Are you sick of being told what to eat, drink, and do? Then this is your lucky day! Here are ten things that people tell you are bad but actually have healthy aspects to them. In future when someone whines at you – you can point them in the direction of this list and have the last laugh! So onwards, the ten things that are healthier thank you think.
Ice-cream is a low GI (glycemic-index) food. This means that it is a slow sugar release food that keeps you satisfied for a longer period of time than a high GI food. For that reason, you are less likely to binge after eating ice-cream. 75 grams of Ben and Jerry’s Cookies and Cream ice-cream contains only 114 calories compared to a slice of cheesecake with 511 calories. Furthermore, ice-cream is made of milk which contains many essential nutrients and vitamins. 1 cup of milk contains up to 30% of a man’s daily recommended intake. Other nutrients in ice-cream are biotin, iodine, potassium, selenium, vitamins a, b12, D, and K. Studies show a possible link between milk consumption and a lowered risk of arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer.
Interesting Fact: In the 5th century BC, the ancient Greeks sold snow cones made with fruit and honey in the markets of Athens.
Throw away the rubber globes! Dirt is back in vogue! Remember the days where kids played in dirt, food was served with bare hands, and straws didn’t come in individual wrappers? It turns out – they were healthier days than our modern sterile ones! Early childhood exposure to bacteria, viruses, and parasites has been found to give a massive boost to our immune systems, making us less likely to get sick when we do come in to contact with various bugs. Research has found that children with a dog in the home are less likely to suffer allergies, and regular social interaction can reduce the risk of leukemia by up to 30%. Those are statistics not to ignore – so throw away the anti-bacterial cleaners and get dirty!
Interesting Fact: There are as many as 10 times more bacterial cells in the human body than human cells! The vast majority of these are harmless.
Stress is universally considered a bad thing – in some cases people have successfully won lawsuits against companies for work-related stress. But, what most people don’t know is that a little stress goes a long way to making us healthier. In short doses, stress can help boost the body’s immune system. In the first stage of stress (the “alarm” stage – often known as the “fight or flight” response) the body produces cortisol – a stress fighting hormone which has many benefits to the body. Stress can give a feeling of fulfillment – when this is the case it is called “eustress” as opposed to “distress”.
Interesting Fact: The term “stress” and the mental properties of it was not known before the 1950s. Until that time it referred simply to hardship or coercion.
Not only is coffee tasty, it is a mild stimulant with many medical uses. Caffeine contains a muscle relaxant that is very beneficial to people with bronchial problems – it can alleviate the symptoms of asthma. Additionally, caffeine releases certain fatty acids in to the blood stream that become a useful source of fuel for muscles. It even seems that the only serious side-effect to too much caffeine is a small amount of body-weight loss – a danger if you are anorexic. Caffeine should be avoided by people with fecal incontinence as it loosens the anal and sphincter muscles.
Interesting Fact: Caffeine can be toxic to animals, in particular dogs, horses, and parrots. It also has a much more significant effect on spiders than humans.
Red wine contains a group of chemicals called polyphenols (once called Vitamin P) which have been found to be very beneficial for health. They reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Wine has also been found to be an effective anti-bacterial agent against strains of Streptococcus (found most often in the human mouth) which can help reduce infections. Some wine varieties have extra health benefits; Cabernet Sauvignon appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition to the benefits already listed, wine is chock full of antioxidants which play a huge role in the health of the human body. The wines found to have the greatest benefits are found in the South of France and the Sardinia region of Italy.
Interesting Fact: Wine originated in the regions of Israel, Georgia, and Iran, around 6000 BC.
As a result of recent research into chocolate and health, it appears to be something of a panacea (cure-all) – coupled with the great taste and mood enhancing properties, it might be seen as a wonder drug! Cocoa or dark chocolate improves the overall health of the circulatory system, it stimulates the brain, prevents coughs, prevents diarrhea, and may even be an anti-cancer agent. Like coffee, chocolate is toxic to many animals. A BBC study indicates that melting chocolate in your mouth increases brain activity and the heart rate more intensely than passionate kissing, with the effect lasting four times longer after the activity ends. Eating regular small quantities of chocolate reduces cholesterol and the chances of a heart attack. Sign me up for some of that medication!
Interesting Fact: Chocolate has been used as a drink since at least 1100 – 1400 BC.
