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Huckleberries Online

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The Coke machine of the future

Shoppers can select from wide selection of Coca-Cola products in Springfield, Ill., Monday Feb. 6, 2006. The Coca-Cola Co., the world's largest beverage maker, reported Tuesday a 28 percent drop in fourth-quarter profit, but beat Wall Street expectations when certain one-time items are excluded. The Atlanta-based company said it earned $864 million, or 36 cents a share, for the three months ending Dec. 31, compared to a profit of $1.20 billion, or 50 cents a share, in the same period a year ago when Coke benefited from an insurance settlement and other matters. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) ORG XMIT: ILSP103 (Seth Perlman / The Spokesman-Review)
Shoppers can select from wide selection of Coca-Cola products in Springfield, Ill., Monday Feb. 6, 2006. The Coca-Cola Co., the world's largest beverage maker, reported Tuesday a 28 percent drop in fourth-quarter profit, but beat Wall Street expectations when certain one-time items are excluded. The Atlanta-based company said it earned $864 million, or 36 cents a share, for the three months ending Dec. 31, compared to a profit of $1.20 billion, or 50 cents a share, in the same period a year ago when Coke benefited from an insurance settlement and other matters. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) ORG XMIT: ILSP103 (Seth Perlman / The Spokesman-Review)

Rest in peace, oh soda jerk: Coke Freestyle elevates individuals to instant mixologists by using a zesty touch-screen system to mix selections from over 100 choices into a custom beverage, all while delivering a geeky high-tech thrill.

It's been called "the fountain of the future," "the most advanced soda fountain ever" and (in a backhanded-compliment kind of way) a path "leading to social ruin." Even Warren Buffett is a fan. But can this thing really deliver? More here.

I dunno. My kids mix and match beverages at every restaurant that has self-serve soda. Do we really need 100+ flavor options? 

Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.