The Slice: Readers are abuzz about their bean rituals

After saying I was considering becoming a coffee drinker as a way to address morning drowsiness, I asked readers for advice.

What follows doesn’t do justice to the volume, detail and thoughtfulness of the responses. But I want to share a sampling.

“Grind the beans just before you brew.” – Dave Haugen

“Don’t add cream and sugar.” – Kathy Morse

“Please don’t waste your virginal status on Folgers or Taster’s Choice – go for the good stuff.” – Lori Buratto

“If you find yourself resorting to flavored coffees or lattes with multiple enhancements then you’re not drinking coffee anymore and have descended into disguising your addiction with candy.” – Doug Porter

“Make sure anyone you regularly kiss is also a coffee drinker.” – Michael Nelson

“You will want Arabica beans, not robusta.” – Frank Hartigan

“Thou shalt not drink instant coffee.” – Alyssa Swartz

“When shaking hands there is no easy way to differentiate between the coffee jitters and a meth high.” – Donald Burge

“You better have some serious oral hygiene/teeth cleaning procedures in place.” – Fred J. Wagner III

“Do not start.” – Joel Shank

“Who can resist the aromas of coffee, bacon, pancakes and campfire smoke?” – Julie Reid

“There isn’t enough research about the effects of coffee on people who wait until their 50s.” – Maggie Fritz

“There is no such thing as strong coffee, just weak men.” – John Bridge

“Stock paper towels.” – Peter Yocum

“If you choose to buy from a coffee café, plan on remortgaging your home.” – Mary Slinskey

“No coffee for me after 2 p.m.” – Dave Whipple

“Coffee tastes are subjective.” – Hollis Bredeweg

“Have a crisp, cold apple first thing in the morning (instead).” – Sherie Kleven-Jensen

“Get a can of Folgers and a Mr. Coffee and stay away from the fancy stuff.” – Neil Verduin

“There is no good substitute for a good night’s sleep.” – Mike Storms

Today’s Slice question: Ever been referred to as the brains of the operation?