Others are left somewhere in the middle, still craving an original chicken sandwich but reluctant to subject themselves to the scrutiny of friends and colleagues, like my co-worker.

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KFC's "Buckets for the Cure" initiative boasts a bright pink website, packed with breast cancer facts, survivor stories and a pledge to donate 50 cents from each specially branded pink bucket of their grilled or Original Recipe chicken to Susan G.

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For me that forbidden temptation is a bucket of hot, greasy, Kentucky Fried Chicken, original recipe.

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According to market researcher The Marketing Arm, original, modern mascots like the Chicken and the Philadelphia Phillies' Phillie Phanatic score the most recognition and resonance with fans.

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No matter that it wasn't authentic, as I later discovered on the banks of the Aragvi River, in a small cafe in Mtskheta, Georgia, where I finally tasted chicken tabaka in its original form.

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And so the other night, I drove by the window of the local KFC and ordered a three-piece chicken meal, all dark, original recipe, with coleslaw, beans and a root beer.

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Not long ago I drove by the window of the local KFC and ordered a three-piece Kentucky Fried Chicken meal, all dark, original recipe, with coleslaw, beans and a root beer.

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