Once again it's time for the cool domain of penguin products. As penguin collectors living in an over-indulgent, consumer-obsessed society of the late 20th century, there is a bountiful supply of such waddling icons. Yes folks, we live in a golden age of penguin products. The trick is knowing where to look for the "gems" of the bounty, and The Penguin Post is here to help.

First up, is the Seattle-based Penguin Caffeinated Peppermints, founded just last year by entrepenuers Brett Canfield and Adam Smith. Two guys looking for a way to combine their morning caffeine fix and get that minty fresh feeling all at the same time. In coffee-obsessed Seattle, this can be a priority no less important than Presidential Palaces are to Saddam Hussein. As the little light bulb of inspiration appeared over head, our dynamic duo came up with a super caffinated mint while using a chipper penguin as the logo. A few months and a couple of maxed out credit cards later, the first shipments of Caffeinated Peppermint Penguins began to arrived at Brett's very minty-smelling makeshift warehouse apartment. Today, although still a regional treat, these minty fresh birds are slowly waddling their way across the country. Packaged in a snazzy black and white tin, with a proud caffeine hyped-up penguin front and center, pulling an all-nighter never tasted so good, and felt so refreshing. Interestingly, these seemingly innocuous treats come with a warning not to use while driving or operating heavy machinery. Sounds like the real deal to me. For more information contact: The Penguin Group PO Box 9134, Seattle, WA 98109

"Tuxedos" are an Oreo, Hydrox-like chocolate sandwich cookie, manufactured and sold by Safeway Stores, a suburban supermarket chain found in just about every other shopping mall in the U.S. The package features a spiffily attired penguin, holding a plate of cookies and looking quite happy with himself. The cookies themselves unfortunately don't sport any penguin logo or image, but they were quite yummy, if a bit on the crumbly side. For More Info: Safeway Inc. PO Box 99 Pleasanton, CA 94566

Every once in a while, we come across a penguin product that defies all rhyme or reason, but for reasons known only to ourselves, we just have to have it. I think you know what I'm talking about here. This was the case when I came across El Pinguino spices and condiments at my local bodega. Distributed in mostly Hispanic markets in the northeast U.S, I stumbled upon El Pinguino and immediately felt like I had hit penguin paydirt. Available in large 7-inch containers, I had my choice of oregano, basil and parsley. El Pinguino himself is a classic jolly fellow in the irresistible tradition of Chilly Willy. I couldn't wait to put it front and center on my kitchen condiment shelf for all to see. The only address I have: distributed by C.F.I Jersey City NJ 07304

Classic Product Flashback-
With the demise of Joe Camel and cigarette companies forking over billions in lawsuit settlements, it would be a crime to forget the guy who virtually started it all. The "koolest" smoking huckster of all time, the infamous Kool Penguin. Many decades before Joe Camel was born, this engaging little fella reigned supreme as the spokespenguin for Kool cigarettes. As featured in a past Penguin Post (vol. 2 #2), Mr. Kool was the brainchild of the advertising wizards at Brown and Williamson and soon became equally well known by his first name, Willy, and as familiar a figure as Joe DiMaggio in American popular culture of the 40's and 50's. The Kool Penguin could be found on billboards, posters, countertop stand-up displays, magazine and eventually TV ads. He was soon coupled off with his main squeeze Millie (their marital status was never confirmed) on cigarette lighters, salt and pepper shakers, dozens of Kool promotional items, and even a kids comic book. He was also immortalized as a large outdoor neon display in the Marx Brothers film 'Love Happy'. But the truly egregious version of Willy appeared in the post-war boom years, as he assumed the person of Dr. Kool, the cigarette-prescribing penguin physician, complete with a white lab coat, stethoscope, a medical bag, perscription pad, and of course his pack of Kools. According to David Grant, present day creative director at New York advertizing giant D.M.B.& B., "Dr. Penguin by Kool is still looked upon as one of the most offensive, yet, ingenious campaigns ever." In this guise, the seemingly helpful Dr. Kool would actually prescribe sickly patients to smoke Kools. One classic ad reads, "When you sniffle, cough, kerchoo! You'll find Kools. The smoke for you!" In other ads, Dr. Kool was assisted by nurse Millie in doling out his special brand of nicotine medicine. Dr. Kool figurines, paperweights and other assorted goodies, were even given away to physicians through various promotions to be put on display in their waiting rooms and offices. The reason why today we can find so much Dr. Kool merchandise at flea markets and antique shops is that he was so proliferated throughout our culture for more than twenty years. These days he's just a cute charming collectible from the past. But in may ways Mr. Kool was a wolf in penguins' clothing.