As for evidence, there is also evidence that aliens created the pyramids.

As for it being an American thing…

Maori and Amazon warriors take their tattoos and are not supposed to cry out, as it makes them less manly.

African tribes that engage in scraification rituals believe the recipient maintining silence is a very large component of being ushered into manhood.

Indian men ritualistically hang themselves from hooks, pierce their bodies, and walk on fire to prove their abilities in mind over body. The more punishment, the greater the mastery.

So, it isn’t purely American. I think the only real difference is… we’re the only ones who do it for fun.

How hot can you take your wings? How bitter can you take your beer? How cheesy can you take your macaroni? Is this a purely American behavior or do immature people all over the world do this?

As for you nagging. I seem to remember that every time karl was nice enough to make some salsa, you asked him if he used the habanero paste yet. Sounds like nagging to me.

Interestingly, the study found that in large doses, capsaicin destroys the neural receptors that respond to it, while nicotine promotes increased receptor numbers. What this means is that it will take more capsaicin to produce a desired result. I can think of a few other chemical substances that behave like that.

No physical addiction was noted, though people were found to become accostomed to spicy foods and came to prefer them.

In response to Karl saying I nagged him, I would point out I never said there was anything wrong with your salsa, Karl! I just said, “Hey, this recipe is great, why not toss some habanero paste in?”

I especially like the person who eats the extremely spicy food, remarks that its not too spicy, then begins to get teary-eyed, cough, and sweat.

I’ve both observed and participated in this, but “macho” is probably the wrong term as I know women who are into it too.

>you don’t see people eating over-salty things to the point of discomfort.”

I made this exact analogy to Carl when he was nagging me. Everyone wants a balance of flavors, but everyone’s idea/sense of balance is different. And that changes over time and with exposure. Foreigners frequently remark that american food tastes too salty and/or sweet, but they eventually get used to it. Those of us who grew up with salted snacks and lots of candy think it’s normal. When I was a little kid I would not tolerate any capsaicin in my food. But that gradually changed (started in high school) and now I’ve got people who say my everyday condiment is too hot.

I mean, you don’t see people eating over-salty things to the point of discomfort. Nor sweet things. Mmm… this is the saltiest chip I have ever had.

I can tolerate spicy food. I just don’t think its that enjoyable past a certain point. And, this is coming from someone who enjoys indian curry and thai food (hold the cilantro).

And I think it’s ‘demur’

Of course if someone wanted to buy the recipe, I’m open to offers…

That’s a bit ambiguous, but that equals four.