But, this is my civic duty, so I'm there. Besides, the bastards threatened to take away my espresso machine.
We have a short 15 minute break everyday, between the murder, theft, burglary, assault and other misfortunes that unfold in that room. We had a particularly long day today and as we took our break, I noticed that the woman to my left and a man two seats from me did not leave, but rather started pacing the room. I got up to stretch my legs, making chit chat with the two. This is how it went:
Woman: I'm dying for a cup of coffee
I: There is a big coffee vending machine outside our deliberation room - you have 15 minutes, go get a cup.
Woman: What planet are you from? Have you tasted that coffee??? It tastes like crap in a paper cup. Have you heard of Starbucks? I can't drink that *it.
I: I had no idea it was so bad.
Woman: Yeah, I can't keep up for two more hours like this.
Man in blue shirt: I'm going to pickup a thermos at Starbucks tomorrow. Man, I could use a tall Mochachino right now.
I: any of youse can break a five dollar bill for me?
Woman: What do you need it for?
I: I want to get a cup of coffee.
Woman: Where from?
I: That vending machine outside.
Woman: What's wrong with you? Didn't you hear what I just said? It's crap !!
I: Oh I heard you alright, I just wanted to hear it again

That coffee vending machine remained idle for a week. 23 people and not even one cup.
So what did I learn from that incident? That whole dialogue could not have been possible six years ago. In less than a decade, Starbucks managed to reprogram America's coffee preference and, I can't believe I'm saying this, raise it a few notches. There is a great opportunity to raise it a few more notches, but this will not be done by Starbucks. I think that we are going to see more and more small boutique coffee houses that sell quality in the coming years, and notice a slowdown in Starbucks' expansion.