Perhaps you've heard about former New York Governor Elliot Spitzer and his high end prostitution ring? The first eight stories featured on The Drudge Report revolve around the Governor's sex, lies and videotape. Reports have revealed the name of Spitzer's hooker, where she lives, what occurred. CNNs bottom line ceaselessly runs developments in the story.
I don't really care about Elliot Spitzer or his high end prostitution ring. Perhaps if it was a low end prostitution ring I would be upset, but since his was classy it's no big deal. It's time to abandon the "Paris Hilton" stories in the media. The stories about famous people's lives spiraling into oblivion was old two Britney Spear's overdoses ago.
It isn't like there is variety either. Here are the current headlines for the New York Times, LA Times, Associated Press, and USA Today:
Penthouse to Spitzer Call Girl: Call Us
Woman in Spitzer Case Identified
4 Arrests, Then 6 Days to a Resignation
Call Girl in 'Spitzer' Identified
Okay, so it's a big story. But it isn't like the competing news is any more uplifting. They charged a suspect in the murder of the UNC student. The Iraqi Archbishop was found murdered. The fingers of western tourists were sent to US officials in Baghdad. There is not a shimmer of joy to be found anywhere. Where can you go to find solace from the high end, lowbrow headlines?
Starbucks.
Annamaries Ausnes suffered polycystic kidney disease. It is a genetic disorder the causes cysts to rapidly develop on your kidneys resulting in eventual kidney failure. Last Fall, Ausnes' condition took a turn for the worst. Her kidneys were functioning at only 15% and no one had been able to locate a suitable transplant. Ausnes was facing mortality.
So on a crisp, cold fall morning she went to Starbucks and ordered a drink. She struck up a conversation with her barista, a woman who had worked at the store for three years. The barista asked Ausens how she was. Ausnes poured out her story.
When Ausnes concluded her tale, the barista handed her the cup of coffee. The next day, the barista had a blood test. She matched Ausnes.
Yesterday, Ausnes family and the barista, Sandie Anderson, gathered around Ausnes as she came out of surgery. Ausnes is healthy and Anderson has taken customer service to another dimension. This is in the wake of Starbucks chief executive officer Howard Schultz asking his employees to make a human connection with their customers.
Ausnes' story is fit for prime time on Lifetime. It's a little sappy, sure, but it is a welcome alternative to sex scandals, drug overdoses and high or low end prostitution rings. It's also a wonderful excuse to buy a $5 cup of joe.
Wow... thanks for the story. I was just looking at news sites online and wondering where the good news was.
Glad you're on break and posting more. :)
Posted by: Imelda | March 15, 2008 at 05:27 PM
excuse me, excuse me, excuse me.
get posting.
Posted by: Peace Be Still | April 20, 2008 at 01:19 AM