Ooh, What's That Smell?

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I obviously do not wear antiperspirant.

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING IMAGE IS GRAPHIC AND DISTURBING -



That was the "C" in YMCA. After seeing that photo on my friend Alanna's digital camera, I stuck with "A".

Well, not only do you have the benefit of grossing out everyone around you at, oh say, a wedding reception in Istanbul, but you also avoid those nasty yellow armpit stains on your lightly-colored shirts, that is, if you avoid using antiperspirant (whose active ingredient is aluminum).

My cousin/godfather has told me for years that aluminum is toxic and contributes to the development of Alzheimer's. He dissuades his friends and family from using even aluminum foil.

Another article in today's Daily Mail suggests that people forgo deodorant use altogether, and that antiperspirants, in particular, have been linked with increased cancer rates, especially that of the breast.

At the risk of alienating my European readers, uh, that might fly over on the stinkier side of the Atlantic, but not here in the land of 2 showers a day. You might want to try out a natural deodorant like one of those crystals. My uncle John uses one of those and I've never noticed a foul smell coming from his direction.

Definitely cut out the antiperspirants, people. Then my sweatiness won't be such a conspicuous problem, er, trait of mine. Did you ever think about how it would affect me? Did you? Plus less cancer and less Alzheimer's are added bonuses.

Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll (Are Bad for Your Health)

There's an article in the UK's Daily Mail about a recent study of famous musicians and the likelihood of their early demise. In the first five years of their newfound fame, they are 3 times as likely as their peers to meet an untimely death.

"The findings come from a study of more than 1,050 American and British musicians who found fame between 1956 and 1999. All featured in the All-Time Top 1,000 Albums list selected in 2000."

"The British team behind the study say the statistics are so shocking that the music industry should be regarded as a 'high-risk' profession."

I'll have to keep that in mind if my friend, Jeff Boden (RidiQlis), ever makes it big and wants me to write him a policy.