Dumb Starbucks premieres in the News

I couldn't believe it when I heard it! Dumb Starbucks. For real. I did a double take when I saw the news report. And they are serving real coffee with the Starbuck's logo. Now what is really up with that? Is this just Starbucks being cleverly stealth and further pushing their brand? Let's check it out to see what we can learn. I'll be back in a few minutes after I do a search online.

Meanwhile, grab a cup of Starbucks coffee and enjoy...or should I say Dumb Starbucks coffee?

Here's what I discovered:

• The original Starbucks was contacted. They claim that "Dumb Starbucks" has nothing to do with the corporation known as Starbucks.
• The owner of the "Dumb Starbucks", Ben Pankokin, released an FAQ on Twitter. Click this link to read it for yourself. Or paste this link into your browser:

 https://twitter.com/benpankonin/status/432554620515131392/photo/1

Here is a copy of the document that the owner claims gives Dumb Starbucks the right to use the real Starbucks logo with the added word prefixed. 

 

As for the new store's owner, he doesn't think the legal issue will be a problem because "Dumb Starbucks" is an obvious parody of "Starbucks". Hold on tight to your seats and watch the news about this rival store using an almost identical logo, cups and store design.

I'm still not convinced that it isn't a clever corporate Starbucks gimmick. I'll post an update on this interesting turn of events regarding my favorite coffee shop. Stay tuned and keep drinking that great coffee!

The Midnight Writer

The corner seat gives the best view

There is just something "safe" and "fun" about sitting in that corner seat of any public coffee shop. Do you understand why I say that? Well, let me explain....

When I go to a public place to drink coffee, I usually like to sit for several hours drinking coffee and writing. It's a social experience, believe it or not. It's a place where I can go to enjoy my favorite hot beverage, type out my thoughts as I have conversations in my mind about stories and characters. The social part is that even though I'm keeping to myself tucked back in the corner, I have the prime seat to observe every one coming and going while I sit out of the way. My table is not in the path of all that foot traffic or in a popular spot by the window where every one wants to sit. No. It's off in the far corner, unnoticed, while I think, create and observe.

The Midnight Writer

The Evolution of the Coffee Shop to Internet Cafe

I am uncertain how the history of coffee shops began so this trail will lead us back in time to discover the first coffee shops. From there, we will trace the evolution of the coffee shop to learn how it went from social setting to internet hub station.

The old fashioned coffee shops or cafes must have been very socially directed. In a time whenever the internet did not exist, I am certain they were the "in" places for creative freelance writers and poets to gather. I envision a very stylish building of superb architecture with furnishings that rival the most elegant styles for the day. The place settings complement the furnishings and decor with an accenting flare. The hosts and hostesses are dressed in their best dress attire. Coffee and teas are served from elegant pitchers into fine china cups with the most notable designs.

Seeking Coffee Shop Stories

If you love coffee as much as I do and if you travel also, then you will understand my love for coffee shops. Hey, they are great places to socialize or to sit and read. I get a lot of work done on the internet with my writing at cafes with free wifi. As a traveler, these special places are priceless to me. I have many experiences that I can share about the dozens of coffee shops that I have encountered in my sixteen years as a traveling peace making freelance writer. But I would like to hear about your favorite coffee shops. If you have a place that you believe would make a great feature story right here on The Midnight Writer's Cafe, then respond in the comment section of this post. You can also email me at themidnightwriter1@gmail.com. I promise I will respond to you quickly.

So pull up those memories and share your favorite coffee shop stories.
Just email me at themidnightwriter1@gmail.com or connect with me on facebook.

Erik Estabrook tells about his first Booksigning

My First Book Signing

Contributed by

Erik Estabrook www.erikestabrook.com

The experience of my first book signing was valuable one. I find it important to note that many poets will never get known unless you hit media outlets or spots where you can have signings, recitals, etc.

I organized my first book signing at Starbucks in Alexandria, Virginia. I was faced with allot of uncertainty in arranging it.

First the possibility of them laughing me out of the building.

Second the fact that you could undersell.

Third the fact that there could be absolutely no interest.

At my first book signing I was approached by a fellow poet who was traveling the country.She was one of the most important contact I've met to this day.She goes by the name the Midnight Writer, and writes stunning poetry. She blogged about me on her site, and we talked throughout the day.

It was at the signing that I learned valuable salesmanship tools. I found that if you ask them to read your book while drinking their coffee and relaxing you just might have a sale, and if you don't you've still met someone.

The Starbucks coffee signing trained me with sales knowledge, people skills, and in the end it just turned out to be a heck of allot of fun. All and all it is not a successful signing if you don't enjoy yourself, enjoy the atmosphere, and the people around you.

ErikEstabrook.com - Homepage

www.erikestabrook.com

Erik Estabrook's Art and Poetry: personal poetry site of published poet Erik Estabrook.

