R & H Cinderella - Ten Minutes Ago
[Prince]
Ten minutes ago I saw you
I looked up when you came through the door
My head started reeling
You gave me the feeling
The room had no ceiling or floor
Ten minutes ago I met you
And we murmured our how-do-you-do's
I wanted to ring out the bells
And fling out my arms and to sing out the news
I have found her, she's an angel
With the dust of the stars in her eyes
We are dancing, we are flying
And she's taking me back to the skies
In the arms of my love i'm flying
Over mountain and meadow and glen
And I like it so well, that for all I can tell
I may never come down again
I may never come down to earth again.
[Cinderella]
Ten minutes ago I met you
And we murmured our how-do-you-do's
I wanted to ring out the bells
And fling out my arms and to sing out the news
[Prince]
I have found her
[Cinderella]
I have found him
[Cinderella & Prince]
In the arms of my love I'm flying
Over mountain and meadow and glen
And I like it so well
That for all I can tell
I may never come down again
I may never come down to earth again
Better Than I - Joseph King of Dreams
I thought I did what�s right
I thought I had the answers
I thought I chose the surest road
But that road brought me here
So I put up a fight
And told you how to help me
Now just when I have given up
The truth is coming clear
You know better than I
You know the way
I�ve let go the need to know why
For you know better than I
If this has been a test
I cannot see the reason
But maybe knowing I don�t know
Is part of getting through
I try to do what�s best
And faith has made it easy
To see the best thing I can do
Is put my trust in you
For You know better than I
You know the way
I�ve let go the need to know why
For you know better than I
I saw one cloud and thought it was a sky
I saw a bird and thought that I could follow
But it was you who taught that bird to fly
If I let you reach me will you teach me
For You know better than I
You know the way
I�ve let go the need to know why
I�ll take what answers you supply
You know better than I
A New World - Jason Robert Brown
A new world calls across the ocean
A new world calls across the sky
A new world whispers in the shadows
Time to fly, time to fly
It's about one moment
The moment before it all becomes clear
And in that one moment
You start to believe there's nothing to fear
It's about one second
And just when you're on the verge of success
The sky starts to change
And the wind starts to blow
And you're suddenly a stranger
There's no explaining where you stand
And you didn't know
That you sometimes have to go
‘Round an unexpected bend
And the road will end
In a new world
A new world calls for me to follow
A new world waits for my reply
A new world holds me to a promise
Standing by, standing by
It's about one moment
That moment you think you know where you stand
And in that one moment
The things that you're sure of slip from your hand
And you've got one second
To try to be clear, to try to stand tall
But nothing's the same
And the wind starts to blow
And you're suddenly a stranger
In some completely different land
And you thought you knew
But you didn't have a clue
That the surface sometimes cracks
To reveal the tracks
To a new world
You have a house in the hills
You have a job on the coast
You find a lover you're sure you believe in
You've got a pool in the back
You get to the part of your life
You hold the ring in your hand
But then the earthquake hits
And the bank closes in
Then you realize you didn't know anything
Nobody told you the best way to steer
When the wind starts to blow
And you're suddenly a stranger (All of a sudden)
You life is different than you planned
And you'll have to stay ‘til you somehow find a way
To be sure of what will be
Then you might be free
A new world crashes down like thunder
A new world charging through the air
A new world just beyond the mountain
Waiting there, waiting there
A new world shattering the silence
There's a new world I'm afraid to see
A new world louder every moment
Come to me, come to me
Creative or ....?
In the lateness of the night, I scour FB for blogs and I come across an old blog I followed; I no longer do.
The blogger is a baker and I used to think her work was good. Then I learnt to distinguish 'good' bakers and less savoury ones! She, unfortunately, fall in the latter category.
She shouldn't be baking, giving classes or even selling her stuff....spoils the market!
Enough said! Good night!
The blogger is a baker and I used to think her work was good. Then I learnt to distinguish 'good' bakers and less savoury ones! She, unfortunately, fall in the latter category.
She shouldn't be baking, giving classes or even selling her stuff....spoils the market!
Enough said! Good night!
