Forget Me Not

Our barista forgot my order again. I hate to be forgotten and wanted to be mad. But then I had to remember that the coffee was free. So I poured my own drip coffee and stormed out of the lunch room. I didn't want all that sweet foamy gunk anyway.

Trading Fairly Inefficiently

I certainly recognize the tremendous good that has been delivered by the FairTrade brand. Thousands of small scale farmers would not be growing coffee or tea today if not for the price support they received through the FairTrade system. Moreover, cooperatives established under the FairTrade banner have provided security for small farmers who otherwise would be left at the mercy of local exporters. Nevertheless, a dire need exists to improve efficiency of the certification process, decrease administrative costs, and increase transparency. Unfortunately, the tendency for ideology to trump practical strategy has inhibited the FairTrade movement from attaining more of its objectives.

Starboofed

Before I ever went to Japan I read in a guide book that it is considered extremely insulting, especially around the Tokyo area, to count the change a sales clerk gives back. After living in Japan for eleven years I would like to modify that advice.

When making a purchase in Japan, it is extremely important to count the change you receive because:
a) Contrary to their own opinions of themselves, honest Japanese are no more adept at making change.
b) Especially around Tokyo, many clerks seem skilled in the art of short-changing their customers.

I drink coffee, no sissy lattes. And black, no cream or nuthin. When I first came back from Japan and started attending morning Starbuck lines, I assumed that if the barista failed to ask "room for cream?" the default would be to fill the cup to the top. I soon learned that customers must be pro-active in their order instructions for "No room for cream." Even that does not guarantee that your coffee will not start out an inch below the brim, no matter how loud and clear you make the "NO". So now after being handed my paper cup, regardless of how long the line behind me, I always rip off the lid and do not hesitate to ask for all the coffee I paid for.

Thoughtless Criticism

I wanted to write sentences containing such words and phrases as: "FairTrade certification", "engender opacity", "social structures", "anti-market market solutions", and "organization dedicated to creating transparency". But that would take a coherency of thought that was walled off earlier this evening behind some remote sleep centers in my brain.

I Got Blisters On Me Synapses

I have to hurry to get everything done before the caffeine wears off. This can't be good for the synapses, they must be rubbed raw by now.