Dear Reader, We (in the United States) have a complex and convoluted relationship with alcohol. At the dawn of our nation, alcohol was seen as a far more sanitary alternative to water and a healthy digestive aid. In 1830, drinking-aged Americans consumed an average of 7.1 gallons of pure alcohol a year, which is extraordinary... Continue Reading →
The End of Prohibition
Dear Reader, Happy first day of February! We are now 1/12th of the way into the new year. I took this as an opportunity to check in on my progress this new year. This past month, I attempted to give up both alcohol and caffeine. I was somewhat successful with both. With the alcohol, I... Continue Reading →
What to Drink—Part 2
Dear Reader, How is your brain operating right now? Is it totally natural or is it perhaps under the influence—of caffeine or alcohol? Yesterday, I began to explain to you my little un-scientific experiment in which I gave up caffeine and alcohol on my vacation (yesterday’s post here). Today’s post is a continuation of this... Continue Reading →
What to Drink—Part 1
Dear Reader, When I was on vacation last week, I conducted a very un-scientific experiment on myself. I wanted to see what would happen if I went without alcohol or caffeine. To preface, I’m not a serious consumer of either, but I am consistent—1-2 alcoholic beverages a week on average and 1-2 cups of black... Continue Reading →