I heard that the fellow who started Starbucks was a Moby Dick fan and he liked the name of the Pequod's first mate, Starbuck, hence the name. Note the mermaid logo.

For those who complain that Starbucks' coffee is weak, your local shop must not be making it right. In Seattle, a cup of Starbucks coffee will keep you wired for three days and take the enamel off your teeth.

I agree with artbrooks about the visibility thing. Small businessman makes good. People like that--in principle. But he makes good so good that he becomes BEEEG businessman. People don't like that. Moral: don't be too successful or your friends will all start to hate you.

Don Firth