Cannabis is said to be beneficial for over 250 conditions. For this reason it is legal on prescription in a number of Western countries. Cannabis is believed to help with arthritis, asthma, depression, glaucoma, and pain. It is also reported to be a good treatment for constipation. Cannabis is also useful in dealing with the sideeffects of treatments for cancer, AIDS, and hepatitis. Cannabis has been used medicinally for over 3,000 years! Strangely, the cultivation and use of cannabis is outlawed in most countries.
Interesting Fact: Evidence of the use of cannabis as a non-medicinal drug exists as charred seeds found in Romania dating back to the 3rd millenium BC.
The moderate consumption of beer has been associated with the lowered risk of head disease, stroke, and mental decline. In addition, brewers yeast (used in the production of beer) contains many nutrients that are carried through to the final drink: magnesium, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, biotin, and B vitamins. For this reason, beer is sometimes referred to as “liquid bread”. In 2005 a Japanese study found that low-alcohol beer may contain strong anti-cancer properties. Contrary to popular belief, a “beer belly” or “beer gut” is not produced by the beer, but rather overeating and lack of exercise.
Interesting Fact: Beer is one of the oldest beverages – dating back to the 6th millennium BC.
Often referred to as “Smoker’s Paradoxes”, there are a number of therapeutic uses of nicotine or smoking. For example, smokers are less likely to need surgery to provide extra blood to their heart after an angioplasty, the risk of ulcerative colitis is reduced, and it even interferes with the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma (a type of cancer of the lymphatic endothelium). Perhaps most surprisingly, is that there are connections to smoking and a reduction in allergic asthma. There is also a large body of evidence to suggest that smokers have a dramatically reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Nicotine is currently being investigated as a treatment for ADHD, and Schizophrenia.
Interesting Fact: Tobacco smoking has been a practice of humans since at least 5000 BC.
Amidst the loud angry cries against pornography, a few serious scientific studies have been performed on the subject. It seems that men and women who view pornography, have improved sex lives, better sexual knowledge, and an overall better quality of life. Surprisingly, one study found that the more that pornography is viewed, the greater the improvements. In an extensive study performed in Australia, the majority of married respondents stated that they believed that pornography has had a positive effect on their marriage. While clearly not always linked to pornography, studies have found that men who had fewer orgasms were twice as likely to die of any cause as those having two or more orgasms a week.
Interesting Fact: Pornography (and the anti-pornography movement) as it is understood today is a concept of the Victorian era (19th century) which was extremely moralistic. Sexual imagery was not taboo before that time.
Sources:
1. Alzheimer’s disease is associated with non-smoking by Carol Thompson
2. Impact of Smoking on Clinical and Angiographic Restenosis After Percutaneous Coronary by Cohen, David J.; Michel Doucet, Donald E. Cutlip, Kalon K.L. Ho, Jeffrey J. Popma, Richard E. Kuntz
3. Smoking Cuts Risk of Cancer by United Press International
4. Caffeine: Perspectives from Recent Research by P.B. Dews
5. Using spider-web patterns to determine toxicity by R. Noever, J. Cronise, and R. A. Relwani
6. From psychological stress to the emotions: a history of changing outlooks by R. S. Lazarus
7. Effects of moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive function in women. by Stampfer MJ, Kang JH, Chen J, Cherry R, Grodstein F.
8. Beer as liquid bread: Overlapping science by Bamforth, C. W
9. A dynamic partnership: celebrating our gut flora by C. L. Sears
10. Dairy’s Role in Managing Blood Pressure by the National Dairy Council
11. Ice Cream – What’s in a Scoop? by Pat Kendall
12. The Lost Civilizations of the Stone Age by Richard Rudgely
13. Medical Use of Cannabis in California by Dale Gieringer
14. Dark Chocolate Could Help Hearts by Emma Ross
15. Chocolate can do good things for your heart, skin and brain by Marjorie Ingall
16. Chocolate better than kissing by BBC News
17. Polyphenols and disease risk in epidemiologic studies by Arts, I.C. and P.C. Hollman
18. Antibacterial Activity of Red and White Wine against Oral Streptococci by Daglia, M.; A. Papetti, P. Grisoli, C. Aceti, C. Dacarro, and G. Gazzani
19. Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine Reduces The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease by ScienceDaily
20. From red wine to polyphenols and back: A journey through the history of the French Paradox by D. W. de Lange
21. Now that’s what you call a real vintage: professor unearths 8,000-year-old wine by David Keys
22. Vice or Virtue? The Pros of Pornography by Matthew Hutson
23. Study concludes porn can be good for you by Nick Grimm
24. Sex and Death, Are They Related? by the British Medical Journal
I totally still follow the 5-second rule! Don't tell my roommates though, they probably wouldn't like to know that I dropped a few of those taters on the floor before putting them in the pot!
