Beethoven counted out 60 coffee beans each day to make his cup of coffee. Rituals for our drug of choice transcend centuries and artistic abilities but they do bind us together. Today we discuss rituals and habits on view at the recent Boston Marathon and on view daily with anyone dealing with weight issues. It is a marathon without a finish line. But, we all are a combination of habits as well as rituals. Some more interesting than others. My combo is coffee. Listen to Balzac, though: "Many people claim coffee inspires them, but, as everybody knows, coffee only makes boring people even more boring." This from a man who reportedly drank 40-50 cups of coffee a day! I only drink 4-5 cups. www.artofthediet.com