Tuesday, December 16, 2003


east africa sees the light to solve the coffee crisis

and one great way to end the world-price depression known as the "coffee crisis" is for producing countries to drink the stuff themselves. but this means the people have to be able to afford to buy the good quality coffee they themselves grow.

this is only common sense and basic justice, isn't it? right now, often the citizens of producing countries have access only to low-grade, poor quality coffees or even just the junk, trash coffee known as "triage." and who wants to drink that?

but enough serious talk. on a lighter note, i nearly fell outta my dopey dot-commie herman miller chair reading this:

"i know they have a high suicide rate there, because of the weather. but they have a starbucks on every corner to keep people alive in seattle. they're walking along, thinking, 'i haven't seen the sun for three years in a row. i'm going to kill myself -- but there's starbucks. i guess i'll get a coffee and last one more hour.' "

he's a hoot, this scot pollard, and i guess he plays basketball, hmm?

actually this coffee drinking theory works for me here in relatively sunny nyc. whenever i get too low, i have a cup of freshly brewed coffee. even the smell of fresh coffee raises the spirits. it's not secret why!

the delicious aroma of coffee contains elements like vanillin (real vanilla!) and linanol (a coriander or basil-y scent), both of which have been proven in some scientific studies to enhance mood and develop a feeling of calm. . .

and this is probably a contributing factor as to why coffee drinkers seem to have lower suicide rates. the appetizing scent literally arouses a more positive brain chemistry, a happier frame of mind!

posted by fortune | 11:57 AM | top | link to this | email this: | | | 0 comments