Apple Laptops, Starbuck's and Coffee

Did you ever noticed how Lisbon's Starbuck's are populated with people using Mac laptops? It's not like they are just quickly checking their messages or an important work mail… They spend hours there, don't look at anything else but the screen and seem totally oblivious that they are at a public place.

Does the use an Apple laptop at an american coffee shop chain gives them the idea they are living in one of those american teen shows they like so much? An idea of success?

Why not keep those activities home? It's not like there aren't smart phones or even regular cells where you can simply check or send an important e-mail or check your Facebook or Twitter messages. Take advantage of being outdoors and, please, socialize! There are other people around, you know? Don't look for answers in Social Networks, please use them as a tool to keep in touch with people that are NOT next door.

And why Starbuck's? Anyone knows that Brasileira or Nicola have the best coffee, are traditional Lisbon coffee shops and located just 100 m away of any of the Starbuck's in that particular Lisbon's area.

My suggestion is very simple. Please DO use Apple Laptops and Gadgets if you must. They are the most reliable and user friendly ones known to men, but please do it at a local area Coffee Shop. Portuguese coffee blends are so much better than theirs, most national coffee shops have those Frappuccinos or similar that you like so much… And you'd be also helping improve the local economy which actually needs a revamp, don't you think?

deviantArtist and Proud!

When I started out networking on the internet there weren't many Social Networks available. I stil remember when HI5 debuted and it was a huge hype, but it wasn't more than a "friend collector" exhibiting how many connections you had but the interaction was very limited and the UI was very dull and not very intuitive. I deleted my account not so long ago btw as it became obsolete (laughs).

As a Graphic Designer I became aware of deviantArt, a site that allowed you to show your artwork, had dedicated chat rooms, community forums… All related to the OnLine artistic Community and had regular UI and Code updates, was in fact one of the first Social Networks working properly on the Web.

Let me add that I made a few good friends in there, I still use that account and it's constantly being updated and adjusting to the newer wave of Social Networks such as Facebook and Twitter. It's an specific audience targeting Social Network, but still very pleasant to be part of it and interact with other Graphic Designers, Photographers and Illustrators around the Globe.