Starbucks Raises Prices

So it's a hot summer day in the middle of July and your eye catches the shimmering green letters on the facade of a small, chic coffee shop. Just simply reading what these magical letters spell out sends a refreshing and fulfilling feeling to your body and soul. You gaze into the oh-so-familiar circular logo, with a woman in the middle surrounded by the words, "STARBUCKS COFFEE," and your car immediately changes directions to the adjacent parking lot.

You walk in smelling the sensational essence of a variety of coffee brews, while taking in the calm and collective ambiance. A feeling of sophistication and relaxation floods your mind as you watch people type away at their laptops or engage in a vibrant conversation, only getting you closer to order your favorite drink.

How about a java chip frappuccino? Maybe a light, chai tea? Tall? Grande? So many choices - all very delicious.

Yet today is different.

The register rings up not your familiar price for your delicious drink, but a price much higher than what you expected. Can this be true? Well in fact it is.

As of July 31st 2007, the company, Starbucks, has increased their prices on their well known coffee beverages and everyone is asking why.

According to The Seattle Times:

...caffeine addicts will pay an average 9 cents more for a cup of coffee at Starbucks, partly because of the rising price of the milk and whipped cream.

The increase was unexpected, given how infrequently the Seattle chain has raised prices. The last increase, which averaged a nickel, came less than 10 months ago.

Before that, Starbucks hadn't raised prices since an 11-cent increase in 2004.

The company cited rising prices "inside the supply chain," including higher dairy, fuel and energy expenses.

Dairy costs, in particular, have hurt several of the nation's largest food companies in recent months.

Indeed, it is the rising dairy costs that have contributed to such a rise in Starbucks coffee prices. Many "regular" customers may not enjoy the recent increase (perhaps remembering the good ol' days when buying your favorite coffee-infused beverage seemed like such a good deal), but will most likely continue to purchase their reliable source to stay awake at the office. However, there are many who believe such an action to be outrageous.

Having enjoyed a beverage or two from Starbucks myself, I have to admit that such a price increase did raise my attention. However, I don't feel that Starbucks will lose many of its followers and will continue to thrive as one of the most recognized coffee shops in the world.

US Deaths Down

According the Associated Press and MSNBC, the month of July saw the lowest American death toll (73) in the Iraq war in 8 months. However, that toll is nearly twice as high as in the same month last year.

A link to the full article can be found here.

While this is most definitely good news, 73 deaths is still far too many. End the war. Bring our troops home. That's all I have to say.

Nicole Richie: Eating For Two

Nicole Richie has FINALLY confirmed to Diane Sawyer that she is FOUR months pregnant. The father is Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, who last dated Hilary Duff. This comes days after Nicole was sentenced to spend FOUR days in jail. Is FOUR her lucky number?

Because it's just too damn funny...

Watch as this reporter makes broadcast journalists cringe in the WORST interview ever. Watch the first minute and then fast forward to the last minute where homegirl even messes up which network she works for.

Pollspot: Obama Moves Up

Rich will be pleased with these polls. I, of course, think these new polls are abysmal. I guess all the drama following the Democratic debate was good for Obama who, in my opinion, performed sub-par.

Courtesy of Political Wire:

South Carolina:

Among Democrats, Obama 33%, Clinton 29%, Edwards 18%
Among Republicans, Giuliani 28%, Thompson 27%, McCain 10%, Romney 7%

This poll is interesting because a poll last week showed Obama trailing in 3rd place now it likes like he has narrowly passed Hillary Clinton. Obama still trails the Black vote in South Carolina. Meanwhile, Romney's campain issued a release calling him the front runner. I guess they didn't take a look at South Carolina before that memo.

New Hampshire:

Among Democrats, Obama 31%, Clinton 31%, Edwards 14%, Richardson 7%
Among Republicans, Giuliani 27%, Romney 26%, Thompson 13%, McCain 10%

In critical New Hampshire, Clinton and Obama are in a virtual tie as Obama picks up the vote with male Democrats. Expect a Clinton/Obama showdown here in coming months. Also tied are Giuliani and Romney.

Finally...

Iowa:

Among Democrats, Clinton 30%, Edwards 21%, Obama 15%, Richardson 13%
Among Republicans, Giuliani 22%, Romney 21%, McCain 17%, Thompson 13%

This key state has Clinton in the lead though polls last week showed Edwards narrowly edging her out. Obama is losing ground to Bill Richardson who is better known in the region than he is out here in the East. Again, Romney and Giuliani are tied here so I don't know where his campaign got the idea to call him the GOP frontrunner.

