(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Valerie M. Fridland, University of Nevada, Reno (THE CONVERSATION) With burgers ...

Introduction: To the stars -- The beverage of kings -- Meet me at the soda fountain -- The medicine men -- A snail in a bottle -- The bar is dead, soda is king! -- Was ist Coca-Cola? -- ...

With burgers sizzling and classic rock thumping, many Americans revel in summer cookouts -- at least until that wayward cousin asks for a "pop" in soda country, or even worse, a "coke" when they ...