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Beans Around the World Frequently Asked Questions (or, as we like to call it, BATW-FAQ. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?) Last Updated April 2008 Q: So where's the new stuff? I've been waiting like, FOREVER. A: The beans have been forced to take a short hiatus. They've been busy lately, but they're trying pull their little bean heads out every now and then for fresh updates. Q: You mean you're giving up on the frijoles? Say it ain't so! A: No, no, no. It's nothing that drastic. We just needed some time off, but we're back, and we're ready to roll. Q: Okay, then when will you be back with some fresh stuff? A: Patience is a virtue that should not be overlooked, young grasshopper. Trust me. Q: So what should I do with all my free time in the meantime? A: Write a letter to someone you love. Try out some new black bean recipes. Clean your room. Build a shrine to the frijoles. Behave yourself. Q: So, why beans? A: For the complete explanation, click here. Q: Seriously, though. Why beans? A: Okay, okay. Three reasons. One, they are portable. Two, they're universal - everyone likes beans. Three, they're a whole lot funnier than hauling a can of carrots around. Carrots would be just dumb... Q: There must be more to it than that. A: Not really. It's a little joke that got carried away and became what it is. Besides, admit it - isn't there something strangely fascinating about seeing the same object turn up in places all over the world? The can of beans joke has traveled at least 400,000 miles on 6 continents. I'll never have a chance to see half of the places that the can has. Q: Is it the same can of beans in every picture? A: 'Fraid not. There are so many great places in the world to visit that logistically this isn't possible. Besides, the original can is dented pretty hard (the trip to the Philippine islands wasn't all that smooth...), and I think it would be best for everyone involved if 11 year old beans didn't come spilling out of a broken can. Q: So where is the original can now? A: It is semi-retired, and enjoying a life of slot tournaments, discounted buffets, outlet mall discount shopping, and blackout bingo in the Portland, Oregon area. Every once in a while though it'll stick its head out for some fun, as it did at Timberline Lodge in fall 2002 or to Cody, Wyoming in the summer of 2003. Q: How many cans are out there? A: Well, the fine people at S & W Foods must make a lot of these things, wouldn't you think? But in respect to BATW, there are several dozen cans currently floating around that I know of, and possibly a many more. One can is on the bottom of the Bering Sea, thanks to a mishap in Alaska, and a couple of other cans are enjoying warmer weather under the Caribbean sea. There are also several cans that are currently outside the U.S., although I'm not quite sure how many exactly. Q: I noticed there is a new gold label. I'm used to the blue one. Which label is "correct?" A: Complete details on S&W's label redesign are found here. Since it's still S&W Black Beans inside, either the original blue label or the new gold label will work. Q: Okay. Which label is "preferred"? A: Well, we'll always be partial to the original blue, since that's what we started with. But I suspect that over time the new gold one will grow on us. Q: Do I need to replace my blue labeled can with the new gold label from now on? A: It's up to you. Keep using the blue label if you're happy with it, or upgrade to the gold one if you you'd like. Personally, I'll probably keep my traveling blue can with me, mainly because it's been with me for years. But when his label wears out, then I'll probably upgrade him to label 2.0. Q: Can I take the new gold can to places where the blue can has already been? A: Again, it's up to you. But try to find something fresh to say about the locale - it may be new beans, but it's the same ol' tourist attraction. Q: What does the original can of beans think about all of this new golden label? A: Well, you know how older vegetables can be set in their ways and all. But as we all know, deep down they've always wanted to be gilded. And since it means that S&W Black Beans will shine even brighter on the store shelves, then they think it's pretty cool. Q: Is every picture authentic? A: Except for the picture of W. holding the can, as far as I know they are. It would be really easy to make phony pictures, ala All your base are belong to us... photos, but where's the sport in that? I did post the one fake one though, mainly because it cracked me up. Q: Did you know all of the Ambassadors beforehand? A: No - that's the great thing about the Internet. I've heard from literally hundreds of people from all over the globe with questions, feedback, and photos. It takes a great sense of humor and a willingness to be seen in public holding beans to play along, but