Perhaps it’s my overwhelming urge to whip a scarf around my neck and throw on some reading glasses that gets me excited about the new Starbucks opening on McGalliard Road. Or maybe it’s just the bigger city connection it brings along with it. Either way, going into a Starbucks will be a nice change.Part of the enthusiasm of going into a Starbucks is the completely different atmosphere it offers. For a half hour, you can enjoy the feeling of a small, New York café, filled with couches, artsy paintings and the sounds of gurgling coffee machines. Along with the variety of coffee flavors are the different flavors of people that come into Starbucks. It’s a safe haven for those intellectuals who want to discuss the works of Kafka or solve the world’s problems in Iraq -- or even just have a nice place to read a book. Business professionals can bring their almighty laptops and enjoy a break from the office. Laguna Beach teens can come in to enjoy mocha Frappuccinos and discuss how one of their mothers had Ralph Lauren came over for dinner last night. Lovers’ rendezvous can easily be held at the tables for two in the dim corners. And now, whether coffee-addicted or not, Ball State University students can enjoy the Starbucks atmosphere as well — they can stop by with a group of friends or bring a book and do some studying. What could be a better early-morning or midday snack than the best hot chocolate in the world and a dessert? And if you don’t have time to sit and yammer, you can still enjoy Starbucks at the McGalliard Road location because it will offer a drive-through for quicker coffee runs. More importantly, whatever experience you have will be without the distractions of the Atrium and the Ball State bookstore. It’s hard to enjoy Starbucks’ perks when you’re worrying about getting to class on time, and Janice is yelling across the Atrium to her friend about the party last night — not to mention the general icky feeling that sitting near school textbooks can give. Starbucks has been the object of many jokes, from jabs by Lewis Black on Comedy Central to the scenes of Far, Far Away Land in “Shrek 2.” And it’s hard not to laugh, when such a corporation truly does seem to be taking over the world. I traveled out of the country this summer only to find a Starbucks lurking around a corner in Bath, England! The Starbucks Web site says, “The company’s objective is to establish Starbucks as the most recognized and respected brand in the world.” With stores in 34 countries outside of the United States, the company seems to be rapidly reaching its goal. The company, which was founded in 1971, boasts products other than its high quality whole bean coffees, such as espresso beverages, teas, hot chocolate, pastries, desserts, music, a line of premium ice cream, bottled Frappuccinos and other coffee accessories. The sign on the McGalliard Road building says it’s opening in six days, but the same sign has been up for probably a week. Nevertheless, I’m counting down until I see a golden hue coming from the direction of the Starbucks. Until then, my scarf and my copy of “Moby Dick” will be waiting.Write to Melissa at mmwhiten@bsu.edu
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