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December 02, 2010

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I'm reading this book right now, Nancy. I am also really enjoying it. I continue to be amazed by the impact the movement had on so many things and love the funny little tidbits he tosses in. I was fascinated by the number of new businesses that started as a result of Prohibition - every closed door certainly does open a window or a basement speakeasy. Thanks for a great post and wonderful images.

"Dubbed the Vino Sano Grape Brick, it came with explicit instructions: add water, but whatever you do, do not add yeast or sugar or leave it in a dark place or let it sit too long, because “it might ferment and become wine."

Pure genius!

I'm a fan of Okrent, and the book sounds great, Nancy. But I'm dubious about that "powder room" cite. OED has "powder room" from 1788, synonym for "powder closet," where wigs were powdered. Doesn't seem like you need a detour into gunpowder to get from "powder closet" to, um, water closet.

1788 School for Fathers II. xlix. 238 Yesterday morning my mother came into the powder-room, while my maid was dressing my hair.
1899 Times 11 Mar. 17/2 Two double reception rooms, library, card or powder room, [etc.].
1908 ‘F. Danby’ Heart of Child xv. 250 He liked to see‥his Staffordshire pottery en-niched in the quaint powder-room, opening out of the drawing-room.

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