The five spot

Five things Tacoma has learned about methanol.

1. It is also known as “wood alcohol.” That means it’s nearly as hazardous for Kentucky moonshiners as it is for Northeast Tacoma residents.

2. It does not taste refreshing as a cigarette additive. That’s “menthol.”

3. It is used to make plastic products that humans cannot live without, such as insulin pumps, eyeglasses and the cupholder for your drive-thru Starbucks.

4. A plant that produces it does not grow in appeal when preceded by the words “world’s largest.” Unlike, say, the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas.

5. We won’t let it define us or tear us apart. Kind of like that other infamous meth.

This story was originally published May 1, 2016 at 8:44 AM with the headline "The five spot."