In parts of the U.S. and Canada, soda is variously referred to as “pop,” “soda,” or generically as “coke.” Across the Atlantic, the English call them “fizzy drinks,” and the Irish call them “minerals.”; but whatever you call it, it sure is popular. The process of carbonating water was invented by Englishman Joseph Priestley in 1767 and in the 19th century it was used as medicine for many ailments. Now, over 34 billion gallons of soft drinks are sold in over 200 countries each year.