Callie:
Yeah, all I can say is, move out of your comfort zone. You don't say what reds you've tried that you haven't liked, though. Where were they from? What were they? How old? What price?
Some cheap-o red wines can have a bitter, harsh taste. Okay with some foods, but on their own, not so much.
You DO have to cultivate a liking for red wine. It's not easy. Takes time.
I could try suggestions for you, but again—it's all down to personal taste.
Go with my previous comments, though–get to some wine tastings and experiment with it. Sip, mull 'em over, and have fun with it.
If only one of my ex-girlfriend's could talk to you… a couple of them were wine experts that put me to shame, seriously. In fact, one time, a few years ago, A___ (withholding her name, of course) and I were out one summer day, putting together a picnic… we ended up in this upscale wine store… and the next thing I know, she's carrying on this drawn-out conversation with the owner about wines… in FRENCH. Went on for 10 minutes. My French was and is *considerably* inferior to hers… for all I know they could have been discussing auto transmissions. We came away from that encounter the richer (or, financially the poorer) for two bottles of excellent wine, some of the best I ever had. One was an expensive Shiraz, that's all I remember. The day was more memorable for me than the wine, I confess. She knew her wine though.
smurff:
I've absolutely had some South American wines.. I mentioned Chile… I've hard Argentinian wines also, I believe. Very good. Can't think of any off the top of my head to recommend… but I do remember liking the Chilean wines very much.
Cedestra:
"71. Randall: “I confess I’ve had the same self-control problem with some women I’ve known, but then I am, after all, a perv.” We know…"
You do? How did it get out?
If only you knew from personal experience… you'd count yourself lucky. 
"84. Randall: “We just weren’t right for each other, we had too many differences in temperament and personality” REALLY? Wow… Ah, just teasing you."
Har har har.
SHE was the one with the bad temper, believe it or not. Not that I don't have one, but hers…. mingya. She was Italian, you know. Fiery, passionate temper. Great cook though. Good at other things too.
"Uh, I like white zinfandel! Does that count?"
No.
"I actually have no taste for wine."
Eh. It can be had. For money. Really, you can cultivate it. It's not that hard. And it can be fun. See my suggestions to Callie.
"Offset comment: I’m a brunette."
Are you trying to flirt with me? You know my preference for brunettes. (I've written distasteful and idiotic lists about them
).
Okay, so send pics.
DK:
Glad I put the thought back in your mind. I agree, too… not as easy to drink reds in summer. But I do it. I just chill 'em more. That's okay. And I avoid the real heavy ones in the summer. I stick to the lightweight and medium weight stuff. Cheap table wines too… J. Roget is a good one, I think that's the name… and Montepulciano… though that's heavier. But I've drank both in summer.
Oh, but you live in Sonoma County huh? And have too much to choose from? Boo hoo hoo.
I envy you. I'm in New York wine country. The reds here suck, for the most part.
Well, when you get a chance, drop some recommendations from out your way. I'll buy.
Unfortunately for me, several things on this list are off limits! Wine, beer, *****… and I don't smoke, never did.
One thing about caffeine you failed to mention, probably because it isn't well known, is that it increases the absorption rate of pain medications.
First thing in the a.m. I take my first dose of Oxy or Morphine with a good latte, and stay in bed until the duo works it's magic! Later doses don't need the extra shot, because I already have the med in my bloodstream, but overnight it wears off enough to require that jolt.
lotte, re: Ice Cream & chemicals. It depends on the ice cream. If you buy all-natural ice cream, there are no chemicals. Breyers is one but there are many more. You have to be a label reader and be prepared to either pay a bit more or go without.
DK:
Also, I've gotta agree with you on rose (blush) wines. I'm no wine snob. I hate 'em. My neighbor's a bit of a wine snob… she irks me. But for the most part she's just snobbish against sweet wines, which I have to largely agree with her about.
But I love a nice rose with certain foods, and in the summer and such… there's nothing wrong with going light now and then and not being so all-damn heavy and serious.
