And although Obama is really quite down to earth and millions of Americans would love to sit down with him for a drink and a chat, they might be too awestruck and hamstrung to think of anything to say, for fear of sounding crass, offensive or stupid.

BBC: Washington diary: Political humour

In some schools, kids leaning down for a drink were shoved by bullies and ended up with broken teeth.

WSJ: With Bottle-Fillers in Mind, the Water Fountain Evolves

But the more important reason why this is a problem is that when the person sits down to drink the wine he purchased, he'll compare it with the Diet Pepsi he was just sipping, with the wine he drank last Saturday or with some other beverage he remembers.

FORBES: Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer's Sausage?

Finding a puddle, the hare had a good drink, looked all around with moist, conscious eyes, then lay down in a little pit to one side, curled up into the warmth of his own body, and dozed off.

NEWYORKER: Among Animals and Plants

If you don't want to abstain entirely, there are ways that can help you cut down, including opting for smaller glass sizes, diluting alcohol with soda water or a low-calorie soft drink, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and keeping a few nights each week booze-free.

BBC: Alcohol calories 'too often ignored'

Research into drinking habits has found that beer's fattening reputation has more to do with the lifestyle of those who drink it, and the greasy bar snacks that often accompany a night down the local.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Magazine | Is beer less fattening than wine?