Marketing and all things related

We love Starbucks coffee more than the next pundit. Starbucks really doesn’t love us, because we drink our java black without caramel, banana, chocolate, milk, foam cheese whiz or other ingredients. We also don’t buy CDs, DVDs, scones, mints or other nonsense at Starbucks. And, even though we would love to help Starbucks celebrate their 35th anniversary—we are not going to download and listen to Starbucks podcasts. But—hey—don’t let our sour attitude dissuade you from sucking down one of those foamy Frappuccinos and listening to a four-episode podcast series called Coffee Conversations. We are also told that the anniversary celebration includes in-store parties where customers can learn to taste coffee “as if they were wine connoisseurs.” Now we’re talking. But remember folks, there is no cheese whiz at a coffee tasting. You can learn more from Promo Magazine. Oh, and Starbucks, we are just making fun—you can still invite us to the coffee tasting, and we promise to behave.