What'll You Have

If you're from Wisconsin, one of these, most likely.

Link to November 16 New York Times tut-tutting article, "Some See Big Problem in Wisconsin Drinking".

What makes us so special?

1. It's legal for minors to drink alcohol in a bar or restaurant in Wisconsin if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who gives consent. (Retiring Guy pleads guilty to this "offense".)

2. Wisconsin leads the U.S. in binge drinking since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention* started keeping statistics on this pastime more than a decade ago. Binge drinking is defined as five drinks in one sitting for four for a woman. (Using this formula, Retiring Guy confesses to binge drinking every time he plays sheepshead, as would the others sitting around the table.)

[Clarification. If, after dealing the cards, I get up, go to the bathroom, and then return to my seat, is that considered a second sitting?]

3. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Wisconsinites are more likely than residents of other states to drive drunk. (Retiring Guy doesn't always play sheepshead at home. 'Nuff said.)

4. Sobriety checkpoints are prohibited by law. (If you're wonder whom to thank, or blame, on this count, click here. The introductory voice-over is required listening. And be sure to "read" between the lines.)


Historical footnote: Schlitz, "The Beer that Made Milwaukee Famous", was the number-one selling beer in the U.S. in the early 1950s. Then Budweiser made its move.

*If, as the CDC reports, approximately 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days -- 92%! -- maybe it's the definition that's "loaded".