Just a few years ago, the road to riches was clear. We could all sit on our porches drinking mint juleps while our houses appreciated 30% a year.

Its high-priced coffee drinks have names like Iced Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha and Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino.

We could all sit on our porches drinking mint juleps while our houses appreciated 30% a year.

Other gadgets that nearly made it to Beijing include bicycles with coolant in their handlebars and energizing "relaxation" shoes that give off a waft of peppermint with every step.

But remember to have swallowed this before you start kissing, or your partner will be very surprised, particularly if they don't like mint.