Issue date: 3/8/07 Section: Perspectives

Media Credit: Emily Buerger The red cups, pong ball and the beer that used to be in the empty beer bottles shown above, create the components of a popular college drinking game. Lack of sanitation, while playing the game, can cause the spread of dangerous bacteria and viruses.

Beer pong has always been about the technique, the challenge and perseverance. Personally, I think it's about the timing.

Clay Travis of cbssportsline.com introduced me to an entirely new light of the game. Little did I know beer pong only welcomes the door to a germaphobe's nightmare.

Whether you have played the game yourself or heard about it, beer pong is a well known attraction at a party.

Through older cousins, I was first familiarized with beer pong quite a few years ago. According to Clay Travis, "If you are in your 20s and not familiar with the game, shoot yourself."

Originally from Connecticut, I have always referred to beer pong as "Beirut." This slight differentiation has become a major argument from town to town. The game consists of a table in which six or 10 cups are stacked on each side, partially filled with beer. With two players per team, one or two balls are present. The object of the game is to sink as many balls in the opposing player's cups as possible.

Of course I have questioned some of the unsanitary aspects of the game. After all, how could a stupid game be so harmful?

According to Wikepedia online encyclopedia, beer pong (also called Beirut, Lob pong or Scud) is considered an American drinking game.

It involves propelling a ping pong ball across a table with the aim of making the ball land in one of the several cups of beer. The game is typically played with six or 10 cups. However, there are always those dare devils who insist on pushing their limits.

While the concept is quite amusing, the conditions of the game are completely disgusting. Pong balls are thrown from one end of the table to the other, strategically falling into that clump of dirt in the corner.

Cups are being shared from game to game with no clue as to where or who had that cup to their lips last.

Then there is that "ball-washing cup." You know, that cup that is initially crystal clear and then as the night continues the water fills to the rim with dirt and scum from the floor.

Continued...

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