This weekend I was studying a lot of neuroanatomy. I went to Walgreens and bought supplies: pencils, erasers, deodorant, shampoo, and 3 cans of something called “Jolt Power Cola.” Now, I dimly recall Jolt being something we consumed with Dr. Pepper and pepperoni pizza in middle school all-night video-game-thons. But this was a gargantuan, 23.5 fluid ounce can shaped like a battery, complete with a stuck out cathode. It tasted like mild Coca-Cola–not that great–but it was on sale for 50 cents a can, which was a great bargain for quick energy. I’ve even reused the cans to store water next to my bed (I have to have water next to my bed, as I think we’ve discussed).

But just now, as I opened up this reused can, the water inside smelled faintly of batteries.