A CRISP MORNING ...

Cooler than usual temperatures -- it was 57 bone chilling degrees -- drove me inside Starbucks today, where I sat at the counter between Dennis (who noted that the feds were once on his tail) and the Nut-with-the-Notebook ("kill, kill, kill ...").  While Leah described the morning as "nice and crisp," next time I want "crisp" I'll eat a potato chip.

GOODBYE SHINJU PEARL ...

It was a sad day at 7th and Montana as word spread that the owner of the Shinju Pearl store passed away.  "Due to the death of the store owner, we will no longer have a store," said the sign on the door of the once venerable establishment.  While the deceased made her way to the "Shinju Pearly Gates," locals feared that Starbucks might make yet another land grab!

ANOTHER CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY ...!

Mere days after one woman mistook me for an escapee from the Wildwood Institute for the neurologically challenged, another Starbucks regular this morning swears she recently saw me covered from head to toe in Bubble Wrap.  "It was the cutest thing," she said.  "The kids were popping the bubble wrap all over you."  Who knows, perhaps they were preparing me for shipment back to Wildwood where I belong ...! 

AN UPSET AT THE OSCARS ...

"I'd like to thank the Academy" ... but then, again, I can't help but think they made a mistake in the Documentary Short category.  Come on, guys, get a Recycled Life!  Everyone at 7th and Montana knows that Leslie Iwerks deserved the top honors.  In any case, here is a screen shot of her too brief appearance on tonight's broadcast.

LOCKDOWN AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...!

"Hope has a voice" say the signs promoting a new book available at Starbucks but that voice was unceremoniously silenced today as Our Favorite Starbucks literally ran out of steam.  In what inside sources are calling a "mechanical breakdown," Starbucks ran out of hot water and closed for the day.  Something tells me if they don't start focusing more on coffee and less on books, Starbucks will be in plenty of hot water real soon!

EVERY DAY IS FAT TUESDAY AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...!

The early shift at Starbucks may have been surprised this morning at the arrival of an eccentric newcomer -- pictured here -- but her oversized headphones, undersized T-shirt and glazed-over expression didn't fool Kovar.  "She thinks it's Pounchki Day in Hamtrack," he explained.  Pounchkis are evidently gigantic Polish donuts served only on Fat Tuesday!

CHIPS AND QUIPS AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...

It was an exciting morning at 7th and Montana as a "global financier" with a chip on his shoulder (photo #1) rubbed Cathy the wrong way.  Never one to suffer fools gladly, Cathy offered the obnoxious gentleman a chair ... by the entry to Our Favorite Parking Lot.  Moments later, Dr. Natalie sprung into action as a Clumsy Victim (photo #2) fell on the sidewalk and chipped a tooth.