my connection with the tea party

[eppie]

Sadly they sell all these flavoured 'teas'.....making it exactly the same as starbucks......a tea place for people that don't like tea.

They have a bulk selection too. But, I agree the flavored teas are for the barbarians. I have to admit though, I do like Chai.

My wife's usual Starbucks order she calls the "Why bother?" -- Double decaf skinny latte. If I get a Starbucks, it's usually a "Depth charge", because I need it.

I found the starbucks thing a very interesting phenom. I have seen huge changes since I visited the US for the first time. Before starbucks became really big. You got huge cups of coffee (some 15 cm high) and you could still see the bottom. It was clear that the US needed someone who could make a good cup of coffee. Then Starbucks came and became very popular (not using the nicest business tactics of course) forcing many of the nice american style diners where you can get that great breakfast. out of business.

The ironic thing about this whole transformation is that it is not the normal black coffee (filter or espresso) that is driving the business but all their special coffee products.

* I am a purist. I think everyone that uses milk and/or sugar in their coffee should go to prison.