The other day I saw an attractive young lady wearing a T-shirt that exclaimed: "Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder" and it sparked a few thoughts. The coming weekend is considered by many as the official start of summer. Summer, for many, is the official drinking season. Cold beers at the ball park, cocktails by the pool and kegs at the cook-out.

Humorist Brian O'Rourke offers a simplistic view of drinking. He once said: "When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So, let's all get drunk and go to heaven!"

On the same note, Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying: "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

While I am not advocating over indulging, the subject of drinking alcohol does provoke some thoughts. Among them is The Buffalo Theory. That scientific treatise offers the following explanation:

A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, we we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, alcohol consumption eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few drinks.

While on the subject of over indulging, I wondered if a few more warnings should be added to the labels of such beverages. A few examples might be:

•  WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.
• WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to your underwear.

Recently I read an article on achieving inner peace. It said: "The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started." I thought this may be a great way to start the summer, so tomorrow I plan on finishing a bottle of Scotch, a bottle of red wine, a bottle of gin and the open box of chocolates. I'm beginning to feel better all ready.

Just one more reminder. Last week I saw a local Taxi with this lettering in the back window: "Average cost of a ride in our back seat $12. Average cost of a ride in their back seat $1,200 - DWI."

Enjoy the summer but as the ads state: "Drink Responsibly." And above all, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!