What's wrong with America?

There's a line in an episode of The Simpsons that goes, "...he crossed that line between everyday villainy and cartoonish super-villainy." Listening to the congressional hearings with General Petraeus, I can't help but feel like we in America have crossed that line. Regardless of the efficacy and morality of America's war in Iraq, what does it say about our country that the person running it is named Petraeus? To me the name conjures images of a desert command fortress surrounded by pikes topped with the severed heads of his enemies.

No more coffee shops on Piedmont Ave

Even those of you who know me, might not know that one of my favorite activities is hanging out in coffee shops. I like to sit and read French existentialism in translation and drink lattes, sometimes I'll eat a pastry too.

Today I went to one of my favorite spots after work, Cafe Trieste for a drink and to sit and read the East Bay Express. They had a clipboard for Oakland residents to sign who were interested in them opening up another location at 4043 Piedmont. I did NOT sign it... In my humble opinion Piedmont Avenue does not need any more coffee shops.

I like Trieste, but I've already chosen Cafe Rooz over Gaylords, Peets and Starbucks. I do not think the approximately 11 block area that constitutes the Piedmont Strip really needs a fifth caffeine hangout.

Cafe Trieste is the best coffee shop on San Pablo Ave, but there's no need for them to move into a neighborhood that isn't hurting for coffee.