The contamination occurred because Source Perrier had failed to change carbon filters that removed those impurities.

The question: What is it about these legendary entertainments that has made them a veritable Source Perrier for comic spritzes?

BSN began a $1.1 billion bid for Source Perrier's parent.

Source Perrier is the mineral-water giant based in France.

Source Perrier, the Paris-based parent company, said world stocks of the mineral water totaled 160 million bottles and were worth $70 million.

Source Perrier, purveyors of the elixir water, has unleashed a torrent of home furnishings, from hurricane lamps to napkins embroidered with, yes, ginkgo leaves.

Although the orginal contamination was not health-threatening, Source Perrier voluntarily recalled all of its water.

In a separate statement clearly directed at shareholders, Source Perrier said it expected its losses from the contamination problem to be less than $35 million.

It seems almost certain that Nestle will win its battle with the Agnelli family for control of Source Perrier.

Source Perrier rushed to reassure consumers that it had dealt with the problem.