>Speaking of beer (bier, etc.), I read a story many years ago about how beer was corrupting the younger members of society. It went on at great length defining the effects of the beverage. What was interesting was it was a story from Egypt, 2500 B.C. Tell me – what is truly new?

This is false. Beer was invented a few hundred years ago. Gotcha!

I heard there was a riot in Mecca when coffee was banned. I betcha the same thing would happen in Seatlle. In fact that whole WTO thing was a conincidence. Starbucks can out of Guatemala dark roast.