After 8 to 10 years, my trusty 2 litre Thermos brand flask has died, and it is such an essential part of my every day that I am picking up 2 new ones later today. Will I bury it with solemnity, or keep it for the spares of its stopper and cup, as well as a back up in emergencies, where it will hold heat for a few hours? Answer: the latter.