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Absinthe Uncorked: The 'Green Fairy' Was Boozy -- But Not Psychedelic ScienceDaily (May 1, 2008) — A new study may end the century-old controversy over what ingredient in absinthe caused the exotic green aperitif's supposed mind-altering effects and toxic side-effects when consumed to excess. In the most comprehensive analysis of old bottles of original absinthe -- once quaffed by the likes of van Gogh, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso to enhance their creativity -- a team of scientists from Europe and the United States have concluded the culprit was plain and simple: A high alcohol content, rather than thujone, the compound...

British Parliament's Clubby, Boozy Atmosphere Wrecked by New Working Hours, Members Say Mar 6, 2004 By Ed Johnson/ Associated Press Writer LONDON (AP) - Parliament's late-night culture of hard drinking, boozy debates and midnight votes could make a comeback if a large segment of disgruntled British lawmakers gets its way. A campaign is growing in the neo-gothic Palace of Westminster to ditch the new "family friendly" working hours and revert to more nocturnal sittings. Many MPs, or members of Parliament, argue that their timetable, which gets most House of Commons business wrapped up by 7 p.m., has destroyed the raucous,...