The alcohol you thought was so harmless is actually far worse than Ecstasy or Heroin. A new study published today makes this nearly impossible-sounding accusation. It’s not as insane as it sounds, though, folks. Alcohol is definitely the most “popular” drug – and the researchers took into account the total harm different drugs can due to individuals and society as a whole.

After reading several different takes on this research, I have come to a few conclusions of my own. The study clearly shows that alcohol has more profound effects on society as a whole, yes. However, does that mean I should put down my glass of wine in the evening and light a crack pipe instead? Of course it doesn’t, and to think otherwise is simply ludicrous. The people behind this study looked at things such as drunk-driving accidents, rehabilitation stays and even jail time. They focused mainly on the impact each of the twenty drugs had on society.

Using shock headlines (such as the one on this post) is common practice. Let’s not give a complete picture so that people will want to read more. I can pretty much guarantee that you were intrigued or angered by this headline. You wanted to argue, so you clicked the link. This study is written up in much the same way. Instead of spelling out where the issues really lie, they made it seem as though drinking a beer or taking a shot is going to do your body and mind much more harm than snorting cocaine would. That’s not the truth as you and I know it.

Another thing to consider is the fact that most people consider alcohol to be “safe.” Since it is legal and easy to obtain, it cannot possibly be dangerous, right? “It’s generally recognized that two drinks a day for men and one for women can be considered safe, with exceptions such as people with depression or anxiety, those with alcohol dependence and pregnant women.” If you think that alcohol is not dangerous to yourself and those around you, then you likely need to step away from the proverbial crack pipe.

Should I put away the glass of wine I intended to have this evening with dinner and instead snort a few lines of coke? I’m fairly certain that the two don’t begin to compare as far as my own health is concerned. I get the point of the study – alcohol is the worst of the group as far as its total impact on all of society. When it comes to individuals, though, I’ll continue to have the occasional drink.

Alcohol is the Most Dangerous Drug

If you’re a person who is addicted to sugary soft drinks, I hope you don’t live in San Francisco. If you do, you may very well start a riot the next time you try to buy your favorite cola from a vending machine in the city limits. San Francisco’s mayor Gavin Newsom doesn’t feel you need to drink these toxic beverages. Instead, he wants you to choose a healthy alternative such as soy milk. The ban that was put in place in April is now starting to make its presence known throughout the city.

Thanks to @forrestkoba, I happened to read the article about the ban on drinks such as Coke and Pepsi in vending machines located on city property. Don’t worry… you can still purchase them in supermarkets and drink them in the secrecy of your own home. However, if you want to grab a cold can from a vending machine at City Hall, you’re out of luck. You could always “treat” yourself to some Soy milk, though!

All calorically sweetened beverages have been taken out of vending machines on city property. “That includes non-diet sodas, sports drinks and artificially sweetened water. Juice must be 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice with no added sweeteners. Diet sodas can be no more than 25 percent of the items offered, the directive says.” There will be a lot of pure juices, waters and non-dairy types of beverages available, though.

The directive also takes aim at snacks which have a high fat or calorie content. “There’s a direct link between what people eat and drink and the obesity and health care crises in this country,” Newsom spokesman Tony Winnicker said. “It’s entirely appropriate and not at all intrusive for city government to take steps to discourage the sale of sugary sodas on city property.”

What are your thoughts? Do you agree that it is “not intrusive” when a city (or other) government steps in and mandates what you can and cannot buy to eat or drink when visiting city-owned properties? Do you feel that they are going a bit too far in exercising their plans to make the city’s residents healthier?

San Francisco Bans Sugary Drinks

I noticed around the web that we have three community members celebrating birthdays today! Traci Toguchi, Frank Eliason and Drew Olanoff will all be blowing out candles today. Now, normally I’d say a simple “Happy Birthday!” and be done with it. However, realizing today is Drew’s birthday gave me pause, and made me think…

Six months ago, Drew completely sure what his future held. He was diagnosed with cancer back in May, and the fight began. He finished up his last Chemo treatment a week ago, and the doctors have given him the awesome news that his tumors are gone. He is free of that stupid disease, hopefully forever. He continues his fight against Cancer, with the support of many thousands of people… including Drew Carey. In order to help raise money for the Livestrong foundation, all you have to do is click that little “Follow” button on Drew Carey’s Twitter page. For every follower – up to one million – that Drew gets prior to midnight on New Year’s Eve, he will donate one more dollar. How cool is that?

Thinking about all of this, and Drew O’s birthday, kind of puts life into perspective a little, eh? It makes one remember to stop and be thankful for what we have… right here, right now. It makes us want to push ourselves a little harder to do the things we promised ourselves we would do. It makes us want to reach out and tell those we care about that we do, in fact, love them.

Cancer touches everyone. EVERYONE. In some way or another, your life will be affected by Cancer at some point. Even though Drew’s personal fight may have come to an end, the war has only begun. Keep doing your part in kicking Cancer’s ass, everyone. We won’t rest until we eradicate it for good.

Birthdays aren’t the only thing going on in our community today, as you know. All of you are busy posting and writing, sharing your thoughts and dreams. What have you read that was interesting or thought-provoking? If I missed something, please leave a follow-up comment and share it with the rest of us!

• Is there a new nVidia CPU forthcoming – or not?
• Do you know how to build your own Linux system?
• Murdoch tells Google that he’s taking his bat and going home.
• Can selling virtual products on the Internet become the next big success story?
• MSN Messenger is the largest occupier of online time – really?!
• What are the ins and outs of Cryogenics?
• Security is a wonderful thing!
• Finally, the iPhone is heading to Verizon.

Today in our downloads center, we have several excellent apps for Windows. Be sure to check them out!

[awsbullet:cancer handbook]

When is Your Birthday?