Writes Chris Seyfert: "Regarding the blog post about Thomas Luongo's difficulty in finding sodium hydroxide (lye), the amateur chemist in me felt obliged to support a fellow chemist in need. In my area (middle Wisconsin), 100% lye is carried at Menards, manufactured by the Rooto Corp. I also hear that Roebic Laboratories sells lye as well, under the name 'Heavy Duty Crystal Drain Opener'. Generally speaking, if the label says 'Lye' and the contents are pure white powder or crystals, it's okay to use for soap & c.

"I also am dismayed at the loss of Red Devil Lye - it was used to fill many a hydrogen balloon in my parent's backyard when I was younger. Perhaps I shall have to dig out my chemistry equipment and ignite a balloon flameball in memoriam to another victim of the War on Drugs - and all of the would-be scientists that are missing out on the fun I had."