[M.D. Holloway]

All things being equal...which they never are.

How ofetn do we read about or hear on the news about some food stuff that will prevent cancer or contribute to it? The argument concerning coffee is a prime example as is too little or too much water.

Stereotypes, generalizations, educated assumptions lean towards truth. To say that one can draw a confident conclusion based on a study would mean that the study would have to speak to all the dependent and independent variables at play. Pretty tough stuff to do. Then, you best well make sure that your statistical analysis is accurate.

Must studies are carried out by some pretty smart folks with a real narrow application. But I can give three axioms that are put near law!

1) People do not really give a ***** about what anyone really thinks (they are kind enough but absolute concern is really saved for your children and your folks and even then...)

2) People do not take seemingly good advice. Churches are filled with them, books stores have a whole section on 'self-help' and yet nobody really gets it. Even rehab and AA are loaded with repeat customers.

3) People just don't change. Habits, ideals, even political viewpoints - think about this board. The liberals and the conservatives - anybody ever switch camps?

Not to sound too cynical. I still believe that people are innately pretty decent and the world is a fasinating and beautiful place.