It's anyone's game in both parties! Quite the exciting race. Knock em out Hill!

A Prayer For Robin Roberts

Good Morning America's co-anchor Robin Roberts announced today that she has breast cancer. She will undergo surgery to treat the cancer this Friday. The ABC News reporter discovered the lump during a self-examination. We are praying and thinking of you.

Chief Justice Suffers Seizure

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, was hospitalized today after falling at his home in Maine. The fall was the result of a seizure. Hope Justice Roberts makes a full recovery.

A link to the story can be found here.

Rumorville: Jimmy Fallon May Take Late Night Spot

Jimmy Fallon may be making the jump to late night television. Rumors are circulating that the SNL alum may take Conan O'Brien's spot as host of Late Night when Conan takes over The Tonight Show for Jay Leno in 2009. This is all speculation for now and NBC will not release any news until 2008. Rumors are also circulating that NBC does not want Jay Leno to retire in 2009 and that they may extend his contract and buy out Conan's contract for $40 million. If Conan does take over for Leno, the show may move from LA to New York where it would face booking competition with David Letterman's Late Show. Either way, Conan's get paid. I, for one, would like to see Jay Leno stay on as host for a little longer. While I like Jimmy Fallon, I would like to see NBC do something new and give a woman the Late Night spot. Kathy Griffin anyone?

Britney and Kevin: Before Death Do We Part

It's Official: Britney Spears and Kevin Federline are officially and finally divorced today! The couple will share 50/50 custody of their two children, Sean Preston and Jaden James. Too bad Britney is the bigger mess-up than Kevin these days.

Hillary Takes On The Hater

Click here to see a video from CNN where a protester with a sign comes up to Senator Hillary Clinton while she is delivering a speech to the College Democrats. However, Hillary acts like a pro and disregards the hater for a bit and then the crowd boos the hater and signs in SUPPORT of Hillary go up everywhere!

Weekend Box Office 7/29

The weekend box office estimates according to Coming Soon: 1. The Simpsons Movie $71,850,000 2 I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry - $19,063,000 3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - $17,065,000 4. Hairspray - $15,550,000 5. No Reservations - $11,755,0006 6. Transformers $11,524,000 7. Ratatouille - $7,234,000 8. Live Free or Die Hard - $5,350,000 9. I Know Who Killed Me - $3,400,000 10. Who’s Your Caddy? - $2,900,000 The Simpsons Movie has dominated and the good reviews definitely helped. I'm still upset with America for allowing Chuck and Larry to make so much money. I'm extremely pleased that Hairspray continues to rack in the dough bringing it's domestic total to almost $60 million. Lindsay Lohan really has nothing to be happy about this week...she's been arrested, sent back to rehab, and now her latest movie has bombed and has had disgustingly terrible reviews. She did this to herself. What was her last hit movie? Mean Girls. Oh the glory days are over for her. But everyone loves a good comeback. Right, Mariah?

Gingrich Predicts Clinton/Obama

From CNN: WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats will nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton for president in 2008 and Barack Obama will be her running mate, former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich predicts. The GOP will have three “formidable” choices in Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson, said Gingrich, who is considering whether to get into the race.

I also predict that it may just end up Hillary Clinton for Pres and Barack Obama for VP on the same ticket. It wouldn't surprise me very much anymore. I think it would solidify the Democratic party's chances of winning the White House. Other places are mentioning possible VP choices for Clinton, should she get the nomination, as Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack or Sen. Evan Bayh. Who knows? I'd be pleased with a Clinton/Obama ticket. I would be more pleased with a Clinton/Biden ticket. I would not be pleased with a Obama/Clinton ticket (but I don't think that will happen).

Madonna Sets Fall Release

According to Drowned Madonna, her royal Madgesty is set to release a new album on October 29th, 2007. This is not 100% confirmed yet and release dates are always subject to change. Madonna has stated that she wants her new album released this fall. She has been working with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and Pharrell to re-invent her sound again.

Pollspot: Florida

From Political Wire:

Florida:

A new Mason-Dixon survey of likely voters in Florida finds Sen. Hillary Clinton leading the Democratic presidential race with 31% support, followed by Sen. Barack Obama at 17% and John Edwards at 12%.

