Demand for sparkling water is higher than ever. So is supply

[kit]

The above link gives very good information for people who are on a renal diet. Fortunately I'm not on a renal diet (yet) although I do have to watch my potassium intake for other reasons, so thanks for sending the link PB.

However, other than the date Sept. 7, 2018, I didn't see the link to the article or the name of the author of the statements about carbonated ('sparkling') beverages not being bad for you, and I still contend that the carbonic acid or sparkling beverages, in addition to the hydrochloric acid already present in the stomach, presents an acid overload to the system which allows attack by other pathogens which thrive in an acidic environment.

The carbonation also promotes tooth decay. My study (which although not scientifically sanctioned or documented, spans 75 years of personal observation) shows that many people who have consumed large quantities of carbonated beverages (like Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up, Dr. Pepper, Seltzer or Tonic water, etc.) over the years are now sporting dentures or have diseased teeth. The ratio of these folks seems to be much higher than people who have refrained from drinking such beverages.

So take my words with a grain of salt. There may be no proof of the detrimental effects of drinking carbonated beverages, just like there's no proof that one of our Presidents is better than another, or one sports team is better than another, or that or that there's actually a god in heaven... it's just an opinion. Believe it or not.

[kit]

Clipper... Angostura Bitters are expensive and come in small bottles because in a beverage you only use a few drops. They last a long time. Bitters are meant to add to the taste - not overpower it. A few drops are traditionally added to a Manhattan. Too much bitters is... um... uh... bitter! I haven't tried using bitters in cooking, but I can't see adding more than a few drops of it to any dish.

I remember Lew Gaylord and Brayton & Co. on Hotel St. That's where The Nitecaps started with Uncle Jim. At the time Dick Stone was our organ player and I think he may have worked at Brayton. Did he?

[Clipper]

Yes he did for awhile. I worked there the summer that I got out of high school. I pulled orders from stock and prepared them for delivery, put away stock, did a bit of janitor work at times, and helped with deliveries. It was a fun summer. I made less than 35 bucks a week, gave my mom and dad $15 and still had more money than a teenager could spend.