Saturday, September 23, 2006

Essay 1116


Taking a coffee break with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Starbucks is upping the prices of its products, blaming the increase on rising fuel costs. “I think their prices are pretty expensive,” said a customer in Manhattan. “It’s too extravagant for a basic cup of coffee.” A typical Starbucks coffee in New York will set you back about two bucks — while the same amount of joe at a deli costs around 65 cents. And to think Mrs. Olson used to insist Folger’s coffee was “The Richest Kind.”

• A Pensacola pizza deliveryman has launched a union for fellow drivers — the only such organization in the country. He currently represents 11 workers as president of the American Union of Pizza Delivery Drivers. If the union pushes for mandatory coffee breaks at Starbucks, look for the price of pizzas to skyrocket.

• Exxon Mobil is facing an age discrimination lawsuit filed by pilots who claim they’re forced out of work at age 60. “The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects these experienced, safe, competent pilots from being grounded just because they reach their 60th birthday,” said an EEOC attorney. “We contend the way to determine if someone should continue to do the job is to use our modern-day avenues: physical and mental fitness, not a calendar.” Hey, the pilots could probably make more money delivering pizzas in Pensacola.

• A Columbus, Ohio car dealership sparked controversy for plans to run a radio ad proclaiming “a jihad on the automotive market.” The spot also says sales folks wearing “burqas” — traditional dress for Islamic women — will hawk vehicles that “comfortably seat 12 jihadists in the back.” Despite protests, the car dealership is adamant in its intentions to air the alleged tongue-in-cheek message. Um, maybe Pope Benedict XVI needs to call these morons.

No comments: