Brain Freeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzeeeeeeee!

I went to the movie the other day (to see Juno, hello!) and I got a Slurpee, Slushy, whatever they're called there. I grew up loving them from 7-Eleven and yes, I was a little white trash - and I'm proud of it! Anyway, I took a tiny sip and like a freight train, the brain freeze grabbed me by the balls and I was paralyzed for a good 15 seconds. Why does that happen, is it instant karmic punishment for the nectar I just allowed myself to have?  Well, I did a look-up and here's what I found:

The reaction is triggered by the cold ice cream or beverage, like DUH!; it comes in contact with the roof of your mouth and triggers nerves that give the brain the impression of a very cold environment. To heat up the brain again, blood vessels start to swell, which causes the headache-like pain for approximately 30 seconds.

The temperature change in the roof of the mouth has to be rather drastic; this is why brain freeze often occurs on warm days.

The pain can be relieved by putting the tongue to the roof of the mouth, which logically will heat it up.

Of course, I then found some information on one of the main dispensers of this heaven and here's what I found:

• 7-Eleven was founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas
• It's the world's largest operator, franchiser and licensor of convenient stores
• There are over 21,000 stores worldwide
• During it's first year of operation, 7-Eleven pioneered the convenient store concept when its retail outlets began to sell "convenience” items, such as milk, bread, and eggs, to customers.
• The name 7-Eleven originated in 1946 when the stores were open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• More than 5,700 7-Eleven and other convenience stores operated and franchised by 7-Eleven, Inc. in the United States and Canada serve approximately 6 million customers a day.
• Approximately 3,300 of 7-Eleven’s 5,300 stores in the United States are operated by franchisees; the rest are company-operated. 7-Eleven licensees operate about 430 stores in the United States.
• Internationally, 7-Eleven licensees and affiliates operate an additional 15,000 7-Eleven and other convenience stores in other countries including Japan, Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, South Korea, Thailand, Norway, Turkey, Malaysia, China and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and Guam.
• Seven-Eleven Japan operates more than 8,300 7-Eleven stores in Japan and Hawaii under an area license agreement with 7-Eleven
• It is the world's largest convenience store chain with 5,800 stores in the US and Canada, 16,000 more in 17 countries and territories around the globe
• Total sales (year 2000): $29 billion worldwide $6.6 billion in US (6% increase over previous year)
• Average store size: 2,400 to 3,000 sq. ft.
• Drinkables make up 33 percent of total merchandise sales
• Non-alcoholic beverages: 22 percent
• Beer/Wine: 11 percent

(source: My Slurpee Cup)