Something Really Smart is Going on Here

Again, a Postrel article on design and how we are demanding more fluid and flexible designs - as opposed to conformity.

Also, this article on Starbucks donating coffee to the soldiers. I used to scoff at Starbucks a little bit, a symbol of globalization, mass market capitalism running the small coffee shop out of business, overcharging for coffee, making it too strong for my taste. I still have some of these issues, but goddamit, if I don't love those Gingerbread Lattes, I wish they didn't cost so damn much.

BUT...Starbucks has also been the most reliable donator of coffee and snacks to student films. It also has opened up stores in cahoots with Magic Johnson in poorer areas of Los Angeles. Homeless folks in LA drink Starbucks...better and nicer coffee, I bet, than the Saudi Royal Family drinks.

It all reminds of one of my first blog posts here, about the Starbucks near USC. Starbucks is probably doing more good than all the little coffee shops in the world and who really knows if they're putting them out of business.