Sulfuric Vortex

Just curious to see what ideas you folks will throw out 
for a relatively simple question:

What are some good ways to play with Sulfuric Vortex 
without leaving it as big a threat to yourself as your 
opponent, preferrably using common Standard cards?

CoP:Red is the obvious.
(But I actually don't have any!)

I'd actually like to combine the Vortexes (sp?, I have 4) 
with a Furnace of Rath, but I need a good easy defense 
against it, or the ability to do a LOT of damage quick 
in addition.

FTR:

Sulfuric Vortex
{1}{R}{R}
Enchantment
At the beginning of each player's upkeep, Sulfuric Vortex deals 2 damage
to that player.
If a player would gain life, that player gains no life instead.

Furnace of Rath
{1}{R}{R}{R}
Enchantment
If a source would deal damage to a creature or player, it deals double
that damage to that creature or player instead.