The plastic must also be flat and smooth for the reading to be accurate, and the object must be brought to the machine (which is not very portable) for analysis, which takes yet more time.

ECONOMIST: Recycling

The roasting must be even, and the grinding process must be finely calibrated so that the resulting coffee allows smooth passage of the hot water that extracts the flavour.

ECONOMIST: Espresso coffee

As it strives for high-performance characteristics, Lexus must be careful not to alienate the customers who have come to prefer its smooth, comfortable ride, Carter acknowledges.

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