be uncovered. Luckily, I never had to dismantle a plasticine model of Devil's Tower, but I was deeply affected by the actions of the Heaven’s Gate cult, led by Marshall Applewhite, which ultimately pushed me away from the subject.
In 1997, as the comet Hale-Bopp made its notable pass near Earth—its closest approach in 4,000 years—Marshall Applewhite and 38 of his followers took their lives in a misguided belief that it would allow them to leave their physical bodies, board an alien spacecraft, and ascend to a higher existence. This event was disconcerting and illuminated how deeply exploring ufology could sometimes warp one's reasoning. It would be another 20 years before I re-engaged with this topic. In 2017, a New York Times article about a secret government agency investigating UFO phenomena shattered my assumption that the subject was purely fictional. Elizondo dives into the NYT article in his book, tracing its origins, which I found to be even more fascinating than the UAP themes themselves.
Elizondo possesses an impressive gift for communication; I’ve listened to nearly all of his podcasts, and his writing style is equally compelling. I pre-ordered the Kindle version of Imminent, while my partner bought the audio version, which she hasn’t yet listened to. I've shared one particularly moving segment with her, but I won’t give away any spoilers here—I'll simply say that La Vie en Rose serves as an intriguing teaser. This song was played during my father's funeral, resonating with his romantic spirit, as he often enjoyed Edith Piaf's classic. Elizondo recounts his long journeys to be with his terminally ill mother, echoing my own experience of racing from Panama to the UK during the pandemic to be with my dying father. I broke quarantine to spend valuable time with him—what choice would anyone have made?
Throughout Imminent, Elizondo discusses numerous alleged UFO sightings, landings, and crashes, drawing heavily on recent military encounters that dedicated ufology enthusiasts will likely recognize. Notably, he explores some underwater encounters that raise intriguing questions. However, I wish the book had delved into any investigations related to transmedium vehicles, particularly how the minerals in water might influence energy production. It would have been interesting to learn whether scientists have explored such connections.
When asked if I have heroes, my answer is always, "All my heroes are heroines." In Imminent, you'll come to realize that Elizondo's wife, Jennifer, is the true hero of this narrative. While Lue’s perseverance in the face of challenges deserves recognition, opinions will inevitably vary in an age where folks often take to their keyboards to critique rather than engage with real struggles. I recently saw a comment on X that criticized Elizondo for not publishing something, which I found bewildering.
Overall, Imminent offers a compelling look into the inner workings of clandestine U.S. government activities and recounts the journey filled with obstacles that advocates, myself included—specifically in patient safety—often endure in pursuit of truth. I commend all those who, despite facing continuous resistance, press on. A salute to both Lue and his wife, Jennifer.
Bob Fiddaman
On May 17, 2024, a federal judge overseeing the Baby Food Products Liability multidistrict litigation (MDL 3101) appointed R. Brent Wisner and Aimee Wagstaff as Co-Lead Counsel, along with several members of a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee to lead the litigation for plaintiffs alleging toxic heavy metals in commercial baby food caused their children to develop autism or ADHD. Wisner emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of baby food and seeking justice for affected families. The lawsuits were consolidated into a mass tort overseen by District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in the Northern District of San Francisco. Wisner Baum, based in Los Angeles, represents thousands of children affected by heavy metals in baby foods, including lead, mercury, and inorganic arsenic. The litigation aims to hold companies like Beech-Nut, Gerber, and Walmart accountable for selling products tainted with heavy metals. The appointed attorneys on the steering committee are dedicated to achieving a fair outcome and advocating for affected children. The mass tort includes numerous federal lawsuits nationwide, alleging that toxic metals in baby foods have led to long-term health issues for children. Here's what Co-lead counsel Brent Wisner had to say: “Ensuring the safety of baby food is paramount for our children's’ well-being, and I am honored to be appointed to lead this critical MDL. The evidence we've gathered over the past two years is compelling, and we are prepared to present a robust case to secure justice for the families affected. This litigation is not just about compensation; it's about protecting the health and future of our children. When food companies make billions selling food containing poison—food that is simply unfit for human consumption, let alone a baby’s consumption — there needs to be accountability. This litigation is a first step in dealing with a generation of babies that have been poisoned and now face an epidemic of autism." “This tight-knit group of attorneys is chalk full of rockstars,” according to Wisner. “We have some of the sharpest legal minds in the Plaintiffs’ bar. These Defendants have no idea what’s coming.” The judge’s pretrial order can be downloaded here. Bob Fiddaman -- Previously on this blog
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Baby Foods Contain "Staggering Amounts" of Toxic Heavy Metals, Lawsuit Alleges https://fiddaman.blogspot.com/2022/01/baby-foods-contain-staggering-amounts.html Thursday, May 26, 2022 Toxic Baby Food, the Subject of Lawsuit https://fiddaman.blogspot.com/2022/05/toxic-baby-food-subject-of-lawsuit.html
Thursday, November 03, 2022 Toxic Baby Food Trial Set for 2023 https://fiddaman.blogspot.com/2022/11/toxic-baby-food-trial-set-for-2023.html
Thursday, February 15, 2024 Baby food makers pursue 9-year-old with autism for $600,000 https://fiddaman.blogspot.com/2024/02/baby-food-makers-pursue-9-year-old-with.html
Saturday, April 13, 2024 Baby Food Brain Injury Lawsuit Looms https://fiddaman.blogspot.com/2024/04/baby-food-brain-injury-lawsuit-looms.html
On April 11, 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) made a significant decision, consolidating all federally filed lawsuits concerning baby food. This consolidation resulted in the creation of MDL No. 3101, named In re: Baby Food Products Liability Litigation, to be presided over by the Honorable Jacqueline Scott Corley, serving in the Northern District of California. R. Brent Wisner, the managing partner at Wisner Baum, who presented arguments before the JPML in March, released the following statement in response to the establishment of the Baby Food MDL:
“We are excited about the JPML's ruling. We have been assigned a smart and accomplished jurist and we think the Northern District of California is the right venue for this case. The next step is to get this MDL organized and get the new judge up to speed on the two years of litigation we have already done. This mass tort is going to end up being one of the most important litigations in recent history. Baby food must be safe, and these Defendants not only know that some of their products aren't, but they refused to be honest with parents about it. It’s difficult to fathom the scope of brain injury that has been inflicted on babies in this country. This MDL is the first step in taking account of the full scope of that damage and, hopefully, finding some justice for the children whose lives have been forever disadvantaged.”
Representatives for Gerber, Beech-Nut and Campbell, which opposed the creation of an MDL, have yet to comment publicly.
What is MDL
Imagine you have a bunch of people who all have similar legal claims against the same company, like if many people got sick from the same medicine. Instead of each person filing a separate lawsuit all over the country, those cases might be grouped together in one court. That's an MDL, where one judge handles all the pretrial stuff to make things faster and more efficient. After that, each case might go back to its original court for trial, or sometimes they get settled together. It's like a legal shortcut to deal with a bunch of related cases at once.
While there isn't a precise overall percentage for settlements in Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) cases, settlements are quite common in these proceedings. Many MDL cases are resolved through settlement negotiations before they reach trial. The exact percentage varies depending on the specific MDL and the nature of the claims involved. However, it's not uncommon for a significant portion of MDL cases to be resolved through settlements, as they offer both plaintiffs and defendants the opportunity to avoid the uncertainty and expense of a trial.
Bob Fiddaman
Previously on this blog:
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Thursday, November 03, 2022
Thursday, February 15, 2024
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