Is Coffee Yesteryear’s Cigarettes?

Last night at dinner, the effects of coffee were discussed. No one at the table could claim that it was dangerous to drink, instead taking the neutral stance that only drinking too much was bad. Of course, you can use that logic for anything, even water. There doesn’t seem to be a consensus in the medical community either. Good: antioxidants, energy, fights Parkinsons, reduces gallstones, etc. Bad: Risk of pesticide residues, sleep disorders, cholesterol, hypertension, osteoporosis. Thanks to the popularity of energy drinks and spiked sodas, people are starting to consume more caffeine at younger ages. What’s everyone doing with all this extra energy anyway? Filling out spreadsheets faster? More focused channel surfing? More energetic complaining?

Walking down the street, I see both young and old carrying cups of Joe. Those white paper cups have replaced the pervasiveness of their less-girthy, tobacco filled brother. They are a hand accessory taken for granted, and it all feels eerily similar to the carefree days of chic and respectable smokes.

Regarding coffee, I’ll use time tested advice. Everything in moderation; except, of course, Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games and Sexual Intercourse.