don't know about the rubbing alcohol. did you squeeze the paper towel? it shouldnt be soaking wet. I had some nirvanas - new purple power seeds and they were so small that nirvana actually gave me 20 instead of 10 seeds. But, what happened was i thought the seeds would have never popped and i did the paper towel thing and they never popped. So i just put them in the dirt and every single seed popped. Usually if done right they should pop within 3-5 days. If not just try putting them straight in the dirt.