for those who do, the personal reward is overwhelming. I am truly honored to have made so many friends and to have people join in. Q: How do I become a bean Ambassador? A: For the time being, we're not taking any new submissions. But once we do, full details of how to play along are found here. Q: Have you ever had trouble trying to cross a border with them? A: So far, so good. They've made it to Iraq, China, Taiwan, Holland, Ireland, and the Philippines as checked luggage without any trouble, and they've been in and out of Canada enough times to make me think it'll be okay just about anywhere. Because these are vegetarian beans, are sealed tight in a can, and contain no pork, there shouldn't be any trouble into countries with strict dietary restrictions. Q: What if I'm nervous about trying to declare a can of beans at Customs? A: Simple - take the label off the can, and then wrap it around a can of anything. Or print a label and use that. Both methods work well. Sometimes this works out even better in places where metal isn't allowed, like the Taj Mahal in India. Q: What precautions should I take with today's heightened security? A: Before September 11, 2001, I used to take my can onto airplanes as a carry-on, but not any longer. With the tough new security measures in place at the airports, I highly recommend that you either put the can in your checked luggage, or just take a label. I personally have flown with the beans in my checked suitcase several times over the past few years without any problems. Q: Where can I find S&W® brand black beans> A: Why, they're available in finer supermarkets everywhere! Okay, not quite everywhere. I've had the most luck finding them on the West coast of the U.S., although I've heard from Ambassadors who've picked them up in places such as Texas and New York City. So check with your local MegaMart, and see if they have them. And if not, then it's time to start bugging the store manager. Q: I can't find S & W® brand black beans in my home town. What should I do? A: Let me know, and I'll see what can be done. I'll never let something as simple as interstate commodity distribution stand in the way of a good laugh. S & W's seem to be mainly available on the West coast of the U.S. But the easiest way to get around this is to just download a label. It's free, it's easy, and it save a ton in shipping fees. Q: How can I send pictures to you? A: If you have a digital camera, send them in .JPG format to us at photos@beansaroundtheworld.com. If you don't have a digital camera, you can scan them and send them as an e-mail attachment, or if you don't have a scanner, you can send the photos through the mail. Drop me a note and I'll be happy to answer any questions about getting photos to us. If you would like your photos returned, I'll be glad to do so. Just let me know. Q: What should I include in my picture? I don't know what to photograph. A: Every city has something unique about it. Include the city sign name, a local landmark such as a statue or building, or whatever it is that makes your hometown special. When on vacation/holiday, look for anything unique, such as tourist traps, or something that has a taste of the local culture or flavor. You'll be surprised what you can find out there. When you send in your photos, include any local details or experiences. Details help bring the picture alive. Please - keep your photos creative and interesting. I have lovely picture from Miami, Florida that I've never posted because it's just the beans sitting on top of a Coke machine at the motel. No skyline, no beach, no city sights. Just a vending machine telling us that "Coke is it!" Yawn. If the picture is too generic, I probably can't (and won't) use it. One source that I have used to help find bizarre-yet-cool places is Roadside America, which lists hundreds of ideas, broken down by state. The guys behind this site also have a book of the same name, which I also highly recommend. Q: Can I photograph myself/my friends with the beans? A: As long as they don't mind being part of the BATW legacy, it's fine with me. Be sure to include their names with your submission. The more, the merrier. Q: Do I have to list my real name? A: It's up to you. You certainly wouldn't be the first one to use a nom de plume. I make it a rule though to never give out anyone's personal information to anyone else. So don't ask. Q: What is your e-mail policy, if I write to you? A: We here at BATW welcome your letters, comments, suggestions, and recipes. And I promise you the following three things: I will try to write back to you, as soon as possible. It's only polite. I will NEVER add you to any mailing lists - I hate junk e-mail just as much as you do. I will not give or sell your e-mail address to anyone else. That's just plain tacky. Q: I'm a teacher. Can I use your site in my class? A: Absolutely! I've actually heard from several teachers