Nic: you say wine is bad period. Do you think it was bad of Jesus then when he turned water in to wine at the wedding party when they ran out? Do you not think it may have been symbolic that it was his very first miracle in public?
Randall, you want to be intimidated over wine?
My older daughter is a certified sommelier. I won't even serve wine with a meal, unless she's brought it with her and knows ahead what the meal is.
Bob: I am not talking about lust or sin – *****ography (the naked depiction of a human body) as an "evil" thing is a product of the Victorian era.
statue of David
Is that sinful?
Nameless: you are right – I have fixed the error – thanks.
DamienKarras (39): just wanted to say – I love your nickname
Let's see…I know that the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz I've tried have been my favorites, although I did have a bad Shiraz when I tried to order it on my own once. Unfortunately, all have been by the glass in and I don't recall the names/years. They all priced from $7-$12 a glass.
I hated all variaties of Chianti and Bordeaux I've tried, but again can't recall names or years. They were in the same price range though.
As a p.s. I'm a brunette too, and I think I'm not bad to look at but I'm guessing we would agree on absolutely nothing in life..although maybe you could show me some wine. This seems to be safe for us
ha. I just re-read your first response. We like the same reds. Ah. Harmony. I'l ltry to remember this the next time you make me mad.
Callie: there are some aspects of red wine that are good for you which are not found in white – but the alcohol content in white has health benefits too – in fact, all alcoholic drinks share the health benefits of alcohol whilst some have other benefits from the way they are made or their ingredients. So a moderate intake of alcohol in any form is good.
Nic said: "The bible says: I shall not kill. That includes me."
Are you saying that if you smoke and someone you love dies of "passive smoking" you are a murderer? And therefore, according to the Bible, you should executed (preferably by stoning?)
Extremist much?
127. Randall:
Sorry, I was in a mood to tease/flirt. At least you and Callie have found some harmony (yes, I remember the brunette list). And, no, sorry, no pictures. You show me yours first. I was just to put myself neutral on the Randall-meter.
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, I'd just prefer to cultivate tastes in girly drinks. Give me a Long Island Iced Tea over wine anyday (give me two and I will be drunk like a monkey- I'm such a lightweight). I'm dangerous around margaritas.
All things in the list boils to one thing; Use is the result of informed consent in which individuals have decided that the benefits of use outweigh the risks!
Answer to jfrater.
Cigarette is a poison. If I put just a little poison in my child's plate and that causes death, I will be guilty of murder.
If I know beyong the shadow of a doubt that smoking kills and I still do it (full knowledge of it) and it affects the health of my child to the point of causing his or her death, this is a sin that, if UNREPENTED OF, I will be guilty of it and will suffer the consequences.
It doesn't matter if the poison takes effect in 2 minutes, 2 hours, 2 days, 2 years or 20 years. It is a cause to effect.
Nic
segue: I am always impressed by sommeliers – it is amazing how much knowledge they have – it is really an art.
141. Nic: "There’s never a time to kill, lie, take your neighbours wife and so forth." Woah, woah, woah there. That is INCORRECT. Exodus 22:18 "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live". I can pluck out several others that encourage putting to death adulterers, homo*****uals, those who masterbate, idolators and those of other religions, etc. Doesn't Proverbs 31:6-7 encourage giving wine to those with heavy hearts?
"I follow all the teachings of the Bible. I even follow the teachings that contradict the other teachings."- Ned Flanders, The Simpsons
First and foremost, I am absolutely disgusted by the poor grammar and spelling by nearly all of the individuals posting comments. Some of you people say you would kill yourself if you were as stupid as all those dope-headed kids out there.
I implore you to argue with me.
I am proud to tell you that I just smoked a nice, fat joint and I am still more capable of putting together simple sentence than of most of you self-righteous hypocrits who do not know the difference between "too" and "to."
***** smokers are not always lazy, fat, smelly losers who are doomed to an eternity of living on their parents' sofas. Some of the most intelligent, motivated, and admiral people I have met happily and guiltlessly indulge themselves in the occasional (or frequent) toke.
There is absolutely no logic behind the post: "cannibas ruined many friends lives." No, it did not. Your friends were not responsible enough to consume cannibas. Yes, there are risks, but the dangers of alcohol vastly outnumber those of *****.
Open your eyes. Begin to think for yourself; do not rely on the myths from days long past. We are not in the prudish Victorian era any longer.
