Now that the wintery weather is finally here, I’d like to sing the praises of the simplest and most useful

beverage known to humankind: the mug of hot water.

Simple, inoffensive, and warm, the mug of hot water simulates tea but without the caffeine. It’s an excellent

mid-morning or nighttime beverage. Anything requiring serious thought or intense focus finds an strong

accompaniment in hot water. Your reflections will be lent an air of hard asceticism, which is especially

important if you are trying to scare away people you don’t like. The cup of hot water has been variously

know as “delicious,” “boring,” or, “the intern’s fire place.” The last name especially reflects its excellent

double use as a hand-warmer.

Best of all, it’s free!

-Mark