Know any compulsive sun-worshippers? Don’t chalk up their hours of ultraviolet exposure solely to vanity: A Wake Forest medical study suggests that regular tanning might be rooted in addiction:

“The finding was unexpected and is consistent with the hypothesis that frequent tanning may be driven in part by a mild dependence on opioids, most likely endorphins,” said Steven Feldman, a professor of dermatology at the university. “The nausea and jitteriness induced by the medication are consistent with symptoms of mild opiate withdrawal.”

Perception-wise, I guess this makes the bronze tan the equivalent of trackmarks. Is that a step up from being a walking skin-cancer hazard lesson?

I knew more than a few everyday tanners while in Florida, particularly during my college years. It was routine to lay out for at least a half-hour daily, just to maintain the glow. I don’t recall anyone talking about getting a high out of the ritual. Personally, sun-baking leaves me drained, on the order of dehydration; if there’s any biochemical boost going on, it’s not enough to lift me from that.

I’m wondering if this helps or hinders the fledgling tanning salon industry consolidation effort.

The state of our media, from today’s “Get Fuzzy”:

“Books might as well be clay tablets… TVs are for old people… Computers are for nerds… Radio is for angry radicals… I’m really left with two mediums: iPods and Sticky Notes.”

As apt an assessment of the demographic linkages as any I’ve seen. I’ve already got my iPod; I guess I’ll have to load up on the Stickies.