You know, I've noticed that too. Why is it that only people on the coasts know the proper strength of coffee? Weak coffee in the Midwest...there's a reason for it, at least "up nort'". Where I grew up (outside Green Bay, WI), most adults drank coffee all the time. I mean, like four or five pots a day. If the stuff was full strength, you'd probably explode. So you water it WAAYYYY down, and you can drink all you like. Same thing goes for light beer...most of the guys I know who still live there can put away a 12-pack of Old Stale Light and not even feel it. 'Course, they've also had 27 cups of coffee, which helps balance it all out. Rob