Your Pard hasn't been too happy with you lately? In fact, he's been heard muttering, "I'm going to KILL that screwball!" To help you, here's a quick review of the most common poisons.

Belladonna, brewed from plants, was used as a cosmetic in the Middle Ages. It causes an especially painful death. It was used by Roman Emperors, various serial killers, and legend has it by Macbeth. It has a bitter-sweet taste, easily disguised by sugar.

Another old stand-by is of course Arsenic. Some famous victims include Napoleon, King George III and Simone Bolivar. If you smell almonds, for heaven's sake, don't drink it!

And the worst is Strychnine because there's no antidote. Another serial killer, Dr. Thomas Neil Cream killed dozens with it. Amazingly (considering the consequences!) Strychnine is added in a diluted form to some street drugs because it is mildly hallucinogenic. Further diluted, it has been used as a performance enhancer for athletes. It is bitter, bitter, bitter, so don't say you haven't been warned!

Maybe if we brush up on our bidding, Pard will be happier with us. Let's get to work.