This article cracked me up. I took Ambien for a couple of years for my bad insomnia and shortly afterward discovered the weird amnesiac effect. Also noticed that if I took an ambien and was drawing something at the time, the next morning I would wake up with some crazy masterpiece complete with paint. But would have no memory of creating it.

It's funny when you find out what a pharmacological drug can do beyond it's stated effects.

But I did do some things that I wasn't too comfortable with (that is, after I woke up and found out) so I was happy to stop taking it. I have never had this problem since using medical marijuana for sleep.

And yes, I work an upstanding white collar job, have never wrapped my vehicle around anything, and pay my taxes like a responsible ciziten.

...was anyone reminded of Steve Urkel from Family Matters (the one with the annoying snort-laugh)? Don't worry, you don't have to admit you actually watched the show. Anyways, he was a science genius and developed some contraption to turn himself into the illustrious "Stefan", whom the love of his life, Laura, actually liked. If you could change yourself quickly from something hated to something loved whether by magic or a pill, would you do it? Who wouldn't be tempted? Is that why those weight-loss drugs are so popular? Also, if you were Laura, be honest, how easily would you turn down Stefan for Steve? C'mon, even if Tessa is upper class, can't we still identify a little with her?

Now after that fluffy post, I'm trying to ready myself for all the hatred from you "hard news" Salon buffs out there. Please don't hurt me! ;-)

Maybe Salon should write an article on the psychology of the essentially anonymous posters who respond to Salon articles (and Cary Tennis letters) with hatred. We could examine some of the more common personality types, like:

1) the type who needs to lash out at anyone who ever made a mistake

2) the type who is so threatened by those with the least amount of money they can't see straight and

3) the type who calls anyone who shares a personal story a "narcissistic whiner"

Within two paragraphs of this article I was reminded, through links nonetheless, that these were rich, self-satisfied prigs I was reading about. Maybe she should of returned the "bought at auction" Wilfred Owen (World War One poems? how romantic)and suggested he spend his money on something a little more effective. Goddamn prigs--liberal, conservative, whatever...are insufferable.

What's your full name and address?

Until you post it, I guess you're just an anonymous poster.

And until you do, just stfu.

"OK, dude, like where's your medical studies of the 1st-year law students at the top 15 schools, compared to the normed group who doesn't toke? Is 'managed' defined by grades or just like, a spacey, groovy kind of feeling?"

Still waiting for the evidence. But thanks for the funny diatribe. Nothing like pissing off a dopehead for a good laugh.

"Hey, LeCastor,

"OK, dude, like where's your medical studies of the 1st-year law students at the top 15 schools, compared to the normed group who doesn't toke? Is 'managed' defined by grades or just like, a spacey, groovy kind of feeling?"

Still waiting for the evidence. But thanks for the funny diatribe. Nothing like pissing off a dopehead for a good laugh.

-- Neener Neener :-"

Oh, sorry, i had to go LIVE MY LIFE for a while instead of trolling salon Letters.

Anyhoo, I'm not sure why you have such vitriol towards "deadheads", "dopeheads", "tokers", etc. and hate drugs so much. Especially considering i'm none of the above. Maybe it just pisses you off that lots of "stupid" pot smokers are smart enough to be in law school, whereas you... spend all your time at work trolling. My evidence is anecdotal, and that seems to be everyone's evidence here.

Or maybe it pisses you off because you never did drugs, fearing that they would make you stupid, and now you realize that people who drugs can be much more intelligent and successful than you, and you've realized you were a teetolating dork for no reason at all.

good going. you're not the loser, the top-20-law-school-students are the losers in this situation. clearly.

Ok? I admit it. Some of you might be wondering why I'm so enraged. Here's why:

I drank a half-gallon Pissing Pepper Red Tequila and popped four Ambiens. Three weeks later I awoke in the African Veldt, encased in a cocoon made up entirely of dried elephant cum. But that's not what's got me so skeeved off.

Do you have ANY idea how many elephant cocks I had to suck to produce that much cum???

My ex-boyfriend would become so-o-o-o sweet for about a minute when hid Ambien was taking over, just before he fell asleep. Me, it just makes me fall asleep - no emtional difference. Whatever!

I don't know from Ambien, but I will testify that weed can and does do good (as well as bad, if you don't do anything except smoke weed and eat dorritos.)for alot of people. I dont know that many lawyers, but i know plenty of people in management level finance positions who partake. It aint all hippies- in fact, at any given time, at least 75% of the NBA is high- and you know i'm right, although i have no statistical evidence.

Pot helps relieve stress, its relaxing, and when mixed with live music and a few beers, ooh wee- watch out. That, and its pretty affordable and is usually consumed in social situations. Oh, and it should probably be legal, but thats another post. ANd would that i were still living in NYC, i'd gladly spark a bowl with le castor and whomever else wanted to partake.

"Oh, sorry, i had to go LIVE MY LIFE for a while instead of trolling salon Letters."

...and yet a mere 3 hours later back you come a trolling. (He shoots, he scores!) I like the ALL CAPS, a nice middle school touch. It's proven (OK, anecdotally, but still) that typing in ALL CAPS automatically makes whatever you say more true. I think I read that in "My Weekly Reader."

"whereas you... spend all your time at work trolling. My evidence is anecdotal, and that seems to be everyone's evidence here."

Thanks, but I'm home (day off) and since you finally admit all your (and your fellow potheads) evidence is merely anecdotal, then you're still blowing smoke out your ass...just like I said this morning. (By the way, how many letters did Mr. LeCastor write while trolling at work today? Pot, meet kettle.)

"you're not the loser, the top-20-law-school-students are the losers in this situation. clearly."

Anecdotal or just nonsensical non-sequiter? ...or just another lame attempt at sarcasm? You be the judge.

Man, it is so much fun pissing off an addict. I almost feel bad about it. Almost.

P.S.--You know he'll be back, he can't help it...it's like...well, an addiction. ;-)