> This degenerate concoction sets a new
> record for distancing itself from all that we here hold dear.

Well my favorite real tea is dragon's well though this group is
starting to turn me on to pu-ers. However I have found that neither of
these travel very well from class to class in a thermos because they
are only drinkable in a narrow temperature range and are best enjoyed
in the comfort of my dorm room. However, since as I said I am doing the
lightweight rower thing for spring I'd like to have something to sip on
throughout the day. Masala chai (brewed in water as a tea, not the real
kind) would be a good option but I find that after a pot or so it
starts to upset my stomach. So this is why I am interested in Mate,
however if it has just as many calories as soda or hot chocolate then
obviously there isn't really any point.