Life is a cup of coffee
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savor the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savor the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Max Ehrman circa 1920s
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Christian Taekwondo: A Model for Discipleship
The Apostle Paul said that physical training is of some value, but spiritual training is of great value. (1 Timothy 4:8) The beginning student of Taekwondo quickly learns that one does not begin with complete understanding. The white belt must be trained in the art in order to advance through the ranks of the colored belts. In Christian Taekwondo, this advancement should be coupled with specific learning objectives to actively promote the most important part of the student’s development, which is their spiritual growth. For example, spiritual training can be accomplished by requiring the student to memorize a specific scripture associated with each belt in order to advance. At Anchorage Baptist Temple Taekwondo, the white belt must memorize the club motto: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). To promote additional spiritual training, scriptures about essential Christian doctrine or the Roman Road could be used for yellow, orange, green and subsequent colors. Along with regular devotionals, prayer and fellowship, the masters of Christian Taekwondo can rest assured that God’s word will not return empty (Isaiah 55:11).
As the student grows in learning both the martial art of Taekwondo and Christian philosophy, improvement and additional actions are expected. For example, a red belt is required to lead testing and properly demonstrate specific techniques that the testee must perform. In fact, upper ranked students are expected not only to show significant improvement in Taekwondo techniques, but also to set examples to the lower rank students at every class and tournament. Although leadership and reaching out to lower rank belts is taught to all belt levels, the red belts, junior black belts, and First Dan black belts must show noticeable improvements in this area. In Christian Taekwondo, these advanced belts are expected to exemplify Christian qualities, and help the lower ranked students with their spiritual growth as well. The will to help other students improve in both their physical and spiritual training is an expression of love. As we learn to love one another by helping one another, then we know that we are becoming Disciples of Christ. Jesus said “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35 NIV).
Sooner or later in any martial art, the student will be faced with the religious aspects of the particular discipline, whether it is Taekwondo, Karate, or Kung Fu, among many others. In Christian Taekwondo, spiritual exposure is elementary, in accordance with the words of Jesus Christ, who said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”(Matthew 19:14 NIV). In other words, the white belts are introduced to Christian teaching from the beginning, and Christian principles are taught to all belts in every class. At the Second Dan, the Taekwondo student is fully qualified to be the teacher and open a dojang as the sole instructor. Therefore, the Second Dan black belt must realize and accept this additional responsibility, because as the Apostle James said, “…you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1 NIV). In Christian Taekwondo, the Second Dan must embrace the words of Jesus Christ to the spiritually mature, “…go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV). This requires a commitment to discipleship, which is indeed the calling of every Christian.
Simply because the Second Dan is expected to become a teacher does not mean that he or she is no longer a student. Even the Grand Masters must continue to learn, or fail to understand the nature and limits of their own existence. As a tree matures, it continues to need a source of water and nourishment if it is to bear fruit season after season. The Master of Christian Taekwondo realizes that this nourishment must come from “the river of the water of life…flowing from the throne of God...” (Revelation 22:1 NIV). The revelation of Jesus Christ, who is the source of that river, is the true enlightenment that will be found by those who seek the truth in their spiritual development. The beauty and paradox of Christianity is that the divine union, which results in the mystic consciousness known as the “joy of salvation”, is not reserved for the esoteric, but is found as a white belt in one’s spiritual development. Christian Taekwondo provides a setting to promote the wholesome values of Christianity while teaching the practical and physical benefits of the martial arts. Children learn respect and discipline, awkward teenagers learn balance and dexterity, and timid adults gain fitness and self-confidence. These are just a few of the physical benefits of Taekwondo. As the student of Christian Taekwondo progresses through the belts, the significance of being a Disciple of Jesus Christ is realized. The spiritual benefits from becoming a Master Disciple through spiritual growth are immeasurable. This transformation will bring rewards both in this life and in the eternal life to come.
