Monthly Archives: March 2011

Starbucks turns 40 and I’ll be drinking…

This morning on Facebook, I posted:
Tomorrow is a big day, as Starbucks unveils a new cup size for iced drinks called the “Trenta”- 31oz. No, I don’t work for SBUX, but I find it funny that technology makes things smaller internally and Starbucks tries to educate us that we need more externally.

While I have been a fan of Starbucks since ’92, I am also aware that since January of 2008 the cRc has been, well, not as into Big Green as I am.

Without getting into links, pdfs, and checklists, my celebration of Starbucks’ newest iced drink size, all 31oz of it, will be low-key, as I run into a building that houses a kiosk.  While SBUX is telling us we need an even bigger sized iced coffee, those who are careful with what they put in their mouths kashurus-wise are using their research to let the public now how limited their choices might actually be.  

I will say, that I survived Starbucks switching from making Frappuccinos out of coffee, sugar, milk and ice to becoming a product I wouldn’t digest.  I survived White Mocha switching from a Kof-K D.E. syrup to something I haven’t ordered in a billion years, and I’ll live with the “checklist”.  I’m curious why the all important checklist hasn’t been circulated among shuls in Chicago, but I’m sure that day will come.  Meanwhile, I pray I have as much passion about my own religious lifestyle as those out there who are passionate about important topics of the day like the decay of morals in society, rampant drug use among teens and adults, sexual predators, kids at-risk, and, oh yeah, what can I drink at Starbucks and where can I buy it.

If your biggest problem is the location of where you can get a drip coffee or an iced Americano then you’re way ahead of me.

Sunday’s Salanter Selection

Photo from here

From Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh (vol 1):
Chazal have said (Sanhedrin 7a) that a judge must imagine that a sword is placed between his thighs (and a small error would be dangerous).  Rav Yisrael Salanter zt”l has said that this applies to each person, for everyone is a judge over himself.

What this means is that, IMHO, just like a dayan’s job is more than just saying that one person is right and one person is wrong.  The job is really becoming a k’li (vessel) for emes (truth).  Our job is to stick to the emes.  It is much easier to judge others.  That same scrutiny with which we view our neighbors has to be applied to ourselves.

Oh Nuts! Blog reader giveaway

Oh! Yeah!!  That right, Oh! Nuts. New York’s premier candy, nuts, and all things yummy headquarters is offing you, my readers, something special… a $30 gift certificate!!!!
Starting now until March 13th at 12:00pm (CST), you can go to their Purim Basket Gift page and choose your favorite Purim Gift and leave a comment on this blog post with the name and url of the gift they love the most.  I will randomly pick a winner and announce the name on my blog on the evening of March 13th at 9:00pm (CST).

If it’s you, then send me your email address and I will let you know how to claim your $30 gift certificate.  It’s that simple.  I warn you, though,  do not look at their website with children around.  Too many good things to see and want.  Click here and see the baskets!!