I have never seen so much genuine patriotism in America.

While the past 8 years has played host to numerous widespread protests against Bush policy, tonight a much more constructive and optimistic dynamic permeated the crowd.

Traffic was stopped all along 1st avenue as a spontaneous parade moved south through downtown Seattle. Seattle Police held back traffic and the parade was peaceful.

Although, Starbucks may not have the worldwide brand recognition that Coke does, it nevertheless has a commanding presence. As I stepped into my second Starbucks for the day, I wondered why it is so ubiquitous. And as a Seattlite (where the average per capita coffee consumption is a staggering 7 cups), it’s my duty to explore this topic a bit.

To start with Starbucks coffee isn’t that great–its often burned, not well balanced, and too bitter for my taste. But, I still find myself going there day in and day out. On a recent 6 week trip to New York I spent nearly $400 on coffee at the store! Pretty damn good for a business where customers give mixed reviews on its only product.

What is it then? Here’s my guess. Americans take comfort in standardization. When you walk into a Starbucks anywhere in the world you know exactly what you are getting–slightly burnt coffee in a comfortable atmosphere where you can stay as long as you please while listening to over played indie music in the background. Now make it a T-mobile hot spot and you have a little American outpost everywhere in the world. No one shows up expecting anything else. And that simple fact makes Starbucks a safe place to go wherever you are. If you are in a foreign country and need to work on that presentation, upload photos to your site, or prep for an interview, you can walk in and not have to worry about where you are. It’s probably also why it is the number one first date spot.

Now, you’re saying that’s not that much of a revelation and I agree. But, here’s where we might part ways. I think that the standardization is actually a good thing. I, for one, really appreciate having a safe house I can go anywhere in the world. It’s like like going to a little embassy of Starbucks in any town your are in, no matter the local culture. For a $3 admission you can escape and do what you need to do.

What about all the local coffee shops that this evil conglomerate is putting out of business. I don’t buy it. Any shop with decent coffee (read better than Starbucks) has a great shot at staying open. When I’m home in Seattle and need a cup of coffee in my neighborhood, I ain’t going to Starbucks. While home, you have the luxury of exploring the area and finding a place that fits you and brews at good cup of coffee.

So you can take it or leave it, but I’ll take Starbucks and so will most of America.

I think the place that might have the most to offer, but is the hardest for me to shoot is Pike’s Place. Ironically, or perhaps fortuitously, it’s literally two blocks from my apartment so I barely have to make an effort to visit it. As a side note, shopping for day-to-day food there makes you feel very food-forward. But, every time I visit I am overwhelmed by the number of people. I feel cramped. I don’t know what to focus on and don’t put my camera to my eye as often as I should because I am intimidated by street photography in general. Will someone object to being in the shot? What about releases (like I am selling these images, HA!)? It’s my goal in the two years I have in Seattle to develop a portfolio of this market–not just the classic images of the market sign, but something with my own style. It’s on my list of projects.

In the mean time, enjoy these shots.

Also, check out my ever growing Seattle gallery!