Coffee Tips and Tricks

* First of all, here's Heloise, still going strong after more than fifty years -- on the subject of a "slow" coffee pot:

Dear Heloise:
My coffee maker is getting slower and slower. Could it be the lime deposits in our water, and if so, what can I do about it? Thanks.
Dear Merry:
Hard water probably is the culprit! Especially if you don't have a water softener. However, there is a very easy solution, and it involves my old friend, vinegar! Cheap, safe and green!
Fill the reservoir with straight vinegar, let it go through a brew cycle, then turn off the coffee maker. Put the hot vinegar back in, let sit for about 20-30 minutes, then run through one more time. Run fresh cold water through several times, and you are all set. Don't waste that vinegar! Pour it down the drain to kill bacteria.

* And then there's this: Here are five things to do with the leftover coffee you might have in your pot.  (Never happens here...)

* And here are some things you can do with the leftover grounds. (Got plenty of those!)

* You can go here to find some very interesting hints and tips about adding some pizzazz to your coffee pre- and post-brewing.

*  Then, go here to learn how to do a magic trick that turns a cup of coffee into a cup of coins!

* And if anyone out there learns how to do any of the coffee art tricks below, I gotta hand it to you.  You have more talent, patience, and time on your hands than I do!