It’s been said that Facebook is like a refrigerator: when you’re bored, you keep opening it every ten minutes even though nothing has changed.

It is this type of impulse that researchers now say can indicate an addiction that is stronger than alcoholism or nicotine addiction. Researchers at the University of Chicago recently sought out to explore compulsory behaviors in people towards social media like Facebook and Twitter, and found that people often had what was classified as “desire episodes” when it came to checking their social media accounts, as well as other media. These episodes, in fact, were recorded to occur in almost 75% of all responses.

The statistic is certainly revealing, but how concerned should we be? The head of the study, Wilhelm Hoffman, points out that while the consequences with an addiction of this nature are definitely not as dire or urgent as with alcohol or cigarettes, such an addiction can still waste or “steal” people’s time. He also points out that sites like Facebook or Twitter can have more allure due to their high availability and lack of perceived serious consequences.

Ultimately, the study not only serves as a commentary about how much people rely on these media sites, but as a reminder that there is virtually nothing we can’t become addicted to. This isn’t to say that there should be Facebook and Twitter rehab, but I think it’s safe to say that when people have irresistible urges to be online, there is a problem.

If you can’t smoke it, why not spray it? That’s the idea behind Sativex, a new marijuana-based product aimed at relieving pain. The developer, British company GW Pharma, is currently in advanced clinical trials with the spray, and hopes to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration by as soon as 2013.

The product contains delta 9-THC and cannabidiol–two well known components contained in marijuana–distinguishing it from other marijuana-based drugs that only use synthetic equivalents of pot. It has already been approved in a number of countries, including eight in Europe as well as Canada and New Zealand.

GW Pharma’s website describes Sativex as “a cannabinoid medicine for the treatment of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis,” but cites other possible therapeutic uses such as cancer pain and neuropathic pain.

Research for the drug was originally approved by the British government to “draw a clear line between recreational and medicinal use,” a line that is still blurry in the United States. Presently, laws allowing medical marijuana exist in only 16 states and Washington D.C. If Sativex were to receive approval from the government-run FDA, the U.S. attitude toward medical marijuana usage could be dramatically altered.

This year’s Pepto-Bismol ads feature a party where the attendants have “overindulged” resulting in gastrointestinal distress.

The ad tells viewers that eating makes them happy. Eating does make people happy…Momentarily. What the ad unintentionally shows is that overeating is usually followed by pain.

Video: Pepto-Bismol Holiday Ad

In the new commercial an actress near a large tray of shrimp says to an actor, “Every year, so much shrimp cocktail — where do you think it all comes from?” Amused he responds, “Elves.” The spot then cuts to a fishing boat manned by a crew of Santa’s helpers. The commercial returns to the party and the woman is giggling saying, “Stop it,” followed by on-screen text: “7.3 billion shrimp. 46 million holiday parties. Pepto covers them all. Eat, drink and be covered.”

This kind of advertising shows that giant corporations like Pepto-Bismol, which holds a 72.7 percent market share, want America to be addicted to food. This ad acknowledges that America is literally getting sick from overfeeding.

Food is a silent killer. Drugs are illegal because they are harmful to the body, but empty calories kill more people every year. According to the CDC 26.9 percent of Americans over 20 has diabetes. Even more shocking 33.8 percent of the American population is obese.

America is being sold medicine instead of healthy food. Take your health into your own hands with preemptive measures this holiday season. Eat different food instead of buying new medications.

Sources:

• http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/business/media/pepto-bismol-highlights-overindulging-in-latest-campaign.html?_r=1&WT.mc_id=BU-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M230t-ROS-1211-L2&WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_c=174041
• http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
• http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/

The old man was pulled over for improper lane use and refused to let officers search his vehicle. The officer’s canine searched the car and found the drugs.

The man was silent at his court date. If convicted he faces up to ten years in prison. Which would make him 98 when he got out.

In a similar story an 80 year old alleged multiple offender, grandmother Ola Mae Robinson, was arrested for selling crack. She was arrested six months earlier on the same charges. Maybe her sordid ways are finally catching up to her in her 80s.

“I don’t have no time for crack cocaine” she said. “Wish I was, cause then I’d have money” she told police.

In her defense she said “It wasn’t mine! Til they found me I was sitting up in my chair noddin!” Everyone knows when you’re selling crack you most definitely cannot be nodding.

Video: Crack Dealin Grandma: Arrest of Ola Mae

Sources:

• http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57324475/87-year-old-forced-at-gunpoint-to-move-cocaine/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CBSNewsTravelGuru+(Travel+Guru%3A+CBSNews.com)
• http://hypervocal.com/news/2011/move-over-scarface-alleged-80-year-old-crack-dealing-grandma-arrested-again/#