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Old 06-17-2004, 08:36 AM   #14
Pie
Gone and done
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,808
for the birds...

Chilies evolved a chemical that is interpreted as 'pain' by a select group -- mammals. Birds are largely insensitive to capsaicin (either orally, or ..uh, rectally.) See here .

The best quote: "We eat chilies because it feels so good when we stop!"

- Pie


Tip: Never let your husband confuse teaspoons with tablespoons when measuring out the cayenne for the chili con carne.
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per·son \ˈpər-sən\ (noun) - an ephemeral collection of small, irrational decisions
The fun thing about evolution (and science in general) is that it happens whether you believe in it or not.
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