Also 141 Nic: "And who made *****?" "…school of thoughts we good debate over." "Some beleive…" "Perhaps…" "It is also possible…" "I really don’t think God would…" "I suspect He…"
Wow. You, too, think you're an authority on what God wants? That is some dangerous thinking, unless you are a prophet (which you've never come out and said you were). If so, Jerusalem is THAT way; I'm sure you can find a map to the Wailing Wall along the way.
Your argument on cannibis is completely full of holes. You do not give a diffinitive answer. In fact, you just throw guesses out there and assume God's thoughts. As I said, dangerous thinking there. You come back when God's talked to you and then tell me what He said about cannibis. Until then, I consider you think heavily on Matthew 7:15.
***** Yes! Could you add Pizza and Shots of Tequila (aka liquid panty remover).
thank you for putting up your sources! i'm actually doing a report for a class on the benefits of medical *****!
Who do you know who wears liquid panties, jimbob?
I like this list… wish I had time to read all the comments though
They look just about as interesting as the list itself.
Nic: Hahaha and I was taking you seriously. Right up 'til this little gem.
"She’s yours for your enjoyment."
I'm pretty sure my Davey would take issue with this ridiculous statement. And I certainly do. I belong to no-one. And frankly, at least in my experience, the reverse is more to the point.
I suddenly feel a lot better about myself and my habits
Can somebody give Nic a big fat Joint? so we wont be arguing no more, and be done with..seriously anyone?
I don't know. Clearly the Bible can teach us far more than a joint and some imagination ever could.
156. I don't know either. I think a joint can teach people how to have an open mind. And that can lead to far more learnings than the bible has to offer.
#146 justsaying:
You might want to lay off the deficiencies in other people's grammar & spelling until you learn how to spell hypocrite & admirable.
Unless you really do know some admiral stoners. That would be worth posting about.
158. cuinas: And the point goes to you.
haven't got time here, I need to pour a beer, light up a smoke and get onto some serious *****, my health is depending on it.
I feel like such a tool being on this site now because it seems to me that i am the only nicotine addicted/pothead/alcoholic on this thing.
161. Lucy – nothing is as it seems
#158 ciunas:
Sorry, I was SOOO blazed and my brain just wasn't working.
I never said I was perfect, but I will definitely put myself in a league far and beyond the average bear on here.
And yes, I am sure that there may be an admiral, perhaps even a general, who enjoys a nice doobie here and there.
Also, you may want to learn how to spell "and."
Lucy: I smoke and drink
nic:
nic, nic… lighten up sport. ALL THINGS IN MODERATION. You are reporting the effects of ABUSE and ADDICTION—but people can abuse and be addicted to damn near anything these days, and you could argue it ALL does harm.
Red wine is good for you. People have been thriving on it for thousands of years. Yeah, if you suck it down like water, you’re gonna get in trouble. Winos ain’t fun… trust me, I’ve known a few. Insufferable boors. But this doesn’t mean wine itself is a BAD thing. FOOD is a good thing, but if you eat too much of it, you turn into a big, fat pig. Nobody likes that. But what do we do? Ban food? Nooooooo… cuz we need it. Samewise with the vino. I know I need it. Life would be unbearable without a snort now and then. I can’t help it if a few people are alcoholics; that’s their problem (sorry to sound cruel) and they either produce the strength of will to cope with it, and/or get help… or they don’t. But I shouldn’t have to give up my glass or two of wine two or three times a week on account of THEM.
Chocolate and caffeine DO have benefits–particularly chocolate. AGAIN, if you OVERINDULGE, sure… you’re a glutton. Don’t do it. But let’s practice self-control and some character strength here… not just pounce on the poor chocolate bar, who is only innocently trying to bring us pleasure.
Same goes for *****. It can be a wonderful thing. I like being horny, and like the release of it at the appropriate time. Now, me, I don’t actually indulge in *****, because I find enough “release” in my actual life. But when you’re between engagements, as it were, and feeling the itch, a little help now and then isn’t a bad thing.
Yes, if you spend every waking hour staring hungrily at girls in leather in weird positions on the internet, you’ve got a problem. But seek help for it–have the strength of will to face it. That’s all.
Lusting after other women now and then, when one is married, is natural. ACTING on it is wrong. A little fantasy now and then releases the urge. Now, frankly, I don’t think ***** should be necessary for this—I took my business in with me, solo, to the privacy of my bath, when needed, back when I was married. Worked for me… but then to each his own… maybe some guys need to have a few copies of Hustler lying around. I find that adolescent, but hey… it’s a free country. But it wasn’t lusting after other women that broke up MY marriage–it was my shrewish, harpy of a wife with her incessant nagging that did it. (HA HA… just kiddin’… actually she’s a good egg. We just weren’t right for each other, we had too many differences in temperament and personality).
