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June 26, 2008
Another Reason Starbucks Will Rule The World
I am a bit of a brand junkie. I am not into "labels" in a Sex in the City sort of way, but I love a company that knows how to brand themselves consistently and with brillance. Remember that amazing Gap Swing Ad? I was transported!
Then of course there is my love for all things Apple Computers. My devotion to Honest Tea, the list goes on. Long ago, Starbucks captured my heart with their nutty level of uniformity and their red cups. I haven't been frequenting the 'bucks are often as I did in the past since my employer moved our office to a new neighborhood. Our local shop is no longer on my path from the Metro to the office, and let's face it, Gingerbread Latte Season has been over for quite some time. Today I ventured in, and this is what I found:
Has anyone seen this thing before? It is an ingenious little stirrer that also acts as a cap for you hot beverage lid. My mind is blown! I learn after a little googling that these things have been available in Japan as long ago as 2004. It is about freaking time! I have been watching Washingtonians slop hot Starbucks products on their work wear for Years. This market has been calling out for this invention for use on the Metro alone.
Bless you Starbucks. I guess good things come to those who wait.
Quote of the Day:
Among the numerous luxuries of the table...coffee may be considered as one of the most valuable. It excites cheerfulness without intoxication; and the pleasing flow of spirits which it occasions...is never followed by sadness, languor or debility.
-Benjamin Franklin
June 2, 2008
Some Things Do Not Stand The Test Of Time
I have succumed to many technological advances. The first was the cell phone, followed by my laptop, blogging, TiVo, texting and very recently Facebook (if you can call that a technological advance). Just prior to joining Facebook though, I joined Netflix. I joined not because I hate standing in line at Blockbuster or because I almost never see a film in a Theater anymore that Flounder doesn't want to see as well, but because of peer pressure. My new favorite co-worker shares my taste in film but was horrified by some of the films I hadn't seen like The Notebook & Secretary. Once I signed up I found it very easy to fill the queue with films I had alway meant to watch and others I hadn't seen in ages. Last week The Dark Crystal arrived.
Good Lord is that film terrible. I mean really bad. Who knew that people that brought us The Muppets could display such an awful sense of pacing? I was also stunned by how little I cared about the main characters until I realized that they had dead eyes and no personality. I think Fliven migth kill me for this review, but I can't lie to you. I almost fell asleep. Very Sad.
Come to think of it, a couple of the films I got through Netflix have been less than stellar. The Corpse Bride and The Golden Compass were both disappointing. This is of course not the foult of Netflix. I was pleased by The Illusionist (though The Prestige was better) and Across the Universe. What is still waiting to be watched? I have The Departed and Juno at home right now and another film making it's way to me in a couple days. More to come, including Secretary.
Quote of the Day:
It is my belief that whereas the twentieth century has been a century of war and untold suffering, the twenty-first century should be one of peace and dialogue. As the continued advances in information technology make our world a truly global village, I believe there will come a time when war and armed conflict will be considered an outdated and obsolete method of settling differences among nations and communities.
-Dalai Lama