who use the site to help their classes learn geography. Feel free to use any of the pictures or content as you see fit, but keep in mind that some of my comments should be taken with a really large grain of salt... In the quest for humor, us writers tend to embellish a tad. Q: I'm a student. Can I use your site in my homework? A: Go for it! Beans should qualify as an instant "A", shouldn't they? Q: Bummer - the beans have already been to my hometown. A: But that's okay -- there is always SOMETHING out there worth photographing the beans with. For example, the beans have been to New York City, and we have great shots from the Statue of Liberty, but we could still use photos from Brooklyn, the Brooklyn bridge, etc... The possibilities are endless. Q: Has anyone ever stopped you and asked, "What in the world are you doing?" A: Three times, and only within the last few years. Once locally, and once while in New York City, where the question was posed as "Hey, what's with the f***in' beans?" It always amazes that people watch what I do, but never ask... Some of the BATW Ambassadors have reported being stopped, though. An easy way to get to know people and explain what's going on is to pass out Bean cards. They're free, so if you'd like some, drop me an e-mail. I'll send you a handful. Q: Are you ever embarrassed to take the pictures? A: Me? Never. I've done this for so long now that it just doesn't faze me any longer. My daughter, however, used to feign mortification at the thought of her father humiliating her in front of some cute guy by pulling out the beans. I can hear her now: Daaaaaa-aaaad!!! But now that I'm a grandfather, I've got a whole new generation to humiliate. Q: Where would you like to see the beans to go next? A: There are so many cool places in the world that it really doesn't matter. Ultimately, the international space station would be the coolest, but I'm pretty sure that the odds of NASA ever approving that one are nil... besides, they'd probably want to pay $1,500 for a can. Celebrity photos are always very popular...living or dead. (See Jimi Hendrix's tribute for a perfect example...) Q: Have the beans ever met any celebrities? A: Their biggest coup to date has been an afternoon spent with the cast of Trading Spaces. They've also met a Heisman Trophy winner, an ESPN sports commentator, a few hydroplane drivers, some hockey players, and several wax replicas of famous folks. Oh, yeah -- and then there's the Naked Cowboy of Times Square, who is consistently one of the most popular photos on the site. Q: Do you have a "wish list" of places you'd like photos from? A: Sure. For 2007, if I had to make a dream list, domestically (and in no particular order) I'd like photos from: The Playboy Mansion (Beans & bunnies???) Hershey, PA Rattlesnake Roundup - Atwater, TX The Big Pig Jig - Vienna, GA Aspen, Colorado Baltimore, MD On the "Millennium Force" roller coaster at Sandusky, OH North Pole, Alaska Nome, Alaska Memphis in May BBQ Cookoff Kellogg's Cereal City USA - Battle Creek, MI Charleston, SC Ocean City, MD Branson, MO Lake Tahoe, CA/NV Atlantic City, NJ Wisconsin Dells, WI Internationally, here's my dream list (subject to change!): Aruba Moscow - Red Square Tokyo, Japan The Great Barrier Reef Loch Ness, Scotland Stonehenge Antarctica (the only continent they haven't been to) Cannes Film Festival - Cannes, France Montego Bay, Jamaica Tahiti The pyramids of Egypt Marrakech, Morocco Cape Town, South Africa Beijing, China Bali, Indonesia Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam Sydney, Australia New Zealand Antwerp or Brussels, Belgium Copenhagen, Denmark Liverpool, England Athens, Greece Budapest, Hungary Leaning Tower of Pisa - Pisa, Italy Venice, Italy Luxembourg Oslo, Norway Warsaw, Poland Lisbon, Portugal Madrid, Spain Stockholm, Sweden Q: Have you ever received pictures that you can't use? A: A few years ago I did receive some rather explicit photos from New Orleans - images that will curl your hair. While they were...aerobic, to say the least (I didn't know normal people could bend that way while balancing a can of beans...), you won't find them on the site. Sorry. It's my goal to keep this site fun for the whole family - I'd rather not have to explain to my dear, sweet, ol' mother why there are naked women on my Web site. I also have unused photos from a certain grassy knoll and book depository in Dallas that I deemed "un-bean like". I've also turned down offers for pictures from places where the beans really wouldn't be that funny - Columbine High School, the Oklahoma City Federal building memorial, places like that... Also, see my note about the Coke machine in Miami above. Q: What about other controversial locations? A: The thing to remember is that the beans are fun. If the beans turning up somewhere is likely to cause someone pain, then it's best that they stay away. For example, the beans