Any, nic, in short, you’re being an uptight goofball. Relax. We’re all heading to the same hole in the ground–having a little fun along the way is a good thing. Overindulging isn’t. Let’s say no to excess, and yes to moderation… okay?
Nic: "Well I didn’t think I will one day quit on LISTVERSE, but that day has come."
Goodbye already. Enjoy your life. Somehow.
just a couple verses on "the weed of the garden" for Nic to ponder:
Genesis 1:29. The New American Standard Translation.
Then God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you."
1 Timothy 4:1-4. The New American Standard Translation.
4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
4:2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,
4:3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.
4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude;
1Tim4:4. "For everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected."
ok this is the end of the religion lesson. if it is your revelation that it is evil, that is your revelation. you do not have the right to look down on those that don't have the same revelation.
Nic – Cigarettes company spend millions of dollars just to come with studies to show that, really, cigarettes isn’t that bad for you. Same with wine. Same with *****.
Who´s paying and getting benefits from ***** studies? The multi-national weed companies?
Excellent list by the way, and the sources were a nice touch.
#163 justsaying:
Hey, that’s brilliant. Touché.
By the way, you can’t spell ***** either.
Wow. You really dropped the ball on this one. You've relied on soft-science, and bad history to promote dangerous ideas. Furthermore you've created the great sin of uncritical thinking. Maybe you just overreached yourself this time. Better luck tomorrow.
Especially the *****ography portion. Your opening line is actually laughable. "Amidst the loud angry cries against *****ography." You mean the billion dollar industry? That's the one thats been horribly repressed?? It alive and thriving today as we all know. So don't pass yourself as a radical thinker when you're really just singing the tune of a monstrous industry and stepping in line with prevailing cultural attitude.
From there on you don't fare much better.
"Interesting Fact: *****ography (and the anti-*****ography movement) as it is understood today is a concept of the Victorian era (19th century) which was extremely moralistic. *****ual imagery was not taboo before that time."
Not true. Could it have something to due with the invention of the photograph at the time which revolutionized the excess *****ographic exploitation? There are of course many societies ancient and modern, eastern and eestern which, contrary to your fiction, condemned *****ography. In fact its a Greek word to begin with (that might give you a hint). Some of course didn't. But lets not be dishonest.
Try to be more precise, though I understand how the pressures of this daily chore would result in these crimes of commission or omission.
ya know, I was just thinking. Cocaine is a natural substance too. Comes from the coca plant. Coca Cola still has cocaine in it, they have just removed the part that gets you high. That could really open up a new debate.
Famous people that have or do use weed:
(compiled from the internets)
[Ridiculously long list deleted - post a URL]
jfrater, if you ever need to know what wine goes with what (you're having a huge, important do), just ask. I can find out in minutes!
segue: thanks! I will do that!
Shawn: I take umbrage at your assertions. The sources are all there – read them. There is scientific evidence that these things can have a positive impact. In stating so I am not denying their negative impacts. Would you prefer that we ignore scientific studies unless you approve of them?
#168 ciunas:
Chill, dude, I was kidding. It's just a little device of mine I like to call 'sarcasm.' No need to hate.
I knew there was a good reason for my *****ography…
I appreciate your reply Randall and the time you took to write it.
I respect your view, I think we all have the freedom to think and to reason. I gave my opinion, you gave yours, both respectfully, and that’s how things should be.
I won’t hide you the fact that I have a Christian bible based background and beleives. (I have no shame in claiming to be Christian) I regard holiness and purity as gifts that God desired to give us for our own good and happiness. I’m assuming now that you are open to different views and beleives, that is why I will write this to you.
The Bible describes sinful habits and vices as being like leprosy (ok, I know I may be a little radical here for some, but please just follow the train of thoughts). One can be affected on a hand or a feet for instance, but very rapidly, the leprosy will be spread out and infect the whole body. And so it is with what God calls sin. Sin can be seen as “in” and inoffensive, but rapidly, it will develop an addiction and a dependancy that might very well lead to a recurring compulsion registered within the brain. It’s a trap, a force that will bring one down. Okay, smoking, drinking and ***** may not be seen as dangerous as stealing, murdering or adultery, yet Jesus is clear when he states that when you lust after a woman, you have already commited adultery in the heart. And yes, and unfortunately, the drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Did you know that study shows that 33% of people that touch alcohol will become alcoholic? Tell me something, if my doberman would attack 33% of the guests that come to my house, would you ever visit me? And would I keep that dog? If 33% of the planes would crash, nobody would ever fly into the sky, would they?
