Starbucks update I know, you're probably all waiting for the big roll out of the Starbucks branding on this site. Well, I regret to inform you all that it will not happen. The reasons why are complex and not particularly interesting, but they do involve Radiohead. As you might or might not know, Radiohead was rumored this week to be signing to the Starbucks music label. However, Thom Yorke set everyone straight:

"Radiohead are currently in the studio working on their next record," singer Thom Yorke said in a statement. "They are not negotiating a new record deal with anyone, and will not even consider how to release their new music until the album is finished. The rumor that they are about to sign with Starbucks is totally untrue."

I am here to also declare that the rumors of Cicero Jones signing on with Starbucks are also "totally untrue." Yes, I do admit that I was also the central figure perpetrating those rumors. However, they were just that: rumors. I will not even consider how to release my blogged content until it is totally finished.

In other Starbucks news, BusinessWeek has a must-read: "Saving Starbucks' Soul." Remember my 8 am dessert hypothesis? I think this supports it:

On Apr. 3, Starbucks launches a pair of confections called Dulce de Leche Latte and Dulce de Leche Frappuccino. A 16-oz. Grande latte has a robust 440 calories (about the same as two packages of M&M's) and costs about $4.50 in New York City—or about three times as much as McDonald's (MCD ) most expensive premium coffee. Starbucks Corp. (SBUX ) describes its latest concoctions, which took 18 months to perfect, this way: "Topped with whipped cream and a dusting of toffee sprinkles, Starbucks' version of this traditional delicacy is a luxurious tasty treat."

The article goes on to discuss the process of turning Starbucks from a coffee mecca into morning-time ice cream shop, and the CEO's desire to bring it back to its roots. Good luck, buddy.

And on a different tip, here is probably the funniest, most amazing piece of comedy ever involving Starbucks: Improv Everywhere's "The Moebius":

On Saturday, March 22, 2003 Improv Everywhere agents created a living moebius strip in the Astor Place Starbucks. Seven undercover agents meticulously repeated a five-minute slice of time for twelve consecutive repetitions. Starbucks employees and patrons were frightened, confused, and ultimately entertained as they found themselves stuck, without escape, in the middle of a time loop.

Go check it out, and imagine what you would do if this happened at your local Starbucks.

Labels: Starbucks

  ¶ 9:18 AM