The late afternoon sun spreads its warmth over the busy neighborhood watering hole. A thirsty herd anxiously gathers in a semicircle waiting for the souvenir. Carefully, they mark their territory while avoiding eye contact. Any sudden disruption could unleash major pandemonium. The rich aroma of their reward tantalizes their senses, prolonging their torment. Just then, a sudden flash of movement sends the assembled group into high alert. With mouths watering, a rush began. Suddenly, a voice fills the air. “Great Skinny Caramel Macchiato,” declares the bartender behind the counter. Leave the creamy mixture on display for picking up. The recipient, a frantic little woman juggling shopping bags, retrieves her drink. He runs towards the exit, stopping only to enjoy his first sip. Another customer, with her smartphone, quickly replaces her place in the procession. This series of events continues throughout the day. A visit to Starbucks is much more than buying a cup of coffee. One step inside will delight your senses and satisfy cravings. Additionally, Starbucks offers people the opportunity to interact with their community. It's a window into the workings of our modern society. Outside, Starbucks' signature goddess beckons thirsty patrons to a bustling shopping mall. The bookend establishment receives a steady stream of visitors seeking the iconic coffee throughout the day. A small number of customers occupy the outdoor seating to enjoy their coffee in the residual warmth of the October sun. The familiar green signage, recognizable the world over, reads STARBUCKS COFFEE. The sign, clearly visible above the door, is a beacon for coffee lovers everywhere. Consumers have numerous options when it comes to feeding their... middle of paper... children for fifty dollars a session, just hang up the phone number and call Mike. A folk singer-songwriter will perform Saturday night at the Old South Methodist Church; tickets cost five dollars. With thousands of locations around the world, it's hard to imagine finding something unique in a Starbucks. However, it's not the cookie-cutter store and menu that makes Starbucks special. In a world of text messaging and Facebook communications, Starbucks offers people an amazing opportunity to experience face-to-face interaction. With people's busy schedules, families can reconnect over a cup of coffee. As one of America's most popular chains, Starbucks offers a snapshot of twenty-first century life. It's unclear whether the Starbucks craze has lasting power. What will remain is people's need to look for places to gather. ,,,,,,