Tim Horton's vs. Starbucks

There has been a debate about coffee in Canada ever since the two main coffee franchises opened up; Tim Horton’s and Starbucks. Some similar traits between the two are the facts that they both serve coffee and donuts, but they both serve more coffee than anything else. One thing that mainly differentiates the two is the prices. Tim Horton’s is cheaper and more preferable to employees of smaller businesses, but the reason why it is so much cheaper than Starbucks is because of their unfair trade running through Timmy’s business. The coffee bean farmers who supply Tim Horton’s with their coffee are being paid unfairly. Starbucks ensures that these farmers earn their money, so they price their drinks higher. Think of it this way; you help the lack of farmers in the world earn their fully deserved salary and prevent them from leaving their jobs and joining other industries. The amount of farmers in the crop industry is decreasing daily. Soon, there will not be enough crops produced for the world.

In a more personal manner, Starbucks alters your drink exactly the way you want it – (usually) no extra charge! Tim Horton’s can add some flavour shots and such for extra money. Though Tim Horton’s is the fastest growing coffee franchise in Canada, Starbucks is catching up.

The majority of businesses are going green at this point in the marketing world. Starbucks is taking this to the extreme. They offer sleeves to put on your coffee cups to avoid your hand burning. The catch: these sleeves are made from 60% post consumer fibre. Even the cups are made of recycled paper. Tim Horton’s doesn’t offer sleeves – in fact, they double their cups which are not made of recycled paper or fibres to prevent your hand from burning.

So you tell me, which do you prefer; Tim Horton’s or Starbucks, and why?

Sad Songs

I personally love listening to all kinds of music, as long as its got some meaning to it. Sure, a lot of these songs end up being classified in the general "sad" category. But there are so many different types of "sad". People ask me sometimes why I always listen to "sad music". I don't. I listen to music with meaning. Now, it could be that there is a lack of non-sad music with meaning out there. But I don't necessarily like a song for its lyrics. Sure, the lyrics could be helpful at times, depending on how I'm feeling. A good example of this is Comfortable by John Mayer. It's got great instrumental to it. The violins are amazing. And the lyrics are in fact sad. The main thing I'm wondering is, does a sad person necessarily have to be listening to sad music? If somebody listens to sad music, are they sad? I know it's stupid, but I hate when people ask me why I listen to a specific song, because it's sad. Another example, Fix You by Coldplay, or Where Are You Now? by Honor Society. Every song seems to have at least two meanings to it; one from the singer and one from the person being sung to. What do you think?

Multiculturalism

One difference I've noticed between schools, cities, countries, etc. is the amount of multiculturalism. Here in Canada, in most places, multiculturalism is greatly welcomed, whereas in other parts of the world where it is popular for immigrants to travel to, there are issues.
In schools, there are always "groups" of people. A lot of the time, this differentiation is because of race and/or religion. But often, in Canada at least, groups mix. This has probably only started in the past couple decades. Same thing at workplaces. Sometimes, a whole city can be highly populated with one race, and so they become negative towards the small population of "other races". No, I am not pointing out Brampton in particular =P
There are so many news stories that occur because of racism. The aftermath of the 9/11 revolved around negativity towards Muslims, but not only they were affected by this, but Sikhs and Hindus as well. The recent Qu'ran burning idea in Florida by the pastor Jones spread a lot of tension. One thing we must consider is that America is a free country, so he could do what he wanted. It's not right, but it was allowed. The tension around the new mosque they're building in New York City is because of media. Media tells us what they want us to know. But a lot more happens in this world.
So what is your view on multiculturalism? Are you a part of the people who accept everybody? Are you a part of the people who don't mean to, but it just happens that you stay with certain religions or races? Or are you just completely against hanging out with people of other cultures?