'twas drinking that killed the guy...

[Packard]

Last week one of co-workers took a day off to attend the funeral of her best friend's son. He was 41.

Yesterday they got back the results of the autopsy. Since he was considered to be in "good health" the autopsy was mandated.

The immediate cause of death was "heart failure". But the underlying cause of death was an electrolyte imbalance due to drinking excessive amounts of water.

I've mentioned this in the past: Our body has an extremely fine tuned method of maintaining hydration; it is called "thirst". When you are thirsty, drink; if you are not thirsty, don't.

There are a few notable exceptions: When first entering a desert area (like Phoenix, Arizona), make an effort to drink extra until your body acclimates. Also when you know your are going to be very active in very hot weather an extra 16 or 24 ounces of water prior to the activity is OK.

But bloating yourself with water, for whatever reason you might have, is a bad idea. And it can kill you.

[Nokie173]

A woman died because she drank too much water in a short period of time in a contest to win a wii.
It’s kinda sad… but here is the article...

http://chemistry.about.com/b/2007/01/14 ... -water.htm

[Packard]

It is also worthy to note that during long periods of activity (marathoning etc) gels and gatorade type substances can be useful for this reason. Though water should still be used to help keep you hydrated.

What kind of college student has as her mode of communication to say, "It is worthy to note..."?

Perhaps it is Professor Wiggles' influence at work.

[Packard]

I'm not a college college student. I've done that before. I'm the old guy that sits in the back and talks about how things used to be.

Your profile says "student". So you're the old guy with glasses who sits back and pretends she's a student?

[Packard]

There I fixed it.

Wow. With just a few keystrokes you graduated college and got a job. Excellent.

[Boss Man]

You mean you teach your Rabbit not to poo, in innappropriate places

[Boss Man]

Algebra blows. I never really liked it that much, all that if x=12 and y=13 what is 2xy, err 312?

It is by the way, incase anyone was wondering.

However when I used to fiddle about with old basic computer language, especially on PC's, I did discover a need for it now and again, so it was vageuly useful I suppose.

[Packard]

Algebra:

If I am "X" and I am 61 years old, and a 57 to 60 year old woman would be an appropriate mate, then:

X = 3Y, where "Y" equals a 19 year old coed

or

X = 2Z, where "Z" equals a young woman aged 29.

From these algebraic equations I learn that it is entirely appropriate for me to date three 19 year old coeds (a foursome), or two 29 year old women (menage a trois).

Algebra can be a beautiful thing.

[Smerdons]

Algebra:

If I am "X" and I am 61 years old, and a 57 to 60 year old woman would be an appropriate mate, then:

X = 3Y, where "Y" equals a 19 year old coed

or

X = 2Z, where "Z" equals a young woman aged 29.

From these algebraic equations I learn that it is entirely appropriate for me to date three 19 year old coeds (a foursome), or two 29 year old women (menage a trois).

Algebra can be a beautiful thing.

This is how you convince high school kids that you actually can use math in the 'real world'.

Although, for most high school kids, they might have to fudge their numbers. I don't like where this would go if x = 18...