Mr. STANDAGE: Nobody really knows, but it seems to be older than civilization itself.

NPR: Looking at the World Through Beer Glasses

Mr. STANDAGE: Well, it depends whether you think a Bud Light is a good beer or not.

NPR: Looking at the World Through Beer Glasses

Mr. STANDAGE: Well, again, we can't tell because obviously we don't have any written records from that period.

NPR: Looking at the World Through Beer Glasses

In 2003, protesters in Thailand poured Coca-Cola onto the streets as a demonstration against the US-led invasion of Iraq, and sales were temporarily suspended, says Standage.

BBC: Who, What, Why: In which countries is Coca-Cola not sold?

Tom Standage joins us from London.

NPR: Looking at the World Through Beer Glasses

The Victorian Internet, by Tom Standage.

ECONOMIST: Millennium issue