Discount brew at the Green Machine · Thursday January 24, 2008 by colin newell
Starbucks is testing $1 coffee and free refills in its Seattle outlets as the global specialty coffee chain grapples with a downward trend in consumer spending and rising competition from fast-food rivals like McDonalds.
It seems that their share price is now half of what it used to be. Chances are this is more an indicator of investor jitters than anything else. It is not like the quality of their coffee has gone down hill or anything – because it hasn’t.
Combine that with a healthier new attitude about fat and calories and the result is – The classic Vente Mocha with extra whip is not getting ordered as often as it once was.
So. Starbucks has Howard Schultz back in the chief executive saddle. It also said it’s closing under-performing U.S. outlets to speed up international growth.
Times they are indeed a changing.
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Looking inward adlib number one · Thursday January 24, 2008 by colin newell
Ok. Stream of consciousness blog entry based on what passed through my brain first.
CBC Website reveals “After interviewing hundreds of witnesses, Vancouver police have no clear suspect descriptions following what they describe as the latest targeted shooting death to occur outside a restaurant in the city.”
The restaurant is Gotham Steakhouse in Vancouver.
From my perspective, the most gauche joint in town and the most likely (for regular folks like me) to find suspiciously rich people inside. You know, like going to a Canucks game – which is something that I have done in the last 6 months (and will again in one month…)
Canucks Games: Where people go to be seen – they are rich folks right? You have to be rich to see the games regularly – or have several hundred dollars to toss IF and ONLY IF you are in town and your other expenses have been covered… because if they are not you are looking at a 400$ evening for a game of ice and puck.
Anyway. Shooting at (I am sorry, Outside of…) Gotham Restaurant.
“Would you like a Potato with your 21 ounce Kobe, Sir?”
Actually, I see a surgeon over in the corner… Maybe I can get my quad bypass now and save the time eating.
Shooting. 2 dead guys. 1 horrified fiancé wearing a tiara. A lot of shocked and confused bystanders not entirely sure who or what shot whom.
I still love Vancouver. Vancouver has always had gangsters and want-to-be gangsters, hoodlums, hooligans, thugs and otherwise arrogant and self-important wankers. Every city has them. Maybe Vancouver has more per capita.
Will I stop going there? Hell no. I respect the ability of professional killers to safely hit their targets and leave us innocent and law abiding citizens the heck alone.
Case dismissed.
Looking South Part 1 · Thursday January 17, 2008 by colin newell
My wife and I are watching with rapt attention the unfolding of the democratic process… ah, South of the border.
And like a Mongoose whose eyes are locked on the Cobra, with unflinching attention…
We watch. And listen. And read.
Rinse and repeat.
So – in this the first of a multi-part blog/rant on the subject of the American election experience (for those just joining us, we are Canadians living in Canada – Top that!) I will be giving my readers an escorted tour of my, sometimes confused, interpretation of this most unusual ritual.
Primaries. Caucuses. Super Tuesday?
What does it all mean?
And seriously – what is the difference between what the Republicans are offering the World versus the Democrats?
Well. Let’s start by diving in to some of the current craziness… candidate by candidate.
Mike Huckabee – Republican candidate:
[Some of my opponents] do not want to change the Constitution, but I believe it’s a lot easier to change the constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God, and that’s what we need to do is to amend the Constitution so it’s in God’s standards rather than try to change God’s standards,” Huckabee said, referring to the need for a constitutional human life amendment and an amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.”
What the #%$@*? Can anyone spell American Taliban? Can anyone say Theocracy?
I think Huckabee’s candidacy for American Mullah is now pretty much toast. And it’s a good thing.
Good day to you Sir!
Victoria realty expressions explained - part 2 · Wednesday January 9, 2008 by colin newell
The Calgary Herald reads… “A Victoria real estate agent is in a U.S. jail charged with assaulting two male flight attendants after they refused him more alcohol on a flight to Miami, forcing the pilot to divert the flight to Denver.
Russell William Petrie, 30, is also charged with “unlawful sexual contact” for slapping a woman on the buttocks when she walked past his seat, according to an FBI affidavit.”
“Petrie is to appear in Colorado district court today. He faces up to 20 years in jail and a $250,000 fine for “interference with flight attendants” and a maximum two years and a $250,000 fine on the sexual contact count.”
Which leads us to our second chapter on Victoria Real-estate expressions…
- Nice Bones. This house is solidly built and with 250,000 dollars or so and ten years of reno, should fix up nicely.
- Shagadelic. A suitable crash pad for you and your dozen college buddies.
- Mile High Club. Spectacular views of… the Gate House.
- Bunk mate. You will need a rich room mate to pay the mortgage on this place.
- The Big House. 12 Small bedrooms, 12 small bathrooms, 1 giant living room and free weights in the Activity Yard.
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