I am now a reformed Starbucks-hater. Thanks to their corporate mentality of utter dominance and "South Park," I preferred Dunkin' Donuts or my own brew and avoided Whorebucks at all costs. Plus, they burn their beans for that "European" blend. It tastes like ass.

Then I discovered a few things about the history of the company and one possible reason why their drinks are so expensive. Every employee is eligible for health care. Every single one, no matter how many hours they work. That is one of the pledges of the company's owner/founder. In an uber capitalist nation, this is outstanding and utterly amazing.

Plus, their new Maple Macchiato (with soy cream and not very sweet), is freakin' out of this world. It is the sort of coffee drink Dan would buy seven of and then extol their virtues in a long piece of writing.

Someone may provide me with horror stories from deep within the corporate beast that is Starbucks. Until then, however, I say pay a little more and support a company that does right by its' workers. Besides, in the Northwest, you can't avoid them. Coffee shops are far more prevalent here than in the Midwest, putting Chicago's paltry coffee-scene to shame.