One Moment In Time - Whitney Houston
Each day I live
I want to be
A day to give
The best of me
I'm only one
But not alone
My finest day
Is yet unknown
I broke my heart
Fought every gain
To taste the sweet
I face the pain
I rise and fall
Yet through it all
This much remains
I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel
I will feel eternity
I've lived to be
The very best
I want it all
No time for less
I've laid the plans
Now lay the chance
Here in my hands
Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel
I will feel eternity
You're a winner for a lifetime
If you seize that one moment in time
Make it shine
Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will be
I will be
I will be free
I will be
I will be free
Celtic Woman - Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
Jesu, joy of man's desiring
Holy wisdom, love most bright
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned
With the fire of life impassioned
Striving still to truth unknown
Soaring, dying round Thy throne
Panis Angelicus
Chloe Agnew
Charlotte Church
Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum
O res mirabilis
Manducat Dominum
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis
Heavenly bread
That becomes the bread for all mankind
Bread from the angelic host
That is the end of all imaginings
Oh, miraculous thing
This body of God will nourish
Even the poorest
The most humble of servants
Even the poorest
The most humble of servants
Charlotte Church
Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum
O res mirabilis
Manducat Dominum
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis
Heavenly bread
That becomes the bread for all mankind
Bread from the angelic host
That is the end of all imaginings
Oh, miraculous thing
This body of God will nourish
Even the poorest
The most humble of servants
Even the poorest
The most humble of servants
Gaman
Gaman
Gaman is a word, to be spoken and heard
In this place where each face has a story of pain
Gaman, we will say
As we get through each day
We will bear any nightmare
With a simple refrain
Gaman, gaman
Sturdy and sure
Keep faith and endure
Gaman, gGaman
Hold your head high
Carry on,
Gaman
So come walk with me
Through adversity
Hold me hand as we stand
Both squarely and brave
Our spirits renewed
Through our shared fortitude
We know what we forgo
And what we sustain
We know that is no turning back
Gaman
If we hold together and nothing we lack
For better or worse
Whether blessed or cursed
Together, we’ll ever remain
Gaman, gaman
Sturdy and sure
Keep faith and endure
We shall endure, Gaman,
Dignity pride
As we stand side by side
Even when all hope seems gone
Gaman, Gaman, Gaman
Above All - Paul Baloche
Above all powers, above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began
Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
I Believe
Hauntingly beautiful!
I Believe – Natalie Grant
In a land far away
Time stood still
Long ago
There were shepherds in fields
Or at least this is how
The story goes
The story goes
Woman withchild
And an inn with no room
Born in a manger
Fore telling a tomb
This is how
The story goes
But it is more than a fable
And it’s more than a fairytale
And more than my mind can conceive
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy the angels
called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins
through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
I believe
Two thousand years
Still the story lives on
God’s gift to us
Sent to earth
Wrapped in flesh
His only son
His only son
And the heartbeat of heaven
Confounded our wisdom
But it’s still the simple truth
That sets me free
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy
the angels called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins
through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
And I believe
Precious child
How can it be that
God’s great plan
For history
Would send you to
The lonely tree
That You would come
For one like me
I believe In a cross
I believe he came
For one,
he came for all
Heavens child became a man
Gave his life for me
In spite of all I am
I believe
I believe
Oh I believe
Christmas lives in me
I believe
I Believe – Natalie Grant
In a land far away
Time stood still
Long ago
There were shepherds in fields
Or at least this is how
The story goes
The story goes
Woman withchild
And an inn with no room
Born in a manger
Fore telling a tomb
This is how
The story goes
But it is more than a fable
And it’s more than a fairytale
And more than my mind can conceive
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy the angels
called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins
through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
I believe
Two thousand years
Still the story lives on
God’s gift to us
Sent to earth
Wrapped in flesh
His only son
His only son
And the heartbeat of heaven
Confounded our wisdom
But it’s still the simple truth
That sets me free
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy
the angels called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins
through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
And I believe
Precious child
How can it be that
God’s great plan
For history
Would send you to
The lonely tree
That You would come
For one like me
I believe In a cross
I believe he came
For one,
he came for all
Heavens child became a man
Gave his life for me
In spite of all I am
I believe
I believe
Oh I believe
Christmas lives in me
I believe
Last Lecture
GUIDE TO A BETTER LIFE - GOOD ONE ..
This is amazing, he died of pancreatic cancer in 2008, but wrote a book ‘The last lecture” before then, one of the bestsellers in 2007. What a legacy to leave behind…
In a letter to his wife Jai and his children, Dylan, Logan, and Chloe, he wrote this beautiful "guide to a better life" for his wife and children to follow.
May you be blessed by his insight.
POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE
Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
3. Don't over do; keep your limits
4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
6. Dream more while you are awake
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Community:
15. Call your family often
16. Each day give something good to others
17. Forgive everyone for everything
18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
19. Try to make at least three people smile each day
20. What other people think of you is none of your business
21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
22. Put GOD first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
23. GOD heals everything
24. Do the right things
25. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
27. The best is yet to come
28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
30. If you know GOD you will always be happy. So, be happy.
While you practice all of the above, share this knowledge with the people you love, people you school with,
people you play with, people you work with and people you live with.
Not only will it enrich YOUR life, but also that of those around you.
This is amazing, he died of pancreatic cancer in 2008, but wrote a book ‘The last lecture” before then, one of the bestsellers in 2007. What a legacy to leave behind…
In a letter to his wife Jai and his children, Dylan, Logan, and Chloe, he wrote this beautiful "guide to a better life" for his wife and children to follow.
May you be blessed by his insight.
POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE
Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
3. Don't over do; keep your limits
4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
6. Dream more while you are awake
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Community:
15. Call your family often
16. Each day give something good to others
17. Forgive everyone for everything
18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
19. Try to make at least three people smile each day
20. What other people think of you is none of your business
21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
22. Put GOD first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
23. GOD heals everything
24. Do the right things
25. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
27. The best is yet to come
28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
30. If you know GOD you will always be happy. So, be happy.
While you practice all of the above, share this knowledge with the people you love, people you school with,
people you play with, people you work with and people you live with.
Not only will it enrich YOUR life, but also that of those around you.
Why Starbucks failed in Australia
Coffee culture grinds Starbucks' Australian operationSunday August 3, 2008, 1:37 pm
SYDNEY (AFP) - Starbucks hit a roadblock trying to export its business model to Australia, a robust coffee culture where customers already knew the difference between a macchiato and an affogato, local traders say.
The US giant announced last week that it would close 61 of its 84 Australian outlets by Sunday, saying "challenges unique to the Australian market" were behind the decision, which cost almost 700 jobs.
The statement from Starbucks' head office in Seattle did not say what made Australia different, but did point out: "There are no other international markets that need to be addressed in this manner."
Starbucks Asia Pacific president John Culver was more forthcoming about why the company was on the retreat in Australia, eight years after opening its first store in Sydney.
"I think what we've seen is that Australia has a very sophisticated coffee culture," he said in a newspaper interview.
A wave of post-war immigrants from Turkey, Greece and particularly Italy means that for decades Australians had been enjoying the "coffee experience" Starbucks virtually created from scratch in the United States.
Both Sydney and Melbourne have Italian enclaves lined with cafes where old men sip espressos at outdoor tables through the day and trendy young couples gather in the evening for a caffeine fix.
Starbucks' idea of making itself a "third place" in customers' lives between home and work was a novelty in the United States, where in many small towns cafe culture consisted of filter coffee on a hot plate.
But Melbourne cafe owner Jeremy Jenkins said the situation was different in Australia, where baristas have been plying their trade at steaming espresso machines since the 1950s.
"People come in our cafe because they know us and they know they'll get good coffee, we're part of the local community," Jenkins told AFP.
"Starbucks is a McDonald's coffee experience. It's not about the quality of the coffee, it's about convenience and location."
Starbucks also closed 600 stores in the United States early last month in a move widely seen as a response to belt-tightening among customers less inclined to spend money on luxuries like coffee in tough economic times.
Commentators have suggested similar problems hit Starbucks in Australia, but the queues outside the Met Cafe in central Sydney on a recent windy winter's day indicated many customers were not yet ready to sacrifice their coffee hit.
Met Cafe owner Brendan Smart said Starbucks had expanded too quickly in Australia.
"A few years ago there weren't that many of them and they seemed to be going OK, but then all of a sudden, they were everywhere," he told AFP.
"Some city blocks had three Starbucks on them -- it's crazy."
Smart said many customers had told him they did not want to buy their coffee from a corporate giant and those who had tried Starbucks were not impressed by the product, saying it did not compare with the numerous local brews available.
"What we do isn't rocket science, I'm the first to admit that, but you've got to have a passion for coffee that involves everything from grinding the beans to operating the machine," he said.
"You go into Starbucks and it's full of teenagers behind the counter. I'd question whether they have that passion."
Starbucks now plans to streamline its operation to 23 stores in Australia's largest cities Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Why Starbucks failed in Australia ...
Finance, Business and Company News - Yahoo!7
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)