were recently in Manhattan, where they had a blast. But when I went down to the World Trade Center site, I didn't take the beans with me. They just didn't belong there. Use common sense, remember that it is all in fun, and you'll have a great time. Trust me. Q: What is Beans Around The Graveyard? A: Beans Around The Graveyard is our online tribute to celebrities and/or famous people who have gone onto bigger and better things in the Entertainment Capital in the Sky. A majority of our featured celebrities passed away not from natural causes, but from a body overloaded with chemical stimulants. If you know where a famous stiff is buried, by all means take the beans out to pay their respects. We have three U.S. Presidents in our BATG club so far, so keep in mind that Presidential libraries are good places to visit, too. Just don't get busted by security, okay? I have two humble requests for BATG submissions: As snide as this may sound, please keep it within the boundaries of "good taste"... For example, a memorial to a dead rock star who drowned in a pool of his own vomit is one thing, but the grave of a murdered kid is not cool... Please, remember where you are - don't trample the others around you, don't leave a mess, and for Heaven's sake, don't steal the flowers. I thank you, and the beans thank you. Q: So you've been doing this for what - 12 years now? Haven't you beaten that dead horse enough? A: Nah. As long as there are fresh photos and new places for the beans to go, the game will live on. Q: Do you have a life that doesn't involve black beans? A: Sure I do. I'm a moderately successful writer, I know more about Disney than most people would ever care to dream about, and I've got a very understanding and loving family that tolerates my occasional eccentricity. Life is good. Q: What are your favorite pictures so far? A: To be honest (and not just a suck-up), I like them all. But my personal favorites have been the China shots, which started it all, the Hollywood, CA pictures, which were just surreal to take, Las Vegas, the Trading Spaces photos, and of course anything Disney-related. The Graceland pictures were pretty cool, and anything from outside the U.S. is always treasured. Q: Now that you mention it, I've been meaning to ask you - what's with all of the Disney references? A: You got me there. In addition to being a man of beans, I'm also a big fan of the Mouse. I was a Disney Cast Member not too long ago, and even won The Disney Store's National Trivia Showdown in 1999. So anything Disney is cool in my book. Q: Which pictures have been the most popular? A: The top 20 for March 2008, in order of hits: Weeki Wachee Springs - Weeki Wachee, FL Graceland - Memphis, TN Chuck E. Cheese's - All Across America! Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum - Times Square (Part 1) Guam Orange County Choppers - Rock Tavern, NY Disneyland - Anaheim, CA Mike the Headless Chicken - Fruita, CO Spokane, WA Greenfield, IN Bohol, Philippines University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX On the Road to Daytona Bike Week 2005 - Central Florida Cabela's - Owatonna, MN Red Wing, MN Fantasyland - Disneyland, USA 2007 Ocean City, NJ Minneapolis, MN Mojave Airplane Graveyard Part II Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia Q: So... What does S & W have to say about you doing this? A: To be very honest, I've never directly heard from anyone at S & W Fine Foods, or their parent company, Del Monte. Now, I say "directly", because I did receive a message one time that I'm convinced was from an employee of theirs, but since they weren't representing the company in their e-mail, I can't prove it... But in the end, I hope that the nice people at S & W are at least a little honored by the site. I keep the site family-friendly, I don't accept advertisements, and God knows I'm certainly not making a cent off of this... So hopefully they're cool with it. S & W does have a Web site of their own, but for some odd reason, they don't have a link back here to us... Go figure. :) Q: Why S & W brand black beans? A: Here is the truth, although it ain't that exciting: When I bought the original can of beans way back in 1993, the S & W label had the best picture of black beans on it. That's it. There's no deep hidden reason. Q: You've hauled this can of black beans everywhere - do you like to eat them, too? A: Sure, but I photograph more than I eat. Although when we were kids they always told us "Don't play with your food!", this is one time where an exception is allowed. If you've never tried a can of S & W black beans, by all means, give it a try... they're pretty tasty. Q: Any closing thoughts? A: Just one: If the world can come together over something as trivial as a traveling can of black beans, just think what we all can do if we really try. (Wow, that was deep!) Thanks for being a part of Beans Around The World history!!!