Saturday, March 14, 2015

What a Stunningly Appropriate Name, Though

Jack London famously called him John Barleycorn.  Seriously, he doesn't really need a name - "Pal" will do beautifully.  Now, he comes in powdered form.  But don't get too excited...



Earlier this week, the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approved the sale of 'Palcohol' in vodka, rum, cosmopolitan, and “powderita” flavors, with lemon drop still pending. In response, the Utah state legislature adopted a bill banning the product, while New York Senator Charles “Chuck” Schumer introduced a law that would ban it at the federal level.

  RT
What’s the problem?
“Underage alcohol abuse is a growing epidemic with tragic consequences and powdered alcohol could exacerbate this,” Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement.
Seriously? Because it’s easier to steal?
“Since the product isn’t even on the market yet, there is not one shred of evidence that it will be used or abused any differently than liquid alcohol,” Palcohol maker Lipsmark LLC said on its website. “Every concern we’ve heard is unfounded speculation and that is no basis to outlaw a product.”
I think Schumer is just annoyed he doesn’t have stock.

In related news…or maybe it’s not new - I don’t know. I hadn’t heard it, but then, I hadn’t heard of powdered caffeine, so you can see how up-to-date I am in the commercial market.
The FDA also lacks authority to ban powdered caffeine, linked to at least two overdose deaths last year, since it is technically a food supplement. However, the agency has urged the public to refrain from using caffeine powder, since it is virtually impossible to determine the correct dosage by using common household measuring tools.
So, stay away from the powdered caffeine. The powdered alcohol - go for it. If they put it in PixieStix, you won't even need water. And the paper is biodegradable. Win-win.

 ...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.

(Why don't they package powdered caffeine in pre-measured portions?)

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