Stale

Ah, shucks; Miller Lite sales are as flat as Miller Lite itself.

Miller Brewing Co. saw another year of flat sales of its staple beer Miller Lite, as drinkers continue trade "Miller Time" for pricier brews and wines.

Wouldn't it be encouraging if the United States were emerging from the long national nightmare that is the era of crummy, mass-marketed beer-like beverages?

"The overall focus is on strengthening the brand portfolio and migrating it into the higher- margin growth areas of the market," Mackay said. Shepard said that's one area where Miller, with about 18 percent of the U.S. market, has lagged behind its competition. "Anheuser-Busch has been fiercely competitive in that market," he said. "Miller doesn't participate in the high end as much as they would like to."

High end? Miller? That's like lamenting the lack of upscale double-wides. Along with terrestrial radio and the SSR, Miller shouldn't let the door hit its ass on the way out. There will be no tears on our deck, for we have other designs on brewed refreshment.