Listen, what I am saying is this: You have the choice to live your life the way you think you want to live it. God gives us free choice. But for every action someone makes, they are consequences. Is moderation the way to go? Human nature does not and have not changed. We rapidly develop habits that are hard and even impossible to undo. Try to show me 10 people that are totally complete and fulfilled drinking, smoking, watching *****, and I will show you 50 that have had complete freedom over those things and will NEVER go back.
I am NOT going to support ***** industry that treat women as *****ual objects and that abase human kind as animals. God gave us a mind to choice right from wrong. We are NOT animal living according to our lowest instincts. ***** has been giving only as a gift to those who God has united to enhance the expression of their love and to populate the planet.
I will not smoke or encourage anyone to use either cigarettes nor drugs. It kills millions of people every years. I want to live as healthy as I can, especially when I will hit the last days on my life. I’m not going to polute my family and my friends either. Cigarette kills, it’s written on the packages. The bible says: I shall not kill. That includes me.
I don’t consume alcoholic drinks. Too risky and it kills brain cells, that is where the feeling of being drunk comes from. And when I have a good time, I like to remember it the next day! And for those who says, Jesus drank wine, the bible uses the word wine for both fermented and unfermented grape juice. Jesus changed water into grape juice. Do some research.
Many of you will evidently disagree with what I wrote. This is a bible based Christan view. This view will not suit those postmodernists of this world that beleive that there is no abdolute true. I respect your view, though do not agree, not in the presence of an all-caring and all-loving God. This view will not suit atheists and agnotists either, for we may just be, according to them, glorified monkeys and we should truly do what pleases the heart. Human kind has never archeived peace and unity just because we have too often followed what our hearts have dictate us. And lastly, this view will not suit the sin lover, for it requires a sacrifice and humility to reconize that the pleasures of this world cannot fulfill and make anyone complete. Only Christ can.
Love the list… or maybe it was all the comments and also the controversy.
WOW! It was fun reading, tho. Kudos to your comments to nic. Nic was annoying!
Some of you guys need to chillax. This list just goes to show you that there is bad AND good in some things.
statistics are essentially meaningless. My uncle was a habitual pack a day smoker and he died from lung cancer at the age of 64. At the same time, his father and my grandfather was also a pack a day smoker and he lived to the age of 93, eventually succumbing to leukmeia. A close friend of mine was a professional dancer, the fittest person I ever knew, who did not touch any of the things on this list and certainly never smoked. He died from lung cancer at the age of 26. You don't know whats around the corner, so why not enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer.
I am appalled that you would actually consider posting this list. I have watched my grandfather die slowly from lung cancer for four years now. My parents are in debt because of the hospital bills, and he hardly even has the energy to breath. All because he wanted a little “therapeutic” effect. He is also had Alzheimer's for 5 years, and cannot even realize that his wife has been dead for 10 years. Your lists aren't based in fact. And I damn well hope no one takes you seriously.
Callie:
Also, what do you find odious about red wines? You say you’ve never found one you like… what’s the problem?
I might hazard a guess that you prefer sweet wine. This is the usual objection people have to reds, as the good ones tend to be dry (though there ARE sweet reds—ports, dessert wines, sherries, etc.) If that’s the case–i.e., if you want sweetness—then my only advice, sadly, is to kick that sweet habit. Go off the soft drinks for a while. Stop putting sugar in your coffee. Force yourself to embrace the bitterness. Then, after a time… try the dry reds again. They really are better than sweet wines. Wine wasn’t really meant to be all sugary. God, I’ve tasted wine that was just a few degrees of thickness away from being JELLY, and it was disgusting to me. It’s like when you first start drinking–beer tastes like *****, and you slaver over rum and cokes and screwdrivers and the like. The thing to do is to grow out of that and accept bitterness–as is the way with all things in life—the secret to life, as a friend of mine puts it, is to embrace the bile. Embrace the bitterness. And actually what you find, in dry red wine, is that it really ends up tasting MUCH better than ANY sweet wine, as you come to realize that it has tastes far more satisfying and subtle then mere sweetness. Really, try it. Experiment. Have fun with it.
