Waiting for my coffee had never been so incredibly dull! I stood in Starbucks and the atmosphere was muggy and the clientele was typical of a North Shore community in Milwaukee County. It was interesting yet slightly creepy how the children of polished parents systematically mirrored their elders in miniature form. Even more strange was the seemingly out-of-place rumble of Harley Davidson motorcycles outside the coffee house. What an odd and misplaced sound this was outside the walls that house the usual buzz of mocha machines galore. Milwaukee is so ridiculously odd in this sense! The privileged upper class wife walks into Starbucks with her Prada sunglasses and Coach bag. She is typically stoic and orders something I could never make let alone repeat while her childrens' eyes grow wide looking at the cakes and muffins for sale. Directly behind her in line are two Harley Davidson riders clad in leather showcasing rough sneers across their faces. The theme, however, is clear: no matter who you are you seem to need to satisfy your hunger for an overpriced coffee. What do I have to say to this? Hogwash! If you are going to spend your money carelessly, why not do it in style?
I am far more entertained by small and independently owned coffee houses than by large corporate chain coffee houses. I am not entirely anti-corporation and I will willingly admit to my passionate love affair with Starbucks' green tea lemonade. But in general if I am going to be overcharged for coffee then I would rather give my money to the upcoming successful independent business owner. Call me a liberal even though I think Obama is a serious git who only knows how to give well-rehearsed speeches. Call me a dreamer and an anti-establishment supporter even though I have happily worked for two large corporations in my lifetime. If you are going to call me anything, friend, please just call me entertained. For I have discovered the wonders of a world with a lot less Starbucks involved.
