Nicotine isn't addictive and Mountain Dew prevents pregnancy. Huh?

While one of those dangerous myths is receiving deserved national rebuttal by governmental and legal actions, the other apparently is being embraced wholeheartedly by naive teenagers without any responses from authorities.

PepsiCo's top-selling soft drink, according to adolescent rumors, shrinks the male's testicles and ensures birth control.

And PepsiCo is not just refusing to dispel the myth. It is actually planning to capitalize on the soda's success by targeting preteens and teens with increased promotions.

The reason: Not just greed, but corporate reluctance to be associated with planned- parenthood and birth-control programs.

No pun intended, but PepsiCo is screwing the public with its selfish indifference. Things really do go better with Coke. (30 APRIL 2000).