Starbucks

I've spent some time in various Starbucks establishments recently since I have no office when I'm in the city. Here are a few observations:

- I've said it a million times before: They over roast their coffee beans. This makes everything taste consistently burnt. I hate it.

- Don't even get me started on their pricing.

- Well, OK... First, the should-be: Coffee $0.60, water $0, gum $0.50, brownie $1.00 - total $2.10. Now, the reality: Coffee, water, gum, brownie >$8.

- Bathrooms are free and open for all. This is a mixed blessing, I assure you.

- In a related note, you can loiter here just about all day. I'm pretty sure I could get away with it even if I didn't buy their crappy coffee. The secret is looking like you belong there. Don't sheepishly hide from the manager. You're supposed to be there. He's just lucky I don't report him to Starbucks corporate for his attitude.

- Don't pay for their Internet access. If you're in a big city, believe me, there's free wireless Internet access everywhere.