Among Republicans, Rudy Giuliani leads with 21%, followed by Fred Thompson at 18%, Sen. John McCain at 11% and Mitt Romney at 7%.

Florida is a crucial state for the Democrats and the state has quite a bit of electoral votes. Let's not forget Election 2000. GO HILLARY!

Sweeney Todd

With Hairspray released, the next movie musical is Tim Burton's adaptation of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street hitting theaters this December with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Should be a real creepfest. Click the picture for a bigger look at the movie poster!

Because it's just too damn funny...

No substance here...just some fun and clever editing! Enjoy!

Kelly Clarkson Says Sorry, Tries Again

Kelly Clarkson is releasing new material! After months of drama and reported feuding with label head Clive Davis, Clarkson is finally apologizing. The singer's second album, Breakaway, sold over 6 million copies in the US while her new album, My December, has yet to go platinum (1 million units) or produce a hit single. Now...Clive and Kelly are back! The singer says she will release a new album next year that Clive Davis will completely be in charge of.

I'm quite pleased. I love Kelly's second album. It produced great radio hits for her (Since You've Been Gone, Behind These Hazel Eyes, and Because of You). I have been extremely disappointed with her latest album. I look forward to new material headed by Clive.

Nicole Richie Sentenced!

Nicole Richie has been sentenced to only FOUR days in jail for her SECOND DUI offense. The real question is whether or not she's pregnant. I think that she definitely deserves more time in the slammer...at least equal to the time Paris Hilton spent in jail last month. Of course, this information is not half as buzzworthy as the crazy items that are coming out about Lindsay Lohan since her arrest on Tuesday morning. Now apparently she stole a car as well. Take everything with a grain of salt remember...it's all rumors (and you know Lindsay's tired of em as her first single proclaimed) for now. Besides...Lindsay says she's innocent! HA!

Pollspot

Political Wire has some interesting polls I'd like to bring to your attention:

President Bush and Iowa:

As a back drop to the presidential campaign, SurveyUSA has tracked President Bush’s approval rating in Iowa for more than two years. This month’s 28% approval rating is his lowest ever and coincides with his highest-ever disapproval number, which is 69% today.

Arizona:

A new American Research Group survey in Arizona finds Sen. Hillary Clinton continues to lead the Democratic presidential race with 39%, followed by Sen. Barack Obama at 25% , Bill Richardson at 9% and John Edwards at 8%.

In the Republican race, Sen. John McCain leads Rudy Giuliani 32% to 23% in his home state, with 15% for Fred Thompson. However, McCain was at 45% in the February poll.

No surprise that McCain is leading in his home state. However, it is a surprise that he has dropped almost 15 percentage points. Still, he has a comfortable lead over Rudy Giuliani. Meanwhile, while no surprises at the Hillary and Obama dominance, it is more important to point out that Bill Richardson slightly wins over John Edwards in Arizona. This shows how the New Mexico governor is definitely more well known in the West and how he definitely will have an impact in the primaries.

National:

A new Diagio/Hotline national survey finds Sen. Hillary Clinton leading the Democratic presidential race with 39%, followed by Sen. Barack Obama at 30%, and John Edwards at 11%. All other candidates receive less than 5%.

On the Republican side, Rudy Giuliani edges out former Sen. Fred Thompson 20% to 19%, with Sen. John McCain third with 17% and Mitt Romney fourth at 8%. All other candidates receive less than 5% each.

Meanwhile, a new George Washington University Battleground Poll shows Giuliani edging Clinton in a general election matchup:
Clinton 44%, Giuliani 50%
Clinton 47%, Thompson 45%
Obama 52%, Giuliani 43%
Obama 56%, Thompson 36%

It's definitely interesting to point out how in this poll Clinton would lose to Giuliani but Obama would win over Giuliani. I definitely think Hillary Clinton would shut down the former NYC mayor just like she started to when they were both planning a 2000 senate run but Giuliani had to step down for health reasons.

Rumorville: The View

This is almost completely confirmed but I'll wait until we get an official announcement before I consider it not a rumor...sources close to ABC are announcing that Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd have been offered the two vacant spots on The View panel replacing Rosie O'Donnell and Star Jones Reynolds. A full announcement is expected next week.