#34185
06/29/2001 1:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 328
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 328 |
Heard or seen any stupid/idiotic/ridiculous ads lately? My favorite idiotic ad campaign is the one Taco Bell used last summer to promote the fact that they were open late at night: It's late. Eat more.
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#34186
06/29/2001 8:59 PM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
I read about a Holiday Inn that had, on its sign out front,
"Have your next affair here".
(Note: These and many other hotels and motels have conference rooms that they rent to groups.)
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#34187
06/29/2001 9:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,146
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,146 |
Saw a hand-written sign at a car sales in some whistle-stop in the Oklahoma Panhandle the other day which read "Cheap cars. Be quick. They won't last". Not sure it was an English error actually. 
The idiot also known as Capfka ...
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#34188
06/29/2001 10:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
"They won't last".
Dear CK: that company is obviously entirely ethical, and practices truth in advertising.
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#34189
06/30/2001 11:51 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Not sure it was an English error actually.Good eye, CK! You do have a way of seeing the humor in things. 
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#34190
06/30/2001 2:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,439
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,439 |
A sign spotted at a quick-food restaurant with gas pumps out front.
Eat Here
Get Gas
(For those not familiar with US idioms -- Gas = Petrol also Gas = heartburn)
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#34191
07/05/2001 9:01 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204 |
The famous sign outside a London transport café just after the war read,
"EAT DIRT CHEAP AT JOE'S CAFE"
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#34192
07/06/2001 2:59 AM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,146
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,146 |
Speaking of which and resurrecting a discussion in an old thread, I've been seeing those damned Burma Shave adverts all over since I've been in the States.
Does the firm still exist? If not, it must be one of the few instances where the advertising is mightier than the product or the firm itself!
The idiot also known as Capfka ...
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#34193
07/06/2001 12:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
Dear CK: I found a site on Internet about Burma Shave's history. It was owned by a family named Odell.
In 1963 the Odell Family sold their company to Philip Morris, Inc.
So Philip Morris, Inc. is too stingy to remove signs.
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#34194
07/06/2001 1:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Philip Morris, Inc. is too stingy to remove signs
These signs required maintenance. See the book The Verse by the Side of the Road : The Story of the Burma-Shave Signs and Jingles by Frank Rowsome, Jr. These things were a cultural icon. They now remind us of a time when things were slower and which we imagine to have been better days (conveniently forgetting all the things that made them the Bad Old Days, a subject which has already been covered here). I would suspect that the land owners, mostly farmers, keep the signs up themselves. The roads that CapK is following, as any of us who have been following his excellent travelog will attest, are roads less traveled now that we have the Interstates. The advertising value of the signs, even if the product does still exist, is minimal, but their nostalgia value is high.
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#34195
07/06/2001 6:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
Ogden Nash: I think that I shall never see
A bill-board lovely as a tree.
Perhaps unless the bill-boards fall
I shall never see a tree at all.
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#34196
07/06/2001 6:46 PM
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Perhaps unless the bill-boards fall
I shall never see a tree at all
Not apropros of Burma-Shave signs, certainly, but funny nonetheless.
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#34197
07/06/2001 9:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
I do approve of saving some of the old signs that had good taste in their conception in the first place, which the Burma Shave signs surely did. But a post is where you find it, so I couldn't waste the O.N. bit. And the billboards Nash was complaining about really did obstruct view of scenery. And there were so goddam many of them. I was surprised however that there was an outcry in Boston when the Citgo enormous pyramid of colored bulbs visible from the Red Sox stadium was going to be replaced. The public is unpredictable.
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#34198
07/06/2001 9:50 PM
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273 |
. The public is unpredictable.
Not according to Dr. Hari Sheldon and other pyschohistorians.
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#34199
07/07/2001 12:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
"The public is unpredictable."
" Not according to Dr. Hari Sheldon and other pyschohistorians. "
He should make millions in the stock market.
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#34200
07/07/2001 3:42 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,439
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,439 |
The public is unpredictable.
Not according to Dr. Hari Sheldon and other pyschohistorians.
-------------------------------------
Now, there's a profession I wish I'd known about 40 years ago!
Wait! Wait! could the good doctor use an intern?
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#34201
07/07/2001 6:33 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204 |
I do approve of saving some of the old signs that had good taste in their conception in the first place
In the UK, they have started manufacturing reproductions of the old enamel signs that used to be fixed on blank walls, railway staions and the facias of shops. The "originals" - if you can find them - fetch pheee-nominal prices.
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#34202
07/09/2001 5:30 PM
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
millions in the stock market
I don't think he will concern himself with such small scale phenomena as national economies.
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#34203
07/09/2001 5:37 PM
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
the Citgo enormous pyramid
was going to be replaced.
The Citgo sign at Kenmore Square was/is a landmark in the true sense of the word. It was the first landmark we found when I first came to Boston and many of the places we visited we found by referring to it. Not that it would change Natives' directions much. They'd just replace the phrase at the Citgo sign with where the Citgo sign useta be.
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#34204
07/09/2001 9:06 PM
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273 |
In reply to:
I don't think he will concern himself with such small scale phenomena as national economies.
I think you're probably correct, but perhaps the globalisation that is so often in the news will lead to an economy big enough to merit his interest? Thank you for getting rid of the interloper, too.  These emoticons can be quite fun.
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#34205
07/12/2001 3:38 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,189
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,189 |
During the All-Star Game "that soda" unfurled a multinational "multilingual" Whattsuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup! commercial...dumbest thing I ever saw! Give us a break already!  Grrrr!