Stay Warm This Winter

Thanks for the guest post by Esteban Vinson


Winter is my favorite season by all! I am happy to see the first snow fall and take long romantic walks with my husband. Now, my husband on the other hand is not a fan of winter. He lives for hot summer days, so keeping him warm during our walks is a top priority. We usually go for walks when the snow stops, which can sometimes be in the middle of the night. It may sound crazy, but being a photographer, I long for the rare opportunities to take unique pictures. I, of course always remember to set my home security alarm from Home-alarm-systems.com/ before leaving for one of our charming walks. A few tips for keeping warm that have worked for me; have as few as possible layers on when inside the home,so that when you layer up to go outside, you will get the best effect and instead of wearing gloves keep your hands in the pocket. I find that keeping my hands in my coat pockets tends to warm them up better then wearing gloves, they are not exposed to cold air as much. Also, remember to walk at a fairly quick pace. The slower you walk in cold weather, the harder it will be for your body to get its temperature up. The faster you go, the warmer you shall be. Hope that helps!

Julia Butterfly presents her poetry at Mendonesia Cafe

This Saturday, January 22, 2011, Julia Butterfly will present her poetry in a very rare appearance at The Mendonesia Cafe in Willits, California. Julia is an activist who loves the earth and its people. Her heart is in her poetry and her writings embrace the experience that made her a heroine and a legend. Julia Butterfly received national attention when she spent 738 days living in a redwood tree. Julia made a powerful statement to encourage people to wake up to the plight of these ancient forests and the earth's environment.

Her perspective about life on this planet fills her writing. If you care about the ancient forests then come to share with Julia as she pours out her heart in words of passion: (excerpt)
"See.....
what we do to the Earth
we do to each other.
And how we treat the Earth
is reflected in how we treat
each other."

Tickets are on sale at the cafe and seating is limited so don't miss this opportunity to share an "intimate evening" with Julia Butterfly. The event runs from 6-10 pm. Get your tickets today at the going price of $20 .

 Call 707-459-1001 or visit The Mendonesia Cafe on the corner of Highway 101 and Commercial street in Willits.

Call this special hotline to get your tickets: 707-354-0994

The Mendonesia Cafe was closed for about one year for reconstruction but has reopened its doors. Musicians are welcome to come play or poets to come recite. Events are in full swing, the coffee is great, the atmosphere is relaxing, the host is friendly and the food is tasty. If you need to use the internet, the Mendonesia Cafe has free wireless for its customers. Entertainment is a big part of this local cafe. Host a private party or a public event. Just call the local number for details and come be part of the small town culture that makes Willits a "must stop" place on your Highway 101 adventure!

The Midnight Writer

Unlike Wine, coffee does not get better with age

I like it hot and fresh. The fresher the coffee, the better the taste. Call me particular and I won't mind. I just love my coffee. Lately, I have experimented with blends like Komodo Dragon, Italian, Starbucks Christmas blend and Espresso roast. My favorite is Komodo Dragon poured as soon as it finishes dripping but I like all coffee even more made pour over style. It just has a rich flavor that nothing surpasses, not even a French press.

Enjoying dinner at Gratzi

Guest post written by Rick Unstead

Gratzi is a wonderful Italian restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While I do not live in Ann Arbor I live just a fifteen minute drive away and rarely eat anything more substantial than quick service food in the city. Last week I finally decided that my girlfriend deserved a real treat. I looked up the menu at Gratzi and found that the food looked extremely unique. I set my new alarm I’d just picked out from some of the home security packages I’d seen online and went to pick my girlfriend up at her apartment. 

We hopped onto  US 23 and drove down to Ann Arbor. The valet parked my car and I tipped him a few dollars. There was no line which was great because I had not made reservations. Our waiter was extremely attentive and made sure we knew what the daily specials were. Our drink orders were relatively simple, just a glass of the house wine for the both of us. The wine arrived extremely fast and our meal order was taken. My girlfriend and I decided that we would split a mixed grill between the two of us. Twenty minutes later it came to the table and was medium rare as we had requested. We were so full after that! The bill came and was surprisingly affordable. I paid and returned my girlfriend home. Overall, I think both my girlfriend and I would enjoy going to Gratzi again.

If I moved to Los Angeles would I like the Coffee Shops?

Recently, my husband Cephas and I contemplated a move to Los Angeles to further some projects and we wondered what it would be like to move to such a big city. I mean, we are coffee fanatics so would we like the coffee shops there? And the whole idea of moving is a little overwhelming but a friend suggested that we call some Los Angeles Movers to handle all the technical aspects of the physical moving. That is a great relief just to think about it.

Find Repair Shops for any Vehicle or Repair

Many makes and models of vehicles inundate the automobile market today so it is increasingly difficult to find auto repair shops that specialize in certain types of vehicles. With the help of a website like Repair Pal, that problem is solved because their all inclusive listings will help you find help for your vehicle at a Los Angeles auto repair or a repair shop located in Brooklyn.

"Scream" martyheartsong

Planning the Perfect Summer Vacation

This is a guest post by Anderson Toms

This year just like every other year I was dreading sitting down for my summer vacation planning! Now that is all done I can honestly say planning may have been the best part, I had a blast looking at all the hotels online, comparing prices and trying to decide exactly where we were going to go!