M83

Fashion, Fast-ion?

Thanks to Bobby for sharing this one first.

That's What She Said

Full Tuck

Just waiting for the new pearl white ones to arrive in the states and it's mine. The entire country of Italy takes the month of August off? Why did it take so long for me to discover Cat Power? Metallica's new cd isn't nearly as horrible as the last few? You need to be a resident of TX to buy a gun here, who thought? Is that me that smells right now or this cold cut sub that hasn't been refrigerated i'm eating?

Safe Sex Kills More Than Unwanted Babies

I Call Bullshit

Finally a long weekend off after 3 weeks without one. As soon as I get another off I'm going to get internet installed into my barracks room. I miss updating, I miss the internet and all the drama that goes with it.

Speaking of which, Sarah Palin. I'd write a thesis on said person and subject (prego daughter coverup?) but it's been done already on millions of other blogs. And I'm about to get dinner with my dad.

I will however bring up something that I really didn't care about until the other day. Now I use the word 'care' lightly here. I really don't care, but it does give me something to write about. Is alcoholism a disease? And in the same realm is addiction a disease?

al·co·hol·ism noun
a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake, morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and vocationally.

Don't get me wrong, alcoholism aka "a lack of self control" can be a problem and it can be heartbreaking when someone we love can't stop drinking in turn harming themselves; and only to that extent can it really be likened to being a disease. The American Heritage Dictionary defines 'Disease' partly as "2. A condition or tendency, as of society, regarded as abnormal and harmful." Beyond this parallel there is nothing that goes along with alcoholism or addiction that can label it as a disease.

Alcoholism is a choice. You make that choice to pick up that bottle or to take 'one more' shot.

In a recent Gallup poll, 90% of people surveyed believe that alcoholism is a disease. Most argue that because the American Medical Association (AMA) has proclaimed alcoholism a disease, the idea is without reproach.

But, the fact is that the AMA made this determination in the absence of empirical evidence. After reviewing the history of the decision, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that the AMA has been pursuing its own agenda in the face of evidence negating the validity of alcoholism.

Alcoholism Is Not A Disease