On the Side of Life

"It is always better to err on the side of life." - President Bush

This quote comes from a former governor of Texas. A state which is notorious for using the death penalty....at times completely in error!

This quote comes from a guy who sent our men and women in the military into a war under completely false pretenses.

This quote comes from a dude who refuses to consider stem cell research as a viable means for prolonging healthy living.

He knows his ultra-conservative niche and exactly what phrase will maintain his status in the ranks. I'm not saying that I disagree with the quote. Sure it's better to err on the side of life. I'm just saying that this is yet one more example of how Dubya says one thing (that which will keep him in good graces with the crowd that keeps him in office) and completely acts in another direction.

Defending the Tall Non-fat No-Whip Caramel Mocha

We've heard the scenario time and time again. Big nationwide chains move into small towns and destroy local business. Especially in Oklahoma, where the way of Wal-Mart rules the land, small town folk are particularly sensitive. It is no secret around town, that Starbucks will soon occupy one of the empty buildings in downtown Stillwater. My first reaction is to whine and complain about the "man" taking over this humble community and to fear for the future of my favorite local coffee shop (Aspen). Truthfully though, I will have a hard time supporting Aspen with the alternative available. I know that many consider Starbucks an evil empire, but since I have two of my very best friends employed there faithfully, I have recently been forced to consider what truly makes for a successful business plan.

First of all, Starbucks treats their employees extremely well. They receive healthcare plans even when only part-time, and the have retirement plans and stock available. Secondly, a key to Starbuck's success is their consistency. I don't know how many times I've walked into a small, privately owned coffee shop and placed an order for a tall non-fat hazelnut mocha and walked away with something like a latte or whole milk instead. I don't think employees at other coffee shops even know not to let a shot of espresso die. When I pay four dollars for a drink I like to at least believe that I'm getting something close to what I ordered.

I don't really know what the future holds for Aspen but I can certainly attest to one truth. If they don't figure out how to make a good, consistent drink soon, the consumer loyalty will quickly evaporate when the residents of Stillwater are given a better choice. I’ve been going to Aspen for 6 years now and even spent more time there than at my own home in college a couple of years. I’ll have a hard time going back though, when Starbucks is around. I wish Aspen luck. Anyways, who does that owner think he is? Walking around in his latest Patagonia jacket with matching tevas...I know so many guys that could kick his little rear on the slopes or up Joshua Tree or in a tri-athelon and they aren’t nearly so presumptuous. What a chump.

Overall, I think the moral of my story is that if I have written an entire blog about coffee, maybe I should lay off and just drink water for a while. That’s all.

Riding a Mile in Someone Else's Pedals

I may be stooping to a new low with this blog because I'm going to take the next few minutes of your time ranting about something I know nothing about, and complaining on someone else's behalf. If you are afraid, turn back now.

On my monthly drive through the OSU campus today (I like reminiscing about my roots); I noticed a very disturbing sign at every crosswalk on Monroe. It said Please Walk Bike on Crosswalk or something of that nature. I’ll admit that I haven't ridden a bike since sixth grade. My parents made me wear a helmet and the girls at school made fun of me for being a nerd (prepubescent girls can be such witches!). Even though I don't have experiential reasoning behind my thoughts, I still find this sign very disturbing. If there is one biker friendly place left in the U.S., it should be the college campus. I understand the reasoning behind making bikers walk the crosswalk, as I have had a friend actually get hit by a car, but I think making them dismount is a huge overcompensation. Maybe we should consider signs that just say Slow Down and Look Both Directions. Or maybe that's just common sense. Regardless, I think that it's a stupid rule that wont last long if students who ride bikes stand up and unite. Or maybe it's not even that big of a deal. Since I don't ride bike's I really have no clue. I just enjoy complaining.