The best news in years

(courtesy of Best of the Web Today on opinionjournal.com)

We'll Drink to That
"It's the news drinkers have waited years to hear--alcohol consumption is good for your brain," reports London's Evening Standard:
A pint of beer or a glass of wine triggers the growth of new brain cells and boosts memory, scientists say. . . . The growth of new neurons could improve memory and learning, said Prof Stefan Brene, who carried out the research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. . . .
The findings did not surprise members of the Campaign for Real Ale. "It is well known that alcohol in moderation is good for your body so it's no surprise it's also good for your mind," said a spokeswoman. "Maybe that is why lots of pub quiz teams are so bright."
But there is a caution: "The increased production of new nerve cells while drinking can lead to alcohol addiction," says Brene. Besides, if you know too much, the Mafia might kill you.


Note the gratuitous anti-Italian slur at the end. I guess we can give a guy named Taranto a pass. Once.