My recommendation–do NOT buy a cheap-o red to start out. Which is not to say you should spend big bux—that’s a myth too, that more cost = better wine. It doesn’t, not always. But find a moderately-priced, medium-priced red—one that has quality, and has had a little time to age and mellow. You shouldn’t have to spend, really, more than $25-$30, to get something fairly decent. In fact, you could even spend less, depending on the wine—but that’s less certain. You shouldn’t have to spend MORE, because that’s just overdoing it, and you may end up wasting money. Even $30 for a bottle of wine may sound like a lot, but if it opens up your world a little, it’s worth it.
Find a really good wine store or wine merchant in your area (by the way, my family were wine merchants once, which is also how I know some of this crap) and ask their advice. Go for a good Italian table wine–nothing fancy–but nothing bargain basement either, as I said. Or a good medium-weight wine from California or France. There are some good Chilean, Australian, and New Zealand reds… but safer, at your level, to start out with the old reliables—Italy, France, California. New York wines, sadly (which I know best, being from there) are not known for their reds. We don’t have the climate for them.
Anyway, what you want is a middle-weight or medium-weight red–nothing too heavy… your wine merchant will know what I mean. Merlot is everyone’s favorite, but I tend to go more for the cabernets and shiraz… just me. Don’t try for something super-heavy though—big mistake. A DECENT, good quality chianti could even be good.
REMEMBER too–wine is meant to be drunk with food. This is particularly true of red wine. So ask the wine guy what food to pair your wine with. Some foods overpower wine, others complement it superbly. Keep this in mind.
But just do a tasting to start out with… better yet, if you can, go to a wine tasting somewhere. Some really s*****y wine stores will hold them from time to time.
I’d suggest some specific wines, but the trouble is, it’s often about personal taste… and I’ve been drinking dry red wines since I was 12 years old…. so what I like might be a bit much.
Of course… if the sweetness issue isn’t the problem… well, then you’d have to explain. But a lot of my suggestions would still apply.
……: I am sorry to hear about your grandfather. Nevertheless, that doesn't negate the veracity of this list. You can read the sources if you like – they are all listed.
I read just one of the articles at random, and it was the one about how smoking reduces the risks of the Kaposi cancer. Here are a few of the quotes:
“'We know that cigarette smoking kills thousands of people a year,' said Hong, who is also president of the American Association for Cancer Research, which sponsored the meeting at which Goedert spoke. 'The study on Kaposi's sarcoma involves a very few patients with a very rare disease, so it is not possible to draw any meaningful conclusions from this work.'” –the study only involved 50 people!! as a science major I can't even believe this article was published! The study only has a handful of people! You can't justify ANY results with such a small population sample!
Classical Kaposi's sarcoma is a skin disease that typically develops in the legs of elderly men — over age 70 — who live in southern Italy, Greece, Israel and other areas of the Mediterranean, said Goedert.
What you should have done, was had a disclaimer, or show in a way the cons of these same things.
Ah. Those studies… I've no real dog in the fight here other than some abstract academic ideals which I value. Just to quickly address your rebuttal:
1) I'm not sure if you know much about academic research. Anyone can publish a study. Further complicating things is money. Who sponsors which studies and so on (hint: the *****ographers have the money). So there's certain guidelines usually exercised to ensure some measure of objectivity. The studies (I've only checked out the ***** ones)do not meet that measure. They are "pop-science" from sketchy internet sources i.e I could never site them in a serious argument.
2)Even one of the studies you gave us admitted: "Indeed, studies by others show that exposure to X-rated material makes both men and women less satisfied with their partners, less supportive of marriage, more interested in emotionless *****, and more accepting of female servitude."
3) The points I specifically addressed were not supported by any studies (pop-science) that you linked.
I understand what you are providing here. I enjoy reading them, that's why I'm here. Many of your lists are entirely subjective. You excel there. This one is not. Or at least it doesn't claim to be. I'm not expecting perfection, but today I just felt like ensuring a little dose of correctness.
……: no. I do not need to put a disclaimer or list the cons on a list to suit you or anyone else. This is my website and I can write what I like. If you don't like it – write a list of the top 10 reasons the things on this list are bad for you no matter what benefits they may have and I will consider publishing it. But please don't tell me how to write my lists.