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#34206
07/12/2001 5:56 AM
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,661
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,661 |
How about the automobile commercial that boasts an "impressive lease" deal, and prints it on the screen (I believe the law says they have to) for a duration that only speed readers who watch TV through a magnifying glass could read. I believe the spirit of that "law" was lost in the translation.
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#34207
07/13/2001 8:29 PM
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757 |
ONe of my plastic providers is called Egg, and they send me boring emails with stupid offers. They eggshelled themselves today with this headline: Win TANK DRIVING + Ł100 of underwear : Fri 13.7.01On that cheerful thought, I depart for a week in murky Manchester
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#34208
07/16/2001 1:37 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Win TANK DRIVING + Ł100 of underwear Sweet mav, does that mean that to enter the contest, you have to drive a tank in your underwear? Woo-hoo! (If it does, can we see a piccie?
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#34209
07/16/2001 2:52 AM
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,636
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,636 |
So, Vernon, are you refering to the Hari Seldon that wears "Foundation" garments? You sly dog.
consuelo
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#34210
07/16/2001 3:01 AM
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273 |
In reply to:
So, Vernon, are you refering to the Hari Seldon that wears "Foundation" garments?
Of course. That's why I thanked Faldage for his tactful correction of my incorrect spelling.
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#34211
07/20/2001 10:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 328
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 328 |
I just received an idiotic advertisement by e-mail. This is a little long, but very funny. At least I thought so. Free...Free...Free
Thanks to our sponsors, this beautiful
lightweight Digital one touch auto scan Radio at left will be yours
if you response to the few questions below.
Wear this anywhere you go!
with this attractive lightweight Digital One Touch Auto Scan Radio. Incorporated with the concept of Space . Being wholly hanged on ear, you avoid the trouble of carrying it. Give you the freedom of whatever you do. Idea for a walk or jogging in the park, exercising at the Gym or anyway you feel like enjoying your favorite FM radio Stations.
The iEar radio is designed to hanged comfortably on your ear along with the second earphone, which produce exceptional stereo sound quality music from your favorite radio stations.
iEar uses the state of the art auto scanning technology, with the single touch of a button. It will scan and lock on the Radio station with the best possible signal. It comes in this cool translucent Blue color, and it's so easy to use. Makes you want to bring this anywhere you go this Summer. iEar is powered by 2 included lithium batteries.
Similar gadgets like this sells for $65 in retail store,
but it will be yours FREE.
Our sponsors will assure you that your responses will in no way go into your personal profile.
They are interested in statistical data only.
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#34212
07/20/2001 11:35 PM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
Rapunzel, it lost a lot in the translation, eh?
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#34213
07/22/2001 10:37 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 29
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 29 |
Kind of an ad on a sign in front of a construction site:
"New office environment for Clarica"
Clarica is an insurance company whose ads emphasize word play with Clarity/Clarica.
Environment? Clarity? I think they just needed to fill the rest of the white space on the sign.
Carpe whatever
Carpe whatever
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#34214
07/23/2001 2:05 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
solrep, nice to have you back, Sweetie. Missed you.
Just five more posts, and you'll no longer be a stranger.
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#34215
07/23/2001 8:15 AM
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065 |
The franchise of a US restaurant chain* over here is advertising something called natural decaf. Could somebody explain this concept to me, please?
*which will remain nameless as a punishment
Bingley
Bingley
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#34216
07/23/2001 8:21 AM
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273 |
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#34217
07/23/2001 12:16 PM
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
your responses will in no way go into your personal profile
Wait a minute! What personal profile???
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#34218
07/24/2001 5:22 AM
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065 |
Thank you for the link Vernon. I must confess I still don't quite understand what is natural about this process. My next raised eyebrow (and where is the emoticon for this I would like to know) was caused by the sentence:
It is at this point that the bean experiences an ethyl acetate wash.
Are we to envisage a long line of coffee beans queuing up for "The Ethyl Acetate Wash Experience", and buying postcards and T-shirts for their friends afterwards?
Bingley
Bingley
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#34219
07/24/2001 11:32 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Are we to envisage a long line of coffee beans queuing up for "The Ethyl Acetate Wash Experience", and buying postcards and T-shirts for their friends afterwards?
Ohmigawd! Yes, and then the proprietor asks, "Has everyone bean served?"
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#34220
07/24/2001 7:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
The coffee beans that have "experienced" the process of caffeine being removed by ethyl acetate and hot water
might have a tutti-frutti flavor that would be really a novelty. My question is:How in hell can any coffee flavor be left?
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#34221
07/24/2001 7:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
>My question is:How in hell can any coffee flavor be left?
I was thinking that was the positive part of the process!
(i'll take my caffein in a can, thank you very much)
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#34222
07/25/2001 12:36 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,400
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,400 |
they don't, decaf-- no matter what the process, leaves beans that brew up into pale insipid dishwater coffee.. I like my coffee rich, strong and dark*-- i mix half french roast columbian with half dark roast-- and use lots of coffee. but i only drink on cup (12 oz) in the AM.. and every once in a while, i give up caffine for a while to detox.
*just like i like my men--but at least i am almost never disappointed with my coffee!
While we are at it-- What is a "regular" coffee round your way? (not at your favorite coffee shop where they might know what you mean when you ask for your regular?)
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#34223
07/27/2001 1:06 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 163
member
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member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 163 |
My favourite ad was on a billboard in the small town of Malakwa located in the interior of B.C. In an attempt at wordplay, a local company, which bottles and sells spring water, called itself Mal-aqua. Not too bright, but undeniably memorable.
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#34224
07/27/2001 1:54 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
"Mal-aqua"?? None for me, thanks! 
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